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https://www.wikihow.com/Silence-Dog-Tags | How to Silence Dog Tags | To silence your dog's tags, put rubber silencers around the outside of the tags if they're made of metal. You can also try putting some felt on the back of the tags to create a buffer. Alternatively, buy a small pouch made specially for holding the tags from your local pet stores. If you're willing to buy new tags, try silicone or plastic ones, which aren't as noisy as metal. For a more versatile option, purchase velcro tags that adhere directly to the collar. Another choice is to embroider your information directly onto the collar. | Buy velcro-like collar tags. Velcro-like tags remain quiet because they attach to the collar instead of dangling from it. This type of collar tag comes in two pieces, one that stays attached to the collar and another that has the identification information on it. The two pieces stick together like velcro, which makes this type of tag very versatile, as it can stick to collars of different shapes and sizes. You can find this type of collar tag online or at a pet supply store. Get collar tags that slide on. Similar to velcro-like tags, slide-on tags stay close to the collar which keeps them from creating a lot of noise. Check online or at your local pet store to find these tags, which have vertical slits on each side. To try these, hold the tag so that the information is facing you. Feed one end of the collar into the left slit, pull it horizontally across the back of the tag, and then pull it towards you through the right slit. Rivet the tags onto your dog’s collar. Some collar tags have a hole on either end that you can secure to the collar using rivets and a hammer. Screws may work better if your dog's collar is exceptionally thick. Either way, the tags won't jingle because they're tightly bonded to the collar. Look online or in pet stores for rivet-on tags. Have your information embroidered onto the collar. If none of these options sound appealing, consider ordering a customized collar online that has your identification information printed on it. This way, your dog's ID tags can be a part of the collar itself. This ensures silence because nothing is hanging from the collar and no metal is involved at all. Get rubber silencers to put around the outside of the tags. Members of the military silence their tags by placing a stretchy, durable rubber band around the outside edges. You can purchase a product like this for your dog online or at a local pet supply store to keep the metal tags from banging together and creating sound. Adhere felt to the back of the tags. If you love your tags the way they are but just want to eliminate that clanking, adhere some fabric discreetly to the back of each tag to create a buffer. Go online and order some felt that has an adhesive backing. Trace around the outside of the tag onto the felt with a pen or marker. Then cut it out and peel and stick the felt onto the back of the tag. Put the tags in a small pouch. There are products online and in pet supply stores that act as small storage pouches that hang from your dog's collar and contain the tags. Try one of these if you want the tags silenced and also want to prevent your tags from fading and/or tarnishing. One product that holds the tags in a pouch is Quiet Spot Pet Tag Silencer. Get a plastic tag clip. There are multiple brands of plastic tag clips available for purchase online and in pet stores. Consider replacing your metal ring for a snap-on, snap-off tag slip that's easier to handle and also doesn't create noise every time it comes in contact with your metal tags. FreezeTag is one brand of plastic tag clips that you may be interested in trying. Purchase silicone dog tags. After metal, silicone is likely one of the most popular dog tag materials. Silicone tags are silent, bendable, and fashionable. Brands like SiliDog offer a wide variety of silicone tags with varying shapes, sizes, and colors. Buy plastic dog tags. Many websites, such as luckypet.com, and pet stores offer dog tags made of plastic. These are beneficial because they're quiet and also aren't as heavy as metal tags. However, they may not always last as long as metal tags. You can also purchase plastic tags with a light-reflecting material on them to keep your dog safe and visible at night. | Buy velcro-like collar tags. Get collar tags that slide on. Rivet the tags onto your dog’s collar. Have your information embroidered onto the collar. Get rubber silencers to put around the outside of the tags. Adhere felt to the back of the tags. Put the tags in a small pouch. Get a plastic tag clip. Purchase silicone dog tags. Buy plastic dog tags. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tune-a-Mandolin | How to Tune a Mandolin | To tune a mandolin, adjust the strings so they are tuned from low to high in the order G, D, A, and E, with the pair of G strings closest to you and the E strings closest to the floor. The tuners on the headstock should be in clockwise order, with the G and D strings closest to you, and the A and E strings closest to the floor. Use an electronic tuner to tune each string individually, then play the strings together to make sure they sound the same. Always start tuning below the note you want to play, then tune upwards to keep the string from going flat. | Tune it like a violin. A mandolin is traditionally tuned G-D-A-E, from low to high, with each pair of strings tuned to the same tone. In other words, the instrument is tuned G-G-D-D-A-A-E-E, taking into consideration each individual string. When you're holding the mandolin correctly, the highest string pair (E) should be the closest to the floor. If you play guitar, it can also be helpful to think of it as the lowest four guitar strings (E-A-D-G), but in reverse. That can also help you get familiar with the fingerings when you're first getting started on the instrument. Locate the correct tuners for each string. On most mandolins, the tuners for both G strings and both D strings will be on the side of the headstock closest to you, while the tuners for both A strings and E strings will be on the side of the headstock closest to the floor, in order. As you tune, you generally want to tune in that clockwise pattern on the tuners, around the headstock, working your way down the instrument and higher in pitch. Tune each string individually and both strings together. What makes tuning a mandolin more difficult than tuning a violin, of course, is that there are 8 strings instead of 4, meaning that you have to be precise or the instrument will be out of tune. It can be difficult to know which string is out of tune when you're striking them both in unison. Use "rest strokes" (in which you dampen each string with the pick after playing) to isolate each note individually as you're tuning. This will get a clearer tone on the electronic tuner, or whatever other tuning method you're using. Tune up, don't tune down. As with any stringed instrument, you generally want to tune from flat to sharp, tuning the string up in pitch, rather than down from a higher note to the correct tone. This is because you want to settle the tension in the string toward the gear, not away from it. When you tune down, you risk letting the tension slip on the tuning gear as you