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https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Cool-in-Middle-School | How to Be Cool in Middle School | If you want to be cool in middle school, start by being friendly to people from different social groups and try to avoid gossiping about others. Be kind to everyone and never bully people to try to get attention. It can also help to have a good sense of humor and embrace the unique things about yourself that make you an individual! Spend your time with friends who accept you for who you are and make you feel good about yourself. Finally, pay attention to the latest trends so that you know what's cool and don't be afraid to try out new trends yourself! | Take good care of your personal hygiene. If you want to be cool be in middle school, you have to pay attention to how you look—and smell. To make sure you're always fresh and clean, brush your teeth and wash your face every morning and night, shower or bathe every day, and put on a combination antiperspirant and deodorant after you get out of the bath. An antiperspirant helps reduce how much you sweat, while a deodorant helps prevent body odors from forming. Shampoo your hair every 2-3 days, or more often if it starts to look oily between washes. In addition to brushing twice a day, you should also floss your teeth every night to remove plaque that can lead to problems like bad breath or cavities. Style your hair each day. Having a great hairstyle instantly makes you look cooler, but looking nice usually takes at least a little work. Every morning when you're getting ready, spend a few minutes taking care of your hair. Depending on your style, that might just mean combing your hair or smoothing it out with your fingers, or it might mean wearing your hair up or adding hair accessories. You can use styling products like gel, mousse, or salt spray to help you style your hair, but remember to only use a little bit of product or your hair will look wet and greasy. If you have a hair straightener or a curling iron, you can use these tools to style your hair each day. However, heat can be very damaging to your hair, so it's best to wear your hair in its natural texture at least some of the time. When you get your hair cut or trimmed, ask your stylist to help you find a hairstyle that will suit your face. If you're not sure how to style your new cut, ask the stylist to show you before you leave! Wear clean clothes that fit well. Whether you have to wear a uniform or you can wear your own clothes to school, if you want to be cool, you should wear clothes that are clean and free of wrinkles. Also, for the most flattering fit, choose clothes that skim loosely across your body without being too tight or too baggy. Dirty clothes can smell bad, and wrinkles will make you look sloppy. If you can wear your own clothes to school, keep it casual most days by wearing jeans or shorts and a T-shirt. In cool weather, add a hoodie or a sweater to keep warm. If you want to dress up, like if you have to give a presentation in front of your class, try wearing khaki pants and a button-down or collared shirt. If you have a more feminine style, you might wear a dress, instead. Add trendy accessories to your outfit. Accessories are an easy way to make an outfit cooler. When you're shopping for clothing, check out the accessories as well, and look for pieces that you feel reflect your personality. Then when you get dressed every day, pick 1 or 2 accessories that match what you're wearing. Try adding a canvas belt and cool sneakers to make jeans and a T-shirt look more interesting. If you wear a uniform, you might show your style with a stylish bracelet, watch, necklace, scarf, colorful socks, or a fun belt. Just make sure it follows your school's dress code! Look at your favorite celebrities and style icons for outfit and accessory ideas. Wear light makeup if you wear any. A lot of kids start experimenting with makeup in middle school for the very first time. You can use concealer , powder , and blush to smooth out or brighten your complexion. If you want to define your eyes, lightly line your eyes with eyeliner and apply a little eyeshadow to your eyelids. Then, try a light coat of mascara on your lashes. As you're experimenting with makeup, keep in mind that usually, the more natural you look, the better. If you look like you're trying too hard to change your appearance, you might seem like you're not self-confident. Remember, if you want other people to think you're cool, first, they have to believe that YOU think you're cool! Be friendly to people from different social groups. While it might seem like the only way to be cool is to hang out with the most popular kids you can find, the truth is, being really cool means being friends with a lot of different kinds of people. Take the time to get to know each person you meet, no matter what clique they're a part of. Then, befriend the people you like the most. Being cool is about more than just being popular. Popularity can change overnight and is based on the opinion of others, while being cool means staying true to yourself no matter who else is around. Avoid gossip and sharing secrets. If someone starts talking bad about another person while you're around, either ask them to stop, ignore the conversation entirely, or walk away. You'll seem a lot cooler if you're too laid-back to get involved in rumors and other drama. Be careful what you say about other people, too, so you're not unintentionally the source of any rumors yourself. For instance, if your friend tells you in confidence that her parents are getting a divorce, don't share that information with anyone else. Spend time around people who build you up. Unfortunately, in middle school, you might run into people who are unkind. If you spend time around someone and they put you down or make you feel bad about yourself, try to avoid them as much as possible. Instead, hang out with friends who accept you for who you are and make you feel good about yourself. If you're frequently the target of teasing or physical aggression , tell a teacher or another adult, and stick close to other students as much as possible to help make yourself less of a target. If you need to, find someone who's sitting alone and say something like, “Those kids over there keep messing with me. Is it okay if I sit here for a few minutes so they'll leave me alone?” Don't bully people to try to get attention. Some people think that teasing other kids will make them seem cool, but this isn't true. Even if you're a victim of bullying yourself, avoid taking it out on someone who's less popular than you are. Being kind to everyone will make people look up to you, which will make you seem cooler. If you see bullying happening at your school, stand up straight, look the bully in the eyes, and tell them to stop. If you're concerned that this will put you in physical danger, report the incident to a teacher, parent, or another responsible adult instead. Have a good sense of humor. If you want people to think you're cool, try being funny! Be willing to laugh at yourself, even if you make a mistake. Also, laugh with your friends when they're being funny, and share funny memes or jokes that you come across. For instance, if you spill something on your shirt at lunch, don't get upset about it. Just start laughing, instead! More than likely, other people will laugh with you—which is way more fun than having people laugh at you! Do your best in school. If you want to have a good reputation in middle school, pay attention and try to do well in every class you're in, even if it's something that doesn't come easily to you. Do your homework and turn in all of your assignments, and try not to daydream when the teacher is giving your lessons. Being cool doesn't mean skipping school and failing tests, although you don't necessarily have to have the highest grade in your class, either. If you make a habit of breaking the rules, though, you'll have a reputation as a troublemaker, rather than a reputation for being cool. As a bonus, paying close attention in class might make your after-school assignments easier to finish, so you'll have more time to spend with your friends! Embrace what makes you an individual. The coolest people always seem to be the ones who have a great understanding of who they are. Think about what makes you unique—maybe you have a cool eye for fashion, are great at drawing, or you can run really fast. Then, look for ways to express those qualities. For instance, you might always wear unique, funky outfits if you're into fashion, you might draw illustrations for the school paper if you love art, or you might try out for the track team if you're a runner. Use social media thoughtfully. When you're just starting to use social media, it can be hard to know how to use it without oversharing. Just remember that you can't take anything back once it's online, so keep your most personal business private, and don't share any pictures online that you would be embarrassed for everyone to see. Also, don't share or post unkind comments about anyone, especially if you wouldn't say those things to that person's face. Internet bullying can be very hurtful, and it won't make you seem cooler. If you see online bullying, do your best to ignore it, even if it's directed at you. However, you can report the bullying, either online or to a parent or teacher. Pay attention to trends. Keeping up with trends can help you seem like you know what's cool, so when you see a trend you like on TV, online, or at school, don't be afraid to try it out. You don't have to follow every trend that's out there—that will make you seem unoriginal. Just pick the ones you really like! For instance, if you see your favorite celebrity wearing an awesome pair of sunglasses, you might look for a similar pair when you go shopping. If a lot of your friends wear baggy jeans, you might look for a pair of relaxed-fit jeans. However, going against trends can make you seem cool too, so if you want to wear skinny jeans instead, go for it! Join a club or team at your school. If it's possible, try to find clubs, sports, competitive teams, or other activities at your school that fit your personal interests or hobbies. Getting involved in after-school activities can be a great way to expand your social circle. Also, if you're busy with activities, you'll seem cooler than you would if you just went home every day. For instance, if you're athletic, you might try out for your school's soccer, baseball, cheerleading, or dance team. If you love music, you might join the band or choir. If you're really great at math or science, you might join the robotics team. Don't join a club you don't really like just because you think it will be cool. For instance, if you're not into sports, cheerleading probably isn't a good fit for you, even if that seems like a good way to get popular. | Take good care of your personal hygiene. Style your hair each day. Wear clean clothes that fit well. Add trendy accessories to your outfit. Wear light makeup if you wear any. Be friendly to people from different social groups. Avoid gossip and sharing secrets. Spend time around people who build you up. Don't bully people to try to get attention. Have a good sense of humor. Do your best in school. Embrace what makes you an individual. Use social media thoughtfully. Pay attention to trends. Join a club or team at your school. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-Rotted-Wood | How to Repair Rotted Wood | To repair rotted wood, you'll need to remove the rot, fill in the gaps, then paint the surface. Use the claw of a hammer to dig out rotted areas from your wood. If there's any surface rot or paint on the wood, you can use a paint scraper or coarse sandpaper to get rid of it. After you've removed the rotted wood and any paint, you can apply a few coats of wood restorer to solidify any soft wood. Fill the gaps with epoxy or wood filler. Then, sand the surface until it's smooth. If you plan to paint the wood, make sure you use a couple of coats of primer first so the paint will stick. | Claw out rotted wood out with a hammer. Use a claw hammer to dig out loose rot. Place the claw of the hammer at the base of the rot. Apply pressure as you pull the claw back towards you. Remove as much as you can without disturbing the healthy wood. Don't force the wood to remove it. Only get rid of the soft, rotting wood. Use a router with a V-shaped bit to remove any remaining rotten wood. Hold the router so the bit is ⁄ 8 inch (3.2 mm) from the back edge of the wood. Use short back and forth strokes to grind away any rot you couldn't reach with the hammer. Grind the wood until you reach healthy and solid wood. Harder wood will be more difficult for the router to cut through. If rot is left inside the wood, there is a chance that it can start rotting again. Sand off paint and surface rot. Many patching solutions will not stick to existing paint, so it needs to be removed. Either use a paint scraper or coarse sandpaper, around 60 grit, to remove any residue that is on the surface of the wood. Apply an even amount of pressure as you work in a circular motion. Dirt, rust, or primer should also be removed from the wood's surface before moving on. Apply 4-6 coats of wood restorer to the area. Use the provided brush to paint the restorer over the entire area. Let the restorer set for 2 minutes in between coats so it can soak into the wood. Let the restorer dry completely for 2 hours before working on it again. Wear rubber gloves when working with the restorer to prevent it from coming into contact with your skin. Paint the wood with a bonding agent. Use a wide paintbrush to apply a thin coat of bonding agent to the wood. Coat the entire area you're making a patch for with the agent. This helps the epoxy adhere to the area better. Epoxy bonding agent can be purchased at hardware stores. Mix a 2-part epoxy with a putty knife on a non-porous surface. Dispense enough epoxy to fill the rotted out area. Mix both parts of the epoxy thoroughly until it is a uniform color. Use a flat piece of clear plastic or glass as a mixing palette so the epoxy does not stick to it. Most epoxies have a 1:1 ratio for mixing, but follow the specific instructions on the package. Use a gun applicator to dispense the epoxy in pre-measured ratios. Work with the epoxy within 30 minutes of mixing it, or else it will dry out. Shape the epoxy on the wood with the putty knife. Use a generous amount of epoxy and push it into the rotted area. Make sure it comes into contact with the wood that's still present. Press with the edges of the putty knife to compact the epoxy. Use a scrap piece of wood as a straightedge if you want to make clean, flat edges. Scrape off excess epoxy with a clean putty knife. Carefully use the edge and corners of the knife to match the epoxy to the edges of the existing wood so it has a clear, uniform look. Use a clean putty knife to smooth the edges of the epoxy. Trace the profile of the wood onto a plastic putty knife and cut it out with a strong pair of scissors to precisely match the edges. Let the epoxy set overnight. It takes 24 hours for the epoxy to completely dry. Once the epoxy has dried, it is ready to be sanded, primed, and painted. If the epoxy is outdoors, it needs to be primed and painted. Otherwise, the sun will wear it away. Make a smooth and straight cut in the wood using a Japanese hand saw. Place the teeth of the saw that are closest to the handle onto the line you want to cut. Apply pressure to the saw and pull it down at a 45-degree angle to make the cut. Repeat the cut until you can remove the wood by hand. Mark the line you want to cut with a pencil so you stay straight. Trim a piece of cedar to the size of the hole you’re filling. Use a saw to cut the patch to the correct size. Make sure that the wood fits snugly in the rotted out area. If it's too loose, it will not fit flush with the existing wood. Cedar is commonly used as a patch since it is known for being rot resistant. Dampen the exposed wood with a wet rag. The glue you'll be using activates with moisture. Use a damp cloth to rub the exposed wood where you'll be placing the patch as well as the patch. It should feel slightly wet to the touch. Apply polyurethane glue to the wood and place the patch. Squeeze the glue from the container directly onto the wood. Spread it so it covers the entire exposed area. Press the patch against the wood tightly so the glue can begin to set. Polyurethane glue foams and expands before it hardens so it can fill in any small gaps. Do not touch the uncured glue with your bare hands or tools. It will be extremely difficult to remove. Drill 2 screws into each side of the patch to hold it in place. Use screws long enough to reach the baseboards. Place one on each side of the patch to hold it in place while the glue sets. Sand any excess glue off the patch after 6 hours. It takes 6 hours for the polyurethane glue to completely dry and set. Use a fine-grit sandpaper on the hardened glue to wear it down level with the wood. Pour a 3 in (7.6 cm) diameter circle of wood filler on a non-porous surface. Put the wood filler on a piece of plastic or glass so it does not stick or get caught in the material. Make sure the circle is about ⁄ 2 inch (13 mm) thick so you have enough to mix initially. Squeeze the tube of hardener with the cap still on. The hardening agent will separate in the tube, so firmly squeeze it with your fingers to ensure it is mixed together before you open it. Put a 3 in (7.6 cm) strip of the hardener on the filler and mix. Use a putty knife to stir the filler and the hardener together for about 2 minutes. When it's thoroughly mixed, it should have a light red color. The wood filler has a working time of 10 minutes, so only use small amounts at a time. Keep the mixture spread thin so it will have a longer working time. Apply the filler to the wood with a putty knife with firm pressure. Spread the filler 2 inches (5.1 cm) beyond the problem areas of the wood. Keep a constant pressure on the putty knife so the wood filler completely adheres. Spread the wood filler until you reach the desired thickness. Let the filler dry for 30 minutes. The wood filler will completely set within a half hour in temperatures cooler than 75 °F (24 °C). In warmer temperatures, it may take as little as 10 minutes for it to set. Smooth the patch with sandpaper. Make sure the edges of your patch are flush with the existing wood so it has a uniform look. Start with a coarse sandpaper, around 60 grit, and work down to a fine-grit paper, like 200 grit, for a completely smooth finish. Use a matching stain if the original wood is stained. Paint a coat of the stain onto the wood and let it dry. Be careful not to overlap layers of existing stain since this may make the color appear darker in that spot. Patches of wood filler may stain a slightly different color than the actual wood. Test the stain on a small part of the filler to see how it holds the stain. Paint at least 2 layers of primer if the wood is painted. Use thin coats of grey or white primer so you can apply it evenly. Let it dry for 10 minutes before you start on another coat. Use a spray primer for a more even coat and to avoid the look of brush strokes. Apply a coat of paint after the primer has dried. Mix the paint with a stir stick so it's not separated when you use it. Paint thin coats with a paintbrush so it evenly layers. Use long strokes that cover the entire length of the wood so it has a smooth finish. The paint should dry within 10 minutes unless it is very humid. | Claw out rotted wood out with a hammer. Use a router with a V-shaped bit to remove any remaining rotten wood. Sand off paint and surface rot. Apply 4-6 coats of wood restorer to the area. Paint the wood with a bonding agent. Mix a 2-part epoxy with a putty knife on a non-porous surface. Shape the epoxy on the wood with the putty knife. Scrape off excess epoxy with a clean putty knife. Let the epoxy set overnight. Make a smooth and straight cut in the wood using a Japanese hand saw. Trim a piece of cedar to the size of the hole you’re filling. Dampen the exposed wood with a wet rag. Apply polyurethane glue to the wood and place the patch. Drill 2 screws into each side of the patch to hold it in place. Sand any excess glue off the patch after 6 hours. Pour a 3 in (7.6 cm) diameter circle of wood filler on a non-porous surface. Squeeze the tube of hardener with the cap still on. Put a 3 in (7.6 cm) strip of the hardener on the filler and mix. Apply the filler to the wood with a putty knife with firm pressure. Let the filler dry for 30 minutes. Smooth the patch with sandpaper. Use a matching stain if the original wood is stained. Paint at least 2 layers of primer if the wood is painted. Apply a coat of paint after the primer has dried. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-For-a-Graduation | How to Prepare For a Graduation | Graduation is an important milestone in your academic career. Although it can be stressful, if you stay organized, you'll be able to enjoy the day! A few weeks before graduation, you'll need to order your cap and gown as well as send out graduation announcements if you plan to invite people. Keep in mind that many schools have limited seating, so check how many people you're allowed to bring before sending out invites. If you're feeling emotional about graduation, reach out to favorite teachers and classmates in the days before graduation to tell them how much you appreciate them. You might also visit some of your favorite spots on campus to recall all the good memories. On the day of graduation, wake up early and give yourself plenty of time to get ready. You should wear something nice beneath your gown, like a suit or dress. Just make sure it's something you can easily move in that won't trip you up on stage! | Study for final exams. With a graduation on the horizon, the final weeks of class may suddenly seem less important. The excitement and nervousness can be distracting, and rightfully so! Big changes are on the way. However, final exams still need to be studied for, since those grades will contribute to your final GPA. Don't forget to put in adequate study time for your final exams. It might help to form study groups with friends and classmates, to help keep you on track during your last days as a student. Return school property and pay any outstanding fees. Go through your things and make sure you've returned any school property you have. This includes library books, uniforms, technology and any other equipment you've borrowed or checked out from your school. Keep in mind that some schools won't send you your diploma or release your transcripts if you have any outstanding fees. Check online or with the appropriate offices on campus to make sure you are fully paid up. Order your cap and gown set and graduation announcements. The last several weeks before graduation can get very hectic, but don't forget to order your cap and gown. Once you do, confirm the delivery date. Choose your graduation announcements and order them as soon as you are able. Once you get the announcements home, start a list of people you want to invite to the ceremony. Gather the addresses you need for mailing and start sending the announcements out. Find out if your school has limited seating or restrictions about how many people you can invite. Adhere to any guidelines. It's best to send your invites out as early as possible, so that people can mark their calendars for the event. If you're tight on money, consider sending e-invitations. This will cost you significantly less and, in some cases, may even be free. Reach out to your favorite teachers, classmates and school personnel. In many cases, these final days of class will be the last time you see some of the great people you've met at your school over the years. Make it a point to visit the people who've positively contributed to your experience as a student. Thank them for it and let them know what it means to you. If you want to keep in touch, gather phone numbers and email addresses. This is also a great opportunity to line up recommendations and references for the future. Whatever your next step is, whether that's going on to further education or entering the workforce, you will need quality letters of recommendation and/or references. Visit some of your favorite places on campus. Take the time to return to some of your favorite spots at school and savor your last moments there. This is a great opportunity to reflect on your time as a student there. Recall the good memories you've experienced in these places and fix them in your mind. In a few weeks you will have moved on to the next phase of your life. You may not have the chance to visit these places ever again and you don't want to forget them. Get a full night of sleep. You will probably be a little nervous the night before your graduation ceremony. This is perfectly normal! However, you will need energy and strength for the day, so make it a point to sleep at least seven hours the night before. Your graduation ceremony is something you want to enjoy and remember, and both of those things will be difficult to do if you're exhausted. You will feel healthier and happier if you're fully rested for your big day. It's highly likely that you'll be posing for lots of photographs on graduation day and you will want to look fresh and rested in them. Practice accepting your diploma with a smile. Practice your walk and smile for when you accept your diploma. If you didn't order professional photos to be snapped as you accept your diploma, your friends and family are sure to be photographing the moment. If you practice how you plan to walk, smile and reach for the diploma, you'll feel less nervous when the moment comes. Be sure to stand up straight. Hold your head up high. Avoid fidgeting. Walk at a normal pace and try to keep your smile natural-looking. Set appointments for early in the day. Many people like to get fresh haircuts and other grooming tasks done on the day of graduation. If this is something you want to do, make your appointments several weeks in advance. Schedule them for early in the day so that you will have plenty of time to get ready for the ceremony without rushing. Call establishments the day before to confirm your appointment times. Create a schedule for your day and stick to it. Be on time to your appointments. Check the ceremony agenda. Make sure you are well aware of the schedule. Confirm what time you need to be on site and plan to arrive early. Double check when your family and friends should arrive, as well. Remind them in advance so that they will also be on time and are able to find decent parking and a good seat. Do what you can to avoid any unnecessary rushing around on the day of the ceremony. Confirm your post-ceremony plans. Many students celebrate after the graduation ceremony by attending a party that evening. Most high school graduates attend a party thrown by the school. If your school doesn't do that, consider throwing a party yourself. Talk to your friends and see what their plans are. Since a lot of your family is probably attending the ceremony, its a great opportunity to spend some time with them afterward. Plan to have a family gathering or a nice dinner at a restaurant. Pick up your cap and gown. Try your regalia on to make sure the items fit properly and are in good shape. Look the material over for any snags or imperfections. If you find any obvious flaws, find out who you must speak to for a replacement. These items cost money and you should receive yours in good condition. There is a proper way to wear a cap and gown. Your school will have rules about how they want you to present yourself in your regalia. Find these details out as soon as possible. Confirm what side the cap tassel should be on before and after you receive your diploma. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready. Your graduation day will probably be very busy and a little nerve-wracking. Keep your stress levels low by allowing yourself plenty of time to prepare and dress for the ceremony. Set aside a block of time to get ready and use that time wisely. Take an early shower. Comb your hair neatly and take care of basic grooming tasks such as clipping your nails. If you wear makeup, keep it simple. Remember that you'll be taking lots of photographs, so take care of whatever grooming tasks make you look and feel your very best. Choose an outfit you can move easily in. Graduation is a fun and exciting event, but it's also a formal one. Most schools set expectations for clothing worn under your cap and gown. Find out if there are any dress code requirements and follow them. The most common suggestions are that graduates wear dark shoes and business formal attire like dark-colored slacks/dresses. Males are often encouraged to wear dress shirts with ties and dark slacks. Choose garments that you can move naturally in. Make sure you feel comfortable. You don't want to be worrying about adjusting your clothing during the ceremony. Wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in. When your name is called, you'll need to walk up to receive your diploma. All eyes will be on you! The last thing you want to worry about at this moment is your shoes. Make sure you choose shoes that are comfortable to wear and won't hinder your ability to walk naturally. If you buy brand new shoes, you may want to put them on beforehand and practice walking in them. Find out if there are any requirements for footwear and be sure to follow any rules that are given. Meet with an advisor or counselor before graduation. Go over your completed coursework to confirm everything is taken care of. Discuss your next steps. Are you going on to higher education? Are you entering the workforce? Talk to an advisor or counselor about your plans and listen to any advice they may have to give you. Prepare your transcripts and think about financial aid. If you plan to go on to higher education or additional schooling, make sure everything is in place. Get your transcripts ready, visit financial aid offices and apply to the schools of your choice in plenty of time to make a final decision. Find out if there are any testing requirements you have to meet, such as the GRE or GMAT, before starting school. Gather the deadlines for these items and start a checklist. Research funding resources and grant opportunities. If your next steps involve relocation, begin thinking about the logistics of your move. Update your resume. If you plan on entering the workforce after graduation, go ahead and start preparing your resume. Keep it concise and clear. List your experience, accomplishments and skills clearly. Choose three to five professional references. Check with those people to confirm they have no issue with being your reference. Gather any letters of recommendation you might need. Prepare an interview outfit. Don't forget to create a cover letter to go with your resume. Most professional businesses will require one. Visit your school's career center to see if they have any resources to help you find work, internships or scholarship opportunities. Check your credit report. If you're planning on purchasing a car, renting an apartment or buying a home after graduation, a credit check will most certainly be run. Most professional places of employment will check your credit history before hiring you, as well. There are websites online where you can obtain a free credit report. Do this and examine yours closely for errors. Mistakes can occur on credit reports and unfortunately, if they aren't caught ahead of time, these can impact your plans and economic status. Prepare a post-graduation budget so that you can start preparing for life after the ceremony. Clean up your social media accounts. It is standard practice these days for most places of employment to check your social media accounts before hiring you. These accounts are easy to access and people can tell a lot about you by looking at your communication and behavior online. Comb through your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, YouTube and any other social media accounts and eliminate anything glaringly irresponsible. Create a LinkedIn account and put some time into filling out your profile professionally. | Study for final exams. Return school property and pay any outstanding fees. Order your cap and gown set and graduation announcements. Reach out to your favorite teachers, classmates and school personnel. Visit some of your favorite places on campus. Get a full night of sleep. Practice accepting your diploma with a smile. Set appointments for early in the day. Check the ceremony agenda. Confirm your post-ceremony plans. Pick up your cap and gown. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready. Choose an outfit you can move easily in. Wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in. Meet with an advisor or counselor before graduation. Prepare your transcripts and think about financial aid. Update your resume. Check your credit report. Clean up your social media accounts. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Travel-Consultant | How to Become a Travel Consultant | To become a travel consultant, start by getting your high school diploma or GED, then attending a 2 or 4 year college for a degree in business, hospitality, or a foreign language. You can also sign up for a travel agent certificate program, which typically takes 2-6 months to complete. In addition to school, you'll also want to develop other necessary skills, such as traveling as much as possible and practicing your interpersonal skills. Finally, get a job in hospitality, sales, or customer service to further your skill set. | Obtain your high school diploma or equivalent. As with many other careers, you probably won't get far without your high school diploma or GED. If you never graduated from high school, check out test prep materials from your local library, then schedule the GED exam online. If you're still in high school, begin or continue taking courses in a foreign language. Also consider business, computer, or communication courses if your school offers them. Attend a 2-year or 4-year college. While college is not strictly necessary to become a travel consultant, your job prospects will increase exponentially if you have an associate's or bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Look for programs or majors in travel, tourism, geography, business, communications, hospitality, or any foreign language. Study a foreign language. Learning another language increases your knowledge of another culture and boosts your credibility with clients. It also means you can take on more clients because you can converse easily with more people. Enroll in courses at a community center or college, or visit the library and check out self-taught programs like Rosetta Stone. Take computer classes. Between making reservations and communicating with clients, you'll do a lot of your work on a computer. So if you're not already well-versed in email, word processing, and a spreadsheet application like Excel, it's time to learn. Take classes at a local community center or college, or browse online tutorials or videos for learning various functions. Sign up for a travel agent certification program. Physical and online travel schools offer programs that are designed to teach students about all aspects of the travel industry. They can take anywhere from two to six months to complete and are a good option for anyone brand new to the industry. Look up a list of programs endorsed by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) or the International Association of Travel Agents Network (IATAN). Travel as much as possible. The best way to prove you are qualified in the travel field is to develop experience in domestic and international travel. If you don't have the money to travel internationally, start taking road trips wherever and whenever you can. Go places with friends and go places by yourself to get a sense of the differences between travelling in a group and travelling solo. Keep a travel journal. As you embark on all of your adventures, reflect on the different cultures you're experiencing. Note what you liked and disliked about a place. Write down your favorite restaurants or shops so you could recommend them to others. This is all good practice for when you start planning other people's trips. Practice your interpersonal skills. The way you communicate with people will have a huge effect on how successful you are as a travel consultant. Start working on these skills now by becoming a better listener and promoting positivity. Practice active listening by repeating what someone says in your own words. This shows them you're engaged in the conversation. Create positive interactions by smiling when greeting others, offering them your assistance, and showing you care with a simple, “How are you today?” Work in a related field. Experience in hospitality, sales, and customer service is all useful to a travel consultant. Apply for a job working at the reservation desk of a hotel. Get a job as a tour guide or a booking agent at a local tour company. Even working at a call center will give you the customer service experience that employers are looking for. Join a host agency. When you work for a host agency, you can get up and running quickly as an independent agent while also benefitting from the host's resources, like access to suppliers, accounting services, and training opportunities. Then you split any commission you make with your host agency. You'll still have to do all your own marketing to drive traffic to your independent website, but you can avoid all the hard work of setting up a brand new business. Visit an impartial site, like HostAgencyReviews.com to compare host agencies and learn more about different ones. Specialize your services. The travel industry is large, and it is fractured into niche markets, like student, luxury, or adventure travel. If you have a lot of personal experience with one type of travel, look for companies that cater directly to that market. Your expertise may allow you to start at a higher salary than an entry-level position. Other niche travel markets include community service, seniors, singles, families, women only, pets, disabled, and honeymoons. Design a website. Having a user-friendly website is essential for a travel agent trying to attract new clients. If you're low on funds, you can use a service like Squarespace, which provides design templates for you to build on. But if you can afford it, hire a professional to design the site for you. They'll know all the tricks for attracting and retaining visitors. Write articles for your site, get a newsletter started, pay for ads online, and spread news of your new business across social media. It may be worthwhile to take an online course in internet marketing if you're unfamiliar with it. Start your own travel company. With a high-speed internet connection, a cell phone, and a well-designed website, there's not much keeping you from starting your own business at home. You'll need to file the appropriate business paperwork with your city or state, get insurance, and devote most of your time early on to marketing and attracting clients. Get certified through IATA. The International Air Transport Association requires that you be accredited in order to book flights as a travel agent. If you work for an agency, you can use their accreditation to get your own ID card. If you start your own business, you'll need to submit a considerable amount of paperwork with your application. Some of the necessary paperwork includes your business license, proof of liability insurance, tax documents, and a letter of recommendation from a former employer. Each country has their own national certification boards for travel agencies, so visit the IATA website for your country's requirements. | Obtain your high school diploma or equivalent. Attend a 2-year or 4-year college. Study a foreign language. Take computer classes. Sign up for a travel agent certification program. Travel as much as possible. Keep a travel journal. Practice your interpersonal skills. Work in a related field. Join a host agency. Specialize your services. Design a website. Start your own travel company. Get certified through IATA. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Roundworms-in-Dogs | How to Diagnose Roundworms in Dogs | To diagnose roundworms in dogs, monitor your dog for common symptoms of roundworms, like vomiting, chronic diarrhea, coughing, and a dull coat. Your dog might also have a potbelly from worms in its stomach. You should also examine your dog's stool to see if it has thin, 3-4 inch long worms in it, which could be roundworms. If you think your dog has roundworms, bring it to see a vet so they can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe medication to kill the worms. | Look at your dog’s appearance. Not all dogs show outward signs of a roundworm infection. If you have a puppy that is showing clinical signs, he will have a potbelly. In addition, your puppy's coat may look dull, and he may not be growing and putting on weight as he should. He will be smaller than what he should be for his age. The potbelly appearance is due to the large number of adult roundworms in your dog's belly. Identify signs of digestive upset. When roundworms find their way to the intestine, they feed off of partially digested food. This robs your dog of vital nutrients and causes him to experience digestive upset, including vomiting and chronic diarrhea. You may be able to see worms in the vomit. Puppies that are four to six months old and have heavy roundworm infections may vomit large worms that are still alive, which could be very distressing to you. The roundworms will be an off white color. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, it is unlikely for your puppy to have such a severe infection. The vomiting is due to the adult roundworms irritating the lining of your dog's stomach. Call your veterinarian if you see live worms and are unsure how to dispose of them. The chronic diarrhea may cause your dog to eliminate more often in the house, which would leave worm eggs in your home and potentially expose other pets, or re-expose him, to infection. With the digestive upset, your dog will eat less. Look for signs of respiratory problems. In the complicated life cycle of roundworms, the larvae will migrate up to your dog's lungs, which will cause him to cough. The coughing action moves the larvae into your dog's throat, causing your dog to swallow the larvae. If your dog has a severe roundworm infestation, the larvae in the lungs could give your dog pneumonia. Signs of pneumonia include difficulty breathing, a deep cough, and lethargy. Examine your dog’s feces. Looking at your dog's feces isn't exactly enjoyable, but it could help you determine if your dog has roundworms. Adult roundworms are three to four inches long and look like spaghetti. The larvae would likely be too small for you to see with the naked eye, and the eggs would not be detectable at all. If you see adult worms, you may want to place a small sample in a tightly sealed plastic bag and take it with you when you take your dog to the veterinarian. Wear gloves when you collect the sample and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Roundworms are usually found in the feces. Take your dog to your veterinarian. As soon as your dog is showing signs of a roundworm infestation, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. A potbellied appearance will be the most obvious sign of roundworms, so schedule the appointment when you see the potbelly. Your veterinarian will be able to confirm the diagnosis. If your dog defecates outside of your veterinarian's office, pick up and discard the feces immediately to prevent infecting other dogs. Bring a sample of your dog’s feces. Your veterinarian will be able to definitively diagnose a roundworm infection by examining your dog's feces under a microscope. If you were not able to collect a fecal sample at home, your veterinarian will take a sample during the appointment. Since a single adult worm can produce up to 85,000 eggs per day, a small sample of fecal material should be sufficient to identify roundworms microscopically. Allow your veterinarian to examine the fecal sample. Your veterinarian will prepare a fecal solution (also called a 'fecal flotation') that will make it easier to detect the roundworm eggs. Under the microscope, roundworm eggs will be large and stout looking. Roundworm eggs have a very characteristic appearance, so it is unlikely to mistake them for another type of worm egg. Learn about the limitations of fecal examinations. Although fecal examinations are the primary way to detect roundworms, they are not foolproof. A dog with a roundworm infection does not continuously shed roundworm eggs, so a single fecal sample may not contain any eggs. In addition, if the sample has only a small number eggs, those eggs may not be detectable. Even if no eggs are detected, your veterinarian may still diagnose a roundworm infection, especially if your dog is a puppy and is showing other clinical signs of infection. Treat your dog with a deworming agent. If your veterinarian diagnoses your dog with roundworms, he or she will prescribe a medication to kill the roundworms. There are many available deworming agents (e.g., fenbendazole, piperazine, ivermectin), so your veterinarian will choose the medication and dosage that will work best for your dog. If you have a very young puppy, he will need to be treated every two weeks until he is two months old, and then monthly until he is six months old. Although unpleasant, you may see dead or dying roundworms in your puppy's feces. If you have the puppy's mom at home, she will need to be treated at the same time as the puppy. This will kill any larvae that may migrate to her milk and cause the puppy to be re-infected. Follow the prescribing instructions carefully to ensure effective treatment. Schedule follow up appointments with your veterinarian. After your dog finishes the treatment, your veterinarian will probably want to test his feces several more times to confirm successful treatment. Your veterinarian will determine when those follow up appointments should take place. Understand how a deworming agent works. During the complicated life cycle of roundworms, the eggs will develop into larvae that essentially entomb themselves into different body tissues. After a while, they emerge, migrate through the body, and develop into adult roundworms. The deworming agent will kill the adult roundworms. However, since the larvae will be emerging and developing at different times, the medication needs to be given every few weeks to kill all of the adult roundworms. Give your dog a monthly preventative. All dogs need a monthly roundworm preventative, especially those who have had roundworms. Roundworm preventatives are often combined with heartworm preventatives to make it easy for dog owners to protect their dogs from disease. Since roundworm eggs are very hardy and can remain in the environment for a long time, do not stop administering the preventative when it gets cold outside. Even with a monthly preventative, you should have your dog screened for roundworms once or twice a year after his first year of life. Pick up your dog’s feces promptly. Roundworm eggs are resistant to disinfectants or any other products you may put in your grass to try to kill them. To keep the eggs from staying in the environment and possibly re-infecting your dog, pick up and throw away your dog's feces immediately. Children are especially susceptible to roundworm infections, so pick up your dog's feces if he goes to the bathroom in a playground or around sandboxes where children play. Roundworm eggs become infective after one to three weeks of being in the environment. Practice strict hygiene. Roundworms are a public health issue since they can cause disease (visceral larval migrans and ocular larval migrans) in humans. These diseases are rare but can be serious. If you have children, make sure they wash their hands frequently and properly. Wash your own hands frequently and properly as well since you are most likely the one who is picking up your dog's feces. Keep your children away from your dog's feces. When your children play outside, keep them from areas where your dog or other dogs normally defecate. If they do play in an area where dogs frequent, make sure they wash their hands when they come back inside and before they handle food. While they are outside, do not let them put their hands by their mouths since this could cause them to swallow roundworm eggs. | Look at your dog’s appearance. Identify signs of digestive upset. Look for signs of respiratory problems. Examine your dog’s feces. Take your dog to your veterinarian. Bring a sample of your dog’s feces. Allow your veterinarian to examine the fecal sample. Learn about the limitations of fecal examinations. Treat your dog with a deworming agent. Schedule follow up appointments with your veterinarian. Understand how a deworming agent works. Give your dog a monthly preventative. Pick up your dog’s feces promptly. Practice strict hygiene. Keep your children away from your dog's feces. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Control-of-a-Relationship | How to Take Control of a Relationship | If you're in a relationship where it feels like your partner has all the power, you may be feeling hurt or stuck, but there are ways to take back some of the control. Learning to value yourself as an individual with unique qualities will help you realize that you deserve more power, so focus on your positive qualities and avoid comparing yourself to others. If you've gotten into the habit of going along with everything your partner says, start expressing your own thoughts and opinions more. For example, if your partner always decides where you go for dinner, try suggesting a different place every so often. Another way to regain some power in your relationship is to increase your independence. In some cases, you may feel powerless because you've gotten used to doing everything together and letting your partner call all the shots, so work to develop your own interests and friends. Start a hobby or spend more time with your family or old friends to remind yourself that you have a life outside of your relationship. | Improve your self-worth. Learn to value yourself more as a unique individual with just as many rights in your relationship as he has. Write down a list of your best qualities and also the qualities that you would like to improve on. Rather than conceptualizing your weakness as being bad, you can view them as things you have room to improve on. Another way to improve your self-worth is to stop comparing yourself to others. For one, you only see the side of others that they advertise to you; you aren't getting the full picture, which can lead to a warped perception. For example, you might feel like someone has it all going for them but on the inside he might be sad, afraid, or have low self-worth. Second, if improving yourself is important to you, why not just focus on yourself? Still a further way to improve your self-worth is to adopt a flexible self-view. That is, it is important to evaluate yourself based on your worth now, rather than trying to fit your worth into an outdated definition of yourself. For example, if you define high self-worth as being a good tennis player, because you were in high school, but you aren't so good at tennis anymore, you might suffer from low self-worth. Instead, focus on things that you are good at as an adult. For example, maybe you're a great parent or you are great at managing your money. Once you have improved your self-worth, you may feel you deserve more power, and this motivational force will help you obtain more power. Believe in yourself. He may try to 'gaslight' you, by engaging in psychological manipulation that makes you question yourself. Do not fall for this. Instead, believe in yourself as a sane, rational, intelligent individual. To believe in yourself, think about times you successfully made choices on your own that led to good outcomes. Reflect on these when you are doubting whether you can make good decisions on your own. Keep an ultimatum in mind (to yourself). You may feel powerless because you feel trapped in your relationship. However, remember (to yourself) that if you are completely unhappy with your partner, you have the option of ending the relationship. Remind yourself that there are other people out there and you can have another relationship in the future - one that has more of a balanced power dynamic. In most cases, it is not a good idea to express this ultimatum to your partner, since doing so can damage your relationship. Instead, just remember this information when you are feeling completely out of control and powerless, as it can help you gain more confidence as you navigate your relationship. An example of an ultimatum you might keep in mind to yourself is, "if — after two months of not seeing any desired change, despite my explicitly telling my partner I would like us to have more of a balanced relationship and despite me actively trying to work with him to change the relationship for the better — I see no progress in that regard, I will end the relationship because it will mean I am still unhappy." Assess the nature of your relationship. Make sure that you are in a relationship where it is worth gaining power back instead of just walking away. If you find yourself in an abusive relationship, whether that abuse is physical or psychological, ask yourself whether it is worth staying around. Signs of an abusive relationship include when your partner: Humiliates or embarrasses you. Engages in affairs. Ignores or excludes you. Threatens to physically harm you, or actually physically harms you. Showcases unreasonable jealousy. Demonstrates extreme moodiness. Guilt trips you. Threatens to kill himself if you leave. Uses money to control your behavior. Withdraws affection from you. Uses sarcasm towards you and a mean voice. Is Hypercritical of you. Stand up for yourself. You may have gotten in the habit of just going along with everything he says regardless of whether you agree with it. While it is normal to concede and give in to your partner's choices from time to time to be a generous loving relationship partner, it is not normal for one partner to always get his or her way. To gain back some power in your relationship, it can help to express your thoughts and opinions more. For example, say he always decides where you go out for dinner. If you don't feel like going to where he wants to, suggest a different place. If he ridicules you or says no, say that you no longer feel like going out for dinner. At the end of the day, for him to be in a relationship with you, you have to be an active willing participant; this fact, ultimately, can be used as a source of power for you. Have a conversation about power. It is possible that your partner does not realize that he has been exerting too much power in the relationship. So, before drawing any nasty conclusions about your partner, you should voice your concerns with him. Let him know that you feel that you have no or little control in the relationship and that you would like more. Be sure to lay out specific examples of ways that you would like more power. For example, if you feel that you are always spending time with his friends, but he never spends time with yours, let him know that you would like this area to be more balanced. Avoid making overarching statements about your partner, but instead point to specific examples. Overarching statements such as "you're a power hungry jerk" can be damaging and antagonizing. Instead, point to specifics such as, "you seem to decide who we hang out with most of the time and I would like more of a say in that arena." Increase your independence. Maybe he has all the power because you have lost all independence in your life. If you are doing everything together and he is calling all the shots, it can easily begin to feel like you have no power. Work to develop your own interests. Through this you may form new friendships, all of which can help you increase your sense of independence. For example, you might start a hobby; this can help you become more independent by making your well-being less tied up in your partner. Depending on the hobby, it can also be a great way to find new friends; having friends is another way to increase your independence. When you feel like your life outside of your relationship is rich, you will be less likely to feel that you "need" this other person, and less likely to give into his power antics. You may come to realize that you don't need him if he continues to be such an unfair partner; this realization (if both you and him come to it) can, in fact, increase your power. Use silence to your advantage. He may be trying to express his power in your relationship by ridiculing you, calling you names, or otherwise being rude and insulting. If he is being unfair, mean, or destructive like this, rather than giving in to his provocations (which is probably what he wants), stay silent. This is a form of showing him that he doesn't have the power over you that he thinks he does (namely, power over your emotions and reactions). When in doubt, think about how such "non-violent, silent" strategies have worked successfully throughout history, such as between Mahatma Gandhi and others and the British-ruled India. Try couples counseling. One effective way to improve the power dynamic in your relationship is to work through your relationship issues with a qualified counselor. It can help to have a third party who is unbiased and can help you and your partner see the issues clearly. In addition, relationship counselors can help you to set goals and compromises that can help you have a more power-balanced relationship. To find a psychologist near you, try this website: http://locator.apa.org/ Break any cycle of abuse. If you are someone who finds yourself in an abusive relationship, and you are having trouble getting out of it, there are a number of things you can do or look out for to help you break the cycle of abuse. Watch out for the honeymoon phase, where your abuser treats you very well after being nasty. Know that this is likely inauthentic and your abuser is only luring you back in so that he can abuse you again in the future. Avoid rationalizing the abuse. Signs of rationalization can include things like "he's not as bad as some partners I've heard about" or "he's only hit/screamed at me a couple of times" Once you realize these are rationalizations you can dispel them and see more clearly. Understand his fear-based tactics. An abuser may certain tactics to retain power, such as threatening to commit suicide if you leave, making or carrying out threats of violence, calling you names, playing mind games, taking money or not allowing you to have money, or making light of the abuse or denying that it happened at all. If you understand your abuser's tricks, you will be more able to resist them by seeing them for what they are. For a full treatment on the subject, including information on restraining orders and escaping abuse in emergency situations, see: https://www.wikihow.com/Break-the-Cycle-of-Abuse | Improve your self-worth. Believe in yourself. Keep an ultimatum in mind (to yourself). Assess the nature of your relationship. Stand up for yourself. Have a conversation about power. Increase your independence. Use silence to your advantage. Try couples counseling. Break any cycle of abuse. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Test-Plan | How to Write a Test Plan | To write a test plan for a software, start by writing the introduction, which covers the goals, scope, and schedule for the test. Then, talk about your goals, including what you're going to test, why this is important, and how you're going to test it. Be sure to include a section on required resources, like hardware and testing tools. Write a section on the test's risks and dependencies, as well as what data you're going to provide for the client. List your strategy, pass/fail criteria, and documents you will produce, and then finish the plan with a results section. | Know the basics. What you put in your test plan depends largely on the complexity of the software you're planning to test. However, there are three basic sections that should always be included in a test plan: Test Coverage, Test Methods, and Test Responsibilities. Test coverage defines what you will be testing and what you will not. Test methods define how you will be testing each part defined in the “coverage” section. Test responsibilities assign tasks and responsibilities to different parties. This section should also include what data each party will record and how it will be stored and reported. Familiarize yourself with necessary IEEE standards documents. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) publishes international standards for testing and documenting software and system development. To hold your test plan to the highest standard, consult with the IEEE publications below: 29119-1-2013, Software and Systems Engineering - Software Testing - Part 1: Concepts and Definitions 29119-2-2013, Software and Systems Engineering - Software Testing - Part 2: Test Processes 29119-3-2013, Software and Systems Engineering - Software Testing - Part 3: Test Documentation 829-2008, IEEE Standard for Software and System Test Documentation 1008-1987 - IEEE Standard for Software Unit Testing Consult a template. You can find templates for test plans online. The best source for templates is the IEEE library, but access does cost a fee. Dublin City University also offers a free test plan template, based on IEEE 829 standards. Write the introduction. Your introduction functions as the “executive summary” of the test plan: its goals, its scope, and its schedule. This should be kept brief, as you will go into further detail in subsequent sections of the test plan. Your goals and scope statements should define, in general terms, the methods that will be used in the testing process and the projected results. The scope statement should also include the most critical performance measures, as well as a list of what the test plan will not address, and why. A schedule details the increments of time in which each phase of the test will be completed. Related documents include any peripheral material that is relevant to the current project, such as lists of specifications. Define your objectives. Your test plan should clearly define what you will test and why you will test it. These should always be based on industry standards. Determine what the scope of the test is. What scenarios will be tested? Determine what is out of scope for the test. What scenarios will not be tested? Common scenarios include Module Testing, Integration Testing, Systems/Acceptance Testing, and Beta Testing. Write a section on required resources. This section describes all of the resources needed to complete the testing, including hardware, software, testing tools, and staff. When accounting for your staff, make sure to detail the responsibilities required of each member and the training needed to execute those responsibilities. Make sure to document the exact specifications of hardware and software. Write a section on risks and dependencies. Detail all the factors that your project depends on and the risks involved in each step. The level of acceptable risk in your project will help determine what you will and will not test. Consider the likelihood of various risks. You will need to prioritize the critical areas. Be aware of any vague or unclear requirements. Users often lack the expertise to understand technical language or procedures, so user misunderstanding could pose a risk. Use your past “bug” history to help you identify areas for concern and extra testing. Write a section on what you are going to test. List what new aspects you will be testing and what old aspects you will be re-testing. Make sure to detail the purpose for each test. You can use software application inventories, IEEE guidelines, and other sources to help you determine this list. This section also represents your “deliverables,” or what data you will deliver to the client once the testing is complete. Write a section on what you will not be testing. List any features that will not be tested during the current project. Reasons not to test features include: The feature will not be included in this version of the software The feature is low-risk or has been used before without issue List your strategy. This section outlines the overall test strategy for your test plan. It will specify the rules and processes that will apply to the tests outlined above. Include information on tools to be used, what metrics will be collected and at what level, how many configurations will be tested, and whether there are any special requirements or procedures for testing. Develop pass/fail criteria. These criteria will guide your testing staff so that they know whether testing objectives have been achieved. This section can also include “exit criteria,” so that your staff know when it is acceptable to stop testing a certain feature. You should also include a list of suspension criteria and resumption requirements. This information tells testers when to pause tests and what the acceptable level of defect is to resume them. Write a list of documents that will be produced during testing. Also known as “deliverables,” these documents are the data, reports, scripts, and results that will be produced by testing. It's a good idea to assign these deliverables to “owners” who are responsible for their delivery. Assign deadlines by which they are due. Write a section on the results of your project. Outline all the goals that you hope to achieve during the testing process. Detail who is in charge of final approvals. | Know the basics. Familiarize yourself with necessary IEEE standards documents. Consult a template. Write the introduction. Define your objectives. Write a section on required resources. Write a section on risks and dependencies. Write a section on what you are going to test. Write a section on what you will not be testing. List your strategy. Develop pass/fail criteria. Write a list of documents that will be produced during testing. Write a section on the results of your project. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Weird | How to Be Weird | If you want to stand out from the crowd and be a little weird, make an effort to do and say things people won't expect. To get people to think you're weird, try foods most people don't eat or eat normal foods in an odd way. For example, bring an orange to lunch, but instead of eating the slices individually, put them between pieces of bread for an orange sandwich. As you go about your day, add tiny flourishes to what you do and make it your “thing.” You can put a little skip into your walk or make a weird noise after you sneeze. When you talk to people, have fun with language and make up new words to describe things. Does something taste fantastic? Tell everyone that it's taste-tastic! | Invent your own places, and customs. Invent a holiday, give it a weird name, and then when the day comes around, get decked out. Talk about a place you went that no one's ever heard of. Your holiday is celebrated there and you can show your friends the timeless customs of this magical place if they'd like. Nowadays, every day is something, but no one actually celebrates it. Is it National Pancake Day? Walk around handing out pictures of pancakes, telling everyone that you're trying to spread the word about this hidden breakfast treat but do be aware Shrive Tuesday, or Pancake Day, is celebrated widely in the UK and other Common Wealth countries. To be truly weird, pick a holiday or commemorative day not widely known anywhere. Talk to random people in the streets and say ridiculous things. Try "Hello Granny! I haven't seen you in years!" while grinning, of course, or "Oh my gosh! Are you okay?" When they are clearly alive, fine and well. Just make sure you're picking someone who will laugh, and not someone who will think you're crazy. Ask random people if they've seen a rhino, and elephant, etc., "anywhere around here." Seem serious about it. But, of course, after a couple of minutes of pulling their leg, you may want to admit that it's a joke! Pretend like you don't know what some specific, common things are. When your friend asks you if you want a banana, say, "What's a banana?" Of course, some people may think you're certifiably crazy and may think you're harassing them. Choose your targets carefully and always do things with a smile on your face, showing you mean no harm. Overreact to the little things. For example, if you see a slinky, act as if it's a great discovery. Or, if you do a minor bad thing, like forget to push in your chair or crease a piece of paper, be inconsolable. How could you dare to do such a terrible thing?! No one will be able to tell if you're serious or not! If you see your friend step on an ant, say, “Oh no! What have you done?! Oh, little ant, your life was so short! Rest in peace!” And then move on, happy as a clam. Only do this on occasion. Again, if people can't predict your behavior, they'll probably just think you've lost your marbles. Have strange taste in food. For instance, say, "Oh my gosh! Are those Oreos? They're so spicy! I never knew they sold them here!" or "These pickles taste like my brother's wallpaper." Try foods most people don't eat or foods that people eat, but wouldn't eat the way you're eating. For example, bring a lemon to lunch and eat it like an orange, or put an orange in between two pieces of bread for an "orange sandwich." Or make a sandwich with gummy worms and ketchup. Have your own signature thing. You want a thing that's quintessentially you. It should be quirky and something no one else you know does. You could put a little skip in your walk, make a noise after every time you sneeze, always wear hats everywhere, or be afraid of clams. Be creative! It could be how you say things, when you say things, or even just the way you laugh. The tinier the thing, the more it'll stand out, too. Choose a strange hobby. You want to do something that no one else does, like collecting packing peanuts and turning them into sculptures, making piñatas, painting your nose, or writing bad poetry about Jackalopes. Who knows? If you're original enough you could turn it into a business! This hobby could be a strange pet, such as a pet rock, a pet ladder, a pet soda can, or a pet sneaker. Take it everywhere with you, and converse with it. Soon enough, you'll be the person “with the pet rock.” If you don't have it, eventually people will start asking you where it is! Make sure you have loyal friends who won't ditch you for being weird. Make up new words. Ninjas have ninjosity and ninjitude, for example. Use these words constantly, just like they're real words. If someone tells you something is not a word, tell them it is now! Explain philosophically why. Can't come up with something? Take a couple of your favorite words and mash them together. Your favorite words are bubble and flamingo? Bubbingo, it is. Now what's a bubbingo? Speak with strange accents. One day you fancy yourself Irish, one day you're French, and the next day you're Chinese. Why not? You could even invent your own accent if you'd like. Perhaps it's the accent of that made-up place you go to? Or try to talk in a really deep voice, or a really high one. wikiHow has a great article on speaking gibberish. That's a way of speaking your own language that is very easy to learn. If your friends learn it too, you could be "weird" together! Wildly fluctuate the tone and pitch of your voice at different times, too. Whisper when you don't need to, sing your words, or talk very, very, very slowly whenever you feel like it. But be warned, this can really get on some people's nerves! Interject a half-thought into a conversation. For best results make sure your half-thought has nothing to do with the conversation. Is everyone talking about that new song on the radio? All of a sudden, you come in with, “Oh, man. Blueberries. They're just so…” Or, interject and say the name of a random type of food. This is a good way to stop a conversation and get another one started. The current topic boring you? Say, "Did you see that TV show?" and your friends might be too distracted to go back to what they were originally thinking about. Talk to yourself and inanimate objects. Don't do it all the time (otherwise you'll just look schizophrenic) – just if someone around is ignoring you. That'll get them to pay attention to you for sure! A lull in the conversation? Friends boring you? Why not strike up a conversation with your notebook or your food? You could be the life of the party in no time! Weird, but the life of the party nonetheless. Make up nicknames for all your friends. Use a different one every day. They don't have to be good! Take aspects of their personality or their look (without being mean of course) and think about what fits them. Or what doesn't fit them! Some nicknames are funny because they are so unfitting. Have a friend who's way taller than you? He's "short stuff" for today. A friend who loves puppies? Call her "cheese puffs" – it doesn't have to do with anything! Change the words in their name. For example: Paige can turn into Peige. Do this only if your friends are okay with it. Bear in mind that this may not work as well in Australia, where redheads are often nicknamed 'Bluey.' Dress with clashing colors, textures, and patterns. Clothing is a major part of being crazy! Combine clashing colors or patterns to create outfits that can't help but stand out. Combine decades too, with new, modern clothes and vintage ones. Just make sure you're okay with everyone staring! Dress up in unusual clothing, too, such as fairy wings, witches' hats, or vampire teeth. Halloween costumes are always great, regardless of what day of the year it is. Don't wear what everyone else is wearing. If people are wearing skinny jeans, wear ripped up bell bottoms. If people are wearing checkers, wear some crazy design. Mix it up. Try thrift stores to find unique looks. Being weird is all about doing your own thing and standing out. To be truly weird, this may mean wearing clothes you don't actually care for. After all, it's about being weird and not being fashionable, right? Raid your mom or dad's closet to get ideas that are truly inspirational. Dress normally once in a while. When Halloween comes around, dress as someone completely normal. Choose other random, arbitrary days where you dress normal, too. Otherwise, people might just get used to what you wear. If you want to be weird, you have to be a little inconsistent. Being normal once in a while will highlight to others when you're being weird again. If you're weird all the time, they'll just come to expect it. Don't be someone who you are not. Nowadays, everyone is trying to be something. By just being yourself , you'll be a little weird. Finding someone who's truly genuine is a rare occurrence. Embrace the quirks that come to you naturally – they may be enough. Everything will come a lot easier if you do as you're naturally inclined. If you fake being weird, you're just putting on a show, and it'll be hard to keep consistent. What's more, it may bring you down not being you. All the more reason to be yourself! Don't pay attention to what others think. If you're concerned with your image, being weird will not come easy. You need to abandon what others expect of you and only think about what feels right to you. Your reputation does not matter – you are an oddball now. Whether you're an oddball or not, it shouldn't matter what others think. Those who matter won't mind who you are. Why should anyone else have any say in they you are or what you're like? Wait for your reputation to precede you. Once you start acting weirdly, word will get around that you're a little odd. Eventually people will just come to expect it. You may do something totally normally and just because it's you, people will get a kick out of it. So be sure you want to be weird – because it may last a while! What's more, you may forget how to act normal. Habit makes practice, after all. If being weird doesn't work for you, it could be difficult to go back to the way you used to be. So be sure before you take the dive into weirdness that you're ready for the commitment. Choose a new identity on occasion. Be Napoleon, the President, a princess, a prince, an elf, etc. Embody them in their look and in their personality. Hit up Halloween stores after Halloween for awesome discounts and make your own costumes, too. Try to think like them too! An elf wouldn't know what do with a cell phone, for example. When yours rings, you respond with, "Ahhh! What is this blasphemous contraption! How do I...hmm...interesting." | Invent your own places, and customs. Talk to random people in the streets and say ridiculous things. Overreact to the little things. Have strange taste in food. Have your own signature thing. Choose a strange hobby. Make up new words. Speak with strange accents. Interject a half-thought into a conversation. Talk to yourself and inanimate objects. Make up nicknames for all your friends. Dress with clashing colors, textures, and patterns. Don't wear what everyone else is wearing. Dress normally once in a while. Don't be someone who you are not. Don't pay attention to what others think. Wait for your reputation to precede you. Choose a new identity on occasion. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Karaoke | How to Do Karaoke | To pick a song to sing at karaoke, choose one that you already know all the words to and that fits your vocal range. Avoid slow ballads or songs with long instrumentals or repetitive phrases, as the audience might get bored. Tell the DJ which song you've picked, then wait for your turn. When your name is called, take a deep breath and sing along with the words on the screen. Relax and try to project confidence, move around during the song, and have fun during your performance. | Find a suitable location. Do you want to sing to an audience or with a few friends? Specialized karaoke bars exist and let you rent private rooms or sing to patrons for a small charge per song. Otherwise, many other businesses offer karaoke nights. Check with restaurants, bars, community centers, and other locations for advertisements stating when they allow performances. You may want to go ahead and sit in on a karaoke night first, especially if you're nervous. This will allow you to become familiar with the atmosphere and the particular crowd at the venue. Pick a song you know well. The karaoke DJ will most likely have a catalogue of songs for you to choose from. They may also have more recent songs they have yet to list in their binder. A good karaoke song is one that you know all the words to and be able to sing effectively. You should never be stuck humming parts, waiting for long instrumental breaks, repeating phrases often, or singing in a monotone. Listen to songs on sites such as Ameritz and Sunfly before you go. Many of the songs will sound different on stage because they have different arrangements for karaoke. Consider if you can sing the song as well. You don't need to have professional vocals, but you should be energetic. Choose a song with vocals that match yours, such as one that has more talk-singing instead of wailing if your singing voice will sound soft. Choose a song appropriate for the venue. Take a look at the people who will be listening to your performance. In karaoke, you're performing for them, so to keep the night fun, choose a song that keeps the energy level high in the room. Don't choose a long, slow ballad at the end of the night, for example, or show tunes in a standard bar where most people won't appreciate these songs. Remember that you can change your song up until your performance, so monitor the mood around you. Submit your entry. Many places have you write your name and song choice on a slip of paper. Figure out how to sign up for karaoke so that the DJ can call you up to the stage and queue your song. Watch how other people sign up or ask someone during songs. Wait patiently. Other people will want a chance to sing, so sit back and appreciate their performances instead of being rude. Listen to the performances and clap when one ends. Don't crowd around the DJ asking for your turn and don't interrupt someone else's performance. Respect the DJ. Be kind to the DJ and their equipment. Often running karaoke is work for them and they deal with many people who may be drunk, rude, or requesting the same song. When you request a song, give them a little bit of money. For special requests, such as bringing all your friends on stage to sing one song, give them an extra tip. If you need to politely ask the DJ a question, do it during a performance. When there's no singing, the DJ is usually busy setting up for the next song. Sing with confidence. So it's your turn at last. Now you have to go on stage with all the eyes in the room upon you. Breathe in. Breathe deeply and try to take in more air as you perform. This will help you relax and sing louder. Get into your performance. Don't be afraid to move around and project your voice. Have fun and you'll find that your performance benefits too. If you're singing karaoke with a mic, keep in mind that microphones will make your exhalations sound much louder. To bypass this, try to get clear unobstructed exhales from your nose, take a step back from the mic, or else shift the microphone so the top is a bit more parallel to the floor. Karaoke isn't about having the best voice in the room. Stay present and stay excited at being the focus of the attention for a few minutes. Sit down when your song ends. When your turn is done, go back to your seat. Don't try to perform another song. Also, move away from the stage. Crowding other performers, dancing in front of the stage, or jeering is bad etiquette. Choose song software. There are many ways you can bring karaoke into your home. Classic karaoke machines use CDs and DVDs, but a more common option now is computer software. Karaoke can be done using your computer and finding, streaming, or downloading songs as well as CDs and DVDs. Song software services such as KaraFun and Karaoke Version allow you to play karaoke songs from your computer for a monthly fee. Applications such as Yokee Karaoke and Red Karaoke work with phones and wireless speakers. Karaoke tracks can also be downloaded from sites such as Karasongs.com or Youtube. Some TV providers offer subscriptions to on-demand karaoke services such as The Karaoke Channel. Get a good microphone. Unless you're going to depend on the loudness of your own voice, you need amplification. Microphones have a wide range of prices and if you're starting out or don't plan to do karaoke often, you will be fine using an average microphone.that you can find in electronics stores or in karaoke shops online. If you're planning on singing with friends, get a second microphone for singalongs and duets. Some microphones now operate wirelessly. These are a little more expensive than the wired variety. Try using your microphones with headphones, so you can see what it's like to have your entire auditory space filled with your own voice and to better hear the subtle nuances in how a microphone makes your sound fuller and bigger. Make your own tracks. If there's a particular song you want to sing, you can make a karaoke track from it without much effort. This requires an audio editing computer program such as Audacity. Load the song in the editor. Separate the vocal track from the instrumental track. Invert one of the tracks, then change them both to mono. If you don't want to manipulate sound files yourself, download a program such as Karaoke Anything! to convert CD files and MP3s through a simple menu. Assemble a sound system. The more you perform karaoke in your home, outdoors, or at parties, the better sound quality you'll require. A laptop computer comes with small speakers that are good for you alone in your bedroom, but even cheap plug-in speakers project sound much better. Choose speakers designed for musical performance. These often have amplifiers built in, may be wireless or Bluetooth-capable, and can be found in electronic stores or online. Standard speakers, such as the ones you use with your TV, are designed to replay recorded audio, so they can't handle the range of singing vocals. As you customize your setup, you can add amplifiers, subwoofers, and additional speakers to create more sound range. | Find a suitable location. Pick a song you know well. Choose a song appropriate for the venue. Submit your entry. Wait patiently. Respect the DJ. Sing with confidence. Sit down when your song ends. Choose song software. Get a good microphone. Make your own tracks. Assemble a sound system. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Serve-Champagne | How to Serve Champagne | To serve champagne, first chill it in an ice bucket for 15-20 minutes, or in a refrigerator for 4 hours. You can gently pop the cork by loosening the wire cage, holding the cork firmly, and slowly rotating the bottle. To pour, hold the bottle at the base with your fingers around the body and pour down the side of the champagne flute. Drop a strawberry inside to add a subtle fruity flavor. To store your champagne when you're not drinking it, place it in a cool place, like a basement, to keep it between 40 and 60 °F. | Choose between champagne and sparkling wine. For a long time, all sparkling wine was referred to as "champagne" until many countries chose to apply the "rules of appellation." This restored the technical designation of champagne so that it referred only to those sparkling wines grown and made in the Champagne region of northeastern France. Champagne from the Champagne region continues to be the "gold standard" of sparkling wine because the climate is cool and combines with the chalky soil to produce very acidic grapes, ideal for making sparkling wine. Moreover, champagne from this region tends to be aged for years rather than the months of aging allowed for most other varieties. In other regions where sparkling wine is produced, it tends to be referred to as: Cava in Spain; Sekt in Germany; Spumante or Prosecco in Italy; and sparkling wine in Australia, the US, New Zealand, and South Africa. Use price as a guide for your selection. Bottle-fermented champagne and sparkling wine have a more labor-intensive production and the price should reflect this, while carbonated styles should be a lot cheaper. Mostly you get what you pay for with champagne and sparkling wine – so the more you pay, the better the experience. Select the kind of champagne you want based on production. Different methods can be used to create champagne, including the method champenoise , charmat , or cube close , which require varied lengths of time of fermentation in the bottle. A less time- and labor-intensive process is that of carbonating a still wine (known in some places as "carbonated pop wines"), which can still produce a pleasant sparkling wine. Choose based on taste. Most, but not all, sparkling wine is white and dry ( brut ) following the French Champagne style, while others are sweet in the Italian Asti Spumante style. You can also try prosecco, which is sparkling wine made in the Veneto region of Italy. If you fancy a little color for your dinner party, there are also some rosé sparkling wines (pinkish to red shades), as well as some red sparkling wines from such places as Australia and Argentina. While there is a wide variety available to choose from, some good choices include: Champagne: Dom Pérignon, Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, and Krug Grande Cuvée. Spumante: Asti, Franciacorta, and Trento. Prosecco: Nino Franco, Luna d'Or NV, La Marca, and Zonin. Sparkling wine: Schramsberg, Roederer Estate, Domaine Carneros, Tasmanian sparkling wines, and Marlborough region sparkling wines. Store the champagne in a cool place. Before you're ready to serve it, keep your champagne (and all wine) in cool-but-not-cold conditions with little direct light and very little variation in temperature. Basements that stay between 40ºF and 60ºF (4ºC-15ºC) are perfect. Store the champagne horizontally. Horizontal storage helps prevent the wine from spoiling and allows the cork to remain moist, which will help keep the air out and keep the gas in. This is an important factor in maintaining the flavor and bubbles in your champagne. Chill the champagne before serving. Colder champagne tastes better, but it is also less likely to bubble over when you open it. The ideal drinking temperature is between 45ºF and 48ºF (7ºC-9ºC). If you've got the time, 4 hours or more in a refrigerator will be enough to put your champagne into the proper range. The classic way to chill champagne is in an ice bucket. Champagne buckets are frequently larger than other wine chilling buckets to allow for more water and ice. You should fill the bucket with half water and half ice and let it chill for 15-20 minutes before serving. Decide what you will serve the champagne in. The traditional champagne flute – a tall, narrow glass – will preserve carbonation best. A wine glass with a slight belly-bulge at the bottom will allow more of the nose of the wine to accumulate without providing too much loss of carbonation. A champagne coupe is a wide mouth glass seen most often in the champagne glass pyramids at weddings. These are not ideal for the dry champagnes that are popular today, as they give up lots of the carbonation and do not maintain the vapors as well for the pungent aroma part of the experience. For an extra special presentation, create a champagne pyramid using champagne coupe glasses. It's best to opt for a less expensive type of champagne for this type of presentation. Pop the cork. To pop the cork of a champagne bottle quietly and safely, first you need to loosen the muselet (the wire cage that fits over the outside of the cork), but don't remove it completely. Then hold the champagne bottle at a 45̊ angle and begin rotating the base of the champagne bottle. Keep doing this until the cork loosens and pops off. Present the champagne. If you are serving champagne in a restaurant setting, it is common practice to present the bottle to the host of the party you are serving with the label facing them so they can read inspect and read the bottle. You may also serve a small sample to the host for their approval before dispensing the champagne to the other guests. Serve your customers in a clockwise fashion. Know how to pour champagne. The pouring aspect is very important because if the champagne is poured incorrectly, it can lose its distinctive bubbly taste. To correctly pour champagne, you should hold the bottle with one hand firmly at the base with your thumb in the punt (the depression) and spread your fingers out along the body of the bottle. Pour the champagne against the side of the glass rather than directly into the bottom. This will help the champagne maintain more of its bubbles. Additionally, remember that many bottles of champagne are stored in dank cellars that are less than spotless as far as clean storage conditions go. For this reason, you should never let the bottle touch the glass in any way as you pour. Pair the champagne successfully. In general, you'll find that champagne varieties pair well with cheeses, shellfish, lobster, shrimp, crab (in light sauces), oysters, sashimi, salmon roe, fish cakes, tempura, poultry, Asian foods, dishes containing basil and coriander, soy, wasabi, and desserts, including, of course, wedding cake. Dry champagne styles can be used as a palate cleansing aperitif, such as after eating salty snacks or sushi. Or, finish a meal with champagne to cleanse the palate, rather than having dessert. Champagne and sparkling wines are a good combination with rich and creamy food because of the strong acidity of the wine, especially dry champagne styles. Mid-sweet and very sweet sparkling wine styles (carbonated pop wines and very sweet spumantes) are best for drinking for fun, adding to punch, and enjoying with sweet desserts like ice cream or gelato. They also pair well with spicy foods as the can help balance out the dish. Rosé styles contain tannin and are good for matching with rich fish dishes, such as ocean trout or salmon. Serious red champagne styles (bottle-fermented, not the carbonated pop wine style) are great matched with red meat, game, and turkey dishes. Serve champagne as a part of another drink or food. Champagne can also be made into champagne cocktails, paired with a range of liqueurs and spirits that result in a mixed drink or even used in cooking or baking. It's just another twist on a way to serve your champagne, although it's probably best to reserve this serving use for less esteemed champagnes! For example, to make a very simple champagne cocktail, place 1 sugar cube in a champagne glass, add 5 drops of Angostura bitters, then fill the glass two thirds full with chilled champagne. Garnish with a slice of orange or a strawberry half. If you use slightly less than two-thirds a glass of champagne, then you should get approximately 5 cocktails from 1 standard champagne bottle. Make champagne sorbet for dessert. And if you have flat champagne, don't let it go to waste! Try making champagne cake , a brilliant solution to using leftover champagne in a tasty way. | Choose between champagne and sparkling wine. Use price as a guide for your selection. Select the kind of champagne you want based on production. Choose based on taste. Store the champagne in a cool place. Store the champagne horizontally. Chill the champagne before serving. Decide what you will serve the champagne in. Pop the cork. Present the champagne. Know how to pour champagne. Pair the champagne successfully. Serve champagne as a part of another drink or food. |