play, making the string will go flat. This is especially true with new strings. Use fresh strings. Worn out or rusty strings will go out of the tune more easily and bedevil your fingers as you're learning. Make sure you change your strings out regularly to keep your instrument in tune. You don't need to change them every night unless you're Tim O'Brien, but consider changing them every 4-6 weeks of moderate to heavy usage. Get the tuning in the ballpark, and then fine-tune it. It can be frustrating to tune immediately after putting new strings on the mandolin, because it'll slip out after only a few minutes. After putting new strings on, each string puts lots of pounds per square inch of tension on the neck, and the wood will flex slightly. You need to account for this by getting the strings close and then letting the instrument rest for a second before fine-tuning. You'll get it in tune more quickly and more accurately this way. Get an electric tuner of good quality. The most accurate and efficient way of tuning your mandolin is to buy an electronic tuner made for the purpose. A violin tuner or an electronic tuner made for the mandolin are both appropriate for your purposes. Chromatic tuners that clip onto the headstock of various acoustic instruments are recommended if you're going to be regularly tuning during practice sessions and gigs. You can leave it clipped onto your instrument, ready to fine-tune at a moment's notice. They can range anywhere from $10 to upward of $30. Online tuners are also available that play a tone for you to replicate, but these are somewhat less accurate methods than doing it with a tuner that picks up sound. If you're on a budget, consider downloading a free smartphone tuning app, which tend to be of fairly high quality and are either cheap or free. Turn the tuner on and make sure it's picking up the sound. If the tuner features settings for different instruments, set it to mandolin or violin, and find a quiet room to tune in that will be free of background noise that will affect the tuner's efficacy. Play each string individually. Tighten the corresponding tuner until you get the string relatively close. It doesn't have to be exact yet, because you're going to go back through after you've done a pass. Continue tuning each of the strings, tightening the tuning peg up and getting the tension close, watching the tuner closely. Go back through and do another pass, fine-tuning each string as closely as possible. Watch the tuner for cues. Most give you an indication of whether or not you're sharp or flat, and most turn green or blink when you're right on the money. Use your eyes and your ears. Now go back through the strings again and play each double set to make sure it sounds right. Pluck both G strings and listen. It can be tempting to get too attached to your tuner, but you've got to use your ears too. They're not perfect, and each instrument has its own quirks and habits. Listen closely to the doubled strings to see if it needs further adjustment. Learn to tune the mandolin to itself. While it's important to get each note in tune in terms of pitch, it's also not necessary unless you want to play with other people. You also need to tune the instrument to itself, to make sure you can play and practice in a way that sounds good. You may not always have a tuner handy, so it's an important skill to learn. Practice checking your harmonics and intervals by playing notes at the 12th fret to make sure it's in key in the higher octaves. Check and double check. Use the seventh fret. Adjust both E strings until they're in tune with each other, then fret the A string at the 7th fret and make that string sound the same as the 1st string played “open” or non-fretted. Keep moving down the neck, doing the same thing with the other strings. Tune to another instrument. Use an in-tune piano, guitar, or banjo to tune to. Have your playing partner play each note individually (GDAE--you've got to memorize those!) and take your time getting it in tune. This is an important skill to develop in your ear training, helping you to recognize microtones and sharp and flat sounds. You'll be a better player if you can recognize when you're in and out of tune with your ear. Learn some alternate tunings to open up your repertoire. The only difference between a violin and a fiddle is the way that it's tuned, in most cases. Most mandolin players learn to play the instrument by tuning it to GDAE, but that doesn't mean you need to always play it. Some American folk musicians even call it "Eye-talian" tuning to suggest that it's fancy and formal. Learn some alternate tunings and start messing around with new methods of fingering the same old chords. It can open up whole worlds. Try out: Sawmill tuning (GDGD) Open G (GDGB) Irish tuning (GDAD) | Tune it like a violin. Locate the correct tuners for each string. Tune each string individually and both strings together. Tune up, don't tune down. Use fresh strings. Get the tuning in the ballpark, and then fine-tune it. Get an electric tuner of good quality. Turn the tuner on and make sure it's picking up the sound. Play each string individually. Use your eyes and your ears. Learn to tune the mandolin to itself. Use the seventh fret. Tune to another instrument. Learn some alternate tunings to open up your repertoire. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-a-Fuel-Filter | How to Change a Fuel Filter | Before you change your fuel filter, you'll need to relieve the pressure in your vehicle's fuel system, disconnect the battery, and jack up your vehicle if the filter is underneath it rather than in the engine bay. Then, use a flathead screwdriver to pop out the plastic clips holding the fuel filter in place. Next, slide the fuel lines away from the filter so you can take them off the nozzles on either end. You can then slide the old fuel filter out of its bracket. To put a new fuel filter in, just slide it into the bracket, reattach the fuel lines, and replace the plastic clips holding the filter in position. | Locate your vehicle’s fuse box. In order to relieve the pressure in your fuel system, you will need to run the vehicle without the fuel pump functioning for a short time. In order to prevent the fuel pump from turning on with the engine, you will need to locate the fuse box that contains the fuel pump fuse. Most vehicles have a fuse box both in the interior of the car as well as under the hood. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual to locate the appropriate fuse box. If you do not have an owner's manual, try referring to the auto maker's website. The fuse for the fuel pump is often in the fuse box locating in the interior of the vehicle. Remove the fuse for the fuel pump. Once you have located the correct fuse box, use the diagram provided on the fuse box cover or in the owner's manual to identify the fuse that powers the fuel pump. Use a pair of needle nose pliers or plastic tweezers to remove the fuse. With the fuse removed, the fuel pump will not function when you start the engine. There is still fuel and pressure in the fuel lines running from the rear to the front of the vehicle. Check the auto maker's website for a fuse diagram if you do not have one. Ensure the vehicle is not in gear. Although the engine will not be receiving a fresh supply of fuel from the gas tank, there will be enough fuel left in the lines for it to start and run briefly. Make sure automatic vehicles are in park and vehicles equipped with a standard transmission are in neutral with the parking brake engaged. Although the vehicle will only run briefly, it will still move if left in gear. Be sure the parking brake is engaged if you are in a standard vehicle. The parking brake is optional but advised for automatics. Start the engine. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to start the motor just as you would any other time. The engine should start easily as it expends the fuel remaining in the fuel system past the fuel pump. If the engine turns over but then sputters out, it may not have had sufficient pressure in the lines to force the fuel into the engine. If the engine dies, the fuel pressure will be sufficiently relieved. Allow the engine to run for a minute before shutting it off. Depending on the fuel system in your vehicle and its average fuel consumption, the amount of time it will run without a functioning fuel pump can vary greatly. It does not need to run until it dies, however. Instead just allow it to run for a minute or two before turning the key back to off. Without the fuel pump functioning, the pressure will be relieved in the fuel lines fairly quickly. Allowing the engine to run until it dies may make it difficult to start it again. Re-insert the fuel pump fuse. With the pressure relieved from the fuel system and the engine off, you can re-insert the fuse that powers the fuel pump. Place the cover back on the fuse box and return any pieces of the trim you may have needed to remove to access it. Make sure the vehicle is off before replacing the fuse you removed. Do not start the engine again after inserting the fuel pump fuse. Disconnect the battery. Now that there is no reason for the engine to be started again until the project is complete, you should disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. Removing the cable from the negative terminal will prevent the engine from being started while you work. You will need to use a hand or socket wrench to loosen the nut holding the cable onto the negative terminal, but you will not need to remove the nut completely. Disconnecting the battery will ensure the engine cannot be started during the remainder of this project. Tuck the negative cable to the side of the battery to ensure it doesn't accidentally come into contact with its terminal on the battery. Locate the fuel filter. There are two common locations fuel filters are mounted in vehicles, so you should refer to your vehicle's service manual to help you determine which place to look. The most common location for modern vehicles is along the fuel line on the bottom of the car, just past the fuel pump. In some vehicles, the fuel filter is located in the engine bay on the line that leads to the fuel rail. Some vehicles may place the fuel filter in a different location, so refer to your service manual to find out for sure. You may need to access the fuel filter from inside the cabin of some vehicles. Jack up the car if necessary. If the fuel filter is located on the underside of your vehicle, you will need to jack up the car to access it. Slide the jack under the car at one of its designated jack points, then either pump or twist the handle to raise the vehicle (depending on the style of jack). Once the vehicle is jacked up, place jack stands beneath it before working under the vehicle. Never rely on a jack to support the weight of a vehicle you are beneath while working. Place a bowl or bucket beneath the fuel filter. Although you relieved the pressure in the fuel line, there may be a bit of fuel left in the line that can spill out when disconnected from the fuel filter. Place a bowl or bucket beneath the fuel filter to catch any fuel that drips or pours out. Do not mix the fuel with oil or coolant to be recycled. Gasoline should be held in its own container until it can be dropped off to a recycling location. Be careful of using plastic containers to hold gas, as it may eat through some kinds of plastic and cause a leak. Remove the clips holding the fuel filter in place. Most fuel filters are held in place by two plastic clips. Locate the clips on either side of the cylindrical fuel filter, then use a flat head screwdriver to pop them out of the holes they are in. These clips may break as you remove them, so purchasing replacement clips along with your fuel filter is advised. The clips that hold the fuel filter in place are made of thin plastic and tend to break easily. If you are able to remove them without them breaking, they may be reused. You can purchase replacement fuel filter clips at your local auto parts store. Remove the fuel lines from the filter. With the clips removed, slide the fuel lines away from the filter to pop them off of the nozzles on either end. Make sure to tip the fuel lines toward the bowl or bucket in place as you remove them to catch any spilled gasoline. You should wear eye protection and gloves during this portion of the project to protect you from fuel splatter. Do your best to avoid allowing any gas to pour out onto the ground. Slide the fuel filter out of its bracket. The fuel filter is likely held in place by a metal bracket that wraps around its outer housing. With the fuel lines disconnected, you can slide the fuel filter out of the bracket by pushing it toward the front of the car. The fuel filter will have a slight bell shape, allowing it to slide out in only one direction. If your filter sits in the bracket differently, you may need to slide it toward the back of the car to remove it. Some fuel filters under the hood may he held in the bracket with a bolt that will need to be removed to slide the filter out. Compare the new filter to the old one. Before installing the new fuel filter, compare it to the one you just removed. Make sure they appear to be the same outside diameter, that the nozzles are the same size, and that it will fit into the bracket. If the fuel filters do not match, you will need to return the new one for the correct replacement filter. Do not attempt to use a fuel filter for a different application in your vehicle, as it may not be capable of allowing the appropriate volume of fuel to pass through it. Slide the new fuel filter into the bracket. The new fuel filter should easily slide into its bracket. If you have to force it, it is likely not the correct diameter. The fuel filter should stop when it is seated properly, as it should only be able to slide all the way out in one direction. Be careful not to damage the housing of the fuel filter, as that may cause a leak. If you find yourself pushing hard on the filter to make it fit, it is likely not the correct one. Fasten the fuel filter to the fuel line. Slide the fuel lines onto the front and back of the filter the same way they were attached to the old one. With the fuel line in place on the filter, slide the plastic clips through the holes on the fuel line nozzle to secure the line in place on the fuel filter. If the plastic clip breaks as you slide it in, do not attempt to drive the vehicle until you replace the broken clip. Make sure the fuel lines are snug on the nozzles of the fuel filter before sliding the clips into place. Lower the vehicle off of the jack stands. Jack up the car to relieve the weight on the jack stands, then slide them out from beneath the vehicle. Once the jack stands are clear, lower the vehicle to the ground by either releasing the pressure in the jack or turning the jack handle counter-clockwise, depending on your style of jack. Be sure the jack stands are completely out of the way, otherwise they may damage the vehicle if lowered onto them. Once the vehicle is safely on the ground, reconnect the battery to complete the project. | Locate your vehicle’s fuse box. Remove the fuse for the fuel pump. Ensure the vehicle is not in gear. Start the engine. Allow the engine to run for a minute before shutting it off. Re-insert the fuel pump fuse. Disconnect the battery. Locate the fuel filter. Jack up the car if necessary. Place a bowl or bucket beneath the fuel filter. Remove the clips holding the fuel filter in place. Remove the fuel lines from the filter. Slide the fuel filter out of its bracket. Compare the new filter to the old one. Slide the new fuel filter into the bracket. Fasten the fuel filter to the fuel line. Lower the vehicle off of the jack stands. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Pilling-From-Clothing | How to Remove Pilling From Clothing | To remove pilling from clothes made from tough materials like cotton, lay the fabric flat and pull it taut, then use a new disposable razor to shave upwards in short strokes. Once you have a stack of pillings, pick it up with the sticky side of a loop of tape. You can also try snipping pillings off with a pair of small nail scissors. For more sensitive fabrics like wool and cashmere, roll a Velcro hair roller over the area. | Use a sandpaper sponge. If you scrub your clothing with this sponge, your pilling will be gone! Trim with scissors. Depending on the number and size of the pills, you may be able to trim them away with a pair of scissors. Lay the garment on a flat surface. Pull up individual pills trim away with your other hand. You may also put your hand inside the garment in order to pull it taut, and then gently trim away the pills. Make sure to hold the scissors close to the fabric. Be gentle and slow, so you do not damage the fabric. Small nail scissors are safer to use. They are duller and more precise, and are less likely to damage the fabric. Use a shaving razor. Take a disposable razor and lay the garment on a flat surface. Pull the fabric near the affected area taut with one hand. This will prevent you from cutting through the garment. Gently shave upward with the razor in small strokes. Start with the lightest contact possible and increase as necessary. Once you have accumulated a pile of pillings, use tape to remove from the fabric. Wrap a large loop of packing tape around your closed fingers, sticky side out. Press against the fabric to pick up the accumulated pillings. Replace tape when it becomes full of pills. If you do not have packing tape, small strips of masking tape will also work. Make sure to use a sharp, new razor. This will most effectively remove the pills. Avoid using shaving razors that have moisture strips or soap bars on either side. This will likely cause more pilling when rubbed against the fabric. Use Velcro hair rollers. Hair rollers are very gentle, making them ideal for use on delicate fabrics like wool and cashmere. Lay the garment on a flat surface and pull it taut. Lay the roller flat on the affected area. Gently roll upwards and out until the area is pill-free. The pilling will get caught in the hair roller. Pick it up and move it to another area if the garment is pilled in several areas. Use a strip of Velcro. If you have a piece of Velcro you can also use this to remove pillings. Consider using Velcro found on a shoe or wallet. Apply the Velcro hook-side down to the affected area of the garment. Gently pull up and repeat until the pilling is gone. This method can damage very delicate fabrics, so do not use on cashmere or wool. Buy a sweater comb. A sweater comb is a small, fine toothed comb made specifically for removing pilling. It is different from a hair comb because the teeth are smaller and closer together. Pull the fabric taut and scrape the affected area gently. Be careful not to damage the fabric. Use an electric sweater shaver. An electric pill remover is more expensive than other tools, but the fastest, most effective method. Insert batteries and lay the garment on a flat surface. Apply to the garment in small, circular motions. Start with the lightest contact possible and increase as needed. Continue until the pills disappear. They will accumulate in the shaver's barrel, which you can empty as it fills up. Try a sweater stone. A sweater stone is made especially for removing sweater pills. To use, lay the garment on a flat surface and pull flat. Gently rub the stone against the affected area. Drag it across the fabric and pull of the extra pills as they accumulate, using tape or your fingers. Shop for fabrics that are less likely to pill. Fabrics made of fiber blends are more susceptible to pilling. Fiber blends combine natural and synthetic fibers, and they are more likely to rub together and form pills. This is especially true for fabrics with three or more different types of fibers. Look for tightly knit sweaters. Check the fabric before you buy. Tightly knit fabrics are less likely to pill, whereas looser weaves or more susceptible to pilling Turn your garment inside out. Turn the garment inside out before washing. This will prevent noticeable pilling as the fabric rubs against itself and other garments in the wash. You can also try storing the garment inside out by turning it inside out before hanging or folding it. Wash gently. Use a delicate cycle when washing in the washing machine. Delicate cycles are shorter and gentler, causing less abrasion in the garments. Consider hand washing garments like sweaters that are more likely to pill. This is the gentlest way of washing. Look for detergent made especially for handwashing and wash in a sink or bathtub. Avoid the electric dryer. When possible, hang garment to dry rather than using the drying machine. This will cause less abrasion to the fabric and prevent pilling. Use liquid detergent. Powder detergent rubs against the fabric as it dissolves. This makes it more likely to cause pilling during the washing cycle. Liquid detergents are the most gentle solution for delicate fabrics. Brush with a lint roller regularly. Be sure to regularly brush delicate sweaters with a lint roller or lint brush to prevent pilling. Consistently using a lint roller will prevent pills from accumulating on the fabric. | Use a sandpaper sponge. Trim with scissors. Use a shaving razor. Use Velcro hair rollers. Use a strip of Velcro. Buy a sweater comb. Use an electric sweater shaver. Try a sweater stone. Shop for fabrics that are less likely to pill. Look for tightly knit sweaters. Turn your garment inside out. Wash gently. Avoid the electric dryer. Use liquid detergent. Brush with a lint roller regularly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Order-Dunkin-Donuts-Coffee | How to Order Dunkin Donuts Coffee | Ordering coffee at Dunkin Donuts gives you a wide range of drinks to choose from. First, tell your server the type of coffee you want, whether it's a normal cup, a