https://www.wikihow.com/File-a-Petition | How to File a Petition | To file a petition, start by contacting the state or federal government to learn about any filing requirements, which may include the format of the petition and minimum number of signatures required. Then, create your petition with a concise description of the issue you're concerned about and demands you want the government to consider. Next, gather signatures for your petition by campaigning online and in your local area. When you're ready to file, locate the correct address to send your petition to on the local, state, or federal government agency's website. | Identify a problem that you want the government to address. Whether it's national gun regulation or the placement of a stop sign at a busy intersection, you must identify an issue that you feel strongly about and on which you want the government to take action. Check governmental requirements for petitions. State or local governments may set forth specific requirements for a petition. You should contact your local governmental agency and inquire as to any requirements and request a sample petition. These requirements could include: The type of information that must be contained in the petition. The format of the petition. The number of signatures required. Whether you are required to get permission for your petition before you begin to circulate it and collect signatures. Names and addresses of designated representatives. If you are petitioning a governmental entity, you should also check whether there was already a petition filed on the matter and ask the agency what the rules are regarding duplicate petitions. Governmental petitions have specific rules and you should be sure that your new petition isn't declared invalid because it is duplicative. Create your own petition. Your petition should contain specific information detailing your cause and the steps that you want taken by the government. When drafting your petition, be sure that the petitions has a title that captures the essence of your campaign and includes your name and contact information. State your demands. Your petition should contain a section that specifically and concisely states the issue that you want addressed and the response that you are demanding from the governmental agency. If you are requesting that a new park be built in your area, do not simply say “we would like a new park.” Instead say, “we demand that the Council of Parks and Recreation allocate money to fund a new park in the Lincoln district of our town.” If your petition is related to a law or rule, specify the exact language that you want to change, add, or remove with your proposal. Make a well-supported argument. In order to have a successful petition, it must contain a strong argument supported by evidence. Your argument should show how your proposal would benefit the general public. For example, you could argue: “We require a new park for the Lincoln district because our district does not have any parks. We need an area where our children can play safely outdoors and learn about and enjoy nature. Studies have shown that children who spend at least 60 minutes a day playing outside are at a decreased risk for childhood obesity and other health concerns. By providing a safe and educational space for children to play outdoors, the Council of Parks and Recreation will be contributing to the health and well-being of the community's children.” Include documents and data that support your argument. Create a petition that includes facts, charts, graphs, scientific evidence, or photos that demonstrate why your proposal is sound, necessary, and a benefit to the community. List laws or rules that support your proposal. Create a signature form. This is the page (or pages) on which people add their signatures. Put the petition title on the top of the page (for example, Petition for New Park in Lincoln District). While each state or local government may have specific rules about what information to contain on the signature page and how the page should be formatted, generally some or all of the following information is required: Signer's printed name. Signer's signature. Signer's residence address. Signer's county. Signer's voter registration number. Date the petition was signed. Speak to people in person. For an issue of importance to a local community, you may generate the most support by speaking to community members in person. When gathering signatures for your petition, consider the following: Go to public places where you will be able to speak to the most people who you think will be impacted by this petition. If your petition is for a public park, attend local youth sporting events and speak to parents. Attend town hall meetings, public forums, or other public gatherings where people are discussing community issues. This group of concerned citizens may be most sympathetic to your petition and support your cause. When approaching community members with your petition, always be polite and considerate. No one wants to be bombarded by an angry petitioner when they are simply trying to get to work. Be mindful that even if someone supports your cause, he or she might be unable to do so at that exact moment either because of time or economic constraints. Simply thank them for their time. These same people may remember your polite demeanor and contact you when they have the resources or time to do so. Spread the world through email. Email your petition to all of your friends, family, and acquaintances. After emailing your original petition, send two or three follow up emails requesting new support and updating your supporters on your progress. Create an online presence for your petition. Whether you use an online forum, social media, or a blog , creating an online presence can dramatically increase the number of people you can educate and inform about your petition. Consider the following when creating an online presence for your petition: Create an area for discussion so that people can ask questions and you can respond. If you are required to submit hardcopy signatures, choose a few convenient times and locations (such as a local grocery store) where people can stop by and sign the petition. Use a variety of social media platforms to spread your message. It is particularly important to create an online presence for your petition if your petition concerns a national issue. Consider using online petition organizations such as change.org that pass your petition to its registered users. The White House also has a petition website, where you can both create and sign petitions located at https://petitions.whitehouse.gov. Use the media to bring attention to your issue. Contact local newspapers and television news media and educate them about your issue and its importance to the community. Local news media often highlights stories of local interest and importance. This type of coverage can help you reach a broader audience. Send your petition to the appropriate local, state, or federal agency. All levels of government have different rules governing how you can file a petition. To identify the requirements for filing a petition in your community, consider the following: Visit your state's website. Conduct an internet search with your state's name followed by “petition requirements.” The search usually directs you to the appropriate links. For a government agency, check the agency's website for instructions on where to send or file a petition. Typically, there will be a search window on the website where you can search for “petition.” Locate the proper place to submit a petition. Some agencies have a central office that receives all petitions, while other agencies ask that you send petitions to specific officers. For instance, if you were filing a petition to have an Act placed on the ballot in the state of Maryland, you would need to send your petition to the Secretary of State in Maryland. You can usually locate this information on the agency's website or by calling the agency directly. Call your local or state government's office, and ask to speak with a clerk about the steps that you can take to file your petition. Look for agency acknowledgment and receipt of your petition. Each state and federal agency handles petitions differently. The agency you filed your petition with may post notices to the public on their websites, publish a receipt of notice on the Federal Register or contact you personally. You may be able to locate this information within the petition requirements or by asking the agency directly. Wait while your petition is processed. There is no general rule that specifies when different levels of government must respond to a petition. You should ask the agency you are petitioning when you should expect to hear a decision. Some agencies set forth a specific timeline, such a 30 days. Some agencies may open the petition up to public input, which extends the decision-making timeline. Some agencies may consider your petition privately and internally. Decisions on federal rulemaking petitions are published in the Federal Register. Understand ballot initiatives. In a few states, for example California and Oregon, ballot initiatives can be used to propose laws and constitutional amendments without the government's support. This process allows citizens of a state to directly influence the laws that are created. Seek the assistance of a lawyer. The first step in the initiative process is writing the proposed law. Before you sit down and write the law yourself, you may want to consider hiring a professional. Lawyers have an understanding of how laws are often formatted and worded, and they are great resources at the beginning of the initiative writing process. If you are seeking the assistance of a lawyer, see if your state has any lawyers that specialize in drafting initiatives. If you cannot find a lawyer that specializes in this matter, try finding an attorney who specializes in the subject matter the initiative is about. For example, if you are going to draft an initiative about the criminal justice system and sentencing laws, you should obtain the help of a criminal lawyer. Obtain assistance from the government. In some states, for example California, you can ask the Office of Legislative Counsel for help. In order to do so, you must get the signature of 25 or more electors and make a presentation to the Legislative Counsel. The Legislative Counsel will determine if they should assist, and if they decide to, they will draft the proposed law. Write the proposed law yourself. If you wish, you can always draft the proposal yourself. To do so successfully, you will need to draft a persuasive and actionable proposal. For example, you should create an engaging and truthful title. It should be something that explains what the initiative is about but it should not mislead readers. Additionally, the initiative language should be grammatically correct, actionable, and decisive. A poorly worded ballot measure can lead to minimal support and ultimately failure on election day. If you have the resources, you should consider using an attorney or the Legislative Counsel. Ask for a review. After you have prepared the initiative's language, you can often ask to have it reviewed by someone in the government. In California, you can ask the Secretary of State to review the proposal with respect to form and language clarity. The Secretary of State will also obtain a statement of fiscal impact, which will detail the budgetary impact of any proposed law. Submit the proposed initiative to the attorney general. Once the proposed law has been written, you will need to submit it to your state government. When you submit the initiative, you will also request that the government create a working title and summary of the initiative. In California, you will submit your request to the Attorney General. The Attorney General will be responsible for creating a title for the initiative and for providing an official summary. Pay the required fee. At the same time you submit your proposal, you will be required to pay a certain fee. In California, the fee is $200 and it is placed in a trust fund. If the proposal makes it on the ballot within two years of submission, the fee will be refunded. If your proposal fails to make the ballot, the fee will be kept. Sign the required certification. When you submit the proposed initiative, you will have to sign a certification stating that you are a citizen of the state where you are submitting the initiative. In addition, you will usually have to submit your contact information so people can get ahold of you. Execute a prepared statement. In most states, you will also have to sign a statement promising to not use any signatures you receive for improper purposes. Allow for public review. After you have signed and submitted everything, the government will distribute the initiative for public review. In California, public comment needs to last at least 30 days. During the public comment period, any member of the public can submit written comments about the proposed initiative. Circulate your petition. The last step in the initiative process is the signature process. All states will provide you with a maximum amount of time your proposal can circulate. In California, you are allowed a maximum of 180 days to circulate your petition and get signatures. Obtain the required number of signatures. Each state will have laws on how many signatures are necessary to get an initiative on the ballot. Be sure you know these requirements and set goals that exceed the minimum signature requirements. In California, if you are proposing a statute, you will need a minimum of 365,880 signatures. If you are proposing a constitutional amendment, you will need 585,407 signatures. Be aware that only signatures of citizens who are registered to vote will count. Therefore, some signatures you receive will most likely not count. this is why it is important to get more signatures than just the minimum. Turn in your signatures. Once you have collected the required number of signatures, you will submit the petition to the required government entity. At this point, the petition process is complete. | Identify a problem that you want the government to address. Check governmental requirements for petitions. Create your own petition. State your demands. Make a well-supported argument. Create a signature form. Speak to people in person. Spread the world through email. Create an online presence for your petition. Use the media to bring attention to your issue. Send your petition to the appropriate local, state, or federal agency. Look for agency acknowledgment and receipt of your petition. Wait while your petition is processed. Understand ballot initiatives. Seek the assistance of a lawyer. Obtain assistance from the government. Write the proposed law yourself. Ask for a review. Submit the proposed initiative to the attorney general. Pay the required fee. Sign the required certification. Execute a prepared statement. Allow for public review. Circulate your petition. Obtain the required number of signatures. Turn in your signatures. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Understand-Hexadecimal | How to Understand Hexadecimal | To understand hexadecimal, first learn that in this number system there are 16 different symbols used to denote values from 0 to 15. The 16 symbols used in the hexadecimal number system form the base. Since hexadecimal is based on 16, the place values are based on powers of 16. To convert from hexadecimal to decimal, write out the hexadecimal number, convert non-decimal symbols into decimal numbers, and solve the problem. | Learn what hexadecimal is. Just like the decimal number system uses ten different symbols to denote values from Zero to Nine , the hexadecimal number system uses sixteen different symbols to denote values from Zero to Fifteen. Any number can be written in either system. Here's how to start counting in hexadecimal: zero through fifteen: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, F sixteen through thirty-two: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 20 Learn how to write bases. The ten symbols used in the decimal number system form the base of the decimal number system. Similarly, the sixteen symbols used in the hexadecimal number system form the base of the hexadecimal number system. Whenever it's unclear which base is being used, subscript numbers are added to show the base. For example, 100 10 is "100 in base 10" and 100 16 is "100 in base 16" (which equals 256 10 ). Another term for "base" is "radix" (pluralized "radixes" or "radices"). Understand place values in decimal. We can understand long numbers written in base 10 without even pausing to think, but that's only because we've had a lot of practice. We know automatically that "5834 10 " means 5x10 + 8x10 + 3x10 + 4x10. Each digit in a multi-digit number has its own place value. Here are the place values in decimal, from right to left: 10 10 = 1 10 10 = 10 10 10 = 10x10 = 100 10 = 10x10x10 = 1000 10 = 10x10x10x10 = 10000 10 = 10x10x10x10x10 = 100000 & so on. Learn the hexadecimal place values. Since hexadecimal is base sixteen, the place values are based on powers of sixteen, not powers of ten. Here are the powers of sixteen, written in decimal. 16 10 = 1 16 10 = 16 10 16 =16x16= 256 16 =16x16x16= 4096 16 =16x16x16x16= 65536 16 =16x16x16x16x16= 1048576 & so on. If we write these in hexadecimal, these would instead be written as 10 16 , 100, 1000, etc. Convert from hexadecimal to decimal. Converting between two bases is a good way to become familiar with how each system works. Here's how to convert from any number in hexadecimal to the same number written in decimal: Write out your hexadecimal number: 15B30 16 Write each digit out as a decimal multiplication problem, using the place value in the chart above: 15B30 = (1 x 65536 10 ) + (5 x 4096 10 ) + (B x 256 10 ) + (3 x 16 10 ) + (0 x 1) Convert non-decimal symbols into decimal numbers. In our example, B = 11 10 , so that digit can be converted to 11 10 x 256 10 Solve the problem. Use a calculator or work it out by hand, and you'll get the answer in decimal. 15B30 = 65536 + 20480 + 2816 + 48 + 0 = 88880 10 Understand how colors on a computer screen are determined. All colors on a computer screen are determined by three values: red, green, and blue. All colors of light can be created by combining these three types of light in different proportions. On a computer screen, red, green, and blue can each be assigned any value from 0 to 255 (for a total of 256 possible values). This doesn't match the "primary" colors you learned in school, because that color system is based on physical pigment (like paint), not light. The paint system is sometimes called "subtractive color system" and the light system (the RGB system described here) "additive." Learn why hexadecimal is used for colors. HTML uses hexadecimal to describe colors. This is convenient, since a two-digit hexadecimal number can communicate exactly 256 10 possible values. This isn't a coincidence; the number 256 10 is due to limitations of old hardware, which could only handle 100000000 2 colors, or 256 10. Because 2 = 16 10 , any binary system can be easily converted to a hexadecimal system with ¼ as many digits. The subscript numbers tell you which base the numbers is written in. Base 2 is binary, base 10 is ordinary decimal, and base 16 is hexadecimal. Understand how the system works. The hexadecimal color system is easy to understand, once you know how it works. The first two digits are the red value, the next two are the green value, and the last two are the blue value. Here are some examples: #FFFFFF is white, while #000000 is black. Any color with equal r, g, and b values (besides black and white) is a shade of grey, such as #121212, #5A5A5A, or #C0C0C0 #003000 is a very dark green. #003F00 is barely any lighter (you've only added F, or 16 10 green), but #00FF00 is the brightest possible green (adding an additional C0, or 192 10 ). More complex colors are created by using all three types of light. Try to guess #7FFFD4, #8A2BE2, or #A0522D. Teach yourself to read hexadecimal intuitively. Use the examples below as "milestones" to help you estimate the size of a hexadecimal number. This will give you a more intuitive understanding of hexadecimal, and let you read hexadecimal numbers without laboriously converting to decimal every time. As you'll see, one advantage to hexadecimal is that the number of digits doesn't increase nearly as fast as it does in decimal: Humans have A fingers, or 14 16 if you count the toes too. (Remember, the subscript 16 means a number is written in base sixteen.) In a residential area, drive below 19 16 miles per hour (or 28 16 kilometers per hour). A typical highway driving speed is 3C mph (or 64 16 kph). Water boils at D4 ºFahrenheit (64 16 º Celsius). The median U.S. income is roughly C350 dollars a year. The population of the world is over 1A0,000,000. Learn hexadecimal addition. You can do hexadecimal addition problems without ever converting to another system. It does take some mental effort and practice to remember the new rules. Here are a few methods and tips: Count up one by one, using hexadecimal digits. For instance to solve 7+5 in hex, count 7, 8, 9, A, B, C. Learn the addition tables. A much faster method is to memorize the hexadecimal addition tables , which you can practice with an online quiz. Once you know that A + 7 = 11 16 , you don't have to laboriously count it out any more. Carry the one when needed. If your addition gets you past F, you "carry the one" as you would in a normal addition problem. For example, A+5 = F, A+6 = 10 16 , A+7 = 11 16 , and so on. Similarly, 3A+6 = 40 16 , 3A+7 = 41 16 , etc. Learn hexadecimal multiplication. Just like regular multiplication, the best way to become competent at hexadecimal multiplication is to memorize the multiplication tables. Here's the hex "6 times table" as an example (all numbers are hexadecimal): 6 x 1 = 6 6 x 2 = C 6 x 3 = 12 6 x 4 = 18 6 x 5 = 1E 6 x 6 = 24 6 x 7 = 2A 6 x 8 = 30 6 x 9 = 36 6 x A = 3C 6 x B = 42 6 x C = 48 6 x D = 4E 6 x E = 54 6 x F = 5A | Learn what hexadecimal is. Learn how to write bases. Understand place values in decimal. Learn the hexadecimal place values. Convert from hexadecimal to decimal. Understand how colors on a computer screen are determined. Learn why hexadecimal is used for colors. Understand how the system works. Teach yourself to read hexadecimal intuitively. Learn hexadecimal addition. Learn hexadecimal multiplication. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Use-a-Manual-Can-Opener | How to Use a Manual Can Opener | To use a manual can opener, start by opening up the arms. Then, place the circular cutting blade on the lip of the can lid, and close the arms to puncture the lid. Next, twist the can opener handle clockwise so the blade rolls along the edge of the lid and cuts it open. Finally, once you've nearly gone all the way around, remove the can opener and carefully use your fingers to lift up the lid. | Open the arms of the can opener. The arms of the can opener need to be in the open position so that the cutting edge can be fitted to the can. Grasp 1 arm of the can opener with each hand and gently pull the arms apart. The arms will lightly lock in place when they are in the open position. The arms of the can opener only need to be open while you are fitting it to the can, rather than while the can opener is in use. You can either keep the can on a flat surface while you use the can opener or hold it in the air. Place the cutting edge of the can opener on top of the lip of the can lid. Keep the arms of the can opener in the open position while you align the cutting edge. Ensure that the cutting edge is resting on top of the lip of the can and that the serrated wheel is lined up in the furrow that circles the can's edge. Then make sure that the rotating handle is positioned on the outside of the can, so that you are able to easily turn it. On the can opener, the cutting edge is situated alongside the handle, the axle, and the serrated wheel that bites into the rim of the can lid. The purpose of the serrated wheel is to hold onto the can lid, keeping the can opener attached and stable while the cutting edge cuts into the can lid. The cutting edge hangs over the small raised lip adjacent to the furrow. Close the arms of the can opener to puncture the lid of the can. Press the handles of the can opener together. This pushes the cutting edge into the lid of the can. Listen for the hissing sound as the cutting edge punctures through the lid and releases the pressure from inside the can. You may need to use 2 hands to close the can opener arms if it's too difficult. Twist the can opener handle to rotate the cutting edge around the lid. Hold the can opener arms in 1 hand and twist the handle clockwise with your other hand. This causes the serrated wheel to roll around the edge of the can which makes the cutting edge move and puncture through the can. Work your way around the can lid until it has mostly separated from the can and only ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) of the lid remains connected. Alternatively, you can continue to cut the lid until it comes off completely. If you don't apply enough pressure while you're turning the handle, the can opener might stop puncturing the surface. In this case, detach the can opener from the can, reattach it at the last point where the lid was cut, and try again. Lift the lid from the can to remove it. Once you have almost completely separated the lid from the can, open the arms of the can opener and pull it away from the can. Then use your fingernails or a knife to carefully pry the lid of the can upward so that you can see the contents. Pour the contents out of the can and recycle or discard the can. Be very cautious not to cut yourself on the razor-sharp edge of the can or the severed lid. It's safe to pinch the flat top and bottom of the lid, but try not to touch the sides. If the lid has separated from the can entirely and has sunken into the contents, pry it out with a knife or another flat, sturdy object. Unfold the can opener blade from the Swiss Army knife. Get your Swiss Army knife and fold out the can opener blade. The can opener blade has a long straight edge, a rounded tip, and the second long edge which is made up of a curved hook that protrudes into the center of the blade. The can opener blade can also be used as a screwdriver! Some Swiss Army knife can openers can function as a bottle opener too. In this case, the can opener will have a slight indentation down the long edge. Puncture the lip of the can with the tip of the can opener blade. Hold the can steady with your non-dominant hand. Then hold the tip of the can opener blade against the lip of the can and press down firmly. Puncture through the can with the blade to hook the attachment onto the can. Then gently rock the handle of the Swiss Army knife back and forth to cut along the can. It's important to hold the can steady while you work so that the contents don't spill out. If your Swiss Army knife can opener is a bottle opener too, hold the Swiss Army knife at a right angle to the can and puncture through the lid by pushing the cutting edge down and then rocking it forward. Work your way clockwise around the can to cut through the lip. Continue the motion of puncturing the blade through the can and then rocking the handle back to forth to cut further along the can. Use your dominant hand to grip the handle of the Swiss Army knife at all times and to apply a lot of pressure as you puncture the can. You can either continue opening the can until the top is fully separated or you can leave a tiny part of the can still attached. If you are using a Swiss Army knife can opener that is also a bottle opener, it's easiest to work anticlockwise around the can. Use the can opener again over any spots you may have missed. If you go to remove the lid from the can but you find that it's still attached in some spots, this is an easy fix! Simply place the can opener blade where the lid is still stuck to the can and puncture through the can with the blade. Then try to remove the lid again. Lift the can lid out of the can. Once the lid is fully separated from rest of the can, you can now carefully take it out! Insert the can opener blade underneath the separated lid and push the lid up gently. Use your fingers to carefully lift the lid out of the can. Be very careful not to touch the edges of the lid, as these are very sharp. | Open the arms of the can opener. Place the cutting edge of the can opener on top of the lip of the can lid. Close the arms of the can opener to puncture the lid of the can. Twist the can opener handle to rotate the cutting edge around the lid. Lift the lid from the can to remove it. Unfold the can opener blade from the Swiss Army knife. Puncture the lip of the can with the tip of the can opener blade. Work your way clockwise around the can to cut through the lip. Use the can opener again over any spots you may have missed. Lift the can lid out of the can. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Paint-Off-Brick | How to Take Paint Off Brick | To take paint off bricks, you'll need to use a caustic paint stripper designed for masonry. Make sure you wear protective goggles, gloves, and long-sleeved clothes. You should also protect the floor underneath your bricks by laying down an old cloth or towel. You'll need to apply the paint stripper in sections as big as the plastic sheeting that comes with your paint stripper. Brush the paint stripper on in thick layers, spread the sheet over the stripper, and press it onto the bricks. After 30 minutes, you can peel the plastic sheeting off and throw it away. If there's any dried paint stripper left on the brickwork, use a paint scraper or putty knife to get rid of it. If you can't remove some of the paint, you might need to apply a second layer of paint stripper. | Buy a caustic paint stripper designed for masonry. While you may be able to physically scrape your paint off with a scraper or steel wool, you won't completely remove the paint from the pores of the masonry without using a chemical paint stripper. Look online or buy a caustic paint stripper from your local hardware store. Paint strippers vary brand by brand, so look for a stripper specifically designed for masonry. Avoid spray strippers unless you're working in an isolated area. These sprays tend to be a little weaker and are much harder to use. If you're removing paint from a wall, look for a stripper that does not contain methylene chloride. Methylene-free strippers tend to have thick textures and won't easily drip down a vertical surface. Paint strippers are often marketed as paint removers. Get a kit that comes with plastic sheeting for the stripper to make things easier. Strippers that rely on air drying need to be washed away and don't tend to be as effective. Clean your walls by washing them with a hose or wet cloth. To prepare your bricks for paint stripping, clean them with lukewarm water. If you're stripping a smaller set of bricks, soak a towel or cloth in water and wash the bricks by hand. If you have a larger brick surface that you're stripping and it's outside, rinse the surface with a hose. Wait 6-12 hours for your bricks to air dry. It's not the end of the world if you don't wash your bricks, but it will be a little tougher to scrape the paint away if you don't clean them. Set a drop cloth out underneath your brick to catch debris. Paint stripper will damage the yard or asphalt around your home if you're stripping an exterior wall, and the old paint will fly all over the place once you begin scraping the paint away if you're indoors. Get a large plastic drop cloth and lay it down underneath the bricksthat you're going to strip. If it's a little windy and you're working outside, weigh the drop cloth down with cinderblocks or bricks. This process typically takes a few hours. Don't start this process if it's really cold or forecasted to rain. Go ahead and skip this step if you're stripping bricks on a floor. Put on the protective gear listed on your type of paint stripper. While the safety gear is different for every brand of paint stripper, you'll definitely need to wear protective eyewear, long-sleeve clothing, and thick rubber, neoprene, or nitrile gloves. If you're working outside, wear a face shield to protect your face and neck. Read your container carefully to determine what you need to do to stay safe while applying your paint stripper. You normally don't have to wear a respirator, but you may want to wear one if you're working inside to avoid irritating your lungs. If you're using a stripper indoors, open the windows to keep the room well-ventilated. Turn on any fans to increase the air flow as well. Keep any pets or children out of the room where you'll be working—preferably on a different floor. Work in sections based on the size of your plastic sheeting. Paint stripper comes with plastic sheeting that you lay over the stripper after you apply it. This means that you need to apply stripper in sections based on how big your sheeting is. Measure the size of one of your plastic sheets to get a good idea of how big each section needs to be. These sheets are typically around 5 by 5 feet (1.5 by 1.5 m), but your sheets may be a little bigger or smaller. You don't need to be exact about it, though. If your sheets are 8 by 8 ft (2.4 by 2.4 m) for example, it's not a big deal if you cover a 10 by 12 ft (3.0 by 3.7 m) section in stripper before applying the sheet. If you do need plastic sheeting and it didn't come with your stripper, purchase peel-away laminated paper. This is the same thing as the plastic sheeting that comes with the stripper kits. Some paint strippers don't use plastic sheeting, but most caustic strippers do. However, if your stripper doesn't rely on sheeting to eat away the paint, skip the steps related to the plastic sheeting. Apply the stripper using a trowel or paint brush. Read your can of paint stripper to see if you apply it with a brush or some other tool. Usually, you use a 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm) flat brush to apply the stripper. Open the can of paint stripper and pour it into a paint tray. Dip your brush into the stripper and apply the stripper in the direction of the brick using back-and-forth strokes. Your brush strokes don't really matter. How the paint stripper is applied matters less than how thick it is once you apply it. If you're using a trowel or putty knife to apply your stripper, dip the blade into the stripper and scrape it into the surface by dragging the loaded edge across the surface at a 45-degree angle. Reload your stripper as needed to apply more of it. If you're stripping a tall wall, get a stable ladder and work your way from the top of the wall to the bottom. Enlist a friend to hold the ladder at the bottom so that you don't fall off while you work. Build up a layer of stripper thicker than 1⁄4–1⁄2 in (0.64–1.27 cm). Continue applying paint stripper to your first section of the brick until you build up a thick layer. Reload your brush, knife, or trowel as needed to continue layering the stripper on top of itself. Stop adding paint stripper once the layer is at least ⁄ 8 in (0.32 cm) thick. Paint stripper is usually white, and it should be pretty easy to recognize when you've missed a section. Spread your plastic sheet over the stripper and press it into the brick. Once you've covered your first section, grab one of your plastic sheets. Lift the sheet up with both hands and orient the sheet with any writing facing out. Then, starting in a top corner, press the sheet into the paint stripper. Use your palm to press the sheet into the wall and smooth it out as you move towards the opposite corner. Use both of your palms to smooth the sheet down until it's completely adhered to the wall. Push air bubbles out towards the edges of the sheeting to remove them. You may need to remove an adhesive back before applying the sheet, but most plastic sheets come ready to be applied. If you're using a ladder, don't unfold your sheet until you get to the top of the ladder. Enlist a friend to hold it for you and work slowly to ensure that you stay safe. Some strippers don't use plastic sheeting. If your stripper doesn't, simply let it air dry after applying it before washing and scraping it off. Continue working in small sections until you cover the entire surface. Once your first sheet is applied, pick your paint stripper back up and work on the section next to it. Apply your paint stripper and build it up into a thick layer. Add your second plastic sheet, overlapping the edge of the sheet next to it. Continue doing this until your wall is entirely covered in the plastic sheeting. Depending on the size of your wall, this may be time consuming. For an exterior wall, expect to spend a few hours applying the sheets. Wait for the stripper to eat away the paint based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the stripper is covered, read the instructions on your container to determine how long you need to wait for the stripper to eat away the paint. Wait a minimum of 30 minutes to give the stripper time to work its way into the porous bricks. At most, you may need to wait 12 hours for the stripper to work. In most cases, the stripper will be more effective the longer you wait. If your stripper lists a range of waiting times, like 30-60 minutes, wait the maximum amount of time listed if you want to make this process easier. Peel the plastic sheets off of the brick and discard them. Once you've waited at least 30 minutes, peel the sheets off of the wall. Either lift the corners of each sheet off by hand or use your putty knife or trowel to scrape an edge out. Peel each sheet sheet slowly to ensure that you don't rip any of the grout or brick out with your plastic. Take off every sheet and discard them in a thick garbage bag to safely discard them. You may notice a lot of the stripper peeling off with your sheets, revealing the clean brick underneath. Don't worry if this doesn't happen, though. The remaining paint should be pretty easy to remove. Use a scraper to peel the dried stripper away. With your sheets removed, grab a putty knife, paint scraper, or chisel. Press the blade of your scraping tool into the wall at a 45-degree angle. Scrape away from you in the direction of the brick to remove a layer of the dried stripper. Continue this process until you've scraped the remaining paint away. This process should be fairly easy. You shouldn't need to apply a lot of pressure to remove the weakened paint. However, this can take quite some time. Expect to spend a few hours scraping a large external wall. Fold your drop cloth up and discard it along with your used plastic sheeting. Reapply more paint stripper if you can’t remove some of the paint. If you find it extremely difficult to remove some of the paint, don't keep grinding your scraper into the brick. Instead, reapply a small layer of paint stripper over the area and add a new sheet. Wait the minimum amount of time listed on the stripper's container before removing the sheet and scraping the resilient paint away. If your brick has been painted over multiple times, you may need to repeat the entire process across your entire surface. Wash the brick after removing the paint to clear any debris away. On an exterior wall, grab a hose and attach a sprayer to the end. Turn the hose on and spray your wall at an angle away from you to wipe away any remaining residue from your paint stripper. If you're stripping an interior wall, use a damp cloth and a stiff-bristled brush to carefully scrub any residue away. Let your brick air dry after washing it. | Buy a caustic paint stripper designed for masonry. Clean your walls by washing them with a hose or wet cloth. Set a drop cloth out underneath your brick to catch debris. Put on the protective gear listed on your type of paint stripper. Work in sections based on the size of your plastic sheeting. Apply the stripper using a trowel or paint brush. Build up a layer of stripper thicker than 1⁄4–1⁄2 in (0.64–1.27 cm). Spread your plastic sheet over the stripper and press it into the brick. Continue working in small sections until you cover the entire surface. Wait for the stripper to eat away the paint based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Peel the plastic sheets off of the brick and discard them. Use a scraper to peel the dried stripper away. Reapply more paint stripper if you can’t remove some of the paint. Wash the brick after removing the paint to clear any debris away. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-Employees-to-Complete-a-Survey | How to Ask Employees to Complete a Survey | If you need to ask your employees to complete a survey, get them ready for it by sending them an email a couple of weeks ahead of time. Once you're ready to send out the survey, include a memo with it that lays out all of the key information. For instance, tell your employees why you are conducting the survey and how the results will eventually be used. Make sure to reassure them that their answers are confidential. That way, more people are likely to complete the survey. You should also give your employees a deadline and a confidential place to turn in their responses, like the employee breakroom. | Let your employees know the survey is coming. Send your employees a couple of emails in the weeks before you send out the survey. If they know it's coming, it will already be on their mind when it actually arrives. This can increase the likelihood they'll complete the survey. Write a memo with key information about the survey. Once you're ready to send out the survey, include a memo with it. The memo should include all of the key information about the survey. Tell your employees what is happening and why. For example, you can say something as simple as "We are conducting an employee survey to gauge employee satisfaction after our business merger." Make sure you reassure your employees that the survey is confidential. Tell your employees how you'll use the results. For example, you can say "We'll use your responses to reorganize how you work with your supervisors." Give your employees a deadline and tell them where to turn in their surveys. Make sure you set up a confidential place for turning in their surveys. A common area is best, like a breakroom or near the time-clock. Tell your employees how long it will take. If employees know up front how long the survey will take, they're more likely to schedule the time to complete it. If you don't give them any indication of how long they need to spend, they'll likely skip the survey. Make sure you tell your employees that they can complete their surveys on company time. They'll be more likely to complete it if they know they can take some time to do it at work than if they have to take it home. Have the highest-ranked leader possible sign the memo. If the invitation to participate in the survey comes directly from a high-ranking leader, employees are more likely to feel listened to and therefore more likely to participate. Give paper-based surveys. Computer-based surveys are easier to collect, but employees also know that there are ways to track their responses (even if you're not doing so). Allowing your employees to fill out paper-based surveys will make them feel that their answers are more likely to be anonymous. Include the surveys with the invitation memo. If you include the survey (and a blank envelope for returning it) with the invitation memo, employees don't need to worry about asking for one or picking one up from somewhere everyone can see them. It increases their sense of anonymity and allows you to keep their answers confidential. Set up an anonymous place for turning in the surveys. If you ask employees to give their completed surveys to someone within the company, they're less likely to turn them in. They might worry that the person collecting the surveys will look at their answers, or that they'll track which survey was theirs. Instead, set up a locked collection box where employees can drop completed surveys. Provide incentives for completing the survey. Group incentives for completing the surveys can help increase the response rate. For example, you could offer in-office lunch to the department with the highest response rate. If your company is small, rely on individual incentives. Rely on scale questions. Scale questions present an opinion, fact, or situation and then ask respondents to rate how true or likely it is. Employees are more likely to respond to these types of questions, since they only have to fill in a bubble, than open-ended questions where they have to write out an answer. For example, you can ask questions like "My supervisor resolves customer conflict quickly" and then offer scale answers. Give them 5 bubbles in a horizontal line, and place "Strongly disagree" above the bubble all the way to the left and "Strongly agree" above the bubble all the way to the right. Write a survey that takes less than 20 minutes. If your survey is too long, your employees are likely to give up halfway through and never turn it in. The survey should only take about 20 minutes, which would mean 50 to 75 scale questions. Phrase some questions negatively. If you ask too many questions that seem to suggest you're looking for a positive answer, employees might stop the survey. Phrasing about a third of your survey questions negatively can prevent this. For example, instead of wording a question that says "We do a good job of resolving conflicts in my department," word it so it says "We do a poor job of resolving conflicts in my department." Place questions about demographics at the end of the survey. One of the most important factors in getting employees to answer surveys is anonymity. If you ask demographic questions up front, employees may feel it will reveal who they are, and they'll be less likely to answer the rest of the survey. If you do have to ask demographic questions, limit how many you include. Three is the absolute most you should use. | Let your employees know the survey is coming. Write a memo with key information about the survey. Tell your employees how long it will take. Have the highest-ranked leader possible sign the memo. Give paper-based surveys. Include the surveys with the invitation memo. Set up an anonymous place for turning in the surveys. Provide incentives for completing the survey. Rely on scale questions. Write a survey that takes less than 20 minutes. Phrase some questions negatively. Place questions about demographics at the end of the survey. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pani-Puri | How to Make Pani Puri | To make pani puri, make the puri dough out of olive oil, water, and rava, also called semolina, and maida, or white cake flour. Knead the dough, then roll it into a 1/4-inch thick sheet and cut smaller circles out of the dough. Fry the circles in hot oil for about 20-30 seconds until they're crispy. For the filling, boil and mash potatoes, then mix in red chili powder, chopped green chilis, onions, chat masala, and coriander leaves. Stir in chickpeas, then top the puri with the filling and a pani sauce. | Mix the flours with a few spoonfuls or warm water. In a mixing bowl, combine the flours and a pinch of salt. Add one teaspoon of warm water and mix it with your fingers. Add another spoonful of water and mix more. The dough should be course and loose in texture, rather than moist. Add the water very slowly, in small increments, so that you don't end up mixing in too much. Puri dough should never be wet or sticky. If the dough seems very moist, work in some extra maida (or cake flour) to absorb the extra moisture. Knead the dough well. Use your hands to knead the dough for about 7 minutes, until it becomes tight, stretchy and shiny. This will encourage the formation of gluten, which is essential to the texture of the finished puris. If the dough feels loose and falls apart, keep kneading. You should be able to stretch the dough without it breaking. If you wish, you can knead the dough using the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer. Add a teaspoon of oil and keep kneading. Pour the oil over the dough and knead it into the dough for another 3 minutes. This will improve the flavor and texture of the dough. Rest the dough. Form it into a ball and place it in the a bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp dishcloth. Set the bowl in a dry, warm place. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to rest. This will further improve the texture of the finished puris. Roll the dough very thin. Place the ball of dough on an oiled surface and use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a circle no thicker than ⁄ 4 inch (0.6 cm). The dough should be easy to roll thin without tearing. It may snap back when you attempt to roll it, but with a little work you'll be able to create a large, thin circle of dough. Cut the dough into smaller circles. You can use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a cup. Cut out as many dough circles as possible from the rolled-out dough. Heat oil for frying. Pour 2 inches (5.1 cm) of oil into a stockpot or high-sided frying pan. Heat the oil until it reaches 400 °F (204 °C), or a bit of dough dropped into the oil sizzles and browns. Fry the puris. When the oil is hot, place a few dough circles into the oil to cook. After just a few seconds), they'll begin to puff up and crisp. When they are crispy and very lightly brown (after about 20-30 seconds, use a large slotted spoon to place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Continue frying the remaining dough circles. The puris will cook very quickly, so it's necessary to watch them the whole time they're in the oil. Remove them before they turn dark brown, or they'll have a burned taste and fall apart easily. Cook only a few puris at a time. If you crowd the pot, it will be difficult to control the cooking time of each puri. Don't cover the puris when they're finished cooking, or they won't stay crispy. Prepare the potatoes. Peel the potatoes, then roughly chop them. Put them in a pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Cook the potatoes until they're completely soft, and a fork slides through them easily. Drain the water. Mash the potatoes roughly with a fork. Add the spices. Put the red chili powder,chopped green chilli,chopped onions, chat masala and coriander leaves in the pot with the potatoes. Add a pinch of salt. Use a fork to mash the spices in with the potatoes to thoroughly distribute them. Taste the mixture and add more spices or salt if you wish. Add the chickpeas. Stir in the and chickpeas with a spoon, so that everything is completely mixed. If you wish, add a few drops of oil to moisten the filling. It doesn't need too much moisture, though, since you'll be adding pani as the finishing touch Combine everything except the water.Don't add too much sugar. It will ruin the taste. Place all the spices and herbs together in a blender, food processor or mortar. Process them until they are ground into a fine paste. Add a little water if necessary to loosen the ingredients and make them easier to grind. Mix the paste with 2-3 cups of water. Place the paste and water in a mixing bowl and mix well. Taste the mixture and add more black salt or spices as necessary. Chill the pani if you wish. It's often served cold with the puri. If you wish to chill it, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve pani puri. Tap a puri at the center lightly to make a half-inch hole. Do this with the tip of a knife or your fingertip. Be sure to tap gently, since the puri is crispy and fragile. Fill it with a small quantity of filling. Scoop in some of the mashed potato and chickpea filling. If you wish, you can add other fillings, too, like chutney, yogurt sauce or green moong dal sprouts. Spoon in enough to fill about half of the puri. Dip it in the pani. Submerge the filled puri in the bowl of pani so that the extra space fills with the spicy water. Don't keep it underwater too long, or it will get soft. Eat it while it's still crispy. It's necessary to serve and eat pani puri right away, before it gets soggy and falls apart. Eat the whole thing in one or two quick bites. If you're serving guests, you can have them assemble their own pani puri so they experience the best texture possible. | Mix the flours with a few spoonfuls or warm water. Knead the dough well. Add a teaspoon of oil and keep kneading. Rest the dough. Roll the dough very thin. Cut the dough into smaller circles. Heat oil for frying. Fry the puris. Prepare the potatoes. Add the spices. Add the chickpeas. Combine everything except the water.Don't add too much sugar. Mix the paste with 2-3 cups of water. Chill the pani if you wish. Tap a puri at the center lightly to make a half-inch hole. Fill it with a small quantity of filling. Dip it in the pani. Eat it while it's still crispy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Makeup-Brushes | How to Use Makeup Brushes | To use your makeup brushes, load an angled foundation brush with foundation and apply it from the center of your face outwards towards your hairline. Make sure that the foundation covers all of your skin. If you've got any problem areas, like a red spot on your nose, use a concealer brush to dab concealer on the area. Once you've finished applying concealer, add powder to your forehead and the center of your face with a sculpted powder brush to combat oily skin and hold your makeup in place. If you want to add blush to your cheeks, dab a small amount onto a blush brush and lightly move it over your cheeks so you get a thin layer of blush on your skin. | Add foundation with an angled foundation brush for a smooth finish. Load your foundation brush and begin applying the makeup at the center of your face. Sweep the foundation outwards toward your hairline and down toward your neck, making sure to evenly cover every area. Add more foundation to your brush as needed. An angled foundation brush helps you get in all the nooks and crannies on your face. Be sure to blend your foundation toward the jawline to create a more natural finish. Use a concealer brush to dab concealer on problem areas. Concealer can go on top of liquid foundation. Use a concealer brush to dab it on areas like the redness around your nose, and other problem spots. Use longer strokes for bigger areas such as under-eye circles. This brush is small with short bristles and a tapered tip. Go over your foundation and concealer with a damp beauty blender sponge. If you're looking for heavier coverage or if you use a lot of concealer, lightly wet a beauty blender sponge, and squeeze out the excess water. Add a little foundation to the sponge, and go over your entire face to create even, sheer coverage. If you added concealer, use this sponge to blend it into the foundation, so it doesn't stand out starkly. Blend in the edges to the foundation, and then completely cover the concealer with foundation. Use a larger sculpted powder brush to apply powder. Pick a translucent setting powder or one that is lightly tinted to match your skin tone. Dab the brush into the powder, and brush it lightly across the bow of your lips, down your nose, in the hollows of your cheekbones, and in your T-zone. The T-zone is the area across your forehead and down the center of your face that forms a capital "T." This area tends to be more oily, so powder helps balance that out. Setting powders help set the concealer and foundation in place. Pick a smaller sculpting brush to highlight and contour your face. Contour adds definition to your face by creating fake shadows, while highlight emphasizes your face's natural high points. Use your brush to gently dust a small amount of highlighter onto the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the center of your forehead, the center of your chin, and just under your browbone. Then,use the same brush to sweep the contour brush across the product. Apply it under your cheekbones, across your forehead, and down your jawline in thick lines. These lines will become the "shadows" in the next step. For an everyday look, stick to contouring under your cheekbones. You can also use an angled face brush to add contour. Blend the contour with a blender sponge. Sweep a damp blender sponge over the lines you created. Otherwise, it will look like you have streaks across your face. Use a bronzer brush to add bronzer. A large, fluffy bronzer brush is ideal for applying the finishing touches to your skin with bronzer. Dab bronzer on your brush gently, then run it across your T-zone to give yourself a glowing look. Add a bit to your temples and cheekbones, as well. Bronzer can be used for contour or to finish up your face. The key is the brush you use and how you apply it. You may skip this step if you plan to apply blush. You can also use a kabuki brush for this purpose. Put blush on your blush brush by dabbing and tapping. Dab the brush across the top of the blush in a quick motion. Then, tap the brush off to help remove excess powder. Removing excess powder helps you get a light, even layer of blush. Use a light touch when applying blush with a brush. Don't smash the brush hard against your face. Instead, lightly brush against the skin, so that you barely even bend the bristles as you move it across your cheeks. This method helps you get a light coating of blush that looks fresh and natural. Move the brush across your cheeks. Start closer to your nose, and sweep outward and slightly upward in a light, gentle motion. Focus on the "apple" section of your cheeks. The apple section is the part that is rounded when you smile. Your blush should reach from the outer portion of your face inward to the area of the face that aligns with the center of each eye. Use an all-over eyeshadow brush to apply an even layer. Run the brush over the eyeshadow, then tap it gently. Run it across your eyelid to create a nice, even layer of color or cream powder. Start in the inner corner of your eyelid and sweep the color out towards the edge. Shadow brushes generally come in larger, medium, and smaller sizes. Larger brushes generally give soft, translucent applications. The smaller the brush you use, the more intense the pigment payoff becomes. If you want to use a second, lighter color, add it above the first color you used, going from the inner eye to the outer eye using a larger, fluffier brush. The line should be closer to your eyebrow. Then, you can use your brush to blend the colors and diffuse any harsh edges. You can also use an angled brush along your lash lines. Use the brush to dab or draw a line of shadow across the line just above your eyelashes, creating an eyeliner-like effect. You can use this in place of eyeliner or in addition to it. Choose an eyeshadow blending brush to soften edges. If you're using more than 1 color on your eyes, you need to blend those colors together. A blending brush is soft with long, tapered bristles. Use it to soften the lines between the colors by brushing back and forth between them. You can also use this brush to spread out and soften the edges of one concentrated color. Add eyeliner and mascara if desired. Use an angled brush to apply liquid or gel liners, or to use an eyeshadow as a liner. You can also draw your eyeliner on directly if you're using a pencil. Then, use the included mascara wand to sweep mascara across your lashes. Angled brushes are especially useful for creating cat eyes, lining your eyes using shadow, or for precision looks. You can choose to apply eyeliner and mascara on just the top eyelid and lashes or on both the top and bottom. Soften the edge of eyeliner with a smudge brush. Apply your eyeliner and eyeshadow first. Then, use this brush to smudge the eyeliner into the eyeshadow by brushing upward and outward. This process will create a smoky finish. You can also use this brush to smooth out any hard lines in your eyeshadow. Opt for a brow brush and comb for smoothing lashes and eyebrows. Use the brush side of this tool to even out your eyebrow hairs. Turn it around to the comb side, and you can use it to break up clumps in the mascara you've applied. Pick a lip brush with shorter bristles for more control. A brush with longer bristles will flop around more as you try to apply lipstick. Shorter bristles make it easier to apply your lipstick. Outline your lips by applying lipstick with the brush. Get some lipstick on your brush, either by running it across your lipstick tube or by dabbing a bit of liquid lipstick on it. Run the narrow edge along the inside edge of your lip, creating an outline all the way around the inside of your lops. Using your lipstick instead of lip liner is cheaper and makes it easier to color match. Plus, it helps keep your lipstick in place. Brush lipstick between the lines you just created. Get lipstick on your brush again. Turn the brush to the wide side, and use it to brush lipstick on as you move across your lips. Blend it together with the line you created earlier by moving the brush back and forth along the inner edge of the line. You can use different colors between your liner and your lips. Just be sure they complement each other and make sure you blend them together. For instance, you can use a dark plum on the outside, and a lighter purple in the same tone on the inside. | Add foundation with an angled foundation brush for a smooth finish. Use a concealer brush to dab concealer on problem areas. Go over your foundation and concealer with a damp beauty blender sponge. Use a larger sculpted powder brush to apply powder. Pick a smaller sculpting brush to highlight and contour your face. Blend the contour with a blender sponge. Use a bronzer brush to add bronzer. Put blush on your blush brush by dabbing and tapping. Use a light touch when applying blush with a brush. Move the brush across your cheeks. Use an all-over eyeshadow brush to apply an even layer. Choose an eyeshadow blending brush to soften edges. Add eyeliner and mascara if desired. Soften the edge of eyeliner with a smudge brush. Opt for a brow brush and comb for smoothing lashes and eyebrows. Pick a lip brush with shorter bristles for more control. Outline your lips by applying lipstick with the brush. Brush lipstick between the lines you just created. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Black-Stove-Top | How to Clean a Black Stove Top | Clean your black stovetop with natural, non-abrasive cleaners like vinegar and baking soda to avoid visible scratches or streaks. Start by taking any removable burner elements off and soaking them in hot, soapy water. Next, use a paper towel or a sponge to wipe off anything that isn't stuck to the surface of your stove. Spray your stovetop with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. After letting the solution soak in for a few minutes, wipe it down with a wet, soapy sponge. Wipe the stove down again with warm water to remove any soap residue. Another way to clean your stovetop is to sprinkle a light coating of baking soda over the entire thing. Then cover the stove with warm, soapy towels. After 15 minutes, use the towels to wipe up the baking soda. Finally, use a wet rag or sponge to clean off any remaining baking soda. | Take off any removable burner elements and soak them in hot water. Fill up your sink with hot, soapy water and put any removable burner caps or grates in it to soak while you work on the stove top. This will help remove any crusted food or grease from the burner elements, and also make it easier to clean the stove around your burners. When you're done cleaning your stove, scrub the burner elements with a scouring pad and rinse them off before putting them back on the stove. If your burners aren't removable or have electric components, don't soak them. Instead, lay a warm, wet cloth over the coils, being careful not to get the electric parts wet, and wipe them down with a paper towel instead of rinsing them. Clear off any loose debris with a paper towel. Wipe off anything that isn't stuck to the surface of your stove and throw it away. You can also use a sponge for this, but a paper towel is often more effective since you can pick loose pieces up with it. Spray the stove top with a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water. Fill a household spray bottle with 1 part water and 1 part distilled white vinegar. Spray the entire surface of the stove, adding a couple of extra sprays over any particularly tough stains. If you do not like the scent of vinegar, replace it with an equal amount of lemon juice, or add a few drops of an essential oil to your vinegar and water mixture. Let the solution soak in for 1-3 minutes. The vinegar should cut through the grease and loosen any crusted-on food. Let it sit for at least 1 minute, or more if your stove top is very greasy or dirty. Wipe the stove surface with a wet, soapy sponge. Run a dish sponge under warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Run the wet sponge over the surface of the stove and wipe up any grease or debris. You can also use the rough side of the sponge on stains, but be careful to scrub gently. Never use steel wool when scrubbing your black stove top, as it may scratch the surface. Clean up the soapy water with another wet sponge. Take a separate sponge and run it under warm water with no soap. Use this sponge to mop up the soapy water and any remaining grease or crumbs. You may need to squeeze the sponge out and rinse it a few times during the process to get the surface totally clean. Dry the stove top with a microfiber cloth. To avoid creating streaks on your black stove top, use a microfiber cloth to dry and buff the surface of your stove once it's clean. This will keep water or soap residue from drying in visible patterns. Put your burner caps and grates in hot water to soak. If your burner elements soak while you work on the stove top, they will be easier to clean. Scrub the burner caps and grates with a scouring pad and rinse them off before putting them back on your clean stove. Some burners are not removable, or may have electrical components in them that shouldn't get wet. If this is the case, lay a warm, wet cloth over the burners instead of soaking them, and wipe them down with a paper towel after scrubbing. Wipe the stove off with a dry paper towel. This will remove any loose grease or debris that is not attached to the stove top. Gather up any crumbs with the paper towel and throw them away. Sprinkle baking soda over the entire stove top. Use your hands or simply shake the box over the stove until the entire surface is covered in at least a light layer of baking soda. You can sprinkle a little extra on any particularly greasy or crusty areas. Cover the stove with warm soapy towels for 15 minutes. The steam will help loosen up any crusted-on food and help the baking soda cut through the grease. Take a couple of kitchen towels and run them under warm water with a little bit of dish soap. Squeeze them until they are not dripping heavily, and lay them over the entire surface of the stove. Use the soapy towels to wipe up the baking soda. After 15 minutes, begin to sweep the towels around the surface of the stove in an S pattern. This should gather up the baking soda as well as any loosened crust or crumbs. Use the towels to pick up the debris and throw it in the trash. Wipe the stove down with a wet rag or sponge. Clean off any remaining baking soda or mess with a wet, non-soapy rag or sponge. If the rag becomes too dirty, rinse it off and squeeze it out before wiping again. Buff the surface of the stove with a microfiber cloth. Black stove tops tend to show streaks after cleaning, so it's important to dry the surface as soon as possible. Microfiber cloths are ideal for creating a smooth finish without visible streaks. Remove crusted food with a wooden or plastic scraper. Using steel wool or a metal scraper can scratch and dent stove tops, which is particularly obvious on black surfaces. Use a wooden or plastic scraper or spatula to remove crusted-on stains without damaging the stove. Hold the scraper at about a 45° angle, with the bottom of the scraper angled in the direction you are scraping. Apply a baking soda and vinegar solution. Make a paste of baking soda and distilled white vinegar and apply this to any problem areas. The paste should be roughly 4 parts baking soda to 1 part vinegar, but add more vinegar if necessary to make it wet enough to stick together. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then gently scrub the stain with a scouring pad. It should be loosened and come off easily. If you don't have any vinegar on hand, you can substitute the same amount of hydrogen peroxide. Scrub stains with a stove top scouring pad. It's best to avoid generic scouring pads, as they can be overly abrasive and make visible scratches in black stove tops. Instead, look for scouring pads designed specifically for stove tops, which will typically say “stove top” or “stove cleaner” in the label. Use a stove top cleaning fluid. Several home product brands carry cleaning fluids formulated especially for cleaning stove tops. If you have particularly tough stains on your stove, avoid harsh chemical cleaners and look for a product that is designed for stove tops. | Take off any removable burner elements and soak them in hot water. Clear off any loose debris with a paper towel. Spray the stove top with a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water. Let the solution soak in for 1-3 minutes. Wipe the stove surface with a wet, soapy sponge. Clean up the soapy water with another wet sponge. Dry the stove top with a microfiber cloth. Put your burner caps and grates in hot water to soak. Wipe the stove off with a dry paper towel. Sprinkle baking soda over the entire stove top. Cover the stove with warm soapy towels for 15 minutes. Use the soapy towels to wipe up the baking soda. Wipe the stove down with a wet rag or sponge. Buff the surface of the stove with a microfiber cloth. Remove crusted food with a wooden or plastic scraper. Apply a baking soda and vinegar solution. Scrub stains with a stove top scouring pad. Use a stove top cleaning fluid. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Performance-Objectives | How to Write Performance Objectives | Performance objectives can help you improve productivity for yourself, your team, or your company. To write performance objectives, consider what you want to achieve, such as increased productivity, cycle time, or quality of work. Make sure the objectives are achievable and use a specific metric to measure progress. For example, a box packer might have the target of packing 100 boxes an hour. If the person needs to adapt their work, explain what they need to do to hit their target, such as attend a webinar on time management. You can also include incentives for hitting their targets, like vouchers, or a paid lunch. | Identify Relevant Performance Objectives. Spend some time thinking about the work that needs to be performed. Sit down, brainstorm and take some notes.Consider what performance outcomes are critical to company success. This usually considers such factors as productivity (amount of work to be performed within a unit of time), cycle time (how long it takes), quality (error rate per std volume), or cost. Pinpoint exactly what a person is expected to do. For example, identify an objective measure such as produce x widgets per hour with 98% pass through rate. Then, zero in on what specific knowledge they need in order to meet that expectation. For example, if an employee is not being as productive as he or she could be, then the data might show that idle time is to blame. Therefore, the solution might be for the employee to work on is or her time management skills. Performance objectives need to be very specific and objective, so look closely at details. Also, make sure that the goals you are setting directly apply to that person's actual job or position. Is the objective something that the person can manage or change? Confirm that the objective is something that makes sense for a person in their particular role within the organization. Ensure that results can be measured and achieved. This is not just for you – the people working toward their objectives need to be able to track progress and success, too. Vague objectives can't be properly measured, have no value and can be open to interpretation, which you definitely want to avoid. To prevent this, be certain that there is a way for people to measure their progress. Be prepared to explain in a clear, concise way on paper what this measurement is and how it works. For example, a freshman level botany student whose goal is to understand how plants grow from seed might be expected to raise a tomato plant from seed to fruition. The tomato plant is the measurable outcome. Confirm that the desired outcome for each objective is achievable. One of the primary goals of writing performance objectives for people is to motivate them to succeed. Objectives that include outcomes that the person can't directly influence or change will have the opposite effect. Aim for objectives that will challenge the person in a reasonable way. Pinpoint how the person's individual performance, not external factors, will be the primary determinant in the achievement of the goal. The goals need to be realistic, given the skills of the person in question and resources available. Identify the specific resources and assistance the person will have in achieving the goal. Communicate performance objectives to employees. Pinpoint what your expectations are then explain them to your employees. Once you've identified what your desired outcome is for each objective, you need to be certain that the objective will produce the desired outcome. Explain in a clear and direct way what that outcome actually is. For example, if you plan to ask a marketing associate to complete a monthly newsletter for the company, then you would expect this newsletter to be submitted each month, on a particular day, without fail. Train employees in proper process. It is important to teach your employees how to achieve the performance objectives using the proper process. Make sure that you explain the proper process to them before the changes are implemented. Consider what type of action must be taken. What will the person need to do in order to achieve the goal? Think about what concepts need to be understood, what types of analysis and tasks they should be capable of, and what kind of problems they need to be able to solve. For example, a new employee who needs to increase productivity will be asked to learn better time management skills. To accomplish this, the employee will attend a webinar each Friday that covers this topic and provides helpful tips. Write report explaining performance objectives. Write a report that explains the performance objectives and how the will be implemented. Include as much detail as possible. You can share this report with your superiors and internal customers. Some ways to make your report as clear as possible include: Use action verbs for each objective. Action verbs are specific to the task and demonstrate exactly what the person needs to do to achieve the objective. Good examples of action verbs are: increase, establish, create, reduce, design, organize, participate, implement, produce, perform, plan, investigate. Avoid vague behavioral verbs. These can be confusing and are usually unable to be accurately measured. Some examples include be aware of, familiarize, study, become acquainted with, gain knowledge of, understand, comprehend, know, learn, appreciate, cover, realize. Written example: The Safety Operations Manager will send weekly email memos to every department that clearly instruct employees on safety techniques. Explain how the achievement of each goal will be measured. Determine how the person will know when the objective has been completed. For example, the employee who writes memos with safety instructions might be measured based on the number of safety-related worker's compensation claims. Choose goals that have outcomes that can be quantified. Written objective example: The production manager will communicate via email with vendors on a weekly basis to ensure that sufficient quantities of production supplies are on hand at all times. By December 2016, the company expects to experience no shortages in supplies and will measure this by doing a monthly inventory to confirm supply levels. State the desired outcome clearly. Explain what the desirable result or outcome will be when the person has successfully reached the performance objective goal. For example, if you want an employee with "excellent written communication skills," think about the specific ways those skills will be used. Written objective example: By November 2016, the junior sales associate will create persuasive ad copy that increases sales for the company by 10%. A time frame is given, the job position relates to the task, expectations are clearly stated, and an active verb is used to show what is to be done. State how performance objectives relate to larger organizational goals. Individual employee objectives should directly relate to the achievement of larger company goals. Individual student goals should relate to the institution's educational objectives. This can provide additional motivation for the person asked to reach them. Written objective example: The Safety Manager will send weekly memos via email to all department heads with safety instructions and tips. By August 2016, the company expects that the number of safety-related worker's compensation claims will decrease by 30%. Achieving this goal will create a safe work environment for all employees and contribute to the stellar reputation of the company. Connecting individual objectives to group goals helps ensure that the performance objectives are relevant and meaningful. Confirm buy-in from appropriate groups. Make sure that everyone who should be aware of the changes is aware of the changes. This includes senior management, supervisors, employees, etc. You might make everyone aware by sending out a memo or email that explains the changes. Confirm training has been completed and tools are available. Make sure that anyone who is subject to the changes has undergone the appropriate training. You might also check to confirm that everyone has access to information on the changes, such as by providing an informative packet or access to online materials. It might also be a good idea to have someone in charge of confirming that employees have undergone the training, or having employees sign off on having read about the changes. Consider incentives for performance. To increase the chances that your employees will adhere to the changes, you may consider providing benefits to employees who follow the new procedure. You might also consider penalizing employees who do not follow the new procedure. Benefits might include a pizza lunch at the end of the week if productivity has increased, or even a cash bonus for the highest performing employee. Penalties might include a verbal warning or assigning an unpleasant or boring task to the lowest performer. Choose a realistic start and end date for each objective. Your target dates should be logical within the context of the objective. Once you've identified your time frame, set up a few milestones to be measured along the way. These check points can be motivating and help the person stay on track. | Identify Relevant Performance Objectives. Ensure that results can be measured and achieved. Communicate performance objectives to employees. Train employees in proper process. Write report explaining performance objectives. Explain how the achievement of each goal will be measured. State the desired outcome clearly. State how performance objectives relate to larger organizational goals. Confirm buy-in from appropriate groups. Confirm training has been completed and tools are available. Consider incentives for performance. Choose a realistic start and end date for each objective. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Leather-Naturally | How to Clean Leather Naturally | To clean leather naturally, make a cleaning solution by mixing together 2 parts coconut oil or olive oil and 1 part lemon juice. You can also make a solution by combining equal parts white vinegar and distilled water. If you want a cleaner that will condition the leather while also preventing future stains, use 1 quart of warm water mixed with a few drops of mild baby soap. | Use a vinegar rinse. Create a 50-50 distilled water and white vinegar mixture in a bowl. If you are just doing a light clean, lower the amount of vinegar. Apple cider vinegar can be a substitute as well, just as long as you aren't interested in sanitizing the leather. Wipe the solution over your leather until it is damp. Make sure to mix the vinegar with water, as straight vinegar can be too acidic for leather. Wipe down with a natural oil. Get a bowl and mix together two parts oil with one part water or lemon juice. Any natural oil will work fine and many people like the smell of coconut, olive, or even walnut. The oil will help to hydrate your leather, while the lemon will remove any dirt or grime. Apply the mixture to your leather until it is damp and then buff it with a microfiber cloth. If you are just interested in polishing your leather, then you can apply the oil directly to the leather. Make sure to keep the coating light or you could stain it. Massage with essential oils. Place 10-15 drops of essential oil onto a microfiber cloth or sponge. Moving in small circles, gently work the oil into your leather. Leave no excess on the surface and continue until you cover all visible areas. Make sure to select an oil scent that you enjoy, such as lemon or lavender. Apply mild baby soap or detergent. Get one quart of warm water and add in a few drops of baby soap or natural detergent. Add a few drops of vinegar as well, if the leather is particularly dirty. Use this as a leather conditioner, as it will both clean leather products and help to prevent new stains. After applying this over the leather's surface, feel free to let it air dry. With all of these applications, it is best to use distilled water, as this will prevent you from adding particle residue to the leather's surface. Condition with beeswax. Purchase general use beeswax or beeswax used specifically for leather goods, which is usually available in most clothing stores. Carefully heat up the beeswax in a saucepan until it is warm, but not liquefied. Add any scents that you prefer, such as almond oil. Place this balm onto a microfiber cloth and massage it into the surface of the leather. Get a fresh cloth and wipe away any excess. Buff with a banana. Get a fresh banana peel. Place the inside of the peel onto the surface of the leather. Move the peel around, so that the natural oils inside fully cover the leather. You may need more than one peel, depending on the amount of surface that you need to clean. The oils of the peel will attract dirt away from the surface, leaving the leather looking and smelling clean. If you notice any peel residue on the leather, then get a fresh cloth and wipe it across the surface. Make a cream of tartar paste. In a bowl, add together one part cream of tartar and one part lemon juice. Stir them together until they form a paste. Place the paste directly on top of any stains or problem areas. Wait a few minutes and then wipe the paste away with a damp cloth. Repeat as necessary. Buy an all-natural cleaning kit. You can get a kit of this type at a clothing store or online. It will generally contain a cleaning solution, a cloth, and a direction sheet. Make sure to follow any enclosed directions very closely. Read the ingredients list closely as well, if you are concerned about only using natural products. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions, if available. If your leather product has a label, read it carefully before following any cleaning routine. In the case of clothing, the label will tell you whether or not the item is machine washable. For furniture, the label may direct you to a customer service contact for more information. You may have also received paper instructions after purchase. If you don't have a label to consult, but you know the manufacturer's name, then you can visit their website. If they have a website, they will likely list a customer helpline or support center. Wipe off any dirt beforehand. Get a dry microfiber cloth and go over the surface of the leather. This will help you to remove any dust and surface debris. In the case of furniture, run a vacuum brush attachment over the surface. Doing this step before every cleaning will prevent you from working dirt deeper into the leather, which could give it a gritty appearance. Do a test spot. Before you apply any cleaning solution, find a spot that is small and out-of-the-way and use it to test the cleaner. Place a small amount of the solution on the area and wait a few minutes. Wipe it off and then look for any discoloration or wrinkling. If you notice damage to the leather, then you may need to talk with a cleaning professional, such as dry cleaner for clothes, before proceeding. Dampen the leather. Excessive moisture on leather can cause it to wrinkle and fade. When you apply a cleaning solution or balm to any leather product, make sure to wipe away any excess immediately. Always use a damp towel or cloth, not a soaked one, as this will allow you to control the moisture applied to the leather. Wipe with the grain. Look over the surface of the leather and see if you can discern any pattern. If the grain of the leather heads in one direction, apply any balm in line with this pattern. This will let the moisture of the cleaner go into the grooves of the leather to remove any dirt or debris found in those pockets. Dry it off. As the finishing touch, get a dry sponge or microfiber cloth and go over the leather a final time. Look to see if there are any stains that need additional treatment. Removing any cleaning residue will help to prevent dust from sticking to the surface. | Use a vinegar rinse. Wipe down with a natural oil. Massage with essential oils. Apply mild baby soap or detergent. Condition with beeswax. Buff with a banana. Make a cream of tartar paste. Buy an all-natural cleaning kit. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions, if available. Wipe off any dirt beforehand. Do a test spot. Dampen the leather. Wipe with the grain. Dry it off. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Hairbrushes | How to Clean Hairbrushes | To clean a hairbrush, start by using the pointed-end of a comb to pull up the matted hair on the brush. Then, cut through the loosened hair with scissors, and pull the cut hair out with your hands. Once you've removed all of the hair, scrub the brush with shampoo and baking soda using an old toothbrush. Finally, rinse the brush off with water, and place it on a towel to air dry. | Use the pointy end of a comb to loosen the hair in the brush. Take a rat tail comb or pick and insert the pointed end under the hair near the base of the brush. Pull up to loosen the hair that's trapped between the bristles. If there's a lot of hair matted to the brush, you may be able to simply pull it up and off of the brush without loosening it first. Use scissors to cut through the loosened hair. Take a sharp pair of scissors and carefully cut through the hair in the center of the brush, taking care not to cut the bristles. This will make it easier to remove, especially if the hair was twisted around the bristles. If you're removing the hair from a round brush, turn the brush around and also cut through the hair on the opposite side. Keep the blades of the scissors parallel to the rows of bristles on the brush as you cut. This will help ensure that you don't accidentally cut through the bristles. Pull out the hair and throw it away. Use your fingers to pull the loosened hair out of the brush. Keep pulling until you've gotten all of the hair from the base of the brush. If you're using a round brush, turn it around and pull the hair out from all sides. If your brush's bristles are made from natural fibers, take care not to yank them out with the hair. Pull the hair straight up and out from the base to avoid breaking or bending the bristles. Soak the brush in vinegar for 30 minutes to deep-clean it. Put the hairbrush in a shallow dish and pour ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) of vinegar and ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) of warm water into the dish. Leave the brush to soak for 30 minutes and then drain it before you scrub the brush. If the hairbrush has a lot of skin cell buildup, soaking the brush will help loosen the grime. Use apple cider or plain white vinegar. Do not use this solution for brushes with wooden handles, since it will damage the wood. You can also use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Make a cleansing solution with shampoo and baking soda. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of water into a bowl and add 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of your favorite shampoo along with 1 teaspoon (5 g) of baking soda. Stir or whisk the mixture until the baking soda is dissolved. Baking soda absorbs odors and is slightly abrasive, so it will remove built on grime. Avoid using conditioner or solid soap, since these will stick to the brush and may be hard to remove. Use the solution to clean the brush. Take a clean washcloth and dip it in the cleansing solution. Wipe the cloth all over the brush to remove any surface grime. Then, dip an old toothbrush in the solution and use it to gently scrub the base of the brush and get in between the bristles. If your brush has natural bristles, scrub gently and carefully so that you do not bend or break any of them. Rinse the hairbrush with water. If you cleaned a paddle or round hairbrush made of plastic or metal, run the hairbrush under water until the cleansing solution is rinsed off. You shouldn't see any suds on the bristles or hairbrush base when you're done. Pat the hairbrush with a cloth and lay it down on a towel. Take a clean cloth and wipe it over the hairbrush to remove the water on the surface of the brush. Then turn the hairbrush so the bristles point down and place it on a towel. Don't use a hot hair dryer to dry the brush. This could damage the base of the brush and its bristles. Leave the hairbrush to dry completely. Depending on the style and material of the hairbrush, you may need to let the brush dry overnight. Wait until the brush is completely dry before you use it to brush your hair. Avoid using the brush when it's still wet, especially if it's made with natural bristles. This could cause the bristles to bend and break. Mix a cleansing solution with water and tea tree oil. If your brush has a wooden base, you'll need to prevent the handle from getting too wet. To make a simple cleansing solution, mix 1 cup (240 ml) of water with 5 drops of tea tree oil. Since this solution doesn't contain shampoo, you won't need to rinse it off and get the wooden handle wet. Research shows that tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties, which makes it a great cleaning product. Cleanse the brush with a washcloth and toothbrush. Dampen a clean cloth with the cleansing solution and rub it all over the surface of the brush. Then, dip a toothbrush in the solution and gently rub it on the base of the brush. Also make sure to carefully work between the bristles of the brush. Scrub gently so that you do not bend or break any of the bristles. Wipe the brush with a clean, dry cloth. Since you shouldn't get wooden hairbrushes very wet and you didn't use shampoo in the solution, don't rinse the hairbrush with water. Instead, take a dry washcloth and wipe the brush to remove any excess liquid. Since tea tree oil is not water soluble, spraying or rinsing the brush with water won't help remove it. Exposing your brush to too much water could also damage the wooden handle. Leave your hairbrush to air dry. After wiping and patting the brush dry with a clean cloth, place the brush bristle-side down on a towel. Wooden brushes take longer to dry than plastic or metal ones, so you may need to let the brush dry overnight before you can use it again. Don't use the brush until it has dried completely, especially if it has natural bristles. Using the brush while it is still wet could damage the bristles. | Use the pointy end of a comb to loosen the hair in the brush. Use scissors to cut through the loosened hair. Pull out the hair and throw it away. Soak the brush in vinegar for 30 minutes to deep-clean it. Make a cleansing solution with shampoo and baking soda. Use the solution to clean the brush. Rinse the hairbrush with water. Pat the hairbrush with a cloth and lay it down on a towel. Leave the hairbrush to dry completely. Mix a cleansing solution with water and tea tree oil. Cleanse the brush with a washcloth and toothbrush. Wipe the brush with a clean, dry cloth. Leave your hairbrush to air dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Sports-Journalist | How to Become a Sports Journalist | To become a sports journalist, work on honing your writing skills by starting your own blog about sports. Also, read articles and books written by well-known sports journalists, which will help improve your writing and teach you useful tips and tricks. You can also start writing for your school newspaper to get more writing practice and learn about being a journalist. See if you can report on school sporting events, like what happened during the game and who played well. Then, you can look into getting a journalism degree and focusing on sports writing. | Start a blog. One way you can hone your writing skills is by starting your own blog. First, decide what your blog will focus on. Your blog's focus should be something you are passionate about. You want to choose something you are passionate about because you will need to create a lot of content regularly. Then, choose a blogging platform and begin blogging. Since your interest is in sports journalism, start a sports blog detailing commentary, highlights, and results from sporting events you attend. Also, fill your blog with stories and interviews you have conducted with athletes and coaches. Read, read, read. Reading also helps improve writing skills. To improve your writing skills as a sports journalist, start reading articles, books, editorials, and opinion pieces written by well-known sports journalists. Reading the work of professional sports journalists will expose you to the writing styles, content, and the ingenuity that is needed to be a successful sports journalist. Write for a school newspaper. You can get additional writing practice by writing for your school newspaper or for a local newsletter and/or column. Attend school sporting events and write columns detailing what happened during the event, who played well, and how the team did, for example. If you can, also conduct interviews with the players and coaches to report on in your column. Obtain a journalism degree. Obtaining a degree in journalism will ensure that you will have the basic necessary training in order to become a sports journalist. Research journalism and communication programs that meet your personal interests. You can begin by requesting information from journalism schools that interest you. You can also meet with the program's representatives in order to see if it is right for you. Tell the representatives your future goals in order for them to assess if the program meets your needs. If you are getting a degree in journalism, make sure the program offers courses that will give you professional qualifications, like shorthand and media law. Major in a writing intensive subject. In order to become a sports journalist, a degree in journalism is not required. A degree outside of journalism can help you diversify your writing, which will give you an edge in the world of journalism. Major in other subject areas that you are passionate about and that are writing intensive. Examples of writing intensive majors are history, sociology, psychology, English, or media studies. Knowing a foreign language is also a major asset in journalism. It will enable you to work with different ethnic groups and cultures, and thus give you a fresh perspective for your writing. Refine your technical skills. Programs like Photoshop, CSS, HTML, and web-publishing programs are basic skills that a sports journalist needs to be familiar with. If you aren't familiar with these skills, enroll in training programs that will help you refine these skills. Become a sports expert. In order to write about sports, you need to be an expert in all things related to sports. There are several things you can do in order to develop a broad knowledge base. First, watch and attend as many sports games as you can. Practice memorizing coach and player names and positions on the team. Also, watch and take notes on interviews with players and coaches in order to learn the kinds of questions journalists ask. You can also become an expert by joining a team. By joining a team, you will become familiar with the actual mechanics of the sport, like the game's rules, the player's positions, and strategies used by players and coaches to win games. This will enable you to write more candidly about the sport as a journalist. Familiarize yourself with game statistics like team win-loss ratio, player ratings, and injury statistics, as well. Apply for a sports writing internship. Once you have basic training in journalism, apply for a sports writing internship. This is very important because it will give you job experience. Job experience is invaluable and will give you an edge when applying for jobs. It will also help you determine if you prefer newspaper, online, television, radio, or magazine journalism. You can obtain an internship through your college program. Ask your program about the internships that are available to you. Also, look for internships through your local newspaper, magazine, or newsletter. Find a niche. Having a niche can make a huge difference in a competitive sports journalism world. Focus on sports that you are passionate about, for example, soccer, tennis, football, or volleyball. You can also research sports that are underreported, for example, rugby. This will enable you to make your sports writing stand out and desirable. Do freelance work. Sports journalism is a competitive job market. While an internship can give you an edge, doing freelance work while you are searching for a more stable job can enhance your resume. Find freelance work by contacting websites, magazines, newspapers, and radio stations that have regular sports reports. Come up with several writing pitches, and e-mail your best ideas to the editor of the blog, magazine, or newspaper. Do this regularly. Once you start publishing regularly, you will be able to develop a writing portfolio. Create a work portfolio. Once you have published several well-written pieces, begin compiling your best pieces for your portfolio. You do not need to include all your writing pieces. A few solid articles are better than a lot of mediocre pieces. Your writing pieces should represent you and your writing interests. If you have several pieces that cover different sports, categorize them as such. For example, have a separate category for football, tennis, and soccer. The number of writing pieces to include varies; some jobs will specifically request a certain size portfolio. As you put yours together, be sure to include at least 8 to 10 strong pieces. Your portfolio should also have a brief biography detailing who you are, why you are passionate about sports writing, and why you are a great fit for the job. Prepare for the job interview. Before you go to a job interview, take time to learn about the company. Also, be ready to give examples of some of your outstanding writing pieces, and remember to bring your portfolio. Brainstorm different writing ideas and angles before you go into the interview, and make a list of your top three. Network and maintain relationships. Remember to network during your undergraduate studies, internship, and freelancing experience. Create relationships with your supervisor and other writers. These relationships can lead to job opportunities in the future. You can create relationships with your supervisor by being proactive and by creating quality-writing pieces. Remember to showcase your stuff. Post your best writing on social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook. You can also create your own professional website showcasing your best work. Having a professional website is an easy way for an employer to assess your skills, experience, and qualifications for a potential job. | Start a blog. Read, read, read. Write for a school newspaper. Obtain a journalism degree. Major in a writing intensive subject. Refine your technical skills. Become a sports expert. Apply for a sports writing internship. Find a niche. Do freelance work. Create a work portfolio. Prepare for the job interview. Network and maintain relationships. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-the-Monthly-Car-Payments-You-Are-Paying | How to Reduce the Monthly Car Payments You Are Paying | To reduce the monthly car payments you are making, check your credit score to see if it has improved since you financed the car. If your credit score has gone up, talk to your lender about refinancing your car at a lower interest rate to lower your payments. If you can't refinance, try making a large payment toward the amount borrowed on the loan and asking your lender to drop your payments. If these methods don't work, you could consider selling your car and purchasing a less expensive vehicle. | Determine if your credit rating has improved since you took out your original loan. Lending institutions, like banks, use credit ratings. The rating is used to evaluate the risk of lending to a particular borrower. The rating may also be referred to as a credit score. Your credit rating is determined by information reported to credit bureaus. Your lenders (banks and credit card companies) report information to credit bureaus. That information includes data on your loan balances and payment history. The data is used to calculate a credit rating. The higher your rating is, the more likely that you will get approval for your loan. Experian, Equifax and TransUnion are three main credit bureaus that are frequently used by lenders. You can get your credit report once a year for free. However, the report does not contain your credit score. This article explains how to check the score itself: Check Your Credit Score. Review the information on the credit report to verify that it is correct. Say, for example, that your credit card company reported a late payment. You actually made the payment on time. Ask the bureau what documentation they need to correct your credit report. Contact the lender who reported the incorrect data. In this example, your bank statements would prove that you made the payment on time. The date of the payment will be posted in your bank activity. Ask the credit card company to correct the information reported to the credit bureau. Keep documentation of that correction. Ask your lender what credit rating they used when your loan was approved. That rating may be in your loan documents. Compare that rating to your current credit rating. If you rating has improved, you may be able to refinance your loan. Take action to improve your credit rating. If your credit rating has not improved, wait to apply for refinancing. If you don't have a higher rating, you may not get your refinancing approved. Instead, make the effort to improve your credit rating. Continue to use credit. Using credit wisely proves to a lender that you're a reliable borrower who will pay on time. For example, you should use credit cards for some of your purchases. Make payments on time. It's critical that you pay every debt on time. The timely payments will build your credit history. Lenders are not obligated to report all credit transactions to credit bureaus. As you use debt responsibly, make sure the information is reported to credit bureaus. Ask your lender to report the data. Review your credit bureau information to make sure the information was posted. Apply for a refinanced loan. In addition to your personal credit rating, another big factor in your loan is the interest rate. If interest rates have declined, you are more likely to refinance your loan at a lower interest rate. On the other hand, if interest rates have increased, you may not be able to lower your car payments by refinancing. Regardless of your credit rating, higher rates may eliminate refinancing as an option. The loan balance you are refinancing needs to be less than the current value of your car. Remember that the car serves as collateral for the loan. If you defaulted on your loan, the lender would take ownership of the vehicle. If the loan balance is higher than the value of the car, the lender would lose money when they sell the car. Approach several lenders about applying for a refinanced loan. You may be able to lower your interest rate if you check with more than one lender. Your credit rating is impacted by the number of times you access your credit report. A credit rating is also affected each time you apply for a loan. Keep this in mind as you work on refinancing. Your lender can help you limit this activity. Pay down some of your loan's principal. If you pay off some of your loan balance, your total interest costs will decline. You may be able to get a smaller monthly payment, even if interest rates are the same. When you pay down your principal, you can contact your lender about restructuring the loan. Assume that you have a $10,000 car loan and an 8% interest rate. Your loan has 4 years remaining. You decide to pay down $2,000 of the $10,000 balance. You ask your lender if the monthly payments can be reduced, since your new loan balance is only $8,000. Even if your interest rate remains at 8%, your monthly loan payments may be lower. Consolidate your car loan with other debts. You may be able to refinance a group of loans with new loan terms. Your monthly payment on one larger loan may be lower after consolidating several smaller loans. Meet with a lender to talk through the pros and cons of a consolidation loan. A consolidation can help you lower the interest rate on your debts. However, you need to consider the risks of a variable rate loan, or extending the term of a loan. Say that you have a $10,000 car loan at 8%. You also have three credit card balances totaling $6,000. The average interest rate on your three cards is 12%. Two factors may lower your interest rate on these loans. If interest rates have declined, or if your credit rating has improved, you may be able to lower the interest rate for these consolidated debts. Having one consolidated payment to make each month also simplifies things for you. When you create your monthly budget, you don't need to account for so many payments. Sell your car and buy a less expensive vehicle. A good way to reduce your payments is to make payments on a cheaper car. This is another way to reduce your payment, even if interest rates have not declined. The car you sell must be worth more than the loan balance. If not, you may need to pay for the difference out of your own pocket. Assume that your loan is for $9,500, and your car is worth $10,000. When you sell your car, you can use the $500 profit as a down payment on a $6,500 car. The $6,000 loan balance reduces your required monthly car payment. Lease a car. Using a lease means that you are making payments to essentially rent a car for a certain time period. You do not own the car at the end of the lease. The lender may give you the option of buying the car at a specific price. Assume that you lease a $20,000 car for 4 years. The lease payment will be based on an amount less than the car's total value. Say, for example, that the payments total $15,000. Since the lease payment total is less than the total value of the car, your monthly payments are smaller. At the end of the lease, the car will have some remaining market value. You may have the option to buy the car. If you don't buy it, the lender may sell the car to someone else. Use other sources of transportation. If you move to an area with a good bus, train or subway system, you may decide not to use a car. You can use the money you would normally spend on a car for some other purpose. Make a judgment about your access to public transportation. Think about how long it takes to get to your subway system, for example. Consider how much longer it will take you to travel. If you do own a car in a city, you should consider the costs you'll incur to park your vehicle. That cost can be expensive in a big city. A growing number of cities are expanding bike paths. You may be able to use a bike for some of your travel. Take out a home equity loan. If the appraised value of your home is more than your home loan balance, you have home equity. You may be able to take out a home equity loan and use the loan proceeds to buy a car. Assume that your house is valued at $200,000. Your home loan balance is $160,000. Contact your home lender to get a quote for a home equity loan. Assume that you can borrow at a 6% rate for 5 years. You decide to borrow $20,000 at the 6% interest rate to buy a car. You make payments on your home equity loan. | Determine if your credit rating has improved since you took out your original loan. Review the information on the credit report to verify that it is correct. Take action to improve your credit rating. Apply for a refinanced loan. Pay down some of your loan's principal. Consolidate your car loan with other debts. Sell your car and buy a less expensive vehicle. Lease a car. Use other sources of transportation. Take out a home equity loan. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Maintain-a-Jellyfish-Tank | How to Maintain a Jellyfish Tank | To maintain a jellyfish tank, you should clean it weekly and replace 20 percent of its water. However, once a month you should also replace 50 percent of its water to keep it clean. Before you clean tank, first scoop your jellyfish out with a plastic bag filled with tank water. Then, if it's a weekly clean, remove 20 percent of your tank's water with a measuring cup or siphoning hose. Once you've removed the water, use an algae cleaner magnet to scrub the outside walls of the tank and an aquarium cleaning cloth to scrub inside. When your tank's all clean, replace the 20 percent of water you removed with clean water. Finally, check your tank water's pH level is between 8 and 8.4 and return your jellyfish. | Buy a jellyfish tank. Several companies offer ready-made jellyfish and jellyfish tanks. The benefit of buying a premade jellyfish tank is that all the parts and pieces you need will be easily assembled, saving you the stress of figuring out what kind of filter, pump, and tank you need for your jellyfish. After you get the tank assembled, the manufacturer will send you jellyfish in the mail. Your tank should be a Kreisel or pseudokreisel design. A standard boxy fish tank will not do. This is because jellyfish need slowly circulating water. A kreisel or pseudokreisel design accomplishes this by creating a current that runs in a circle around the top, bottom, and sides of the tank. You should have at least two gallons of water per jellyfish. In other words, if you have three jellyfish, your tank should be no smaller than six gallons. Consult a pet shop proprietor or marine life expert if you are unsure of what kind of tank you need. Ensure the right temperature. Jellyfish should be in water that is approximately room temperature, between 70-72 degrees Fahrenheit. Slightly higher temperatures (up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) may improve the growth rate of your jellyfish. Water temperatures can dip to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit without adversely affecting your jellyfish. Some species of moon jellyfish can tolerate temperatures up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Always consult your vet or a marine expert to ensure you keep your particular jellyfish species at an appropriate temperature. Put a waterproof thermometer in your jellyfish tank. Monitor the temperature regularly. If your tank is too cold, you could place a heat lamp near the outside of the tank to raise the temperature, or try simply raising the temperature of your home thermostat. If your jellyfish habitat is too hot, consider moving the tank to a cooler location like a basement, or invest in an aquarium cooler. Add nitrifying bacteria. Nitrifying bacteria are an important part of your jellyfish tank. In their natural environment, jellyfish would be surrounded by nitrifying bacteria (microorganisms that consume ammonia and turn it into nitrite and nitrate). There are many kinds of nitrifying bacteria available. Jellyfish tanks should be given nitrifying bacteria appropriate for saltwater. Nitrifying bacteria are common in many aquarium setups, and can be purchased from your local pet store. Monitor the water’s salinity. Jellyfish should be kept in water with a salinity of at least 28-30 parts per thousand and a maximum level or around 32-34 parts per thousand. Use a hydrometer to measure the water's salinity, and ensure that when you change the water, it is at an appropriate salinity level. Hydrometers are readily available at pet stores and online. Introduce your jellyfish to a tank with a salinity level that is slightly higher than normal. This way, they have a better chance at floating. You can gradually reduce the salinity over time. Water with a salinity level that is too low will make them sink. If you need to adjust the salinity, remove your jellyfish from the tank and place them in a smaller quarantine tank. Dump the main tank out and mix a new batch of water at the correct salinity. Connect your pump to ensure the water mixes well for about 24 hours. Check the water in your hydrometer. Repeat as needed. Do not use tap water to create saltwater for your tank. Buy deionized or reverse osmosis water from your grocery store, and add Jelly Salt (a salt specifically designed for jellyfish habitats) in an appropriate amount. Feed your jellyfish. Jellyfish should be fed twice each day. They can be fed a mix of dry, frozen, and live foods. Live rotifers, for instance, are a good jellyfish snack. Jellyfish also enjoy eating baby brine shrimp. Commercially available jellyfish foods might be available at your local pet store or online. One half to one full scoop of commercial jellyfish food is usually enough. Check manufacturer directions for specific use directions. When feeding your jellyfish shrimp or other live food, add a small amount (one tablespoon's worth) at first, then add more gradually over time. If you notice a surplus of shrimp in the tank after feeding, reduce the amount of live food you're feeding your jellyfish. It should get only as much food as it can eat in an hour. Do not pour water from baby brine shrimp tanks into your jellyfish tank. Remove your jellyfish. Scoop your jellyfish into a plastic bag filled with tank water. Place the bag in a smaller, separate quarantine tank and pull it down and away from your jellyfish. The quarantine tank should have water of the same temperature, pH, and salinity as that of your main tank. Removing your jellyfish will allow you to change the water and clean the tank without disrupting or hurting them. Always be gentle with your jellyfish. Since jellyfish are 90% water, they can be hurt very easily. Remove 20% of your tank’s water. Water changes are important because they remove excess nitrates -- toxic ingredients that can harm your jellyfish if they build up over time. For instance, if your tank holds ten gallons, you should remove two gallons. Use a measuring cup or siphoning hose to add and remove the water. Clean your tank once each week. After removing 20% of your water during your weekly cleaning, use an algae cleaner magnet to scrub the walls of your tank clean. You should also use this time to remove and scum or debris that might be at the bottom of the tank or floating on top. Attach a specialized aquarium cleaning cloth to a short pole (often packaged with the cleaning cloth) ti help you scrub the inside of the tank. Use a filter sock and protein skimmer to remove yucky bits from the tank that you may scrape off. Add new water to the tank. Add new water equal in amount to that which you removed to the tank. For instance, if you removed two gallons, add two gallons back into the tank. Ensure the water is of a ph, salinity, and temperature equal to that of the rest of the tank. Place your jellyfish back into their tank, using the same plastic bag method that you used to move them to the quarantine tank. Keep your jellyfish submerged at all times. Once each month, perform the same cleaning process but empty and replace 50% of the water, rather than just 20%. Keep the pH levels normal. Jellyfish require a pH level of between 8 and 8.4. Buy a hand-held pH meter and check the pH at least once a week. If your water is deionized and at the appropriate salinity, and your pumps are working properly, you shouldn't have any trouble with pH levels. You should also add a chemical filtration to maintain pH levels. Chemical filtration is an additive you can use to remove phosphates and other organic compounds that can discolor your aquarium water, produce unpleasant odors, and encourage algae to grow. Activated carbon and resins are the most common types of chemical filtration media. You can obtain these at local pet stores or online. If you continue to have trouble with you tank's pH levels, change the water and check your pumps. Consult a veterinarian if you continue to have problems with your jellyfish habitat's pH levels. Allow jellyfish to adjust. When moving jellyfish from a store-bought bag to its own tank, place the jellyfish -- still sealed in its bag -- in the water. This will allow the water in the bag to warm or cool to the temperature of the water in the tank. Do not remove the jellyfish from its bag. Wait about ten minutes for the jellyfish to acclimate. Remove about half the water from the jellyfish bag. You could use a measuring cup or ladle to remove the water. Whatever you do, don't dump the water out of the bag, since you'll run the risk of dumping your jellyfish out along with it. If moving jellyfish from one tank to another, place it in a plastic bag of an appropriate size. The jellyfish must have room to move. A small jellyfish can be placed in a big plastic bag, and a larger jellyfish can be placed in a very large plastic bag. Fill the bag halfway with tank water. With half the water from the bag poured out, you'll need to fill it back up with tank water. You might be able to add water to the bag by holding the top edge of the bag just above the level of the water in the tank, then dipping one corner of the bag down slightly below the level of the water, allowing water to fill it. Alternately, you could try filling the bag with tank water using a ladle or measuring cup. Keep the jellyfish sealed in its bag, and keep the bag in the water for another ten minutes. When the ten minutes are up, remove the jellyfish from the bag. Open it at the top and carefully pull it down the length of the jellyfish, then move it away and out of the water. | Buy a jellyfish tank. Ensure the right temperature. Add nitrifying bacteria. Monitor the water’s salinity. Feed your jellyfish. Remove your jellyfish. Remove 20% of your tank’s water. Clean your tank once each week. Add new water to the tank. Keep the pH levels normal. Allow jellyfish to adjust. Remove about half the water from the jellyfish bag. Fill the bag halfway with tank water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Yucca | How to Grow Yucca | To grow yucca, start by finding a healthy shoot on a mature yucca plant. Then, dig in a circle around the plant about 5 inches outside of the shoot, and as you dig, start lifting up the plant until you can remove the whole shoot and root ball from the ground. Next, transplant the shoot to another location outdoors where it will get plenty of sun. Water your plant weekly, but only enough to slightly moisten the soil, and routinely prune off withered leaves to care for your plant. | Expect the plant to take several months to sprout. Yucca seeds are slow to germinate, and many species have a low success rate sprouting at all. The seed may even take a full year after planting to sprout. For a quicker process, take a cutting from an existing adult yucca plant. This method is described in the next section. Start this process in winter or early spring. Yucca seeds planted indoors should be started in winter, to give them as long as possible to germinate before the next winter begins. Planting directly in garden soil is not as effective. If planting directly in garden soil, plant in early spring. Place the seeds on a moist paper towel in a plastic container. Fill a container with approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) of water. Place a paper towel on top of the water, then place your seeds on top of the paper towel. This method increases the odds of the seeds surviving and germinating. Planting the yucca seeds directly in soil has a very low success rate. Keep the seeds moist at 65–75ºF (18–24ºC). Keep the container at room temperature, adding a small amount of water periodically to prevent the seeds from drying out and going dormant again. Once the seeds finally sprout, prepare a special potting mix. Some of the seeds should eventually sprout, but this can take anywhere from one month to a full year. Once the seeds have opened up and begun to sprout, prepare individual, small pots with a mixture of equal parts sand and compost. If these materials are not available, use any well-draining soil mixture, typically with 30% or more sand or small gravel. Plant the seeds 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) deep and water in. Plant the sprouted seeds, sprouting side up, 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) under the soil's surface. Cover it with soil and water the soil thoroughly. Keep the sprouts in indirect sunlight and water occasionally. Let the first thorough watering almost dry out, then water regularly to keep the soil damp, but not soaked. You should see the sprouts emerge from the soil within a week. Keep indoors at least two years, transferring to larger pots successively. The yucca plant may not be sturdy enough to thrive outdoors for at least two or three years. Keep it indoors during this period, or indefinitely. Transplant the yuccas to a larger pot if its roots begin to wrap around the outside of its current pot. Once the yucca plant is two or three years old, you may plant it outside in the springtime, following the instructions in the planting outside section. When transplanting, be careful to dig deep enough to expose its entire taproot. This central, long root can be quite long in some yucca species. Take a cutting from a mature stem. After a couple years of growth or more, yucca plants may produce offshoots near the base that grow on their own stem. During the dormant colder season, select a stem with dark brown bark, not a young, cream-colored stem. Cut a section off of this stem. The length and thickness of the cutting do not matter much. A cutting 3–4 in. (7.5–10 cm) long should be sufficient. Strip the lower leaves from the stem. Use a clean knife or scissors to remove the leaves nearest the base, leaving the leaves on the top. With fewer leaves, the cutting will go through less severe moisture changes, which increases the odds of it surviving the transplant until its roots can grow. Dry out the stem. Place the cutting in a cool, shaded area. This dries the plant out slightly to encourage root growth for seeking moisture. After 4–7 days, the cutting should be ready to plant. Fill a small pot with loose soil. Select a pot with drainage holes. Fill it with a cactus or yucca potting mix, or make your own quickly draining soil. Two parts seed-starting mix and one part sand will provide nutrients for the young plant without keeping it too wet. Do not use beach sand, as it contains high salt content. Sand from stream banks is usually acceptable. If you would like, you can dip the end of the stem in a rooting hormone or a homemade root stimulant at this point. This is not a necessary step, but it may encourage growth. Push the stem into the soil. Only push the stem far enough into the soil to keep it steady and upright. Often, you'll need to use a gentle rope or other soft line material to anchor the stem upright to another object. Keep the plant indoors in indirect sunlight. Start the plant indoors to protect it from chilly evening temperatures and from sudden gusts of wind. Keep it near a sunny window, but not in direct sunlight while its roots and leaves are still developing. Transfer the yucca plant to your garden after roots develop. Roots should develop fully within six weeks. You may be able to see them peeking out of the drainage holes, but if the plant appears healthy, you can assume the roots have grown. If the roots fail to develop, you may wish to try again with a cutting from a larger, more mature yucca plant. Select a side shoot. This method requires an already mature yucca plant. Find one that already has several side shoots. Choose one shoot that you would like to grow your new plant from. Dig a perimeter. With your shovel, loosen the soil around the plant. Dig in a circle around the plant about five inches outside of the shoot. Do not worry if you cut through roots. Remove the plant. As you dig, you can start lifting up the plant from below with your shovel. Lift the plant until you are able to remove the whole shoot and the root ball from the ground. Plant outdoors. Once you have removed the root ball, you can transplant the shoot to another location. Follow the same instructions and guidelines for planting the yucca plant outdoors. Make sure your yucca plant can survive your climate. The acceptable USDA Hardiness Zones for yucca range depending on species, from zones 4 through 11 (minimum winter temperatures of -30 to +25ºF or -34 to -4ºC), depending on your species. Zones 9 through 11 (17 to 25ºF, -7 to -4ºC) are typically safe even if you do not know your exact yucca species. If you live in a lower or higher zone, it's best to consult an experienced gardener or garden nursery employee to identify your yucca species and find out what zones it will thrive in. Plant your yucca during the late spring. Yucca plants thrive during the warm summer months. Planting the yucca at the beginning of the warm weather season gives it the longest growing season possible. Choose a location that receives full sun. Yucca plants need a hot, dry environment, so give your plant access to direct sunlight. Certain yucca species can thrive in colder or shadier locations, but these are in the minority, and typically still do well in full sunlight. If the plant was kept in a shady location, consider moving the pot to an area of indirect sunlight for a week before moving it into full sun. This gives it time to adjust, reducing the chance of burning or withering. Prepare the right soil. The yucca plant should be placed in a soil mix that is 50% sand or gravel and 50% soil. You should make sure that there is neither too much gravel nor too much soil. Form a raised bed over the stones (optional). If you built a stone bed, build a wooden wall around the location the yucca will be planted in to hold in the soil that will form a raised bed above the stones. Nail four 3 feet (0.9 m). by 1 foot (0.3 m). (1 m by 30 cm) boards into a square frame to place around the stone bed. You may wish to tilt the bed facing toward a sunny direction. (Tilt south in the northern hemisphere, north in the southern hemisphere.) Alternatively, tightly pack one or two dozen large stones that measure about 1 foot (0.3 m). (30.5 cm) in height around the stone bed to form a wall. This is more labor-intensive, but may provide additional drainage. Prepare the soil. Yucca needs a fast-draining soil to prevent root rot. Use a special yucca or cactus potting mix, or mix your own with three parts lightweight clay, four parts sand, and one part ordinary soil. If you prepared a raised bed, this soil is placed within the boards or stone wall. Otherwise, simply have this soil ready for later. Dig a hole for the yucca. The hole should be twice as wide and twice as deep as the yucca's root ball. Slightly larger than the current pot the yucca is kept in should be enough if you are not sure how big the root ball is. Place the yucca in the hole with the prepared soil around it. Gently pry the yucca out of its pot. Turn the pot on its side. Grab the yucca at the base of the stem and slowly "wiggle" it out, soil, roots, and all. Place the yucca into the newly dug hole. Fill the rest of the hole with your soil mix and pack the soil around the base of the stem to hold the plant in place. The roots should not show above ground. Top the soil with 2 inches (5 cm) of granite chippings. The chippings keep the root dry at the neck by preventing water from splashing onto it accidentally. Fertilize rarely. Use a water-soluble, potassium rich fertilizer, diluted to a ratio of about one part fertilizer to four parts water. Apply it once a month during the summer months, during the morning. Fertilize yucca zero to two times during the entire cool season (autumn through winter). Only fertilize more quickly if your yucca is a fast-growing species. Most yucca species are slow-growing and can be harmed by excess fertilizer. Similarly, if you miss a monthly fertilization in the summer, it is not a big deal. The plant will likely still grow. Some recommend only fertilizing yucca once a year. This is because yucca can survive well in areas with low nutrients. Water sparingly. Many yucca plants can get by without any supplementary watering, relying solely on rainwater to survive. Once foliage starts to develop in the warm months, however, you can water it weekly, giving the plant just enough water to slightly moisten the soil without making it wet to the touch. Reduce the frequency of watering if your yucca plant develops brown tips with yellow rings around them. This is a sign of over-watering. Check your plant for pests. Not many pests are drawn to yucca, but snails and slugs will attack new growth. Use a standard pesticide or organic pesticide to get rid of them. Small, green aphids can be washed off with soapy water. Monitor the plant for signs of fungal disease. Rust and mildew are the most common diseases. Spraying a fungicide may help rid the plant of disease, especially if it is only mildew, but a fungicide may or may not work against rust. Prune the plant when necessary. Some yucca grow in a rosette shape, and produce a long, central flower stalk. After it dies, this stalk should be cut back all the way to the base to prevent rot. Other yucca varieties are tall and tree-like. These may be pruned to direct growth, but always wear gloves and safety goggles, as yucca can send sharp splinters flying when cut. In either type, cut off dead or withered leaves from the base of the plant whenever you see them. Add a layer of mulch over the bed each winter. Yucca plants can be damaged if exposed directly to frost. Spreading a thick layer of mulch can go a long way in keeping the plant warm and dry. However, keep mulch away from the lowest leaves to prevent rot. You can also protect the plant by placing a solid sheet of glass or plexiglass over the bed instead of mulch. Divide the plant. If the Yucca grows too thick and dense after a few years, you can take a shoot from it to plant elsewhere. Choose an offshoot you would like to remove, dig a perimeter around it, and lift the shoot from below with a shovel. You can cut any roots to the mother plant. Transplant this shoot to a new sunny area. This is best done during the dormant season. | Expect the plant to take several months to sprout. Start this process in winter or early spring. Place the seeds on a moist paper towel in a plastic container. Keep the seeds moist at 65–75ºF (18–24ºC). Once the seeds finally sprout, prepare a special potting mix. Plant the seeds 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) deep and water in. Keep the sprouts in indirect sunlight and water occasionally. Keep indoors at least two years, transferring to larger pots successively. Take a cutting from a mature stem. Strip the lower leaves from the stem. Dry out the stem. Fill a small pot with loose soil. Push the stem into the soil. Keep the plant indoors in indirect sunlight. Transfer the yucca plant to your garden after roots develop. Select a side shoot. Dig a perimeter. Remove the plant. Plant outdoors. Make sure your yucca plant can survive your climate. Plant your yucca during the late spring. Choose a location that receives full sun. Prepare the right soil. Form a raised bed over the stones (optional). Prepare the soil. Dig a hole for the yucca. Place the yucca in the hole with the prepared soil around it. Top the soil with 2 inches (5 cm) of granite chippings. Fertilize rarely. Water sparingly. Check your plant for pests. Monitor the plant for signs of fungal disease. Prune the plant when necessary. Add a layer of mulch over the bed each winter. Divide the plant. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Boil-Broccoli | How to Boil Broccoli | To boil broccoli, start by cutting off the stem and separating the top into individual florets. Then, add the florets to a pot of boiling water and cook them for 4-5 minutes or until they're tender. When the broccoli is done boiling, drain the florets using a colander and let them cool before serving. | Purchase fresh broccoli. Look for broccoli that is uniformly green, without a lot of brown or yellow areas. Feel the stem and crown to make sure they are firm and not limp. Check that the florets are in a nice, tight bunch. You can store raw broccoli in your refrigerator drawer for at least a week. However, its nutritional properties will begin to decline after three days. Clean the broccoli with vinegar and water. Fill a spray bottle with three parts water to one part white vinegar. Spray the broccoli well. Alternately, soak the broccoli in vinegar water before cooking it, which will also drive out any insects that may be in it. Rinse the vegetables under cold tap water. You can wash produce with water alone, but using the diluted vinegar method first removes about 98% of surface bacteria. To make rinsing easier, place the broccoli in a colander inside of a clean sink basin. Use the spray setting on your faucet to rinse the vegetables. Cut the stalks away from the florets. Use a sharp knife to cut through the vegetable stem about two inches below the crown. Break the crown apart into big florets. Slice each floret's trunk to get bite-sized chunks. Remove any damaged or wilted leaves. If desired, save the stalks to add to stew, salad, or stir-fry. You can leave the stalks on if your recipe calls for it. Just peel back and remove the outermost layer, which is tough to eat, with a knife or vegetable peeler. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Pour enough water in a pot that it will completely submerge your broccoli. Add a sprinkle of salt to the water. Set the heat to high. You can use regular table salt or sea salt. If you're unsure whether you'll have enough water in the pot to cover the broccoli, you can put the broccoli in the pot and cover it with water. Then take it back out and set it aside. Cook the stalks first. Wait until the water has reached a rolling boil. If you want to cook the stalks, add them to the pot. Cook them for two minutes. Broccoli stalks take longer to cook then florets. Add the florets. Lower the florets gently into the boiling water with a slotted spoon. Cook them in the pot with the stalks, if applicable, for four to five minutes. Don't overcook them, or they will lose texture and taste. The broccoli is done when it is tender enough to easily insert the tip of a knife. Cool the vegetables. Remove them with tongs or drain them with a heat-safe colander. Spread the broccoli on a baking sheet. Allow it to cool down at room temperature. If you believe you may have cooked the broccoli too long, you can place the baking sheet into your fridge to speed up the cooling process. Boil water. Put a large pot of water over high heat. Add between a sprinkle and a tablespoon of salt to the water, if desired. Allow the pot of water to come to a boil. Adding salt is optional. The advantage is that it will enhance the broccoli's flavor. The disadvantage is that, over time, the sodium will cause the broccoli to be mushier. Prepare an ice bath. Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Use a container that is at least five quarts. Alternately, you can use a clean sink basin with a drain stopper. Skipping this step will affect the color and texture of your broccoli. Cook the broccoli in boiling water. Lower the broccoli into the water with a slotted spoon. Let it cook for about three minutes. Test the doneness with the tip of a sharp knife. If the vegetable clings onto the knife, it's not yet done. If the knife goes in and out with ease, the broccoli is done. Plunge the broccoli into the ice bath immediately. Take the broccoli out of the water with tongs or a slotted spoon. “Shock” it by putting it into the ice bath. Shocking vegetables cooks them moderately, then cools them rapidly so they stay crunchy. Leave the broccoli in the ice bath to cool. Allow the broccoli to sit in the ice bath for about five minutes. Don't remove the broccoli from the ice bath until it is entirely cool, or it will keep cooking from the inside out. | Purchase fresh broccoli. Clean the broccoli with vinegar and water. Cut the stalks away from the florets. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the stalks first. Add the florets. Cool the vegetables. Boil water. Prepare an ice bath. Cook the broccoli in boiling water. Test the doneness with the tip of a sharp knife. Plunge the broccoli into the ice bath immediately. Leave the broccoli in the ice bath to cool. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bathe-a-Guinea-Pig | How to Bathe a Guinea Pig | The best way to clean your guinea pig is to use a damp towel to gently wipe off any dirt or debris. If your guinea pig is extremely dirty and your vet says a bath is needed, put the guinea pig in a container with 2 inches of warm water. Then, gently wash your guinea pig with special shampoo that you can get at your vet's office. Keep in mind that guinea pigs usually clean themselves naturally, so bathing them may make them stressed or sick. Definitely talk to your vet if you have any concerns! | Calm your guinea before bathing it. Your guinea pig will probably become anxious or afraid if you simply place it in a container of water. To relax your guinea pig, hold it close to you, talk to it in a soothing voice, and stroke its fur gently. You can also give your guinea pig a treat such as a lettuce leaf or cucumber slice to distract it. If you need to bathe more than one guinea pig, wash them one at a time so they don't hurt or aggravate each other. You'll also be able to pay more attention to a single guinea pig than two at a time. If your guinea pig is acting jumpy, set it in a small box and carry the box to the bathing area. Wipe your guinea pig's soiled fur with a damp cloth. Before you give your guinea pig a full bath, try removing surface dirt with a damp cloth. Dip a clean cloth in warm water and wring it out. Then wipe the cloth over the soiled patch of fur. If the fur looks clean, you won't need to wash the guinea pig in water. Avoid using dust treatments that are advertised to keep guinea pigs clean. Since guinea pigs don't use dust to clean themselves, it can actually cause respiratory problems if the guinea pigs breathe it in. Pour 2 inches (5.1 cm) of water into the container. To prevent your guinea pig from slipping in the container, lay a small cloth in the bottom of the bathing container. Then pour enough warm water to come 2 inches (5.1 cm) up the sides of the container. Avoid using hot water, which can dry or irritate the guinea pig's sensitive skin. Guinea pigs also dislike cold water since it will lower their body temperature. Your guinea pig should be able to stand up comfortably in the water. Lower your guinea pig into the water. Slowly put your guinea pig into the water hindquarters-first. Once your guinea pig is in the water, give it time to adjust to the temperature and feeling of the water. Don't walk away while your guinea pig is in the container. Stay close so you can reassure your guinea pig. If your guinea pig seems distressed in the water, offer it a treat so it develops a positive association with bath time. Rinse your guinea pig with warm water. Use a small cup or your hands to scoop warm water and pour it over the guinea pig's body until its fur is wet. Try not to pour water on its face or in its ears. To prevent water from running into the guinea pig's face, cup your hand behind their face. This should divert water from getting into their eyes and mouth. Try placing a rolled towel underneath the container so it's at a 15- to 30-degree angle to help move water away from the guinea pig's face. If your guinea pig's face is extremely dirty, use a damp washcloth to wipe off the dirt but avoid the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. Rub a few drops of shampoo into the guinea pig's fur. Choose a guinea-pig safe shampoo and squirt a few drops of it into your hands. Gently massage the shampoo into the guinea pig's fur. Be as gentle as you can since their skin is sensitive and you're trying to keep them calm. Avoid getting shampoo near the face and ears. Don't use human or dog shampoos on guinea pigs since these could irritate guinea pig skin. If you only need to spot clean your guinea pig, put a few drops of liquid dish soap into a small container with lukewarm water. Rub the soapy water onto the guinea pig's fur with cotton balls. Rinse your guinea pig with warm water. Use your hands and pour enough warm water over the guinea pig's fur to completely rinse away the shampoo suds. It's important to remove all traces of shampoo so the residue doesn't irritate the guinea pig's skin. Place your guinea pig on a clean towel. Gently wrap it up so that the towel absorbs most of the moisture and keeps your guinea pig warm. Do not be alarmed if your guinea pig starts shivering. This is natural and they should stop after they're completely dry. If the towel becomes too damp, use a new dry towel so it absorbs more moisture. Towel-dry the guinea pig's fur. Use the soft towel to blot moisture from the guinea pig's body. Continue to gently press the towel into the fur until the fur is completely dry. Only wipe around the guinea pig's eyes, ears, or nose if they're gunky or still dirty. Be gentle when you're toweling, especially near the guinea pig's face. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the fur. Brush your guinea pig's fur. This is especially important if you have a long-haired guinea pig. Use a soft-bristled or guinea pig brush to remove tangles and prevent matting. Take your time when you brush your guinea pig because it probably enjoys the soothing feeling and attention. Pay attention to any bumps or lumps on your guinea pig's skin as you brush. If you have any concerns, talk with the veterinarian. Change the bedding once a day. Remove all of the bedding from the cage and replace it every day. Line the cage with newspaper and spread hay over it. To make the cage even more comfortable for your guinea pig, top the hay with recycled paper pellets or old towels. Avoid spreading pine shavings since the shavings may contain oils that irritate the guinea pig's skin. You may also use cloth baby diapers or fleece as long as you change it daily use free and clear detergents when you clean them. Clean and disinfect the cage once a week. To thoroughly clean the cage, remove all the bedding and make a solution of bleach and water. Spray the solution inside the cage and wipe it down. Then rinse the cage with water multiple times to remove the bleach residue and let it air-dry completely before putting fresh bedding in. You don't have to disinfect the cage unless your animals are dealing with an illness, such as ringworm. Bleach may cause irritation to your guinea pig's feet, eyes, and respiratory tracts. Try using {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Bathe-a-Guinea-Pig-Step-21.jpg\/v4-460px-Bathe-a-Guinea-Pig-Step-21.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Bathe-a-Guinea-Pig-Step-21.jpg\/aid234796-v4-728px-Bathe-a-Guinea-Pig-Step-21.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Spot clean as needed. Check the guinea pig's cage throughout the day and droppings or soiled patches if you see them. Do this frequently to keep your guinea pig clean and the cage smelling fresh. Rinse the food dishes and waterers throughout the day too. If you're using fleece bedding, try spot-cleaning with a hand broom you only use in the cage. Keep the guinea pig's hutch or play area away from dirt. If your guinea pig's hutch is set on dirt, consider moving to either grass or pavement, especially during colder months. If you let your guinea pig run around outside in an enclosure, choose a grassy space that doesn't have exposed dirt. | Calm your guinea before bathing it. Wipe your guinea pig's soiled fur with a damp cloth. Pour 2 inches (5.1 cm) of water into the container. Lower your guinea pig into the water. Rinse your guinea pig with warm water. Rub a few drops of shampoo into the guinea pig's fur. Rinse your guinea pig with warm water. Place your guinea pig on a clean towel. Towel-dry the guinea pig's fur. Brush your guinea pig's fur. Change the bedding once a day. Clean and disinfect the cage once a week. Spot clean as needed. Keep the guinea pig's hutch or play area away from dirt. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Attract-Owls | How to Attract Owls | To attract owls, start by determining what types of owls live near you by listening to their calls at night or talking to wildlife experts. Once you figure out what kinds of owls are nearby, you can use specific techniques to attract them. For example, you can install an owl box near a field, meadow, or other open area. Additionally, provide resources that will attract owls, such as a deep bird bath for a water source. You can also provide food for the owls by attracting rodents to your land. | Listen for their calls at night time. The easiest way to find out what type of owls live around you is to listen to their calls at night time. Night time is the best time since owls do the majority of their hunting at night. You can hear the calls of common owls at https://www.allaboutbirds.org/. Look for owls that live around your home. In addition to listening to the calls of owls at night, spend some time trying to visually spot the owls that live near you. The best way to visually identify owls is to get a bird book for the region you live in. Check out the All About Birds website for pictures of owls common to North America. You may have the best luck spotting an owl early in the morning or at dusk. Talk to a wildlife expert. In addition to listening and looking for owls around your home, consider talking to a local wildlife expert or someone of a similar profession. Local experts will know what owls live near you and may be able to give you advice about how to attract them to your property. To find a wildlife expert, consider calling: The local Humane Society. A local zoo. The biology department of a nearby college or university. Build or buy an appropriate box. Depending on the types of owls that inhabit your region, you'll need a box that is suited to those specific owls. This is important, as owls vary greatly in size and behavior. If you don't have the right box, you won't be able to attract owls to your property. Use this chart to determine the appropriate size of box for the type of owl in your area: http://www.audubon.org/sites/default/files/documents/nest_box_chart_0.pdf Find a good location for the box. Look for a location near a field, meadow, or another open area. In addition, choose a location that does not have much man-made noise. An area far from a road will work well. Avoid placing owl boxes above cars, tractors, or farm equipment. Don't put boxes too close together. Although owls aren't very territorial, putting boxes nearby could discourage multiple owls from nesting there. If you're trying to attract barn owls, you can attach the box to the inside of a barn or the outside of your home. Position the box properly. Attach the box to a tree, pole, or structure that is at least 10 feet (3 meters) off the ground. In addition, the entrance must face any direction but north. If the box is too low, it might make an easy target for predators trying to eat owl chicks. If the box faces north, it will be exposed to cold northerly winds. Use 2 or 3 2-inch wood screws (5 cm) to secure the box to the tree or structure. The box should be able to support up to 5 lbs (2.25 kg). Make sure the box entrance is clear and faces an open area. Place wood shavings in the bottom of the box. Fill the box with 2 or 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) of untreated wood shavings. The wood shavings will serve as nesting material for owl chicks during the spring time. It will also provide warmth for more mature owls during the winter. Add a stick or a small board on the outside of the box. Use several wood screws to secure a stick or small board to the outside of the box. This will allow the owl to perch in front of the box. It will make the box a much more attractive home site. Create a water source. Provide a somewhat large and deep bird bath. This is important, as small bird baths that may work for other birds aren't large enough to accommodate most owls. Ultimately, without a clean water source, you won't be able to attract owls. If you have a nearby pond, stream, or similar source of natural water, you won't need to provide water. The larger the source of water, the farther from the box it can be. If the only source is a small bird bath, try to position it within several hundred feet of the box. Attract rodents. While it may seem like something you don't want to do, by providing food for rodents (like grain and corn), you'll help attract owls. This is because owls rely heavily on rodents as a source of food. Without a proper food source, owls won't move onto your property. Avoid using pesticides or poisons around your property. By using pesticides or other poisons to kill rodents or insects, you'll inadvertently poison owls around your home. This is because rodents will feed on poisoned insects and then be eaten by owls – poisoning them, too. By using poison on your property, you'll make a huge – and devastating – impact on the owl population in the area. | Listen for their calls at night time. Look for owls that live around your home. Talk to a wildlife expert. Build or buy an appropriate box. Find a good location for the box. Position the box properly. Place wood shavings in the bottom of the box. Add a stick or a small board on the outside of the box. Create a water source. Attract rodents. Avoid using pesticides or poisons around your property. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Your-Best-Every-Day-(for-Girls) | How to Look Your Best Every Day (for Girls) | For girls, looking your best starts with wearing clothes that fit your personal style and make you feel confident and comfortable. First, decide what colors you like to wear and what kind of clothes you like. For example, you might prefer brighter colors and dresses and skirts for a girlier preppy style. After that, you can create outfits from your wardrobe each night to make getting ready in the morning easier. | Take a shower every day and whenever you’re sweaty. Taking a daily shower will help you to look and feel your best, so work this into your daily routine. Try taking a shower right after you wake up, after exercising, or before going to bed at night as a relaxing way to end your day. Use a mild soap or body wash to cleanse your skin, especially under your arms and your groin area. Then, rinse thoroughly and dry yourself off with a clean, dry towel. Try applying moisturizer right after your shower. This will help to lock the moisture into your skin to keep it feeling soft. Develop a facial skincare routine that works for you. A basic skincare routine involves cleansing your face, using a toner, and moisturizing your face twice daily. However, you may need to adjust your skincare routine based on your skin type, such as by washing your face 3 times daily if you have oily skin or only using toner once per day if you have dry or sensitive skin. If you're prone to acne, choose skincare products that include anti-acne ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide and retinol. Some people also include exfoliation in their skincare routines, but try not to exfoliate more than twice per week as too much can irritate your skin. Brush your teeth at least twice daily. Use a fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth for 2 minutes after each meal or at least twice daily. Brush the front, back, and sides of all of your teeth. Then, follow brushing with flossing to get in between your teeth. You may also consider using a whitening toothpaste or whitening strips to make your teeth look brighter. Shampoo your hair every 2 days. You don't need to shampoo your hair every day, but washing your hair with shampoo once every other day or every third day is important to control oil and keep your hair looking its best. Use a shampoo that suits your hair type and follow it up with conditioner. You can also use dry shampoo on days when you don't wash your hair to help perk it up. Trim your fingernails once per week to keep them looking neat. Use nail clippers and a nail file to trim down your nails and shape them with a nail file to neaten the edges. You can also apply clear nail polish to make your nails look shiny, or apply a colorful nail polish, if you like. Try giving yourself a manicure once per week for beautiful looking nails. Choose items that fit you well and make you feel good. Avoid wearing clothing that doesn't fit you properly, such as clothes that are too tight or too loose. Only wear items that fit you well and make you feel good. Look for clothing that flatters your body and wear more of those kinds of items. For example, if you find that your body looks best when you wear high-waisted jeans and crop tops, wear more outfits that include these items. Consider getting rid of any items in your closet that don't fit, are damaged, or that you don't like. Opt for shoes that are comfortable and stylish. Don't force yourself to wear high-heels or other shoe types that make you feel uncomfortable. Go with what you feel most comfortable wearing and what compliments your clothing. Try wearing plain black or camel-colored ballet flats for a comfortable, dressy shoe option. Pair white sneakers with blue jeans and a T-shirt for an everyday, casual look. Wear a bra that fits you properly. If you don't have a bra, ask a trusted family member to take you shopping for one, such as your mom, an aunt, or an older sibling. Try on a few different styles and sizes to find what fits you best. A well-fitted bra should be snug around your chest, but not so tight that it feels uncomfortable. Bras come in a wide range of styles, such as push-up, padded, sports, and triangle. If you go bra shopping in a lingerie store, a store associate can take your measurements to help you find your bra size. Purchase a few high-quality staple items if needed. If you often find that your wardrobe is lacking in basic pieces, such as jeans, a coat, or a dress shirt, you may want to consider investing in a few quality pieces. Watch for sales and check thrift stores if you are on a limited budget. Choose items that fit you well and that you can wear over and over again. For example, a high-quality pair of jeans or winter coat is something that you can use for years. Exercise for 30 minutes every day to boost your health and self-esteem. Regular cardiovascular exercise is good for your health in general, but it can also help you to feel more confident in yourself. Since many people find confidence attractive, this may help you to look your best. Choose a form of exercise that you enjoy and try to fit in 30 minutes on 5 days of the week. For example, if you enjoy running, go for a run after school each day or get involved with your school's cross country team. If you like dancing, dance around in your bedroom to music while you get ready for school or take a dance aerobics class a few times per week. Eat healthy foods to nourish your body. Eating healthy foods will help to promote good health in general and this may improve your appearance. Focus on eating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Eat healthy fats in moderation, and avoid unhealthy foods as much as possible, such as fast food, cookies, chips, and candy. Making simple swaps is a great way to improve your diet. Instead of eating a piece of fried chicken, have grilled chicken. Or, instead of eating potato chips, have fresh apple slices. Aim to fill your plate half full of vegetables or fruit at every meal for another easy way to eat healthier. Drink water every day to keep yourself well hydrated. While there's no exact amount of water that you need to drink every day, drinking water as your main beverage will help you stay hydrated. Avoid drinking sugary beverages, such as soda, juice, and sports drinks. Instead, keep a water bottle with you at all times and take sips throughout the day whenever you are thirsty. Sleep for 8 to 10 hours every night. Being well-rested will help to improve your appearance, so make this a priority. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to ensure that you get enough sleep. Some other things that may help you to get more sleep include: Keeping your room cool, dark, clean, and quiet. Avoiding caffeine in the afternoon and evening. Developing a bedtime routine for yourself, such as by taking a bath, putting on pajamas, and reading a chapter of a book each night before you go to sleep. | Take a shower every day and whenever you’re sweaty. Develop a facial skincare routine that works for you. Brush your teeth at least twice daily. Shampoo your hair every 2 days. Trim your fingernails once per week to keep them looking neat. Choose items that fit you well and make you feel good. Opt for shoes that are comfortable and stylish. Wear a bra that fits you properly. Purchase a few high-quality staple items if needed. Exercise for 30 minutes every day to boost your health and self-esteem. Eat healthy foods to nourish your body. Drink water every day to keep yourself well hydrated. Sleep for 8 to 10 hours every night. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-Vermicompost | How to Prepare Vermicompost | If you want to vermicompost, start by filling 8 inches of a worm bin with strips of newspaper or cardboard. If you can't find a worm bin, buy a 20 gallon container and drill air holes in it before adding the paper or cardboard. Then, cover the paper with a shovel of potting soil and a layer of food scraps, like peelings or leaves. After 1-2 weeks, add your worms, which you can buy online. If you have 1,000 worms, put up to 1 pound of food scraps into the bin each day. Wait 6 months before harvesting your compost. | Pick a spot in your house to place the worm bin. The best spots for worm bins keep a consistent temperature and moisture level. Avoid placing it near a heater, oven, air conditioner, or vent. Although worm bins usually don't produce much smell, you may want to keep it out of the main living areas of your home. The ideal temperature for the worm bin is 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, or 12.8 to 23.9 degrees Celsius. Store the worm bin in a closet, laundry room, or other storage room. If you have a large kitchen and are not worried about potential smells, keep it in the kitchen to easily throw food in it. Purchase a worm bin or adapt a storage container. Worm bins are premade vermicompost containers. Many gardening or organic supply stores sell them. If you don't buy a worm bin, buy a 20 gallon storage container from the store. Make sure it's opaque so light won't get in. This container holds the bedding, food scraps, and worms. It also regulates the amount of moisture in the bedding and blocks light. Make sure that whichever container you buy has a lid. Otherwise, you'll have to improvise and cover it with black plastic, like a trash bag. Drill holes in the bin for air flow. If you buy a premade worm bin, it may have air holes already. If you buy a storage container, use a power drill to cut ½ inch (1.27 cm) holes in the bottom, sides, and lid of the bin. Drill about 20 holes in the bin. Drill five holes each in the lid and the bottom, and at least three holes on each side of the bin. The worms won't leave through these holes because of their aversion to light, but you can cover the holes with wire screen or mesh if you want. Set the bin on blocks with plastic under it. Get two cinderblocks, two chunks of 4 x 4 in. (10.16 x 10.16 cm) wood, or something else that will keep the bin off the ground. Lay out a large sheet of plastic in the part of your house where you want the worm bin. Put the blocks on the plastic and put the bin on the blocks. Order worms online or buy them at a garden store. The best worms to use in a vermicomposting operation are red wigglers. African earthworms and composting worms are also good options. Search online for worm sellers to have them shipped to you. Call local organic-gardening or other garden stores to see if they sell worms. If not, research online. You'll find many companies or individuals to order worms from. Worms are generally sold by the pound, and one pound (.45 kg) tends to be around 1000 worms. 1000 worms is generally enough to start a worm bin. Shred up newspaper or corrugated cardboard for bedding. Worms need bedding that retains moisture well, so newspaper and cardboard are ideal. Tear the newspaper into long, 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide strips. Shred cardboard into similar sized strips. Shred enough to fill the bin about eight inches (20.3 cm) high. Paper from a phone book also works well. Don't use glossy paper or paper with ink other than the ink used for newsprint. It may be harmful for the worms. Torn up strips of toilet paper or paper towel rolls and cardboard egg cartons work great, too. Regardless of the material you use, the strips should be 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. Soak the bedding with water. Your worms need moisture to live and breath, so it's important for the bedding to be wet before you add the worms later on. Soak the bedding after you shred it or run water over it after it's in the bin. Make sure that all of the bedding is completely wet. It may work best to shred the bedding and then soak it in water in a separate container for 15 minutes or so. It's better for it to be slightly too wet than too dry. Don't wet the bedding until you are ready to fully construct your worm bin. Otherwise, it may dry out and need to be wet again. Throw the bedding into the bin. When water has soaked into the bedding, spread it evenly across the bottom of the bin. The bedding should fill at least the bottom eight inches (20 cm) or so of the bin, so that there is enough room for the worms to settle in. Fluff it up as you spread it around. Sprinkle a scoop of dirt on top of the bedding. Since worms naturally live in the soil, they'll feel more at home in your vermicompost bin if you add some soil. Get a shovelful of debris-free soil from outside, or purchase some regular potting soil from the garden store. Spread it as an even layer across the bedding. Soil is necessary because it adds grit to the worms diet which helps them digest the food better. If the soil is dry, be sure to soak it completely with water before adding it to the bin. Put an even layer of food scraps on top of the soil. Save about one pound (.45 kg) of food scraps and spread it across the soil. The best food scraps to use are peels, rinds, cores, leaves, and seeds from fruits and vegetables. Crushed eggshells, tea bags, and coffee grounds also work well. It's especially important to avoid adding meat or bones and any type of dairy product. Also avoid bread and excessive amounts of citrus. Research what is good for vermicompost before you put it in the bin. If you have something you want to add but you aren't sure, check before you add it. Close the lid and wait three days to two weeks. Worms typically eat food that has already broken down quite a bit. For this reason, it's helpful to let the food decompose in the worm bin for a little bit before you add the worms. Three days is a minimum, but don't wait longer than two weeks to add the worms. If you're worried about the smell, set the bin outside for this initial decomposing period. Once the worms are in the bin, they help keep the smell down. Place the worms into the bedding. Open the lid of the worm bin and spread a hole in the middle of the bedding. Pour the worms into this hole, rather than across the top. The worms will feel more at home this way, like they are partly underground. If this feels like they are too cramped, make two holes in the bedding and put about half of the worms into each hole. Add about ½ pound (226 g) of food per day for each 1000 worms. Vermicomposting is not always an exact science. Generally, 1000 worms can compost ½ pound (226 g) per day. If you know your family will create more waste than that, add more worms to the bin. If you produce more food on some days, save the food scraps and add them later so that it averages out to about four pounds (1.8 kg) total for the whole week. These worms reproduce in the worm bin, so you'll eventually have more than 1000 anyway. However, the rate of reproduction is inconsistent and you can't count the worms very easily. Harvest your vermicompost after about six months. Check the bin weekly to see how much bedding is left. When all of the bedding has been converted to compost, it's harvest time. Push it all to one side, then add new wet bedding. Slowly scoop out the compost but leave the worms in the bin. Again, this is not an exact figure. You may have some compost ready after two or three months. If you want, harvest the compost a little bit at a time rather than taking it all out at once. | Pick a spot in your house to place the worm bin. Purchase a worm bin or adapt a storage container. Drill holes in the bin for air flow. Set the bin on blocks with plastic under it. Order worms online or buy them at a garden store. Shred up newspaper or corrugated cardboard for bedding. Soak the bedding with water. Throw the bedding into the bin. Sprinkle a scoop of dirt on top of the bedding. Put an even layer of food scraps on top of the soil. Close the lid and wait three days to two weeks. Place the worms into the bedding. Add about ½ pound (226 g) of food per day for each 1000 worms. Harvest your vermicompost after about six months. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wax-a-Snowboard | How to Wax a Snowboard | To wax a snowboard, loosen the bolts on your bindings, set the board face up on a flat surface, and clean the board with base cleaner. Next, hold a hot iron above the base of the board, press the wax into it, and drip the melted wax evenly across the surface. Then, use the iron to spread the wax across the surface and let it cool for 30 minutes. After the wax hardens, use a scraper to remove the excess and smooth out the bumps. Finally, buff the board with a cloth or shammy in small, circular motions to polish it. | Loosen the bolts on your bindings. Use a screwdriver to loosen the bolts on your board and bindings in order to prevent divots from forming in the board when you run the iron over the base. You do not have to unscrew the bolts completely, just create a level base. This is because the tight screws make a small dimple on the board area and you want a smooth board ares. Secure the snowboard in a well-ventilated area with the base facing up. You need a flat surface preferably covered in rubber to prevent the board from sliding. Get an iron made specifically for waxing your snowboard. You can purchase an iron from a snowboard shop. Find an iron with a wide range of temperature settings. While you can use a regular clothes iron to wax your snowboard, be advised that you will only be able to use the iron for waxing after you use it once. If you try to use it to iron your clothes, you will ruin them. Additionally, the holes in clothes irons can make melting the wax onto a smooth surface difficult. Choose a wax that best suits the weather conditions you're riding in. The various temperatures are hot, cold, warm, etc. You can always use an all-temperature wax if you are not sure which type is best for the conditions you are riding in. A cold temperature wax will allow your board to go faster in cold conditions than a warm-weather wax would, for example. Clean your snowboard. Use base cleaner and a rag to remove dirt and debris from the snowboard. You can purchase base cleaner from any snowboard shop. Any non-polar solvent or citrus oil will work fine for cleaning your board. Some of these include: Orange degrease solvent, Citra Kleen, citric-naptha wax remover, lighter fluid, paint thinner, and kerosene. Use caution when working with hazardous materials and do not smoke around flammable products like kerosene and lighter fluid. If your snowboard is extremely dirty and in need of a deep clean, you can swipe the hot wax iron over the bottom of the board, rub a thin layer of wax on the board, and immediately scrape it off using a scraper tool. The hot scrape technique deeply cleans your board and removes any trapped debris. It is often a good idea to hot scrape your board during or after the spring season as plant debris start to creep onto the snowboard runs. Hold the hot iron above the base of your snowboard and press the wax into it. Check the wax packaging to make sure that your iron is set at the correct temperature. If no temperature is provided, just be sure that the wax doesn't start smoking when you rub it on your iron. If smoking occurs, turn the temperature down. The temperature should be lower for softer/warmer wax and higher for harder/colder wax. Drip the wax evenly across your board. Move the iron around as the wax melts so that it drips thoroughly across the bottom of the board. Start by outlining the edges in wax and then filling in the center. Apply the iron directly to the snowboard base and spread the wax evenly across the board. The wax should be a bit thicker around the edges of the board, however. Be sure to keep the iron moving continuously as you spread the wax. Avoid keeping the iron stationary as this can cause damage to your snowboard. Once you've spread a thin layer evenly over the base, allow the wax to cool for 30 minutes. Make sure the room your board is drying in is well-ventilated to assist in the drying process. After the wax is dry, use a scraper to remove excess wax and smooth any bumps. Hold your scraper at a 45-degree angle and scrape in long stripping motions from the tip to the tail. Do not scrape horizontally across the short length of the board. You will remove most of the wax during this step, but don't be alarmed. Your board absorbs much of the hot wax and a thin layer produces the best performance. Use a medium-hard nylon bristle brush to create structure. Brush from the tip to the tail to structure the base with long, vertical grooves. These small grooves encourage forward momentum when you're riding. Use a cloth to polish the base. A shammy works well for buffing a newly waxed surface. Buff in small, circular motions. | Loosen the bolts on your bindings. Secure the snowboard in a well-ventilated area with the base facing up. Get an iron made specifically for waxing your snowboard. Choose a wax that best suits the weather conditions you're riding in. Clean your snowboard. Hold the hot iron above the base of your snowboard and press the wax into it. Drip the wax evenly across your board. Apply the iron directly to the snowboard base and spread the wax evenly across the board. Once you've spread a thin layer evenly over the base, allow the wax to cool for 30 minutes. After the wax is dry, use a scraper to remove excess wax and smooth any bumps. Use a medium-hard nylon bristle brush to create structure. Use a cloth to polish the base. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Speed-up-Time | How to Speed up Time | To speed up time, cover up the clocks in your home with a cloth or piece of paper, since looking at clocks will remind you of how slowly time is passing. Alternatively, speed up your perception of time by raising the room temperature, or sniffing some baby powder sprinkled on your skin. If you enjoy mental exercises, try killing time by making lists, such as an inventory of everything you have in the kitchen. For a more physical distraction, work on a project you've been putting off, like putting up new shelves or cleaning out the garage. | Is it time to go home yet? How about now? Checking the clock might seem like a good way to keep track of time, but it can actually make time go by slower than if you weren't paying attention. If you're wearing a watch, take it off and put it away. If you have your phone on you, try not to look at it for a long stretch of time. Before you know it, it'll be time to call it a day. Try making it a challenge to see how long you can go without checking the time. Can you make it 5 minutes? How about 10? Having 6 hours left in the day can seem unmanageable. But what about three 2-hour periods? You can chunk your time by adding breaks at the end of each chunk or setting a goal to complete a task within each chunk. You can also break up time by your workload or assignments. If you have 3 things left to do today, tackle the first one, then take a break. It will make time go by faster, and you'll get a little reward for each item on your to-do list. When you’re bored, time seems to drag on and on. Doing the same thing over and over gets repetitive and boring, so mix it up a little. If you're stuck at home on a long weekend or you don't have anything to do after school, try out a new activity, game, or puzzle If you're bored on a commute, try taking a different route to work. Have you ever gotten lost in a project? Homework, paperwork, projects, and crafts can all be useful in this situation, so grab one and dive right in. Math worksheets or dense essays won't be as engaging as creative projects (unless that's your thing, in which case, go for it!) Ever stayed up all night because you were so engrossed in your work? Losing yourself in something tough and challenging can help you repeat the trick. A healthy snack can be a great pick-me-up in the middle of the day. Plus, the protein can give you an energy boost to help you get through the rest of your day. Go for a granola bar, some yogurt, an apple, or a smoothie to fill your stomach and give you the energy to finish up your work. It's tempting to reach for the donuts or cookies, but eating a bunch of sugar can make you feel sluggish and tired—and when you're moving slowly, time does, too. Sitting down is comfortable, but it’s not very exciting for your body. Try taking 5 minutes and getting out of your chair to do something active. Try taking a short walk around the block to stretch your legs. Or, jump some rope to get your heart rate up. If you're at work, take a quick jaunt around the office (as long as you come back to finish up your work). If you ever played I Spy as a kid, this one’s for you. You can try to engage your brain in other ways by noticing the different textures of the vehicle you're in, taking in the beauty of nature, or looking for objects of a specific color. If you're on a road trip, you can actually play I Spy with the other passengers (if they're willing!) Keep your eye on the prize. Having a fun reward to look forward to can help the time pass by faster since you know you've got something exciting coming up. If you're finishing up a tough stint at school, try buying yourself that new sweater you've been eyeing. If you're working on a particularly tough task at your job, go out for a drink once it's done. Sitting by yourself doing nothing is really boring. If you're at home, have a chat with one of your family members. If you're at school or work, talk about your weekend with your peers or coworkers. Make sure you aren't distracting your conversation partner from their own work! That won't make you very popular around the office or the school yard. Having something to jam out to can make your day go by a lot faster. Pick out some music that doesn't distract you (maybe classical?) and put on some headphones. If you're working on something super easy and you can handle being distracted, put on a podcast or an audiobook to really engage your brain. It’s time to really pamper yourself. Run the hot water, throw in some bubbles, and light some candles, because you're gonna relax the day away. You could also make a full spa day out of it, with face masks, leave-in conditioner, and a mani/pedi. If you don't think a bath will distract you enough, put on some music or a podcast to listen to while you soak. If you do this one, you’ll know you’re really bored. Mop the floors, scrub the toilet, and wipe down the counters to get productive and fill your time up with chores. Hit the laundromat, go through a car wash, or do some yard work if you're tired of being stuck inside. Admit it: it's probably high time for a deep clean anyway, right? How’s Fido doing today? Maybe your dog or cat would enjoy a walk, or your hamster might like a fresh water bottle. Animals are man's best friend, after all. Take your dog to the dog park to mix up your routine a little bit. Or, get your cat a new toy so you can run around the house together. If your pet needs some exercise too, combine your walk with their own to pass the time. | Is it time to go home yet? Having 6 hours left in the day can seem unmanageable. When you’re bored, time seems to drag on and on. Have you ever gotten lost in a project? A healthy snack can be a great pick-me-up in the middle of the day. Sitting down is comfortable, but it’s not very exciting for your body. If you ever played I Spy as a kid, this one’s for you. Keep your eye on the prize. Sitting by yourself doing nothing is really boring. Having something to jam out to can make your day go by a lot faster. It’s time to really pamper yourself. If you do this one, you’ll know you’re really bored. How’s Fido doing today? |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Along-With-Co-Workers | How to Get Along With Co Workers | If you want to get along with your co-workers, keep a professional distance, but be personable and friendly, especially during breaks. Try to keep your conversations light-hearted by avoiding serious topics like politics or religion, as well as overly personal subjects like health, finances, or sexuality. However, you should also provide a listening ear when your co-workers want to talk, and get to know each person individually so you can build a relationship with them. | Keep conversations light. While you want to appear friendly and warm, certain topics should be avoided if you want to escape conflict at work. For example, discussions about religion and politics are generally inappropriate at work, and can end up heated. Also avoid overly personal conversations like your health, sexuality, personal relationship problems, or finances, and avoid asking your co-workers about these issues as well. If you feel uncomfortable with nosy or invasive inquiries into your personal life, or if the topic of conversation becomes controversial, do your best to change the subject. If that fails, you can either firmly but politely shut them down or try to leave the discussion diplomatically. Its often enough to firmly say, "I'd really rather not discuss that particular issue at work." If you'd rather not be so forward, try saying, "Oh! I just remembered something I need to finish," and then excuse yourself from the conversation. Arrange to socialize during your breaks. Socializing excessively during work hours sends a message to your boss that you are not a serious worker, and encourages chatty colleagues to eat up your time. If a work colleague tries to chat with you while you are busy, suggest you postpone the conversation until lunchtime. Try to be diplomatic so that your work colleague does not feel rejected. For example, you could say something like, "I totally agree. I am so swamped, but I'd love to talk more at lunch. Do you want to meet up?" Avoid being the office gossip, and stay away from those that are. Gossiping and complaining among your co-workers often leads to some form of hostility between peers and superiors. It is best to remain silent or walk away when you hear your co-workers gossip, but if you can't, try reframing the gossip in a positive light. For instance, if your co-worker says, "Did you hear that Jamie got a raise and Ken didn't?" you might say something like, "Jamie definitely worked hard this year for that raise. She deserves it!" Remember that co-workers who gossip about one another or about the boss likely also gossip about you when you're not around. Try not to give these type of people personal details about your life that you don't want spread around the office. Be more of a listener than a talker. Not only will you learn more about your co-workers, but you will avoid saying the wrong thing. Staying quiet will also help you avoid the stigma of being the chatty one in the office, or worse, being perceived as a gossip. Bite your tongue in particular if you tend to be quick-witted, sarcastic, or tongue-in-cheek, which can come across as rude to co-workers who don't appreciate your sense of humor. Excel in your position. If you do your best when completing your own work, your superiors will see your dedication and know that any conflicts in the workplace are not your fault. Make yourself indispensable by doing an exceptional job at your tasks. This will also keep you busy and help you avoid conflicts with troubling colleagues. Go out of your way to help your co-workers. If you help your co-workers achieve their goals by relieving their stress, then they will see you as an ally. This does not mean that you do your co-worker's job in addition to your own. But if you see an area where they could use help and you have additional time on your hands, consider offering to lend support. Show respect for your superiors even if they do not extend the same courtesy to you. Sometimes, the co-worker with whom you have the most friction is your own boss. Don't allow negative attitudes or heavy demands from your managers upset you. If you want pleasant co-worker relationships, then you will need to realize that people behave a certain way for their own reasons and there is nothing you can do about it. Be the better person by returning negative behavior with polite, respectful responses. If your boss's negative behavior exceeds acceptable limits-- if he or she harasses, discriminates, or otherwise illegally targets you-- see your company's human resources office for steps you can take to stop the behavior. In a small office with no HR department, your next recourse might be to hire a lawyer. Look at yourself. In any conflict situation, everyone involved tends to believe the situation is the other party's fault. Consider whether there is anything you could do differently to improve your working relationship. Do you have an aggressive personality? Sometimes you might come on too strong, and others might react by withdrawing or becoming defensive, even if you meant well. Try toning it down or giving them some space. Do you tend to be critical? Even if it's part of your job, the way a person offers criticism can feel constructive or like a personal attack. Some people with more sensitive personalities may receive all but the most gentle criticism this way. Don't be afraid to take the responsibility for a conflict, and make it right. Use "I statements" to deflect potential defensiveness, like "I may have overstepped my role" or "I am afraid I may have come across too harshly with my criticism." Get to know your co-workers as people. Learning more about their interests, backgrounds, and families can help to relieve some of the conflict by helping you understand their personality, goals, and priorities. Invite them over to your home for a barbeque, or to a bar or restaurant after work. You can get to know them free of the stress of the workplace, and help them to see you as a three dimensional person with a life outside of work. Remember that negative and conflict-ridden people are often under a lot of stress. They may be fighting a medical condition, struggling to pay their bills, or dealing with family issues. Extend the same benefit of the doubt that you would hope someone would extend to you on a bad day. Be considerate of your co-worker's personal boundaries, and don't be offended if they choose not to get close. They may decline invitations or prefer to keep their work relationships strictly professional, and that's ok too. Go out of your way to be kind. You might not be best friends with all your co-workers, but you can make a special effort to be kind, polite, and easy to work with. Never engage in behaviors that are considered harassment, such as making suggestive sexual comments or gestures or telling jokes that target race, culture, or gender. Consider leaving notes of appreciation for your co-workers, or bringing in donuts to the office once a month. When it's reasonable and does not add to your work load, help your co-workers out in little ways: grab their copies off the copy machine, offer to take orders for Starbucks if you're headed there anyway, or refill the soap dispenser. The little things can add up to a much more enjoyable working relationship. Going out of your way to be kind doesn't mean letting others walk all over you or letting others take advantage of your helpfulness. It just means treating everyone the same at work regardless of whether they are your favorite or least favorite person to work with. Recognize personality conflicts. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you just can't get along with certain personalities that conflict with your own. Avoid a problem co-worker. If you tend to run into the same conflicts with the same person day after day, consider making slight changes to your schedule so that you do not run into him or her at the typical times (such as during the morning elevator ride, coffee breaks, or lunch periods in common areas). If possible, ask to move desks or teams. This should be a last resort because you don't want to seem to be a person who is hard to work with. If you can't avoid them outright, avoid the conflict by ignoring it. Bullies often target people to get a reaction, so if you don't react, you might find that he or she will leave you alone. Talk to your co-workers. If you are having a conflict or misunderstanding, your first step of action should be a calm, one-on-one discussion. Conduct the conversation in private, keep your emotions and tone of voice calm, and only discuss facts rather than opinions or feelings. Begin with the attitude that you want to seek solutions and improve workplace productivity, not to prove a point or redress personal grievances. Be direct but non-accusatory. Don't say, "You have been mean to me this week. I saw you rolling your eyes during my presentation this morning. What's your deal?" Instead make the issue something both of you can fix: "There seems to be some tension between us. I noticed you rolled your eyes while I was pitching my idea this morning at the meeting. Is there anything I've done? How can we fix this?" You may find that your co-worker has a rational explanation for the conflict, such as a misunderstanding or something they overheard in the break room. In this case, try to remedy the solution through appropriate explanations or apologies, and then try to work together to keep your work relationship professional in the future. Stand up for a co-worker who is being harassed or bullied. Unfortunately, workplace conflict often seems juvenile and can veer into the realm of teasing, taunting, or discrimination. These behaviors are illegal. Just as you would advise your children to do with a playground bully, consider your options: stand up to the bully and confront him or her, change the subject or redirect the bully's attention, or find help from a superior to intervene on your co-workers behalf. Keep records of workplace incidents. If you are being harassed, bullied, or just sense that a conflict at work is escalating, it is a great idea to keep a detailed log of all the interactions with that person. This log can be used as evidence if the conflict ends up being taken to management. Write down dates, times, and actions or words that your employee engaged in. Avoid emotional or overly descriptive language; just stick to the facts. Know your rights. You have the right to a workplace free of harassment and bullying. As a last resort, you may consider reporting a co-worker's behavior to management. Ensure that company policy and/or your rights are being violated before acting. Check your employee handbook and the harassment policy of the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission ( http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/harassment.cfm ). Generally, according to the EEOC, "petty slights, annoyances, and isolated incidents… will not rise to the level of illegality. To be unlawful, the conduct must create a work environment that would be intimidating, hostile, or offensive to reasonable people." Check the sections of your company handbook regarding employee behavior, which will typically point you toward your company's chain of command to report the situation. Depending on your company, this may be your direct manager or the Office of Human Resources. Be sure to handle the report professionally. Begin the conversation with an explanation such as, "I had hoped to avoid involving you, but a situation with a co-worker has gotten to a point that I feel we need to have a conversation." Avoid coming across as emotional, vindictive, or accusatory. Explain only the facts of the situation-- who did what and when. | Keep conversations light. Arrange to socialize during your breaks. Avoid being the office gossip, and stay away from those that are. Be more of a listener than a talker. Excel in your position. Show respect for your superiors even if they do not extend the same courtesy to you. Look at yourself. Get to know your co-workers as people. Go out of your way to be kind. Recognize personality conflicts. Talk to your co-workers. Stand up for a co-worker who is being harassed or bullied. Keep records of workplace incidents. Know your rights. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Vinegar-Cleaning-Solution | How to Make a Vinegar Cleaning Solution | The acidity in vinegar makes it a great non-toxic cleaner that can be used all around your home. You can use straight vinegar to clean toilet bowls, chrome surfaces, and your showerhead and door. Use equal parts vinegar and water to clean faucets, windows, your refrigerator, countertops, and most other hard surfaces. Just spray or pour the solution onto the surface you're cleaning, then wipe it up with a warm, damp cloth. To clean your floors with vinegar, make a weaker solution by mixing ½ cup (120 mL) of vinegar with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water. Then, dip a mop in the mixture and mop your floors with it. Let the floors air dry when you're finished. You can also make a vinegar cleaning paste for things like carpet stains, grill grates, and tile surfaces. Just mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar, then apply it to the surface you're cleaning. While it fizzes, use a sponge or brush to scrub the surface clean. Rinse with clean water when you're finished. Whichever type of solution you make, avoid applying it to natural stone or wood since vinegar can damage these surfaces. | Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Use distilled white vinegar and, if possible, distilled or filtered water. If you don't have those on hand, tap water will work fine. Put them in an empty spray bottle, attach the nozzle and shake briefly to combine them. Spray this mixture on kitchen and bathroom countertops, stovetops, backsplashes, toilet surfaces, tile, flooring and almost any smooth surface you wish. Wipe it up with a paper towel or sponge. Vinegar and water solutions can help eliminate dirt, soap scum, sticky spills and hard water. Add lemon juice to disinfect surfaces. Mix one part lemon juice, one part white vinegar and two parts water in a spray bottle. Replace the nozzle and give it a shake. Spray the solution on smooth surfaces you want to disinfect, such as in the kitchen or bathroom. This mixture can typically eliminate 99% of bacteria from surfaces, making it ideal for sanitization. Add dish soap for persistent stains on carpet. If the vinegar and water solution isn't getting rid of a carpet stain, add a teaspoon of mild dish soap to the spray bottle. Give it a shake, then spray it directly onto the stain. Allow it to soak for about two minutes, then gently blot at the spill with a clean towel or sponge. Tackle tough stains and grime with undiluted vinegar. To clean heavy soap scum and mineral deposits, skip the water and pour white distilled vinegar into a spray bottle, straight from the jug. Replace the nozzle. Spray the solution onto the affected area, scrub with a brush or sponge and rinse with water. Use undiluted solutions for soap scum on shower walls and hard water deposits. For toilets, pour straight vinegar right into the bowl. Try disinfecting cutting boards with undiluted vinegar. Put vinegar and water in a bowl to clean microwaves and ovens. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then pour them into a heat-safe bowl. Place the bowl in your microwave or conventional oven. Microwave or heat the solution long enough to bring it to a boil. Let it cool down a bit before you open the door. Odors will be eliminated and splattered food will be loosened and easy to wipe away. Mix vinegar, rubbing alcohol and water to create a glass cleaner. Measure out 1 cup (240 mL) of rubbing alcohol, 1 cup (240 mL) of water and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Pour them into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto glass, mirrors, ceramic tiles and chrome finishes, then wipe with a paper towel or microfiber cloth. This mixture is effective for cleaning and polishing glass surfaces. For a pleasant citrus scent, add one or two drops of orange essential oil to the mixture. Use equal parts vinegar, salt and Borax to remove carpet stains. For tough carpet or fabric stains, mix equal parts vinegar, table salt and Borax in a large bowl until a paste forms. Apply the paste directly to the stained area. Allow the paste to sit for several minutes before wiping it up with a clean towel. Rinse the area with water. Unclog a drain with baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda is a mild abrasive. Combined with vinegar's acidic properties, the duo can effectively unclog kitchen drains. Pour ½ cup (125 g) of baking soda down the drain. Follow it up with a ½ cup (120 mL) of white vinegar. The combination of the two will create fizz. Once it stops fizzing, pour warm or hot water down the drain. Clean brass with a table salt and vinegar scrub. Immerse a sponge in white vinegar, then wring out the excess liquid. Sprinkle table salt evenly over one side of the sponge. Gently scrub brass surfaces with the mixture. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water, then dry it with a soft towel. Clean metal surfaces with a vinegar, salt and flour paste. Use this paste on silver, pewter, copper, or brass. Combine 1 teaspoon salt with 1 cup (240 mL) of vinegar. Add ¼ cup (30 g) of flour and stir until a paste forms. Apply the paste to the metal surface and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and then polish the surface with a clean cloth. Mix equal parts vinegar and olive oil to make a furniture polish. Measure out equal parts of white vinegar and olive oil, then mix them together in a large bowl or jar. Test the mixture out on an inconspicuous area of your wooden furniture before applying it onto the entire surface. If there is no negative reaction, dampen a soft cloth with the mixture and rub it on the surface. Polish the wooden surface by rubbing in slow, circular motions. Use a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess from the surface. This mixture works well on wooden furniture such as coffee tables, desks and dressers. It can effectively remove rings left behind by beverage glasses. Remove smudges from stainless steel with vinegar and olive oil. Apply 1 tablespoon of olive oil to one side of a cloth or sponge. Rub it on the surface of stainless steel to remove smudges. Dampen the other side of the sponge with white vinegar. Use it to wipe away the olive oil and polish the steel surface. Use olive oil, vinegar and water to clean and polish wood paneling. Mix 2 cups (480 mL) of warm water with ½ cup (120 mL) of white vinegar and ½ cup (120 mL) of olive oil. Apply the mixture to wood paneling with a clean, soft cloth. Rub it gently over the surface. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe it away, simultaneously cleaning and polishing the wood paneled surface. | Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Add lemon juice to disinfect surfaces. Add dish soap for persistent stains on carpet. Tackle tough stains and grime with undiluted vinegar. Put vinegar and water in a bowl to clean microwaves and ovens. Mix vinegar, rubbing alcohol and water to create a glass cleaner. Use equal parts vinegar, salt and Borax to remove carpet stains. Unclog a drain with baking soda and vinegar. Clean brass with a table salt and vinegar scrub. Clean metal surfaces with a vinegar, salt and flour paste. Mix equal parts vinegar and olive oil to make a furniture polish. Remove smudges from stainless steel with vinegar and olive oil. Use olive oil, vinegar and water to clean and polish wood paneling. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Shift-Gears-on-a-Bike | How to Shift Gears on a Bike | To shift gears on your bike, use your left hand to adjust the front gears, and your right hand for the back gears. Gearing down, which means shifting into a smaller gear in the front, or a larger gear in the back, makes pedaling quicker and easier, but less powerful. Gearing up, alternately, makes pedaling harder, but more powerful. Get the hang of switching gears by practicing in a flat area, and remember to only shift while you're pedaling forward. Start off in a low gear, and gradually gear up as you build up speed. | Count the number of gears at the base of the pedals. If you want to learn how to shift gears on your bike, you'll need a bike that has gears in the first place. Luckily, this is easy to check. Start by looking at the pedals. In the center of the pedals, there should be one or more metal rings with teeth on the outside that fit into the chain. These are the front gears. Count how many gears you see. Most bikes will have between one and three front gears. Count the number of gears on the rear wheel. Now, look at the back wheel. You should see the chain run from the front gears over a different set of rings at the center of the wheel. These are the rear gears. Count how many you see. If your bike has gears, there will usually be more rear gears than front gears. Some bikes have ten or more. Multiply the two numbers to find how many gears your bike has. Now, just multiply the number of front gears by the number of rear gears. This tells you the total number of gears your bike has. Some people also call this the number of "speeds." For example, if you have three gears in the front and six gears in the back, your bike has 3 × 6 = 18 gears (or "speeds"). If you have one gear in the front and seven gears in the back, your bike has 1 × 7 = 7 gears. Some bikes with more than 8 gears may have overlapping gear combinations. If your bike only has one gear in the front and one in the rear, it has 1 × 1 = 1 gear. This sort of bike is called a single speed bike. Unfortunately, you can't shift gears on single speed bikes. However, some single speeds may have internal gears in the rear hub. Use your left hand to shift the front gears. Bikes with gears almost always have hand controls on the handlebars to use for shifting. When you use the left-hand controls, a metal loop called a derailleur ("de-railer") shifts the chain from side to side to make it catch on a new front gear. The front gears makes a large shift in your gear ratio. There are a few different mechanisms for shifting that are common on bikes. These include: Grip shifters that you work by turning your wrist Small levers above or below the handlebars that you work with your thumbs Larger levers next to the handbrakes that you work with your fingertips More rarely, electronic shifters or levers mounted on the frame of the bike Use your right hand to shift the rear gears. The rear gears have their own derailleur. Using the right-hand controls will move the rear derailleur side to side, making the chain catch on a new rear gear. The rear gears make smaller adjustments to your gear ratio since they have a smaller difference in tooth count. The rear gears almost always use the same mechanism as the front gears. If you can't keep your hand controls straight while you're riding, remember: " right = rear. " Gear down to make your pedaling easier but less powerful. You can change your gears to make riding your bike easier in certain situations. For example, shifting into a "lower" gear lets you pedal quicker and easier, but each pedal won't push you as far. The further inboard the chain is, the easier it will be to pedal. There are two ways to do shift down: Shift into a smaller gear in the front. Shift into a bigger gear in the back. Gear up to make your pedaling harder but more powerful. The opposite of shifting down is shifting up into a "higher" gear. These gears make it harder to pedal, but each pedal will push you further and make you go faster. When the chain is farther outboard, it will become more difficult to pedal. There are also two ways to shift up: Shift into a bigger gear in the front. Shift into a smaller gear in the back. Practice shifting up and down in a flat area. A good way to get the hang of shifting is to simply start doing it! Go someplace safe and flat (like a park) and start pedaling forward. Try using one of the hand controls to shift up or down. You should hear the chain click or rattle and you'll feel your pedals get either easier or harder to push depending on whether you shifted down or up. Try using both sets of controls to shift in both directions until you get the hang of them. Only shift while you're pedaling forward. If you're used to a bike that needed you to pedal backward to brake, this can take some time getting used to. The chain can only catch on new gears if it is stretched tight, which requires you to pedal forward. If you shift while you're pedaling backward or not pedaling at all, the chain won't be tight enough to catch. When you start pedaling again, it may rattle around or slip off of the gear. This isn't something you'll want to happen while riding. Pick a low gear when you start off. The first few pedals you take on your bike are often some of the hardest because you need to go from standing still to cruising speed. Whenever you start riding, shift down to a fairly low gear to make it quicker and easier to get back up to speed. You'll also want to do this whenever you come to a complete stop and start pedaling again (like at a red light). If you know you're going to stop riding soon, it's a good idea to shift into a low gear so you can get started easier next time. This is especially true if you know you'll have to get out of a tricky spot — like if your home's driveway goes uphill. Gradually gear up as you build up speed. As you get going faster and faster, you'll find that the lower gears start to feel "too easy" after a while. If you want to keep building up speed, shift up. You'll notice the pedals feel more difficult to push and you'll keep accelerating. If you're riding around on moderate terrain (like city streets with a few minor hills), a "middle" gear will usually work well for your default cruising speed. For example, if you're on an 18-speed (three gears in front, six in the rear), using the second gear in the front and the third in the rear should give you a good "middle of the road" option. Shift down for hills. This is an important skill to learn — without it, you'll be stuck walking your bike up larger hills. It's almost impossible to get up a hill in high gear. However, lower gears let you pump your way up the hill slowly and steadily without too much extra effort. You may find it difficult to slowly climb hills in a low gear at first. Since you're moving at a low speed, it's a little more difficult to keep balanced than normal. However, moving slowly means it's easy to drop a foot to the ground if you lose your balance. Shift up when on fairly level ground and for downhill areas. If you're trying to build up as much speed as possible, using higher gears on this type of terrain is the way to go. Gradually shifting to your highest gears will allow you to keep accelerating at a steady rate until you reach your top speed. Be sure to ride carefully when you're going this fast — it's easier to hurt yourself. Being in a high gear is one of the only ways to be able to speed up while you're going downhill. Lower gears won't turn the chain quick enough to keep up with the wheels when you're rolling downhill, making it basically impossible to speed up except from the hill itself. Shift up carefully to avoid hurting your joints. It can feel satisfying to "pump" your bike into motion in a high gear, but it may be bad for your body in the long run. Straining hard to push a bike that's in too high of gear can put stress on your joints (especially your knees), leading to soreness and even joint problems over time. It's also not as good of exercise for your heart and lungs as pedaling in a lower gear at a steadier pace. To be clear, you can use your bike's higher gears, but you should only shift into them gradually after you've already built up speed. Avoid choosing gears that "crisscross" the chain. As you shift your gears, if you look down at the chain, you may notice that it sometimes points in a slightly diagonal direction. This isn't a problem unless you pick gears that make the chain run at extreme diagonal angles. This can make the chain wear down and break over time and can cause rattling and slippage in the short term. In general, you'll want to avoid having the chain on either the biggest or smallest gears in both the front and in the rear. In other words: Don't use the largest front gear with the larger rear gears. Don't use the smallest front gear with the smaller rear gears. | Count the number of gears at the base of the pedals. Count the number of gears on the rear wheel. Multiply the two numbers to find how many gears your bike has. Use your left hand to shift the front gears. Use your right hand to shift the rear gears. Gear down to make your pedaling easier but less powerful. Gear up to make your pedaling harder but more powerful. Practice shifting up and down in a flat area. Only shift while you're pedaling forward. Pick a low gear when you start off. Gradually gear up as you build up speed. Shift down for hills. Shift up when on fairly level ground and for downhill areas. Shift up carefully to avoid hurting your joints. Avoid choosing gears that "crisscross" the chain. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Join-Star-Alliance | How to Join Star Alliance | To join Star Alliance, go to your preferred airline's website, such as United Airlines, Air Canada, or Lufthansa, and sign up for their frequent flier program. Next, visit http://www.staralliance.com/en/earn-and-redeem and select the program you chose from the drop-down menu. Then, click “Visit Website” to be redirected to the program website. Fill out the form that pops up, including all required fields. Remember to read and agree to the terms and conditions included in the enrollment form before you submit it! | Choose a program based on the airline you frequently fly. Star Alliance is made up of 28 different airline programs that you can earn travel rewards through. Because of this, you don't apply for a Star Alliance membership, but you instead enroll in 1 of the 28 programs. You can choose any one that you want, but it's best to go with the one that you have the easiest access to and/or the one that's provided by the airline you fly the most. The programs vary based on airline and country. If you live in the United States, for example, then you may want to enroll in United Airlines' MileagePlus program. Find the program’s website on online. Go to http://www.staralliance.com/en/earn-and-redeem and select the program you want to enroll in from the drop down menu. Then, click “Visit Website.” This will take you straight to the program's website, and possibly even directly to the enrollment form for the specific program. If the link doesn't direct you to the program enrollment form, it will likely direct you to a page with a button you can click that says, “Enroll Now,” “Become a Member,” or something similar. Click on that button to start the enrollment process. Fill out the recommended fields. Each program has a different enrollment setup process, but nearly all of them require that you fill out your basic information, such as your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email address. Once you've started filling out the enrollment form, simply proceed as you're directed to. Depending on the program you choose to enroll in, you may need to read and agree to terms and conditions. Make sure to do this before clicking “Submit,” “Enroll,” or a similar final button on the enrollment form. You may be prompted to pay a membership fee for the program you enroll in, depending on which program you decide to go with. Enter your frequent flyer number each time you book a flight. In order to earn rewards of any kind, you'll need to go on flights to rack up miles. Each time you book a flight, be on the lookout for the words “Frequent Flyer Membership Number” with a blank next to it. Type your program membership number into the blank before completing your reservation. If you aren't sure what your membership number is, contact a customer service representative for your specific program to find out. Fly 10,000−35,000 miles (−56,000 km) every 1-2 years to earn Silver status. Through Star Alliance, you can earn 1 of 2 different elevated statuses if you fly often enough. Silver is the lower of the 2, and can be achieved in various ways, depending on your program's specifications. However, no matter the program, you have to fly a certain number of miles within a certain amount of time to qualify. The minimum amount of miles you must fly ranges from 10,000 miles (16,000 km) to 35,000 miles (56,000 km). Silver status members have the following added benefits: Priority reservations waitlist: If the flight you want to go on is already booked, you will be placed high on the waitlist for the flight, in case anyone cancels their booking. Priority airport standby: If your travel plans change or you want to go on an earlier flight and you need to fly standby, you'll be granted higher priority on the standby list if the new flight is full. Fly 20,000-70,000 miles every 1-2 years to earn Gold status. Again, this varies by program, but typically, the minimum amount of miles you must fly to be a Gold member is double that of the Silver status required miles. Depending on your program, you may have to fly at least 20,000-70,000 in either a 1-year or a 2-year span. If you achieve Gold status, the added benefits include: Priority reservations waitlist: If you try to book a flight and it's already full, your status will place you high on the waitlist, in case someone decides to cancel their booking. Priority airport standby: If you have to change your flight and fly standby, you'll be placed higher up on the standby priority waitlist for the new flight that you want to get on. Lounge access: You and 1 additional guest who is a member of Star Alliance have access to all 1,000 of the Star Alliance airport lounges, regardless of the class you travel in. Priority baggage handling: Your luggage is prioritized so that it's one of the first bags to be brought out to the baggage claim area, allowing you to leave the airport faster. Extra baggage allowance: You're allowed 44 pounds (20 kg) of extra weight in your bag, or a second bag, without any additional charge. Priority check-in: You can check in for your flights at the specially marked “priority” counter, where the lines are generally shorter. Priority boarding: You're allowed to board with first class and business class customers for early seating and convenience. Use your earned rewards to get discounts on flights. The most popular way to use the points you've earned through the miles that you've flown is to pay for flights. Simply log into your program account to find out how many points you've accumulated and what you can get with them. There should be a redemption reward chart on your program website that displays this information. You can use your points to pay for flights that you book through any of the 28 Star Alliance airlines, not just the one you have a program membership through. Depending on your particular program, there may be certain “blackout dates,” when you can't use your points for flights. Log into your program account and check the terms and conditions for this information. Upgrade to first class with your rewards. You can also use your points to upgrade your class of travel to 1 level higher than what you paid for in your reservation. To do this, first book the reservation through any Star Alliance airline and then request an upgrade through your program. Check your program's website for information regarding the amount of points required to get upgrades. Upgrade rewards are based on availability. Check your program's terms and conditions for information on qualifying for an upgrade. Use your status to get into Star Alliance lounges. Star Alliance has lounges in over 1,000 airports that offer an escape from the crowds at the airport. Most lounges have complimentary snacks and beverages and provide seating areas. Go to http://www.staralliance.com/en/lounge-finder and type in your airport to find a Star Alliance lounge that you can use. Those who have access to the lounge include: International first class customers International business class customers Domestic first class customers Domestic business class customers Star Alliance Gold customers flying in any class Paid lounge membership customers | Choose a program based on the airline you frequently fly. Find the program’s website on online. Fill out the recommended fields. Enter your frequent flyer number each time you book a flight. Fly 10,000−35,000 miles (−56,000 km) every 1-2 years to earn Silver status. Fly 20,000-70,000 miles every 1-2 years to earn Gold status. Use your earned rewards to get discounts on flights. Upgrade to first class with your rewards. Use your status to get into Star Alliance lounges. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Act-on-a-First-Date-(Girls) | How to Act on a First Date (Girls) | Although you may feel nervous about how to act on a first date, do your best to be yourself and exude your natural confidence. Before a first date, build up your self-esteem by giving yourself enough time to find a cute outfit and maybe give yourself a pep talk. When you arrive at your date, greet the other person by going in for a quick, friendly hug to show them that you're happy to see them and comfortable getting close with them. During your date, smile and make eye contact as you chat, so they know you're interested and listening to them. If you're not sure what to say, try talking about your preferences and common interests, or tell them an interesting story from your life. | Figure out the agenda. Plan the occasion yourself or ask your date what you will be doing for the duration. Choose what you wear and bring based on the type of activity or setting. If you are the one planning the date, try something besides the typical dinner-and-movie. Go hiking, to an arcade, or to a science museum, for example. Doing something active and interesting will take some of the pressure off conversation and allow you and your date to relax more. Ask what your date has in mind if they are planning it. If it's a secret, simply ask what type of setting it is, like outdoors, active, or fancy. When in doubt, opt for something comfortable that you can move around in, especially in regards to shoes. Boost your confidence. Build up your confidence before the date by doing something that makes you feel good about yourself. Give yourself a pep talk, visualize the date going really well, or think about another time that you accomplished something big in your life. Try standing in front of a mirror and encouraging yourself! While it may feel silly, giving yourself a pep talk can really put you in a good mood before your date. Try telling yourself something like, “I am happy with myself and happy to have this date, so no matter what happens, I'll have fun!” Think of another occasion in your life for which you were really nervous, but which went really well after all. Imagine that feeling of relief and accomplishment when you completed what you set out to do. Know that there's no reason you can't feel the same way with this date! Give yourself time to get ready. Plan to give yourself ample time to get ready before your date, whether that means showering and getting dressed, doing hair and makeup, or just giving yourself a little pep talk in the mirror. Don't put yourself in a position where you have to rush, otherwise you'll be flustered right from the beginning of the date. You probably already have a good idea of how long it takes you to get ready, so stick to that. You don't need to do anything extra to your appearance beyond what makes you feel good about yourself. Your date already knows and expects your normal look. Avoid getting ready too far in advance, which may make you antsy or more nervous when you finish getting ready and have to wait till the date starts. This could also increase the chance of you getting your clothes dirty, hair messed up, makeup smudged, etc. Confirm the time and place you’ll meet. Make sure you're on the same page with your date about how, when, and where you're meeting up. This will avoid any confusion or awkwardness that could ruin your date from the start if there's any miscommunication. Communicate with your date about whether one of you is picking the other up and where, or if you're meeting at an agreed-upon spot. If the latter, decide on a recognizable landmark to meet at. “I'll meet you outside the main doors of the theater,” for example, or “Let's meet at the horse statue in the park.” Be on time to the date. Being “fashionably late” won't be impressive to your date and will only make him worried you've stood them up. Greet your date warmly. Say hello when you meet up with your date. Go in for a quick but friendly hug to show that you're happy to see them and are open to getting close (if you're comfortable with that). Try cracking a quick joke to diffuse any awkwardness, or even acknowledging that you're nervous. This will either make your date feel less alone if they're nervous too, or seek to make you feel comfortable throughout the date. Wave your date in from the car if they are picking you up and honks from the driveway. You can avoid an awkward car hug and chat casually with them while you do something natural, like pull on your coat or grab your purse and get ready to go. Smile and make eye contact. Let your date know you're having a good time by remembering to smile and maintain eye contact, which shows them you're listening and enjoying yourself. Avoid forcing any facial expression, but try to keep it pleasantly neutral. If you have difficulty keeping up eye contact, try imagining a triangle formed between your date's two eyes and mouth. Shift your gaze to a different point on that triangle every five to ten seconds so you don't feel like you're staring but still appear interested in the other person. Don't force a smile or laugh when it doesn't feel genuine. A natural smile will result from funny or pleasant conversation from your date, or as a result of mimicking their own smile — if your date isn't making you smile, perhaps they aren't right for you! Get close to your date. Show your interest in being physically close to your date if both of you feel comfortable with it. You don't need to make a big move but can simply sit or stand close to your date whenever possible. Try sitting on the same side of the table at a restaurant to be closer, or on an adjacent side so you can reach out and touch your date but still be able to make eye contact. Remember that people respond very differently to personal space and touch. Your date might love you reaching out to touch their hand and will smile or touch you back. Or they may pull away and express physically or verbally their discomfort with that. Respect your date's wishes and feelings either way. Keep in mind, too, your own boundaries when it comes to physical contact. Before you go out, think about your comfort level with physical closeness and intimacy on a first date. Knowing this ahead of time can help you set boundaries with the person. If they get too touchy or swoops in for a kiss, you can say, "Hey, I really like you, but I like to take things a little bit slower," or, "I'm not quite ready for that." Offer to pay or split the check. If you're on a date with an activity that costs money, offer to split the check with your date. Or you can even pay for the whole thing yourself if you wish. Don't assume that the other person will pay for you, and don't offer to pay it all yourself if you don't intend to. Avoid playing games and keep it equal and honest. You can say upfront at dinner, “This one's on me,” if you'd like to offer to pay or, “Let's split dinner, okay?” This will eliminate any awkwardness when the check comes. If your date insists on paying the whole check, don't push it and accept gratefully, with a promise to get the next thing you'll do together. You can say “Thanks, that's really sweet of you. I'll get the movie tickets for us!” State your preferences. Speak up and don't be afraid to show you have an opinion about what you talk about with your date. Avoid letting your date decide everything or saying you're interested in something you're really not. For instance, if your date suggests a steakhouse for dinner and you're a vegetarian, speak up and tell them so, and recommend a restaurant or type of cuisine you love instead. During a date, avoid the “I don't care, what do you want?” answer when your date asks you what you're going to eat or what you'd like to do or share. Give an honest answer of your preference. Ask questions about common interests. Take the first date as an opportunity to learn a lot of new information about your date and what you have in common. Ask them questions about things you both like or something in their life you'd like to know more about. Try asking about school, work, hobbies, TV shows, books, movies, family, etc. Most people avoid discussing topics like politics, religion, and former girlfriends/boyfriends, but do whatever feels natural to you and what you're interested in. You could ask, “Hey, I saw that you were wearing a Star Wars shirt the other day. What did you think of the newest movie?”, or, “So, you moved to the U.S. from Europe? Tell me more about what it was like to live there!” Asking questions also doesn't have to feel like an interview or interrogation of your date's life. You can simply ask about the music they have playing in the car, or another similar observation about your surroundings. Tell stories. Allow the focus to be on you for a bit and tell any funny or interesting stories you have about a topic. This is an easy way to keep the conversation going, and get your date to tell you some stories, too. For example, if they ask you about your family, instead of simply saying you have a brother, you could say, “I have an older brother named Scott. He's traveling in Peru right now! He's always been really adventurous. One time, on our summer vacation, he did the craziest thing…” If you're worried about dominating the conversation, keep stories short. Then prompt your date with, “Do you have any stories about your family? Tell me about them.” That will keep the conversation equal. Suggest a second date. Subtly suggest another date at the end of the first one if all went well. Tell your date to call or text you, or offer a suggestion of what you can do together next. Try bringing up something that was talked about during the date, like an activity you both enjoy or something you're interested to learn more about. For instance, you could say, “So when can I play that new video game you got?”, or, “I really want to check out that hiking trail you mentioned if you'll show me sometime.” Say goodbye with another friendly hug. Don't feel pressured to kiss on the first date, unless you feel like you want to! Have an exit strategy if things don't go well. Unfortunately, things don't always go quite the way we planned, and a date can take a turn for the worst — things can begin to feel uncomfortable or your date may turn out to be rude or inappropriate. You may be tempted to try and "stick it out" for the sake of being polite, but you absolutely don't have to. If the date didn't go very well and your date suggests extending the evening by going out for drinks or dessert, you can simply say, "Dinner was delicious, but I'm not up for drinks [or ice cream, dancing, etc.] after..." If your date is being inappropriate and rude and making you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, call him out on it. You don't have to be mean. You can say, "That's really offensive," or, "I don't think that's funny; it's actually really rude and I want you to stop," or even just, "I'm feeling really uncomfortable right now." If they don't stop the behavior, cut the date short. Ask for the check or give him money for your share of the bill and get out of there. Call a cab, a friend, or a parent to pick you up if you need to. If the date was fine but you're just not feeling it, it's okay to say that, too. You can say, "I really like you, but I'm definitely getting more of a 'friend' vibe. Are you feeling that, too?" You have no obligation to spend any more time with your date than what feels comfortable. Don't worry that you're being rude or mean by ending a date prematurely. The most important thing is that you take care of yourself. | Figure out the agenda. Boost your confidence. Give yourself time to get ready. Confirm the time and place you’ll meet. Greet your date warmly. Smile and make eye contact. Get close to your date. Offer to pay or split the check. State your preferences. Ask questions about common interests. Tell stories. Suggest a second date. Have an exit strategy if things don't go well. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-up-a-Pet-Rat-Cage | How to Set up a Pet Rat Cage | Before you set up a cage for your pet rat, gather the supplies you'll need, including dry bedding, a small rodent water bottle, a food bowl, hammocks, and toys. Additionally, make sure you choose a large cage with wire bars that allow for good ventilation. To start, fill your cage with plenty of paper or cloth bedding to keep your rat warm. Then, attach the water bottle to the side of the cage and place the food bowl securely in a corner. Rats love to cuddle in hammocks, so either buy one from a pet store or make one yourself by hanging a piece of fabric in a corner with safety pins. | Prepare your supplies for the rat cage. Before you put the rat into the cage, make sure to have all the supplies you plan to put into it. That way your pet rat will not be disturbed from its cage. Consider including the following supplies: Dry bedding Hammocks Small water bottle Food bowl Toys Fill your cage with nice warm bedding. Rats can generally handle cold temperatures well, but it's important to give them good bedding. Use materials such as paper or cloth for the best bedding, but make sure to avoid aromatic cedar or pine, since it can be dangerous to your pet rat. Shredded paper is a good bedding material for your rat, though it will need to be changed often. You can also use cloth bedding, such as old clothes, as long as the material does not unravel easily. Stay away from aromatic cedar or pine. This bedding can damage your rat's liver and respiratory system. Put a rat hammock in the cage. You can either purchase or make a rat hammock. Pet rats love cuddling in these hammocks, which can also keep them warm during the colder months. If you want to make a rat hammock, you can use fleece or t-shirt fabric cut into squares or rectangles. Hang the hammock with safety pins, so the hammock is secured. You can also buy rat hammocks at many pet stores. Rats will occasionally chew in their hammocks, so it's important to have the hammocks be made of materials that cannot be easily chewed through. Otherwise, it's possible your rat could fall from the hammock onto the floor of the cage. Attach water bottles to the cage. Rats will knock over any water bowls, so it's important to attach a bottle to the side of the cage. Your water bottle should be changed on a regular basis, since rats need plenty of water. Secure your water bottle to the side of the cage so it won't fall. Rats will chew on the water feeder, so place a protective covering such as a can or small plastic bowl on top of the bottle if the rats can get to the bottle. It may even be useful to have multiple water bottles, especially if you may not be around your rat on a consistent basis. This way they will always have plenty of water. Fill food bowl and place it in the cage. Rats will knock over any light food bowls, so make sure the food bowl is heavy and low to avoid spillage. You can also consider a mounted food bowl. Food bowls can be easily spilled, so make sure it is secured in the cage. You can use a food hopper that dispenses food if spillage is a problem for your pet rat. Have separate bowls for wet and dry food for your rat. Additionally, remove any perishable food so it does not begin to go bad while in the cage. Bring plenty of toys for your rat. Supply your pet rat with a variety of toys, including toys that hang off the top of the cage, toys on the floor, and mental stimulation toys. Rats need something to do while in the cage, so mental stimulation toys are the most important. Put in a wheel runner for your pet rat. Female rats tend to run more than male rats, but both gender should use it. Give plenty of climbing toys. Rats love to climb, so make sure they are able to climb up ropes and ladders while in their cage. Rats need plenty of mental stimulation, so toys like mazes, toilet rolls, and paper balls can be great for them. They like solving puzzles, so any toys that make them do that can be beneficial for your pet rat. Place your rats in their new home. Let them roam around and get used to things. Don't hold them for their first 2-3 days while they are getting used to their cage and surroundings. It takes rats awhile to get comfortable. However, they should settle into their new rat cage pretty quickly. Your rat may need additional supplies once they get in the cage. Observe your rat to see if you need anything else. Provide good ventilation for your rat. Your rat's cage should give your rats plenty of ventilation. Don't use aquariums or fully enclosed cages, but instead use wire cages with plenty of open air. Aquariums and plastic enclosures keep in dust and ammonia in the cage. These can make your rat sick because they are not getting enough fresh air. Wire cages, made of either plastic or metal, are better for giving your rat plenty of fresh air. A solid body bottom, rather than wire bottom, can be better for your rat's feet. Protect your rat's feet. A solid body bottom to your cage can protect your rat's feet. If you have a wire floor to your cage, consider getting a solid body covering for the bottom of your cage. If you have a wire cage bottom, your pet rat can contract bumblefoot. This condition can cause swelling and infection in your pet rat's feet. You can buy plastic laminate, which is used on kitchen floors, in wire cages to protect your pet rat's feet. This material can be purchased at most hardware stores. Make sure the cage can be cleaned easily. Plastic cages can usually be cleaned easily when necessary without any damage. If you get a metal cage, it's best to be Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated to avoid rust and general cage damage. If you have a plastic cage, make sure the plastic can be cleaned without cracking. Plastic cages that crack will not last as long as those that stay in good shape. Metal cages need PVC coating to avoid rust. However, PVC coating will still wear, but not as quickly or thoroughly as metal cages without finish. Have a cage that you can easily access. You should be able to reach into the cage and move around the cage supplies. Additionally, you want to be able to get your pet rat out safely without squeezing them. Shelves and doors should be easy for you to reach. Your rat should not be closed in by the size and shape of the cage. The door of the cage should easily pop open so you rat can come out or you can take them out. If you have to move your hand around too much to reach your rat, the cage may be too small and cause you to squeeze your rat when taking them out. Keep the bar spacing safe for your pet rat. In a wire cage, it's important for the bar spacing to be far enough apart to not cause your pet rat to get stuck. Additionally, you want the bar spacing to be small enough that your rat cannot escape. For baby rats, bar spacing of about 1/2 inch is ideal. For adult rats, up to 1 inch spacing between bars is better. Consider the size of your rat when choosing the bar spacing. You may need to get a bigger cage with different bar spacing as your rat grows up. Get the best cage for your baby rat. If you get your pet rat as a baby, it's important to have a cage that fits their size. Don't get a cage that's too big, since they may be able to escape through the bars. Baby rats are about 1.25 inches at birth. They are also blind and without fur. By two weeks, they can see and begin growing fur. A cage that is too large for a baby rat can be intimidating for them.They want to feel safe and comfortable, but may feel exposed to predators in a large cage. Cages for baby rats will not last long. After about three months, they will outgrow a small cage. You can use a rat carrier or travel housing as your starter cage for your baby rat. Purchase a large cage for your adult rats. Rats like to play, so they need plenty of space. Otherwise, they may become defensive towards you and their surroundings. Your cage should supply about 2 cubic feet per rat. However, this is a good minimum, but the larger the cage, the better it will be for the rat. You should be able to place plenty of toys and things to do in your rat cage without crowding it. If your rat's toys make your cage look cluttered, it may be time to get a larger cage. Think about special circumstances for your rat cage. There may be some particular circumstances that dictate the type of cage you get. If you are in any of the following conditions, make sure to consider them in setting up your rat cage. You will need to clean the cage on a regular basis. However, if you live in an apartment, you may want to get a cage that can comfortably fit in the bathtub, since you will likely not be able to take it outside to clean it. Children can stick their fingers in the cage and get bitten by your pet rat. Have a big enough bar size that your children will not be able to stick their fingers inside. A cage that's easy to take apart may be useful if you plan on moving. Cages can be a hassle to move if they cannot easily be taken apart. When they can't be taken apart, wheels on the bottom of the cage may be useful. | Prepare your supplies for the rat cage. Fill your cage with nice warm bedding. Put a rat hammock in the cage. Attach water bottles to the cage. Fill food bowl and place it in the cage. Bring plenty of toys for your rat. Place your rats in their new home. Provide good ventilation for your rat. Protect your rat's feet. Make sure the cage can be cleaned easily. Have a cage that you can easily access. Keep the bar spacing safe for your pet rat. Get the best cage for your baby rat. Purchase a large cage for your adult rats. Think about special circumstances for your rat cage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pan-Pipes | How to Make Pan Pipes | If you want to make your own panpipes, gather 8 large straws, like the kind used for smoothies, and cut each one in descending length from 17.5 cm to 8.5 cm. Plug the bottom of each straw with a small circle of modeling clay. Arrange the straws in order from longest to shortest, lining them up so that the unplugged ends are all level with each other, then carefully wrap a piece of tape around the middle of the straws to hold them all in place. Hold the pipe to your lips so the plugged ends of the straws are pointing down to your feet, then blow across the openings of the straws to play notes. | Buy your supplies. Straws and PVC pipe are two different materials you can use to make pan pipes. Straws are the easiest materials to use to make pan pipes. However, their sound quality is not as good as PVC pipes. PVC pipes give you better sound quality, but they are less easy to cut than straws. Take this into consideration when you are choosing the right material for your project. If you are using straws to create your pipes, buy fat straws meant for smoothies or bubble tea. You can find these at stores like Walmart or at your grocery store. Make sure not to get normal or restaurant-style straws. These are not as effective as thicker straws and are much harder to play. If you are using PVC pipe, buy a ½ inch PVC schedule 40 pipe at stores like Home Depot or Walmart. Cut the pipes. Use scissors to cut straw pipes, and a rotary conduit cutter or hack saw to cut PVC pipe. It can be difficult to say exactly what notes the pipes will create when you cut them to certain lengths, because the pitch also depends on the width of the straws or PVC pipe, which can vary across brands. However, you can get a well-tuned set of pipes in a diatonic scale by cutting your pipes to the following lengths: Pipe 1: 17.5 cm Pipe 2: 15.5 cm Pipe 3: 13.5 cm Pipe 4: 12.5 cm Pipe 5: 11 cm Pipe 6: 10 cm Pipe 7: 9 cm Pipe 8: 8.5 cm You can also blow across your pipes and see if they produce the sound you want. You can cut your pipes shorter if you want a different sound. For this reason, it's always a good idea to cut your pipes slightly longer than needed, because you can always adjust them to make them shorter. Make a clay plug. In order to produce sound, you will need to plug the bottom of the pipes. Take modeling clay and make it into a flat circle. Then take a straw or PVC pipe and stamp into the clay with an end. Twist the pipe or straw, then lift it up. This should leave a circle exactly the size of the opening. Take out this piece of clay. Plug the bottom of the pipe. Take the clay plug you made and push it into one of the pipes you have cut for your pan pipes. This will plug the bottom. To make sure it stays, take some tape and wrap it around the bottom of the pipe to secure it. Do this process for the remaining pipes. Pick out or buy bamboo stalks. If you are making your pipes out of bamboo, buy as many stalks as you need. If you live in a warm climate that grows bamboo, you may be able to find bamboo outside or at local shops. If you don't have access to bamboo in your community, order it online. Make sure each stalk of bamboo has around a 5/8 inch diameter. It's important that all the stalks have a similar interior diameter, or else it will be hard to make them sound good together. Make sure the bamboo isn't green, and instead is dried and tan in color. Cut the bamboo in front of its first node. Take a stalk of bamboo and cut it at one end right before the first node using a saw. The nodes of the bamboo are the lines that run horizontally across the stalk that you can see from the outside. The nodes are closed on the inside, so they create a good natural bottom to your pipes. Sand the node area. After you have made the cut before the node, use a belt sander to make the outside bottom of the bamboo stalk rounded. This isn't necessary, but it will make the bottoms of your pipes less prickly and spiky, and will also make your instrument look better. Do the same process for all of your bamboo pieces. Measure out your pipes. Use the same measurements for the straw pan pipes, starting with the longest pipe at 17.5 cm and the shortest at 8.5 centimeters. Use a ruler to measure and mark these measurements on the bamboo. Clean out nodes between sections. After forming the bottom of the pipes around the node, you will want to clear the inside of the bamboo, still keeping the bottom node untouched. Since nodes are closed on the inside, they will stop air from going through the entire pipe and will interfere with your sound. Use a steel rod with roughly a 3/8 inch diameter to break through the nodes inside of the bamboo shaft. An effective way to do this is to clamp down the steel rod, and then take the bamboo shaft and poke the nodes out using the rod. You also will want to use the rod to scrape around the inside of the bamboo nodes so that the inside node area has the same interior diameter as the rest of the stalk. Cut the bamboo according to the measurements. Using the measurements you already marked down, cut the bamboo into differently-sized pipes. Remember that it's better to cut your pipes a little too long than too short, because you can always do another cut. Test the sound. Before you put your pipes together, first make sure that the pipes give you the notes you want. You should have a diatonic scale by using the measurements provided, but you should still check it to make sure it sounds right. If you want your pan pipes set in a specific key, for instance, the key of G, use a piano or music tuner to find the lengths that you want. For example, if you want your pan pipes in the key of G, play a G on a piano, tuner or another instrument. Cover the bottom hole of the pipe with your thumb so it's completely covered. Then place your bottom lip on the rim of the pipe, purse your lips and blow across the pipe. If the note does not match the G, cut off a tiny bit of pipe and try again. Keep doing this until you match the G. Then do the same on another pipe to make an A, etc. until you have all your desired notes. Adjust the number of pipes as you wish. You can add more pipes if you want, or take off some pipes. There aren't a set number of pipes used in pan pipes. Many pan pipes have either 5 or 8 pipes, but the number of pipes in your instrument is completely up to you. Romanian pan pipes even have twenty pipes! Lay the pipes out. When you are ready to attach the pipes together, lay them out longest to shortest. Make sure that all the plugged ends of the pipes are all on the same side. Line the pipes up so that the top ends of the pipes are all in line with each other, and the plugged ends are staggered in a diagonal. Reinforce the pipes. You need to attach the pipes to each other so they can stay together as a unit. For straw pan pipes, simply wrap tape around all of the pipes several times. To keep the pipes straight, place a chopstick or popsicle stick across the middle of the pipes, and super glue it down. For PVC or bamboo pipes, you will need to use a stronger material to reinforce the pipes. Use duct tape and a lightweight wooden rod to reinforce the pipes. You can also use twine for a more attractive finished product. Criss-cross the twine across each pipe and the piece of wood to bind the wooden rod to the pipes. Super glue around the reinforcements for extra support. Sand the pipes. If your pan pipes are made of straw, you do not have to sand them. However, PVC pipe and bamboo can be jagged when cut. If you notice that the top ends of the pan pipes are sharp, use sandpaper to smooth them out. The last thing you want is to get splinters when you're playing your new instrument! If you are making bamboo pipes, also sand the bottom of each pipe where you made the cut at the node. | Buy your supplies. Cut the pipes. Make a clay plug. Plug the bottom of the pipe. Pick out or buy bamboo stalks. Cut the bamboo in front of its first node. Sand the node area. Measure out your pipes. Clean out nodes between sections. Cut the bamboo according to the measurements. Test the sound. Adjust the number of pipes as you wish. Lay the pipes out. Reinforce the pipes. Sand the pipes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Casino | How to Start a Casino | Starting your own casino can be a fun venture, but it also requires some hard work securing the necessary licenses and funding. First, you'll need to check the laws and regulations in your state to make sure you can build and operate your casino. Then, you'll need to write a business plan to work out how you'll fund and market your casino and how quickly you'll be able to turn a profit. If you can't raise the capital yourself, you'll need to secure investing from banks or private investors. You'll also need to find a suitable property for your casino in a popular area. Just make sure you can legally operate a casino in the area, since there are restrictions in certain locations. Once you've bought the building and decorated your casino, you'll need to buy gaming equipment, hire staff, and acquire gaming, food, and liquor licenses. | Check if commercial casino operation is legal in your area. While forms of gambling, including charitable and online gambling, are legal in most areas within the United States, commercial casinos are only legal in some states and provinces. As of 2013, commercial casinos could only be opened in 24 states. Check if commercial casinos are legal in your state by checking the American Gaming Association's website. Within states, commercial casino operation may also be governed or disallowed by state and local regulations or zoning requirements. Check with your local Small Business Administration or City Council to learn more. Some of these states may only allow certain types of gambling in casinos, such as betting on races. Be sure to check all regulations before continuing with your casino planning. Check alcohol regulations. Odds are, if you open a casino, you'll want to serve drinks there and your customers will expect it. However, alcohol regulations are some of the most important restrictions placed on casinos. These regulations are often governed by state regulations, so be sure to check your state's gambling laws for the relevant information. This can usually be found on your state's website or with a quick web search. For example, many states require that casinos stop allowing visibly intoxicated persons from participating in gambling. Others require that casino employees take specialized courses that involve training for dealing with intoxicated individuals. Check age restrictions. Gambling, like alcohol and tobacco, is regulated to exclude minors. However, the exact minimum age varies by state. In some states, 18-year olds are able to enter casinos and have the same rights as an older persons. In others, all entrants have to be at least 21. Check your state's restrictions and institute a policy of checking ID's at the door so that you don't run afoul of your state's regulations. Study cash-on-hand requirements. Casinos must have a large amount of money available to them to cover the potential winnings of their customers. Exact specifications vary between states, but are invariably large amounts of money. Casinos must be able to cover potential winnings, which means that they must actually have as much in cash available as there are chips out on the floor at a given time. This amount may also include things like cash to cover slot machine winnings or cash paid to past winners in installments. This means that even very small casinos must have about $20 million on hand at any given time. Check self-exclusion laws. Casinos are required to follow relevant laws that require the temporary or permanent exclusion of specific individuals. In some cases, customers can put themselves on such a list or in others it is up to the casino to do so. Each state has vastly different regulations governing this. Search for your own state's regulations to ensure that you are complying with this law. See other restrictions and regulations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that casino regulations vary widely from state to state. Research your own state's regulations forwards and backwards before committing to a casino business plan. The American Gaming Association has provided a useful guide to your state's regulations. This guide can be found here. If in doubt about any of the wording or meaning of any regulation, consult with a lawyer in your area. Construct a business plan for your casino. The will be a professional-looking document that describes your start-up investment, projected earnings and growth and business and marketing strategy. This is what you will be presenting to investors and/or loan officers, so make it good. Make sure to include a feasibility study that examines the demand for a casino and the justification of investment. Employ an architect to design your casino to meet all your needs and comply with local safety regulations. Include a scale model of the casino to show the layout and the style. See how to write a business plan for more information. Raise the capital you need to start a casino by presenting your business plan to investors like banks or private investors. Make sure to review all investment contracts with your lawyer before signing, so you understand exactly what your rights and obligations are. Starting a casino will always be expensive, regardless of how you set yours up. As previously mentioned, cash-on-hand requirements alone will often be more than $20 million. You will also need to buy equipment, land, build your casino, and purchase a gambling license, all of which can be very expensive. Register your casino with the city and state to obtain a business license and employer's identification number (EIN). This will require registering with the IRS and any other regulatory bodies that have power over casinos in your area, which could include state government, local government, and gambling organizations. Check with a lawyer to be sure that you are properly registered. You can apply for an EIN with the IRS by going to https://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Apply-for-an-Employer-Identification-Number-(EIN)-Online Use the same strategies as successful casinos. Casinos use a variety of tricks and strategies to ensure that customers spend as much money as possible. These tactics have been developed over years of experience in the industry and are followed by most successful casinos. Employ the same strategies to give yourself a competitive edge. The following are some common strategies: Provide free stuff. Casinos often provide free gifts, drinks, and rooms (if they are also hotels) to patrons to make them feel like they have more money to spend on gambling. Generally, their losses make up for these expenses. Disguise the time of day. Casinos often don't have any clocks or windows so that customers spend more time gambling than they mean to. Emphasize wins and hide losses. Casinos disallow photo and video equipment on their game floors to hide the reality of losses and set off sirens and lights to emphasize wins. This encourages customers to think that they can win. Choose the location for your casino. Make sure local zoning laws allow for a casino in the area, and that you have enough space to construct the building and parking lot. You'll likely need to employ an architect to ensure that have enough space and the right type of land to build your casino. Learn more about zoning laws on the SBA's website. Apply for construction permits to build your casino and start construction. Once you have your start-up money and location, you're ready to apply for construction permits with your city and begin building. Employ project managers to oversee the development of each part of the casino. Apply for a gaming license with the appropriate department in your jurisdiction. You'll need to complete an application form with your business and tax information. Each state has its own gambling control organization, so be sure to find the appropriate department to apply to. Schedule an appointment with your local department of health and safety if you plan to sell food at your casino. You'll need a permit from the health and safety department, which they'll issue after they've inspected your venue and paperwork. See more about health and safety requirements by visiting the SBA's website. Buy gaming equipment such as slot machines, video poker machines, roulette tables, poker tables, blackjack tables, craps tables, baccarat tables, chips, cards and card shoes, and safes. Because casinos frequently go out of business, you will likely be able to find this equipment at a discount from a bankrupt casino. Purchase property and liability insurance for your casino. The amount of this insurance will vary based on the value of your property and other factors. You may also need specialized gaming or casino insurance to limit your risk of other lawsuits. Interview and hire experienced personnel. Casino employees are also required to be licensed by their state governments. Consult [this list http://www.casinogaminginst.com/jobs-lic.html to find licensing information for your employees. Advertise your casino in the media. Make sure to draw as much attention as possible to it with television and radio commercials, as well as ads on Internet sites for tourism and recreation. Be sure that you are ready to open. Be sure that you have as much cash on hand as you are required to and that your operations are running smoothly. You may even choose to do a dry run with your employees to be sure that they know what to do in any situation. Open your casino with a grand opening. Invite celebrities to attend the opening, as well as press to cover it in the media. Offer benefits like free drinks or additional free chips to your first customers. | Check if commercial casino operation is legal in your area. Check alcohol regulations. Check age restrictions. Study cash-on-hand requirements. Check self-exclusion laws. See other restrictions and regulations. Construct a business plan for your casino. Raise the capital you need to start a casino by presenting your business plan to investors like banks or private investors. Register your casino with the city and state to obtain a business license and employer's identification number (EIN). Use the same strategies as successful casinos. Choose the location for your casino. Apply for construction permits to build your casino and start construction. Apply for a gaming license with the appropriate department in your jurisdiction. Schedule an appointment with your local department of health and safety if you plan to sell food at your casino. Buy gaming equipment such as slot machines, video poker machines, roulette tables, poker tables, blackjack tables, craps tables, baccarat tables, chips, cards and card shoes, and safes. Purchase property and liability insurance for your casino. Interview and hire experienced personnel. Advertise your casino in the media. Be sure that you are ready to open. Open your casino with a grand opening. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Infections-in-Parakeets | How to Prevent Infections in Parakeets | To prevent infections in parakeets, move your parakeet's cage to a well-ventilated room since airflow decreases the chances of diseases spreading. Then, line the bottom of the cage with newspaper, which will soak up any droppings or spills and make it easier to clean the cage. You should change the paper every day to prevent bacteria growth. Since your parakeet's food and water can get contaminated and cause a bacterial infection, make sure to change them daily, too. Remember to wash the dishes each time outside or in your bathtub so bacteria isn't left to grow in there. | Buy a big enough cage. For one parakeet, your cage should be at least a foot and a half square. If you have two, you need at least a 28-inch-by-24-inch-by-36-inch cage. Overcrowding can lead to certain diseases spreading more quickly, such as clostridial diseases. Pick a well-ventilated room. Choose a room that has some airflow. If the room is too stuffy, it can also increase the chances of spreading certain bacterial diseases, such as clostridial diseases. Get vaccinations. Some infections can be vaccinated against. The polyomavirus, for instance, can be vaccinated against in two shots. For adult birds, it needs to be two to four weeks apart the first time and should be renewed yearly. Note that vaccinations for birds are not always routine, and your veterinarian may not have it readily available. Discuss the need for vaccinations with your veterinarian before your appointment so they can obtain any vaccines they think your bird needs. Talk to your vet about what other vaccines your parakeet will need. Visit the vet. You need to visit the vet when you first get a new bird, but it's also important to provide yearly checkups for your parakeet. Checkups help to make sure your parakeet hasn't developed a new condition. Line the cage with paper. At the bottom of the cage, create a lining of newspaper. The newspaper catches the bird's droppings and helps soak up any water or spills. Change the paper daily. To prevent the growth of bacteria, remove the newspaper every day. Discard the old newspaper in the trash. Make sure the cage does not have any feces in the bottom. Add a new liner of newspaper in its place. Make sure to wear disposable gloves when cleaning out the cage, and don't touch areas in your kitchen. Birds can pass on bacteria to humans. Use a water bottle. Water bowls and other open water dishes encourage contamination more easily than a water bottle. Food can drop in, growing bacteria. Feces can also fall in, leading to the same problem. A water bottle discourages this type of contamination. Contaminated water can lead to bacterial infections in your parakeet. Change water and food daily. It's important to provide fresh food and water every day. Doing so prevents bacteria from growing in the water or food. It's also important to make sure you wash out the dishes, also to prevent the growth of bacteria. When washing out the food dish and water bottle, don't do it in the kitchen sink. You can contaminate other areas when disinfecting these items. It's best to clean them out outside, but you can also use the bathtub. Disinfect the cage. You need to disinfect the cage regularly, about once a week. You can use diluted bleach to disinfect the cage, as well as cleaners made specifically for the purpose. You'll will need to move your bird somewhere else while you are disinfecting the cage. Move the cage outside, placing something underneath it when it's clean so you don't recontaminate it. Cleaning the cage helps prevent the buildup of bacteria, which can lead to infections. Wearing disposable gloves, clean the whole cage, including the perches. Start by using dish soap (have a bottle just for cleaning out the cage), and water to wash out the cage. Next, spray it down with disinfectant. Rinse it really well to get rid of any residue. Use paper towels to dry it off. It's always important to wash your hands thoroughly after messing with your bird's cage, even when you're wearing gloves. Isolate new birds. When you get a new parakeet, isolate it from your other birds for a period of time. Isolating the bird keeps it from introducing diseases to your other birds. Keep a new bird in a separate cage and separate room for about four weeks, watching to see if any diseases develop. Ideally, the bird would be kept at another location or in a room that has a separate ventilation, as diseases can be spread through the air conditioner, as well. The best way to tell if a bird has a disease is to visit a vet within a week of getting the bird. The vet can screen for certain diseases and give you an idea of what treatment the bird will need if it does have a disease or tell you if you need to return it to where your bought it. She can also give you an idea of how long you will need to continue the quarantine. Clean meticulously. When you have a new bird, make sure to clean its cage last, so that you don't spread its germs to your other birds. Clean out the cage daily, of course, but also make sure to disinfect the whole cage more often when you have new birds. Don't cross-contaminate. Feed the new bird last, so you don't bring its germs over to your other birds. In addition, make sure you don't switch out the new bird's dishes with the other birds' dishes. Always wash your hands or change gloves between cages. Quarantine any returned bird. If your bird escapes, you of course want to try to find it. If you do find it, you will need to follow the same quarantine procedures for the returned bird, as it could have picked up a disease while outside. Keep your parakeet indoors. If parakeets come into contact with wild animals or insects, the parakeet can contract an infection. One way to prevent this problem is to keep your parakeet inside. Also, don't allow strays in your house that could pass on diseases. In addition, take measures to keep any insects away from the cage if possible. If you have an infestation in the house, consider calling an exterminator to help deal with the problem. Mosquitoes are one carrier for diseases. Try to make sure you don't have any standing water outside your home, as that can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Keep parakeets separate from other pets. Other pets can also pass on diseases to your pets. Reptiles, in particular, can be carriers of Salmonella. Don't keep parakeets near reptiles. In addition, if you let your parakeet out, close off the room where you keep the reptiles, so the parakeets can't land on their cages. | Buy a big enough cage. Pick a well-ventilated room. Get vaccinations. Visit the vet. Line the cage with paper. Change the paper daily. Use a water bottle. Change water and food daily. Disinfect the cage. Isolate new birds. Clean meticulously. Don't cross-contaminate. Quarantine any returned bird. Keep your parakeet indoors. Keep parakeets separate from other pets. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hatch-a-Mallard-Duck-Egg | How to Hatch a Mallard Duck Egg | To hatch a mallard duck egg, start by setting up an incubator on a flat surface away from direct sunlight and turning it on 1-2 days in advance. Then, place the small end of the egg in the incubator, and wait 26-29 days for it to hatch. Keep the temperature in the incubator at 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit and the relative humidity at 55 percent, and turn the egg over 3-7 times every day. On the 25th day, start lowering the temperature and humidity in preparation of the egg hatching. | Look for an incubator with a fan. Using an incubator will ensure the egg stays at the right temperature for hatching. You can get a small incubator for eggs with a fan at your local pet store or online. The incubator should also come with a wet bulb thermometer to allow you to monitor the relative humidity. You can sometimes find used incubators online for a lower price. Make sure the incubator's fan and temperature gauge works properly before you buy it used. Place the incubator on a table away from direct sunlight. Make sure the table is indoors and sturdy. Pick a spot by an inside wall that does not get any direct sunlight via a window, or heat from other sources like an oven. This will ensure the temperature and humidity of the incubator are undisturbed. Make sure the ventilation holes on the incubator are not covered or obstructed by anything around it. Start the incubator one to two days early. Set the temperature to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit (37.5 degrees Celsius). Put the relative humidity to 84.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the incubator to warm up one to two days before you put the egg in. Make sure you set the ventilation in the incubator based on the manufacturer's recommendations. Use a broody chicken hen or duck if you do not have an incubator. A broody duck or chicken hen can be used as a live incubator if you have access to one. Place the egg under a broody duck or chicken hen and wait 27 to 29 days. Use a muscovy duck, as they are able to hatch 12-15 duck eggs at a time. Put the nest box in a clean dry shelter. Provide feed and water for the broody duck while it incubates the egg. Use an egg that has been laid within one to three days. This will ensure you get the best results. Check that the egg is not cracked or misshapen. If the egg is dirty, use room temperature water to carefully wash off the dirt on the egg. If you find the egg, try to guess how long since it has been laid. If it is warm to the touch, it may have been laid within one to three days. Make sure the egg is at room temperature before you put it in the incubator. An egg that has been kept in the fridge will need to be left out to warm up before it goes in the incubator. Place the egg small end down in the incubator. You may mark the top of the egg with an “x” and the bottom of the egg (the small end) with an “o.” This way, when you turn the egg, you can keep track of how often it is turned. Close the doors of the incubator once the egg is inside. This will keep the humidity inside the incubator. Maintain the correct temperature and humidity in the incubator. It takes around 26 to 29 days total for Mallard duck eggs to hatch. From day 1 to day 25, the temperature in the incubator should be 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit (37.5 degrees Celsius). The relative humidity should be 86 degrees Fahrenheit (55%). On the first day of incubation, check the incubator regularly to ensure it is at the right temperature and humidity. The first few days are crucial for proper incubation. Turn the egg three to seven times a day. Turning the eggs is a key step in the incubation process. Use your hand to turn the egg so it is on a different side. Then, wait a few hours and turn the egg so it is on its other side. Do this three to seven times a day to keep the eggs at the right temperature. The more often you turn the egg, the better it will hatch. Get into the habit of turning it an odd number of times each day for the 25 days of incubation. You may write down the times you turn the egg in a log for reference. Do not leave the eggs in the same position every night. Try to turn them during the night or right before you go to bed. Candle the egg with a flashlight after seven days. Touch the top of the egg with a small bright flashlight. This is called "candling the egg." Use the flashlight to check if the egg is growing and progressing. It should not appear clear or cloudy when you touch the flashlight to the top of it. If this is the case, it may not be progressing well. Check the temperature and humidity in the incubator to ensure it is correct. If the egg looks solid in the light, it is fertile and doing well. You can candle the egg again at the end of week 3 of the incubation to make sure it is still growing properly. Lower the temperature on day 25 for hatching. Put the egg in a hatching tray. Adjust the temperature of the incubator to 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2 degrees Celsius). The humidity should be set to 88 degrees Fahrenheit (65%). Make sure the ventilation holes on the incubator are open to their maximum setting to allow the eggs to cool. At day 26 and 27, increase the humidity to 93 degrees Fahrenheit (80%). At day 28 and 29, lower the temperature so it is at 97 degrees Fahrenheit (36.1 degrees Celsius) and the humidity is at 90 degrees Fahrenheit (70%). Let the duckling hatch on its own. You do not need to help the duckling emerge from the egg. Let the duckling hatch itself by breaking through the shell on its own. If the ducking makes a hole in the egg and cannot progress because it gets stuck, carefully help the duckling out with clean hands. Keep the duckling warm and dry. Put the hatched duckling in a box with high sides. Place a hot water bottle under a towel at one end. Keep the box in a shaded area indoors. Make sure the duckling is dry by wiping it gently with a clean towel. If the duckling appears to be very cold or shivering, you can snuggle the duckling close to you to keep it warm. Provide fresh water and feed for the duckling. Place a small amount of hard boiled egg or crushed dried mealworms in the lid of a jar. Give it to the duckling in the box. You should also give the duck a shallow dish of water filled with medium-sized pebbles. The pebbles will prevent the duckling from drowning in the water. Always offer the duckling fresh water with any food. Release the duckling near a water source. Ducklings can be released after they are six weeks old and fully feathered. Pick a pond or lake that has other ducks in it. If possible, release the duckling in the original water source where you found it. Release the duckling early in the morning. Let the duckling make its own way into the water and into the company of other ducks in the area. | Look for an incubator with a fan. Place the incubator on a table away from direct sunlight. Start the incubator one to two days early. Use a broody chicken hen or duck if you do not have an incubator. Use an egg that has been laid within one to three days. Place the egg small end down in the incubator. Maintain the correct temperature and humidity in the incubator. Turn the egg three to seven times a day. Candle the egg with a flashlight after seven days. Lower the temperature on day 25 for hatching. Let the duckling hatch on its own. Keep the duckling warm and dry. Provide fresh water and feed for the duckling. Release the duckling near a water source. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Collect-Fecal-Samples-from-a-Cat | How to Collect Fecal Samples from a Cat | To collect fecal samples from a cat, wait for your cat to defecate so the sample is moist and fresh. If your cat has diarrhea, wait until it passes a firm stool before collecting your sample. Next, turn a sealable plastic baggie inside out and place it over your hand like a glove. Then, gently grab the feces with your protected fingers. Be sure to get a sample that's about the size of a sugar cube! Finally, use your other hand to turn the baggie right side out and seal it closed. | Make sure that the sample is moist and fresh. Keep an eye on your cat and collect the sample soon after they defecate. If the sample is dried out, then it is likely old. Wait until you can collect a sample that is still moist. This will yield the most accurate results from your cat's stool sample test. The sample will also look shiny if it is fresh. If it looks white or has a matte finish, then it is likely old. Select a sample that is about the size of a sugar cube. This is an adequate amount for your veterinarian to run tests for parasites on the stool sample. If the sample is smaller than this, then wait until your cat defecates again to collect the sample. It's okay if you have more stool than this, just do not submit less or they may not be able to run tests on it. Ensure that the sample is as free from debris as possible. Having a bit of cat litter on the sample is usually okay as long as your cat has normal stool. However, if your cat is having diarrhea or loose stools, then you will need to get a sample that is free from these contaminants. Watch to see if the cat defecates on the floor or outside. Try removing the litter from your cat's box until you collect the sample. Cover your hand with an inverted plastic bag when you collect the sample. Turn a plastic bag inside out and place it over your hand like a glove. This will protect your hand and you can also use the bag as a collection device. Another option is to wear a glove and use the gloved hand to place the sample into a plastic bag or collection cup. Grasp the feces with your plastic-covered fingers. After you have the feces in your plastic-covered hand, use your other hand to turn the bag right side out. Be careful not to let the fecal sample fall out or touch the opening of the bag. Then, press along the zippered part to close the plastic bag. You can also use a feces collection bag that ties on the top. Collect the sample the same way, but then tie the ends of the bag in a knot after you turn it right side out. The other option is to place the sample into a clean plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Do not use glass, an old medication bottle, or a paper towel to collect the sample as these may contaminate it. Try to submit the sample to your veterinarian within 6 hours. A fresh stool sample less than 6 hours old is essential for diagnostic purposes. The fresher the stool sample, the more accurate the test results will be! Otherwise, the organisms in the stool may have died and the test may end up as a false negative. If you are taking your cat for a checkup, bring the sample along when you take them. Try to collect the sample the morning of your cat's appointment. Store the sample in your refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. If you cannot get the sample to the vet within 6 hours, put it into the refrigerator right away and store it for up to 24 hours until you can submit it. After you have placed the sample into a plastic bag or container, put that container or bag inside of another resealable bag. Then, place the sample into a bottom shelf of your refrigerator away from food. Make sure to tell other members of your household what is in the bag so that they do not disturb it or try to investigate! Never freeze the sample or keep it in a hot area! This will invalidate any tests for parasites since the extreme temperature will kill the organism. Mail the sample with an ice pack if you need to send it to a lab. If you have to send the stool sample to a lab via mail, then make sure to place an ice pack into the box with the sample. This will help to ensure that the sample stays cool and does not get overheated in transit, which would make the sample unusable. Place an extra bag around the ice pack and surround the bag and sample with paper towels to absorb any moisture in the package. Collect a sample from kittens every 2 to 3 weeks for up to 20 weeks. Kittens are especially susceptible to parasites, so they require more frequent stool tests. Collect and bring in a stool sample for any kittens you have the first time you take them to the vet and then any time your vet requests follow-up samples. Submit a sample for your adult cat once every 6 months. Your veterinarian will usually ask you to submit a stool sample whenever your cat goes in for a vaccination or checkup. This is an important measure to check your cat for parasites and treat them before they get out of hand. You may not need to submit samples as often if your cat stays indoors. Outdoor cats are more susceptible to parasites. Request a stool test if your cat has unusual bowel movements. Call your vet and let them know if your cat is having loose stools, or if there is blood or mucus in their stools. Check your cat's litter box once per week to make sure it is having normal stools and call your veterinarian if you notice anything abnormal. Certain conditions cause one or more of these issues, such as trichomonas. This is a serious parasitic infection that requires treatment, so it is important to rule this out. | Make sure that the sample is moist and fresh. Select a sample that is about the size of a sugar cube. Ensure that the sample is as free from debris as possible. Cover your hand with an inverted plastic bag when you collect the sample. Grasp the feces with your plastic-covered fingers. Try to submit the sample to your veterinarian within 6 hours. Store the sample in your refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. Mail the sample with an ice pack if you need to send it to a lab. Collect a sample from kittens every 2 to 3 weeks for up to 20 weeks. Submit a sample for your adult cat once every 6 months. Request a stool test if your cat has unusual bowel movements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Chocolate-Cake | How to Make a Chocolate Cake | To make a chocolate cake, first preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C), and grease the bottoms and sides of three 9-inch round pans with butter. Then, add 3 cups (390 g) of all-purpose flour, 3 cups (600 g) of sugar, and 1 ½ cups (150 g) of cocoa powder to a large bowl. Next, add 1 tablespoon (21 g) of baking soda, 1 ½ teaspoons (6 g) of baking powder, and 1 ½ teaspoons (9 g) of salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together. Now, pour in 4 eggs and 1 ½ cups (350 mL) of buttermilk, then pour in 1 ½ cups (350 mL) of hot water and ½ cup (120 mL) of vegetable oil. Mix everything together with a hand mixer until just combined. Don't overmix the batter or else your cake may turn out tough or dense. Divide the batter evenly between the 3 greased pans, and bake the cakes for 30 to 35 minutes. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans. Finally, when the cakes are completely cool, stack them with a layer of chocolate frosting between each cake, and frost the sides and top of the stack. | Sift the dry ingredients together. The dry ingredients are the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Place all the dry ingredients in a sifter and shake it back and forth over a bowl to eliminate the clumps. Stir in the liquid ingredients and mix well. These are the eggs, vegetable oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Some people like to add these ingredients individually, but others stir them together in a second bowl and before adding them to the dry ingredients. Grease and flour an 8 inch round pan. Slowly pour the cake batter in. Make sure to get every bit of the batter into the pan. Bake at 350 °F (177 °C) for 30 minutes . Let the cake cool for five minutes. Wait until the cake is completely cool. Then you may frost or decorate as desired. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Preheat the oven to 325° Fahrenheit or 162° Celsius. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and sugar. Mix until the dry ingredients are properly folded in. Add the coffee, oil, and buttermilk. Pour in the hot coffee, canola oil, and buttermilk into the dry ingredients. Mix using a whisk or hand blender, until the ingredients resemble a light brown cake batter. Add the eggs and vanilla. Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract into the cake batter. Mix one last time until there are no more flour streaks and the chocolate cake batter is slightly thick. Pour batter into the cake pans. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the cake batter into both of the cake pans. Remove any leftover batter by scraping the edges of the bowl. Bake the cake. Place both cake pans in the oven to bake. Have the cake bake for about an hour, until the cake rises and is fluffy. Check to see if the cake is ready by sticking a small knife in the middle. If it comes out clean, it is fully baked. Let the cake cool. Remove both pans from the oven and have the cakes cool on a wire rack for about ten minutes. Leave them until they are cool enough to touch. Frost and decorate. Consider stacking both cakes to make a two-layer chocolate cake. Frost with chocolate buttercream frosting and/or decorate with any desired toppings such as berries, powdered sugar, coconut flakes, and sprinkles Serve and enjoy! Slice the chocolate cake and serve on a serving plate. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Preheat oven to 350° degrees Fahrenheit or 176° Celsius. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch cake pan. Sift the dry ingredients except the sugar. In a large bowl, sift the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and baking soda with a whisk. Mix until properly combined. Add the sugar. Carefully pour in the sugar into the dry ingredients. Mix again with the whisk until the sugar combines in with the dry ingredients. Fold in the wet ingredients. Pour in the vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Stir with a whisk or a hand blender until the cake batter forms and there are no more flour streaks. Pour the batter into the pan. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the cake batter into both of the cake pans. Remove any leftover batter by scraping the edges of the bowl. Bake the cake. Place the cake pan in the oven to bake. Have the cake bake for about an hour, until the cake rises and is fluffy. Let the cake cool. Remove the pan from the oven and have the cake cool on a wire rack for about ten minutes. Leave the cake until it is cool enough to touch. Frost and decorate. Frost with chocolate chocolate buttercream frosting and/or decorate with any desired toppings such as berries, powdered sugar, coconut flakes, and sprinkles. Serve and enjoy! Slice the chocolate cake and serve on a serving plate. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Preheat oven to 350° degrees Fahrenheit or 176° Celsius. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans. Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix the ingredients with a whisk and then form a well in the middle of the bowl. Add the wet ingredients. Pour in the soy or almond milk, vinegar, eggs, brewed coffee, and dairy-free sour cream into the well. Use a blender to mix for about two minutes until the cake batter forms and there are no more flour streaks. Pour batter into cake pans. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the cake batter into both of the cake pans. Remove any leftover batter by scraping the edges of the bowl. Bake the cake. Place both cake pans in the oven to bake. Have the cake bake for about 30-40 minutes, until the cake rises and is fluffy. Let the cake cool. Remove both pans from the oven and have the cakes cool for about twenty minutes on a wire rack. Leave both cakes until they are cool enough to touch. Frost and decorate. Consider stacking both cakes to make a two-layer chocolate cake. Frost with chocolate buttercream frosting and/or decorate with any desired toppings such as berries, powdered sugar, coconut flakes, and sprinkles Serve and enjoy! Slice the chocolate cake and serve on a serving plate. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Preheat oven to 350° degrees Fahrenheit or 176° Celsius. Grease and flour a 9-inch square pan. Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and xanthan gum. Stir with a whisk until well-combined. Add the wet ingredients. Pour in the cooking oil, vinegar, vanilla extract, water, and egg. Mix well with the whisk or use a hand-mixer and blend until the cake batter forms and there are no more flour streaks. Pour the batter into the pan. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the cake batter into both of the cake pans. Remove any leftover batter by scraping the edges of the bowl. Bake the cake. Place the cake pan in the oven to bake. Have the cake bake for about 30-35 minutes, until the cake rises and is fluffy. Let the cake cool. Remove the pan from the oven and have the cake cool on a wire rack for about ten minutes. Leave the cake until it is cool enough to touch. Frost and decorate. Frost with chocolate buttercream frosting and/or decorate with any desired toppings such as berries, powdered sugar, coconut flakes, and sprinkles. Serve and enjoy! Slice the chocolate cake and serve on a serving plate. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Preheat oven to 350° degrees Fahrenheit or 176° Celsius. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix using a whisk until the dry ingredients are well-combined. Add the wet ingredients. Pour in the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and water. Stir using a whisk or blend using a hand blender, until the cake batter forms and there are no more flour streaks. Pour batter into cake pans. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the cake batter into both of the cake pans. Remove any leftover batter by scraping the edges of the bowl. Bake the cake. Place both cake pans in the oven to bake. Have the cake bake for about 45 minutes, until the cake rises and is fluffy. Let the cake cool. Remove both pans from the oven and have the cakes cool for about twenty minutes on a wire rack. Leave both cakes until they are cool enough to touch. Frost and decorate. Consider stacking both cakes to make a two-layer chocolate cake. Frost with chocolate buttercream frosting and/or decorate with any desired toppings such as berries, powdered sugar, coconut flakes, and sprinkles Serve and enjoy! Slice the chocolate cake and serve on a serving plate. Enjoy! | Sift the dry ingredients together. Stir in the liquid ingredients and mix well. Grease and flour an 8 inch round pan. Bake at 350 °F (177 °C) for 30 minutes Let the cake cool for five minutes. Wait until the cake is completely cool. Prepare to make the cake. Mix the dry ingredients. Add the coffee, oil, and buttermilk. Add the eggs and vanilla. Pour batter into the cake pans. Bake the cake. Let the cake cool. Frost and decorate. Serve and enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Sift the dry ingredients except the sugar. Add the sugar. Fold in the wet ingredients. Pour the batter into the pan. Bake the cake. Let the cake cool. Frost and decorate. Serve and enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Combine the dry ingredients. Add the wet ingredients. Pour batter into cake pans. Bake the cake. Let the cake cool. Frost and decorate. Serve and enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Combine the dry ingredients. Add the wet ingredients. Pour the batter into the pan. Bake the cake. Let the cake cool. Frost and decorate. Serve and enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Combine the dry ingredients. Add the wet ingredients. Pour batter into cake pans. Bake the cake. Let the cake cool. Frost and decorate. Serve and enjoy! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Family-Problems | How to Deal With Family Problems | To deal with family problems, try to schedule a time for everyone to talk as a group so you can all work through your problems together. When you meet, ask everyone to agree to only using "I" statements, like "I feel this way" and "I want this to change," so no one is blaming or pointing the finger at someone else. Let everyone have a turn talking and avoid interrupting someone during their turn. Once everyone has had a chance to speak, try to come up with a solution as a family that everyone can agree on. | Schedule a time to talk as a group. Facing and overcoming family problems can seem impossible. When you work together, however, resolving family differences becomes more feasible. The first step towards resolution is agreeing that there is a problem in the first place. Then, once tempers are moderately cooled, everyone needs to plan to come together and devise a strategy to resolve the problem. Schedule a meeting at a time that is most convenient for everyone. Make everyone aware of the purpose of the meeting and that you want them to arrive with suggestions and solutions at the ready. Be mindful that young children may be a hindrance to a family meeting. Huddle them in a separate room if you expect tempers to flair or sensitive information to be discussed. Therapists often suggest holding regular family meetings. This tactic enables family members to bring issues out in the open before resentments develop. Talking with your family regularly can improve communication and the bond that you share. Focus on the issue at hand. When disagreements occur, people tend to bring up any and every unresolved issue they have ever encountered with the other parties. This impedes conflict resolution and blurs the point of the discussion. Strive to uncover what is important about the current problem. Building a case or bringing up old misdeeds will not assist you in resolving this issue. Have everyone state what they truly mean. Direct communication is essential to effective conflict resolution. Each party should use “I” statements to clearly state your needs, wants, and concerns. Remember, you are aiming to de-escalate the conflict and work towards a solution. Using “I” statements allows everyone to express themselves while showing respect for others listening. Making an “I” statements allows each person to take ownership of what they are feeling, and suggest a remedy for the problem at the same time. Examples of “I” statements include: “I am worried that our family is falling apart. I would like us to work things out.” or “I get scared when Dad drinks a lot because he starts yelling. I wish he could stop drinking”. Listen without interrupting. To reach an agreement during the family conflict, listening is imperative. Only by actively listening to each party can you understand what he is trying to communicate. Active listening involves cuing in on the other person's tone and body language, allowing him to speak without interruptions or remarks, and paraphrasing what was said afterward to ensure you understood correctly. Effective listening allows the other person to feel heard, motivates the other parties to want to listen to you, defuses arguments and strong emotions, and rebuilds the relationship during the conflict. Validate and show respect for each person’s point of view. Validation pertains to showing another that you recognize, value, and accept his thoughts, opinions, or beliefs. Of course, your own opinions may differ greatly, but using validation demonstrates that you see the other as a human, worthy of integrity and respect. Validate your family members by saying something like “I'm really glad you felt comfortable enough to share this with me” or “I appreciate your willingness to work towards a solution”. Decide on a solution together. Once everyone has shared their needs, wants, and concerns, then strive for a compromise. Consider all the suggestions that each party has provided and look for a middle ground. Everyone present should feel good about the proposed solution. If necessary, develop a contract or written agreement outlining how you will manage the problem. Seek professional advice. If you cannot resolve the problem on your own, consult with a family therapist who can offer you practical advice about managing your family's problem. Be aware of how different family members may react to problems. One potential obstruction to conflict resolution in families is differences in how each member responds to stress or tension. These differences must be taken into account and everyone will have to consciously choose to face the issue to truly find a solution. For some people, conflict causes them to become hostile and defensive. This is the “fight” aspect of the physiological “fight or flight” response. These individuals may argue endlessly to remove any responsibility from themselves, or refuse to hear others' points-of-view. Others resort to the “flight” aspect. These individuals may run from conflict at all costs. They may deny there's a problem or believe there's nothing they can do to resolve it anyway. Such family members may pretend as if they don't notice any tension in the household, or downplay its effect on them. Acknowledge but get a handle on emotions. Emotional awareness is important in recognizing the unique experience of yourself and others. If you have trouble identifying how you feel, you will have trouble controlling your emotions or expressing your needs during conflict. First work on trying to identify your emotions. Consider what thoughts you're having, what you feel in your body, and what actions you want to take? For example, maybe you're thinking “I hate this family.” Your fists are clenched and you want to punch something. Such a strong emotion could be labeled as anger or contempt. Next, aim to control and ease these strong emotions so that you can effectively problem-solve. Depending on how you're feeling participate in a complementary activity to ease your discomfort. For example, if you are sad, you might want to watch a funny movie. If you are angry, it might be helpful to vent to a friend or engage in intense physical activity. Resist the urge to point the finger. Accusing someone of being the cause of the problem will only result in the person becoming defensive, and otherwise, hindering a productive exchange. Always attempt to attack the problem, not the person. You can love, honor, and respect someone without liking every single thing he does. However, if you make your loved one out to be the blame of the issue, progressing beyond this point is difficult. Using “I” statements are one of the best strategies for minimizing blame and subsequent defensiveness. Say “I fear that your addiction will lead to someone getting hurt” rather than “Addicts are just dangerous people to be around” | Schedule a time to talk as a group. Focus on the issue at hand. Have everyone state what they truly mean. Listen without interrupting. Validate and show respect for each person’s point of view. Decide on a solution together. Seek professional advice. Be aware of how different family members may react to problems. Acknowledge but get a handle on emotions. Resist the urge to point the finger. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cancel-an-Uber-Request | How to Cancel an Uber Request | To cancel an Uber request, open the Uber app and tap on your driver's card. From here, tap “Cancel,” which is next to the “Contact” button below your driver's name and picture. If you cancel your trip 2 to 5 minutes after ordering your ride, you may be able to avoid being charged a cancelation fee. You can also cancel without a fee if your driver is more than 5 minutes late picking you up. However, when you use UberPOOL, you'll be charged a $2 cancellation fee immediately after ordering your ride, and you can be charged a $2 no-show fee if you're 2 minutes late to your pickup. | Open the Uber app. If your driver is en-route to your location, you can cancel your request. The sooner you send the cancellation, the less likely you'll get a cancellation fee. Tap your driver's card. You'll see this at the bottom of the screen on the Uber map when a driver has accepted your ride request. Tap Cancel. You can find this below the driver's name and picture, next to the "Contact" button. Tap Cancel Trip. Your ride will be canceled immediately. You are not charged a cancellation fee if you cancel within 2-5 minutes of ordering the ride (the exact time varies depending on your location). You can also cancel without a fee if your driver is over 5 minutes late. UberPOOL rides are subject to a $2 cancellation fee immediately after ordering the ride. If you are 2 minutes late to your UberPOOL pickup, you may be charged a $2 no-show fee. Open the Uber app. If you've scheduled a future ride in the Uber app, you can cancel it without incurring any fees. Tap the ☰ button. You'll see this in the upper-left corner of the Uber app screen. Tap Your Trips. Tap the Upcoming tab. Tap Cancel Ride underneath the trip you're canceling. If you have multiple trips scheduled, scroll until you find the one you want to cancel. Tap Cancel Ride again to confirm. As long as you're canceling before any driver has accepted your ride, you will not be charged a cancellation fee. | Open the Uber app. Tap your driver's card. Tap Cancel. Tap Cancel Trip. Open the Uber app. Tap the ☰ button. Tap Your Trips. Tap the Upcoming tab. Tap Cancel Ride underneath the trip you're canceling. Tap Cancel Ride again to confirm. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-the-Diameter-of-a-Circle | How to Calculate the Diameter of a Circle | To calculate the diameter of a circle, multiply the radius by 2. If you don't have the radius, divide the circumference of the circle by π to get the diameter. If you don't have the radius or the circumference, divide the area of the circle by π and then find that number's square root to get the radius. Then, you can just multiply the radius by 2 to find the circle's diameter. | If you know the radius of the circle, double it to get the diameter. The radius is the distance from the center of the circle to its edge. If you know the circumference of the circle, divide it by π to get the diameter. π is equal to approximately 3.14 but you should use your calculator to get the most accurate results. If you know the area of the circle, divide the result by π and find its square root to get the radius; then multiply by 2 to get the diameter. This goes back to manipulating the formula for finding the area of a circle, A = πr , to get the diameter. You can transform this into r = √(A/π) cm. Draw a horizontal line inside the circle from one edge to the other. Use a ruler or a straight edge to do this. It can be at the top, near the bottom, or anywhere in between. Label the points where the line crosses the circle points "A" and "B. " Draw two overlapping circles, one using A as the center and the other using B as the center. Be sure the two circles overlap like a Venn diagram. Draw a vertical line through the two points at which the outer circles intersect. This line marks the diameter of the circle4. Measure the diameter. Measure it using a ruler, or for greater accuracy, a pair of digital calipers. You're done! | If you know the radius of the circle, double it to get the diameter. If you know the circumference of the circle, divide it by π to get the diameter. If you know the area of the circle, divide the result by π and find its square root to get the radius; then multiply by 2 to get the diameter. Draw a horizontal line inside the circle from one edge to the other. Label the points where the line crosses the circle points "A" and "B. Draw two overlapping circles, one using A as the center and the other using B as the center. Draw a vertical line through the two points at which the outer circles intersect. Measure the diameter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hang-Bathroom-Towels | How to Hang Bathroom Towels | To hang multiple bathroom towels at once, try arranging them in matching or coordinating colors on a free standing rack. Alternatively, hang the towels in rows of alternating colors, such as black and white, or different shades of the same color. If you have enough wall space, install a shelf rack and place a pile of folded towels of top. For smaller towels, like hand and face towels, try folding them in half over the bottom of a towel ring. | Use free standing racks to store many towels for family or guests. Standalone racks are a great option for hanging your towels when you lack enough room for wall racks. Hang towels in matching or coordinating colors (like light blue and green) on the rack's bars. If your rack has shelves attached, stack folded towels on them or store a few shower items, like shampoo and body wash. Store your towels on a shelf rack to create a luxurious touch. Fold and pile a set of plain towels to place on top of the rack. On the attached bar, hang towels in pretty patterns, or monogrammed with your family's initials. Hang your towels on small hooks for an attractive minimalist effect. Do not fold your towel before hanging it. Instead, spread your towel out horizontally, then drape it over the hook. The towel should form a neat, triangular shape when on the hook. Hooks are great for hanging wet towels, as they let towels dry more quickly with less chance of odor. Fold your smaller towels on towel rings. Most towel rings aren't large enough to support your body towels. Fold your face and hand towels in half, horizontally, over the bottom of the towel ring. Pull the towel straight on both sides, following the curve of the ring. Place a towel bar underneath your counters. An extra towel bar will help you to take advantage of empty space under your bathroom counters. Storing towels here will also make it easier to dry off your hands after washing them. As an added bonus, placing your towels under your counters will cleverly cover up the sink's pipes. Convert an old coat rack into a towel rack for more creative storage. That old coat rack you no longer use can be the perfect storage solution for bath towels. Move your spare coat rack into your bathroom, close to your shower, and drape clean towels over the hooks. You can then grab a fresh towel from the rack as soon as you finish bathing. Hang up towels in rows of alternating colors for a skillfully designed look. Color is a huge part of design, so don't be afraid to play around with it as you hang your bathroom towels. Work with the existing color scheme of your bathroom. If your bathroom has a monochromatic color scheme, hang a row of alternating black and white towels. Conversely, experiment with shades of the same color. If your bathroom is decorated with warm colors, hang up towels in different shades of yellow or orange. Add decorative letters above towel hooks for each family member. This gives each member of your family their own special place to hang their towels, whether wet or dry. Giving family members individual hooks will also make bathroom organization much easier. Your family won't be as tempted to throw towels on the floor if they have their own designated hooks! Add towel racks to your bathroom walls for extra storage space. Fold your towels in half horizontally, then fold them in half again lengthwise. Then hang them on the rack. If your rack has shelves attached, fold a few fresh towels and stack them on your shelves. Feel free to hang up more than one rack on your bathroom walls if you need extra storage space. Stack them along a narrow wall, or create a row of racks on a wide, empty wall. Put a towel bar on your cabinets to make use of space. This storage method is ideal for smaller towels. Place your towels by folding them first in half horizontally, then hanging them on the bar lengthwise. You can add your towel bar on either the outside of the cabinet door or the inside. If you have wide cabinets with long handles, hang your towels on the handles for a utilitarian and aesthetically pleasing touch. You can also attach a bar on one or both sides of your cabinets for convenient storage. Hang a towel rack on your curtain rack or shower door in small bathrooms. Most premade racks come with hooks attached, so you can easily hang them anywhere the prongs will attach to. Hook the rack by its top rungs over the top of your curtain rack or shower door. Hang your fresh towels on the towel rack by folding them across, then draping them lengthwise over the rack. Add bars to the sides of large bathroom drawers for smaller towels. Placing towel bars inside your drawers creatively saves space. It also makes it easier to grab extra fresh towels when you need them. Store your fresh small towels by draping them lengthwise over the bar. | Use free standing racks to store many towels for family or guests. Store your towels on a shelf rack to create a luxurious touch. Hang your towels on small hooks for an attractive minimalist effect. Fold your smaller towels on towel rings. Place a towel bar underneath your counters. Convert an old coat rack into a towel rack for more creative storage. Hang up towels in rows of alternating colors for a skillfully designed look. Add decorative letters above towel hooks for each family member. Add towel racks to your bathroom walls for extra storage space. Put a towel bar on your cabinets to make use of space. Hang a towel rack on your curtain rack or shower door in small bathrooms. Add bars to the sides of large bathroom drawers for smaller towels. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Poodle | How to Care for a Poodle | To care for a poodle, feed it a diet that's high in protein and calcium, and make sure it has access to fresh, clean water at all times. You should also brush your poodle's fur once a week so it doesn't get matted. In addition to weekly brushings, have your poodle groomed every 6-8 weeks to keep its coat in good condition. Also, take your poodle for at least two 20-minute walks every day to burn off energy and help it maintain a healthy weight. | Feed your poodle a diet rich in protein and calcium. There are many kinds of wet and dry dog food on the market, with prices and flavors varying across a diverse spectrum. Don't get overwhelmed by the variety, though. The most important thing about picking your poodle's dog food is that it contain 1 or 2 whole proteins—for example, “chicken meal” or “lamb meal” and not “poultry meal” or “meat by-product”—at the top of the ingredient list. Avoid foods with a grain or other filler listed as the top ingredient. Many people choose to make their poodle's food in order to control the recipe and make sure no extraneous chemicals or additives go into it. There are many recipes for homemade dog food, but all of them should have 3 fundamental ingredients: meat, vegetables, and a filler carbohydrate such as rice. No matter what prepared or homemade food recipe you opt for, there are certain foods which you should avoid at all costs. For example, keep your poodle away from raw meat, dried fruit, fried foods, and allium vegetables, such as onions and garlic. Measure out a size-appropriate portion of food. There are 3 sizes of poodles: standard, which weigh between 40 and 55 pounds (18 and 25 kg), miniature, weighing between 12 and 15 pounds (5.4 and 6.8 kg), and toy, weighing 5 and 10 pounds (2.3 and 4.5 kg). The size of your poodle determines how much food you should give it, so make sure to follow recommended guidelines in order to avoid weight-related problems in the future. You should consult your vet regarding your poodle's portions, as well as check the specific food labels on your dog food package. That being said, there are some rough guidelines you can use if such information is temporarily unavailable. Toy poodles should consume between ½ and ¾ cups of food per 24 hours, miniatures should have about 1 cup, and standards between 2 ¼ and 3 cups. Provide fresh, clean water at all times. Keeping your dog hydrated is essential to good health and nutrition: water lubricates and facilitates practically every function in your dog's body, including joint cushioning, temperature maintenance, and digestion. If you use wet food, your dog can get quite a lot of its daily hydration requirements from its food, but you should still provide a large bowl of clean water at all times. You might want to consider purchasing a special pet fountain for your dog. Although many of these devices were created for cats who are attracted to running water, they perform multiple functions which are also beneficial to dogs, such as inhibiting bacteria growth and filtering out carbon. Get your poodle groomed regularly. You've probably seen images of show poodles displaying what looks like a wacky, poofy grooming style.While you don't need to mimic this look in your pet's style, you still need to follow a fairly strict grooming regimen in order to keep your poodle's coat from matting. In addition to weekly brushing at home, you should get your poodle professionally groomed and trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks. As a matter of fact, the poodle's trademark pompadours originated not as a decorative feature but out of necessity: having trained their poodles to retrieve ducks from the water, hunters needed a coat style that wouldn't waterlog and bog them down, but would also keep their joints and cardiovascular system warm in the low temperatures. Brush your poodle's teeth. You should brush your poodle's teeth daily with a vet-approved canine toothpaste and toothbrush. If you've adopted an adult poodle who hasn't had prior daily dental care, get a professional cleaning done before beginning your daily regimen. This is especially important for toy and miniature poodles, as they tend to have more problems with receding gums. You can further support your poodle's dental healthy by giving it rawhide bones and special dental treats to chew on. Just be sure to select a rawhide variety which contains no added flavor and is made in the U.S.A. Walk your poodle multiple times a day. Poodles don't need as much exercise as some other energetic breeds, but you should still strive to walk them at least twice a day for no less than 20 minutes per walk. This is particularly important for standard poodles, as they are the largest sized poodle and the most active. Toy and miniature poodles require less physical activity, but you should still make sure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy cardiovascular and digestive system. A standard poodle can develop superior endurance and speed—some people have even trained for marathons with this boisterous breed! But, you should amp up activity gradually in order to avoid overheating. Backyards can be a great resource to let the poodle run around and play, but, since poodles are highly intelligent and crafty dogs, make sure the yard is well-equipped with tall, durable fences. Scan your fences carefully for any holes or weaknesses before letting your dog run around, and don't let your dog be outside when you're not home to supervise. Do activities like field events and tracking. Poodles were originally bred in Germany to be trackers and water retrievers, so they have innately excellent senses of smell and intelligence. Field events, hunting, tracking, and agility exercises are all excellent options which let the poodle use these natural skill sets and interests while keeping it mentally engaged and physically active. Tracking training involves getting the dog to follow a tracklayer's scent over an extended distance, navigate obstacles in the terrain, and find and retrieve an object such as a glove or hat carrying the tracklayer's scent. If you're not familiar with the procedure, you can get help with this kind of training through local poodle organizations, obedience classes, or American Kennel Club chapters. Make your poodle a member of the family. Poodles are loving, giving dogs, but this also means they need tons of attention in return. They prefer to be with you at all times, so include your dog in anything you can. For example, take it with you to your kids' baseball game, out on your morning jog, and to your friends' barbecue. Since poodles don't tolerate solitude very well, you should provide them with a distraction toy such as a Kong-type food delivery toy when you must leave them alone. Otherwise your poodle will act out and keep its mind occupied through other, often destructive behaviors, such as chewing on furniture or shoes. Use reward-based training methods to teach obedience skills. Most experts agree that the best way to train a dog is through positive reinforcement—that is, rewarding behaviors you want the dog to do instead of punishing negative ones. In this approach, you give treats and/or verbal praise when the dog does something good or follows your commands, such as “sit,” “stay,” “look,” or come.” Just make sure that you give the treat and praise within a few seconds of the correct behavior, as otherwise your dog won't understand what they're being rewarded for. Treats should be small, easily chewed, and healthy, so don't use human foods which get the dog used to salty snacks and can encourage begging. Using individual kernels of your dog's normal dry food or small pieces of roasted chicken or turnkey can be a good options. Get your poodle spayed or neutered. Unless you are a licensed dog breeder equipped with the necessary space and supplies to breed the poodle responsibly, your dog should be spayed or neutered. Female dogs are best desexed for health and population control reasons. If you have a male dog, talk to the vet about the pros and cons of neutering. Vaccinate your poodle. You should make sure to get your poodle the rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus vaccines at the very least. You can also get a flu shot and other preventative shots for your poodle, but these are not strictly essential according to veterinary guidelines. For example, if you live in areas with high populations of rattlesnakes or ticks, you might want to consider getting special vaccinations against rattlesnake venom or lyme disease. Provide preventative treatments. Part of being a responsible owner includes making sure your dog receives regular treatments to prevent health problems. Your vet can provide medicine to prevent heartworms, fleas, ticks, and internal worms. Be aware of poodle-specific health problems. There are some diseases and conditions, such as Addison's and Cushing's disease, which affect poodles more than they do other breeds, so you should know what to look for and how to prevent developing problems. Symptoms like itchiness, dry skin, or abnormal bumps call for a visit to the vet, while more serious symptoms such as difficult urination, distended abdomen, discolored gums, or cloudy eyes warrant a more urgent trip to the emergency clinic. You should also watch out for symptoms of allergies. Poodles are not a breed particularly prone to food allergies, but keep an eye out for any symptoms such as itchy skin, excessive licking, or ear infections. If you notice any of these problems, visit your local veterinary office and see if they think food could be the cause of your dog's allergy. Get yearly check-ups and blood screens. In addition to staying current on your dog's vaccines, you should take it to the vet every year for a standard check-up and blood tests. These tests will indicate any newly developing infections or diseases, and early detection of serious conditions like Addison's will greatly improve your dog's chances of recovery and life expectancy. Be proactive about your dog's health by asking your vet some questions whenever you see them. For example, ask if your poodle's weight is within prescribed guidelines, if you should see a specialist about any ongoing problems, or if your dog should get a professional dental cleaning. You also might want to consider purchasing health insurance for your poodle. While poodles are known as generally healthy dogs, veterinary costs can add up quickly if your poodle contracts a disease or has an accident. Ask your vet what they think about it and explore policy options online. | Feed your poodle a diet rich in protein and calcium. Measure out a size-appropriate portion of food. Provide fresh, clean water at all times. Get your poodle groomed regularly. Brush your poodle's teeth. Walk your poodle multiple times a day. Do activities like field events and tracking. Make your poodle a member of the family. Use reward-based training methods to teach obedience skills. Get your poodle spayed or neutered. Vaccinate your poodle. Provide preventative treatments. Be aware of poodle-specific health problems. Get yearly check-ups and blood screens. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-21-Card-Card-Trick | How to Do a 21 Card Card Trick | A 21-card trick is a classic magic trick in which you have an audience member pick a card, then move it to the eleventh position in the deck so you can find and reveal it. Start by pulling any 21 cards out of a standard 52-card deck. Next, fan out the cards face-down and ask someone to pick any card. Ask them to remember what the card is and show it to the audience, but not to you. After they've done that, have them return the card to your hand, then shuffle the cards. You can also ask the audience member to shuffle them for you. Once the cards are shuffled, lay them out in 3 columns of 7 cards each, and instruct the audience member to point to the column their card is in. Push the columns back into piles, then stack the pile containing their card between the other 2 piles. Repeat this process 2 more times. The third time you lay out the columns, the audience member's card will be fourth one down in the third column. Stack the cards once more, with the third column in the middle. Finish the trick by counting out the stacked cards until your reach the eleventh one in the deck, then reveal it to the audience and announce that you've found the card. | Take any 21 cards out of a 52-card deck. It can be any 21 cards. What matters is the number of cards, not the suit or color. You can either do it ahead of time or in right in front of your audience members. Have someone pick a card and then shuffle it back in. Fan the cards out upside down, and have someone select a random card from the pile. Make sure they memorize what the card is, and show it to whoever else is in the audience. Then, have them place the card anywhere and the pile, and shuffle the deck. You can even have a volunteer shuffle the deck, so your audience knows you aren't performing sleight of hand as you shuffle. Lay out the cards 3 across and 7 down. Start with the top of each column by laying out 3 cards in a horizontal row. Then, lay down the next row, and continue until each of the 3 columns has 7 cards in it. Make sure each column has 7 cards or else the trick won't work! Ask the volunteer which column their card is in. You don't need to ask this question in a fancy way. Just ask, “Could you point to the column your card is in?” If they lie to you, the trick won't work, so make sure to emphasize to the volunteer that they need to be truthful about their card's whereabouts. If you're worried your viewer won't be honest, say, "Be honest now, or the trick won't work!" Sandwich the column with their card between the other two columns. Push together each column into a pile, and then stack the pile with their card in it between the other two piles. Put the deck back together quickly and subtly, so that your viewer doesn't notice that you are putting the columns back together in any particular order. For example, if the 2nd pile contained their card, you would need to put it in between the 1st and 3rd columns. Lay out the cards again and repeat the process. Arrange the cards in 3 columns of 7. Then, ask the volunteer which column their card is in, and sandwich that column in the middle of the other two columns. Don't shuffle in between laying out the cards or you'll mess up the trick. Do the same thing one more time. Lay down the cards in 3 columns that have 7 cards each, then have the volunteer point to whichever column their card is in. Pick up the columns as you did before, sandwiching the pile the volunteer chose in between the other two. When the volunteer points to the column with their card in it, their card will be the 4th card down in that column. This is because of how you've been moving their column to the middle each time. Reveal that the 11th card in the deck is the volunteer's card. Count out 11 cards and stop at the 11th card. Then, point to that card and announce that it's the volunteer's card. The volunteer will be amazed that you were able to find their card.. Each time you asked which column the volunteer's card was in, you were narrowing down the potential range where their card could be. Perform the basic trick but don’t reveal the volunteer's card yet. Do everything exactly as you would for the normal trick, including laying out and rearranging the cards 3 times. Then, instead of counting out 11 cards and announcing the volunteer's card, make the reveal take longer to build up the suspense and mystery. Ask your audience to spell out “mystery card” as you put down cards. For each letter that they call out, place another card face down on the table. Since “mystery card” contains 11 letters, the card you put down on the "d" will be their card. Enjoy their amazed reactions! You can also do this with a phrase that's 10 letters long, like “your card is,” and then flip over their card after they finish spelling it. Deal the cards into 7 face-up piles for another alternative ending. The volunteer's card will be the 11th card you lay down. Ask the volunteer to pick 4 piles. If one of those piles has their card in it, remove the 3 piles they didn't pick. If their card isn't in one of those 4 piles, remove the piles they did pick. Continue asking the volunteer to choose piles and removing the piles that their card isn't in until you're left with 1 pile of 3 cards. Finally, spread out the 3 remaining cards, and announce which one is the volunteer's. Try running your hand over the 3 cards and closing your eyes to pretend you're sensing which card is theirs. | Take any 21 cards out of a 52-card deck. Have someone pick a card and then shuffle it back in. Lay out the cards 3 across and 7 down. Ask the volunteer which column their card is in. Sandwich the column with their card between the other two columns. Lay out the cards again and repeat the process. Do the same thing one more time. Reveal that the 11th card in the deck is the volunteer's card. Perform the basic trick but don’t reveal the volunteer's card yet. Ask your audience to spell out “mystery card” as you put down cards. Deal the cards into 7 face-up piles for another alternative ending. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pursue-a-Girl | How to Pursue a Girl | To pursue a girl, start to flirt by catching her eye and smiling briefly, as eye contact will make girls more attracted to you. Then, get to know her a bit by asking her questions like what she does for fun or what her favorite subject is. Also, compliment her to show you like her by saying things like, "I love your shoes." Once you've gotten to know her, try making a little physical contact by hugging when you say hello and goodbye or touching her shoulder to get her attention. | Introduce yourself. First and foremost, you need to make this girl aware of your presence. Try to make a good first impression, but don't think too hard about it. Be confident, upbeat, and genuine. To start: try asking her a question, or making a situational joke. Tell her your name, and she'll probably tell you hers. If you have a class together, find an excuse to talk to her about the class. Ask her about the homework, or crack a joke about the teacher. Don't worry too much about saying exactly the right thing. The more natural and collected you feel, the better of an impression you will make. Talk to her. It will probably be much easier to pursue a girl if you're on regular speaking terms with her. Strike up a conversation whenever you get the chance, and try to make a good impression each time. Do not fear the "friend zone!" Make friends with the girl, but be sure to keep up a sense of flirtation and mystery. Don't let nerves get the better of you. Remember, talking to a pretty girl should be fun, not intimidating or scary! Show your interest. Ask her questions about herself, and listen carefully to the answers. Don't let her do all of the talking, however! Many people love to talk about themselves, but you might come off as overbearing if you pin her down with a barrage of intense questioning. Make sure to keep up a careful balance of asking, listening, and talking. What does she do for fun? What music, books, or movies does she love? Where did she come from? What is her favorite subject? Be genuinely interested in what she has to say. You're trying to make a real connection with a human being, here – not just trying to "get the girl." Make her feel worthy of attention. Ask her about her day. Listen to her, and she may open up to you. There is a balance to be struck here: if she confides in you too intimately and platonically, it might be hard for her to make the mental jump to seeing you as a friend. That said, she'll probably be more comfortable taking you as a romantic partner if she knows that she can trust you. Catch her eye. Throughout the day, steal glances at her when you get the chance. Don't be creepy about it – just make a point of looking in her direction. When she meets your gaze, smile slightly and look away quickly. This is a classic (and often effective) way of showing someone that you're interested. Studies have shown that basic flirting can be more important than physical attractiveness when it comes to getting someone's attention. People who signal their availability and confidence through smiling and eye contact tend to be the most effective at attracting mates. Eye contact can actually make someone more likely to find you attractive. Don't mistake this for a "trick" that will make your crush fall for you – but be aware of the effect, and try to use it to your advantage. Smile. Don't be afraid to smile and laugh a lot when you're talking to her. This shows her that you're interested in what she has to say, that you're enjoying her company, and that the two of you have a similar sense of humor. Be open and genuine. Touch her. Once you've gotten to know her pretty well, look for ways to establish a physical connection. Offer a hug when you say hello and goodbye; touch her shoulder to get her attention or to emphasize a point; take her hand, briefly, to lead her somewhere; instead of sitting across from her, sit next to her with your thighs and shoulders touching. Find excuses to "accidentally" graze her arm or leg – even this can help you get her attention. Be aware that she may not be receptive to physical flirting. Start with something subtle, like brushing against your hand, and pay attention to how she reacts. Stop what you're doing if she seems uncomfortable or doesn't respond well. She may not be interested in you, or she may not like being touched. Touching is a great way to indicate that you're interested. If she responds well—and especially if she touches you back—there's a good chance that she's at least a bit interested. Compliment her. Say something sweet and simple so that she feels your attention on her. Say, "I love your shoes!" or "Did you get a haircut? It looks really cute." Try complimenting her on a talent or an accomplishment: "Did you draw that? I'm impressed," or "Great job in the 100-meter dash today!" Make sure she knows that you appreciate her. Make your feelings clear. When you are pursuing a girl, all of the talking and flirting is building up to one moment: the moment when you "make a move." This might take various forms, depending on the situation. Perhaps you want to ask her on a date, or to accompany you to a dance; perhaps you want to hook up with her at a party; perhaps you want to kiss her; or perhaps you just want her to know that you like her. No matter the case, the dynamic of pursuit means that you'll probably need to be the one to start this conversation. In general, women still expect men to be the one who initiates a date or a relationship, although some women are more comfortable taking the lead. Ask her out. If you're serious about building a romantic relationship with this girl, consider asking her out on a "date." This can be as elaborate as a fancy dinner reservation or as simple as a walk to the park. The idea here is to spend meaningful one-on-one time together – to move your interaction pattern from "friends-with-mutual-attraction" to "dating-and-acting-on-attraction." Be sure to make it clear that you're asking her to go on a date with you, and you're not just asking her to hang out as friends. You may find that the simple act of asking her on a date changes the dynamic of your friendship. You are essentially shifting the agreed-upon balance from mostly-platonic to mostly-romantic. This is not bad, necessarily – but you should be aware of what's happening. Kiss her! This is a classic "move" that will show your interest and effectively set the stage for a more romantic relationship. Find the right moment: when you say goodnight at the end of an amazing date, or when the mood feels especially romantic. Be smooth and natural, and take it slow. Notice when she wants to kiss you. If she is looking at you expectantly, watching your face, smiling a lot, and bringing her face close to yours – it might mean that she wants you to kiss her! Wait for a moment that feels "cinematic." If it feels like this is the scene in a movie when the main character kisses the girl – then it is probably time for you to kiss the girl! If she doesn't respond to the kiss, then you may have misread the moment. Don't be embarrassed. At the very least, going for a kiss makes your intentions clear, and it gives her the chance to accept or reject your advances. | Introduce yourself. Talk to her. Show your interest. Ask her about her day. Catch her eye. Smile. Touch her. Compliment her. Make your feelings clear. Ask her out. Kiss her! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Greenhouse | How to Build a Greenhouse | To build a greenhouse, start by choosing a sunny spot in your yard where it could go. Once you have a location, decide whether you'd like to purchase a greenhouse kit online, which is recommended for first-time greenhouse builders, or construct the frame yourself. After you have a rigid frame, cover it with hard, double-walled plastic or clear fiberglass to trap in the sunlight. Then, add fans and vents to control the airflow in your greenhouse and install a thermostat to control the temperature. | Choose a south or north (depending on location) facing area. The main element required for a greenhouse is good consistent sunlight. All structures should be to the north of the greenhouse. One of the main greenhouse structures is a lean-to. Choosing a south wall of a building is a good option. Give preferences to locations that have morning sun over afternoon sun. Although all-day sun is the best option, opening up the area to morning light will increase the growth of the plants. If there are trees or bushes near the greenhouse location, ensure they do not give a shadow until late afternoon. Pay attention to winter versus summer sun. If the area to the east is open and sunny, it will get more sun November through February. Winter sun has a lower angle, so trees, houses and other structures are more likely to pose a problem. Do not choose a location near evergreen trees. Deciduous trees lose their leaves and will not shade the location in the winter, when the greenhouse requires more sun. Choose a location that has access to electricity. Most greenhouses require some heat and ventilation to keep the temperature optimal. If you build a lean-to, you may be able to extend power from the house. A separate building may require hiring an electrician. Pick a well-drained area. You will need to syphon away excess rainwater. If your location is uneven, you may need to fill in the area to encourage drainage. You may be able to use cisterns to catch rainwater falling from the eaves of your greenhouse. Any conservation of water and electricity will help keep greenhouse costs low. Measure your location. Whether you build the greenhouse from scratch or build it with a kit, you should choose the size carefully. The larger the greenhouse, the more money it will cost to build and heat. The most popular greenhouse size is 8 by 6 feet (2.4 by 1.8 m). Choose a greenhouse kit, if you have little experience building or few people to help you erect the greenhouse. You can get a pop-up or polycarbonate greenhouse from home improvement stores and Amazon for as little as $150. Larger, sturdier models range from $500 to $5,000 depending upon size. Look at websites like Costco.com, Home Depot, or Greenhouses.com. Make a lean-to. If you have chosen an area against a building, you may as well construct a simple lean-structure that uses the remaining wall as support. If you have a brick structure, the heat from the building can help you keep a steady, warm temperature. This is a fairly easy structure to make yourself. You can support it with rebar, wooden beams and fewer supports that an offset building. Build a Quonset frame. This is a domed ceiling that can be made with steel supports or PVC tubing (PVC does contains several carcinogenic estrogen mimickers that are water soluble, ldpe tubing is more expensive but a saver alternative.). The domed shape means there is less head and storage space that rectangular models. This shape can be built with little cost; however, the less expensive the material, the less sturdy it is likely to be. Pick a rigid frame. With this design, you will need a foundation and a frame. Unless you are a designer, you will want to buy a plan for a greenhouse or employ someone to build it. A rigid frame, post and rafter or A-frame greenhouse will need a foundation and a sturdy frame. You will need the help of friends or employees to help you build a large framed greenhouse. Use UV-stabilized polyethylene which is cheap but contains BPA's or the more expensive but non toxic LDPE grow tarps which last for longer. It is UV-stabilized. Plastic film has to be replaced every few years PET plastic has a shorter life expectancy then the non toxic LDPE plastic. It must be washed occasionally. It will not hold heat as well as glass, but is adequate for lean-tos, quonsets and small stand-alone framed greenhouses. Use hard, double-walled plastic such as multi wall polycarbonate or corrugated polycarbonate or the more expensive but non BPA containing acrylic (Plexiglas) which has a higher light transparency. Polycarbonate can be curved slightly around the frame and it has an energy savings of up to 30 percent, because it is double-walled. Polycarbonate is 200 times stronger than glass so it won't chip or crack during construction.Polycarbonate also has high light transmission and is UV-stabilized, but does contains toxins such as BPA`s that are water soluble. Acrylic has more light transparency but is not as strong (yet still stronger then glass) 80 percent of light filters through polycarbonate. 90% filters true Acrylic. You could buy fiberglass if you are building a framed greenhouse, you can save money by choosing fiberglass over glass as the roof construction can be lighter of construction. Fiberglass will turn yellow and lose transparency in a few years. Acrylic is more expensive but has higher transparency and stays clear up to 10 years. Choose clear fiberglass or even better Acrylic. It will need a new coat of resin every 10 to 15 years. Invest in higher-grade fiberglass. Light transmission is greatly reduced on low-grade fiberglass or just buy Acrylic. This will save you approximately 25% in cost compared to glass and is easier to work with. Choose glass. This is the most attractive material, if you are building a greenhouse that will accentuate your house or garden. Glass is very fragile and is expensive to replace when it breaks, but on the other side acrylic, fiberglass and polycarbonate needs replacing over time. You must build a framed greenhouse with a foundation, any misalignment because of settling can cause damage. Tempered glass is preferable because it is stronger than regular glass, consider using hardened glass for the roof. A 4mm thickness of float glass is suggested if you are in a area prone to hail. If you are going to the expense of installing a glass greenhouse, you should consider bids from construction companies to ensure the foundation and frame can handle the weight. Use strings along the ground to measure where you want the supports to be set. Pound stakes in the ground Reinforce with rebar. If you are building a lean-to or Quonset, you can reinforce your frame with rebar and PVC or a non toxic variant. Pound rebar into the ground every 4 feet (1.2 m). Leave 48 inches (121.9 cm) protruding from the ground. Once the rebar is set, you can loop 20-foot sections of tubing over the rebar to create your frame. Stretch your plastic film (preferably a non toxic type of plastic) over the frame and attach it to beams at the bottom. Pour gravel on the ground in an even layer, after your supports are driven into the ground. Small, loose gravel allows for extra drainage in a greenhouse environment. Hire builders to pour concrete, if you need a foundation. They will need to bring in concrete forms and pour the floor of your greenhouse before it can be framed. Treat any wood you use before using it, be aware and informed what you use for treatment not every coating and treatment is suitable to be in contact with food products. Untreated wood can degrade in as little as 3 years. Choose your wood treatment carefully. Some wood treatments require that the food is no longer listed as “organic” or safe for consumption because of the use of chemicals. Consider a treatment like Erdalith, which has limited leaching properties. Use metal supports in place of wood supports whenever possible. Seal the covering to the frame as closely as you can. You may be able to simply bolt film to wood. The more expensive the covering, such as glass, fiberglass, or double walled plastic, the more time you should take to seal it to the foundation and frame. Research the best procedure for the covering of your choice. Place fans in the corners of the greenhouse. Set up fans so that they are diagonal and create a airflow. They should run almost constantly during the winter months, to ensure the entire greenhouse is benefiting from the heater. Install vents in the ceiling of your greenhouse. They can also be located near the top of the supports. Some ventilation of carbon dioxide is essential. The vents should be adjustable. You will need to open them wider in the summer months. Consider installing an electric heater. Solar heat may only account for 25 percent of the heat in your greenhouse, so a backup heater is essential. You can also use a wood or oil-based heater, but it must be vented to the outside to ensure good air quality, carbon dioxide poising is a real danger to be looked out for in such a close space. You should check with your town or council to see what heating options are available in your area. Install a forced-air system, if you are using a glass-frame greenhouse. If you can afford to outfit your greenhouse with its own temperature control system, then you can set it up to grow almost anything. Employ an electrician and a contractor to install your system. It may need regular maintenance to ensure it can handle ventilation and heating in the winter. Install thermometers or thermostats. You should install several thermometers in case 1 breaks. Place them at different levels of the greenhouse so that you can observe the temperature in your greenhouse at all times. You can buy a thermometer that measures the temperature inside your house and inside your greenhouse, so that you can watch it closely during the winter months. Study planting conditions for the plants you want to grow. The more sensitive the plant is to changes in heat, the less likely you will be able to grow other plants in the same section. A cool house is a greenhouse designed to keep plants from freezing. It is ideal for temporary greenhouses. A hot house is a greenhouse designed to keep plants in tropical temperatures. You will need to choose what the temperature will be and keep it steady. It is not possible to create different zones in an open greenhouse. Ensure you have a steady water supply. Ideally it should be supplied by hose water and cisterns. Construct raised beds inside your greenhouse. Slatted tables can be used in the meantime, since they will allow water to drain through the table and into the gravel. If possible, construct the beds to the primary gardener's height to limit ergonomic problems. | Choose a south or north (depending on location) facing area. Give preferences to locations that have morning sun over afternoon sun. Pay attention to winter versus summer sun. Choose a location that has access to electricity. Pick a well-drained area. Measure your location. Choose a greenhouse kit, if you have little experience building or few people to help you erect the greenhouse. Make a lean-to. Build a Quonset frame. Pick a rigid frame. Use UV-stabilized polyethylene which is cheap but contains BPA's or the more expensive but non toxic LDPE grow tarps which last for longer. Use hard, double-walled plastic such as multi wall polycarbonate or corrugated polycarbonate or the more expensive but non BPA containing acrylic (Plexiglas) which has a higher light transparency. You could buy fiberglass if you are building a framed greenhouse, you can save money by choosing fiberglass over glass as the roof construction can be lighter of construction. Choose glass. Use strings along the ground to measure where you want the supports to be set. Reinforce with rebar. Pour gravel on the ground in an even layer, after your supports are driven into the ground. Treat any wood you use before using it, be aware and informed what you use for treatment not every coating and treatment is suitable to be in contact with food products. Seal the covering to the frame as closely as you can. Place fans in the corners of the greenhouse. Install vents in the ceiling of your greenhouse. Consider installing an electric heater. Install a forced-air system, if you are using a glass-frame greenhouse. Install thermometers or thermostats. Study planting conditions for the plants you want to grow. Ensure you have a steady water supply. Construct raised beds inside your greenhouse. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Travel-when-Flying-on-a-Plane | How to Travel when Flying on a Plane | Taking a flight can seem stressful, but if you know the regulations ahead of time and prepare for your journey, you'll be fine! Before you pack your bags, make sure you check your airline's regulations. Many airlines have restrictions on liquids, food, and sharp objects as well as the maximum weight and size of your bags. To save you time at the airport, check if you can print or download your boarding pass ahead of time. Make sure you bring your ID, or your passport if you're flying internationally. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early for domestic flights and 2 hours for international flights. This gives you time to check in your bags get through security, and find the correct terminal. | Determine how much luggage to take. Will a simple carry-on item do or do you also need a checked bag or two. Depending on how long you will be traveling or what types of items you are packing, figure out what types of luggage you need to use. The permitted size of carry-on bags varies from airline to airline. Check the requirements for the airline with which you will travel to learn how big your carry-on bag can be. Remember that certain items are only permissible when packed in a checked bag. Make a list of any items you plan to pack that might be regulated. TSA, or Transportation Security Administration and other national bodies have guidelines for a variety of items, ranging from foods and liquids to weapons. Consider what items you need to pack that might be prohibited or restricted: Food items Liquids, such as bath products Sporting goods Tools Self defense items Sharp objects Small lighters. Learn how many items your carry-on and if you have to check a bag or two. There are not many things that TSA and other relevant organizations completely prohibits, compared to the number of things that are allowed. However, many items are only permitted when they are packed in your checked bag. Research your questionable items and learn if they are only permissible when checked. Most liquids and some food items, like gravies and sauces or sometimes even ketchup, must be 3.4 fluid ounces (100.6 ml) or less in order to be allowed in a carry-on bag. The rules may be different for necessities such as medicine, but there still are restraints for that. Pack as lightly as you can. While you may be inclined to pack several different outfits and pairs of shoes, consider packing only a few basic essentials and pack tighter by pairing them different ways. If you want to limit your packing to a carry-on only, then you have a limited amount of space. On the other hand, while you have more space in a checked bag, you will be charged more if it is overweight. Additionally, overpacking your carry-on or checked bag might result in it not fitting into the airline-approved measurements, in which case you might have to remove items from your bag to put into another bag or leave it at the airport. Checked bag fees start at $25 for one checked bag at the majority of airlines and go up from there, with increases for multiple checked bags and bags that are overweight. Understand how liquids must be packed. Because liquids and aerosols have the potential to explode due to the changing air pressure of air travel, TSA and other relevant organizations have special regulations about them. All liquid items that are 3.4 fluid ounces (100.6 ml) or smaller can go in your carry-on, and they must be packed in one 1-quart bag. Each traveler is only permitted to have one of these bags. Items that are larger that 3.4 fluid ounces (100.6 ml) can be packed in a checked bag. They do not have to be enclosed in a zip-top bag, but it is recommended in order to protect your other packed belongings. Medications and nourishment items for infants and children are exempt from these rules. Roll your clothing to pack it, instead of folding it. One of the easiest ways to save space in your luggage is to change how you pack your clothing. Instead of folding your clothing and stacking it, roll it up so that it takes up less space. Rolling your clothing not only saves space but also reduces wrinkles in clothes. Layer your packed items from heaviest to lightest. Start packing your bag by putting all of the heaviest items on the bottom, such as shoes. Then, start layering your rolled clothes on top, starting with the heaviest or largest rolled items, like sweaters or jeans, and moving to the lightest items. Packing your items in this way prevents your clothes from being further compressed and wrinkled by being buried under heavier items. Put toiletries and other light items on top so that they are easily accessible for removing at the security checkpoint. Consider packing some clothes inside other items, like shoes. If you are packing boots or shoes, you can pack small clothing items, like undergarments, inside them. This saves packing space for other items, but only do this with items that you do not mind getting wrinkled. Plan to pack a change of clothing in your carry-on. When taking both a carry-on item and a checked bag, consider putting a change of clothes in your carry-on, just in case your checked bag does not make it to your destination. This way, you have at least one additional set of clothing to wear until you receive your checked bag. It would also be helpful to include some key toiletry items, like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant, as long as they meet the 3.4 fluid-ounce (100.6 ml) requirement. Put thin items or nothing at all in the outer zip pockets. If you are using a suitcase, either a small one for a carry-on or a large one for a checked bag, avoid putting bulky items in the outer zipper pockets. Doing so causes the bag to become overstuffed, causing it to no longer fit airline size requirements. Put magazines, thin books, or other slim items in these pockets. Avoid locking your luggage. Security checks all luggage, and they ask that it not be locked so that they can easily access it. If you lock it, they may damage your luggage trying to get it open. Security is not liable when this happens. Security does have approved locks that they can open with their own tools, including Safe Skies and Travel Sentry. Check in for your flight up to 24 hours before departure. Airlines now allow travelers to check in for their flights and secure their seats online up to 24 hours in advance. You can do this via airline apps on smartphones or on their websites. Checking in online ahead of time also saves you time in getting to the airport, because you can head straight to security and skip the check-in lines upon arrival. Print or secure your boarding pass ahead of time. If you check in early, you can print or access your boarding pass through your airline's mobile app. Be sure to print it out or take a screenshot of it on your smartphone, in case you have no service in the airport to access the mobile app. If you check in at the airport, then airline agents will provide you with your boarding pass at that time. Have the appropriate identification ready in order to get through security. Identification is required for adult travelers who are 18 and older. Children under the age of 18 are not required to have identification when they are traveling with an adult companion. You must have a valid form of identification, including but not limited to: U.S. driver's license that is Real ID Act compliant (see dhs.gov/real-id for more information). If you do not have a Real ID compliant ID, then you will need to obtain an alternate form of identification (such as a passport or passport card) to pass the security lines. U.S. passport U.S. passport card U.S. military ID Permanent resident card Government-issued passport Border crossing card. Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Be aware of what time your flight is supposed to depart and what time boarding is supposed to begin. Plan to be at the airport with enough time to get through security and make it to your gate on time. Airlines recommend that you arrive 30-45 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights, depending on whether you have to check any baggage. For international flights, it is recommended that you arrive at least two hours prior to departure to allow time for completing international requirements. Accommodate for extra time if you have to drive yourself and park in long-term parking. You will have extra time for traveling from the parking lot to the terminal via the airport shuttle. If your airport is large and extremely busy, take that into consideration and arrive early, just to be sure. Also think about what day of the week you are traveling. Weekends are usually busy travel times, which means the airport and security checkpoint might be busier. Have all items needed for the security checkpoint easily accessible. You will need your boarding pass and a form of identification, and when you reach the screening checkpoint, you will need to have certain items easily accessible to put through screening. Keep them at the top of your carry-on so that you do not have to dig through it to find them. Liquids and aerosols in the quart-sized bag Technology devices Medically necessary medications and liquids Nourishment items for infants and children. Remove all metal items from your person prior to going through screening. When going through security, you have to remove a variety of items—or not wear them at all—in order to pass the screening. You will put these in their own containers to pass through the X-ray machine, and then you can proceed through the metal detector. Shoes Coats, jackets, and sweaters Belts Coins Cell phones Jewelry. Know how to declare medications and items for infants and children. If you do have liquid medications or breast milk, formula, or juice for an infant or child, you need to alert the officers so that it can be screened properly. Let the officer or other representative know that you have medically necessary liquids or medications when you are going through the screening. If you also need items such as ice packs, syringes, pumps, and IV bags, notify the officer about those, as well. It is helpful to have them labeled for easy screening. Keep all of these items separate from other liquids, like bath and hygiene products. Any ice packs or frozen gel packs that are necessary for your medication must be frozen solid at the security checkpoint. You do have the option to not have your medication screened by X-ray or to not have it opened, but in that case, other screening measures will have to be taken. If you have nourishment items for an infant or child, you are also allowed to bring them in excess of 3.4 fluid ounces (100.6 ml) in a carry-on item, and they can be in a zip-top bag larger than one quart. However, they must be separate from other liquids that you are checking through security. Alert the officer that you have these items so that they can be screened correctly. The officer may want to X-ray or open your breast milk, formula, or juice, but you can deny that if you would like to. In that case, other screening measures will have to be taken. Ice packs and frozen gel packs will need to be frozen solid at the time you go through security. Other items such as canned, jarred, and processed baby food are permitted, as well as liquid-filled teethers, but they will also have to be screened. Find your gate and wait for boarding to start. Once you are through security, use the signs in the airport to help you find your gate. It is best to go straight there in order to avoid missing your flight and to make sure that you know where it is. After you have found your gate, you can go to the restroom, get something to eat, or shop, if you have time. Keep anything you might want during the flight in your carry-on. It makes the boarding process faster for you and everyone else, by keeping any items that you anticipate you will want during the flight in the carry-on item that you will put under the seat in front of you. This will save you from digging through your carry-on item before sitting down and holding up the boarding process. Have snacks and drinks. After getting through security, you can go to the restaurants and shops in your terminal to buy drinks. You can also pack approved snacks in your carry-on to avoid buying them from vendors in the terminal. Being prepared with snacks and drinks will help tide you over until you get to your destination, because although flights still do beverage service, many short haul flights no longer offer food or snacks. When they do offer meals, you normally have to pay for them. An alternative is to eat at one of the airport restaurants. These are usually overpriced, but if you have a long time to wait or will have a long time before you can get your next meal, it is a good idea to eat at a restaurant. Use your technology sparingly. It can be hard to find places to charge your technology in airports. Many other people are trying to do the same thing, so finding power outlets is tricky. Once you are on your plane, you will be asked to power off your electronic devices or put them in Airplane Mode. Be sure to do this to avoid interference with airline signals. Remember that you cannot access any apps that require cellular data or Wi-Fi when your smartphone or other device is in Airplane Mode. Many airlines now offer Wi-Fi on flights, but it is almost always for a fee. Determine whether it is worth the money to access Wi-Fi on the flight. For example, if you are taking a business trip and have work to do while you travel, it will likely be worthwhile. If your trip is for pleasure, though, and you have no real need for using Wi-Fi other than entertainment, it might not be worth the price. Take books or other forms of entertainment. To pass time on layovers and during travel, bring books, crossword puzzles, word searches, or other types of entertainment. You can read by yourself, read to one of your travel companions, or work on the puzzles with travel companions. Take a nap. Either while you are traveling or while you wait in the airport for your flight, you can take a nap. Airports and airplanes are not the most comfortable places to sleep, but if you have an extremely early flight, overnight flight, or long travel day, it is a great time to get some rest. Watch a movie or TV show. Once your plane has reached a certain altitude, your flight attendants will announce that approved electronic devices can be used. If you would like to use your technology, you can watch a movie or a TV show to pass the time. Some airplanes have small TV screens in the backs of the headrests, so you can watch what is on those TVs. Keep in mind that you usually have to pay extra to access more desirable channels, instead of watching their infomercial channels or a map of your travel. Unfasten your seat belt. Wait until directed to do so and the fasten seat belt sign turns off. Take caution when opening overhead compartments. Suitcases may fall out unexpectedly. Have your legal travel documents ready. If you have landed in a different country or region have documentation including your passport and your customs form ready, and follow the following steps: Proceed out and follow the signs to the customs booth. Self-service kiosks can also do the same thing. Present your passport and your customs form to the officer or scan them in the booth. Scan your fingerprints on the scanner if necessary. This can happen if your name is on a country's blacklist, where you may be denied entry and deported. Scanning your fingerprints prove to the country that it is really you. Claim your baggage. This can be found at the baggage claim carousel. It can take a while to claim your baggage. Be sure to gather your belongings from the plain before claiming your baggage. You cannot go back into a restricted area, without clearing security again. Leave the airport. Go to your arranged mode of transportation. You can also take a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or public transport. | Determine how much luggage to take. Make a list of any items you plan to pack that might be regulated. Learn how many items your carry-on and if you have to check a bag or two. Pack as lightly as you can. Understand how liquids must be packed. Roll your clothing to pack it, instead of folding it. Layer your packed items from heaviest to lightest. Consider packing some clothes inside other items, like shoes. Plan to pack a change of clothing in your carry-on. Put thin items or nothing at all in the outer zip pockets. Avoid locking your luggage. Check in for your flight up to 24 hours before departure. Print or secure your boarding pass ahead of time. Have the appropriate identification ready in order to get through security. Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Have all items needed for the security checkpoint easily accessible. Remove all metal items from your person prior to going through screening. Know how to declare medications and items for infants and children. Find your gate and wait for boarding to start. Keep anything you might want during the flight in your carry-on. Have snacks and drinks. Use your technology sparingly. Take books or other forms of entertainment. Take a nap. Watch a movie or TV show. Unfasten your seat belt. Take caution when opening overhead compartments. Have your legal travel documents ready. Claim your baggage. Leave the airport. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fake-a-Sore-Throat | How to Fake a Sore Throat | To fake a sore throat, talk less and speak in a whisper like you're in pain. Try to only talk when you have to, which is what someone with a real sore throat would do. When you do talk, stick to a whisper and pause sometimes to swallow. You can also suck on lozenges to make the act more believable. If you want to actually make your throat dry and scratchy, try only breathing through your mouth for a while. Then, cough a few times until your throat starts to feel rough. Unless you're trying to get out of giving a speech or a singing recital, you'll probably want to combine a sore throat with some other fake symptoms, like head and muscle aches, since a sore throat on its own shouldn't stop you from doing most things. | Breathe through your mouth. When you breathe through your mouth instead of through your nose, your throat will turn dry. A dry throat will become parched and sore, which in turn will make your voice sound scratchy. Ever noticed how your throat turns sore during a cold? That's because you breathe through your mouth when your nose is all clogged up! Cut back on water. Limiting the amount of water you drink will help to dry out your throat, too. Aside from that, if you are 'suffering' from a sore throat it should appear that you are only taking small sips if you drink anything at all. Keep in mind that this is not something you should do throughout the whole day, and it works best when you breath through your mouth. For example, try going for 1 hour with just breathing through your mouth and without drinking any water. Cough until it hurts a little. If you cough a few times, you will notice that your throat might start to feel a little scratchy from the strain. You don't want to overdo it and irritate your throat more than necessary. Just the sound of you coughing several times should be enough to convince the people that hear you that you might be getting sick. Close your eyes when you cough so it seems more painful and realistic. Scream into a pillow. You can strain your voice a little if you push it to it's limits for a few minutes. Just be smart about it. If you start screaming when others are around to hear, they will likely suspect that is the source of your sore throat. Try singing forcefully. For best results, pick some loud music that has lots of screaming lyrics or notes that are outside your vocal range. Alternatively, you can try whispering instead. For some people, whispering strains their voices more than screaming does. Only talk when necessary. If your throat really hurts you, then you would not be talking unless you have to. Don't spoil the illusion by getting tricked into telling a story or explaining too much about how you feel. Give short responses. If a question requires a long response, start talking but stop and point to your throat indicating that you need to stop due to the soreness. Instead of answering, you can always nod or shake your head when possible. Keep your voice soft and quiet. Use your throat as little as possible when speaking. Go for a raspy whisper. Suck on a lozenge. This is a common method many use to ease a sore throat, plus they don't taste bad either. Try to find lozenges that are red, this will make your throat seem more inflamed if anyone checks inside. Lozenges often come with a dosage warning, so be sure not to take too many. Read the label on the back of the package. Can't find a lozenge? Suck on a hard candy that has a similar shape and color—typically oval and amber. Ask for ice cream. You can say you're really hungry, but it hurts too bad to swallow solid food. Request some ice cream to help your throat feel better. Even if it doesn't convince anyone you have a sore throat, you might get a tasty treat for trying. If you can't eat ice cream, try a sherbet or a popsicle instead. Eat some very spicy food. Sure this might take a little courage, but take a few bites of something that is as hot as you can handle. It might sting your throat a bit, but it will also possibly give you a runny nose. When your parents see you sniffling and complaining that your throat hurts, they are likely to think you are coming down with a cold. If you eat something that gives you acid reflux, then you might actually come down with a slight sore throat as a secondary symptom. Consider coming down with other symptoms. A sore throat alone will not likely get you out of whatever it is you're avoiding. You might need to figure out a way to fake another symptom. If you only complain about your throat, your parents may worry that you have strep throat and take you to the doctor. Plan ahead. You can't suddenly come down with a horrible sore throat. Plant a seed the night before by going to bed a little early. Just let them know you're not feeling so great. When you wake up the next day with a sore throat, it won't seem like just a convenient excuse to get out of your plans. Illnesses don't happen randomly—they usually develop over a period of time. If you pretend to be sick all of a sudden, people might not believe you. Know when to use a sore throat as an excuse. A sore throat is not usually a sign of severe sickness, and you can usually tough it out if you want to be somewhere. However, if you come down with a sore throat when you have choir practice or to clarinet lessons, it can be very difficult to perform such tasks. If you just want to get out of going to class or your uncle's house, you might want to catch something more severe. For example, if you will be in a situation where you'll be in contact with a lot of people, faking the flu might work better. If you'll be in a situation where you have to talk a lot, such as a class presentation, then faking a sore throat may help. Make a good show of getting ready. You want to make it seem like you're willing to go, if it wasn't for this horrible affliction. Instead of whining and refusing to get out of bed, get up and get dressed. Don't forget to fake the symptoms as you get ready, however. Continue to cough and make your voice sound hoarse. Use your most pained and miserable voice to speak. Only do this to ask your parent to make you some tea or if you have any medicine for a sore throat. If your parent sees how uncomfortable you are they will want you to do whatever it takes to get better. Talk in a whisper, and struggle with some words. Take a pause every now and then and swallow, as though to moisturize your throat. Think back to the last time you had a sore throat and how you sounded. Try to make your voice sound the same way. Keep it going. If your parents make you go, keep the performance going anyway until the next day. The worst thing you can do is to blow your cover just because you didn't get out of it. If you do, your parents will always suspect you of faking an illness. If your parents say you can stay home, then congratulations. Unfortunately, if they are home, too, then you need to spend the rest of your day playing sick so they don't figure out you lied. | Breathe through your mouth. Cut back on water. Cough until it hurts a little. Scream into a pillow. Only talk when necessary. Suck on a lozenge. Ask for ice cream. Eat some very spicy food. Consider coming down with other symptoms. Plan ahead. Know when to use a sore throat as an excuse. Make a good show of getting ready. Use your most pained and miserable voice to speak. Keep it going. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-CFO | How to Become a CFO | To become a CFO, choose an industry that you're passionate about, like investment banking or public accounts. Then, get a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject, like finance or business, and consider obtaining a Master's in Business Administration. Next, work in your chosen field for 5 to 15 years to work your way up to a CFO position. You may also need to look for opportunities at other companies to gain the needed skills, such as technology, distribution channels, and public relations. | Earn an appropriate bachelor’s degree. Most CFOs have a background in business, economics, finance, or management. Don't worry about the quality of your undergraduate institution. Only about 12% of CFOs at Fortune 500 companies went to a top undergraduate university. Get an MBA. Almost half of CFOs at Fortune 500 companies have a Master's in Business Administration. Consider obtaining an MBA if you want to work at a large corporation as a CFO. A graduate degree isn't a requirement. It all depends on the complexity of the business and its needs. However, a graduate degree will help you rise to the top if you want to work at a large company. Earn appropriate certifications. Many CFOs are certified public accountants (CPAs). In fact, many businesses will require their CFOs to have this credential. To qualify as a CPA, you'll need 150 credits. Because most U.S. universities only require 120 credits to earn an undergraduate degree, many CPA candidates earn a master's in accounting before taking the CPA exam. Also consider becoming a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), which is also helpful as you move up your career. You'll need to pass two exams over three years to earn the credential. Find an industry you enjoy. You won't move out of school immediately into a CFO position. For this reason, you'll need to work 5-15 years in other jobs, and you should choose an industry you are passionate about. Many CFOs work in the following fields: Investment banking Public Accounting Consulting Private banking Money management Work as a controller. Many CFOs work as controllers before moving on up. A controller focuses on producing financial statements and accounts receivable or accounts payable. Because of this accounting experience, they are often great candidates to become a CFO. Make sure your accounting experience is as broad as possible. Gain experience in budgeting, planning, and financial systems. However, a CFO's job requires more strategic thinking a controller position, so simply doing excellent work as a controller is no longer enough. Instead, gain experience in operations, investor relations, and leadership. Gain treasury experience. If a CFO doesn't rise through the controller ranks, they tend to come up through the treasury department. Consider getting experience in the following treasury functions: Planning and operations. In these jobs, you engage in risk forecasting, pension planning, and strategic development in coordination with the Board of Directors. Funding and capital markets. Manage short-term and long-term investments and ensure the business has adequate liquidity. You might also ensure contracts do not unduly constrain your business. Corporate governance. Work with internal and external auditors and ensure accurate transactions and audit trail. Stakeholder relations. Perform risk analysis for the board and manage relationships with investors, banks, and credit rating agencies. Take a company public. This is great experience for a future CFO. You'll understand the importance of investor relations and developing funding sources, which are key components of a CFO's job. If you can't take a business public, consider experience with a merger. This will show you are adaptable and willing to change, which are also important skills for a CFO. Re-engineer a business. Another great experience is to help a business make itself over, called re-engineering. Companies will look favorably at someone who has identified and let go weak employees in a previous job, since CFOs also must eliminate redundancies and underperforming units. Look for opportunities at your current job to participate in strategic development. Find a mentor. There's no “one size fits all” approach to becoming a CFO. Instead, you'll need to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. A mentor can help you analyze your opportunities and develop an appropriate career path. Join organizations such as the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) to network. Also look inside your own company. Many businesses have started mentoring programs for their accounting and finance staff. Serve as a mentor. If you're in a technical position, such as a controller, then you need to broaden your management experience. This might be difficult at your current job. However, you can ask to mentor new hires, which gives you some experience in management. Also look to increase your involvement in mentoring. For example, you can volunteer to become a mentoring coordinator, which gives you additional management experience running a program. Move around to get business experience. CFOs must understand the big picture about a business. This includes technology, distribution channels, public relations, and other skills. You need to work with people at all levels of an organization, inside and outside your department. Because you probably can't gain all of this experience at one job, you should move around. Once you've reached a dead end at your current company, look for new opportunities. Remember to leave your company on good terms. You might end up interviewing for a CFO position after gaining valuable experience elsewhere. Ask to job shadow or cross-train. Avoid getting pigeonholed in your department. Instead, ask your boss for experience in other departments. For example, you can job shadow someone in a different department so that you understand their operations. Work for a foreign office. In a very large company, you should jump at the opportunity to work in a different office. For example, you might be part of a team that opens an office overseas. By taking this job, you'll get hands-on experience with contracts, sales, operations, and management. Volunteer to help a different department. Assess where your experience is thin. For example, you might work as a controller but not have any experience with investors. Bulk up your experience by volunteering to handle investor calls. You might also volunteer to help the sales department create a sales forecast. A controller would have some knowledge in this area, but you'll also learn more about sales forecasting. Volunteer outside your company. When you can't get experience within your company, you need to look outside and find volunteer opportunities. For example, you can help small businesses get loans or other funding, which gives you fundraising and investor experience. To gain management experience, join a professional organization and volunteer to chair a committee or run a campaign. Don't shy away from volunteering outside your company. Remember that you are building a resume to show to a future employer. Don't assume you'll rise up the ranks in your current company to become the CFO. Read the company’s financial documents to prepare. If you're interviewing with a public company, find and read their quarterly reports, as well as the reports of their competitors. If the company is private, read the company's Dun & Bradstreet credit reports. Explain how you see the big picture. A CFO must understand all aspects of the business, from operations to sales. You need to point out how you gained knowledge in these areas. For example, you might have volunteered for committees in your organization that allowed you to work with people in other departments. Alternately, you might have engaged in job shadowing or cross-training. Whatever your experience, highlight it. Ask appropriate questions. Get in the right frame of mind for the interview. For example, imagine you are a consultant who's been hired to come up with a strategy for the company. Ask questions like the following: What does this business hope to accomplish in the next year? What do you want to avoid in the next year? What are your needs over the coming 12 months? Why is the position open? Did someone leave? Follow up with a draft proposal. Instead of writing generic thank-you notes, use the information that learned during the interview to draft a proposal for the business. For example, if the business needs to raise funds in the next 12 months, you can draft a proposal identifying which funding sources the business should pursue. Sending a draft proposal lets you show off your business skills. It also shows you were engaged during the interview and can swiftly synthesize information. | Earn an appropriate bachelor’s degree. Get an MBA. Earn appropriate certifications. Find an industry you enjoy. Work as a controller. Gain treasury experience. Take a company public. Re-engineer a business. Find a mentor. Serve as a mentor. Move around to get business experience. Ask to job shadow or cross-train. Work for a foreign office. Volunteer to help a different department. Volunteer outside your company. Read the company’s financial documents to prepare. Explain how you see the big picture. Ask appropriate questions. Follow up with a draft proposal. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-You-Are-Dehydrated | How to Tell if You Are Dehydrated | To tell if you are dehydrated, see if you feel thirsty, which can be the first sign of mild dehydration. You can also monitor your urine color, which will be pale, straw colored, or light yellow if you're properly hydrated. If you notice darker urine, you may be dehydrated. Dehydration can also cause you to feel angry, irritable, or confused, so try drinking some water to see if it helps your mood. Other symptoms to watch for include headaches, muscle aches, or blurry vision. If you experience severe dehydration, which can cause dizziness, a weak or rapid pulse, black stool, or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. | Pay attention to thirst. Mild dehydration can be marked by feeling slightly thirsty. If dehydration is becoming a problem, you may experience extreme thirst. This can often cause related symptoms such as a dry mouth or a dry tongue. Monitor your urine color. Check the toilet bowl after you pee. Your urine color can be an indication of health. Urine should be pale, straw colored, or light yellow. Darker urine may indicate dehydration. Urine that's somewhat dark yellow indicates you're mildly dehydrated and should drink some water soon. When urine becomes amber colored or brown, this can indicate severe dehydration. You need to start drinking water right away and contact a doctor if the problem persists. Tune in to your emotions. Dehydration can cause changes in mood. You may feel confused, frustrated, or angry. If you notice that your mood seems off, then this could indicate dehydration if you also notice physical symptoms. You may notice you're irritable and struggling to concentrate with daily tasks if you're dehydrated. You also may be quick to anger. Note changes in vision. If your vision is becoming blurry, this can be a sign of dehydration. Your eyes will also begin to feel dry, which can lead to pain or irritation in the eyes. Pay attention to any pain. Since your body requires water to function properly, dehydration can cause a variety of aches and pains. Headaches and muscle cramps are common symptoms of dehydration. Headaches may also cause confusion and lightheadedness. Muscle cramps may occur before or after exercising if you did not drink enough water to prevent dehydration. Go to the emergency room if you experience severe dehydration. Mild dehydration can be treated at home. However, if you notice symptoms of severe dehydration, this can be dangerous. Seek immediate help if you notice any of the following: Lethargy Confusion Dizziness Not passing urine for eight hours A weak or rapid pulse Bloody or black stool Diarrhea for more than 24 hours You are unable to keep fluids down Undergo tests if necessary. Your doctor will want to run a few routine tests if your dehydration is severe. These tests can help identify potential underlying causes of dehydration. They can also help your doctor figure out the right treatment options for you. Dehydration can be related to electrolyte imbalances, diabetes, or kidney problems. Your doctor may want to run a blood test to check for these conditions. Determining an underlying cause for your dehydration will influence treatment. Your doctor may want to determine the level of your dehydration to recommend the right treatment option. In this case, you may need to provide a urine sample for urinalysis. Talk to your doctor about how to replenish lost fluids. The only way to treat dehydration is to replace lost fluids. For most healthy adults, this means drinking water. Children or infants may need special solutions made from water and salt to replace lost fluids. Your doctor may recommend you not drink soft drinks or fruit juices if you're dehydrated. Depending on things like your electrolyte levels, they may recommend sports drinks containing electrolytes. Severe dehydration may be treated with intravenous fluids. Hydrate before and during exercise. Dehydration is often caused by excessive sweating during exercise. You should work on hydrating before you engage in a heavy workout. It's best to start hydrating the day before. Drink extra water if you know you'll be doing something like running a marathon the next day. Drink water until your urine is clear or pale yellow. While you exercise, carry a water bottle. Make sure to take sips of water on occasion while you're working out to replenish the fluids lost through sweat. Drink extra fluids when you're sick. Vomiting, diarrhea, and fever can lead to a loss of fluids. This can cause dehydration. Make an effort to drink extra fluids, especially water, when you're feeling ill. If you have trouble keeping fluids down, you can also try eating a little Jello or sucking on a popsicle or crushed ice. Up your fluid intake during hot or cold weather. When it's extremely hot or cold outside, this can cause dehydration. Make an effort to up your water intake when it's very cold or hot out. This can help prevent dehydration in the future. Notice physical symptoms, such as dry skin or hands, during hot or cold weather. If you begin displaying symptoms of dehydration, start drinking water to replenish lost fluids. | Pay attention to thirst. Monitor your urine color. Tune in to your emotions. Note changes in vision. Pay attention to any pain. Go to the emergency room if you experience severe dehydration. Undergo tests if necessary. Talk to your doctor about how to replenish lost fluids. Hydrate before and during exercise. Drink extra fluids when you're sick. Up your fluid intake during hot or cold weather. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Handle-Dog-Begging-for-Food | How to Handle Dog Begging for Food | To handle your dog begging for food, avoid looking directly at it as you eat your meal. If you do look at it, your dog may interpret this as a sign to continue begging since it has your attention. Alternatively, try telling it, “No,” firmly so it will take your command seriously. Then, if your dog continues to beg, send it into another room to remove the temptation to beg and so you can eat your meal in peace! | Avoid attracting your dog’s attention. When you are eating or cooking food, don't do anything to draw your dog's attention to what you are doing. If your dog has exhibited begging behaviors, make sure you ignore the dog while you are cooking. Additionally, don't call your dog to come to you while you are eating. You don't want to encourage it to beg for the food. Refrain from touching your dog. While you're eating, try to avoid touching your dog in any way. This will encourage your dog to interact with you while you are eating and to get closer to you and your food. Don't pet your dog, play with your dog, or let your dog snuggle next to you while you are eating your food. Avoid eye contact. If your dog is begging, don't make eye contact with it. The dog will interpret this as a sign to continue doing with its current behavior since you have obviously noticed it and have not discouraged its behavior. Continue eating your meal, but do not look at your dog directly. Tell your dog “no. ” Avoid talking too much to your dog while you are eating because he may see your attention as a reward for begging and this may encourage him. But if your dog is clearly begging, you should tell it “no” firmly. Try to give the command loudly in a strong voice so your dog will take you seriously. If your dog continues to beg, send it out of the room until you have finished eating. Make sure all other members of your household and any guests follow the same rules and do not give your dog food at the table. If some people slip your dog scraps at the table, then this will confuse him and he will just think he has to work harder to get a treat. Feed your dog before you eat. A good way to prevent your dog from begging for food is to feed the dog before you begin eating. This will distract the dog from the fact that there is human food to beg for. It will also make your dog less hungry, so it will not be as tempted to beg for your food. This can also help establish a clear routine for your dog so that it knows what to expect and what you expect from it. Give your dog a toy. Before you begin eating, give your dog something to play with or chew on to distract it from begging for your food. You can give your dog a food puzzle to keep it occupied while you are eating, or another type of toy. A rawhide bone or other hard chew toy would also work well for this type of distraction. Send your dog out of the room. If your dog needs some distractions from the fact that you are eating, you may need to send it to another part of the house. This will eliminate the temptation for the dog and help it get out of the habit of begging. Consider putting your dog in the back yard (if your yard is fenced), or put it in another room with a doggy gate during meal times. Start early. As soon as your dog comes home with you, you should begin making your expectations clear through consistent training repeated over time. It will be much easier to break a dog of a begging habit if you have never given it human food. A dog who has come to expect that begging sometimes works is much more likely to continue begging. When you bring your dog home, provide it with its own food and treats. Never give it any of your food. Teach your dog to do something else. If you want to keep your dog from begging, it's a good idea to teach it to do something else during meal times. Consider teaching your dog to lie down on its dog bed while you are eating, or to remain seated on a mat in the corner. This will help your dog to learn your expectations and to know how it should behave. Be sure to use positive reinforcement when teaching your dog new behaviors. This means that you should praise your dog (and on occasion reward it with treats) when it performs the new behavior correctly. Don't yell at or hit your dog. This will just teach your dog to fear you. Maintain consistency. If you expect your dog to learn a new behavior, you have to give it clear guidelines to follow. You can't allow your dog to eat some human food on special occasions and expect your dog to avoid begging all the other times. Dogs can't distinguish between special occasions and regular ones, so that will just teach your dog that if it keeps begging you will eventually give it something off your plate. The more consistent you are with your rules, the easier it will be for your dog to learn what you expect from it. Be patient. Remember that it will take some time and practice for your dog to learn a new behavior. In order to meet your expectations, your dog has to run some trial and error tests that will take a bit of time for it to figure out. Be patient during this process. Being patient means not giving up when your dog doesn't understand right away. But it also means allowing your dog some time to learn the new behavioral patterns. | Avoid attracting your dog’s attention. Refrain from touching your dog. Avoid eye contact. Tell your dog “no. Feed your dog before you eat. Give your dog a toy. Send your dog out of the room. Start early. Teach your dog to do something else. Maintain consistency. Be patient. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Yorkshire-Terriers | How to Care for Yorkshire Terriers | To care for a Yorkshire terrier, feed it a high quality dog food that contains meat products, like chicken or beef, as one of its first two ingredients. You should also take it to the vet at least once a year, or more depending on your vet's recommendations. Additionally, brush your dog's teeth every day, since Yorkshire terriers have crowded teeth that can attract bacteria if they're not cleaned. If your dog's coat is long, brush it daily to avoid tangles and keep it clean. Otherwise, aim to brush it once or twice a week. As your Yorkie grows up, watch for typical health problems, which may include broken bones or dislocated knee caps. | Start training your Yorkie early. Begin training your Yorkie as soon as you bring him home. Devote plenty of time to teaching your dog the house rules (like where you want him to toilet) and any other social rules you want him to follow (like no barking at people). If you can't give plenty of time to training, consider whether you should adopt a Yorkie. Many people return their dogs to animal shelters because they don't realize the time, cost, and effort needed to train. Socialize your dog. Expose him to as many new people, environments, and situations as you can. If you can, take him on car rides, visits to the park, and short walks around the neighborhood. Just make sure that your Yorkie has his first set of vaccines before socializing him. Let your dog have a chance to interact with men, women, and children in a positive way so that he's not scared of people. Consider enrolling your Yorkie in an obedience training or puppy socializing class. Ask your veterinarian, local pet store, or community class organization to recommend a program. Teach your dog simple commands. Start teaching your Yorkie basic commands like "sit", "stay", or "down". For example, you can teach your dog to sit by making him stand in front of you. When you have his attention, show him a treat between your fingers and hold it just above his head. Gradually move the treat back between his ears and he'll naturally follow it. Command him to "sit" as he begins to sit and immediately reward him, saying "good, sit" simultaneously. Train your dog when you have his full attention. If your dog starts to lose interest or is having trouble listening, stop the lesson and try again later. Use reward-based training. Yorkshire Terriers respond well to positive reinforcement and training. Teach commands by rewarding your dog when he obeys the command or makes positive steps. The reward could be food or verbal praise. Never reward negative behavior or you'll simply reinforce the bad behavior. Be consistent in your training. Remember to immediately respond to your dog's behavior so your Yorkie knows what to expect. Talk with the breeder about early health care. The breeder should have taken your Yorkie to a vet at 6 weeks of age for an exam, his first distemper shot, and a dewormer to kill internal parasites. Ask for a bill or invoice from the vet to prove this was done. You should always research the breeder before purchasing a dog. Get regular veterinary treatments. Your Yorkshire Terrier will need to return to the vet for a second dose of dewormer 2 weeks after his initial visit. This will kill any residual worms. Make sure your dog gets regular veterinary care, including the following vaccines according to this schedule: Heartworm preventative at 8 weeks, then once a month during heartworm season (or year round depending upon your veterinarian's recommendation.) Lyme vaccine at 9 weeks, followed by a booster at 12 weeks Rabies vaccine at 12 weeks Spay or neuter operation at 6 months An annual exam and vaccine booster starting at 1 year of age Twice yearly examinations starting at 10 years of age Brush your Yorkshire Terrier's teeth. Put a small dab of dog toothpaste on your finger and let him lick it off. Then, place a little paste on the brush and wipe it along the gums. The next day, brush a little toothpaste along the gums and outer surfaces of the outer teeth. Try to brush more teeth every day, until you're able to brush all the outer surfaces of the teeth. You don't need to try to brush the inner teeth because most plaque attacks the outer teeth. Get your Yorkie used to teeth brushing, which is important since they have crowded teeth. These tight spaces are perfect for bacteria and plaque to collect, causing tooth loss and decay. Get professional dental care. The veterinarian will check your Yorkshire Terrier's teeth at his annual exam. But, you'll still need to take your Yorkie for a professional tooth cleaning to remove bacteria and plaque under the gums even if you brush his teeth daily. Get your Yorkshire Terrier's teeth professionally cleaned at least once a year. While you are brushing, check for any sores, loose teeth, or growths in your Yorkie's mouth. If you find any, take your dog to the veterinarian for an examination. Recognize health problems unique to Yorkshire Terriers. A Yorkie is prone to several health problems because of its small size, especially broken bones. Your bold little dog may try to take on much larger dogs which can lead to injuries. Always keep your Yorkie on a leash and by your side when you take him out. Be aware that your Yorkie may be affected by: Patellar (kneecap) luxation: The kneecap slips out of place in varying degrees. Your dog may need surgery if he's crippled, although some dogs are only mildly affected. Collapsing trachea: Pressure from pulling on collars can cause your Yorkie's trachea to collapse in varying degrees. It's a good idea to use a harness instead of a collar for Yorkie's with this health condition. Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: Limping and muscle atrophy is caused by a problem with the blood flowing to the thigh bone and pelvis. Surgery corrects this condition. Choose a high-quality commercial food. Feeding your dog a high-quality food is one of the best things you can do to keep him healthy throughout his life. Read labels on commercial pet food. Pick a food that lists meat (not meat by-products) as one of the first two ingredients. Or, ask your veterinarian to recommend a product for your dog. Always keep fresh, clean water out for your Yorkie at all times. Some foods are formulated to keep bacteria off the teeth and grind plaque. You can also look for small-sized kibble which will help your dog get the food into his small mouth. Consider making your own food. If you don't want to purchase dog food, you can make your own. It's important to offer a properly balanced diet to prevent deficiencies in his diet. Consult an animal nutrition expert to help you create a personalized diet for your Yorkie. Try contacting a veterinary college to meet with an animal nutritionist. When making food for your dog, remember that there are some human foods you should never give him. These include: Alcohol Avocados Chocolate Grapes and raisins Macadamia nuts Fatty meat scraps Cooked bones or chicken bones in general Onions, garlic and chives Yeast dough Xylitol (found in sugar-free foods, including some peanut butters) Give treats sparingly. To keep your Yorkshire terrier fit and trim keep snacks to a minimum. Avoid feeding him human food from your plate or he may stubbornly refuse to eat his own food. Try giving him a few pieces of its dog food (especially dental foods), low-calorie dog treats, baby carrots or low-sodium canned green beans. While you can give your dog dental treats (which help reduce plaque), remember that they add calories to his diet. Groom your Yorkshire Terrier's coat. Comb your dog's fur and mats every day, if he has longer hair. Or, comb him weekly if you keep your Yorkie's hair clipped short. Combing will keep your dog's hair in good condition and can prevent tangles. Since the Yorkshire Terrier has a longer coat, you may want to have him professionally trimmed Even if you get professional grooming, you may prefer to trim around your dog's eyes. Bathe your dog. Your Yorkie only needs a bath every three or four weeks. Bathing more frequently can dry out his skin too much. Completely comb his hair before bathing to prevent tangles. Only use dog shampoo and make sure to rinse out all shampoo and conditioner completely. Any residue can cause itchiness and skin problems. Brush out your Yorkie's hair after bathing and drying to prevent mats from forming. While bathing, check your dog's skin for fleas, ticks, lumps, bumps, cysts, scabs, scratches, or redness. Treat fleas using a topical spot-on product and monitor any other skin conditions. Pay attention to other skin conditions and contact the veterinarian for an exam. Trim your dog's nails. Look at your dog's nails every week to see if they're getting long. If they need to be trimmed, simply clip the white tip of the nails. Avoid cutting the "quick" (the darker part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves). If you need help locating this pink triangle (as seen on white nails) or have a dog with dark nails, ask a veterinary technician to show you how to trim the nails. Get in the habit of checking the nails during combing time. This will make it easier to remember to do this task. | Start training your Yorkie early. Socialize your dog. Teach your dog simple commands. Use reward-based training. Talk with the breeder about early health care. Get regular veterinary treatments. Brush your Yorkshire Terrier's teeth. Get professional dental care. Recognize health problems unique to Yorkshire Terriers. Choose a high-quality commercial food. Consider making your own food. Give treats sparingly. Groom your Yorkshire Terrier's coat. Bathe your dog. Trim your dog's nails. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Punt-a-Football | How to Punt a Football | To punt a football, start by holding the football out in front of you with your dominant hand with the laces pointing up. Then, take two steps forward, starting with your kicking foot, to build some momentum. Next, right after you take your second step, drop the ball parallel to the ground, and kick your foot straight up so it hits the ball dead on. Make sure you follow through on your kick by kicking your foot up as high as it will go. | Hold the ball out in front of you, with the laces pointing up. Grip it with your dominant hand as if you were going to give it a handshake, firmly holding it between your thumb and fingers. Extend your dominant arm as far in front of you as you can, continuing to hold the ball horizontally, with the laces still pointing up, pushing the ball out. Angle the nose of the ball to point slightly in the opposite direction of your dominant hand (if you're right-handed, point it slightly to the left). Take two steps forward. Stand in a controlled open stance, with your feet about a foot (.3 meters) apart, with one foot about 4 inches in front of the other (10 cm). It doesn't matter which foot is in front. Once you've positioned your feet, you'll need to take two steps forward -- the first with your kicking foot, the second with your other foot -- so that you've gained some momentum while keeping your kicking foot behind your other foot. Your forward steps should be smooth and controlled. Don't walk or run toward the ball; instead, approach it at a fast pace. Take two normal-sized steps. Taking stutter steps or long strides will make it more difficult for you to punt the ball. Kick the ball right after you drop it. The ball has to be dropped parallel to the ground so you kick it in the right direction. Kick your foot forward and drop the ball at the same time so that you kick the ball as late as you can, so you're almost kicking it out of your fingers without actually making contact with your hand. Kick your foot straight up so that it hits the ball dead on, instead of kicking it across your body, as many people have a tendency to do. Your toes should be pointed forward and you should kick the ball with the top of your kicking foot. Move your dominant hand away to the side, and lift your other hand in the air to help you follow through and gain momentum. You should make contact at the height of your knee. Follow through. Finish the kicking motion, kicking your leg almost as high as it will go to maximize the ball's height and speed. When you're done kicking, plant your foot back on the ground. Then, watch in awe as your ball travels over the field. Stand 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Call "Hike! " when you are ready for the play. This will tell the center that you're ready for him to snap the ball to you. Catch the ball. If you want to punt the ball, then you have to catch the ball without letting it hit the ground first. If you fumble the ball or just don't catch it completely, then you won't be able to punt it. Prepare to punt the ball. Once you've caught the ball, get ready to take two steps forward and kick it forward using the top of your dominant foot. | Hold the ball out in front of you, with the laces pointing up. Take two steps forward. Kick the ball right after you drop it. Follow through. Stand 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Call "Hike! Catch the ball. Prepare to punt the ball. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Choker | How to Make a Choker | The easiest way to make a choker is to cut a ribbon 3 inches longer than the circumference of your neck. Then, tie it around your neck for a sleek, simple look. If you want a choker with a pendant, use nylon cord in place of the ribbon and thread the cord through the loop in your pendant. If the loop isn't big enough, use a pair of needle nose pliers to attach a jump ring to it, and thread the cord through the jump loop. | Buy some elastic jewelry cord. You should be able to find this at a craft store like Michael's or Joann Fabric, or you could just purchase it online. It comes in a variety of colors. Cut the cord. Cut a piece of cord about two arm-lengths long. Making this choker uses a lot of cord. If in doubt, err on the side of too much—you can always trim it later. Clip the cord onto a clipboard. Fold your length of cord in half, and secure the halfway point by clipping it onto a clipboard. You can also use a binder clip and a hardcover book if you do not have a clipboard. Start looping. A tattoo choker is basically made up of a series of simple loops. Start with the cord on the left (we'll call it “L”). Loop it over the cord on the right (“R”). Wrap L around R, then pull it back through the loop you made, tying L to R. Pull it up so the loop is at the top of the cords. Keep going. Do the same thing again, this time beginning on the right, and looping R around L. Make sure you keep alternating sides as you go, or it won't come out right. Keep going until it is long enough to fit around your neck. Tie the ends. This choker will be relatively stretchy, so you can just tie it off when it is the right size for your neck, and stretch it over your head to put it on. Thread one end of the cord through the loop at the other side of the choker, and tie it securely to the other end. Melt the knot together with a match or lighter to keep the Stretch Magic Cord from coming untied while you're wearing the choker. Figure out how long to cut chain or string. You can do this either by using a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your neck and then adding an inch, or by simply wrapping the chain around your neck and adding an inch. When you've got the right measurement, cut the chain. Then cut another chain which is longer than the first. Attach a clasp to the chains. Use a jump ring to link together one end of each chain and a lobster clasp. Close the jump ring with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Jewelry-making supplies like lobster clasps and jump rings can be purchased online or from craft stores, or you can recycle them from old jewelry. Add the pendant to the choker. Thread both chains through the loop on the pendant. If the loop is not big enough, attach a jump ring to it and thread the chains through that so the pendant can slide easily. See how it looks. Fasten the smaller of the two chains around your neck using the lobster clasp. Using a mirror, adjust the length of the second chain until it hangs the way you want it to. Cut it to that length, and attach it to the first chain with a jump ring. Figure out what length you need. You can do this either by using a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your neck and then adding an inch, or by simply wrapping the ribbon around your neck and then adding an inch. When you've got the right measurement, cut the ribbon. Hem the ends. Fold one end of the ribbon back onto itself to create a loop about ¼ - ½ inch long. Sew it in place with thread that is a similar color to the ribbon. Do the same thing on the other side of the ribbon, making sure to fold it in the same direction as before, so that the cut ends both lay on the side of the ribbon that will not be visible when you wear it. If you are in a hurry or don't feel like sewing, you can always opt to simply tie the ribbon in a bow at the back of your neck. If you want to do this, you should add an extra two or three inches to the diameter of your neck, rather than just one. Add a way to tie it. Cut a two or three inch length of string or embroidery floss. You may want to select one that is a similar color to the ribbon, but it will not be visible from the front, so any color will do if that's not available. Just thread it through the loops you sewed, and tie the ends together to hold your choker in place. Trim any excess string. Attach a clasp. For a slightly classier look than just tying it on with a string, add a clasp and chain. These can be purchased online, or you could just recycle one from an old necklace you don't wear anymore. The choker should already be pretty close to the right length, so a half-inch in length on either side should be fine. Jewelry chain is very fine, so you should be able to cut it with an ordinary pair of scissors. Just sew it in place by threading the needle through the links in the chain a few times. | Buy some elastic jewelry cord. Cut the cord. Clip the cord onto a clipboard. Start looping. Keep going. Tie the ends. Figure out how long to cut chain or string. Attach a clasp to the chains. Add the pendant to the choker. See how it looks. Figure out what length you need. Hem the ends. Add a way to tie it. Attach a clasp. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Cute | How to Look Cute | If you're trying to look cute, wear cute clothes, like skirts or dresses instead of pants or shorts. Also, choose clothes in pastel colors or with floral patterns, which are super cute. Add a chunky ring or some bangles to complete your cute outfit. When it's time to do your makeup, go for a natural look. Keep your eye shadow and mascara light and use pink lipstick or lip gloss. You can also style your hair to look cute. Wear your hair in pigtails or a ponytail, put colorful clips in your hair, and go easy on the styling products to keep your look soft and cute. | Wear cute clothes. Wearing cute clothes is the key to being cute. You don't have to change everything in your wardrobe to be cute -- instead, just work on acquiring a few cute items that tie all of your clothes together in a cute way. Here are some ways to wear cute clothes: Wear skirts and dresses instead of pants or shorts when you can. Cardigans, knit sweaters and vests, boot-cut jeans, and t-shirts with cute patterns like hearts or polka-dots, are cute forms of clothing. Don't wear anything that feels too tight or uncomfortable. Part of being cute is feeling comfortable in your own skin. Wear light and positive colors. Wear pastels like purple, pink, or a shade of blue. Anything soft and pretty will make you look cute. Avoid dark colors like black, brown, or dark blue. Try wearing something with a floral pattern. Floral patterns are the essence of cute. Wear cute shoes. Your shoes should complement your cute clothes, to complete the cute look from head to toe. Wear shoes that are stylish and trendy. Couple with brightly-colored or patterned socks or tights. Follow these shoe tips to make your feet look cute: Wear clogs, moccasins, or close-toed shoes with a round toe. Wear flat sandals and pair them with cute pastel-colored nail polish. Wear furry boots. Wear pastel or white-colored sneakers with pastel shoelaces. Wear a classy wedge heel or kitten heels; they're both cute. Wear cute accessories. Cute accessories can help tie your cute outfit together. You don't have to be weighted down by accessories -- just pick a few accessories that really make your outfit stand out. Here are a few accessories that will make you look incredibly cute: Wear a cute chunky pink ring. Wear subtle gold or silver necklaces. Wear silver dangling earrings. Wear bangles. Use a small purse that hangs over your shoulder or that has a floral pattern. Wear lotion to make sure your face stays hydrated. Wear cute makeup. Wash your face and have good hygiene. To look cute, don't go too heavy on the makeup -- the right makeup will go a long way. Here's what you should wear: Wear just a tiny bit of blush. Wear soft pink lipstick or lip gloss. Wear light eyeshadow in pastel shades like light blue, purple, or even light pink. Just a light layer of mascara and eyeliner will do for the eyes. Aim to look natural. You can wear a bit of makeup, but you'll only be cute if you look like yourself. Have cute hair. Have your hair frame your face. Your hair should look soft and natural, and be free of any heavy styling products. Here are some things to try: Let your hair dry naturally and fall to your shoulders. Fix your hair in a cute, comfortable style. Some nice styles are, ponytails, braids, buns or even just down with a clip or a headband. Or, wear your hair in two loose pigtails that fall in front of your shoulders. Or, put your hair in a low messy bun, with a few strands hanging over your eyes. Consider getting bangs if you don't have them. Bangs are cute. Put colorful clips, baubles, or pastel-colored headbands in your hair. Curl your hair in little ringlets. Smell cute. Wash your hair and body regularly, at least daily. Use nice-smelling shampoo and conditioner and body wash. Use scents like strawberry, vanilla, coconut, lemon, mint and lavender. They help relax the mind and you'll smell delicious! Use body language to your advantage. Your body language will tie your whole look together, and someone will be able to tell that you're cute just from the way you smile or the way you're sitting. Here are some ways to express cuteness through your body language: Play with a strand of your hair. Fiddle with your bracelet or necklace. If you're sitting, keep your feet together and your hands in your lap. If you're standing up, shift your weight from foot to foot. Break eye contact from time to time. Though you should keep eye contact to maintain a conversation and show you care, you should look at the floor or at your hands once in a while to show that you're humble. Cover your mouth when you laugh. This is cute. Cover it when you sneeze; this is polite and prevents spreading germs. If you're a touchy-feely person, give the person you're talking to the occasional light touch on the shoulder or knee. Speak in a cute way. This adds to the whole cute aura. Here's how to speak so as to appear cute: Talk softly. This will make everything you say sound more important because people will have to lean in to hear you. Laugh often. Laughing and giggling while you talk is cute. Don't overdo it. Listen patiently and speak when it's your turn. Butting in before a person has finished speaking is not cute. Act demurely. Being humble or demure is a major part of being cute. You can be humble while being sweet, friendly, and bubbly at the same time. You can still be fun and social while being demure, as long as you're not loud or overbearing. Here's how to act demurely: When you engage in conversation, act very innocent. Don't tell dirty jokes, engage in racy conversations, curse, or be vulgar. Learn to blush from time to time. If you're genuinely embarrassed by a topic, it will be very cute if you blush. Don't dominate. You can still be a part of a conversation without fighting to be the center of attention. Being pushy, rude, or bossy to be the star of every show is not cute. Avoid forcing your cuteness. None of this should be forced. Let it come naturally. If you look happy and sincerely provide compliments to other people, they will think of you as nice and may classify you as "cute". | Wear cute clothes. Wear cute shoes. Wear cute accessories. Wear lotion to make sure your face stays hydrated. Wear cute makeup. Have cute hair. Smell cute. Use body language to your advantage. Speak in a cute way. Act demurely. Avoid forcing your cuteness. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ice-Skate-Backwards | How to Ice Skate Backwards | To ice skate backwards, begin by bending your knees and keeping your torso upright, like you're sitting in a chair. Next, push off the wall to start moving backwards and angle your toes slightly inward. Then, shift your weight to bring your heels inward so that your feet come back together. Repeat this back and forth movement with your feet so that you're making S curves as you glide backwards. | Point your toes inward and make curves with your skates to move backward. The basic idea of skating backward is easy – you push the outsides of your skates forward and out, curve them back to the center of your body and repeat. If your skates could draw on the ice they would paint curvy waves, like a child's drawing of the ocean, across the surface. Think of each skate making an “S” shape as you move backward Bend your knees. You cannot skate backward if you are standing up straight. Bend your knees slightly so that your butt drops closer to the ice. Your torso should be upright like you were sitting in a chair. As you get better at it, you should be able to lift each skate and put it back down comfortably, but at first, it's to keep them on the ice. It is easiest to use the wall or a hockey stick for balance as you start. Keep your skates shoulder-width apart. Your skates will be pointing directly ahead of you and your shoulders in a straight line over your ankles. This is your "center" as you skate backward. With your skates shoulder-width apart, you have the power and strength needed. Hold onto the wall with both hands for balance. Push off a wall to start moving backward. Focus on keeping your knees bent and back straight as you get used to moving backward. If it is more comfortable for you, lean on a hockey stick for stability. If you don't have a hockey stick, rest your hands on your knees. Angle your toes inward as you glide backward. Slowly turn your toes to face each other and you'll feel your feet start to separate as your skates move outward. Think of skating backward as leading with your heels -- as you toes turn inward, you heels turn out to your left and right, and the rest of your skate follows. This does not need to be a big angle. Even slightly angling your feet will work. This is the beginning of your "S" shape. Angle your heels inward as your legs split apart. This is usually where people feel the most uncomfortable -- your legs are splitting apart, and they will keep moving apart as long as your toes are pointing in. Turn your skates too so that your heels point back towards your body. As you do you will feel your legs coming back together. Again, this does not need to be a large angle. Just turn your feet enough so that you feel your legs gliding back together. Use the muscles in your inner leg to pull your feet back to the center of your body. With your heels turned back to the center, use your groin muscles to bring your skates back to the middle. While you will not bring them this close, imagine you are trying to click your heels together. This is the middle point of your "S." Focus on keeping your knees bent – this will help you with the power and flexibility needed to control your skates. Curve your feet back to the outside. When you reach your starting position, feet roughly shoulder-width apart, it's time to repeat your curve. Turn your feet so that your toes face inward again, then let them start to glide back out to the side. Pull them in again and repeat -- these are the "S" shaped curves that you need to make. Keep your weight over your feet. One of the most common mistakes people make is leaning too far forward, with their bodies over their toes. Focus on keeping your athletic stance the entire time. A good tip is to put your hands on your knees, using them to support you and prevent you from leaning forward. Keep making “S” curves to move backward smoothly. The “S” curve is the simplest way to move backward on skates. Once you have some momentum, just keep repeating the “S” shape to skate backward, working on transitioning smoothly through each part. Start along the wall – knees bent and back straight. Push off the wall to gain some momentum. Turn your toes in and move your feet apart. Pull your legs back together by turning your toes out and pulling in. Turn your toes to the center again as your feet approach each other. Repeat to skate backward. Use the “C” cut to skate backward quickly. The “C” cut, named because your skates make small C shapes in the ice, is the most common way to skate backward with speed. Your knees are bent and your torso is upright as you alternate pushing your skates out and then arcing them smoothly back in. Stay near a wall or lean on a hockey stick to help with your balance as you start to practice. Bend your knees into an athletic position. Comfortably bend your knees so that you can quickly move your feet. It is difficult to spring into action with your legs straight. You should be able to easily lift your skates and balance. For a good athletic stance: Knees bent. Torso upright, not slouching. Back straight. Shoulders relaxed. Face forward with your skates shoulder-width apart. Point your skates in front of you, keeping them roughly shoulder-width apart so that you can balance and skate comfortably. Take small steps backward. Shuffle your feet as if you were slowly backing away from something. Think of pushing yourself back with each little step, building backward momentum. You can also push off of a wall to get started. Point your toes inward. As you're shuffling backward, point the tips of your skates slightly towards each other. You should start to naturally move backward faster. Push to the right with your right foot. With your toes facing inwards, push out and away from your body. This is the top half of the “C” shape. Push from the middle of your blade as if you were trying to sweep something off of the floor with your skate. Pull your right heel back to the center. Bring your skate back to the center of your body by leading with your heel. After pushing out and to the side, turn your heel to face your left foot. Your toes will turn to face forward as you return, completing the "C" shape. Your foot should return to where it started, with both skates facing forward. Straighten your right skate. Once you've finished the "C," turn your right skate so it faces forward, returning to it's starting position. Push forward and to the left with your left foot. As you return your right foot to the center, start the "C" shape with the opposite foot by pushing it out and forward. Circle it back around to center and repeat, alternating each foot to gain momentum. Bring it all together with quick, power cuts. Skating backward quickly is crucial for figure skaters and hockey players, so you need to practice all of the steps together to learn a smooth, speedy motion. Start in a strong stance – knees bent, torso upright, feet facing forward. Point one toe in as you begin to push. Push forward and out with your skate, using the other foot for balance. Curve your foot back to the center in the shape of a C Repeat with the opposite foot. Alternate feet quickly to build speed. Use crossovers to change direction while skating backward. Crossover steps are a simple way to move around. You simply cross one foot over the other, letting your momentum continue moving you backward. For this explanation, all of the examples will be to move '''right.''' To move left, simply switch the feet in the directions. Stand up straight, knees slightly bent. Crossovers can be done moving forward or backward, but to practice, you should start from a standstill. Bring your left foot up and over your right foot. Set your skate down on the ice with your legs crossed at the knee. You should look a little like a young kid who needs to go to the bathroom. Bring your right foot behind your left calf. Uncross your legs by bringing your right foot around the back of the left and setting it down on the ice. You should be back to your original standing position. Repeat this crossover motion to move horizontally. Keep crossing over to move laterally across the ice. Try a few in reverse if you are comfortable, put your left leg behind your right before bringing the right foot over the left. Start gliding backward. You can push off the wall, make perfect “S” shapes, or speed along with “C” cuts. Gain some momentum and then relax, gliding backward. Perform a crossover to change directions. As you move backward, cross your left leg over your body then quickly uncross your legs with your right foot. When done correctly, you should shift horizontally while maintaining backward momentum. Think of the motion you make if when you start running to your right. Your left leg takes a step to the right and then your right leg quickly follows. Practice Drill: Do two "C" cuts, one with each leg, and then one crossover. Do two more cuts, then a crossover the other direction. '''Practice Drill:''' Skate backward around the edge of the rink, and use crossovers to change direction in the corners. Skate both clockwise and counter-clockwise to practice both directions. | Point your toes inward and make curves with your skates to move backward. Bend your knees. Keep your skates shoulder-width apart. Push off a wall to start moving backward. Angle your toes inward as you glide backward. Angle your heels inward as your legs split apart. Use the muscles in your inner leg to pull your feet back to the center of your body. Curve your feet back to the outside. Keep your weight over your feet. Keep making “S” curves to move backward smoothly. Use the “C” cut to skate backward quickly. Bend your knees into an athletic position. Face forward with your skates shoulder-width apart. Take small steps backward. Point your toes inward. Push to the right with your right foot. Pull your right heel back to the center. Straighten your right skate. Push forward and to the left with your left foot. Bring it all together with quick, power cuts. Use crossovers to change direction while skating backward. Stand up straight, knees slightly bent. Bring your left foot up and over your right foot. Bring your right foot behind your left calf. Repeat this crossover motion to move horizontally. Start gliding backward. Perform a crossover to change directions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting | How to Do Kitchener Stitch or Grafting | Grafting, also known as Kitchener stitching, is a great way to create comfortable seams that don't rub against your skin. To graft a garter stitch, position your 2 pieces of material so the knit V-row is on the top and the purl bump row is on the bottom. Attach the yarn at the right-hand edge of the upper piece. Then, put the needle down through the first stitch on the lower piece, bring it up through the next stitch, and draw up the yarn. Bring the needle up through the first stitch on the upper piece and put it down through the next stitch. Repeat the steps until all the stitches are joined. Finally, pull the yarn tight, cut it off to a short amount, and weave in yarn on the inside of the work. | Begin with the stitches to be joined on two needles held parallel to one another with the stitches to be joined across from one another. There must be the same number of stitches on both needles. Do not cast off. Thread a length of matching yarn on a tapestry needle; you will be mimicking the path of a new row of stitches with it. You can join while the stitches are still on the needle by withdrawing the needles stitch by stitch as you work. (If you prefer, dampen the stitches slightly or run a thread through the stitches to prevent unraveling and remove both needles before starting to graft.) Attach the yarn at the right hand edge of the upper piece. Graft the first two stitches like so: Insert the tapestry needle purl wise into the first stitch on the front needle and pull the yarn through, leaving the stitch on the needle. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-4Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-4Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-4Bullet1.jpg\/aid186143-v4-728px-Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-4Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Insert the tapestry needle knit wise into the first stitch on the back needle and pull the yarn through, leaving the stitch on the needle. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-4Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-4Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-4Bullet2.jpg\/aid186143-v4-728px-Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-4Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Graft all stitches before the last two stitches in this manner: Insert the tapestry needle knit wise into the first stitch on the front needle and pull the yarn through, dropping the stitch from the needle. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-5Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/aid186143-v4-728px-Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-5Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Insert the tapestry needle purl wise into the next stitch on the front needle and pull the yarn through, leaving the stitch on the needle. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-5Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-5Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-5Bullet2.jpg\/aid186143-v4-728px-Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-5Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Insert the tapestry needle purl wise into the first stitch on the back needle and pull the yarn through, dropping the stitch from the needle. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-5Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-5Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-5Bullet3.jpg\/aid186143-v4-728px-Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-5Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Insert the tapestry needle knit wise into the next stitch on the back needle and pull the yarn through, leaving the stitch on the needle. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-5Bullet4.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-5Bullet4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-5Bullet4.jpg\/aid186143-v4-728px-Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-5Bullet4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Graft the last two stitches like so: Insert the tapestry needle knit wise into the first stitch on the front needle and pull the yarn through, dropping the stitch from the needle. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-6Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/aid186143-v4-728px-Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-6Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Insert the tapestry needle purl wise into the first stitch on the back needle and pull the yarn through, dropping the stitch from the needle. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-6Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-6Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-6Bullet2.jpg\/aid186143-v4-728px-Do-Kitchener-Stitch-or-Grafting-Step-6Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Pull the yarn tight, cut it off to a short amount, and weave in yarn on the inside of the work. You should have a seamless edge that mimics the stockinette knitting. Voila! Place the two pieces so the knit V row is on the top and the purl bump row on the bottom. Attach the yarn at the right hand edge of the upper piece. Put the needle down through the first stitch on the lower piece and bring it up through the next stitch. Draw up the yarn. Bring the needle up through the first stitch on the upper piece and put it down through the next stitch. Repeat these steps until all the stitches are joined. Pull the yarn tight, cut it off to a short amount, and weave in yarn on the inside of the work. | Begin with the stitches to be joined on two needles held parallel to one another with the stitches to be joined across from one another. Thread a length of matching yarn on a tapestry needle; you will be mimicking the path of a new row of stitches with it. Attach the yarn at the right hand edge of the upper piece. Graft the first two stitches like so: Graft all stitches before the last two stitches in this manner: Graft the last two stitches like so: Pull the yarn tight, cut it off to a short amount, and weave in yarn on the inside of the work. Place the two pieces so the knit V row is on the top and the purl bump row on the bottom. Attach the yarn at the right hand edge of the upper piece. Put the needle down through the first stitch on the lower piece and bring it up through the next stitch. Bring the needle up through the first stitch on the upper piece and put it down through the next stitch. Repeat these steps until all the stitches are joined. Pull the yarn tight, cut it off to a short amount, and weave in yarn on the inside of the work. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Kiss-in-a-Car | How to Kiss in a Car | To kiss in a car, make sure you park in a secluded area so no one will see you. Flirt with your partner a bit by teasing them, touching their arm or hand, or tickling them. You can also put on some relaxing music to set the mood. When your partner leans towards you and makes eye contact with you, lean in and kiss them. If you need more space while you're kissing, take off your seatbelts and move your seats back. Or, move the seats forward and sit in the back so you don't have the gearshift between you. | Flirt with your partner to see if they’re on the same page as you. Start by joking around or gently flirting with your partner, in order to build the mood. Hinting at your interest in them gives them a chance to respond in kind if they reciprocate your feelings, and helps you gauge their interest in kissing you. Make eye contact with your partner whenever the car comes to a stop, and once you park turn your whole body towards them to show you're listening and interested. Ask your partner questions. Everyone likes to talk about themselves, and trying to learn more about your partner's life, hobbies, or thoughts signals that you're interested. Try telling your partner something positive about themselves or about the time you just shared together, such as "I really had a good time with you tonight, and I'd be interested in hanging out with you again!" If they respond positively and echo your feelings - for example, if they tell you that they want to meet up again - this may be a good sign that they're on the same page. Look for positive body language. If your partner seems relaxed, is leaning towards you, and is making eye contact, this might be a sign that they're interested. Watch for negative signals as well, such as your partner crossing their arms, fidgeting, or checking the clock. If you notice these signs, don't pursue a kiss — it's probably best to wait for a better time or place, or to accept that they're just not interested in you. See if your date is facing you with an open and relaxed posture. This can be a good sign that they feel comfortable with you. Touch your partner’s arm or hand in a light, playful way. Initiating physical touch with your partner helps remove barriers between the two of you, allows you to gauge their interest, and may help both of you feel more comfortable. Keep things non-sexual to make sure your touch is not coming across as creepy and unwelcome. Examples of light, non-sexual touch include tapping your partner on the shoulder to get their attention, touching their arm while you're talking to them, or placing your hand right next to theirs. Touching your partner anywhere else might be seen as more sexual, and could make them uncomfortable. Make sure both your seatbelts are unbuckled. You don't want to make your move, only to discover one or both of you is restrained! After you park your car, immediately remove your seatbelt. Hopefully, your partner will follow your lead, but if not, wait to make your move until they've unbuckled. Ask for a kiss verbally if you’re feeling brave. Some people think it's polite to ask verbally, and your partner might appreciate you being direct. Tell your partner that you're interested in them, or that you had a nice time with them, and then ask, “would you be comfortable with a kiss?” or “is it okay if I kiss you?” Don't try to kiss someone out of the blue, with no warning — you should try to build towards the moment gradually. Ask for a kiss using body language. Signal your intentions by escalating your touch, such as putting your arm around their shoulder or giving them a hug, followed by a kiss on the cheek or forehead. If this is well reciprocated, you can try giving your partner a kiss on the lips. If you aren't getting verbal consent from your partner, you need to be extra cautious that you're reading your partner's body language correctly — signs that your partner wants to continue include smiling, leaning towards you, and touching you back in the same way you're touching them. If your partner says no or appears uninterested, respect their wishes. Pushing too hard or too fast might make your partner uncomfortable, might make you seem creepy, and may ruin any chance you have with them. Lean in for a kiss. Face your partner, pucker your mouth a little and plant a kiss on your partner's lips. Don't open your mouth until after your lips are already touching! Rest one hand on your lap or to the side and gently touch your partner on their cheek or hair with the other. Follow your partner's lead. If they're keeping things light and slow, it's best to do the same. Don't try to push to go too fast — savor the moment, and continually try to read your partner's body language to make sure they're feeling comfortable and relaxed. Also, remember that you can stop anytime you want, even if you're the one who initiated the kiss. Don't feel pressured to go further than what you're comfortable with. Check that your partner is comfortable with what you have in mind. The easiest way to see if your partner is on the same page is to ask first! You need to check both that your partner is interested in getting more physical with you, and that they're comfortable with doing so in a car in a potentially more hidden area. You should definitely have had some sort of basic physical contact, such as light kissing or hand-holding, before initiating a make-out session. You can see how your partner feels about getting more physical by saying something like, "I would love to find a more private place to kiss you. Would you like that?" Tell your partner where you're planning on taking them before you drive to a more remote area. It may be tempting to keep it a surprise in order to make it feel more romantic, but you may end up killing the mood instead, as some people may be worried for their safety if you unexpectedly drive to an area where no one else can see you. Make sure you’re parked in a secluded area. If it's dark outside, turn your headlights off to make you and your partner less noticeable. Double-check that both your partner as well as anyone else who may see you will not feel uncomfortable. Some people don't like public displays of affection, and your partner may not want to kiss you where other people could see. Kissing in public is not against the law in most places, but if you want to escalate things beyond kissing, you may need to move to a more private spot indoors. If an act is illegal in public, then it's illegal to do in a car that's parked in a public spot. Build up the mood by flirting with your partner. Try giving them compliments, like "you look so cute right now!" Keep the mood light and don't try to push things forward too quickly. Initiate light physical touch, such as putting your hand on your partner's knee, if your partner is clearly engaged in the conversation and is reciprocating your touches. Try to build towards a moment where you are locking eyes with your partner, as this is usually when a kiss happens. But be careful not to stare intensely at your partner, as this can be seen as creepy! Initiate light kissing, and build from there. Wait for a moment where your partner is looking into your eyes, and lean over and kiss them on the lips. Start slowly, by keeping the kiss light, touching safe areas like their face or shoulder, and changing positions slowly. Build the kiss gradually by slowly escalating your touches and only proceeding if your partner is enthusiastically responding. Keep the kiss interesting by occasionally breaking apart to look into your partner's eyes or ask them if they like what you're doing. Every once in a while, move your hands to a new location, such as their hair, neck, hands, or leg. Adjust your car seats if the kiss continues to escalate. You may need to ask your partner to hold on for a second, and make some minor adjustments or ask them if they're interested in moving to the back seat. Slide your seats backwards and tilt the seats back if you're in the front seat. If you're in a vehicle with a bench seat, you may be able to just tilt the seats back and then lie down across the seat. If there is a gearshift in between the two front seats, and you don't want to lean over it, it may help for both of you to move over to the passenger seat, where there's no steering wheel or pedals to get in the way. Move the front seats forward if you're going to hop in the back of the car. Try to make as much room as possible for you and your partner by sliding the seats up and flattening the backseat down into the trunk, if possible. Check in with your partner frequently to make sure they’re feeling comfortable. It can be hard to get physically comfortable when making out in a car, and you may have to adjust frequently. Furthermore, you should make sure your partner is feeling good about how far and how fast things are progressing. Get verbal consent by telling your partner what you want to do before you do it. For example, as you're kissing, tell your partner something like, "I'm going to slide my hand under your shirt," and wait for them to tell you yes or give you a non-verbal sign, like kissing you more enthusiastically. Pay attention to your partner's body language. Anytime you escalate your physical touch, read your partner's reaction. If they lean in closer, or touch you back in the same way, that's a good sign that they like what you are doing. If your partner moves backwards, stops what they're doing, or doesn't give you much of a response back, then pull back, as these are all physical ways of giving someone a "no." Get rid of any smelly, dirty, or unpleasant-looking mood killers. Make sure the seats where you and your partner will be sitting are clean and clutter-free. Remove food wrappers, trash, worn clothes, or anything else that might smell bad. Run a vacuum over the seats if they're dirty. Most car washes and some gas stations have vacuum cleaners you can use on your car. If you're worried about smells, hang up an air freshener or spritz some odor-eliminating spray in your car. Wipe down the dashboard and door handles by the passenger seat, and remove any trash or clutter that might be sitting in compartments in the side door. Adjust the temperature of your car to make sure your partner is comfortable. Try to pay attention to whether they seem like they're too hot or too cold. If you're not sure, just ask! Remember not to run your battery down if you plan to be there for a while. If you want to cool down the car, ask your partner whether they prefer the windows or air conditioning, as some people might prefer fresh air, while others might not like too much wind from outside. Put on relaxing music to set the mood. Playing fun, lighthearted, or sexy music can help your partner feel more comfortable and can make any silences less awkward. If you happen to know your partner's favorite band or genre, put that on to help them feel even more relaxed. Find a scenic or secluded place to park the car. Drive to your favorite nearby spot, or suggest your partner take you to a place with a view. At the very least, find somewhere that's slightly hidden. If you live in an area that's not too flat, try to find a hill or other spot with a scenic overlook. You could also try driving to a nearby park and finding a place that's a bit more hidden by trees. Don't park under a streetlamp, or in your partner's brightly-lit driveway where parents might see. Make sure you're allowed to be parked in your spot. For example, a lot of parks close at sunset and you could get in trouble for trespassing if you park your car there. | Flirt with your partner to see if they’re on the same page as you. Look for positive body language. Touch your partner’s arm or hand in a light, playful way. Make sure both your seatbelts are unbuckled. Ask for a kiss verbally if you’re feeling brave. Ask for a kiss using body language. Lean in for a kiss. Check that your partner is comfortable with what you have in mind. Make sure you’re parked in a secluded area. Build up the mood by flirting with your partner. Initiate light kissing, and build from there. Adjust your car seats if the kiss continues to escalate. Check in with your partner frequently to make sure they’re feeling comfortable. Get rid of any smelly, dirty, or unpleasant-looking mood killers. Adjust the temperature of your car to make sure your partner is comfortable. Put on relaxing music to set the mood. Find a scenic or secluded place to park the car. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Arrow | How to Make an Arrow | If you want to make an arrow from materials in the wild, look for a stick or branch that is a bit thicker than a pencil, and about the same length as the distance between your elbow and shoulder. To make the head, cut a small notch in the end of your stick, glue a pointed rock to the end, and secure it by tying a piece of string around the rock and the stick. Leave your arrow to dry in the sun for an hour, then turn it over to dry the other side. To finish, cut a notch in the back end of the stick and glue 4 feathers around the shaft's circumference. | Find a stick. The shaft of your arrow should be made from a suitable stick or branch. You want a piece of wood that is light yet sturdy and as straight as possible. For a long bow, find a stick that is slightly thicker than a pencil, and about the length of the distance from your wrist to your shoulder. It's better to stick with a longer stick rather than a shorter stick - you can always break part of a stick off if it's too long, but there's no way to make a short stick longer. Find a pointed rock. Ideally, your rock should have one sharp, pointed end and one flatter end that fits flush against one end of your stick. Good stones will have a cone-shaped or blade-shaped point and be slightly wider than the stick's thickness. If needed, sharpen your rock's point against another rock or a sharpening stone. Alternatively, you can use sharp pieces of bone if they're available. If you're in an area known for volcanic activity (such as the Hawaiian islands), you may even want to look for naturally-occurring obsidian around old, cooled lava flows. If you're very dedicated (or lucky), you might be able to find an actual arrowhead - that is, a specially-sharpened rock used by an ancient culture to tip an arrow. Arrowheads are occasionally recovered from places where the earth has been disturbed, such as recently-plowed fields, construction sites, and riverbeds. Gather glue, string, and feathers. If you're willing to compromise in terms of your arrow's historical authenticity, you can simply use commercial glue (a hot glue gun works best) and normal string or twine. On the other hand, for a truly old-school arrow, you can make a simple glue from flower and water and make string from certain types of tree bark. If possible, get two large bird feathers that are the same size. The feathers aren't absolutely necessary, but they will improve your arrow's accuracy by stabilizing it as it flies. Glue the pointed rock to the end of the stick. This can be done by cutting a small notch into the stick deep enough to hold about a 1/4 of the length of the rock. Glue the rock in place, then coat the part of the stick near the rock with glue. Wrap a string around the notch and the base of the rock, making sure it grips the stick and the rock tightly. Tie the string securely, then coat it with glue to improve its strength. Allow the arrow to dry. Carefully lay your arrow down so that none of its weight is being supported by the tip and allow it to dry. Leave it in the sun to speed the drying process, carefully turning it over after an hour or so to ensure the glue dries evenly. Cut a small notch at the "back" end of the stick. When you fire your arrow, the bowstring will fit into this notch, helping the keep the arrow steady. This notch doesn't have to be terribly deep - 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch will usually do, based on the thickness of your bowstring. Attach the feathers. Cut your feathers down the center. Place some glue on the shaft of your arrow and glue half of the feather down this in a way so it curves slightly. Arrange four feather halves so that they're evenly spaced around the circumference of the back end of the arrow and they all curve in the same direction. The spiral arrangement of the feathers will cause the arrow to turn in a spiral as it flies (like a well-thrown football or a rifle bullet), which tends to make it fly straighter and and more accurately. Traditionally, a thin cotton thread would be used to tie the feathers on by ruffling them the wrong way so a gap appeared to place the string while the feather was held to the shaft. You may choose to replicate this practice if you desire. If you do, wrap the thread around the feathers so that they're tightly held against the shaft of the arrow, then glue the thread in place. Let the arrow dry again. Let the glue dry for about 2 hours - your exact drying time will vary depending on the type of glue you use and the construction of your arrow. Again, make sure that your arrow is arranged so that neither the feathers or the point of the arrow are bearing any weight as the glue dries - otherwise, they may dry crooked. Test your arrow. When you're sure the glue is completely dry, gently flex the tip and the feathers to test their strength. If they're securely attached and don't budge at all, your arrow's ready to fire! Notch your arrow in your bow, pull the bowstring back, aim, and let your arrow fly! Never shoot your arrow at people or animals - even stone age arrows can seriously hurt someone - after all, they were originally used for hunting. Buy or fashion your shaft(s). Today, there are a wide variety of materials that arrow shafts are constructed from. Some hunters use wooden arrows that aren't functionally very different from old-fashioned arrows, while others prefer high-tech carbon fiber constructions. Shop around for available shaft materials or consider making your own - some sporting good and hunting supply stores even sell special arrow saws that can help you professionally fashion an arrow shaft from a wide variety of materials. If you want to make your own shafts, be sure your shafts are the correct length for your bow setup. If you plan on making your shafts from wood, you may want to have access to a lathe to help round square shafts to a perfect roundness. Square the end of your shaft. The end of your shaft should be perfectly flat to ensure a good fit when you attach the arrow's point. If you bought a prefabricated arrow shaft, you may not need to do any extra work, but if you're fashioning your arrows from wood, you'll definitely need ensure that the end of the shaft is perfectly square. Press the end of the shaft into an abrasive surface (sandpaper, etc.) and rotate the shaft to square the end. A arrow-squaring device can be a tremendous help - these ensure that the shaft is held perfectly straight as it is abraded. Arrow-squaring devices are fairly cheap - often retailing for less than $50. Attach a point and/or insert to the end of the shaft. Ensure the end of the shaft is perfectly square and free of any wood shavings, dirt, etc. Then, affix the arrow's point. This process will vary based on the type of shaft your arrow uses. For metal or carbon shafts, you may need to first glue or screw in a special metal insert before affixing the point. Consult the vendor or manufacturer if instructions aren't included with the point or insert. For wooden shafts, you may need to taper the shaft so that the point can be mounted securely. Glue the point over the shaft with archery glue, wiping away any excess. Add a nock. The "nock" is the small notch at the back of the arrow where the bowstring fits. If you're making an arrow from a wooden shaft, you can carve a shallow nock into the back end of the shaft yourself. You can also buy commercially-available nocks which are designed fit over (or in to ) the shaft of the arrow. These are usually brightly-colored plastic so that your arrows are easy to find after firing. Some high-end nocks even contain a small LED so that they glow in the dark, making hunting or target shooting at night much easier. Make sure your nock is sized correctly so that it fits securely to the shaft before you glue it or screw it in. You definitely don't want a poorly-fitted nock to slip or fall off when you draw your bowstring. Fletch your arrow. Fletching is the process of adding small fins, or "vanes," to the back end of the arrow to ensure it flies straighter. You may fletch your arrows with feathers or another lightweight material. However, you may find it easier simply to buy modern plastic vanes, which are cheap and effective. Use thin lines of archery glue to secure these ahead of the nock. Fletching is much easier with an apparatus called a "fletching jig." These allow you to securely and accurately add your feathers or vanes and ensure that your spacing is perfectly even. Fletching jigs are available for less than $100. Make your finishing touches. Allow any glue to dry - your arrow may need to dry for several hours, depending on whether your tip, nock, and fletching were attached with glue or not. When your arrow is finished drying, or if you constructed an arrow entirely from screw-in parts, you can consider customizing it. You may want to mark it with paint or a permanent marker to make it easier to retrieve or to give it a distinct appearance. If you used a wooden shaft, you may want to finish the wood to protect it from the elements and to give it a more pleasing appearance. When your arrow is just how you like it, you're ready to add it to your quiver! As always, make sure never to fire your arrow at people or animals (unless you're on a legal hunting trip). Modern commercial arrow points are deadly sharp - an accident can result in serious injury or death. | Find a stick. Find a pointed rock. Gather glue, string, and feathers. Glue the pointed rock to the end of the stick. Allow the arrow to dry. Cut a small notch at the "back" end of the stick. Attach the feathers. Let the arrow dry again. Test your arrow. Buy or fashion your shaft(s). Square the end of your shaft. Attach a point and/or insert to the end of the shaft. Add a nock. Fletch your arrow. Make your finishing touches. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Cleansing-Milk | How to Use Cleansing Milk | To use cleansing milk, start by rubbing a quarter sized amount of cleanser between your palms for a few seconds to warm it up. Then, cover your cheeks with your hands and hold them there for 10 seconds to transfer the milk onto your skin. Next, gently massage the cleansing milk into your skin, and focus on areas like the sides of your nose and under your brows, where dirt and makeup often get trapped. Afterwards, rinse the cleansing milk off your face with warm water and apply a moisturizer to seal in your skin's natural moisture. | Pull your hair back. Because you will be leaning forward when you use cleansing milk, you need to secure your hair so it doesn't fall into your face. Pin back your bangs with a clip. Pull your hair into a ponytail with a hair tie. If you have short hair, you can hold it back with a headband instead. Wash your hands. You should have clean hands before you apply cleansing milk. Wash your hands well with soap and warm water. Your hands may have bacteria that can cause acne or infection on your face. Warm the cleansing milk to skin temperature. Place the cleansing milk into your palm. Put your palms together and rub the cleansing milk to warm it up. Do this for a few seconds, until it's approximately the temperature of your skin. Place the milk on your face. Cover your cheeks with your hands with light pressure. This transfers the milk to your skin. Keep your hands there for 10 seconds before removing your hands. Tap your face with your hands gently five times. Once you've transferred the milk to your face, gently place your hands back onto your face and pull them away quickly five or six times. This should create a kind of suction that will help pull impurities to the surface of your skin where they can be easily washed away. Massage the milk into your skin. Apply the cleansing milk all over your face and neck. Apply with gentle pressure and massage the milk lightly into your skin. By massaging the milk into your skin, you can reach areas, like the sides of your nose and the skin under your brows, where dirt and makeup often become trapped. Rinse with warm water. After you are finished, rinse your face with warm water. This will remove any excess milk from your face. Or can also use a cotton ball or cloth to remove the leftover cleansing milk. Remove residue with a warm cloth. Milk cleansers can leave a residue on your face. If you feel like you still have your cleanser on your face, soak a cloth in warm water. Cover your face with the cloth for five seconds. Wipe away the residue. You can repeat this three or four times to remove any excess. Tone and moisturize afterwards. Use your usual toner to tone your face. This will give your skin a deep clean and may help to prevent acne. Then, finish by using your regular face cream or lotion to moisturize and hydrate your face. You can apply your makeup at this point. Use cleansing milk in the morning and evening. Cleansing milk is gentle enough that you can use it in both the morning and the evening. You can replace your daily face wash with cleansing milk. At night, you can use cleansing milk to help remove light makeup. Use cleansing milk to remove foundation makeup. Cleansing milk is used to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities from your face. It isn't meant to be used as a cleanser, to reduce sebum, or to unclog pores. To remove your foundation or powder, apply the cleansing milk on your face like a cleanser. If you wear heavy makeup, use a makeup remover, then use cleansing milk to finish removing makeup and dirt. Use it to remove eye makeup. Cleansing milk is used to remove makeup. To remove your eye makeup, dampen a cotton ball with warm water. Apply the cleansing milk. Gently sweep the cotton ball over the eye from the inside corner to the outside. Rinse away any excess with warm water. | Pull your hair back. Wash your hands. Warm the cleansing milk to skin temperature. Place the milk on your face. Tap your face with your hands gently five times. Massage the milk into your skin. Rinse with warm water. Remove residue with a warm cloth. Tone and moisturize afterwards. Use cleansing milk in the morning and evening. Use cleansing milk to remove foundation makeup. Use it to remove eye makeup. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Moonwalk | How to Moonwalk | To moonwalk, start by putting on a pair of socks so you have as little friction as possible while you're learning. Then, standing on a smooth surface, place one foot directly in front of the other. You want the width between your legs to be about 4 inches, which will help you keep your balance. Next, lift your back heel up so you're standing on your toes. When you're ready, slide your front foot straight back so it passes behind your other foot. Now, lift your back heel up while simultaneously lowering your front heel down. Once you've done that, slide your front foot straight back so it passes behind your other foot. From there, lift your back heel while dropping your front heel at the same time. Put it all together by smoothly alternating which foot you use to slide backwards, and you're moonwalking! | Put on a pair of socks. Though you can moonwalk in anything, even hiking boots , you should have as little traction as possible as a beginner. Wearing socks will make it much easier for you to practice your moves and to glide across the floor. When you become a pro, you can even master this move with sneakers! That may seem impossible at first. Find a smooth surface. Once again, smoothness is key, and while you can try it anywhere, it helps to be on a smooth, flat, non-stick surface, such as a hardwood floor or a smooth-tiled floor. Most dance floors will work, of course, but so will most kitchen floors. Stay away from rough or uneven surfaces or carpeted areas. If you don't have any smooth surfaces in your home, then you're better off using shoes on a rough surface than socks. When you're an expert, you'll even be able to practice on a carpet. Place one foot directly in front of the other and stand on the toes of your back leg. Then, lift your right leg and place the toes of your right foot facing the floor, approximately a foot behind your left leg. Keep your arms at your sides -- you can worry about them later. Keep your left foot flat on the ground. Keep your balance. You can do this by increasing the width between your legs and feet until you feel stable. A good rule of thumb is to have them about 3–6 inches (8–20 cm) (the width of one of your feet) apart. As you get more comfortable with this move, you can do the moonwalk with your legs closer together. You can lift your arms a bit if that helps you keep your balance as you move backward. Slide your left heel back and "into" the floor. Do this as you lean back on your right leg so that your left foot finishes behind the right leg. During this, the heel of your right foot should still remain in the air, with the toes pointed down on the floor. Put all of the weight into your lifted leg, so the leg that is flat on the floor feels weightless. Snap the heel of your left foot up off the floor as you simultaneously snap the heel of your right foot down. Now you are in the same position you started with, only your feet have changed positions. Your right foot should now be in front of your left leg instead of the other way around. To do the moonwalk correctly, only one of your feet should be in the air at any given time. Always one; never two, and never zero. Repeat the previous two steps, switching the roles of your left and right foot. The moonwalk can really be mastered by perfecting these movements over and over, until it looks like you're really walking on the moon and when your feet are really moving back and back smoothly, without any kinks. Add some frills. Add a head movement to help create the illusion of "moonwalking." As you slide your leg back, move your head forward as if it's being left behind in the movement. Then pull it back to the body as you switch to the other foot. You can also swing your arms with every step, or hunch over your shoulders and grab your hat (if you're wearing one) like Michael Jackson did. You can use your whole body to show that you're walking on the moon, not just your feet. | Put on a pair of socks. Find a smooth surface. Place one foot directly in front of the other and stand on the toes of your back leg. Keep your balance. Slide your left heel back Snap the heel Repeat the previous two steps, switching the roles of your left and right foot. Add some frills. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Blackheads-(Baking-Soda-and-Water-Method) | How to Remove Blackheads (Baking Soda and Water Method) | Baking soda is great for exfoliating and reducing the appearance of blackheads and acne. To make a baking soda cleanser, simply mix together equal parts baking soda and lukewarm water until it forms a paste. Before you apply it, wash your hands and face to remove any dirt or oil. Then, use your hands to gently rub a thin later of the mixture onto all your blackheads. Massage the paste into your skin to exfoliate it. Let the paste sit for 2-3 more minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Baking soda can dry out your skin, so make sure to apply an oil-free moisturizer afterward. | Mix baking soda and water together to form a paste. Baking soda is a powerful exfoliant and can help with the treatment of blackheads when applied properly. In order to use baking soda and water, you will first have to mix the two together to form a paste. In general, you should mix equal parts baking soda and lukewarm water. How much you use depends on how many areas of your face you need to cover. If you want to add a dash of apple cider vinegar to the mixture, this can serve as a toner. It's optional, however. Mix the ingredients together until they form a paste-like substance. Wash your hands. Before you use the mixture, you should wash your hands. You want to make sure you don't get any outside debris into your pores while you're washing your skin. Wet your hands with clean running water and then apply an antibacterial hand soap. Work the soap into a lather. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, making sure to wash the back of your hand, under your fingernails, and between your fingers. To keep track of time, you can try humming the "Happy Birthday" song twice. Rinse your hands thoroughly and dry them off using a clean towel. Rinse your face. After you've washed your hands, splash your face with clean, warm water. This will open your pores and help with the cleansing process. You can also wet a washcloth with hot water and drape it over your face until it cools. Apply the paste to the affected area. Once your face is washed and dried, you can apply the mixture to the blackheads. Use your hands to gently rub a thin layer of the mixture to all your blackheads. Gently massage the paste into your skin as this aids in the exfoliating process. Let the paste sit for 2 to 3 minutes. Once you've applied the mixture, wait 2 to 3 minutes or until it dries completely. Ideally, it should be dry enough that it's hard to the touch and feels somewhat like dried glue. Rinse the paste off with warm water. After the paste has dried, rinse with warm water. Use cool water to completely rinse off the mixture. Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Baking soda can dry out skin, so make sure you use an oil free moisturizer after rinsing and drying your face. Add other liquids to baking soda. Baking soda and water is not always as effective as expected. If the method does not work for you, you can try adding different liquids in place of or in addition to water to the paste. Baking soda and honey, which is naturally antibacterial, can be added to wet skin for an exfoliating cleanse. You could dry dabbing a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol on your skin before applying baking soda and water. Rubbing alcohol disinfects the skin, which may increase the overall effectiveness of the treatment. Adding salt to baking soda and water can help dry out oily skin. You can also try adding a bit of honey to the mixture. Try a baking soda bath. Baking soda is not only effective at treating blackheads. Overall skin acne can be lessened by using baking soda. If baking soda worked on your blackheads, you might want to try a baking soda bath to treat acne of the back, thighs, and face. Add half a cup of baking soda to a tub of warm bathwater. Mix thoroughly and get in. This can be an especially good treatment is your skin is irritated after being exposed to the chemicals in pool water. Add baking soda to shampoo. If you have acne at your hairline, adding 2 to 3 grams of baking soda to your shampoo can help with acne reduction. However, it's a good idea to talk to a hair stylist before attempting this to make sure it won't damage your hair. | Mix baking soda and water together to form a paste. Wash your hands. Rinse your face. Apply the paste to the affected area. Let the paste sit for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse the paste off with warm water. Add other liquids to baking soda. Try a baking soda bath. Add baking soda to shampoo. |
https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Create-a-Fake-Boyfriend-or-Girlfriend | How to Create a Fake Boyfriend or Girlfriend | If you want to create a fake boyfriend or girlfriend that people will believe in, the key is to come up with a solid background story and then talk about them like they're real. For example, include information about where they come from, what they do for a living, and how you met. While you can take inspiration from people you know, make sure to change some of the details so others don't get suspicious about the truth of your story. You'll also need to come up with some hobbies or interests for them, such as playing sports or watching movies, so you can make them appear like a normal person. Once you've created some basic information about them, start talking to your friends about them, like mentioning a recent date you were on together. Make sure you're ready to answer common questions about them, like “How long have you been dating?”, or “What's he look like?”. | Pick a name and age. A good place to start is by picking a name and age for your boyfriend. When creating a boyfriend, you need to get the details straight ahead of time. Try to stick to names not too out of the ordinary but not too plain either. A good way to choose a name is to pick a either a last name or a first name that is fairly common, while having the other name be a little less common. For instance, Joe Smith might be too plain, while Alberto Merryweather may be too much. You can mix them the other way with better results: Joe Merryweather or Alberto Smith. As far as an age, that's up to you. Use the age to back up whatever story or background you create for the person. For instance, you may want an older guy who's "out of town on business" often. Set up the background story. You need at least some information for your boyfriend. He needs a profession, for instance. A hometown and a college or high school might not hurt. However, keep it fairly simple. You don't want a complicated story that sounds too fake. You can base it lightly off of someone you knew in the past, so that it seems more believable. Just be sure to change some details. With social media, you'll be called out if you use someone's exact background. Flesh out a personality. When creating a fake boyfriend, you need to decide what kind of personality this person is going to have, as you're going to need to write some messages or texts in this person's name. For instance, is he outgoing and flirtatious or a bit more reserved and nerdy? One way to create a personality is to think about your ideal boyfriend. What traits would he have? Another way to flesh out a personality is to think about one of your favorite characters, whether from a book, movie, or television series. Think about the traits that person has, and use that to create a personality for your boyfriend. Don't forget to come up with some likes and dislikes, such as favorite foods and books or least favorite movie. That way, you can add some details to his profiles. Make sure you memorize these details, so you can rattle them of as needed. Pick a picture. You need a picture for your fake boyfriend, especially in the time of social media. A picture really seals the deal for creating a fake boyfriend. Finding a picture could prove difficult. You want something that doesn't look canned, but you also don't have the option of using one of your friends, since they'll likely be your friend on Facebook, unless, of course, they agree to play the part. You can just do an internet search for copyright-free pictures, but if someone else finds that image, you could be called out on your deception. In addition, you'll likely want more than one picture to make the fake person's accounts look real. If you're really ambitious, you could hire a model in the city to take pictures with you. Try using sites where you can post public job listings. Just be sure to meet in a public place and take a friend with you, both for safety and to snap the photos. Don't make him too perfect. Everyone has a few flaws. If you pick a supermodel photo with an amazing personality, that's not believable. Pick an average or moderately good-looking person, and don't forget to include some character flaws or cheesy likes and dislikes, as well. Start with an email. Most social media platforms require you to have an email first. Therefore, pick a free email system, and set up an account for your boyfriend. You'll need to enter the person's name, as well as some basic information like a birthday, a email name, and a password. If you can't think up a email name, try using the fake name as a basis, such as "Albertoforpresident" or "Merryweather333." Create social media profiles. To create profiles, you'll need to enter basic information like an email address, an name, and a birthday. You can also enter information in the "About Me" section in line with what you've created for this person. Flesh out the profile with likes and dislikes, photos, and biographical information. Try to pick one or two platforms and stick with those. If you do too many, you won't be able to keep up. Be aware that it's against some social media platform's policies to create fake accounts. Unless you're doing something illegal, like trying to scam someone for money, you probably won't get in trouble with the law. However, the platform can delete the account if the company decides it is fake. Update regularly. You'll need to make posts on this person's wall on a regular basis. These posts need to be in line with his personality, while still maintaining an average-person mentality. That is, on social media, people are likely to have a range of posts, from bragging about a new job to giving news about a loved one's death to making mundane posts about food, television, and movies. For instance, you may post something like "Got a new job today! So excited to start working at..." alongside posts like "Check out this new restaurant in town. I ate there yesterday. So good!" If you've hired a model, it can help if you make regular photo posts. Try hiring the same model again in a few months, and pick various locations to take pictures around town. If you're using your own photos, you may need to brush up on your photo-altering skills. Also, you can try friending people with that account, as it will look suspicious if that account has no friends. Set the profile to private. Only let users who are friends with the person see posts and most pictures. That way, any casual person who goes looking for information will just see a locked down account and won't be able to note anything suspicious. On most social media platforms, you can choose who sees what on the platform. However, some platforms require you to let everyone see the posts. To change how people see the account, look for the account settings. Under account settings, look for "privacy," which you can use to change what other people see on the account. Use the account. Now that you've created the account, you can use it to set up your fake relationship. Basically, you're creating the basis of your relationship on social media. Change both profiles to "In a relationship" with the other person. Comment on his page from your page. Log on to his page to reply. Post cute memes and gifs on each other's walls. Make him real. One of the main ways of creating a boyfriend is to talk about him like he's real. You could casually mention dates you've gone recently, for instance, or talk about the fact that he's away on a business trip. For instance, you could say, "My boyfriend and I had the best time this weekend. We decided to go see that new movie. Have you seen it yet?" Another way you could bring him up is to say, "My boyfriend's out of town this weekend. He's out of town a lot on business." Don't forget the ups and downs. For instance, one day you might be elated that your boyfriend bought you flowers, while the next week you might be in a fight. Show him off. Don't be afraid to break out his "picture" to make him seem more real. Be ready to answer questions. If you mention a boyfriend, most people will dive in with enthusiastic questions. Make sure you are ready to answer them. For instance, you'll likely need to answer questions such as "How long have you been dating?" and "What's he look like?" If you come to a question you can't answer off the top of your head, change the subject. You could say, "Oh that's enough about my guy, what about yours?" Ask a friend for help. If you want to seem like you're texting a boyfriend in a particular situation, try asking your friend to send you texts. You can change their name to your boyfriend's name in your phone and have the friend text you as needed as that person. You could also have pretend conversations to help sell it. Just make sure you use a male friend in case the person you're with can overhear you. These conversations don't need to be elaborate. For instance, you could have a 5 minute conversation to set up plans for later or decide who's picking up the milk for dinner. Try an app. You can use online or mobile services to help you out. For instance, one service will send texts to your phone, as well as leave voicemail messages and even send you a postcard. Of course, you must pay for this service, but it can make the relationship more believable. You can also use options that allow you to set up texts that come to your phone at random times. When it beeps, you can say something like, "Oh, it's just my boyfriend texting. Sorry, I need to reply really quick!" These apps are on both Android and iPhones. | Pick a name and age. Set up the background story. Flesh out a personality. Pick a picture. Don't make him too perfect. Start with an email. Create social media profiles. Update regularly. Set the profile to private. Use the account. Make him real. Be ready to answer questions. Ask a friend for help. Try an app. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Flaky-Lips-With-Petroleum-Jelly | How to Get Rid of Flaky Lips With Petroleum Jelly | To get rid of flaky lips with petroleum jelly, exfoliate them with a lip scrub or a spare toothbrush before bed. Once you've gotten rid of the excess dead skin, smear petroleum jelly onto your lips with a Q-tip or your finger. You want enough to make your lips look shiny and feel greasy, but if it looks like a paste on your lips, rub a little off. Leave the jelly on overnight to moisturize your lips while you sleep. If, in the morning, you have crusty residue leftover from the jelly, rub it off with a wet washcloth. Then, apply lip balm to stop your lips drying out again. | Scrub off the dead skin before apply petroleum jelly. Exfoliate your lips with a store-bought or homemade lip scrub to keep your lips looking soft and smooth. Just put a little of the scrub on your lips and rub it in thoroughly, then rinse it away. To make your own lip scrub, mix a tablespoon of brown sugar with just enough honey or olive oil to get it to stick together. Once a week (twice at the very max) rub the scrub onto your lips, vigorously enough to loosen the dead skin. Let it sit for one minute, and then wipe off with a damp washcloth. Use a toothbrush to exfoliate your lips. Take a clean toothbrush and brush the flat part of the bristles back and forth on the lips, much as you would brush your teeth. Do this for 30 or so seconds per lip, and stop if they start to hurt. Flaky lips are dry lips. The “flakiness” is dead skin. It needs to be exfoliated off. Rinse your brush and your lips with water. You could also use a washcloth to exfoliate lips. Mix sugar with petroleum jelly. Using small crystallized sugar molecules, you can softly scrub away the dry flaky skin around and on your lips. Apply like a facial scrub and enjoy the immediate removal of any dead skin on your lips. Be careful not to eat or swallow the mixture because petroleum jelly is not edible. Smear petroleum jelly on your lips. One of the best ways to keep your lips from looking flaky is to keep them well-moisturized all the time. You'll notice that your lips will feel softer and look better too. You could use a Q-tip or your finger. Some lip balms leave your lips moist and soft temporarily or leave a layer of product on the lips, giving the illusion that the lips are moisturized. Petroleum jelly penetrates the lips to actually moisturize them. It also leaves them with a shine. Apply about triple the amount of a normal application. Your lips will look and feel greasy, but don't smother it on. It shouldn't look like you have a paste on your lips. You should be able to rub your lips together comfortably. Let this sit for around 3-5 minutes, until the dead skin is soft. Petroleum jelly helps you get rid of flaky lips just as long as you use it constantly! It's a byproduct from the production of petroleum, which means it's very cheap. It seals your lips like a barrier, letting nothing in (including cold air or environmental toxins). Leave the jelly on your lips overnight. The next morning, the flakiness will peel away along with the petroleum jelly. Continue to hydrate yourself, and apply lip balm to prevent your lips from drying out again. The petroleum jelly treatment is recommended to be done about 3 times a week in the winter and once a week in the summer (or when it is a rainy season). Your lips might look pinker as petroleum jelly can reduce dark patches on lips. Depending on how you sleep, you may wake up with the crusty remains of the jelly around or on your lips. This can easily be removed by wetting a soft washcloth and rubbing softly off. Drink a lot of water. You should drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated as much as possible. Sometimes chapped lips are the result of a poor diet. People sometimes forget how important water is to the body. Lips often get chapped, cracked, dry and unsightly because of how little we care for them. Like the rest of our skin, lips require moisture to stay healthy and beautiful. In fact, because the skin on our lips is so thin, we need to keep them moisturized even more than the rest of our skin. The key to smooth lips is hydration. You need to drink plenty of water or other healthy fluids to keep your skin healthy, and even more so your lips. Carry a lip balm at all times. Apply it regularly in addition to using the jelly now and then. A good rule of thumb is to apply the lip balm once every 3 to 4 hours or so. Over usage could lead to dark patches on the lips. Lip balms with ingredients such as mint, peppermint or eucalyptus can be used and a variety of brands are available at supermarkets or pharmacies. Try using a lip primer before you put on your lipstick to fill in any cracks, making your lips look smoother. Try natural oils. Some people are concerned about the environmental and health consequences of constantly using petroleum jelly. A substitute could be natural oils. Coconut oil is a great option. It's good for the hair, the skin and the lips too. Simply apply it as you would have applied the jelly. Olive oil can work too. The Vaseline lip therapy line could be a replacement for any lip products you already use. It has a small range of colors also. Avoid doing things that will make your lips dry. Don't lick your lips. The saliva will dry them out and chap them. Don't touch your lips a lot with your hands. Biting your lips also can lead to dryness and sore lips. Applying sunscreen to your lips is a good idea to protect them in the summer from the rays of the sun. | Scrub off the dead skin before apply petroleum jelly. Use a toothbrush to exfoliate your lips. Mix sugar with petroleum jelly. Smear petroleum jelly on your lips. Leave the jelly on your lips overnight. Drink a lot of water. Carry a lip balm at all times. Try natural oils. Avoid doing things that will make your lips dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-up-a-Hostel | How to Set up a Hostel | To set up a hostel, you'll need to find the right location and secure funding to cover your expenses. Look for a place that attracts budget travelers, like major cities or rural areas near hiking trails or attractions. Make sure the location has reliable public transport, since most budget travelers won't be driving cars. You'll also want a location with little competition so you're not competing for business with other companies. Research the laws and secure the necessary permits to open a hostel, since some areas have tight regulations. To minimize your costs, look for a building that needs little construction work. Once you've found the right place, take out a business loan to buy the property and set it up as a hostel. | Pick a location that attracts budget travelers. Most people who stay in hostels are looking for a good deal on housing while they travel. Start by thinking about good locations that travelers frequent. Big cities with a lot of tourism are good starting points. Beach locations are also popular for travelers. If you're local to the area you want to open your hostel in, then think about the places people always visit when they travel to your area. If you're relocating to a new area, ask locals or check online for popular local destinations. Get an idea of what people are looking for when they visit this area. Hostels can also work in rural areas if there is a local attraction nearby. For example, popular hiking trails can attract plenty of business to a rural location. As an added bonus, real estate is probably cheaper in these areas. Find a building near reliable local transportation. Most people who stay at hostels aren't bringing cars, so reliable transport is important. People won't be able to reach your hostel if it isn't near transportation, and they also won't be able to explore the local area. Find a location near local trains and buses to make your hostel more attractive for travelers. A location within walking distance of local attractions like historic sites and restaurants is even better. If there isn't good local transit nearby, try to offer other transportation options. Partner up with local cab companies, for example, or consider renting bikes to help your guests get around. Research local competition. You may not be the first hostel in the area, and these other hostel owners are your competition. Investigate what these hostels offer their guests and how they operate. You could even book a stay at some of these hostels to really see what the guest experience is like. Then use what you learn to run your own hostel. If an area is particularly saturated with hostels, then consider a different area. There may be too much competition here for you to get ahead. While you should pay attention to your competition, don't feel like you have to copy them. This is your hostel, and if you have a unique idea that no one else is doing, then put it into action. Check local zoning laws to see where hostels are permitted. When you think you've found the right area for your hostel, check local laws before you do anything else. Some towns and cities have designated zones for hostels, and running one outside these areas is illegal. Find out where hostels are allowed, then search for a suitable building within these areas. Many local governments have their zoning laws on the internet. Try searching the local government website for hostel information. Contact the local zoning agency and ask about which areas are zoned for hostels. Apply for any necessary permits to run a hostel. Most cities require permits and licenses to run a hostel. Check with your local zoning board or chamber of commerce and ask what regulations there are for operating a hostel. Apply for and obtain all the permits before opening your hostel. Remember that permits often take time to process and cost a fee. Include the potential processing time and fees in your calculations on when the hostel will open. Don't try to save time or money by skipping certain permits. If you operate a hostel without all the necessary permits, you could be fined or even arrested. Add up your expected operating costs. Operating costs are what it costs to keep a business running every day. Account for every dollar you will spend in opening this hostel so you know how much financing to secure. Calculate the rent, utilities, and any other expenses so you have a full picture of your business finances. Remember to include taxes in your estimation of costs. Include the outlay for construction, permits, and hiring employees as well. This gives you your total cost for the project. Secure financing for the hostel. Have at least 1 year of expenses on hand before opening the hostel to support the business before you start profiting. If you don't have enough savings to self-finance opening and operating the hostel, then you'll need funding from other sources. Consider going to a bank for a business loan. Another option is finding affluent people interested in providing private investment for the hostel. Whichever option you choose, have financing in place before you start building your hostel. There are advantages and disadvantages to looking for loans from banks or individuals. Banks may be more conservative and refuse to loan you more than a fixed amount. Private investors may be more willing to offer higher sums, but they want a return on their investment. They might want to own a part of the business and share in the profits. Consider the costs carefully before choosing a financing option. Produce a good business plan , especially if you're looking for private financing. Investors will want a return on their investment, and if you don't prove that your business will be profitable, they won't provide financing. Find a building that doesn’t need a lot of construction to save costs. When you find a good location and start searching for a hostel building, prioritize buildings that don't need a lot of construction. Building modifications are not only expensive, but they usually require additional permits as well. You'll save time and money by finding a building in good condition. Keep a few points in mind when looking for a building. Make sure there is an internal space large enough for a guest common area. Find a building with several bathrooms, or spaces that you can convert into bathrooms. Any building you consider should be safe and structurally sound. Consider if you want to rent or buy the building. Buying gives you an equity-building real estate property, but it also comes along with other taxes and responsibilities. Renting doesn't have those associated risks, but you also will owe rent for the entire time you operate the hostel. Set up bedrooms that fit 4-12 people. Hostels don't offer private rooms, so guests staying together is expected. Survey the building and see how many beds you can fit in each bedroom. This depends on the available space. Less than 4 people in a room would be wasting valuable space, but more than 10 or 12 would get too crowded. Find the right balance for your building. Use bunk beds to maximize bed space in the living areas. Do not overcrowd rooms. This is a potential safety violation. Being piled in with too many people also infringes on the guest experience. Also stock bedrooms with blankets, sheets, pillows, and pillowcases. Hostel visitors don't expect luxury, but you should provide this level of comfort for your patrons. Build at least 1 full bathroom for every 8 beds. Having enough facilities is important for establishing your hostel's reputation. Guests at hostels expect to share bathrooms, but don't overcrowd them. When the hostel is full, 1 bathroom for 8 people is manageable without becoming a hardship. Make sure all your bathrooms have a shower and toilet. Otherwise the bathrooms will get overcrowded Hostels usually don't stock towels or toiletries for their guests. Consider offering basic toiletries like toothpaste and soap for an extra fee. You could consider communal bathrooms if you don't have enough space for multiple individual ones. Organize a common area for guests to mingle. Guests at hostels often want a community experience, and a common area is important. Find a building that has a large enough space for couches and tables where your guests can meet and socialize. Put activities like board games and cards in the common room for guests to entertain themselves. Include some books for people who prefer to keep to themselves. Hostel owners usually don't like putting TVs in their common areas. This is not only an added expense, but it also ruins the atmosphere. If you can't find a building with a large enough space already there, see if you can knock down some walls to open the space up. Remember to apply for any necessary permits for this type of construction. Provide laundry facilities for your guests. Travelers need to keep their clothes clean. Onsite laundry facilities will improve your guest experience considerably. Install a washer and dryer unit during the construction phase so your guests will have access as soon as you open. If you don't have laundry facilities onsite, consider partnering with a nearby laundromat. You can recommend your customers there in exchange for discounted laundry services. Offer lockers for guests to keep their belongings safe. Since many people come and go from hostels, crime and theft does occasionally happen. Let your guests know their belongings are safe by giving them lockers for their valuables. Provide either a key or combination lock so these lockers remain secure. Closely screen any employees or volunteers that have access to guest areas as well. If customers report that their belongings were stolen at your hostel, your business could fail from the bad feedback. Offer tours of the local area. Your guests want to get a feel for the local area. Consider offering complimentary tours of the area. If you have a large van, this is a great use for it. In smaller areas, a walking tour is a great amenity to offer. If you won't give the tours yourself, try networking with local bus drivers or tour companies. They can take your guests around in exchange for a discount. You can also leave brochures, maps, and posters by the front desk so your guests always know what's going on and where to go. Host parties, barbeques, or other socializing events. These events are a great way to give your hostel a reputation as the place to visit. Provide plenty of opportunities for guests to meet each other and have fun. A weekly cookout on Friday or a monthly show from a local band all bring attention to your business. Get creative and show your guests a good time. Don't pressure guests into attending any of your events. Some guests prefer to be left alone and won't like being pressured. Merely mention the event and invite everyone. Consider inviting other locals to the parties as well. If you sell food or charge admission to non-guests, you can create another revenue stream. Designate quiet areas for guests who want more privacy. Even sociable people need some quiet time. If you have enough room, set aside some space for a quiet area. Guests can come in here and work, relax, or just get away from other people. Set rules that guests can't use phones or play music without headphones in quiet areas. Set a relaxing atmosphere. Consider offering a bed in exchange for work around the hostel. There are numerous mundane tasks around the hostel like sweeping, stocking shelves, or picking up after guests. You can save money by offering a free stay for guests willing to do some of these tasks. That way, you avoid hiring people to do the work. This can also attract more customers who might be interested in the same deal. Only do this when you need work done, though. If you don't need any work done, you're losing money by offering this deal. Make a good website for your hostel. Everything happens online nowadays, so a hostel without an internet presence is nearly invisible for travelers. Build a professional website for your hostel. Include pictures, testimonials, services, attractions, and lists of local businesses. Make customers want to visit your hostel when they see your site. Update your website regularly so customers know the latest information about your business. If you aren't confident that you can design a website yourself, hire a professional. This isn't an area that you should skimp on. Make sure guests can easily book their stay on your website. Otherwise they have to book through a different site and you'll have to pay that site a commission. Don't forget about social media either. Start pages and keep them updated regularly. Reach out to well-known travel bloggers to write about your hostel. There are travel bloggers on social media that have millions of followers, so a writeup from one of them can be huge for your business. Do an internet search and see who some influential bloggers are and how to reach out to them. Contact them and offer a free stay in exchange for a review. Build relationships with other local business owners. Hostels are part of local communities, so become part of that community. Get to know the local business owners and recommend their services to your guests. Make a list of bars, tour guides, clubs, and tourist attractions and recommend them to your guests. These same business owners can point travelers towards your hostel. These mutually-beneficial relationships can help your hostel succeed. Be prepared to offer something in return for local businesses recommending your hostel. Offer to carry their brochures in your lobby or put out a pamphlet of recommended local restaurants and bars. Network with other hostel owners. It might seem counterproductive to network with your competition. However, your competitors can be a big help for you. For example, if you're friends with a hostel owner down the street and his hostel is full for the night, he can direct new visitors to your hostel instead. Take advantage of this network by meeting and making friends with as many hostel owners as you can. Network with hostel owners outside your area too. Backpackers and other travelers usually jump from town to town. If one hostel owners hears that his guests are heading to your town, he can recommend your hostel. Remember to offer the same favors in return. Other hostel owners will catch on if you're just using them for business and stop helping you. | Pick a location that attracts budget travelers. Find a building near reliable local transportation. Research local competition. Check local zoning laws to see where hostels are permitted. Apply for any necessary permits to run a hostel. Add up your expected operating costs. Secure financing for the hostel. Find a building that doesn’t need a lot of construction to save costs. Set up bedrooms that fit 4-12 people. Build at least 1 full bathroom for every 8 beds. Organize a common area for guests to mingle. Provide laundry facilities for your guests. Offer lockers for guests to keep their belongings safe. Offer tours of the local area. Host parties, barbeques, or other socializing events. Designate quiet areas for guests who want more privacy. Consider offering a bed in exchange for work around the hostel. Make a good website for your hostel. Reach out to well-known travel bloggers to write about your hostel. Build relationships with other local business owners. Network with other hostel owners. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-EMT | How to Become an EMT | To become an EMT, start by enrolling in an EMT certification course, which will include 30-60 hours of training. If your course doesn't include CPR training, you'll need to get CPR certified as well. Once you complete your certification course, you'll need to pass the National Registry EMT-Basic Exam to receive your certification. Keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age or older to get certified. | Get CPR-certified. Having a certification in CPR is a requirement for becoming EMT certified. In some cases CPR training is included in EMT certification programs, but in some cases it is not. Contact your local Red Cross for information about CPR certification classes. Enroll in an EMT certification program. Every US state has a certification procedure for becoming a basic EMT, or EMT-B, that typically entails taking 120 hours of courses in emergency skills, and in some cases, gaining experience in an emergency room setting. These courses are offered at many community colleges. Students learn the following skills: How to use emergency equipment properly How to handle bleeding, fractures, burns, cardiac arrest, and emergency childbirth, among other common emergency situations How to administer oxygen Pass the National Registry EMT-Basic Exam (NREMT). This exam is required in order to receive official certification as an EMT-B. In order to pass the NREMT, you have to meet the following requirements : Be 18 years of age or older. Have proof that you received CPR certification, and demonstrated proficiency at the EMT-B level. Show that you completed an EMT certification program. Complete an EMT-B psychomotor exam. This exam tests your physical abilities, and varies from state to state. Find a job as an EMT-B. Once you're certified, look at job listings at local hospitals, police stations, fire stations, and private emergency services providers. The health care industry is growing, and there are plenty of opportunities for EMT-Bs. Consider advancing to intermediate EMT, or EMT-II, level. EMT-IIs take on more responsibilities than EMT-Bs, including administering IVs and using defibrillators to resuscitate people in cardiac arrest. The EMT-II certification process is similar to that of an EMT-B, but requires more coursework. Become a paramedic. Paramedics have more training and expertise than other EMTs. In addition to performing all the duties of EMT-Bs and EMT-IIs, paramedics may administer medication, read EKGs, and handle sophisticated medical equipment. Additional training and certifications are required for becoming a paramedic. Understand what the job entails. EMTs work in hospitals, police or fire departments, or for private emergency care providers. They are dispatched to the scene of emergency situations by 911 operators. Upon arrival at the scene, EMTs have the following responsibilities : Assess the situation. EMTs evaluate and make a clear record of the patient's physical state. Determine whether the patient has pre-existing conditions. This is an important step that EMTs must take before treating the patient. Administer CPR and First Aid, when necessary. EMTs are trained to know how to respond appropriately to a huge range of medical emergencies, from premature labor to poisonings to burns. Transport the patient to the hospital. Using a stretcher and other emergency equipment, EMTs safely transport the patient from the scene of the emergency to the hospital. EMTs typically work in teams of two, with one EMT driving the ambulance and the other monitoring the patient's vital signs. Transfer the patient to the hospital's care. At the hospital, the EMT assists with transferring the patient to the emergency room. The EMT provides a detailed report of the patient's condition to the hospital staff. If necessary, provide additional medical treatment. Be willing to work under adverse conditions. There's no predicting when an emergency will occur, and EMTs provide service twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. EMTs are usually "on call" for a total of 40 - 50 hours a week. In addition to being willing to work nights, EMTs also must be flexible enough to take on weekend and holiday hours. EMTs often have to perform heavy lifting and other physically challenging tasks. EMTs must be comfortable working in a range of settings, both inside and outside, and in all types of weather. EMTs have to be ready to encounter dangerous situations, such as responding to an accident on an icy road. Be ready to assume the highest responsibility. EMTs are usually the first professionals to interact with patients at emergency scenes. In addition to administering life-saving medical care, they must interact with family members and witnesses who may be very emotional. Know your capacity for handling extreme stress and holding up under pressure before pursuing a career as an EMT. | Get CPR-certified. Enroll in an EMT certification program. Pass the National Registry EMT-Basic Exam (NREMT). Find a job as an EMT-B. Consider advancing to intermediate EMT, or EMT-II, level. Become a paramedic. Understand what the job entails. Be willing to work under adverse conditions. Be ready to assume the highest responsibility. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Closure-from-a-Relationship | How to Get Closure from a Relationship | Getting closure on a relationship may seem tough, but you can make it easier by putting distance between you and the relationship, and processing your emotions. Remove all physical reminders of your relationship, like pictures and gifts, from your living space, since they'll only keep reminding you of the past. If you're still in contact with your ex, take a break from communicating with them so you can move on. To help process your emotions about the relationship, try writing a goodbye letter to your ex. You shouldn't feel the need to send it to them, because the act of writing it is what's most important in helping you come to terms with your feelings. Creative activities can also help you process any negative emotions and focus on something positive, so try painting, drawing, or even writing a poem. You should also try to forgive your ex for anything that went wrong, since you'll only be able to forget about the past and move on once you've accepted what happened. | Remove all physical reminders of the relationship from your space. To get over a relationship and feel a sense of closure, it's essential that you give yourself the physical and emotional distance to move on. If you are surrounded by sentimental objects that remind you of the past relationship, you should pack them up and place them somewhere hidden or give them back to your ex. Sometimes, ridding your space of reminders of the relationship can make it that much easier to work to a sense of closure. You may want to integrate the physical reminders of the relationship into a letting go ritual, where you process your emotions by throwing away the objects or leaving them somewhere far from your space. This can act as a symbolic act and help you move forward from the relationship. Move to another space if you lived with your ex. If you are having difficulties living in the shared space you had when you were in your relationship, you may want to consider moving to another apartment or moving your possessions into another room in your home. Claiming a new living space for yourself, post break up, can help you to move one step closer to closure. Cut off contact with your ex. If you are still in contact with your ex, you may want to take a break so you can get some emotional distance from the break up. Though you may be tempted to answer your ex's calls or texts, try to ignore them. You can also send your ex a short message explaining that you need time to process the break up and get closure on your own. You may think that by talking to your ex you can get closure on the relationship. But often, speaking to your ex or spending time with your ex will only lead to more confused and hurt feelings. Detaching from your ex emotionally will likely mean spending time away from that person so you can focus on your needs. Set boundaries with your ex if you have to be around each other. Maybe you work with your ex or share a common area where you cannot simply cut off contact completely. To help get a sense of closure on the relationship, you should sit down with your ex and set boundaries. This could mean agreeing to no emailing or texting each other beyond work related issues, and agreeing to be civil to each other in the workplace. You may also ask your ex to give you space and agree to not have direct contact with you for a period of several months. Giving each other space can really help with closure. You may say, "I think it might be best for us to not talk to each other and give each other some space. Would you be okay with setting a boundary where we do not contact each other for a few months?" Write a goodbye letter to your ex. Writing down your thoughts and emotions can be a good way to process them and move one step closer to getting over your ex. Sit down and write down how you are feeling about the break up, but be sure to address your ex directly when you write. Note any feelings of confusion, loss, and anger you are experiencing as well as your thoughts on why the break up occurred. Once you have finished the letter, you can even put it in an envelope and seal it. Then, place it in a drawer or in a safe place for a time when you will be ready to read it without getting upset or angry. The act of writing the letter will be more important than actually sending the letter to your ex.This simple act can help you to gain a better sense of closure. Do a letting go ritual. Though you may not be superstitious or believe in rituals, doing a letting go ritual can help you feel better about the end of the relationship. This could be a simple act, like lighting a candle and letting it burn until you feel you have closure on the relationship. Or, you could do a more drastic ritual and burn personal possessions or objects that remind you of the relationship in a small fire. It can also help to bury an object that represents the past relationship as a way of letting go. This could be a photograph of you and your ex or an object that has sentimental value to both of you. You should dig a hole and physically bury the object as a ritual to symbolize closure. Express your emotions through a creative act. Getting creative during an emotional upheaval can be a good way to process your feelings and distract yourself from them. Put your emotions into something creative, like painting or drawing. Write a poem about your feelings, make a sculpture, or take some photographs. Even if you never show the creative piece to anyone, the mere effort of doing it can help you feel better and bring you closer to a sense of closure. Do self care. After a break up, it is important that you focus on your needs. This will help you deal with the emotions you are experiencing and allow you to put your attentions towards yourself, rather than the break up. Do at least one self care act a day, such as taking a long bath, making yourself a healthy breakfast, or going for a run in your favorite area. Self care can also remind you of the important things in your life and the value of taking time to focus on yourself. Nurturing yourself can be a good way to take your mind off the break up and work towards closure. Talk to friends and family about your emotions. Avoid bottling up your emotions and allow yourself to speak about the break up to others. Be vocal about how you are feeling and your journey to processing the break up. Lean on close family and friends and do not be afraid to seek out their support when you need it. This may mean having weekly check ins with a close friend where you talk about how you are feeling and any emotions you are struggling with. You may also make it a habit to visit your parents on the weekends as a way to get outside of your emotions and connect with those close to you. Speak to a professional therapist or counselor. It may also be useful to speak to a professional therapist about your emotions, especially if you do not want to burden your friends and family all the time with your thoughts and are looking for professional guidance. A good therapist will listen and support you. She should also help you develop coping mechanisms for your emotional needs and work with you to gain a sense of closure on your past relationship. Work on forgiving your ex. Forgiveness can be an essential part of letting go and getting closure on a relationship. But truly forgiving someone can take time so do not try to rush this step. Instead, take some time to work through your emotions and open yourself up to forgiving your ex for anything you may still be mad or upset about. Over time, you may find you can forgive your ex and move past the relationship. Set new personal goals. One of the most effective ways to get closure on a relationship is to focus on your immediate future. This means setting new personal goals, with deadlines on when you will need to achieve them. Make a list of reasonable personal goals and try to get out of your comfort zone. Forcing yourself to try new things will allow you to grow as a person and move away from memories of the past. Your personal goals list should be specific and manageable. You may set fitness goals, like losing a certain amount of weight or eating at least four home cooked meals a week, and you may set grander goals with trying new things in mind, such as going on a hike for the first time or learning to play a musical instrument. Build a new social group. Though you do not need to trade in your old friends and should in fact lean on old friends, building a new social group can help to rejuvenate you after your break up. This may be a good move if you and your ex shared a similar friend group as this will allow you to put further distance between the two of you. You may seek out new people by joining a recreational sports team or a club. You may also meet new people by taking up a new hobby or by joining a social club. Explore new areas alone or with friends. Changing your everyday scenery can also shake you out of your emotions and help you gain closure on your past relationship. Rather than take your usual running route, try a new route in a different area, or make dinner plans with a friend at a restaurant you've never tried before. Take yourself out of your comfort zone and look for new experiences simply by choosing a different route to work or a new place to hang out. Go on a retreat or a solo vacation. For a major change of scenery, you may want to book a solo retreat where you have time to focus on your needs and be away from any reminders of your past relationship. Maybe you finally book the trip to Japan you always wanted to take and explore a new country on your own. Time in a new environment can act as a useful distraction and allow you the space necessary to get a sense of closure. | Remove all physical reminders of the relationship from your space. Move to another space if you lived with your ex. Cut off contact with your ex. Set boundaries with your ex if you have to be around each other. Write a goodbye letter to your ex. Do a letting go ritual. Express your emotions through a creative act. Do self care. Talk to friends and family about your emotions. Speak to a professional therapist or counselor. Work on forgiving your ex. Set new personal goals. Build a new social group. Explore new areas alone or with friends. Go on a retreat or a solo vacation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Comic-Book | How to Write a Comic Book | If you're planning to write a comic book, create a timeline showing what the reader will learn at each point in the story. Next, make timelines for each character so you can keep track of their development. To combine your story with images, make a fully mock-up by dividing a blank page into sections, then add a sketch of the picture and the text you want to go together in each section. Once your mock-up is finished, hire an artist to make the final product or design it yourself. | Think of a short, visual story to translate from your head to the page. Comic books are a blast because they merge written words with cinematic images, blending the best of both novels and movies. Remember this when considering stories—you want something with big, fun images and visuals as well as a fair amount of conversation and dialogue. While there are no wrong ideas, some things to keep in mind include: Keeping the story visual: A conversation taking place in one room wouldn't work well since you won't have many new scene changes. A character musing to themselves might work, especially if the background reflects their changing thoughts. Streamlining the story: More characters, locations, and action are great, but it significantly increases the workload on the illustrator. The best comic books tell their stories quickly and efficiently, using both dialogue and visual cues to keep things moving. An Artistic Style: Great comic books have art that fits seamlessly with the tone of the writing, like the dirty, water colored artwork in V for Vendetta. In short, the tone of the artwork should be the same as the tone of the writing. Draft out the plot of your story in paragraph form. Just start writing, not worrying about form, content, or how it will look on the page. Once you have your idea down, get the pen flowing. Put the characters or idea in motion and see what happens. If you throw 90% of this away, that is okay. Remember the advice of writer and animator Dan Harmon, who claimed that the first draft is 98% terrible, but the next one is only 96% bad, and so on until you have a great story. Find the 2% that's awesome and build off it: What characters are the most fun to write? What plot points did you find yourself most interested in exploring? Are there things that you thought were good ideas that you just can't write? Consider ditching them. Talk this draft over with some friends to get advice on what they love and how to go forward. Create round, flawed, and exciting characters. Characters drive plots in almost all great movies, comics, and books. Almost all comics are the result of a character who wants something but is unable to get it—from villains trying to rule the world (and heroes trying to save it) to a young girl looking to figure out her complex political environment ( Persepolis ). The fun of any comic book, whether about superheroes or average Joes, is following a character's trials, tribulations, and personal flaws as they try to accomplish their goals. A great character: Has both strength and weaknesses. This makes them relatable. We don't like Superman just because he saves the day, but because his awkward alter-ego Clark Kent reminds us of our own awkward, nervous days. Has both desires and fears. This adds conflict to your story and makes it more interesting. It's no mistake that Bruce Wayne is scared of bats, just like he's scared of failing his city and parents. This makes him more relatable than a weirdo in a cape. Has agency. Whenever a character makes a choice, make sure it is the character deciding to do it—not the author forcing the character to do it because "the plot needs it." This is the quickest way to lose your audience. Introduce a problem, fail to solve it, and then resolve the problem with a surprise to create an instant plot. If this sounds too simple, it is. But it is the genesis of all plot. You have your characters, and they have a problem (The Joker is on the loose, the Avengers broke up, Scott Pilgrim got dumped). They decide to fix the problem and fail (The Joker escapes, Captain America and Iron Man start fighting, Scott Pilgrim has to fight 7 exes). In a triumphant final push, your characters finally prevail (Batman defeats The Joker, Cap and Ironman usher in peace, Scott Pilgrim gets the girl). These are your major plot points and you can play with them however you want. But knowing these three stepping stones ahead of time will save you a lot of writing headaches. "First act—Get your hero up a tree; second act—throw rocks at him; third act—get him down."—Anonymous Make life hell for your characters. It makes the payoff more rewarding. You can and should always play with this structure. Don't forget that ( spoiler alert ) Captain America gets assassinated shortly after peace is brokered in Civil War. This moment is great because it plays off the three-act structure, even as it breaks it with a second, surprising climactic moment. Whenever possible, convey information visually instead of through dialogue or exposition. Say, for example, you have a character who needs to turn a paper in or they fail their class. You could have the character wake up and tell their mom "I need to turn this paper in or I fail." But this is simple and unrewarding to the reader. Consider a few ways to tell this same plot point visually: A page of illustrations where the character frantically runs through the door, down the hall, to the office, and then finds it "Closed." A sign on the wall labeled "Final Papers Due TODAY!" that the character walks right by when leaving class. A single shot of every other student turning in papers, with your character alone at the desk writing furiously, or with his head in his hands. Using your drafts and paragraphs, create timelines for the action and characters in your story. Try to be really methodical about this, boiling down each plot point and action into it's essential moment. Think of these as each page of the comic book. You want the story to be progressing with every flip of the page. What is crucial in each scene? What moment or line of dialogue pushes each scene into the next. In any storytelling form, each scene must end in a different place than it began for the readers, plot, and/or characters. If not, then the whole book is just spinning its wheels! Fill in the dialogue, work shopping it with friends to make it realistic. Finally, once the story and characters are in place, it's time to nail down the dialogue. The trick is to make each character sound as human as possible, but there is actually an easy way to do this: have humans read out each character. Invite over 1-2 close friends and read through the dialogue like a script. You'll hear instantly when people can't quite get the words out or sound unnatural. There is nothing that says you can't write dialogue first, either! If you like play-writing or screenwriting, you may be more comfortable drafting out scenes in dialogue as opposed to timelines. Use a mock-up to test out your ideas, style, layout and pacing without sinking too much work into the idea. A "mock-up" is basically a sketch of the entire comic book, page by page. They don't have to be detailed as the bigger issues layout. Instead, figure out how many frames or lines of dialogue fit on each page, where do you want any "special pages" (like full-page frames), and will the format of each page be identical or change depending on mood? This is where you start merging the words to the pictures—so have some fun. If you're not artistically inclined, you don't need to worry about hiring an artist just yet. Instead, just focus on the basics. Even stick figures can get the point across and help your visualize the final book. While this is "only" a mock-up, you still want to take it seriously. This will be your blueprint for the final project, so treat it like a sketch for a painting and not some throwaway practice run. Create several timelines: one for what should be shown to the reader in the story, what action needs to occur, where character development will go, etc. Other timelines will need to be made for each character, so you know what their life has been so far, where it is going, etc. These will help you keep the pages and stories straight, visualizing where each character needs to be at each portion of the book. Divide a blank page into panels for your story. Keep in mind pacing, so if your main character has just discovered the bones of a monster in her backyard, the reader gets to have a nice big picture to look at and take their time viewing. Using your timelines as a guide, fill in the panels with either descriptions or sketches of what action should be seen, and what dialogue should be heard. Remember that dialogue is actually seen in a comic book, so it literally needs to fit in each box. Try not to jam too much at once. That said, some comic books choose to let the dialogue balloons spill into other frames, creating a somewhat looser, chaotic feel. For longer speeches or monologues, consider connecting the speech bubbles from frame to frame. The same person is giving the same speech, just with different action underneath. Keep your script page and graphic page side by side as you work. Many professionals will use two pages, one for the script and one for the pictures. Remember, the trick of comic books is your balance between words and visuals, and this is easiest to see side-by-side. You can tick off each caption and frame as you work. For example, the script might go: [Page 1.] Spiderman is swinging down the streets when he spots 2 police cars chasing a yellow sports car. Caption1: Hmm it's strangely quiet today... Caption 2: I guess I spoke too soon! [Page 2.] Spiderman is swinging down the street and the two blank caption spaces. Hire an artist, or finish the work yourself, once you're happy with the mock-up. If you've been diligent about clean professional work, you might be able to turn the mock-up itself into the book. Otherwise, get to work on the actual thing, using your mock-up as the guide. Sketching, inking, and coloring a comic book is a serious undertaking. But it is also a ton of fun. If you're getting an outside artists, send them the script and ask for samples. This helps you see if their visual style is right for you. Illustrating a comic book is a topic worth its own tutorial, as it is a challenging and exciting art form. Consider starting a free webcomic to build interest and buzz. The internet age gives you endless opportunity to market and publish your own work that should not be discounted. In many ways, shorter internet comics have replaced physical comics books as ways to build towards the inevitable graphic novel, which is usually all of the strips collected in one book. Even better, use your webcomic to expand on the stories or characters in the book, enticing viewers to buy the "real thing." Getting up on social media every day, even if only for 20 minutes, is essential to build some traction online and get potential readers. If you can point to a large follower list, on any platform, publishers are more likely to see and like your work. Having followers tells them there are people already who want to buy the book. Make a "hit-list" of comic book and graphic novel publishers with work similar to yours. Look up the authors and publishers of your favorite comics, leaning towards ones with a similar tone or subject as your comic. Be sure to branch out, too -- this list cannot be too big! Remember that, while working for Marvel or DC would be a blast, it is very rare for first-timers to get picked up by the big guys. Independent and smaller presses are a much better bet. Get contact information, including email, website, and address, for every company. If applying for graphic novels, be sure to check if the publishing house has a specific division for graphics work, or if they take all submissions the same way. Submit samples of your work to your target publishing houses. Head online and see if the house accepts "unsolicited submissions," meaning you send them the work even if they don't ask. Read all the rules and guidelines, then send in your absolute best work. You won't hear back from everyone -- but that is why you keep the list as big as possible. Any cover letters or emails should be short and professional. You want them reading about the story, not about you! Make sure artistic samples are included with the story. Consider self-publishing and marketing your book. It's a daunting task, but doable. Printing may get expensive, but you get complete control over the entire book, ensuring that your vision gets onto the page unfiltered. To self-publish a comic book, simply create a PDF from the pages using Amazon Self Publish or a similar site. Understand off the bat that the world of publishing is not always easy or fair. There are so many manuscripts that hit the desks of publishers that many are thrown out without being read. This isn't to discourage you -- many amazing books get through, too! -- but rather to prepare you for the hard work ahead. Having a book you love and feel proud will make the slog of publishing much, much more bearable. Don't forget that even the most famous authors were rejected 100's of time before success. It may hurt now, but working through it separates published comics from unpublished. | Think of a short, visual story to translate from your head to the page. Draft out the plot of your story in paragraph form. Create round, flawed, and exciting characters. Introduce a problem, fail to solve it, and then resolve the problem with a surprise to create an instant plot. Whenever possible, convey information visually instead of through dialogue or exposition. Using your drafts and paragraphs, create timelines for the action and characters in your story. Fill in the dialogue, work shopping it with friends to make it realistic. Use a mock-up to test out your ideas, style, layout and pacing without sinking too much work into the idea. Create several timelines: Divide a blank page into panels for your story. Using your timelines as a guide, fill in the panels with either descriptions or sketches of what action should be seen, and what dialogue should be heard. Keep your script page and graphic page side by side as you work. Hire an artist, or finish the work yourself, once you're happy with the mock-up. Consider starting a free webcomic to build interest and buzz. Make a "hit-list" of comic book and graphic novel publishers with work similar to yours. Submit samples of your work to your target publishing houses. Consider self-publishing and marketing your book. Understand off the bat that the world of publishing is not always easy or fair. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Parents-Stop-Treating-You-Like-a-Kid | How to Make Your Parents Stop Treating You Like a Kid | While you'll always be a kid in your parents' eyes, there are things you can do to get them to stop treating you like one. Being a good listener is an important part of being seen as an adult, so maintain eye contact with your parents, nod your head to show you're hearing them, and add comments that show you're interested, like “I see,” or “go on.” To show your parents that you're mature, avoid whining or complaining. Instead, focus on positive things that happened during your day. Another way to get your parents to treat you like an adult is to take on more household tasks without being asked, like washing the dishes after dinner or starting the laundry yourself. You can also set your own alarm, wake up around the same time as your parents, and start your day by working on a school project or helping out around the house. This will show your parents how responsible you are. | Demonstrate good listening skills. Listening well is an important part of being perceived as an adult. Work on your listening skills to help your parents see you as a mature person. When you are listening to someone speak, maintain good eye contact, nod your head to show that you are hearing what the other person is saying, and use statements to express interest, such as “I see,” “go on,” and “yes.” Maintain a positive attitude. Frequent complaining and a negative attitude may make you appear less mature to your parents. To prove that you are mature, do your best to maintain a positive tone at all times. When telling your parents about your day, focus on the good things that happened and minimize the bad. Also ask them how their day has been, and if their day turns out to have been not so good, show sympathy. Avoid whining or making critical remarks as much as possible. These behaviors are seen as a mark of immaturity. Steer clear of arguments. Do your best to avoid getting into an argument with your parents. Although you may still have an occasional disagreement with your parents, do not instigate an argument if possible. Instead, do your best to be agreeable and compromise with your parents if something seems unfair to you. For example, if your parents have requested that you be home by 9pm, do not complain or accuse them of being unfair. Try saying something like, “I don't mind being home by this time most nights, but I was hoping to stay out a little later tonight. Would 10pm be alright?” Ask questions. If you do not understand the reasons behind something that your parents have asked you to do, then ask for clarification. Asking questions is a good way to improve communication and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Make sure that you phrase your question in a way that expresses what you need from them. For example, if you have a 9pm curfew, and you think it is unfair, try asking something like, “I know that you care about my safety, but I am still a little confused about why I have to be home by 9 tonight. Can you help me to understand why you want me home by then?” Talk to your parents about how they treat you. It is possible that you parents are not aware that they are treating you like a child, so you may need to just bring it up. Try talking to them about how they treat you and ask them if it would be possible for them to stop doing certain things. For example, you might say something like, “I appreciate how much you both try to help me, but I feel like I am old enough to take care of these things myself. Would you mind giving me a little more freedom to handle things on my own?” Participate in household tasks. One way to demonstrate that you are mature is to participate in household tasks without being asked to do so. This demonstrates maturity by showing your parents that you have selfless qualities and that you want to help out. For example, if your parents often ask you to load the dishwasher after dinner, don't wait for them to ask. Just start doing it as soon as you finish eating your dinner. Seeing you take the initiative will make your parents see that you are mature enough to know what is expected of you and to do it without having to be told. Going above and beyond your normal responsibilities is another good way to help your parents see you as a mature person. For example, if your mother normally does your laundry for you, start doing your own laundry. Get a job. Having your own money to save and spend is another great way to demonstrate maturity. By taking on a full or even just a part time job you will be earning money that is yours to spend as you like. Maintaining a job over a long period of time is another great way to show that you are responsible and mature, so try to maintain the same job for as long as you can. Good money habits also demonstrate maturity, so do your best to save most of the money that you earn. Avoid making impulse purchases or spending money on things that your parents might consider wasteful. However, if there is something that you want and you have saved enough money to purchase it without depleting all of your savings, go ahead and buy it for yourself. Your parents will be impressed that you worked hard and saved for something that you wanted instead of asking them to get it for you. Wake up earlier. Waking up early is a good way to demonstrate responsibility and maturity. People who wake up early also tend to be more productive. Try to wake up around the same time as your parents do and do something productive right away. Work on a project for school, go for a run, or help out with household chores. Get into the habit of setting a daily alarm and waking up as soon as it goes off. Otherwise, your parents may have to wake you up and that may cause them to perceive you as irresponsible. Take good care of yourself. Eating healthy, exercising, getting plenty of rest, and demonstrating an overall interest in your physical well-being is another great way to show your parents that you are mature. Some other ways that you can take good care of yourself include: staying drug-free showering every day wearing nice clothing getting regular haircuts brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily Find your own place to live. If you are old enough to move out on your own, then you may want to consider it as a way to improve your relationship with your parents. It may be difficult for your parents to see you as an adult until you have moved out of their house. Before you do anything drastic, make sure that you are financially able to live on your own and that you are ready for the responsibility. Living on your own can be expensive and difficult. If you are not quite ready to move out on your own, consider asking your parents if you can help out by paying for your own car insurance, paying one of the utility bills, or even paying them a set amount for rent. This will help to show them that you are mature and give you some good practice for living on your own. Maintain a healthy distance. Whether you are still living at home or living on your own, it is important to maintain a healthy distance from your parents. Make sure that you keep an active social life with your friends, work hard in school and/or your job, and pursue hobbies and other interests that do not involve your parents. Be more self-reliant. The less that you demonstrate your parents that you need their help, the more they will begin to see you as an adult. Try to avoid asking your parents for things if you can including advice, money, and stuff. If you have a problem, try your best to solve it on your own before going straight to your parents. Of course, sometimes it may be necessary to turn to your parents for help. If your parents do give you something or help you to solve a problem, be gracious and thank them for their help. Try not to care as much about what your parents think. Keep in mind that although you may behave like an adult and even be a legal adult, your parents may always view you as a kid because you are their child. Try your best to focus on yourself and not to be so concerned about what your parents think of you. Remember that your opinion of yourself is what matters the most. | Demonstrate good listening skills. Maintain a positive attitude. Steer clear of arguments. Ask questions. Talk to your parents about how they treat you. Participate in household tasks. Get a job. Wake up earlier. Take good care of yourself. Find your own place to live. Maintain a healthy distance. Be more self-reliant. Try not to care as much about what your parents think. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Activated-Charcoal | How to Make Activated Charcoal | To make activated charcoal, start by placing a metal pot full of bits of hardwood over an open fire. After you've cooked it for 5 hours, let it cool, then rinse the charcoal under cool water. Next, grind it up with a mortar and pestle and let it dry completely. When the charcoal is dry, cover it with diluted calcium chloride or lemon juice and stir it well. Then, cover the bowl and let it sit for a full day. Finally, to activate the charcoal, return it to the cooking pot and boil it for another 3 hours. | Build a medium-sized fire in a safe area. An outdoor fire will likely be the easiest for making activated charcoal, but you can also do this in your home fireplace. The fire should be hot enough to cause wood pieces to burn. Take safety precautions when lighting a fire and always keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Pack a metal pot with small pieces of hardwood. If hardwood is not available, you can substitute almost any dense, fibrous plant material, like coconut shells. Insert your hardwood pieces or plant material into a metal pot, then cover it with a lid. The lid of your pot should have a vent hole, though airflow to the inside of the pot should be limited throughout this process. You could use a camp cookware kettle so the air can escape through the spout, for instance. The material you burn should be as dry as possible before you put it in the pot. Cook the pot on an open fire for 3 to 5 hours to make charcoal. Set the lidded pot on the fire. As the material cooks, you should see smoke and gas escape from vent hole in the lid. Doing this will burn away everything from the material except the carbon (charcoal) in it. When no more smoke or gas seems to be coming from your pot, it's likely finished cooking. Clean the charcoal with water once it cools. The charcoal now in your pot will stay hot for a while. Give it plenty of time to cool down. When it's cool to the touch, transfer the carbon to a clean container and rinse it with cool water to remove ash and any remaining debris, then drain the water. Grind up the charcoal. Transfer the cleaned charcoal to a mortar and pestle and grind it up into a fine powder. Alternatively, you could put the carbon in a durable plastic bag and crush it up into a fine powder with a tenderizing mallet or a hammer. Allow the charcoal powder to air dry completely. If you used a plastic bag, transfer the powder to a clean bowl, otherwise you can leave it in the mortar. In about 24 hours, the powder should be dry. Confirm the dryness with your fingers; the powder should be fully dry before you move on. Combine calcium chloride and water in a 1:3 ratio. Be careful when you mix these substances; doing so will cause the solution to get very hot. You'll need enough of the solution to cover the charcoal completely. For normal-sized batches of charcoal, 100 g (3.5 oz) of chloride mixed with 1.3 cups (310 ml) of water should be enough. Calcium chloride can be bought at most hardware stores, home centers, and general retailers. Use bleach or lemon juice as an alternative to the calcium chloride solution. If you can't find calcium chloride, you can substitute it for bleach or lemon juice. Just use either 1.3 cups (310 ml) of bleach or 1.3 cups (310 ml) of lemon juice instead of the calcium chloride solution. Stir together the calcium chloride solution and charcoal powder. Transfer the dry charcoal powder to a stainless steel or glass mixing bowl. Add the calcium chloride solution (or the lemon juice or the bleach) to the powder in small increments, stirring it with a spoon as you do so. When the mixture reaches paste consistency, stop adding the solution. Cover the bowl and let the charcoal sit for 24 hours. Cover the bowl and allow it to sit untouched. After that, drain as much of the remaining moisture from the bowl as possible. At this point, the charcoal should be wet, but not saturated. Cook the charcoal for another 3 hours to activate it. Return your charcoal to the (cleaned) metal pot and put it back on a fire. The fire will need to be hot enough to boil water for the charcoal to activate. After cooking for 3 hours at this temperature, the charcoal will be activated. Understand how activated charcoal works. Activated charcoal is useful for removing bad smells, bacteria, pollutants, and allergens from air and water. It works by trapping odors, toxins, bacteria, pollutants, allergens, and chemicals into the numerous tiny pores within the charcoal. Purify the air in your home. Wrap some activated charcoal in a linen sheet or cloth, then place the charcoal wherever it's needed. If you don't have linen, choose a tight-weave breathable fabric, like cotton. Avoid using fabric that has a detergent or bleach smell. The charcoal will absorb these smells, too, decreasing its effectiveness. For improved air purification, position a fan so it blows air over the charcoal. As air passes over the charcoal, it will be purified. Make a charcoal water filter with a sock. Store bought water filters can be expensive, but you can achieve the same water purity inexpensively by making your own water filter. Take a clean sock that doesn't smell of detergent or bleach, insert the activated charcoal, and clean water by pouring it through the sock. Make a clay-charcoal facial masque. In a small mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of bentonite clay, ⁄ 2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of activated charcoal, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of turmeric, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of honey. Then add water a little at a time to the mixture until it is smooth. This masque is known for pulling out toxins and unclogging pores. The natural ingredients used in this masque will be safe for nearly all skin types. Apply the masque in a thick layer to your face for 10 minutes, then rinse it away. Treat bloating and gas with activated charcoal. Add 500 milligrams (0.02 oz) of powdered activated charcoal to 12 fluid ounces (350 ml) of water. Drink this mixture before gas producing meals or when you start feeling gassy and bloated to alleviate the symptoms. Taking charcoal with non-acidic juice (like carrot) will be more pleasant than taking it plain. Avoid acidic juices (such as orange or apple juice) which will make the charcoal less effective. Fashion a mask from a plastic 2 L (68 fl oz) bottle. Use scissors to cut the bottom off a 2 L (68 fl oz) plastic bottle. Then remove a 3-in (7.3-cm) wide panel from one side of the bottle. The panel will extend from the cut off bottom to where the neck of the bottle begins to curve toward its spout. The plastic may be jagged where it was cut with scissors. Use medical tape along the cut edges of the bottle for padding. Create a filter chamber with an aluminum can. Poke breathing holes into the bottom of an aluminum can with scissors or a screwdriver. After that, cut off the top of the aluminum can with a sturdy pair of scissors, tin snips, or shears. Be careful when handling the cut metal of the can. It is often sharp enough to easily cause cuts. A layer of duct or medical tape can be used on sharp edges as padding. Load the gas mask with activated charcoal. Insert a layer of cotton into the bottom of the can. Add a layer of activated charcoal on top of the cotton, then sandwich the charcoal with another layer of cotton on top. Tape cotton over the cut top of the can, then cut a small hole in the cotton. Use caution when loading the aluminum can with charcoal, especially if you decided not to pad its sharp edges with tape. Tape together the gas mask and use it when necessary. Insert the spout of the 2 L (68 fl oz) bottle into the hole in the cotton at the top of the can. Tape the aluminum can to the 2 L (68 fl oz) bottle to complete the mask. By breathing through the spout, the air you breathe will be filtered by the charcoal in the can. | Build a medium-sized fire in a safe area. Pack a metal pot with small pieces of hardwood. Cook the pot on an open fire for 3 to 5 hours to make charcoal. Clean the charcoal with water once it cools. Grind up the charcoal. Allow the charcoal powder to air dry completely. Combine calcium chloride and water in a 1:3 ratio. Use bleach or lemon juice as an alternative to the calcium chloride solution. Stir together the calcium chloride solution and charcoal powder. Cover the bowl and let the charcoal sit for 24 hours. Cook the charcoal for another 3 hours to activate it. Understand how activated charcoal works. Purify the air in your home. Make a charcoal water filter with a sock. Make a clay-charcoal facial masque. Treat bloating and gas with activated charcoal. Fashion a mask from a plastic 2 L (68 fl oz) bottle. Create a filter chamber with an aluminum can. Load the gas mask with activated charcoal. Tape together the gas mask and use it when necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Turn-Off-Google-Safesearch | How to Turn Off Google Safesearch | iPhone/iPad: 1. Open Google. 2. Tap the gear. 3. Tap Search settings. 4. Select ″Show most relevant results.″ 5. Tap Save and then Done. Android: 1. Open Google. 2. Tap the menu. 3. Tap Settings. 4. Tap Accounts & privacy. 5. Tap SafeSearch filter. 6. Toggle off the switch. | Open Google. Tap the Google app icon, which resembles a colored "G" on a white background. This will open the Google search engine. Tap the "Settings" icon. It's in the top-left corner of the screen. If Google opens to a website, first tap the Google logo at the bottom of the screen. Scroll down and tap Search settings. It's in the "Privacy" section. Check the "Show most relevant results" box. This option is near the top of the screen. If this option is already checked, SafeSearch is disabled. Tap Save. It's a blue button at the bottom of the page. Doing so will save your settings and exit the Settings page. Tap DONE. This is in the top-right corner of the screen. You will be returned to the Google search engine page. Conduct a search. Search for your preferred term or phrase to determine whether or not SafeSearch has been disabled. If you see explicit (or even different) results than before, you've successfully disabled SafeSearch for Google. If you still aren't seeing explicit content, your ISP or region may be blocking explicit results. You can contact your ISP to inquire, or you can use a VPN or proxy to view blocked content on desktop. Open Google. Tap the Google app icon, which resembles a colored "G" on a white background. This will open the Google search engine. Tap ☰. It's in the bottom-right corner of the screen. A menu will appear. Tap Settings. This is in the menu. Doing so opens the Settings page. Tap Accounts & privacy. You'll find this option in the middle of the Settings page. Tap the blue "SafeSearch filter" switch . It will turn grey {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/d\/d5\/Android7switchoff.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Android7switchoff.png\/35px-Android7switchoff.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":394,"bigWidth":"35","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an Android icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} , which signifies that SafeSearch has been disabled. If the switch is already grey, SafeSearch is disabled. Conduct a search. Tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the screen, then search for your preferred term or phrase to determine whether or not SafeSearch has been disabled. If you see explicit (or even different) results than before, you've successfully disabled SafeSearch for Google. If you still aren't seeing explicit content, your ISP or region may be blocking explicit results. You can contact your ISP to inquire, or you can use a VPN or proxy to view blocked content on desktop. Open the Google Preferences page. Go to https://www.google.com/preferences in any web browser. Your browser must have cookies enabled in order for it to save your preferences when you exit. Uncheck the "Turn on SafeSearch" box. You'll find it near the top of the page. If SafeSearch is locked in your browser, you will need to enter the password when prompted. If this box is already unchecked, SafeSearch is disabled on your computer. Check the "Use private results" box. It's in the middle of the page. This setting isn't directly related to SafeSearch, but it will ensure that you see a larger variety of relevant images. Again, if this box is checked, it's already active. Scroll down and click Save. This blue button is at the bottom of the page. Doing so will save your settings and return you to Google. Conduct a search. Search for your preferred term or phrase to determine whether or not SafeSearch has been disabled. If you see explicit (or even different) results than before, you've successfully disabled SafeSearch for Google. If you still aren't seeing explicit content, your ISP or region may be blocking explicit results. You can contact your ISP to inquire, or you can use a VPN or proxy to view blocked content. Search on Bing instead. Ever since the change to Google SafeSearch, many people have switched to Bing to find explicit content. You can disable SafeSearch in Bing by doing the following: Go to https://www.bing.com/ Click ☰ in the upper-right. Click SafeSearch Check the "Off" box. Click Save Click Agree Use DuckDuckGo to avoid trackers. DuckDuckGo is a private search engine which doesn't track your browsing history. You can disable SafeSearch in DuckDuckGo by doing the following: Go to https://duckduckgo.com/ Click ☰ in the upper-right. Click Other Settings Click the "Safe Search" drop-down box. Click Off Scroll down and click Save and Exit Join DeviantArt to find explicit images for figure drawing. DeviantArt may be a good option if you're looking for images of naked people in non-erotic poses, or of naked people with a variety of body types; however, you will have to sign up using an email address before you can turn off the Mature Content setting. | Open Google. Tap the "Settings" icon. Scroll down and tap Search settings. Check the "Show most relevant results" box. Tap Save. Tap DONE. Conduct a search. Open Google. Tap ☰. Tap Settings. Tap Accounts & privacy. Tap the blue "SafeSearch filter" switch . Conduct a search. Open the Google Preferences page. Uncheck the "Turn on SafeSearch" box. Check the "Use private results" box. Scroll down and click Save. Conduct a search. Search on Bing instead. Use DuckDuckGo to avoid trackers. Join DeviantArt to find explicit images for figure drawing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-a-Guy-Is-Flirting | How to Know a Guy Is Flirting | If you want to tell if a guy is flirting with you, try telling jokes to see if he laughs at them, even if they aren't very funny. Watch his face while he's talking to see if he blushes, and pay attention to whether he straightens his hair or his clothes when he's around you. You can also sit close to him to see if he turns his body towards yours, or whether he finds excuses to touch you. These could all be signs that he's flirting with you! | See how he acts around other women. If he's just acting flirtatious towards you, it probably means there's something he likes about you in particular. However, if he's flirty with all of the ladies, then he may just be a flirtatious person who is naturally charming and charismatic. The next time you're hanging out with him and there are other women around, observe the way he talks to them and treats them. If this is exactly the same way that he talks to you, then he may not be truly flirting with you. See if being flirty is just part of his job. If he's on the job and is a waiter or bartender, for example, then part of his job may just have to do with being flirtatious with the ladies. Don't put too much stock into how he treats you on the job and see how he feels about you when he's off the clock. This will give you a better indication of how he really feels about you. On the other hand, if he's in a more professional setting with you, he may not flirt with you on the job even if he likes you because he doesn't want to get in trouble or doesn't feel comfortable flirting during work hours. See if he breaks the touch barrier. If the guy likes you, then he'll look for any old excuse to touch you because he'll want to get closer to you. He may even linger his hand near yours when passing you a pencil or he may brush up against you, put his hand on the small of your back, or just sit extra close to you so your knees or feet touch. If he seems to always be looking for excuses to touch you, then he probably is flirting with you. See if he laughs at your jokes. Sure, you may be a comedian, but chances are that he thinks you're even funnier than you know you are, if he's flirting with you. If he likes you, then he'll laugh at anything you say, even if you're not trying to be funny. If you find him laughing way too loud when you make jokes, or even nervously laughing when you're talking about what you ate for lunch, then this may be his way of flirting with you. He's probably just laughing because he's excited to be around you. See if he uses you as his lending library. If the guy is flirting with you, then he's really just looking for more opportunities to spend time with you. If he's always asking to borrow your books, your movies, or your notes for class, then chances are that he's really just looking for more excuses to talk to you and to have some of your stuff around so he can think about you even more. This may also have to do with him acting like he shares all of your interests so he can get you to like him! See if he acts like a gentleman around you. Though some guys are just born gentlemen, if the guy likes you, then he'll want to open doors for you, pull out chairs for you, and offer you his coat if you're cold. If you're walking down the street, he may walk on the side of the street to "protect" you from traffic. Watch him around other girls; if he's only particularly gentlemanly to you, then he may definitely be flirting. See if he teases you. Teasing is one of the biggest ways that a man can flirt with you. If he makes fun of you lightly for your clothes, for how you walk, how you laugh, or for any of the other things about you that he actually just thinks are really adorable, then he's definitely flirting with you. If you always feel like the guy is giving you a hard time and pointing out your "faults," then it's really just that he's flirting with you because he's paying attention to all of the little things you do. See if he lies about having common interests. It's great if you and the guy have the exact same taste in music, books, movies, or food, but chances are that your tastes do have to diverge somewhat. If he gets a little bit too excited and nods eagerly when you mention your favorite new movie or band, then it may be because he's just trying to flirt and form a common bond with you so you like him more. Don't count this against him; these harmless lies are just his way to win the key to your heart. See if he gives you small gifts. He may give you a brand new pen because you never have one in class. He may give you Chapstick because you always have chapped lips. While this isn't the same as giving you a giant bouquet of flowers, this is the guy's way of flirting with you and of showing you that he pays attention to who you are and what you need. He's being thoughtful and doesn't want to scare you off with a grander gift if he's not sure that you really like him. See if he makes fun of other guys you hang out with. This is a classic way for a guy to flirt with you and to let you know he's interested. If the guy always makes nasty or just mean and funny comments about any other guys you know or hang out with, then chances are it's because he's just jealous that you're paying attention to someone else who isn't him. If he says something like, "What do you see in that guy, anyway?" then he's definitely flirting with you. See if he jokes about you dating other people. If he even calls other guys your boyfriend or teases you about having a hot date, then he's definitely flirting with you. He's playing around with the idea that you have a boyfriend or that you're seeing someone else because he wants to be the one that you're dating. This is his subtle (or not-so-subtle) way of letting you know that he wants to be the one you have a hot date with. See if he blushes around you. If the guy blushes while you're talking, then this is definitely a sign that he likes you and that he's flirting with you. Check out his face the next time he says something to you, and if he turns bright red for no reason, or if he just turns red after saying something slightly personal to you, then it's definitely a sign that he likes you and is just flirting. See if he finds subtle ways to compliment you. He may not say, "You are so totally hot," but he may compliment you in other ways that give away the fact that he's flirting with you. If he compliments your eyes, the color of your hair, your laugh, or an admirable aspect of your personality, then he's definitely flirting with you. He may even tease you a bit while flirting with you, like if he says something like, "That's the brightest sweater I have ever seen," but he's still flirting with you. Most guys aren't comfortable with just casually complimenting a girl they like, so they may throw in some ambiguity or an insult for good measure. See if he makes eye contact with you. If the guy is flirting with you, then he'll lock eyes with you when he's talking to you. If he likes you, he'll be too distracted to look somewhere else, to check his phone, or to search around for his friends. His gaze may even linger on yours for a while, and then he may get nervous and break eye contact, even maybe with a little smile. He can also flirt with you by making eye contact from across the room, too. If you catch him staring at you, that can be his way of flirting, too. See if he turns his body toward yours. It's all in the body language. If he turns his shoulders, arms, and feet toward you when you're talking instead of turning his body away from yours, then he's keeping an open posture and flirting with you for sure. Check to see that his arms are at his sides instead of crossed over his chest, and that he's really turning his body toward yours. He'll be doing this because he likes you and wants to get even closer to you; he may even lean in close toward you from time to time. See if he fusses with his hair when he's with you. This is another key sign that he's really flirting with you. If he likes you, then he'll be worried about how he looks and how you perceive him, and one thing guys obsess over the most is their own hair. Check to see how many times he puts his hand in his hair or how many times he runs his hands around the back of his head the next time you're together. He may also just be playing with his hair because he's nervous around you, which is another sign that he likes you and is flirting. See if he preens around you. If the guy likes you, then he'll want to look his best around you. This means that he'll try to straighten any wrinkles in his clothes, pick off any crumbs from his pants, or just generally try to look his best around you. He wants you to see him at his best, so he'll do what he can to make his body look as appealing as possible. The next time you're around him, see if he takes care with his appearance, which can be a major sign of flirting. See if he talks to you with an open face. If the guy likes you, then his eyebrows will be slightly raised, his nostrils will be flared a bit, and his lips will be slightly parted. It's biological. If he likes you, then his face will be on the alert, and you'll be able to see if he's flirting with you just by reading his face. Don't stare at his nostrils or eyebrows too much, though, or he may get a bit freaked out. See if he speaks in a low-pitched voice. If a guy likes you, then he will lower his voice slightly as a sign that he's interested. The next time you talk to him, see if he lowers his voice a bit from what his voice usually sounds like when he talks to friends, teachers, or other girls. This may be a sign that he really likes you and that he's flirting with you. See if he confides in you. If the guy confides some personal information to you, then he's definitely flirting with you. If he tells you something personal about his family, his pets, his friends, or his relationship with his parents, then he's definitely flirting with you. His way of flirting with you is to open up and to show you that he may be deeper than you think. If he tells you things that he doesn't just tell everybody and you know you're having a real personal moment together, then he is flirting with you for sure. | See how he acts around other women. See if being flirty is just part of his job. See if he breaks the touch barrier. See if he laughs at your jokes. See if he uses you as his lending library. See if he acts like a gentleman around you. See if he teases you. See if he lies about having common interests. See if he gives you small gifts. See if he makes fun of other guys you hang out with. See if he jokes about you dating other people. See if he blushes around you. See if he finds subtle ways to compliment you. See if he makes eye contact with you. See if he turns his body toward yours. See if he fusses with his hair when he's with you. See if he preens around you. See if he talks to you with an open face. See if he speaks in a low-pitched voice. See if he confides in you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Knowledgeable | How to Be Knowledgeable | To become a knowledgeable person, start by deciding whether you want to gain generalized knowledge or specific knowledge. If you want generalized knowledge, read widely on a variety of subjects, and talk to as many different people as you can. For specific knowledge, read up on that particular subject and talk to experts in that field or practice. No matter what kind of knowledge you want, try learning about things outside of your comfort zone, and read viewpoints different from yours to broaden your mind. | Keep an open mind. Learning often challenges our assumptions and our pre-wired reaction is to ignore the ideas that conflict with ours. Don't automatically dismiss something because it does not fit neatly into your current vision of the world. Understand your own bias. Bias, or leaning toward a certain way of thinking, arises from your upbringing - both at home and within society - and forms your core belief set. Recognize that everyone has a viewpoint that is a function of upbringing and past experience and that each viewpoint has validity within the context of a person's life. Realize, too, that each person's perception of reality is colored by bias and does not actually correspond to reality. One way to mitigate the effects of bias is to consciously practice adopting different viewpoints and internalizing those alter-biases. As you expand your knowledge, even in the most basic forms, you will have to revise your opinions and the way you do things. Learn how to be wrong. As you learn, you will encounter people and situations where you will be in the wrong. Treat these as a learning experience. Decide what kind of knowledge you are looking for. Are you seeking to have extremely specialized understanding of writing codes? Are you looking to be a historian focused on the Medieval Middle-East? Or are you trying to have a broad knowledge base covering abilities from home appliance repair to ancient Greek? Any and all of these are valid. Knowledge is not simply college learning. For generalized knowledge you will want to focus on breadth rather than depth. Read and experiment widely. Talk to as many different people about as many different subjects as you can. For specific knowledge you will need to focus on the depth of the information or skills you are looking to acquire. This means reading on the subject, talking to experts in that field and practicing. Get out of your own comfort zone. Learn about things that might not be your keenest interest. You may find new hobbies and interests you never dreamed of. This means getting out in your community. Check local announcement boards (often at the library or grocery store) or your community's website. This will give you access to a variety of learning opportunities: dance classes, economic aid, community theater. All are good ways to start learning. Don't be afraid to fail. Above all, this is the most important advice in learning to be knowledgeable. You don't know everything and you will get things and information wrong. Owning up to your mistakes and learning from them will help you gain knowledge and help you remember better the correct information. Examine what you did wrong and come up with solutions for what you might do differently in the future. This way you'll be prepared and will show that you are taking your knowledge accumulation seriously. You will be wrong at times, especially in the beginning. This step ties back to keeping an open mind. Accept your failing, learn from it, and continue working hard. Acquire the skills to fix things. This includes fixing things like home appliances, understanding how your car operates, or how to put in a windowpane. They also cover making objects like quilts, carved wood, and blown-glass. Skills like these will help you navigate life and sometimes even find a job. Fixing things is important for anyone to know. Check your community website, or community boards at the library or grocery stores. Often there are free, or cheap, classes put on by someone in your community on wide-ranging things: fixing a flat tire on your bike your car , or your television. If you're only interested in learning the basic skills, check your library for self-help books, or find a YouTube tutorial. If you know someone who has the skill you want to learn, ask them for help. If fixing certain things is important and interesting to you, find a trade school in your area and learn your craft well. See if someone who practices the skill you're trying to learn will take you on as an apprentice. Apprenticing can be a great way to get in-depth with your chosen interest and possibly lead to a job. Be warned: it may take a few tries before you find someone willing to take you on, but even if your chosen person doesn't, they might be able to point you in the direction of someone who will. Learn to make something tangible. This can mean any number of things: carving wood , blowing glass , quilting , knitting. Being able to present something at the end of your learning is extremely rewarding and you can see how far you've come. Handmade objects also make great gifts. If you're in school, some cities have after-school programs for learning how to make tangible objects. See what your district might offer, or might be willing to offer. Colleges often have at least some sort of art department. They occasionally offer free classes, both to students and, sometimes, to the community. Be certain to check by calling your local college. Find people who sell the object you're looking to make. Go to a yarn store, or quilting shop. Find a place that sells hand-blown glass. Ask if they ever offer classes, or know of anyone who does. Often the people who sell these objects, or the things to make the objects, are crafters themselves! Gain technological skills. Technology surrounds us these days. It is important to know how to navigate and use it. Using technology can also help in your quest for other knowledge, so it is an important skill to learn. A website like TechWeb can help link those trying to learn technology with information and others who share that interest. Learn how to use computers. There are different types of computers, which all operate differently. The best thing to do is discuss with the seller how your computer works when you first buy it. Often companies will have help numbers to call, or websites that can give you tips on how to operate your system. A few tips for the Mac user: the desktop is where you put files, the finder helps you find your files, the dock shows icons of certain applications that are on your desktop. These are basic information you will need to operate your computer. Mac has tutorials that take you further than the basics. A few tips for the Windows user: Windows has the "Ease of Access" button in the control panel. By clicking "Get recommendations to make your computer easier to use" the computer will help you find recommendations of how to make your time on the computer easier. Most computer websites have forums where you can post questions and look for answers. The people who run these forums tend to be knowledgeable about their product and don't mind answering questions. If you are using computers at the library, you can also ask for help from a librarian. Learn to navigate and understand the internet. While similar to understanding technology, learning about the internet is a huge task in and of itself. However, being able to search for relevant information, understand and write your own basic code, allows you to better utilize your own learning. Navigating search engines can be difficult. This means both searching for things yourself and having your internet stuff be searchable. By making your own website searchable, you need to understand how to use HTML (or other code) to optimize it, how to make the navigation of your site accessible to search engines, and making sure to hit the right keywords. Knowing the best way for search for something using a search engine like Google can be difficult. A few tips for Google: use site:websitename.com to search the pages of a website, quotation marks " " around a phrase searches for that exact phrase. Using ~example word, will search for related terms. Google Scholar can help find academic articles, GoPubMed is a search engine for science and medical results. Learn code. There is a huge variety of code, so the easiest way is to focus on one specific type and learn it well: HTML, JavaScript, PHP, Python, Ruby, Perl, etc. There are lots of online tutorials for all the different codes. Experiment with different ones and practice your code writing. A few places to start would be Code Academy or w3schools. Learn things that will help with being an adult. This knowledge will serve you well in the long run and allow you to navigate the challenges of being an adult. This is something that is good to learn early. Learning the terms to manage your money. Find out what a budget is and how to set one. Learn what an asset is (something you own) and how liabilities (money you owe) impact them. Figure out the difference between net worth and net income (what you earn after taxes). Learning these terms and how to use them will help enable you to make smart financial decisions in the future. Discover the wonderful world of paying taxes. The less you understand about this world, the easier it will be to mess it up, which can lead to some major problems. The varieties of taxes are wide and varied: income tax, property tax, sales tax, tariffs. They all have a different place in the system. Make sure you understand what taxes you are responsible in your given country. Even better, discover why they are in place and what they are responsible in your system of government (in the U.S. taxes pay for things like the public school system, roads, bridges, welfare programs; England has the National Health Service; it varies country to country. Talk to a tax consultant (although this costs money). For the United States the IRS has several tools for understanding the basics of taxation. Garner home remedies and knowledge gleaned from folklore. Those old wives often knew their stuff and it can help to grow your knowledge to encompass ideas outside the norm, like how to tell the weather forecast without using an instrument or how to treat your cold without medication! Of course these don't work 100% of the time (but then, the weatherman doesn't seem to get it right every time, either). Learn how to determine the weather without instruments. Pay attention to the clouds: wispy and white tends to mean good weather, if they are dense and dark a bad change in weather is usually coming. Red skies usually mean humidity in the air, check which direction the red sky is in at dawn, east or west to determine the weather. A halo around the moon can indicate rain. Learn to treat your awful cold with home remedies. Make a saltwater gargle (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water). Do things like inhale steam, drink water, stay and warm. Take college or university courses. Although this can be expensive, engaging with learning through classes can help you think outside the box and outside your own experience. It will introduce you to resources and people who challenge you and help you engage with learning. There are ways do this sort of learning without spending a fortune. Quite a few prestigious universities, such as Oxford and Harvard, offer free online courses for students and non-students alike, with pre-recorded lectures and access to the syllabi. Many university courses post their syllabi online. By buying or checking out the books used in a class of interest even non-students can keep up with current intellectual trends and continue their education. Museum and universities often bring in speakers from around the world to lecture on a variety of topics. Many of these are free and open to the public. Check on your local museum and university websites. The lecture series are usual easy to find, because they want people to attend them. Read widely. Books, newspapers, magazines, websites. You will get a variety of information and viewpoints, which can help you broaden your mind and learn more about different topics. Make sure to read viewpoints other than yours. This will take you outside your comfort zone, and may even challenge assumptions you have about the world, or your chosen topic. Reading helps your brain with memory, and with fighting dementia. Keep your brain active and reading and searching for knowledge. Even reading fiction, it turns out, is a great way of acquiring knowledge. Scientists have found that reading certain evocative passages in books, stimulates a neurological response similar to experience that passage, highlighting smells, sight, sound, etc. It is a good way to experience other forms of living. Again, be certain to read outside your comfort zone. Accessing books about lives foreign to you is a good way to build your empathy and knowledge of how other people live. Quite a few of the classics are available for free download online. Sites like Inlibris and ReadPrint are good places to locate free books to continue your education. Visit the library. It may seem like an outdated notion, but libraries are a tremendous source of knowledge. They are also a free resource, allowing you to access books, magazines, and newspapers that you otherwise might not be able to afford. Librarians can provide research help in terms of pointing you towards the right books to help in your learning. If you need help understanding how to research certain subjects librarians, especially college librarians, can help with that. Often, librarians can also point you to other resources that might interest you. Likewise, check for your item on WorldCat. If your library doesn't have it, often they can get it on loan from another library. The public library costs no money (except for late fines!) and has access to a wide variety of materials. If they don't have a particular resource that you need, request it! Libraries will often get patron's requests. College libraries are useful for both college students and the general public. College librarians are trained to help with research, providing access to skills and to knowledge. If you're a student, ask them for help researching your topic and have them point you towards other resources. For the general public, most college libraries only check the i.d. cards of people coming into the library at night. Even if you can't check a book out, you can make use of the specified material. College libraries will tend to have more books on esoteric materials, or in-depth on their subjects. Memorize your new information. Keeping the information you have learned in your brain is important after doing all the work to access it. Memorization helps learning languages, remembering lists, and important quotations and dates. Repetition is key. Memorizing and remembering anything means repeating multiple times until you can recall it in your sleep (forgive the slight hyperbole, but people often find when they repeat something enough they start to dream about it). Focus on keywords. This is sometimes known as the "Journey Method." It means using certain words (or numbers) as landmarks on your journey through the quotation, list, or speech. In your mind, place these keywords along a well known physical path, such as your route to work from your house. Writing it down can help. Now, when you follow the mental route you choose, you should assign words to it. Example: Front door--I came; Car--I saw; Work parking lot--I conquered. Another good way to memorize something, especially with a language is to write it down over and over and over again until you can recite it with your eyes closed. Talk to experts. This step is important, because it allows you to interact with someone in your chosen field or fields. You can ask questions and get a dialogue going. Talk to the mechanics at the garage you take your car to, get the person who is fixing your computer to give you an overview of what they are doing to fix it. Prepare questions in advance and during a lecture or class at a college, community center, or museum. If they haven't been answered, afterwards approach the speaker and ask them. Speakers almost always are happy to engage further in their chosen material. Be polite and respectful. Museums often have a contact number or email. Approach them with your questions. It might take them some time to reply and they might not know the answers, but they can often put you in contact with someone who does. Professors usually have a university email somewhere on their university's website. You could try sending them an email outlining your interest in your subject and asking for their help. Remember that professors are busy people, so don't contact them around midterms or finals. There are certain internet resources where it is possible to talk with an expert and ask them questions covering a wide variety of topics. Constantly pursue knowledge. Gathering knowledge, learning, is a lifelong endeavor. Pay attention to the world around you to look for new opportunities to learn. Keep an open mind and learn from your mistakes and you will be quite knowledgeable. Information changes constantly, be it science, literature, or even wood working. Keep learning on your chosen topics. | Keep an open mind. Decide what kind of knowledge you are looking for. Get out of your own comfort zone. Don't be afraid to fail. Acquire the skills to fix things. Learn to make something tangible. Gain technological skills. Learn to navigate and understand the internet. Learn things that will help with being an adult. Garner home remedies and knowledge gleaned from folklore. Take college or university courses. Read widely. Visit the library. Memorize your new information. Talk to experts. Constantly pursue knowledge. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Latch-Hook | How to Latch Hook | If you want to latch hook, lay out the canvas from your kit in front of you and wrap the yarn tightly around the latch hook. For your first project, consider following a template to create a design. To start your pattern, thread the latch hook through one of the squares, taking care not to let the yarn go through. Then, pinch the loose ends of the yarn, pull them to the side, and pull the hook back out through the hole. Repeat this process until you complete your pattern, stopping regularly to tighten the knot as this will make the looped section less obvious. | Buy a latch hook kit. Each of these kits contains the latch hook tool itself, along with a special grid-like fabric canvas that will serve as a base to which each strand of yarn will be attached. The canvases are constructed of sturdy intersecting strings, and usually measure about 30 inches (76 cm) tall by 24 inches (61 cm) wide. You'll be able to find latch hook kits at most arts and crafts stores, as well as hobby shops that sell knitting supplies. They typically retail for about $10 or less. Most kits also come with templates for basic weaving projects, which can come in handy if it's your first time working with yarn. Stock up on yarn. Make sure you have enough yarn to bring the design you have in mind to life. The simplest solution is to purchase precut rug yarn, which comes in pieces that are between 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) and 3 inches (7.6 cm) long. However, you can also cut each strand to the desired length yourself to give your finished project a more tailored look. 3-ply acrylic rug yarn will provide the most eye-catching results for most projects. Shop around for yarn in a variety of striking colors that you think would make a good addition to your latch hook tapestry. When cutting your own yarn, each strand should be at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) in length in order to attach securely to the canvas. Lay out the canvas grid on a flat surface. Remove the latch hook canvas from the package and smooth it out on a spacious table or countertop. Make sure the squares form straight, neat rows, and that each square is fully stretched out. If you want to make a basic portrait-style wall hanging, arrange the canvas so that it's sitting in front of you lengthwise. To weave a landscape-style mural, turn the canvas widthwise. Clear your work area of other nearby objects to keep the canvas from getting snagged while you're working. Wrap a strand of yarn around the shaft of the latch hook. Adjust the yarn until it rests in the shallow crook just above the handle of the tool. Pull the ends of the strand taut around the latch hook with your opposite hand. A little tension will make it easier to maneuver the tool through the holes in the canvas without losing the yarn. Don't let the yarn drift up towards the latch. Thread the latch hook through one of the squares in the canvas. Guide the tip of the tool under the string at the edge of the square, then up and out through the other side. Keep sliding it until the crook of the latch hook is nearly level with the square, but don't let the yarn go through. Be careful to only insert the latch hook through one square at a time. Leave about an inch of space around the edge of the canvas in case you decide to mount your handiwork later. If you make a mistake, work the latch hook out of the square and start over. Draw the ends of the yarn to one side. This will place the strand in the correct position for knotting. It will also get them out of the way so you can concentrate on threading the latch hook. Pinch the loose ends firmly to hold them together. If they come apart, they may end up being two different lengths once the strand has been knotted. Pull the latch hook back out through the hole. To complete the knot, all you have to do is go back out the way you came. As you withdraw the tool, the swinging latch will gather up the loose ends of the yarn, pulling them under the section that's anchored to the canvas. It's that easy! Repeat this process as many times as desired to cover your canvas with a dazzling, multicolored fringe. Tighten the knot by hand. Each time you complete a strand, pause and give the loose ends a quick tug. This will both secure the knot and make the looped section less visible. Latch hook loops aren't as tight as hand-tied knots, which means they're more likely to come undone if they're not properly cinched. Be careful not to pull on the knot too forcefully, or you could stretch out the canvas and leave it looking misshapen. Start with basic designs. When you're first learning how to latch hook, it's best to keep things simple. Try following a template for your first few project to get an idea of how the yarn looks on the canvas. From there, you can move on to freehand shapes like lines and circles a shot. Get creative with your projects. As you improve, you'll learn to produce more complex patterns and contours and begin producing your own unique designs. These could be anything from formless swaths of color to distinct patterns like stripes, spirals, waves, and rainbows. Advanced latch hookers have even been known to weave detailed portraits and scenes. Don't be afraid to be abstract—experiment with yarn placement and weave whatever patterns your eye suggests. It can be helpful to think of the canvas squares as a guide for forming precise edges and curves, similar to drafting paper. Trim the yarn to the desired length. Rather than spending hours cutting the yarn to size before you make a single knot, wait until your design comes together, then snip the strands wherever you want them to be shorter. Touching up your work after the fact will offer you more control, as it allows you to make just as much of an adjustment as you need instead of being forced to guess at the right length. Trimming the strands to different lengths can lend added texture and dimension to your finished project. Use two strands of yarn at once. Wrapping, threading, and knotting one strand after another can take all day. By doubling up your yarn, you also stand to double your speed. Line up two separate pieces of the same length, then knot them as you ordinarily would, being careful not to let the two strands overlap in the process. Since you'll have an extra strand to deal with, you'll need to work carefully to avoid mistakes. This method can be especially useful when you're covering a large area with a single color. | Buy a latch hook kit. Stock up on yarn. Lay out the canvas grid on a flat surface. Wrap a strand of yarn around the shaft of the latch hook. Thread the latch hook through one of the squares in the canvas. Draw the ends of the yarn to one side. Pull the latch hook back out through the hole. Tighten the knot by hand. Start with basic designs. Get creative with your projects. Trim the yarn to the desired length. Use two strands of yarn at once. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Knit-Mittens | How to Knit Mittens | To knit mittens, start by getting some yarn and double-pointed knitting needles. Then, knit the cuff of the mitten until it's 2-3 inches long. Next, start knitting the body, placing 8-15 stitches on a stitch holder for the thumb. Once the body is 8 1/2 to 9 1/2 inches across, bind off the stitches at the end. Finally, pick up the stitches you placed on the stitch holder, and knit the thumb. | Look at patterns for inspiration. Patterns come in many different styles, so following a pattern may be the way to go if you want to get a specific look. You can find patterns that range in difficulty from beginner to advanced, so choose a pattern that matches your skill level. Check online for free knitting patterns, or visit your local craft supply store and peruse some knitting pattern books and magazines. To follow the sample pattern in this article, use a set of 5 US size 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles with a ball of medium-weight yarn. Select your yarn. You can make mittens out of just about any type of yarn, but you will likely want something that is warm and soft. Choosing a chunky or super chunky yarn will make knitting the mittens much faster than if you opt for a medium-weight yarn, so you might consider this if you are trying to make a pair of mittens in a hurry. You should only need 1 ball of yarn to knit a pair of mittens. Choose an appropriate set of double-pointed knitting needles. Double-pointed needles are essential for knitting mittens because they need to be worked in the round. Choose a set of 5 double-pointed needles that will work with the type of yarn you are using. You can usually find a recommendation on the yarn label. For example, if you will be using medium-weight yarn, then a US size 7 to 9 (4.5 to 5.5 mm) set of double-pointed needles would be appropriate. Make a slipknot and place it on your right-hand knitting needle. Wrap the yarn around your index and middle fingers 2 times. Pull the second loop through the first loop and tug the tail. Then, slide the loop onto the right-hand-needle and pull the tail some more to tighten it. This will be your first cast on stitch. Cast on the desired number of stitches to the double-pointed needles. If you are using US size 7 needles with a ball of medium-weight yarn, cast on 48 stitches. Distribute the cast-on stitches evenly between 4 of the double-pointed needles. Each needle should have 12 stitches on it, and you should leave the fifth needle empty. To cast on, loop the yarn over the left-hand needle. Insert the right-hand needle into the loop you have just created. Then, loop the yarn over the right-hand needle. Pull this new yarn through the first loop to create another cast-on stitch on the right-hand needle. Keep in mind that the number of stitches you will need to cast on is highly variable depending on the size of the mittens you want to create, the type of yarn and needles you are using, and how loose or tight you want the mittens to fit. This is why it is highly recommended to use a pattern. Knit into the first cast on stitch. Insert the empty right-hand needle through your first cast on stitch in the round. Then, loop the yarn over the end of the right-hand needle. Pull this yarn through the loop and let the old stitch slide off of the left-hand needle as the new stitch replaces it on the right-hand needle. For a wider rib, you may knit 2 instead of 1. Purl the next stitch. To purl, move the working yarn so that it is in front of your work. Push the tip of the right-hand needle in through the front of the first stitch on your left-hand needle. Then, yarn over the right-hand needle and pull this new loop through the cast on stitch. Let the old stitch slide off the left-hand needle as the new stitch replaces it. For a wider rib, purl 2 instead of 1. Continue to alternate between knitting and purling for the entire round. This is how you work a basic 1 by 1 rib stitch, but you may also knit 2 and purl 2 for a wider rib. When you get to the end of the round, place a stitch marker to indicate where the round begins and ends. This will help you to keep track of your rounds. It is nice to start off mittens using a rib stitch because it will create a stretchy cuff that helps the mittens to stay on even if the part that covers your hands is a bit loose. However, if desired, you can skip this and just knit all of the stitches in the round. Doing so will create a looser, plain knit cuff that curls up around the bottom edges. Work the rib stitch until the cuff is about 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm). Usually, 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) is sufficient, but you may make the cuff shorter or longer if you like. If you are following a pattern, make sure to refer to the pattern's instructions for working the cuff. Remember that making a ribbed cuff is optional, but you will still need to create some kind of cuff for your mittens. Work the body for 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 cm) from the cuff. After you are satisfied with the length of the cuff, switch to the stitch you will be working for the body of the mitten. Defer to your pattern's recommendations for how long to work this stitch. If you are following the sample pattern, knit in the stockinette stitch until the section measures 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) from the end of the ribbed section. The stockinette stitch is a classic stitch for knitting mittens. To work the stockinette stitch, simply knit all of the stitches in the round. Place 8 to 15 stitches on a stitch holder for the thumb. You will need to reserve a space to create the thumb after you finish working the body of the mitten. You may only need to slip 8 stitches onto a stitch holder for a chunky yarn, or 15 stitches for a medium weight yarn. Start your next round by sliding the first 8 to 15 stitches onto a stitch holder. If you are following the sample pattern with medium-weight yarn and size 7 double-pointed needles, then place 15 stitches onto the stitch holder. Make sure to follow what your pattern tells you to do regarding the thumb section. The number of stitches you need to set aside will vary greatly depending on the size of your mittens, yarn and needle type, and how you want the mittens to fit. Knit until the piece measures 8.5 to 9.5 inches (22 to 24 cm). Keep working in the stitch you were using before you slid the thumb stitches onto the stitch holder and skip over them when you reach them again. The entire body of the mitten should measure 8.5 to 9.5 inches (22 to 24 cm) before you begin binding off the area that will cover your fingertips. Use a ruler to measure the body of the mitten when it seems like you are close to finishing. Make sure that you do not knit across the thumb gap too tightly or the space for your thumb will be too small. Keep some slack in your yarn when you knit across this section. To check, try sticking your thumb through the hole right after you knit across the section. If it is too tight, then undo the last stitch and try again. Bind off the stitches at the end of the section. To start binding off, knit the first 2 stitches on the left-hand needle, and then loop the first stitch on the right-hand needle over second stitch. Knit the next stitch on the left-hand needle and loop the new first stitch over the second stitch again. Repeat this sequence all the way to the end of the row. Tie off the last stitch by making a knot through it. Cut the yarn close to the knot. Pick up the stitches you slipped onto the stitch holder. To complete your mittens, insert an empty double-pointed needle into half of the stitches you slipped off and insert another empty double-pointed needle into the other half. Pick up another empty double-pointed needle to work the stitches in the thumb round. Knit the first 2 stitches front and back, then knit as usual. To knit front and back, insert the right-hand needle through the first stitch from the front. Then, loop the yarn over the right-hand needle and pull it through the loop. Leave the old stitch on the left-hand needle, and bring the working yarn in front of your knitting. Insert the right-hand needle through the same stitch coming from behind the stitch. Then, loop the yarn over, and pull through to complete the stitch. You will have 2 additional stitches for the round after knitting the first 2 front and back. If you are using a pattern, make sure that you defer to what it says to do. You may need to increase by more than 2 stitches. For the rest of the round, knit the stitches as usual. However, if your pattern says to do otherwise, then defer to what it says to do. Complete 1 more increase round. After you finish the knitting to the end of the round, knit front and back 2 more times to begin the next round. Then, knit to the end of that round. This will complete the increases required for the sample pattern. If you are following a pattern, make sure to follow its instructions. Continue knitting until the thumb piece is the desired length. You will need to keep working the thumb section until it is about 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) long. You can insert your thumb into the thumb hole periodically to check it, or use a ruler to measure it. If you are using a pattern, then do what the pattern recommends. Bind and tie off the stitches at the end of the thumb. Bind off the thumb the same way that you did for the body of the mitten. Then, tie off the last stitch to secure the thumb section. Cut the yarn close to the knot and your first mitten is finished! Repeat the sequence to create a second mitten. | Look at patterns for inspiration. Select your yarn. Choose an appropriate set of double-pointed knitting needles. Make a slipknot and place it on your right-hand knitting needle. Cast on the desired number of stitches to the double-pointed needles. Knit into the first cast on stitch. Purl the next stitch. Continue to alternate between knitting and purling for the entire round. Work the rib stitch until the cuff is about 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm). Work the body for 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 cm) from the cuff. Place 8 to 15 stitches on a stitch holder for the thumb. Knit until the piece measures 8.5 to 9.5 inches (22 to 24 cm). Bind off the stitches at the end of the section. Pick up the stitches you slipped onto the stitch holder. Knit the first 2 stitches front and back, then knit as usual. Complete 1 more increase round. Continue knitting until the thumb piece is the desired length. Bind and tie off the stitches at the end of the thumb. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deadhead-an-Iris | How to Deadhead an Iris | To deadhead an Iris, start by finding a bloom that is just beginning to wilt and fade, since removing these will prevent the plant from using energy to grow a seedpod and result in more flowers. Then, use your fingers to pinch off the bloom right below the flowerhead. You can also use a sharp pair of scissors to remove the flower after it wilts. Once all the blooms on a stem are gone, use garden shears to cut the woody stem near the base of the plant to prevent rot. | Use your fingers or scissors to deadhead your Iris. Try to remove the flowers just as they begin to wilt or fade as doing this prevents them from growing seed pods. To deadhead an Iris bloom, either use your fingers or take a clean sharp pair of scissors and snip or pinch off the single bloom just behind the flowerhead. It's important to remove not only the shriveled petals but also the green swollen sheath it emerges from, as this is the part that will eventually develop into a seedhead. Avoid cutting blooms that have not opened yet. Try to avoid accidentally removing any remaining flowers as there may be other blooms on the stem yet to open. Try to get into the habit of checking you plant twice a week or so during the flowering season. Some varieties of Iris (such as African Iris) have blooms which last only for one day but the plant will quickly grow new ones. Remove the stems after any possibility of flowering is over. Some Iris varieties (such as the bearded Iris) will often flower twice, once in early summer and once in late summer. Once all the blooms on a flower stem are gone and you don't expect any more, you can then remove the flower stem from the plant. Removing the flower stem helps prevent rot. To do this: Take a sharp blade such as a pair of garden sheers. The stem will be quite woody in many iris varieties. Snip the stem off at the base near the ground about an inch above the rhizome. This stem can then be composted. Leave the foliage on your plant. It's very important to leave the foliage on the plant after the flowering ends, so don't be tempted to cut the plant back just yet. The Iris will use the foliage to draw energy into its roots to help it survive the winter. Leave the foliage on the plant until it withers away of its own accord. It's okay to trim off any brown tips but leave as much healthy green growth as possible. In the fall, once the foliage is withering away, you can cut back the foliage to about 6 inches (15.2 cm) from the ground. Know that seed production may keep your plant from producing more flowers. Seed production takes your plant's energies away from flower production, so removing the dead flowers at their swollen base prevents seeds from being formed at that site. The plant then often goes on to produce more blooms than it would otherwise have done. In the case of some varieties of Iris, you may get a second flush of blooms if you deadhead your plants. Keep your flower’s appearance in mind. Deadheading also improves the plant's appearance so that ongoing flower production can be enjoyed. Removing withered brown flowers also improves the plant's appearance even if it doesn't produce further flowers. This is especially true of Iris plants, as the dead flowers turn brown very quickly and detract from other flowers. Understand that seed production can lead to more irises growing in your garden. Some plants need to be deadheaded to prevent the plant from self-seeding throughout your garden. Plants such as poppy and ox eye daisy tend to spread themselves by seeding the surrounding area of ground and this may become a nuisance. Some Iris varieties such as the African Iris (Dietes bicolor) are likely to self seed in your garden. Deadheading these and other plants will stop this from happening and contain the spread of plants in your garden. Consider keeping attractive seed heads if you don't want to deadhead your plants. Some Irises have attractive seedheads so you may wish to avoid deadheading in order to enjoy the seedhead display once the flowers are finished. These varieties include Stinking iris (Iris foetidissima) and Blackberry lily (Belamcanda), both of which produce attractive visible seeds after flowering. Feed your Iris. Irises will benefit from a feed in the early spring. Try to use a fertilizer that is relatively low in nitrogen relative to potash (potassium) and phosphorus. High nitrogen fertilizers are thought to promote rot in Iris rhizomes. Steer clear of putting mulch directly on your plant’s rhizome. Avoid mulching on top of your Irises' rhizomes to avoid rot. A rhizome is a horizontal stem that grows out from the center of the plant. You can put a shallow mulch that is roughly two inches in depth around the plant, but you should make sure that the mulch doesn't cover the rhizomes and the center of the plant. Avoid using manure, even at planting time. Consider dividing your rhizome. It can take quite a while to germinate Iris seed so you may have better results and faster ones by dividing the rhizome. Dividing the rhizome every few years also helps maintain the plant's performance. This should be done about 6 weeks after flowering. It's fine to deadhead your Iris plant thoroughly if you are planning to divide it. Give your Iris the water it needs. Irises don't tend to need a lot of watering but you may like to water your plants occasionally during dry weather. Try to give your plant a good amount of water once a week rather than giving the plant a small amount of water more frequently. Avoid over-watering as this makes the rhizome prone to rot. It's especially important to water over the summer if you have a variety that will rebloom the same year. Varieties that only flower in the spring don't need as much summer attention. Collect seeds from your Iris if you don't deadhead your plants. If you want to get seeds from your Iris, limit your deadheading and let at least one flowerhead remain after flowering so that the seedhead develops there. Bear in mind the resulting plants will vary in appearance and won't necessarily be like the parent plant. Help your seeds to grow. Growing Iris from seed usually involves soaking them for at least 2 days beforehand. Many gardeners pre-chill the seeds by storing them in the fridge beforehand. | Use your fingers or scissors to deadhead your Iris. Avoid cutting blooms that have not opened yet. Remove the stems after any possibility of flowering is over. Leave the foliage on your plant. Know that seed production may keep your plant from producing more flowers. Keep your flower’s appearance in mind. Understand that seed production can lead to more irises growing in your garden. Consider keeping attractive seed heads if you don't want to deadhead your plants. Feed your Iris. Steer clear of putting mulch directly on your plant’s rhizome. Consider dividing your rhizome. Give your Iris the water it needs. Collect seeds from your Iris if you don't deadhead your plants. Help your seeds to grow. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Panko-Bread-Crumbs | How to Make Panko Bread Crumbs | If you want to make your own panko breadcrumbs, cut a crustless loaf of bread into slices, then cut each slice into 3-4 strips. If you don't have crustless bread, use a serrated knife to trim the crusts off a regular loaf of bread. Grate the strips of bread with a grater or blend them in a food processor fitted with a shredder attachment until you have large flakes of bread, then spread the flakes in an even layer on a rimmed baking dish. Bake the breadcrumbs at 250°F for 20-30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or so. | Preheat the oven to 250 °F (121 °C) and get out a rimmed baking sheet. Set 1 to 2 rimmed baking sheets on your work surface. It's important to use a rimmed sheet so the breadcrumbs won't slide off of the sheet when you put them in and take them out of the oven. Cut a crustless loaf of bread into 3 to 4 strips. If you don't have crustless bread, use a sharp serrated knife to trim off and discard the crusts. Place your crustless bread on a cutting board, cut it into slices, and cut each slice into 3 to 4 strips. You can cut them lengthwise or horizontally. While white panko is traditionally made with crustless bread, you can leave the crust on to create tan panko. Shred the bread in a food processor to make large flakes. Put the shredding disc on your food processor and turn the machine on. Slowly put the strips of crustless bread into the machine. This should make big flakes of breadcrumbs. If you don't have a food processor, grate the bread against the coarse side of a box grater or pulse it 1 to 2 times in a blender. Spread the breadcrumbs on the rimmed baking sheet. If it looks as though the breadcrumbs will be more than ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) thick on 1 sheet, divide them between 2 sheets. Keeping the breadcrumbs in an even layer will ensure that the panko becomes crispy as it bakes. Bake the panko breadcrumbs for 20 to 30 minutes. Put the rimmed baking sheet in the preheated oven and cook it until the panko becomes crispy. Use a spoon or spatula to stir the breadcrumbs every 5 minutes as they bake. Stirring the panko frequently will prevent it from browning. The panko should become crunchy, but remain pale in color. Cool the panko breadcrumbs. Remove the rimmed baking sheet from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Let the panko cool completely before you use it or store it. If you store the panko before it's finished cooling, the moisture in the breadcrumbs will cause them to spoil faster. It will probably take at least 1 hour for the breadcrumbs to cool. They'll continue to dry as they cool. Keep the panko in a container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Put the cooled panko breadcrumbs into a storage container with a lid. Store the container in the pantry and use the breadcrumbs within 2 weeks. If you prefer, freeze the panko breadcrumbs for up to 2 months. There's no need to thaw panko breadcrumbs when you are ready to use them. Create a crunchy panko topping for casseroles. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over your favorite casserole or gratin just before baking. The panko will brown and become crispy as it bakes. Try topping scalloped potatoes , tuna noodle casserole , or cauliflower gratin. To cut back on the richness of some casseroles, replace grated Parmesan toppings with panko breadcrumbs. Make an extra-crispy breading for vegetables or meats. Substitute panko breadcrumbs for standard breadcrumbs in any recipe that calls for coating food before frying, baking or sautéing. For example, make fried fish , pork chops , chicken cutlets , or onion rings with panko. You can also use panko breadcrumbs in any recipe that calls for breadcrumbs in stuffing. For example, stuff mushrooms with a flavored panko mixture before baking them. Replace standard breadcrumbs in meatloaf or veggie burgers. The next time you're mixing up a batch of meatballs , meatloaf, or veggie burgers, leave out the standard breadcrumbs. Use an equal amount of panko breadcrumbs to act as a binder. They won't change the flavor of the meal, but they'll bind the mixture together. Use panko breadcrumbs in any recipe that calls for breadcrumbs to bind ingredients. For example, mix panko into crab cakes before forming them into patties. Fry crispy appetizers coated with panko. Instead of dipping your favorite appetizers in beaten eggs and coating them with breadcrumbs, use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy exterior. The panko will also stay crispy longer than standard breadcrumbs. For example, coat and fry these appetizers: Scotch eggs Mozzarella sticks Chicken strips Macaroni and cheese balls | Preheat the oven to 250 °F (121 °C) and get out a rimmed baking sheet. Cut a crustless loaf of bread into 3 to 4 strips. Shred the bread in a food processor to make large flakes. Spread the breadcrumbs on the rimmed baking sheet. Bake the panko breadcrumbs for 20 to 30 minutes. Cool the panko breadcrumbs. Keep the panko in a container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Create a crunchy panko topping for casseroles. Make an extra-crispy breading for vegetables or meats. Replace standard breadcrumbs in meatloaf or veggie burgers. Fry crispy appetizers coated with panko. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Mouse-Pad | How to Make a Mouse Pad | To make your own mousepad, you'll need to create a non-stick base that you can add a decorative top layer to. Start by getting a piece of cardboard that's around 8 by 10 inches. Next, attach a piece of shelf or drawer liner, rug liner, or adhesive pad on the bottom of your cardboard to make it non-stick. Then, cut a sheet of thin self-adhesive foam padding to place on top of your cardboard to give your mousepad a padded surface. Once your mousepad is assembled, decorate it by printing a sheet of paper with photos or images on it, cut a piece of wallpaper to size, or use a piece of wrapping paper. Finally, cover the top with clear contact paper to protect your design and allow your mouse to move smoothly. | Select a piece of cardboard. Measure and cut it to the size you want your mouse pad to be. A standard mouse pad is around 8” x 10”, but feel free to customize the size to your personal preference. Use corrugated cardboard, rather than flat cardboard, because it provides a layer of cushioning. If you have any cardboard boxes on hand, you can simply cut the base of your pad from the side of a box. If the cardboard you have isn't thick enough for the mousepad you want, you can glue a few pieces of cardboard together to create your pad's base. Instead of cardboard, you can also use a piece of foam core. Make your base non-slip. You don't want your mousepad to slide around on your desk while you are trying to use it. You can use shelf and drawer non-slip liner for the bottom of your mousepad. Just cut it to the size of the base of your mousepad. You can find this type of liner in stores like Target, Walmart, Lowes, or Home Depot. If you don't buy the adhesive kind of liner, use glue to attach it. Alternatively, you can use a piece of a rug liner in the same way. If you want a simple, household nonstick alternative, you can use a piece of double-sided tape on each corner of your pad. Add your tape when you are completely finished constructing your pad. Simply use it to stick the pad to your desk. You can also use adhesive pads or putty meant for hanging posters. Cut a sheet of thin self-adhesive foam padding. This should be the same size as your cardboard and will give your mouse a good surface to move on. You want to place your foam directly on top of your cardboard surface so that all the sides line up. After you cut the foam, remove the paper protecting the adhesive and apply it to the top of your cardboard. If the foam you find doesn't have adhesive, you'll want to glue the foam in place. You should be able to find this type of foam at any hobby or craft store. If you don't want to use foam, you can just leave the cardboard plain, as it will still function as a mousepad. Alternatively, you can use something like a piece of cork as this layer of your mousepad. If you have an old bulletin board, simply cut out a piece the size of your pad. Choose a design. The beauty in creating your own mousepad is that you can customize it to match your workspace. Decide if you want it to include a pattern, a solid color, or a photograph. Find your material. Once you know what you want your design to be, decide on a material for the decorative top layer of your mousepad. Remember that you want your mousepad to stay smooth and flat, so your mouse can move across it easily. For photographs, you can use simply a printed sheet of paper with your chosen image. When you're using a photo, you want to make sure you use a photo that is the size of your mouse pad, rather than gluing a smaller photo in the center. If you'd rather have a pattern, you can use wallpaper or wrapping paper. Thrift stores are a great place to find cheap remnants of wallpaper perfect for crafting. Fabric is also a good material for solid or patterned mousepads. You can find fabric at any local hobby store or repurpose an old cotton shirt. Cut to size. Whatever material you choose, you'll need to cut it to the size of your mousepad base. You want it to be the exact size of the top of your base with clean-cut edges. Attach your decorative top to your mousepad. After you cut it to size, you will want to attach your fabric or paper top to the base. White glue or mod podge works well for paper tops. Just use a paintbrush to spread a thin, even layer of glue onto the surface of your base, and then smooth on your top layer of paper. If you are using fabric, use fabric glue or a spray adhesive for the best results. Avoid hot glue, as this will leave lumps in your mouse pad. Cover the top with clear contact paper. The clear contact paper will protect your design and allow your mouse to move smoothly. First, cut your contact paper to size. Then, peel off its backing, and apply it to your mousepad. Be sure to smooth out any air bubbles. You can use the side of a ruler as a tool for smoothing. If you'd rather skip the decorative paper or fabric, you can simply use an opaque contact paper with a preprinted design. Gather your materials. To make a very simple pad, you will need a small book or similarly shaped flat object, a plastic envelope, and some tape. The book inside the envelope creates a nice flat surface for your mouse to glide on. If you don't have an envelope, you can also use a zip lock bag. If you're in a real hurry, you can use a thick magazine or a book alone as a mousepad. Make sure the book you use has a smooth cover and enough surface area. Simply place the book or magazine beside your computer. Choose the exterior of your mousepad. If you have a plastic envelope, this works best. It has a smooth surface and a small amount of cushioning. Cut your envelope in half. This will make your mousepad into a more manageable size for use on your desk. You can leave the envelope whole if you want a very large mousepad or want to reuse the envelope later. Insert your weight. You'll want something to put inside of your mousepad to give it weight and give your mouse something to slide around on. The weight should be slightly smaller than your envelope half. A slim book works well. You could also use a scrap of wood or a few small pieces of cardboard. Put your weight inside your envelope. You want it to sit comfortably inside the envelope with a bit of room on the end so you can enclose it. Tape your envelope shut. Use a few pieces of masking tape or clear tape to seal the edges of your envelope. This insures that your weight won't fall out while you're using it. Add nonslip surface. If you really need a mousepad right away, you can skip this step. However, it can be nice to ensure your pad stays in place on your desk while you use it. The simplest way to create a nonslip surface is to use a few pieces of double-side adhesive to attach the pad to your desk. You can also use tape, poster putter, or command hook adhesive. | Select a piece of cardboard. Make your base non-slip. Cut a sheet of thin self-adhesive foam padding. Choose a design. Find your material. Cut to size. Attach your decorative top to your mousepad. Cover the top with clear contact paper. Gather your materials. Choose the exterior of your mousepad. Cut your envelope in half. Insert your weight. Put your weight inside your envelope. Tape your envelope shut. Add nonslip surface. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Train-a-Cat-to-Stop-Doing-Almost-Anything | How to Train a Cat to Stop Doing Almost Anything | To train a cat to stop doing almost anything, put a material with an unpleasant texture in the area you don't want your cat to go, like aluminum foil or double-sided tape. You can also spray the area with citronella, aloe, or citrus, which will deter your cat since it won't like the smell. If your cat misbehaves when it's stressed or hyperactive, try using a cat pheromone diffuser or spray, which will make it calmer so it's less likely to act out. | Understand the most common behavioral problems in cats. Though every cat is unique and may have specific issues or specific bad behaviors, most cats act out in seven ways: Avoiding the litter box or refusing to use the litter box. Marking furniture and other objects with their urine. Scratching furniture and other objects in your home. Your cat may also scratch you or others when play fighting. Acting aggressive towards other people or towards their owner. Acting aggressive towards other cats in the home. Displaying stress or anxiety. Acting fearful of objects or people. Bring your cat to the vet for a checkup to rule out any medical issues. Sometimes cats will respond act out or display behavioral issues because they are struggling with a medical issue. For example, your cat may refuse to use his litter box due to a urinary tract infection, or he may act aggressively towards you because he is experiencing physical pain that is not immediately apparent to you. Some cats become fearful of people or objects due to vision issues and over groom themselves due to hyperthyroidism. Taking your cat to the vet for a checkup will help identify any medical problems that could be causing your cat's bad behavior and treat it promptly so it does not get worse. If your vet gives your cat a clean bill of health, you can focus on issues in your cat's environment that may be causing his bad behavior. Recognize any environmental causes for your cat’s bad behavior. Once your cat is cleared of any medical issues, you can consider why your cat might be displaying one or several of these bad behaviors. Look at his environment for any triggers of bad behavior, including: A dirty or poorly kept litter box, which can lead to litter box avoidance. Another cat who is bullying your cat in the home, leading to litter box avoidance and aggression. A new cat in the home, which can cause your cat to urine mark. A new dog in the home can also cause your cat to act fearful or aggressive. A lack of scratching posts, which can lead to your cat scratching furniture and other objects in the home. Avoid physically or verbally punishing your cat. Physically or verbally reprimanding your cat is one of the least successful ways to correct your cat's bad behavior. In fact, hitting your cat or yelling at him can lead your cat to act more fearful around you, be less willing to play with other people, and display more aggressive scratching and biting. Your cat will likely continue to act out when you are out of sight as he knows he can perform the behavior without punishment if you cannot see him. Physical or verbal punishment is generally ineffective, as short-term solutions to your cat's issues and will not stop your cat from acting out. Instead, it will create a more stressful environment for you and for your cat. Though it can be hard not to yell or hit your cat when they do something bad, like urine mark your furniture or go to the bathroom on the carpet instead of the litter box, it's important that you take a deep breath as an owner and try to use a more effective correcting technique. Practice deterrence and positive reinforcement. Instead of punishing your cat, rather offer them a more preferable alternative to the object of their bad behaviour: If your cat scratches your favourite couch or the side of your bed, it is probably because these items smell strongly like their favourite owner, and they are trying to mix their scent with yours. Deter this by placing a scratching post next to the area that they like to scratch. Scratching posts should be placed in 'social' areas in your house, where you spend a lot of your time. If they need some further encouragement, sprinkle some catnip onto the scratching post. Cats need at least one litter box per cat in the household. Litter boxes must be regularly cleaned. Failure to do so will result in cats going to the bathroom outside of the litter box, or fighting with one another due to increased tensions surrounding privacy - in a similar manner to siblings or couples who fight over bathroom time! DO NOT de-claw your cat. This is cruel, unnatural and will lead to a lifetime of pain and paw sensitivity for them. Instead, you can put sticky paper, aluminum foil, or heavy plastic carpet runners on areas that you would like your cat to avoid. This may be unsightly, but cats generally dislike walking on any of these textures. DO NOT attempt to deter a cat with smells, such as placing cloth or cotton balls soaked in citronella, perfume, air freshener, citrus, aloe, eucalyptus oil, and oil of wintergreen on objects or surfaces - this is irresponsible and can be extremely toxic to your cat. If you suspect that your cat has ingested or inhaled such substances, take them to the vet immediately. DO NOT attempt to deter a cat with tastes, such as placing certain foods on surfaces that your cat likes to chew on or scratch. These methods - such as bitter apple, citrus products, hot sauces, cayenne pepper, or aloe gel - can be toxic to your cat if they inhale or ingest it. Sound: Using noises that startle your cat can deter him from doing a behavior or going on a surface. However, loud sounds in close proximity, such as blowing a whistle, can damage their ears. Try to use clickers or a hand clap to startle them just as he is about to do something you consider bad behavior and he will come to associate the behavior with a negative sound. Ignore your cat when he acts out during a play session. If you notice your cat engaging in rough or aggressive play during a play session, you can try to correct this behavior by withdrawing your attention from them, or giving them a large stuffed toy to take their frustration out on. Sprinkle the toy with some catnip to calm them. Do this by walking to another room and closing the door. Wait until he calms down before you touch him or address him. This will show him that his bad behavior is upsetting during playtime, and discourage him from acting out again. Practice good litter box hygiene. If your cat is displaying litter box avoidance, it's important that you practice good litter box hygiene to encourage him to use the litter box. This means scooping and changing the litter every day, thoroughly washing the litter box once a week, and making sure the litter box is appealing to your cat. Most cats do not like litter boxes with hoods or liner, as it can be uncomfortable for them, so avoid using a litter box with a hood or a liner. If there are multiple cats in your household, there should be a litter box for each cat, plus an extra litter box. Try to spread out the litter boxes so each cat has enough room and privacy to do their business. Look for a quiet area in the home where your cat can still look around and see if anyone is coming up behind her. Make sure the litter box is big enough for your cat to sit in comfortably and have one to two inches of litter in the box. Cats dislike litter boxes that are too deep with litter. Provide scratching posts and daily play sessions. Most cats act out due to boredom or under stimulation, so it is important that you commit to daily play sessions with your cat. Use a toy, or several toys, when playing with your cat to deter him from playing rough with your hands or arms. Focus his attention on the toys during the play sessions and switch up the toys each week so he does not get bored. Scratching posts are also good for deterring your cat from scratching furniture or other fabric objects. Place scratching posts in communal areas of your home or your cat's favorite spots. Use cat pheromones to reduce stress in the home. If your cat is urine marking or urine spraying, it can help to use a synthetic cat pheromone in the home. It can reduce stress and prevent your cat from urine marking if he is feeling anxious or fearful. This pheromone is usually delivered through a diffuser or a spray and can be found at your local pet store. | Understand the most common behavioral problems in cats. Bring your cat to the vet for a checkup to rule out any medical issues. Recognize any environmental causes for your cat’s bad behavior. Avoid physically or verbally punishing your cat. Practice deterrence and positive reinforcement. Ignore your cat when he acts out during a play session. Practice good litter box hygiene. Provide scratching posts and daily play sessions. Use cat pheromones to reduce stress in the home. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Gammon-Joint-in-Oven | How to Cook Gammon Joint in Oven | To cook a gammon joint in the oven, start by simmering the joint in boiling water for 30 minutes for each pound of meat. Doing this will reduce the amount of foam when the joint is cooking. After your joint is ready, remove the layer of skin, but leave the fat intact. Make criss-crossing cuts into the fat and add whole cloves to each cut. Then, place the ham in a foil-lined baking tray and cover the meat with your chosen glaze, such as honey and mustard. Finally, cook your meat at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes. You'll know the gammon is ready when the fat turns crispy and golden. | Place your gammon joint in a large pot with water. Pick a pot that's large enough to hold your joint. Pour in cold water, making sure to submerge the joint. Cover the pot with a lid. If your pot isn't big enough, make sure to turn the joint over halfway through cooking it. Bring the pot to a boil and then drain the water. Place the pot on a burner turned to high heat. Let the water come up to a rolling boil. When it does, pour off the water in the sink. This step helps get rid of the foam that builds up when the meat is cooking. However, you can also just skim the foam off periodically. Fill the pot back up with water and add seasonings. Cover the joint again with cold water, and put seasonings in the pot. You can add seasonings like peppercorns and bay leaves, as well as vegetables like carrots, celery, or onions. You can just add a pinch of each seasoning, such as 12 peppercorns and 4 bay leaves. You can also use cinnamon, cloves, oranges, or coriander. Use small dashes of cinnamon and clove, as they can overpower the ham flavor. Simmer the joint for 30 minutes per 1 pound (0.45 kg) of meat. Let the pot come to a boil again over high heat, and then turn it down so the pot simmers. Use a spoon to skim any foam from the top. Discard the foam. Drain the joint. Once the joint is done, let it sit for about 15 minutes outside the water, which will allow it to cool down. You can reserve the liquid to make soup later, or simply drain it off. Remove the layer of skin. With a sharp knife, slice off the top layer of skin, leaving the fat underneath it intact. The fat adds flavor and crisps up in the oven. Plus, it helps protect the meat from drying out. Score the fat with a knife. Scoring the fat just means making cuts across it. Typically, you make slices across it one way with each line about ⁄ 2 to ⁄ 4 inch (1.3 to 1.9 cm) apart. Then, make slices going the opposite direction, too. Essentially, you're making a diamond pattern across the meat. Scoring the fat helps it render, meaning melt down. That will make the outside crispy. Add whole cloves to each "X" if desired. Whole cloves are a traditional addition to a gammon or ham joint. Push in a whole clove where each scoring mark makes an "X" on the ham, making it look studded. Cloves have a point on one side that will allow you to just push it into the ham. If you have trouble, make a small cut with a knife into the center of the "X," and slip the clove in. Set the ham in a roasting pan. The "gammon" is officially ham now since it's been cooked. Set it in a roasting pan large enough to hold it, preferably one with a lid. Line the pan with foil first for easy cleanup. Make your glaze. A glaze is just a sweet, thick sauce that you coat the ham with. Glazes can contain anything from honey and mustard to maple syrup or marmalade. It's all in the flavors you want to create. A glaze is not absolutely necessary; it just adds another layer of flavor. Try equal parts of honey and mustard or equal parts maple syrup and mustard. Dijon or coarse-grain mustards are good options. Alternatively, try a marmalade glaze with 3 spoonfuls of bitter orange marmalade, the juice of 1 orange, and 5 fluid ounces (150 mL) of rum. For a spiced marinade, add about 2 teaspoons (5 g) of ground allspice, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to a bowl. Mix in 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of honey and 3.5 fluid ounces (100 mL) of rum. Mix it together well before using it as a glaze. Glaze the meat by spooning it over the ham. Spoon enough glaze over the ham to coat the meat thoroughly. Use the spoon to spread it out evenly over the meat, so the flavor reaches the whole thing. If you need to, use a kitchen brush to help spread the glaze out. Cook the meat at 425 °F (218 °C) for 20-30 minutes. Place the ham in a preheated oven. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, then take it out. Pour the rest of the glaze over the ham, and turn the pan around before sticking it back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes. Turning the pan around allows the meat to cook more evenly. Check for golden brown fat. The ham is done when the fat turns crispy and golden brown. If the top is crisping up before the rest of the ham, try adding a bit of foil on top of the ham to protect it from the heat. Take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Once the ham is done, give it a chance to rest. You should leave it alone for about 15 minutes. If you cut it too soon, it will release more juice than you want. You can carve the ham while it's hot or cold. Ham can also be served hot or cold, depending on your preference. Store ham in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer. | Place your gammon joint in a large pot with water. Bring the pot to a boil and then drain the water. Fill the pot back up with water and add seasonings. Simmer the joint for 30 minutes per 1 pound (0.45 kg) of meat. Drain the joint. Remove the layer of skin. Score the fat with a knife. Add whole cloves to each "X" if desired. Set the ham in a roasting pan. Make your glaze. Glaze the meat by spooning it over the ham. Cook the meat at 425 °F (218 °C) for 20-30 minutes. Check for golden brown fat. Take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-Crayfish | How to Take Care of Crayfish | To take care of a crayfish, feed it a balanced diet that consists of mostly sinking pellet food. You can also feed it cabbage leaves, shelled peas, and frozen bloodworms to supplement its diet. When you feed your crayfish, drop the food next to its hiding place so it's able to find it. On top of feeding your crayfish a healthy diet, make sure it has plenty of fake plants, rocks, and shelters to hide in since crayfish like to hide and be in the dark. | Buy or catch a crayfish. You can often find crayfish for purchase at marine shops that sell tropical fish, as well as some pet stores. Before you start shopping around, do a little reading on the different species and their individual needs. It's a good idea to start with a single crayfish until you have an understanding of how to properly look after them. Crayfish usually go for $20, or more. With the rarer varieties, they can for $30 or even more! In some parts of the world, you can catch crayfish in streams or other shallow bodies of water. Just grab a small net and start hunting under rocks until you spot one that will make a suitable pet. Set up a tank to house your crayfish. Generally speaking, the tank you choose should be large enough to hold at least 5–10 gallons (19–38 L) for each crayfish inside. However, a 15–20 US gal (57–76 L) tank is ideal, especially for larger varieties. An air bubbler or long bubble wall is also a must, as it's possible for crayfish to drown if they stay submerged for too long without a separate source of oxygen. Crayfish thrive in cool conditions like mud flats and riverbeds, so stay away from heated aquariums. Look for tanks that feature built-in aeration and filtration units to keep the water clean and circulating properly. Fill the tank with fresh, well-balanced water. Crayfish prefer water with a neutral pH (around 7.0). Ideally, the temperature of the water should remain somewhere between 70–75 °F (21–24 °C). You should have no problem keeping the water at the right temperature if you've set up your tank indoors. A pH testing kit can come in handy for determining how acidic or basic the water in your tank is. You can typically find these kits in the fish section at pet stores, or wherever pool supplies are sold. Avoid adding objects like seashells to your tank, as foreign minerals can throw off the pH of the water. at least once a week. Change the water in the tank Crayfish generate large amounts of waste products that can be taxing on standard aquarium filtration systems. This means you'll need to stay on top of your water changes in order to ensure that you crayfish enjoys a clean living environment. To change the water in your tank, first drain ¼-½ of its total volume, then slowly top it off with fresh, clean water. If your tank doesn't have a filter, it may be necessary to increase the frequency of your water changes to twice a week. Stick to mounted tube or sponge filters only. Crayfish like to dig, which can end up jamming undergravel filters. Incorporate a few natural environmental features. Add elements like rocks, water plants, or lengths of PVC pipe to the bottom of your tank. That way, your crayfish will have a place to play, burrow, or hide away for a while. Large structures like hollow rocks, gerbil tubes, or enclosed containers are particularly good for making crayfish feel safe, especially during their vulnerable shedding period. Shut off any surrounding light sources or keep one side of the tank covered to minimize the amount of light that gets in. Crayfish like it dark. Give your crayfish a small amount of shrimp pellets once a day. Sinking shrimp pellets or lobster bites should make up the majority of your crayfish's diet. Pellet-type foods are high in protein and contain all the nutrients crayfish need to grow and develop healthy shells. Sprinkle the pellets around all of your pet's favorite hiding spots to make it easy for it to get to them. Crayfish can also have frozen aquarium foods occasionally, such as daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp. Never feed your crayfish live or uncooked shrimp. Shrimp carry diseases that can be fatal to crays. Use vegetables to supplement your crayfish’s diet. Every now and then, cut some leaf lettuce, cabbage, zucchini, or cucumber into small strips and drop them to the bottom of the tank. Offerings like peas, carrots, and sweet potatoes are also okay. Crayfish love munching on plant matter, so don't be surprised if they disappear in a hurry! It's perfectly fine for crayfish to eat spoiled or decaying organic matter. In fact, treating your crayfish to veggies that are going bad is a great way to kill two birds with one stone. Avoid overfeeding your crayfish. One or two shakes of shrimp pellets or a smattering of vegetables per day should be more than enough to keep your crayfish satisfied. Remove any uneaten portions of food soon after feeding your crayfish. Anything left sitting at the bottom of the tank will quickly decompose, dirtying the water and making more frequent changes necessary. If you're caring for more than one crayfish (which isn't recommended), it's okay to double the amount of food you administer. Still, keep an eye out for leftovers and scoop them out whatever remnants you find quickly. Overeating can actually be bad for crayfish, as it causes their exoskeletons to become soft and weak. Protect your crayfish from other fish. Crayfish do best when given the run of a spacious tank. However, they'll generally live in relative harmony with small fish like goldfish, barbs, mollies, swordtails, and neon tetras. Crayfish may display some aggressive tendencies from time to time, but they're usually too slow to catch and eat the much-faster fish. Crayfish typically only attack sickly fish that sink toward the bottom of the tank. If you discover your crayfish devouring one of its tankmates, chances are it was close to death anyway. There is a more aggressive option if you plan to keep crayfish in a community tank, to cut half of the inner claw to prevent any nipping or aggressive action with a sterilized knife or scissor. This still allows the crayfish to pick up food. Every few months, carefully cut the tips of their claws to ensure they don't start nipping fins again. While crayfish don't pose much of a threat to other fish, the reverse isn't always true. Large species like cichlids and catfish have been known to attack crays, often resulting in the injury or death of one or both creatures. It's not recommended that you keep more than one crayfish in a tank. If you do, it will be important to make sure they have plenty of space to themselves, and that they're the same species. Crayfish of different species are more likely to try to kill each other. Provide your crayfish with the right conditions as it molts. Every few months, your crayfish will shed its outer shell to make room for a new one large enough to accommodate its growing body. You may be tempted to remove the old shell afterwards, but don't. It will feed on the shell for several days in order to extract the nutrients and minerals it needs to create a strong new layer of armor. Don't bother feeding your crayfish in the first 3-5 days after it molds. During this time, it will only eat the old exoskeleton. Add a few drops of potassium iodine to the tank when your crayfish begins exiting its shell. Molting crayfish have been known to die off as a result of iodine deficiency. You can find potassium iodine at any store that stocks aquatic pet accessories. Your crayfish will be especially vulnerable to malnutrition and attacks from other fish with its soft body exposed. Keep your tank covered to make sure your crayfish doesn’t get out. Crayfish are natural explorers, which means they can turn into little escape artists when no one is looking. Ideally, you should opt for a tank with a removable lid to guarantee that your cray stays confined. If that's not an option, use small pieces of sponges to seal off any openings near the top of the tank, especially around the filter. Don't use pieces of plastic, or aluminum foil, which that will be harmful to crays if they eat it. Be vigilant about blocking off all potential escape routes. If your crayfish manages to find a way out of its tank, it can dehydrate and die in just a few hours. Never put a runaway crayfish back in its tank immediately. Instead, place it in a shallow container with just enough water to cover it. Its gills will need time to get acclimated to the water again—otherwise, it can actually drown when fully submerged. | Buy or catch a crayfish. Set up a tank to house your crayfish. Fill the tank with fresh, well-balanced water. at least once a week. Incorporate a few natural environmental features. Give your crayfish a small amount of shrimp pellets once a day. Use vegetables to supplement your crayfish’s diet. Avoid overfeeding your crayfish. Protect your crayfish from other fish. Provide your crayfish with the right conditions as it molts. Keep your tank covered to make sure your crayfish doesn’t get out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Professional-Fisherman | How to Become a Professional Fisherman | If you're interested in becoming a professional fisherman, start by talking to family, friends, or folks at a local fly or bait shop, who can help you learn to fish. Ask them when and where to fish in your area, what kind of gear and lures to use, and how to go after a particular species, like bass. Then, look online for a fishing club you can join, where you can learn from others in the field. Once you've built up some confidence, consider entering a fishing tournament, which can put you on the path to becoming a pro. | Learn how to fish. Learning proper fishing techniques is key to becoming a professional fisherman. Ask a friend or family member who fishes to help you learn how to pick a proper fishing spot, choose and use the right gear, and catch fish. You can also talk to fishing professionals at your local fly or bait shop for tips and advice. Make sure you fish in public waters that are open to fishing. Contact your local public lands management agency, like the National Park Service or state forestry division, and ask what public waterways allow fishing. If you are fishing on private waters, make sure you have permission from the landowner or individual that holds water rights in the area. Explore local fisheries. If you are beginning to fish, it's important to start small. Begin by exploring local ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams. Ask friends and family where they fish, and when is the best time to go. You can also ask them about which flies and lures are best for particular fishing spots. Join a local fishing club. A great way to learn from other anglers while socializing is by joining a local fishing club. Many communities have local fishing clubs that sponsor fishing-related events and provide opportunities to fish with other anglers. Ask your local chamber of commerce if there is a fishing club in your area. Focus on a single species. Professional anglers build their careers by focusing on particular species. Different species of fish require different types of fishing techniques. Try choosing a particular species to focus on, like bass, and mastering the techniques needed to reel them in and the best bait for the species. Do some research and find out what fish are common in your area. You can then choose a single species that lives nearby. Compete in fishing tournaments. A great way to build your professional experience as an angler is by participating in fishing tournaments. You don't have to enter a large tournament, as tournaments of any size will give you the experience you need to progress in your career. Even if the prize is small, consider entering a local tournament. Try entering local, regional, national, and even international tournaments. Most tournaments will have at least a small entry fee, although some community tournaments do not require entrants to pay a fee. Keep in mind that some tournaments will require you to have previously placed competitively in lower division tournaments. Seek out sponsorship. Professional anglers are usually sponsored by large companies. This allows them to dedicate their time to a career in fishing. After winning a tournament, try approaching a company whose products you use while fishing. Your ability to be a good spokesperson for the company might inspire them to sponsor you. Keep your day job. Becoming a pro is expensive, and you will need a steady source of income to pay for travel, supplies, and entrance fees. You shouldn't give up your current job to become a fishing professional unless you are financially secure and/or obtain sponsorship. Most professional anglers started off working other jobs, leaving them only after they were financially secure enough to do so. Consider living near water. If you don't already live near a lake, stream, or other body of water where fish thrive, consider moving. Living near a waterway will allow you to get the amount and type of experience you need to become a professional fisherman. | Learn how to fish. Explore local fisheries. Join a local fishing club. Focus on a single species. Compete in fishing tournaments. Seek out sponsorship. Keep your day job. Consider living near water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Come-to-Terms-with-Feeling-Ugly | How to Come to Terms with Feeling Ugly | To come to terms with feeling ugly, start by confronting beauty standards that may be warping the way you see yourself. The people on TV and in magazines aren't perfect in real life -- the images you see are manipulated and you shouldn't judge your own beauty by those standards! Work on replacing negative self-talk with positive, loving statements about yourself, and dismiss any haters who try to bring you down! | Confront beauty standards. The way you see yourself is shaped by forces that have very little to do with reality. Beauty standards are contradictory and ever-changing. They tend to reflect imbalances of power—racism, ageism, ableism, sexism. When you have a negative thought about your own looks, ask: what is making me feel this way? Am I holding myself up to a standard that is destructive? Watching a lot of television makes most people wish they looked different. Understand that the reasons some features might be used in advertisements has very little to do with what is attractive in real life. Understand that advertisements are not always real. People's bodies in advertisements are often made "perfect." If someone had no wrinkles or fat or asymmetry at all in real life, they would look frightening. Understand that different kinds of beauty are prized for different reasons. For instance, runway models have skinny bodies so that they don't distract from the clothing they present. Collect role models. Nobody's looks are unique. Find beautiful people who look like you. It is hard to really see yourself when you are surrounded by people who don't look like you. Remember the parable of the ugly duckling: it's not that he became beautiful when he grew up—it's that he was judged out of context when he was young. If you want, find a role model that has the same features as you so you don't have to change a thing! Gather images of people you find beautiful who have features in common with you. Find pictures and paintings of people with your hair, your body type, skin like yours, and similar eyes, noses, and mouths. Look in magazines, museum catalogs, and on the internet. Find images of people from the countries your ancestors came from. Look for pictures of beautiful people from all different eras. You'll notice that the standards of beauty change constantly, and are never singular, even within a country or a year. Hang the pictures in your room. Dress up as one of your famous beauty icons for a costume party. Accept compliments. When someone tells you you look good, believe that they are sincere in their belief. You don't have to think that you look good to believe that others think you look good. Say "thank you," and give your admirer a compliment in return. When someone is into you, believe it. People with low self-esteem turn down dates because they have trouble accepting the offer. Take the date! Ask the people you date what they like about you. You'll be surprised by the things that attract them. Make sure to tell them what you like about them! Thoughtful, sincere compliments are attractive, too. Name your feelings. When unpleasant thoughts and feelings come to you, name them. When you notice that you are distressed, ask "why am I feeling bad all of a sudden?" Then look for triggers, such as being bombarded by ads, being blown off by friends, or being hungry or tired. Finally, name the feeling. Recognize visits from the "I'm ugly!" feeling, or the "I should lose weight" feeling, or the "only beautiful people can ever be happy" feeling. You don't have to fight these feelings. Just name them and let them go. If they won't leave, tell them to go. "Only-beautiful-people-can-ever-be-happy feeling, leave. I'm tired, and you always show up when I'm tired. However, I'm about to rest and I need you to not bother me with your nonsense." Love yourself before you try to change anything. Accept your looks and accept your feelings. If you try to change or "fix" yourself without first thinking about your human value, you may not make good progress. Ask yourself "do I deserve happiness? Do I matter, just as I am?" If you can say yes to these things, you are on the right track. Dismiss the haters. When other people insult you or try to fix you, shut them down or ignore them. When someone insults you, that means something is going on with them. Nobody who is happy, healthy, or secure bothers to insult other people. Instead of insulting back or getting upset, shut the interaction down succinctly. Say something like "grow up," or "deal with yourself." Don't insult yourself by taking the insult seriously, but do let yourself feel as upset as you want. Just remind yourself that you are upset because someone was unkind, and was trying to trigger your insecurities. Name how you feel. Get rid of "friends" who try to make you feel bad about yourself. Keep friends who are supportive and kind. Try not to be offended if someone offers you beauty advice. Instead, you might consider making friends with someone who seems to know a lot about hair styling, makeup, and other beauty topics. You might enjoy learning about these things and possibly even gain more confidence as a result of your new beauty knowledge. Use loving language to describe yourself. When you hear yourself getting down on yourself, stop. Treat yourself the way you would treat a beloved friend. Would you call your friend "ugly" or criticize her? Would you think about her looks all the time? Write a letter to yourself describing yourself like a good friend would. Pause when you notice yourself writing something that feels insincere or forced. Try to put down exactly how you would be viewed by someone who loves you. Remember that the word "ugly" is rarely used, except by unhappy teenagers and unusually insecure adults. If you refer to yourself as ugly, you will probably surprise and upset those around you. Ask yourself, would I describe any of my friends as ugly? Unless you are feeling terrible about yourself, you are unlikely to think anyone else is ugly. Get help from others. If you are seriously down on yourself, if you cannot come to terms with the feelings you are having, get professional help. See a doctor or a mental health professional if you are having thoughts of self-harm. If you are depressed, if you are avoiding activities you love, if you are too anxious to socialize or do your work, get help. See a doctor if your body image does not conform to what others tell you, or if you think about your looks for more than a few minutes a day. Identify your passion. You may feel better about your life and yourself if you are doing something that you really love to do. Take some time to think about what you are passionate about. Write down your thoughts so that you can read over them and use them to help you develop your talents. Some good writing activities to help you identify what you are passionate about include: Thinking about what you wanted to do as a child. What did you love to do when you were a kid? Did you enjoy playing softball? Drawing? Dancing? Or something else? Write about what you remember loving to do as a child. Making a list of people you look up to. Try making a list of all of the people who you admire most. Write about what you admire about them and how that might translate into your passion. Imagining what you would do if you knew you would succeed. Take a minute to imagine that you could have guaranteed success at anything you choose. What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Write about your answer. Cultivate your talents. Once you know what makes you happy, find ways to do these things more often. This can be as simple as turning one of your passions into a hobby or it might be more complex, such as changing careers. If your passion is something that is hard to break into, such as acting, then try joining a local club or take a class to give yourself an outlet for your passion. Pay attention to how you feel when you are using your talents. You should notice that you have a light, happy feeling. This can help you to confirm that you are truly passionate about this activity. If you notice a heavy, unpleasant feeling, then you may need to reevaluate. Embrace your powers of attraction. Beauty and attractiveness are not the same thing. Attraction is the force that draws others to you. Being typically beautiful can contribute to make someone attractive. However, many other qualities create attraction. Intelligence, kindness, confidence, health, and humor are all attractors. People who have a realistic self-image, who are emotionally grounded, and who take good care of themselves are considered attractive. Wield external powers of attraction. Aside from your personal powers, there are other powers of attraction available to you. The way you walk, hold yourself, smile, and laugh can all be powerful attractors. Walk with grace, and rest in relaxed postures. Stand up straight when you can. Smiling is one of the most attractive things you can do. When you enter a room, smile at the people in it. Make eye contact when you smile. Wearing red is attractive. For some reason, having bits of red in your outfit can attract positive attention. Even having a red bag or red sneakers can make a difference. Go light on makeup. Wearing a little makeup can make you look more beautiful, but wearing too much can lower your powers of attraction. People respond to your natural looks, so wear makeup to touch up, not cover. Look your best. You will feel your best when you put yourself together. Shower frequently, and wear clothes that fit the body you have. Talk to sales clerks and get fitted to make sure your clothing is not too tight or too loose. Wear clean clothes in colors that look good on you. Wear styles that say something about who you are: for instance, if you like a type of music, wear clothes associated with that style. Even if you wake up and feel like a lost cause, dress up as if you feel like a million bucks. It will help. You don't have to spend a lot of money on clothing. Wear clothing that highlights parts of yourself you consider beautiful, but don't try to hide any part of your body. Your body is here to stay. Find a hair-care, skin-care, and style routine that you enjoy. Getting ready for the day should be a pleasure, not a chore. Take care of your health. Sleep, eat, and exercise at a normal pace. Adults need 7-8 hours of sleep a night, and teenagers need 9-11. Being tired can cause weight gain and health problems. Eat regular meals, but eat a variety of foods. Eating many kinds of food will get you the nutrients you need. Eat fruits and vegetables every day, as well as lean protein, like eggs, skinless chicken, and beans, and complex carbohydrates, such as whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and whole wheat bread. Get regular exercise. Adults should get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week. Watch for eating disorders. Eating disorders are extremely dangerous medical conditions. If you have signs of one, seek medical help immediately. Anorexia is a common eating disorder. Some signs of anorexia are that you restrict what you eat, think about the food you eat constantly, feel guilty about eating, or feel fat even though others do not think you are. Excessive exercise is another possible symptom. Bulimia is an eating disorder in which you binge-eat food and then vomit, exercise, or use laxatives to purge yourself of the calories. If you feel obsessed by your body weight, feel guilty about eating, feel like you can't control what you eat, or eat large amounts of food, get checked for bulimia. Binge-eating is a related eating disorder. If you overeat, but do not purge, get checked by a doctor. Look for the true beauty in yourself! Finding the best things about you, inside and outside, helps a lot! Take a look at you eyes. Are they more than one color? Think about your 3 best personality traits. Write down all the things you love about yourself onto a sheet of paper (there has to be at least one) and hang it somewhere where you know you will see it each day so you are reminded about how wonderful you truly are, each and every day! | Confront beauty standards. Collect role models. Accept compliments. Name your feelings. Dismiss the haters. Use loving language to describe yourself. Get help from others. Identify your passion. Cultivate your talents. Embrace your powers of attraction. Wield external powers of attraction. Look your best. Take care of your health. Watch for eating disorders. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dry-Gourds | How to Dry Gourds | You can leave your gourds to dry on the vines in the field. Just pick them up and shake them periodically. When you hear the seeds rattling around, the gourds are dry and you should cut them off their vines. Another way to dry your gourds is to cut them from the vines when the leaves and stems begin turning brown. Give them a good wash and rinse, then lay them in a single layer on an elevated surface somewhere outdoors. Be sure to rotate them once in a while, and scrape off any mold you see growing. | Leave the gourds on the vines where they grow. Mature gourds can handle frost and can even withstand a few cycles of freezing and thawing. As the plant turns brown and dies, the gourds dry and fall off. If the gourds have matured by the end of the growing season but have not had time to dry, you can leave them on the vine over winter. When the snow melts and exposes them in the spring, they will continue drying where they left off in the fall. However, there is a risk that they will rot if you leave them over winter. Pick up a gourd and shake it. Dried gourds are lightweight and hollow. Listen for the sound of seeds rattling around inside. Sometimes, however, the seeds stick to the inside of the gourd before drying and do not rattle. The seeds can be used for other uses as stock. Gather the gourds from the field when they are fully dry. If they are still attached to the plant, you can cut the vine flush with the gourd or leave a piece of stem intact--leaving the gourd is purely ornamental when you dry the gourd on the vine. Compost any gourds that started to rot before fully drying. No matter how you choose to dry gourds, a small percentage of them will always rot--be prepared for this. Cut the mature gourds off of the vines when the leaves and stem begin turning brown. Use sharp pruners to make a nice, even cut. Leave 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of stem attached to each gourd. Leaving this bit of stem is important because it helps with the evaporation of water. The skin of the gourd is hard and non-porous, so the porous stem is necessary to let moisture escape from the gourd. If you have gourds that are considered immature (it is fleshy and bright green) and are concerned that the first frost will kill them, cut them from the vine and use them as temporary decorations. You generally will not be able to dry these gourds. You can also leave them on the vine--occasionally they will be hardened by the frost rather than killed. Wash the gourds with warm soapy water. Doing this removes bacteria and helps prevent rotting. You can also soak them for 20 minutes in a solution of one part household bleach and nine parts warm water. Rinse them with clear cold water after washing or soaking. This will get rid of any residual soap or bleach. Choose a spot outdoors where the gourds can sit and dry. The gourds can dry in a cold location, but keep in mind that repetitive freezing and thawing can often damage the seeds inside the gourds. In turn, damage to the seeds will make it so that the seeds cannot be replanted. You can also dry gourds in a garage, barn or inside of the house, but they will get the best air circulation if you allow them to dry outside. It may take several months for the gourds to dry fully. Keep in mind that large quantities of drying gourds give off an unpleasant odor. If you dry them inside your home, it will take some time to get rid of the smell. Lay the gourds in a single layer on an elevated surface. The surface should be a structure like a wood pallet. Elevating the platform allows for increased air circulation--the air will be able to circulate around them from every direction. Keep in mind that drying time varies. Depending on the size of the gourd, it could take from six weeks to a whole year to dry fully. Remove any mould that grows. Use the dull side of a butter knife to scrape the mould off. You can also wash mould off with a rag. If a gourd becomes soft, you will have to throw it out. Rotate the gourds. Turn the gourds over once every 1 to 2 weeks to expose the bottom to air. Hang gourds from the stalk. If you only have a few gourds to dry, tie a string to the stalk and hang them from tree branches to dry. You can also hang gourds in well ventilated buildings, or along fences. Hanging them on fences can give your yard a festive fall look as well. Use a nail to puncture two to three small holes in the end of the gourd. This is an optional way to dry gourds by hanging them. Run a string through the holes and hang the gourds upside down. Be aware that puncturing the gourds may lead to mold growth inside of the gourds. Put a drip pan or newspapers under hanging gourds to catch the dripping fluid. If you don't mind having holes in your dried gourd, this may speed up the drying process. Know the pros and cons of greenscaping. Greenscaping is a controversial process. Some growers recommend it to speed the drying process and decrease the chance of dark mold staining. Other growers say greenscaping, or doing anything to the surface of the gourd before it is fully dry, increases the risk of damage and infection. Let the gourds dry after they have been harvested. Only dry them for a few weeks (they will only become slightly dried.) Use a dull kitchen butter knife to gently scrape away the outer layer of the skin. Doing this will reveal lighter layer below. Finish drying the greenscaped gourds. Place the gourds in a warm, well-ventilated, and light area. Turn them every 2 to 3 days if you are drying them on a flat surface. Know that if the gourds dry too quickly they will most likely wrinkle. Clean the gourd after it has dried completely. Submerge the gourds in a bucket of warm, soapy water. This helps to loosen the skin and mold that may have developed on the outer surface. You can add bleach to the water to give the gourds a uniform color but this is not necessary. Use the dull side of a table knife to scrape the outer skin off. During the drying process, the outer skin may become wrinkled or stained. In general, you will want to scrape it off. You can also use steel wool or sandpaper to remove the outer layer of skin. However, using either of these tools will result in scratch marks. Only use sandpaper or steel wool if you plan on painting the gourd. Fill any small holes or cracks with wood putty. While this is not necessary, it will give the surface of your gourd a uniform texture. You can also sand the inside of the gourd so that it is smooth. | Leave the gourds on the vines where they grow. Pick up a gourd and shake it. Gather the gourds from the field when they are fully dry. Compost any gourds that started to rot before fully drying. Cut the mature gourds off of the vines when the leaves and stem begin turning brown. Wash the gourds with warm soapy water. Rinse them with clear cold water after washing or soaking. Choose a spot outdoors where the gourds can sit and dry. Lay the gourds in a single layer on an elevated surface. Keep in mind that drying time varies. Remove any mould that grows. Rotate the gourds. Hang gourds from the stalk. Use a nail to puncture two to three small holes in the end of the gourd. Put a drip pan or newspapers under hanging gourds to catch the dripping fluid. Know the pros and cons of greenscaping. Let the gourds dry after they have been harvested. Use a dull kitchen butter knife to gently scrape away the outer layer of the skin. Finish drying the greenscaped gourds. Clean the gourd after it has dried completely. Use the dull side of a table knife to scrape the outer skin off. Fill any small holes or cracks with wood putty. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Block-Your-IP-Address | How to Block Your IP Address | There are several ways in which you can hide your computer's true IP address from services, websites, and even your Internet provider. If you're in a hurry, you can use a proxy web service such as Hide.Me in order to browse anonymously in one tab of your web browser. A more long-term solution involves installing and signing into a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which routes your web traffic through several different servers to make it seem as though your IP address isn't doing anything. | Understand how proxies work. Proxy websites take your IP address and hide it behind a different address—often one from a different country—in order to fool websites and ISPs into thinking that your computer's IP address isn't being used. This is handy if you want to try watching a movie that is blocked in your region, for example, or if you want to check your bank statements while using public Wi-Fi. It's important to block your IP address whenever using free, public Wi-Fi (e.g., a coffee shop network). Since proxies often redirect your address through a server in a different country, your browsing will be noticeably slower than usual. Open the Hide Me site. Go to https://hide.me/en/proxy in your browser. Hide Me is a simple, proxy-based search engine from which you can browse anonymously. Keep in mind that your IP address will only be hidden so long as you use Hide Me in the current browser. Your browsing on other pages or in other browsers will not be hidden. Click the address field. It's the white "Enter web address" text field in the middle of the Hide Me page. Enter a search term. Type in a website address (e.g., "facebook.com" or "google.com"). You cannot search for individual terms in Hide Me, so you'll need to enter the address of a search engine like Google or Bing if you want to browse. Select a server location. Click the "Proxy location" drop-down box, then click a server location (e.g., Germany ) in the resulting drop-down menu. Click Visit anonymously. It's a yellow button near the bottom of the page. Doing so will go to your selected site, at which point you can browse like usual. Make sure that you stay on the Hide Me tab of your browser to continue hiding your IP address. Subscribe to a VPN service. When you subscribe to a VPN service, you usually receive a username, a password, and a VPN server address. VPN subscriptions are not free, and are often billed monthly. ExpressVPN is generally considered one of the best choices for Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and Linux. Downloading free VPN software is a different process, as doing so gives you a program that will block your IP address in all browsers but must be turned on and off. Open Start . Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Open Settings . Click the gear-shaped icon in the lower-left side of the Start window. Click Network & Internet. It's the globe-shaped icon in the Settings window. Click VPN. This option is on the left side of the window. Click Add a VPN connection. It's at the top of the window. A new window will open. Enter your VPN's information. Click the "VPN provider" drop-down box at the top of the page, click Windows (built-in) , and then enter your VPN subscription's address in the "Server name or address" text field. You can also add a name for the VPN in the "Name" text field. If your VPN requires a username and/or password, enter these credentials in the "User name" and "Password" text fields. You can change the type of VPN authentication used by clicking the "Type of sign-in info" drop-down box and then selecting a different option in the resulting drop-down menu. Click Save. It's at the bottom of the menu. Connect to the VPN. Click the VPN's name near the top of the page, then click Connect below it. This will connect you to your VPN service, at which point all browsing regardless of browser or Internet connection will be hidden. You may need to enter a username and/or password before your VPN will connect. Subscribe to a VPN service. When you subscribe to a VPN service, you usually receive a username, a password, and a VPN server address. VPN subscriptions are not free, and are often billed monthly. ExpressVPN is generally considered one of the best choices for Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and Linux. Downloading free VPN software is a different process, as doing so gives you a program that will block your IP address in all browsers but must be turned on and off. Open the Apple menu . Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear. Click System Preferences…. It's near the top of the drop-down menu. Click Network. This globe-shaped icon is in the System Preferences window. Click ＋. It's in the lower-left side of the window. A new window will open. Select VPN settings. Click the "Interface" drop-down box, then click VPN in the resulting drop-down menu. Select a VPN type. Click the "VPN Type" drop-down box, then select a VPN type in the drop-down menu. Most common VPNs will use the L2TP option. Add a name. Type a name for your VPN into the "Service Name" box. Click Create. It's a blue button at the bottom of the window. Enter your VPN's server information. This will include the server address and the account name under which the VPN is registered. Click Authentication Settings…. It's a grey button in the middle of the page. Doing so opens a new window. Enter your VPN's authentication information. Check a verification method under the "User Authentication" heading (e.g., Password ) and enter the answer, then do the same for the "Machine Authentication" heading. Click OK. It's a blue button at the bottom of the window. This will save your settings and exit the Authentication Settings window. Click Connect. This option is in the middle of the page. Doing so will connect to your Mac's VPN, meaning that your IP address will be hidden for all browsing until the VPN disconnects or is turned off. You may have to enter a password or a confirmation code before your VPN will fully connect. Subscribe to a VPN service. When you subscribe to a VPN service, you usually receive a username, a password, and a VPN server address. VPN subscriptions are not free, and are often billed monthly. ExpressVPN is generally considered one of the best choices for Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and Linux. Downloading free VPN software is a different process, as doing so gives you a program that will block your IP address in all browsers but must be turned on and off. Open your iPhone's Settings . Tap the Settings app icon, which resembles a grey box with gears on it. Scroll down and tap General. It's near the top of the Settings page. Scroll down and tap VPN. You'll find this near the bottom of the page. Tap Add VPN Configuration…. It's at the top of the screen. Select a VPN type. Tap the Type text field, then tap your VPN's connection type. If you don't see your VPN's connection type here, you can't use your VPN on your iPhone. Enter your VPN's information. Fill out any text fields that have "Required" written in them. Tap Done. It's in the top-right corner of the screen. Doing so takes you back to the VPN page, where your VPN should have a blue checkmark next to it. Tap the white "Status" switch . This option is at the top of the screen. The switch will turn green {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/1\/15\/Iphoneswitchonicon1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Iphoneswitchonicon1.png\/46px-Iphoneswitchonicon1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":300,"bigWidth":"46","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an iPhone\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Enter your login information when prompted. Type in the password (or other authentication information) in the pop-up menu, then tap OK. This will connect your iPhone to your VPN, allowing you to browse without your IP address being seen. Subscribe to a VPN service. When you subscribe to a VPN service, you usually receive a username, a password, and a VPN server address. VPN subscriptions are not free and are often billed monthly. ExpressVPN is generally considered one of the best choices for Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and Linux. Downloading free VPN software is a different process, as doing so gives you a program that will block your IP address in all browsers but must be turned on and off. Open your Android's Settings . This app often resembles a white gear on a colored background and can be found in the App Drawer. Alternatively, you can swipe down from the top of your Android's screen and then tap the gear icon in the resulting drop-down menu. Tap VPN. You'll usually find it near the top of the Settings page, though you may have to scroll down to see this option. On some Androids, you may first have to tap More below the "Wireless & networks" section. On a Samsung Galaxy phone, first tap Connections , then More connection settings , then tap VPN. Tap ＋ or ADD VPN. This option is in the top-right corner of the screen. Enter your VPN's information. In the labeled fields provided, enter your VPN's name, connection type, server address, username, and/or password. Depending on the type of connection that you select, you may have additional options here. Tap SAVE. It's in the top-right corner of the screen. This will save your VPN's settings and add the VPN connection to your Android. Select your VPN. Tap your VPN to open its page. Connect to the VPN. Enter any username, password, and/or other credentials as requested, then tap CONNECT. This will activate your VPN, hiding your IP address in the process. | Understand how proxies work. Open the Hide Me site. Click the address field. Enter a search term. Select a server location. Click Visit anonymously. Subscribe to a VPN service. Open Start . Open Settings . Click Network & Internet. Click VPN. Click Add a VPN connection. Enter your VPN's information. Click Save. Connect to the VPN. Subscribe to a VPN service. Open the Apple menu . Click System Preferences…. Click Network. Click ＋. Select VPN settings. Select a VPN type. Add a name. Click Create. Enter your VPN's server information. Click Authentication Settings…. Enter your VPN's authentication information. Click OK. Click Connect. Subscribe to a VPN service. Open your iPhone's Settings . Scroll down and tap General. Scroll down and tap VPN. Tap Add VPN Configuration…. Select a VPN type. Enter your VPN's information. Tap Done. Tap the white "Status" switch . Enter your login information when prompted. Subscribe to a VPN service. Open your Android's Settings . Tap VPN. Tap ＋ or ADD VPN. Enter your VPN's information. Tap SAVE. Select your VPN. Connect to the VPN. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Peer-Pressure | How to Deal With Peer Pressure | To deal with peer pressure, make eye contact and say "no" firmly to show that you're not willing to compromise. You can also change the subject or make an excuse to leave if you feel uncomfortable. Try to avoid going places where it's likely you'll be pressured into something you don't want to do, and consider finding a new group of friends if the pressure continues. Remember that it's totally okay to say "no" if you don't want to do something, and confide in a friend, parent, or counselor if you're struggling to deal with the situation. | Say ‘no’ like you mean it. The most basic way to respond to peer pressure is to just say 'no.' Standing up to peer pressure will save you the trouble of getting pressured again in the future because it sends a clear message that you're not interested. Be firm and make eye contact. This shows that you're not willing to compromise. There are lots of ways to say no. For example, say, “I don't do that” or, “No thanks, I'll pass.” You can also say, “I'd rather not, thanks.” Be careful not to get baited into doing something by being called “scared” or “a chicken.” Stay firm in your own decision. Change the subject if you’re uncomfortable responding to questions. Avoiding the question might send the message that you're still interested but don't want to respond. That may lead to further pressure later on. Changing the subject, however, will at least buy you some time until you feel ready to respond (or not respond at all). Change the subject by saying, "Do you want to watch this movie with me? I've really been wanting to see it, but it's no fun watching it alone." If someone at a party is pressuring you into drinking, try asking "So what do you think of the DJ so far?" Make an excuse to leave. This is a great option if you're feeling shy or intimidated, or if you don't want to come off as being rude. Come up with some sort of an excuse, apologize, and get away as soon as you can. For example: You could say “Oh, I just forgot, I have to study for the math exam," or "Oh my gosh! I just forgot that I have to meet Sue for that group project!" If the person is persistent, text your friend or your parent to call you. When your phone rings, pick it up, talk for a bit, then say you have to leave. Make sure that your excuse is believable. Don't mention that you have to talk to your sister if you don't have a sister. Make your own decisions. Do things that make you happy and make those decisions on your own. While some people might ask you to do something that pushes you outside your comfort zone in a good way, be mindful of any negative consequences that could occur. If you're about to make a decision, ask yourself, “Is this good for me? Is this adding something positive to my life? Am I certain how I feel about it?" Don't make decisions based on what other people think is good for you or what they want you to do. Plan a response. Whether you haven't experienced peer pressure yet or you want to respond better for next time, think of a response you can use if you're ever asked something you don't want to do. Having a response ready will mean you won't feel under pressure if you're asked and you'll already know what to say. For example, think about something to say if someone asks you to cheat, lie, steal, or take drugs. You might use a generic, “Naw, no thanks” or have something different for each situation. Don't get sidetracked by talking others out of the idea. Make "I" statements and stay focused on your own position. Avoid places and situations that make you uncomfortable. If you suspect that people are meeting up to drink alcohol or do drugs before an event, tell them that you'll meet them at the event itself. Avoiding situations that might tempt you can help you avoid peer pressure altogether. If you're still in school, be weary of going to parties without adult supervision or meeting up with people you know do drugs. Trust your instinct. If something feels "off," don't hesitate to make other plans. If you start to feel uncomfortable during a party, don't be afraid to leave. Choose positive friends. When dealing with peer pressure, start by choosing friends who won't pressure you do things. Your friends should accept you for who you are without wanting to change you. If your friends don't make bad decisions, you're less likely to make them, too. Choose friends because you like them, not because they're 'cool' or popular. They should like you for you and care about you. Try meeting people who share common interests with you. For example, if you see someone reading a book that you like, strike up a conversation with them about the book and get to know them. Journal about your feelings. It can be difficult to deal with the feelings that come from peer pressure. You might be good friends with someone, then feel betrayed when they try to pressure you to do something. You might even wonder if the friendship is over or needs to end. Dealing with these emotions can be hard, so use a journal to sort out your feelings and help you cope with the stress. Your journal should be a safe place to write out your thoughts and feelings. Be honest with yourself as you write. You might want to reflect on your journal entries at times to see how you've dealt with things in the past and what was helpful before. Choose a different friend group. Think about your good interactions with them versus your bad interactions. If you feel like they pressure you much more than you'd like or they won't stop, make some new friends. While it's hard to say goodbye to friends, it might be harder to keep saying "no" to peer pressure and deal with how it makes you feel. You can meet people by volunteering or attending karate, dance, or other classes. If you are still in school, audition for a play, try out for sports team, or join a club. Pick something that your current group of friends isn't involved in. Keep busy with healthy activities. Another way to avoid peer pressure is to spend your time doing activities that you really enjoy. Doing activities can help you meet other people with shared interests and help you spend your time doing what you enjoy. Try different activities until you find one you like. For example, try a sewing or woodworking class, pick up photography, go hiking, or get a bike. See what clubs are available at school, like drama club, math team, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters. You can also join a sport like soccer, track, gymnastics, or volleyball. Use the buddy system. If you have a friend who has similar values, go places together. You can keep each other in check as well as look out for one another. Back each other up and support each other in making good decisions. For example, if your friend is having a hard time saying no, chime in and say, “We're just leaving now and going to the mall.” Talk to a trusted friend. If you're struggling with peer pressure, talk to someone you trust. Your friend might have some advice for how they handle peer pressure that you could use. They can also help support you in handling peer pressure in the future. It's okay to admit you're struggling, and they will most likely want to help you. For example, try saying, “Ryan wants to cheat off of my homework but I don't want to cheat. How do you handle these situations?” Tell your parents. Your parents generally want to support you and help you succeed. If you're struggling with peer pressure, turn to them for help. They might have some ideas for how to handle it. If nothing else, ask them to listen and understand your experience. They can at least give you a hug and tell you that they love you. Though it might be awkward or difficult to talk with them, think how much worse it would be to talk to them about how you followed your friends and got into serious trouble. Attend therapy if you’re struggling and nothing seems to help. You can find a therapist by contacting (or having your parents contact) a local mental health clinic or your insurance provider. You can also get a recommendation from your physician or a friend. A therapist can help you learn to express your feelings better and build your confidence. Therapists are there to listen to you and offer advice. You can say anything you want without fear of judgement. Sometimes, a therapist just isn't a good match. If you don't feel comfortable around them or aren't making progress, don't be afraid to try a new therapist. | Say ‘no’ like you mean it. Change the subject if you’re uncomfortable responding to questions. Make an excuse to leave. Make your own decisions. Plan a response. Avoid places and situations that make you uncomfortable. Choose positive friends. Journal about your feelings. Choose a different friend group. Keep busy with healthy activities. Use the buddy system. Talk to a trusted friend. Tell your parents. Attend therapy if you’re struggling and nothing seems to help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-the-Right-Place-to-Feed-Your-Cat | How to Choose the Right Place to Feed Your Cat | To choose the right place to feed your cat, scout out a calm, quiet location where your cat will feel comfortable. Cats prefer their food bowls to be far away from their litter box and their water bowl. Once you've established a feeding station, try to avoid moving the bowl to other areas, since cats tend to get stressed when their daily routine changes in any way. If you have more than one cat, create multiple feeding stations in different parts of your home so that each cat can have its own safe space to eat. | Choose a calm, quiet feeding location. Cats wants to feel comfortable where they eat. If your cat's food bowl is in a busy area of your home where there's a lot of noise and foot traffic, your cat may not feel comfortable enough to eat her food. Select an area of your home that's quiet and calm. This area could be an unused bedroom, the living room, or maybe a quiet hallway. Try to make this quiet location fairly close to where your cat usually spends its time. Feed your cat away from the litter box. In the wild, cats eliminate away from their nests. Pet cats will not eat where they eliminate, and vice versa. If you put your cat's food bowl next to the litter box, your cat won't know what to do—should it eat or go to the bathroom? Your cat may decide not to use the litter box, which could be problematic for you. To prevent confusion, put the food bowl in a completely separate area from the litter box. If your cat already has a litter box problem, moving the food bowl away from the litter box could help resolve the inappropriate elimination. Select a feeding location away from the water bowl. It seems logical to put your cat's water and food bowls in the same place. However, in the wild, cats search for food and water separately. Setting the food and water bowls next to each other could prevent your cat from drinking enough water. Wherever you feed your cat, set the water bowl in a different area. If you have a double bowl (food and water bowls together), purchase separate bowls. Cats typically don't like double bowls because the water can get contaminated with bits of food at mealtime. Do not change feeding areas. Cats are creatures of habit and can become stressed if their environment or daily routine suddenly change. Once you have identified the perfect feeding area, do not switch locations. Only move the food bowl in certain situations, such as if your cat is old or injured and has difficulty walking to the food bowl. If your cat is overweight, consider moving the food bowl to a more distant location in your home. This would encourage your cat to get more physical activity. Feed your cat and dog separately. Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs. If you have a dog, create separate feeding areas to prevent your cat and dog from eating each others food. Also, your cat may not feel safe eating right next to your dog. As a result, your cat may eat as quickly as possible to get away from your dog, which could lead to digestive upset. If your cat feels unsafe next to your dog in the eating area, your cat may not eat at all. You do not have to feed your dog and cat at separate times. You can feed them at the same time, as long as their feeding areas are separate. If your dog eats only a little of your cat's food, it may develop diarrhea. If it regularly eats your cat's food, though, it could become very sick. Create feeding stations. If you have multiple cats, meal time could be an issue, especially if one cat is bullying the other cats. To make sure each cat gets their share of the food, create feeding stations in different parts of your home. That way, each cat can have its own safe space to eat without having to bully or get bullied. Use creativity when positioning the feeding stations. Feeding stations don't have to be on the floor. For example, if you have a cat condo, put a feeding station on a flat surface of the condo. This location could work for a cat that is very shy or gets bullied by other cats or pets. The cat condo feeding station would also be out of reach of dogs and little children. Depending on where your cats spend most of their time, other potential feeding station locations are the: Office desk Window perch Bathroom counter | Choose a calm, quiet feeding location. Feed your cat away from the litter box. Select a feeding location away from the water bowl. Do not change feeding areas. Feed your cat and dog separately. Create feeding stations. Use creativity when positioning the feeding stations. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Accept-that-Your-Crush-Doesn%27t-Like-You | How to Accept that Your Crush Doesn't Like You | Accepting that your crush doesn't like you can be tough, but you can distract yourself from thinking about them by focusing on your hobbies, like reading a good book, watching TV, or going out with your friends. Try to meet new people too by talking to different kids at school, joining a club, or doing volunteer work, since making new friends can help you forget about your crush. Even better, you might find someone you like! While you're staying busy, give your crush some space so things don't feel awkward between you. If you find yourself getting upset about your crush, try making a list of all their negative traits to remind you that they weren't perfect. | Spend time on your hobbies. Throw yourself into the things you enjoy doing to keep your mind off your crush. If you used to spend a lot of time thinking about the object of your affections, reclaim that time by putting it towards a new project, a good book, or a series on Netflix that you've been meaning to watch. If you previously dropped some of your hobbies because you were distracted by your crush, picking them up again is a great way to move on. Meet new people. Instead of pining over someone who isn't interested in you, mix it up with some new people who will appreciate how great you are. You don't have to go looking for another crush just yet, but don't be shy about reaching out to all kinds of people and making new friends. School, extracurricular activities, community clubs, and volunteer work are all good ways to meet people. Try something that is completely different. Expand your horizons and take your mind off the past by challenging yourself. If you've always wanted to do something but never worked up the nerve, there's no better time than right now to give it a try. For example, you could audition for a play, take a solo trip, or apply for a new job. Respect your crush’s boundaries. Don't try to change your crush's mind or prove to them how great you are. This might get on their nerves, and worse, it will make you feel a little pathetic. Save your energy for someone who likes you, and leave your crush alone. Remember that there are many reasons your crush might not be interested in you. Maybe they've liked someone else for a long time, or maybe they like you as a friend but don't think you'd be a compatible couple. It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you. Explain that you need some time to recover. If you are friends with your crush, it's normal to feel a little awkward around them after getting rejected. Let them know that you need some time away from them to get over your feelings. If they are a good friend, they'll understand and respect your wishes. If you aren't really friends with your crush, you don't need to explain to them that you're taking some time away from them. In fact, it's probably better if you don't. Unfollow or block your crush on social media. Resist the urge to stalk your crush online by unfriending or unfollowing them on the social media platforms you use. If you're worried about caving in and re-following them later, block them. You can always re-add them in the future, once you're over your feelings. Stay away from places you think your crush may be. Don't try to get a glimpse of your crush in the hallway at school or in the break room at work, no matter how tempting the idea may be. Put as much distance as you can between yourself and them. If you have to see your crush every day, try to sit far away from them and avoid conversation. Be polite. It's okay to say hello if you happen to see your crush, but don't linger or try to start a conversation. Avoid asking your friends about your crush. If you and your crush have mutual friends, let them know that you're trying to get over some feelings, and ask them not to talk about your crush around you for a while. Don't ask what your crush is up to or whether they're dating anybody, since this might re-ignite your old emotions. Avoid entertainment that reminds you of your crush. Music, movies, and books can all be helpful in getting over an unrequited flame, but stay away from entertainment that helps you wallow in your feelings. If certain media makes you think about your crush, cut it out for a while and replace it with something that isn't so emotionally loaded. Try indulging in escapism for a while. Look for novels and TV shows that transport you to worlds very different from your everyday life. Accept your feelings. Admit to yourself that you're feeling bad about getting turned down. There's nothing wrong with liking someone, and rejection is something almost everyone has experienced at some point. The sooner you come to terms with your feelings, the sooner you can heal from them and move on. Grieve the loss of the potential relationship. Even though you were not in a relationship with this person, in your mind, it may feel like you “lost” someone. Allow yourself time and space to grieve properly, then it will be easier to move on. Having a crush is like having a one-sided imaginary relationship. In your mind, you develop an attachment to another person that is not reciprocated. You will need time and space to break that attachment. Find support. Seek out the company of people who value you, like your friends and family. It's okay to cry or talk your problems through with them, especially at first, but try to have some fun with your loved ones too. A day out with your pals or a visit with extended family can do wonders for your mood and self-esteem. Make a list of your good qualities. Sit down with pen and paper, and spend a few minutes brainstorming all the reasons someone would be lucky to be with you. Include overall positive traits like kindness, as well as little quirks like always remembering someone's favorite foods. Save your list so you can look at it when you feel down about yourself. Think about your crush’s negative traits. Nobody's perfect, and your previously rosy view of your crush might have hidden their bad qualities. Now that you have a bit more distance from them, think of everything that bothers you about your crush, from their weird laugh to their inability to remember your name. You'll be feeling less love-struck in no time. Express yourself creatively. Channel your feelings into your writing, drawing, music, or any other kind of art you like to make. You can show other people your finished work, or keep it private – it's up to you. Practice good self-care. Your heart and ego are probably feeling a little bruised, so be gentle with yourself as you recover. Cut yourself a bit of slack at school or work. Instead of burying your sadness with endless movie-and-takeout sessions, do your best to eat well and get some exercise, and treat yourself to things that make you feel good about yourself. For instance, you could spend an afternoon at your favorite coffee shop or get a new haircut that you love. | Spend time on your hobbies. Meet new people. Try something that is completely different. Respect your crush’s boundaries. Explain that you need some time to recover. Unfollow or block your crush on social media. Stay away from places you think your crush may be. Avoid asking your friends about your crush. Avoid entertainment that reminds you of your crush. Accept your feelings. Grieve the loss of the potential relationship. Find support. Make a list of your good qualities. Think about your crush’s negative traits. Express yourself creatively. Practice good self-care. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Clean-Vomit-out-of-Carpet | How to Clean Vomit out of Carpet | To clean vomit out of carpet, start by picking up as much of the vomit as you can with paper towels or a plastic bag. Then, cover the remaining stain with baking soda or cornstarch and let it sit for 15 minutes, which will help dry up the excess moisture. After 15 minutes, run a vacuum over the area. If there's still a stain on the carpet, blot it with club soda or spray some diluted vinegar on it and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, soak up the soda or vinegar with a dry, clean cloth. | Put on latex or disposable gloves. You want to cover your hands to protect them from the vomit. This not only keeps your hands away from the unpleasant substance, but also protects you from germs. Scrape off as much vomit as possible. As soon as the vomit hits the floor, grab a scraper or other flat sided object. Scrape the thick pieces into a dustpan or plastic bag. Pick up the vomit with a towel or paper towels. Another way to clean up vomit is to pick it up in a towel. After gathering all the vomit you can into the towel, place it into the washer. You can also pick up the vomit with paper towels instead of towels and place them directly into the trash. One thing to think about when washing vomit towels is that if it has chunks, they may get stuck in the washing machine. Cut pieces of cardboard to scoop up the vomit. Use old cereal or soda boxes or the back of a composition notebook as a scoop. Gently slide the cardboard under the thickest sections, and then toss into the trashcan. You can make two pieces, one to push the vomit onto the other like a makeshift, disposable broom and dustpan. Use a plastic bag. Turn a plastic bag inside out on your hand as a makeshift glove. Use the bag to pick up any vomit that you can. Then, turn the bag right side out and tie the handles. Drop the bag in the trashcan. Make sure the bag doesn't have any holes in it so you don't get vomit on your hands. Scoop it with a spatula. Another way you can get vomit off the carpet is to pick it up with a spatula. Slide the flat side under the vomit and lift it off the carpet. You can also use a spoon to scoop it up. Don't use a spatula that has slits in it. The vomit will fall through if you do. Disinfect the spoon or spatula after you clean the vomit. Cover the area in sand. Immediately after someone vomits, cover it with sand. Allow the sand to combine and clump with the vomit, then use a broom and dustpan to sweep it up. Do not rub the vomit into the carpet. No matter which way you get the excess vomit off your carpet, do not rub it into the carpet. Pressing down when removing the vomit can push the vomit into the carpet fibers, making it twice as difficult to remove. Towels can result in vomit pressed into the carpet. Sliding flat objects, like spatulas, cardboard, or scrapers, under the vomit might help prevent this. Cover the spot with baking soda. Baking soda is a great product to use on vomit spots. It dries up the excess moisture, resulting in little clumps. Pour a liberal amount over the stain. Leave the baking soda on for 10-15 minutes, or until the clumps have started to dry. Then, vacuum the area, removing all the clumps. Repeat if necessary. If the vomit doesn't have a lot of thick chunks to begin with, try spreading baking soda over the area and leaving overnight. The baking soda will soak into it and turn it into clumps. Use the tube to vacuum up the clumps instead of the regular vacuum head. Use cornstarch to dry the moisture. Another way to dry up the moisture left behind is to sprinkle cornstarch over the area. Make sure to completely cover the area. Allow the cornstarch to dry for 10-15 minutes, then vacuum using the hose tube. Use a clean rag and plain warm water to work out the remaining vomit. Spray or pour warm water onto the area. Using a clean rag, start blotting out the moisture. Don't scrub because that could push any remaining debris into the carpet. When the towel gets saturated, get a clean towel and repeat. When you blot, put some force into it to get out the water. Press down hard; just remember not to scrub. Use white towels so you don't transfer any patterns or dyes to your carpet. Instead of a rag, you could also use paper towels. Use club soda. Fill a spray bottle with club soda, or just pour directly onto the stain. Press a clean rag to the stain, blotting up the moisture until the stain is removed. Add more club soda and use a dry, clean rag as needed. Sprinkle the area with dry cleaning solvent. Put dry cleaning solvent, such as Dryel, onto a clean rag. Blot the stain with the dry cleaning solvent soaked rag until the solvent has been absorbed. Use vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and cold water in a spray bottle. Liberally spray the area with vinegar. Let the vinegar sit for 15 minutes. Then, use a dry, clean cloth to dab at the stain, soaking up the vinegar. After you have soaked up most of the vinegar, use a stiff brush to rub at the stain until it starts to loosen. Go back over the stain with a dry cloth again. You can also add 6 drops purification essential oil to help cover the odor, and 8 drops thieves essential oil, which is thought to kill 99% of germs. You can use white or apple cider vinegar for this. Don't scrub with the cloth. Don't overspray the area. You want to cover the stain, but not soak the carpet. Try hydrogen peroxide. Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 1 part water or dish soap. Pour the mixture over the carpet and let sit for 30 minutes. Gently rub the area with a rag, causing a lather to form. Blot up the moisture with a dry towel. Pour water over the spot afterwards to rinse the area of the soap. It's important to rinse the soap from the carpet because soap can hold dirt and dust. Make your own vomit cleaner. Mix together 2 cups of warm water, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of clear dish or laundry detergent, and 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol. Use a sponge to spread the cleaner over the stain. Blot the stain with a dry, clean towel until all the moisture has been removed. Make sure to rinse the area after the stain is removed. Cover the area in water, then blot up with a towel. Do this two or three times. Apply carpet or fabric cleaner as directed on bottle. Use a carpet stain remover. Good ones to try are enzyme-based stain removers for pets or car upholstery cleaners. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle. Use a carpet cleaning machine. If the stain is severe, think about using a carpet cleaning machine. If you own a wet vac, use it over the stain. If you don't own your own, many supermarkets carry carpet cleaning machines that you can rent. Try ammonia. Mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia with 1 cup of water. Spray or pour the mixture over the stain. Use a sponge or towel to dab the ammonia over the stain. Then, rinse with water and blot with towels. Don't use ammonia if you have pets. It might attract them to the spot and encourage them to urinate there. Remove the stain with an iron. Spray the stain with a mixture containing 2 parts water and 1 part white vinegar. Place a damp white rag over the stain. With your iron on the steam setting, iron over the spot for 30 seconds, repeating multiple times if necessary. The stain should transfer from the carpet to the towel. Don't hold the iron in one place - it could scorch or burn the towel. Instead, gently slide the iron back and forth over the area where the stain is. Never iron carpet directly. Always put a towel between the carpet and the iron. Otherwise, you might burn or scorch your carpet. Sprinkle with baking soda. After you've cleaned the stain, sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda on the area. Baking soda is an alkaline and helps stop acids, which are found in vomit. It also neutralizes odors instead of covering them up. Let the baking soda sit overnight, then vacuum the next day. It will also help absorb any left over moisture. Spray with vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water together, and spray or pour onto the smelly area. It will help get rid of, or at least lessen, the odor. The downside to vinegar is that it can leave a smell behind. Spray deodorizer. Get an odor neutralizing spray like Febreze or Renuzit. Choose one of these neutralizing sprays instead of an air freshener. Potpourri and floral air fresheners just cover the odors, which can sometimes mix with the vomit smell and make it worse. The neutralizing sprays help eliminate the odors. | Put on latex or disposable gloves. Scrape off as much vomit as possible. Pick up the vomit with a towel or paper towels. Cut pieces of cardboard to scoop up the vomit. Use a plastic bag. Scoop it with a spatula. Cover the area in sand. Do not rub the vomit into the carpet. Cover the spot with baking soda. Use cornstarch to dry the moisture. Use a clean rag and plain warm water to work out the remaining vomit. Use club soda. Sprinkle the area with dry cleaning solvent. Use vinegar. Try hydrogen peroxide. Make your own vomit cleaner. Apply carpet or fabric cleaner as directed on bottle. Use a carpet cleaning machine. Try ammonia. Remove the stain with an iron. Sprinkle with baking soda. Spray with vinegar. Spray deodorizer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Big-Sibling | How to Be a Good Big Sibling | The best way to be a good big brother or sister is to be kind, since this can really help your sibling to feel loved and supported by you. You can start by making time to help with their homework problems so they can do well at school. Of course, don't do their homework for them but instead, take the time to do things like listen to their presentations and offer suggestions, or show them how to work out a hard math problem so they can do other problems for themselves next time. Another great way to show your younger sibling kindness is to turn up to their special events, like a sports match or a play, to encourage their talents and let them know you care about their efforts. | Be a good listener. Perhaps the easiest and most direct way of being a good big brother or big sister is taking the time to ask your sibling how their day went and listening to what they have to say. Try to pull your sibling aside once a day and have a brief conversation with them especially if they are an adolescent or in their early teen years. Often, younger siblings want to be acknowledged and listened to by those they look up to. Practice active listening in your conversations with your sibling, whether it's a brief check in talk with them or a heart to heart. Treat the conversation as a learning opportunity, where you get to know your sibling better and have a meaningful discussion. Focus your attention fully on your sibling and let them speak without interruption. Acknowledge what they told you and respond thoughtfully and without judgement. This will keep the conversation open and encourage them to confide in you more often. Resolve conflicts in a mature and honest way. Though siblings tend to squabble and have small fights, you should make an effort to avoid having big, dramatic arguments with your sibling. This may mean being the bigger person and letting your sibling have the victory for a trivial fight. You should also try to offer your sibling a compromise, where you get a little bit of what you want and they get a little bit of what they want. This will help them to feel supported and respected by you, but it will also help them learn that they cannot always get their way. If you're unable to resolve a conflict on your own, ask an authority figure for guidance, such as an older friend, an older family member, or parent. This will show your sibling that you're not afraid to ask for help when you need it. Comfort your sibling when they confronts a challenge or fails. Your sibling will likely experience a range of trials and tribulations, and they may confront a difficult challenge of some kind or even fail in their attempt to do something great. Rather than shame your sibling for their failure or make them feel bad about messing up, you should comfort them and support them. Comfort your sibling by telling them to keep their head high and be proud, even if they didn't get what they wanted or if they failed. Remind them that they"ll have other opportunities to do better. Another way to comfort your sibling it to distract them from their failure by taking them out to their favorite restaurant or to their favorite hang out spot. Sometimes, distraction can help to cheer someone up and make them dwell less on their failure. Respect your sibling's boundaries and their autonomy. Teaching your sibling about boundaries and autonomy, or their ability to be their own person separate of others, can show them how to respect others and themself. You should respect your sibling's body autonomy by not tickling them, picking at them, or touching their body without their consent. You should also respect their mental boundaries by not trying to enforce your opinions or ideas on them, and by not trying to control their thoughts. Don't force them to grow up too fast or do adult things when they are still a kid or a teenager. Let them experience life as a young person, even if it means making mistakes or dealing with conflict. Be there as a support for them as they try to figure it out on their own. If they wants to do adult things with you, like go for dinner together, you can certainly do this. But don't try to force them into doing adult things if they doesn't seem interested or engaged in them. Give your sibling advice based on your own personal experience. You can also support your sibling by offering them advice when they asks for it. Avoid giving advice when they do not ask you for it as this can feel pushy or forceful. Only give advice when your sibling asks for it and only after you have listened to what they has to say. Rather than give your sibling general or vague advice, you should consider your own personal experiences and how you managed to resolve or deal with a certain issue. This will show that you have empathy for your sibling and want to support them in an honest way. For example, if your sibling admits that they're struggling with balancing their academics and extracurricular activities, you may tell them how you created a weekly schedule and blocked off time for each thing you had to do each day. If your sibling asks you for romantic advice, and if you have experience in this area, encourage them to talk about their feelings and the situation. Offer advice on how to have a healthy, responsible romantic relationship with someone. Help with homework and other responsibilities. One of the kinder things you can do for your sibling is offer to help them with their homework and their other school work. If they have an oral presentation coming up, offer to listen to their present them presentation. If they are struggling with their math assignment, sit down with them and help them work through the assignment. Focus on practical ways to help your sibling succeed by offering your knowledge of particular subject or simply a helping hand so a project gets done on time. You can also offer to help them complete their chores around the house or split them with them if they are working on a tight deadline for school. Attend your sibling's events or shows. Maybe your sibling has a performance coming up or a big sporting event. Make an effort to be in the audience and cheer them on from the stands. Attending their special events will be a nice thing you can do for them as a way to show your support as their big brother or big sister. Stand up for them in awkward situations. As the older brother or older sister, you should watch out for younger sibling and stand up for them if they get into any awkward or sticky situations. This may be confronting the school bully if they start to pick on your sibling or mediating a fight between your sibling and your parents. Try to stay on your sibling's side and work with them to resolve any problems or issues with others. Having your sibling's back will show them that you are willing to be there for them and support them. Encourage your sibling to pursue their interests and goals. A good big brother or sister will act as their sibling's champion and encourage their sibling to be the best they can be. Take notice of your sibling's abilities and talents, and then actively work to help them develop and improve them. For example, if your sibling shows an interest in painting, encourage them to take art classes or to set up a painting studio at home. Alternatively, if your sibling wants to go to an Ivy League school, help them achieve this goal by helping them with college applications and drafting a personal statement. Do well in school and at home. Be a good role model for your sibling by doing well in your studies and following through on your commitments at home. Your sibling will likely take notice if you are diligent about doing well in school and are also able to keep up with your responsibilities at home, such as sports practice or household chores. Working hard on your own needs and responsibilities will allow you to also be a good mentor to your sibling, as you will have enough of a grip on your own life to support your sibling. Don't be afraid to fail in front of your sibling. Your sibling may respect you more if you show them you are human. It will also make you seem more relatable and honest. Maintain a healthy social life. Another way you can be a good role model for your sibling is to try to maintain an active and healthy social life. Being able to connect with a group of friends can set a good example for your sibling and show them how to be social around others. If your sibling is struggling to make friends and connect with others, ask them to hang out with your friends for a night. This will help them feel included and allow them to learn how to be social by following your example. Demonstrate respect for your parents and your elders. Be respectful when your parents speak to you and be polite when you are around other elders, such as your teachers or your friends' parents. Maintaining a good relationship with the elders in your life, from your parents to your teachers to your mentors, will help you develop into a good role model. It will also demonstrate the importance of respect for your elders to your sibling. Apologize and acknowledge when you are wrong. A good role model is willing to admit when they are wrong and make a sincere apology for their mistake. If you make a mistake, you should be ready to apologize and acknowledge your misstep. Do this in front of your sibling to show them the value of an apology and the importance of being humble and honest, even when you are wrong. This will allow your sibling to understand that it is okay to make mistakes and that it is essential to acknowledge them so you can move past them. | Be a good listener. Resolve conflicts in a mature and honest way. Comfort your sibling when they confronts a challenge or fails. Respect your sibling's boundaries and their autonomy. Give your sibling advice based on your own personal experience. Help with homework and other responsibilities. Attend your sibling's events or shows. Stand up for them in awkward situations. Encourage your sibling to pursue their interests and goals. Do well in school and at home. Maintain a healthy social life. Demonstrate respect for your parents and your elders. Apologize and acknowledge when you are wrong. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Go-Fish | How to Play Go Fish | Go Fish is a fun card game for 2 to 6 players. To start a game, shuffle the cards and then deal a hand face-down to each player. If there are 2 to 3 players, each player gets 7 cards, but if there are 4-6 players, everyone gets 5 cards. Lay the rest of the cards facedown in the middle of the table. The objective is to build as many 4-of-a-kind sets of as possible. When it's your turn, ask one other player for a specific card from their hand. For example, if you have 2 jacks in your hand, ask the player of your choice if they have any jacks. If they do, they have to give you all their jacks. If not, they will say “Go Fish,” and you can draw a card from the pile. If you get the kind of card you asked for, you get to take another turn! Once you make a complete set of 4 cards, set it aside. The first player to use up all the cards in their hand wins. | Pick someone to shuffle and deal the cards for the first round. Go Fish is great because it can be played with as few as 2 players and up to as many as 6 players. The dealer could be the person whose birthday is coming up next, the person who won the last game, or someone else you choose. Try to take turns being the dealer so that one person doesn't get stuck doing it every time. Have the dealer shuffle and deal the cards out to each player. If there are 2-3 players, each person should get 7 cards. If there are 4 or more players, each person should get 5 cards. Remove all the jokers from the deck before you shuffle and deal the cards. It's okay to look at your cards! Just keep your hand hidden from the other players so they can't see what you got. Spread the rest of the cards out face-down in the middle of the table. This creates the “fishing pond.” Make sure all of the cards stay face-down so that no one can peek. If you don't have a lot of room at the table, just stack the cards face-down in the middle. When someone has to “go fish,” they can just pick up the top card from the deck. Let the person sitting to the left of the dealer go first. This is another reason why it's good to take turns being the dealer—everyone will get a chance to go first at some point! Start your turn by asking one player if they have a specific card. Take a look at the cards in your hand and choose to ask about cards you already have multiples of so you can make matches quicker. For example, if you have 2 jacks in your hand, you only need 2 more to make a match. The main thing to remember is that you can only ask one person at a time, and you can only ask about one rank of card at a time. The “rank of card” means the number and not the suit. It doesn't matter if the person has a jack of hearts or a jack of diamonds; if they have any jack at all, they must give it to you. You can only ask for a specific card if you have one or more of them in your hand already. For example, you can't ask for threes if you don't have a three in your hand. Keep in mind that once you ask about a specific card, the other players will know that you have that card in your hand. You can all strategize and try to keep track of who has what to give you the advantage in the game. Give all your cards of a specific rank to the player if they’re in your hand. If someone asks you if you have any queens and you do, then you have to give all of your queens to that person. You can't keep any back in your hand, and you can't lie. Take another turn if you get the cards you asked for. If you keep getting lucky and finding the cards you need to make matches, you could possibly take several turns in a row before having to “go fish” and pass the turn to the next player. You can ask the same person about a different card, or ask a new person. Remember that you're trying to make matches from the cards you have in your own hand. Tell the player to “go fish” if you don’t have the cards they’re asking for. This is the most fun part of the game! If the person asked you for all of your queens and you don't have any, tell them to “go fish.” The turn then passes to the next player. It can be fun to order people to “go fish,” but remember to do it with a friendly attitude. After all, you're playing a game with your friends! Pick up one card from the fishing pond whenever you have to “go fish. ” It actually isn't a horrible thing to have to pull a card from the fishing pond, especially at the beginning of the game. It'll give you more cards to play with and could help you get more matches. You have to keep the card you pulled, even if it isn't one you want. You can't throw it back and pick another one. Lay down 4-of-a-kind matches to get cards out of your hand. You can't hold matches in your hand. As soon as you get one, you have to lay it down in front of you so that everyone can see it. In many variations of Go Fish, the person who gets rid of all their cards first wins the game, so it's a good idea to make matches as quickly as possible. In some variations of the game, 2-card matches can be played instead of 4-of-a-kind matches. Sets of 4 are often called “books.” Take another turn after laying down a match. If you do get to lay down a match, your turn continues. This gives you the chance to start working on your next match before anyone else can take any of your cards away. Win the game when you no longer have any cards in your hand. The first person to get rid of all their cards is the winner. If you want, the remaining players can keep playing until there is also a 2nd place winner, a 3rd place winner, and so on. End the game if the fishing pond is empty, even if no one has “won. ” This is an optional ending that can be good to use if you like really fast-paced games. You could always decide that the person with the most matches at that time won the game, or it could just be a draw. You could also choose to keep playing even after the fishing pond is empty. You'll just take turns trying to get cards from your opponents without having to “go fish” at the end of your turn. | Pick someone to shuffle and deal the cards for the first round. Have the dealer shuffle and deal the cards out to each player. Spread the rest of the cards out face-down in the middle of the table. Let the person sitting to the left of the dealer go first. Start your turn by asking one player if they have a specific card. Give all your cards of a specific rank to the player if they’re in your hand. Take another turn if you get the cards you asked for. Tell the player to “go fish” if you don’t have the cards they’re asking for. Pick up one card from the fishing pond whenever you have to “go fish. Lay down 4-of-a-kind matches to get cards out of your hand. Take another turn after laying down a match. Win the game when you no longer have any cards in your hand. End the game if the fishing pond is empty, even if no one has “won. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Evolve-Eevee-Into-All-Its-Evolutions | How to Evolve Eevee Into All Its Evolutions | To evolve Eevee into Espeon or Umbreon, raise your Eevee's friendship level as high as possible, and only use it during the day if you want an Espeon or only at night if you want an Umbreon. If you want to evolve Eevee into Leafeon or Glaceon, battle with your Eevee until it has enough XP to level up, and then stand near the Mossy Rock in Akala Island's Lush Jungle if you want a Glaceon or near Icy Rock in Mount Lanakila Cave if you want a Leafeon. | Make sure that you have an Eevee. The easiest way to get an Eevee if you don't already have one is to go to the Paniola Nursery (located on Akala Island), talk to the woman behind the counter, and select Yes when she asks if you want a Pokémon egg. The egg will hatch into Eevee after a few minutes. You can also attempt to catch an Eevee from the wild by going out to Route 4 or Route 6 and wandering around in the grass there. Understand how this method works. Flareon, Vaporeon, and Jolteon are all evolved from Eevee in similar ways: by using special elemental "stone" items. These stone items can be found around the Pokémon world. In addition to being able to find or purchase the different stones, each stone can be dug up by using a Pokémon whom knows "Dig" on Isle Aphun. Use a Fire Stone on Eevee to evolve Flareon. You can find a Fire Stone in the far-left corner of Diglett's Tunnel on Akala Island, though you'll need a Tauros to uncover it for you. Once you pick up the stone, you'll select it in your bag and apply it to Eevee from there. You can also buy a Fire Stone from the Konikoni City shop for ₽3,000. Use a Water Stone on Eevee to evolve Vaporeon. The Water Stone is located on the shore area of Akala Island. Once you find it, open your bag, select the Water Stone, and apply it to Eevee. Like the Fire Stone, you can buy a Water Stone for ₽3,000 from the Konikoni City shop. Use a Thunder Stone on Eevee to evolve Jolteon. You'll find a Thunder Stone by heading out to Route 9 on Akala Island and talking to the old man there, after which point you can select the Thunder Stone from your bag and apply it to Eevee. The Thunder Stone can also be purchased from the Konikoni City shop for ₽3,000. Understand how this works. In order to evolve Eevee into Espeon or Umbreon, you'll have to raise your Eevee's friendship level as high as possible. Depending on which evolution you want, the training process will differ: Espeon - You must use your Eevee only during the day. Umbreon - You must use your Eevee only during night. Max out Eevee's friendship. You can raise Eevee's friendship in the following ways: Catching an Eevee in a Friend Ball Giving Eevee a Lomi Lomi massage once per day in Konikoni City Make sure that Eevee's friendship is high enough. You can do this by taking Eevee to Konikoni city and talking to the lady near the TM shop. If she says "My! It feels incredibly close to you! Nothing makes it happier than being with you!" of your Eevee, then you're ready to proceed. If she says anything different instead, you need to continue raising your Eevee's happiness. Avoid getting Eevee knocked out. Knock-outs can lower Eevee's overall friendship. Train your Eevee during the appropriate time of day. You'll only want to battle with Eevee in the day if you're trying to evolve into an Espeon, while night battles will ultimately allow you to evolve Eevee into an Umbreon. Level up Eevee during the day or the night. Again, this will depend on whether you want to evolve Eevee into Espeon or Umbreon. Once you've met the prerequisites, leveling up your Eevee will result in it turning into your preferred evolution. Understand how Leafeon and Glaceon evolve. Both Leafeon and Glaceon can be evolved almost immediately after you obtain an Eevee; this is because they only require you to stand next to a certain rock in order to level them up. Make sure that your Eevee is ready to level up. You may briefly need to battle with your Eevee before it has enough XP to level up. Find the appropriate rock. Leafeon requires a Mossy Rock to evolve, while Glaceon needs an Icy Rock. These rocks can be found in the following locations: Mossy Rock - Found in the northern part of Akala Island's Lush Jungle. Icy Rock - Found inside of the Mount Lanakila cave on Ula'ula Island. Stand near the rock. You must be standing in front of the rock in order for your Eevee to evolve correctly. Level up your Eevee. Once the level-up process is complete, you will have a Leafeon or Glaceon. Make sure Eevee has a Fairy-type move. Eevee will naturally evolve into Sylveon if certain important conditions are met. The first of these is that the Eevee must know at least one Fairy-type move. You can catch a wild Eevee with Baby-Doll Eyes (Level 19), or use the move tutor to relearn it. Get your Eevee to two Pokémon Refresh Affection Hearts. Using the care tool in your game, feed the Eevee and play with it until it gets two affection hearts over its head. Your Eevee's current hearts can be seen when selecting another Pokémon to play with. Using a Rainbow Poke Bean will guarantee the friendliness of your Eevee to go up 2 or even 3 affection hearts. Level up your Eevee. Once you've ensured that your Eevee is affectionate enough and that it has a Fairy-type move, leveling up your Eevee will evolve it into a Sylveon. | Make sure that you have an Eevee. Understand how this method works. Use a Fire Stone on Eevee to evolve Flareon. Use a Water Stone on Eevee to evolve Vaporeon. Use a Thunder Stone on Eevee to evolve Jolteon. Understand how this works. Max out Eevee's friendship. Make sure that Eevee's friendship is high enough. Avoid getting Eevee knocked out. Train your Eevee during the appropriate time of day. Level up Eevee during the day or the night. Understand how Leafeon and Glaceon evolve. Make sure that your Eevee is ready to level up. Find the appropriate rock. Stand near the rock. Level up your Eevee. Make sure Eevee has a Fairy-type move. Get your Eevee to two Pokémon Refresh Affection Hearts. Level up your Eevee. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Soften-Butter-Quickly | How to Soften Butter Quickly | To soften butter quickly, heat it in the microwave for 5-second intervals until it's soft enough. You can also cut the butter up into small pieces before leaving it out to soften, which will help it soften faster. If you're in a rush but you don't have a microwave, put the butter in a sealable plastic bag and then flatten it with a rolling pin until it's about 1/4 inch thick. Once you're done flattening the butter, it should be softened! | Cut a stick of butter into smaller, 1-inch (2.50cm) chunks. Let the chunks of butter sit on a plate for about 15 to 20 minutes. Since the butter is in smaller pieces, it has more surface area and will warm up more quickly. Place the uncut stick of butter into a zip-top or sandwich bag. Or you can put the butter in between 2 pieces of waxed paper. Lay the butter on your work surface. Use a rolling pin to roll over the butter in the bag or waxed paper to flatten it. Roll the butter out to about 1/4-inch (.60cm) thick. If you roll it too thinly, it will get very soft and almost melt. Use a meat hammer to flatten and soften the butter if you do not have a rolling pin. Let the butter rest for about 3 minutes after rolling to come up to room temperature. Fill the bottom saucepan on a double boiler 2/3 of the way full with water. Set the pan on the stove, and heat it until the water is 190°F (90°C). Take the saucepan off of the heat. Set the butter in the top portion of the double boiler, and place it on top of the bottom saucepan. Keep an eye on the butter. The heat from the water will soften it, but it can also cause the butter to melt if you let it sit too long. Let the butter sit on the double boiler just until softened, and then remove. Heat the water in a glass mixing bowl in the microwave if you do not have a double boiler. Place the butter in a mixing bowl that's slightly larger, and set it on top of the water-filled bowl to soften. Set the butter in the microwave. Remove the wrapper if it is made of metal. Set the microwave to defrost mode or 30-percent power. Heat the butter inside the microwave for 5 seconds. Open the door of the microwave. Touch the butter to test it for softness. If the butter is still hard, rotate it, then microwave it for another 5 seconds. Continue microwaving the butter for 5 second intervals, and remove it from the microwave when it is soft. Be careful not to let the butter melt. | Cut a stick of butter into smaller, 1-inch (2.50cm) chunks. Let the chunks of butter sit on a plate for about 15 to 20 minutes. Place the uncut stick of butter into a zip-top or sandwich bag. Lay the butter on your work surface. Roll the butter out to about 1/4-inch (.60cm) thick. Let the butter rest for about 3 minutes after rolling to come up to room temperature. Fill the bottom saucepan on a double boiler 2/3 of the way full with water. Take the saucepan off of the heat. Set the butter in the top portion of the double boiler, and place it on top of the bottom saucepan. Let the butter sit on the double boiler just until softened, and then remove. Set the butter in the microwave. Set the microwave to defrost mode or 30-percent power. Open the door of the microwave. Continue microwaving the butter for 5 second intervals, and remove it from the microwave when it is soft. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Back-Tuck | How to Do a Back Tuck | To do a back tuck, start with both arms straight up, your feet shoulder width apart, and your eyes fixed on a point in front of you. Next, bend your knees, lower your arms, then swing your arms back up as you jump up into the air. Then, bring your knees up to your chest to gain momentum and tuck yourself into a tight ball to start the backward rotation. Once you complete a full rotation, find your fixed point and refocus on it. Finally, extend your knees and land with both feet at the same time before returning to the starting position! | Stretch out your muscles. Do backbends and butterfly stretches , as well as basic leg and ankle stretches. Be careful and always stretch first! If you don't warm up, you could hurt your muscles or injure yourself. To stretch hamstrings: Sit with your legs straight in front of you. Reach for and grab your toes. Keep your back straight. Hold for 30 seconds. To stretch the legs and arms: Sit with your legs out, one out to each side. Reach up toward the sky with your left hand. Lean over and reach for your right foot. Hold for 30 seconds. Then, repeat on the other side. Aim for a 20 minute warm up session before moving into tumbling. Warm up with a few back handsprings. Once you're nice and stretched out, do a couple of standing back handsprings to warm your muscles up even more. Then try a few double handsprings. Start with a basic round off , then do two back handsprings in a row. Only pause for about 1-2 seconds between the handsprings. These will fully stretch you out and prepare your muscles for the standing back tuck. If you can't do a back handspring yet, you're not ready to learn the back tuck. Practice doing the back tuck in your mind. As you're stretching out, visualize yourself successfully doing a back tuck in your mind. Imagine yourself in the starting position, being in the air, and landing the tuck perfectly. If you're nervous or scared, imagining yourself doing the back tuck can help ease your fears. Find a spotter you trust. The best spotter is usually a trainer, coach, or experienced gymnast. Their job is to help you get into position, hold you while you're in the air, and keep your posture correct while you try your first back tuck. With a spotter, you don't have to be afraid of falling -- they're there to catch you! Not only can they help you jump higher into the air, but they can also give you great advice on anything you may be doing wrong. Use a gymnastics mat. Mats act as cushioning between you and the hard floor. If you do fall, you'll be much safer. They're also a great psychological motivator. If you're not worried about falling down, you'll jump higher and have better posture. For beginners : try folding a mat up and standing on top of that for your first couple of back tucks. This will give you a little extra space (you'll be higher than the ground) to do the back tuck in the air. For advanced gymnasts: try jumping back onto a folded-up mat. Instead of having more space in the air to tuck and land, you'll have less. This is a great technique if you're already pretty good at tucking and want to improve your technique! Practice the tuck position on the ground if this is your first time. Lie down with your back on a mat and your arms up above your head, as they are in the starting position. Practice lifting your legs up to your chest as fast as you can, simulating the same motion of the back tuck. Start with your arms up and your feet shoulder width apart. Keep your body completely straight. Pretend there's a string tied to each of your hands that's being pulled upwards. This can help you extend your arms all the way up and straighten out your body. Your arms should be in close, right next to your ears. Lower your arms in front of you and bend your knees. Do not bend your knees more than 90 degrees. Then, swing your arms back up as you jump straight up into the air. Before you try the back tuck, practice swinging your arms upward as you jump. This is called "digging" or "setting." It allows you to generate enough power to actually do the back tuck. Remember to jump up first and not backward. Keep your eyes fixed forward. Never look at the ground before your takeoff! Instead, keep your eyes focused straight ahead. Choose a spot that is slightly above head level and keep your eyes fixed on that point. Jump straight up into the air and tuck your legs. Really push with your legs as you jump. After your feet leave the ground, bring your legs up to your chest as you continue to jump upward. The momentum of bringing your legs into your chest will help make the backward rotation much easier. Concentrate on jumping quickly rather than jumping with as much force as possible. Tuck yourself into a little ball as you start rotating backwards. If you can, try to make yourself "small" at the top of your jump -- this is the "tuck" part. A tight tuck will give you the rest of the momentum you need to complete the rotation. Keep your arms out straight and next to your knees. Once you fully rotate in the air, find your fixed point straight ahead and focus on it. Extend your knees toward the ground for your landing. As you extend your knees, also start extending your lower back to fully "untuck." Try to land with your knees bent so that they can absorb some of the shock of the landing. Never land with straight knees! You can seriously hurt yourself this way. Land with both feet at the same time. As your feet get close to the ground, make sure to land with your heels and then flatten your feet on the ground to steady yourself. Avoid landing on your toes. If you continually land on your toes, that means you need to jump higher or tuck faster so you have time to strike your heels to the ground. Snap up into the starting position right after you land. Quickly get your balance by straightening your bent knees and thrusting your arms back up into the air. Your final stance should look almost identical to the way that you started, with your arms straight up in the air. Avoid buckling your knees when you land. Keep practicing with a spotter until you've mastered the back tuck. Don't practice back tucks alone if you haven't mastered the move yet. Continue using a spotter until you feel good about your back tuck. Have the spotter step to the side (but still within reach if anything happens) and try it all by yourself! | Stretch out your muscles. Warm up with a few back handsprings. Practice doing the back tuck in your mind. Find a spotter you trust. Use a gymnastics mat. Practice the tuck position on the ground if this is your first time. Start with your arms up and your feet shoulder width apart. Lower your arms in front of you and bend your knees. Keep your eyes fixed forward. Jump straight up into the air and tuck your legs. Tuck yourself into a little ball as you start rotating backwards. Extend your knees toward the ground for your landing. Land with both feet at the same time. Snap up into the starting position right after you land. Keep practicing with a spotter until you've mastered the back tuck. |
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