latte, or an iced coffee. You should also specify whether you want a small, medium, or large drink. It's standard at Dunkin Donuts to add 2 cream and sugar to a small cup, 3 to a medium, and 4 to a large. If you want more or less cream or sugar than the standard, be sure to say so. For example, say you want a coffee with “easy sugar” to order less sugar, or a “light and sweet“ for a weaker coffee that's sweeter than usual. Asking for a “dark coffee” will get you less cream but the usual amount of sugar. If you order a latte, you'll also need to ask for sugar, since the standard latte doesn't include any. | Be specific with your order instead of saying "coffee regular. " “Coffee regular” is a term you should avoid using since regular means something different to every coffee drinker. Tell the person taking your order which blend you want, such as original, decaf, or dark roast. Then mention how much cream and sugar you want. The amount of cream and sugar is standardized by cup size. If you don't specify how much you want, you will get 2 of each for a small, 3 for a medium, and 4 for a large. Order coffee "light and sweet" for extra cream and sugar. Ordering a “coffee light and sweet” will get you a slightly weaker but sweeter cup of coffee. This is the standard cup of coffee served at Dunkin Donuts, but with 1 extra serving of cream and sugar. For example, a small cup will include 3 servings of cream and sugar instead of the normal 2. Say "easy sugar" to get less sugar than normal. Saying “easy sugar” shows that you want your coffee with a little less sweetness than the standard cup. It will still have some sugar unless you say you want none. It will also have the usual serving of cream. A small cup easy on the sugar will have 1 serving of sugar instead of 2. Choose dark coffee for less cream. Dark coffee still has sugar, but comes with less cream than regular coffee. Remember that it will still have some cream in it, so if you don't want cream at all, tell the employee so they can adjust your order properly. For instance, a small cup will have 1 serving of cream instead of the normal 2. Ordering your coffee with “light sugar” can also mean this. State exactly what you want to ensure that the employees understand your order. Order "coffee black" to get no cream or sugar. “Coffee black” is very strong, so be careful! It is coffee without anything added to it. Dunkin Donuts doesn't provide spare cream or sugar packets, so you won't be able to adjust your coffee at the restaurant. Specify iced when you want to order cold coffee. The employees assume you want hot coffee when you say “regular” or “coffee.” Be sure to say that you want iced coffee so that there is no confusion. Ask for sugar if you want it with your latte. Lattes do not come with cream or sugar. They're made with either skim milk or whole milk, depending on your preference. If you want sugar added in, ask the employee before they make it. Lattes can be ordered regular or decaf. The employee will ask you which one you want. Request whipped cream when you want it in your drink. Whipped cream is never added to an order unless you ask. When you're ordering a coolata or an iced latte, specify that you would like whipped cream in order to have it included for no charge. Download the Dunkin Donuts mobile application. Visit the app store on your phone and type “Dunkin Donuts” into the search box. It will take you to the official “Dunkin' Donuts perks & rewards” app. Download it so you can place an order through the application. Enroll in the Dunkin Donuts rewards program. To make an order through the app, becoming a rewards program member is necessary. On the application's main screen, you will see a box labeled “DD Perks” that you can tap to begin setting up an account. You may also go to www.ddperks.com to begin. To sign up, enter some basic personal information, such as your email address, birthday, and a new password for your rewards account. Tap the order button on the main menu screen. Back on the main screen that shows up when opening the app, look in the bottom right corner for a box labeled “Order.” Tap that to go to the location screen. Select a location to place your order. The location screen has 3 options. The “map” and “list” options will reveal any Dunkin Donuts franchises near you. The “recent” option will be empty at first, but will save any locations that you order from using the app. Pick 1 of the locations to place your order. Once you have selected a location, tap the continue button in the lower right corner. Use the interactive menu to create your order. The next screen is filled with buttons representing menu options. Since you're getting coffee, tap the “Hot Drinks” option in the top right corner or the “Iced Drinks” option below it. Select the type of coffee you want, then tap “Add To Order” at the bottom of the screen. All of the customization options, such as flavorings, will appear after selecting the type of drink you want. The application uses a national menu, so the Dunkin Donuts you visit may not have what you order. The employees will tell you this when you arrive. Choose a payment method to complete your order. Scroll down to the bottom of the checkout screen to find the payment options. If you don't have a reloadable DD Card registered yet, the app will instruct you on how to purchase a virtual card. Set up the card, then tap “Submit” in the bottom right corner. If you already have a DD Card, you can link it to your account. Use the pin and ID numbers on the back to register it on the checkout screen. On this screen, you may also swipe right on your order items to change or remove them. Tap the pick up button when you’re ready to get your order. On the next screen, scroll down to the “I'm Ready To Pick Up” button. Wait to tap the button until you're about to arrive at Dunkin Donuts to ensure your drink is served fresh. Prepare your order in advance to save time. As long as you don't tap the button, the employees won't begin to fill your order. Select the drive-through or counter to pick up your coffee. The last screen on the app has 2 buttons. Pick “Drive Thru” if you want to get in the drive through line with your car. Choose “Walking In” if you wish to go into the Dunkin Donuts and get your order at the counter. Show up at the location you selected to get your order! No matter which option you choose, tell the employees that you're picking up a mobile order and they'll get it for you. You can also order through the Waze app. The steps are the same, including downloading the Dunkin Donuts app. Simply search for a restaurant location within Waze to begin ordering. Visit Dunkin Donuts’ online shop. Go to http://shop.dunkindonuts.com/ to find all the products Dunkin Donuts officially has for sale, including bags of coffee and K-Cups. Click the menu options at the top of the screen to sort through the available options. Other stores, such as general stores like Walmart, may also have Dunkin Donuts coffee available to buy both online and in person. Click the Add To Cart option to begin the ordering process. Click on the image of the type of coffee you wish to buy. Scroll down the page a little to find the “Add To Cart” option. This takes you to the cart page, which displays what's on your order. Select the Subscription options for automatic ordering. The “Add Subscription” button is next to the “Add To Cart” button on the item's page. This means that Dunkin Donuts will renew your order as long as you keep the subscription. You can customize this by selecting a delivery interval option in the drop-down box nearby. Subscriptions can currently be set for delivery every 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 weeks. Enter your shipping and payment information on the checkout screen. No matter which option you pick, you will end up on the cart page. Verify your order, then select “Checkout.” Enter your name, address, and payment information to complete your order. | Be specific with your order instead of saying "coffee regular. Order coffee "light and sweet" for extra cream and sugar. Say "easy sugar" to get less sugar than normal. Choose dark coffee for less cream. Order "coffee black" to get no cream or sugar. Specify iced when you want to order cold coffee. Ask for sugar if you want it with your latte. Request whipped cream when you want it in your drink. Download the Dunkin Donuts mobile application. Enroll in the Dunkin Donuts rewards program. Tap the order button on the main menu screen. Select a location to place your order. Use the interactive menu to create your order. Choose a payment method to complete your order. Tap the pick up button when you’re ready to get your order. Select the drive-through or counter to pick up your coffee. Visit Dunkin Donuts’ online shop. Click the Add To Cart option to begin the ordering process. Select the Subscription options for automatic ordering. Enter your shipping and payment information on the checkout screen. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Nail-Polish-from-Around-the-Nails | How to Remove Nail Polish from Around the Nails | You can easily remove nail polish from around your nails by getting it off while it's wet or soaking your nails in warm water to remove the excess polish. While you're painting your nails, keep a small dish of nail polish remover and a clean eyeshadow brush or nail polish brush nearby. If you get any nail polish on the skin around your nails, quickly dip the brush in the polish remover and trace the outside edges of your nails with your brush to remove it while it's still wet. If your nail polish has already dried, soak your hands in a sink of warm, soapy water for 2-3 minutes. Then, use a cloth to gently scrub the polish from the skin around your nails. | Have a brush ready. A new, clean eyeshadow brush or an old nail polish brush that you've cleaned and sanitized will work perfectly for this. In order to clean a nail polish brush, swirl it around in 2 or 3 drops of nail polish thinner on a plastic plate. Wipe the brush on a piece of cardboard. Repeat this until the brush wipes clean. Nail polish thinner is different than remover. It is most commonly used to restore old bottles of nail polish to their old consistency. Cardboard is recommended because other materials, like paper towels, will leave lint on the brush. Pour nail polish remover into a small dish. You can use an acetone-based nail polish remover, or another type of remover. Acetone-based ones might damage your brush, so be careful when using them. If you don't have any nail polish remover handy, you can use rubbing alcohol instead. Paint your nails. Choose your desired color. Paint with your basecoat and color. Use as many coats of your colored polish as you need to get the desired color. Cover your brush. Dip the tip of your brush into the polish remover. You only want to dip the tip because the remover will damage the glue and metal crimp over time. Get rid of excess remover by sweeping the bristles of your brush over the rim of the bottle. If you don't wipe the excess remover off of your brush, you'll end up taking your manicure off along with the polish around your nails. Outline your nails. Carefully trace the outside of your nails with the brush. Be very careful not to run the brush over your nail, because it will ruin your manicure. Once you've done this for every nail, touch up any polish on your nails that you need to. Let dry and apply your top coat. Finish your manicure. Once the top coat has dried, you can take a paper towel that you've dampened with warm water and folded. Use the folded corner to wipe around the nails to take off any remaining nail polish remover. Don't forget to wash your brushes to have them ready for next time! Apply your nail polish. Using the nail polish of your choice, apply your basecoat, color, and topcoat. Two layers of your color typically works best. Check the bottle to see how many coats are recommended. Allow your nails to completely dry. You must let them completely dry before trying to remove any nail polish that happened to get onto your fingers. If you don't you'll smudge the color on your nails. Soak your hands. Fill a sink with warm, soapy water. Use a moisturizing soap for an added bonus for your hands. Once you've let your nails completely dry, dip your fingers into the sink. Let your nails soak for 2-3 minutes. Feel free to swish them around or simply leave them still. If you polish is water based, letting them soak for 5 or more minutes will peel the color off of your nails. If you don't have time to soak your nails, this can easily be done in your shower. Gently rub around your nails. Use a facecloth or your other hand to gently scrub the polish off of your skin. If it's not coming off easily, try soaking your fingers for another minute and try again. Once you've successfully removed all of the polish from around your nails, dry your hands properly. Add another layer of top coat for some extra shine if desired. Gather your materials. Elmer's glue works best, but any white “school” glue will do. Along with your glue, you'll need a paintbrush and the nail polish of your choice. Also, you want a small paper plate or something else to pour your glue onto. Paint the glue around your nails. Pour some glue onto your dish and dip your brush in it. Generously apply the glue around your nails, getting as close to the nail as possible. Paint the glue around the bottom, sides, and top of your nail. If you do happen to get it on your nails, simply use a paper towel to wipe it away before it dries. Go as wide as you deem necessary. If you're typically a very messy painter, make a wide ring around your nail with glue. Let the glue dry. Examine your nails to make sure there isn't any glue on your nails. If you're sure there isn't, give the glue 10-20 minutes to dry. When it has dried completely, you'll see no more white around your nails because the glue turns clear when it dries. Paint your nails. Be as messy as you wish around your nails. Don't be afraid to get as close to the edge of your nails as possible; focus on painting your entire nail. The paint around your nails will land on the glue, which is exactly what you want. Don't purposely make more of a mess than you normally would; you'll just end up wasting nail polish. Let your nails dry. Give your nails sufficient time to dry. This takes anywhere from 2-15 minutes, depending on the polish that you chose. It is very important that you let your nails completely dry. Peel away the glue. Carefully begin peeling the glue off of your fingers. Do so slowly to be sure that you don't pull off any polish from your nails along with the glue. Take notes on anywhere you could've been more careful with your glue so that you can focus on that area next time. | Have a brush ready. Pour nail polish remover into a small dish. Paint your nails. Cover your brush. Outline your nails. Finish your manicure. Apply your nail polish. Allow your nails to completely dry. Soak your hands. Gently rub around your nails. Gather your materials. Paint the glue around your nails. Let the glue dry. Paint your nails. Let your nails dry. Peel away the glue. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Spider-Mites | How to Get Rid of Spider Mites | To get rid of spider mites, start by removing any affected parts of the plant by cutting off leaves or stems with gardening shears. Then, begin to regularly wipe down your house plants with soapy water on a cloth or paper towel, to remove any additional mites that might be living on the plants. You can also use a miticide, such as pyrethrum, cinnamite, neem oil, or rosemary oil, to kill remaining mites on the leaves. If your plant is outside, spray it down thoroughly with a garden hose, focusing on the underside of leaves where mites tend to live. | Look at the surface of the leaves. If your plant is indeed infested with spider mites, the leaves may have yellow blotches on them. When light falls on the leaves, you may see a silvered look or even streaks of bronze or silver. While mites usually attack the underside of leaves, they can sometimes get greedy and also eat the upper side of leaves and flowers. Eventually, the mites will suck holes right through the leaves - providing the most obvious evidence of infestation. Even if you can't find holes in the leaves, your plant may still have spider mites, so keep an eye out for other signs of infestation. Other signs of mite damage include distortion, deformation, wilting, spotting, streaking or discoloration on the surface of the leave. If the mite damage gets particularly bad, the leaves may start to fall off. Check for white webbing on the plant. This is a giveaway sign of some spider mites. The webbing usually clusters around feeding areas. Note that not all species of spider mite will produce webbing though. Confirm the presence of spider mites. Spider mites are so small, they can be very difficult to see. However, one method you can use to confirm their presence is to take a sheet of white paper, place it beneath the plant you suspect to be infested and and lightly shake the stem of one of the leaves. A certain number of the spider mites should fall onto the paper. They can be viewed more easily with a magnifying glass. Spider mites come in a variety of colors, including red, green, yellow and brown. They have eight legs and tend to move quite slowly. Be on the lookout for spider mites with spots on their backs - these are known as two-spotted spider mites and can be particularly hard to get rid of. Be particularly vigilant with certain species of plants. There are some plants which spider mites seem to favor more than others. In particular, pay attention to possible infestations on miniature roses, fruit trees, bananas, potted begonias, beans, mint, broad-leafed weeds, strawberries, frangipani and indoor houseplants. Be aware that the two-spotted spider mite has been known to infest over 100 different species of plant. Be especially alert during dry and dusty weather conditions. These are the conditions where spider mites can cause the most damage, as they are thirsty and are seeking moisture from the leaves of the plant. This also means they are very attracted to anything grown under glass, including plants sitting inside on your windowsills. Remove badly infected parts of the plant immediately. Pick up any leaves that have fallen off the plant and pull off any badly damaged leaves from the plant itself. This will prevent the mites from affecting other plants nearby. Place the leaves in a sealed plastic bag and throw in the garbage or burn. If an entire plant is infected, you should consider removing it completely. This will give other plants a better chance at survival. Water affected plants only from above and keep removing any infected plant pieces as soon as you spot them. Wash and wipe indoor houseplants regularly. Given that it is fairly easy for the householder to clean indoor plants this way, it can be the most effective and non-toxic method to rid the plants of spider mites. You can use either plain water or a solution of tepid (cool-warm) water mixed with a very mild dish detergent or soap. Use 3 tablespoons (44.4 ml) of soap per gallon of water. You can use any kind of soap, but castile soap is particularly effective. Or, you can also use an insecticidal soap. Use a sponge soaked in the water to wipe down individual leaves of the plant, or place the water in a spray bottle and spritz the underside of the leaves. Apply the soap solution again, six days later, if the infestation continues. Be aware that some species of plant are particularly sensitive to soap, so consider testing the soap solution on a small section of the plant before spraying all over. Use plant-based miticides. There are a number of commercially available miticides which use natural ingredients to kill the spider mites, but leave the plant and other insects unharmed. The most popular ones are as follows: Pyrethrum is a natural pesticide which is made from a plant closely related to the chrysanthemum. It is the best pesticide to start with when targeting spider mites, however some spider mite species have developed a resistance to it, so you should keep a close eye on plants even after spraying. Cinnamite is a non-hazardous pesticide derived from cinnamon oil. Although it is very safe to use and is effective for killing the spider mites themselves, it will not destroy the eggs. As a result, it will need to be used approximately every 3 days over a two week period, to ensure that all of the newly hatched eggs are killed also. Neem oil is a miticide derived from the nuts of the Neem tree. It is great for targeting infestations, but also works well as a mite repellent and a treatment for powdery mildew. Rosemary oil is also effective as an organic pesticide. Try spraying a solution of rosemary oil and water onto the leaves of an infested plant. The rosemary oil will kill the spider mites, but leave the beneficial, predatory species of mites alone. Spray outdoor plants with a hose. Attach a spray nozzle to your outdoor hose and use it to water any infested outdoor plants. Set the water to a high pressure and try to target the underside of the leaves in particular. This should help to wash spider mites away. Use a homemade herbal tea. If you want to make your own miticide at home, you can make an herbal tea by mixing a tablespoon of ground cinnamon, a tablespoon of ground cloves and two tablespoons of Italian seasoning in a quart of water. Bring the water to a boil, then take off the heat. Once it has cooled slightly add 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of crushed fresh garlic. Leave to sit until the water cools completely, then strain through a cloth or coffee filter. Add a squirt of dish soap to the tea, then pour into a spray bottle. Spray the underside of the infested leaves with the tea every three days over a two week period. This should effectively kill the mites. Try organic salts. Fatty acids or potassium salts can be abrasive against mite bodies. Apply these late afternoon, to give the maximum time for the wetness to remain on the plants, to get to the mites. Mist susceptible plants with water in the evening to make the environment cooler and more moist. This works well for the two-spotted spider mites which prefer warm and dry environments. Control weeds around plants. Don't give mites extra hiding places and launchpads to attack the plants that you actually want to grow in the garden. In particular, remove all broad-leafed weeds. Remove all debris remaining after harvest. This includes removing plant stumps, fallen leaves and any other plant matter. Encourage the presence of ladybugs and other insects that prey on spider mites. Predator insects, such as lacewing larvae, predacious thrips and ladybugs can decimate spider mite populations if encouraged to stay in your garden. However, one of the main reasons that spider mite populations develop in the first place is the use of pesticides which kill their natural predators. Therefore, you should avoid using pesticides such as carbaryl, malathion and imidacloprid. These insects can be purchased online, from garden centers or through advertisements in gardening magazines. Alternatively, herbs such as amaranth and borage can naturally attract ladybugs into your garden. Ask the supplier for details on how to make the most of using predator insects, noting that you'll have less success if using them in a mixed planting area. Predatory mites can also be used against spider mites. Look for Phytoseiulus persimilis or other predatory mite species at the garden center (ask the retailer for the brand names it comes under, as this differs from country to country), then follow the release instructions. Under the right conditions, predatory mites can decimate a spider mite population. Interestingly, ladybugs (or ladybirds) will leave predatory mites alone, targeting just the spider mites! Use rubbing alcohol. Isopropyl rubbing alcohol will effectively kill spider mites. Simply pour a little of the rubbing alcohol onto a clean cloth and use it to wipe the underside of the infested plant's leaves. Purchase a proprietary product suitable for outdoor spider mites. There are sprays or wipes available from garden centers and hardware stores. Use according to the manufacturer's instructions. If spraying specific chemicals (such as dienochlor, dicofol, azocyclotin, fenbutatin, bromopropylate, propagate), it is recommended that you do not use the same product more than three times per growing season. This will help reduce the chances of the mites gaining resistance against the chemicals. Try getting rid of the mites with liquid sulfur. Spraying liquid sulfur is another option for getting rid of spider mites. Do not use powdered sulfur because it can get into the air and you or someone else might inhale it. Make sure that you do not spray liquid sulfur within 30 days of using an oil on your plants or in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. | Look at the surface of the leaves. Check for white webbing on the plant. Confirm the presence of spider mites. Be particularly vigilant with certain species of plants. Be especially alert during dry and dusty weather conditions. Remove badly infected parts of the plant immediately. Wash and wipe indoor houseplants regularly. Use plant-based miticides. Spray outdoor plants with a hose. Use a homemade herbal tea. Try organic salts. Control weeds around plants. Encourage the presence of ladybugs and other insects that prey on spider mites. Use rubbing alcohol. Purchase a proprietary product suitable for outdoor spider mites. Try getting rid of the mites with liquid sulfur. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Slugging-Percentage | How to Calculate Slugging Percentage | To calculate slugging percentage, use the formula: SP = total bases ÷ at bats, where total bases is the number of bases the player ran from hits, and at bats is the number of times they were up to bat. To find the total bases, use the formula: total bases = hits + doubles + (2x triples) + (3x home runs). Then, plug the number you get into the original formula and solve to find the player's slugging percentage. | Understand slugging percentage. Also called slugging average, SA, or SLG, this is a player's average number of bases per bat. If a player has an (unrealistic) slugging percentage of 1, their average result was a single. This only measures number of bases from hits, not from walks or hit by pitch. Ignoring the bases out of the batter's control makes this a more accurate measure of offensive power. Find the number of singles. Most player stats don't include singles, but it's easy to figure out from other stats. First, add Home Runs + Triples + Doubles to get all the hits that aren't singles. Then subtract your answer from the total number of Hits to get the number of Singles. For example, Willie McCovey has career stats of 521 Home Runs, 46 Triples, and 353 Doubles, adding up to 920. Subtract 920 from his career Hits of 2211 to get the number of Singles: 1291. Calculate the number of bases. Add together (Singles) + (2 x Doubles) + (3 x Triples) + (4 x Home Runs) to get the total number of bases. Willie McCovey scored a total number of bases equal to (1291) + (2 x 353) + (3 x 46) + (4 x 521) = 1291 + 706 + 138 + 2084 = 4219. Divide your answer by at bats. Divide total bases by the number of at bats to get the slugging percentage. Willie McCovey had 8197 At Bats, so his career slugging percentage is 4219 ÷ 8197 = 0.5147 (rounded to 0.515). On average, he scored a little more than one base for every two at bats. Find the total bases with a faster method. The method above is the easiest to understand, but requires extra math to find the number of singles. Here's a way to skip that step and find the total bases using Hits instead: Total Bases = Hits + Doubles + (2 x Triples) + (3 x Home Runs). This works because one base per Hit takes care of all the singles. Since this also awards one base for each double, you only need to add 1 more base per double to find the total. Similarly, add two extra bases for triples, and three extra for home runs. Divide by at bats. Just as before, the slugging percentage is equal to the total bases divided by at bats. Add Slugging Percentage to On Base Percentage. The result, On Base Plus Slugging (OPS), takes into account the most important offensive stats. Baseball statisticians don't consider this accurate, but it's a quick and easy way to compare offensive power. OPS+ is a less commonly used statistic that adjusts for the league and park. The formula for OPS+ changes each year to make 100 the league average. Adjust slugging percentage for league. This statistic was invented for the baseball encyclopedia Total Baseball , and is rarely used elsewhere. It's a more accurate way to compare players from different years, but it might be hard to dig up the statistics you need to calculate it: Adjusted production (APRO) = (On Base Percentage / League OBP) + (Slugging Average / League SA) - 1 The League stats are the average stats for all players that year. The stats are sometimes adjusted to factor in differences between parks as well. | Understand slugging percentage. Find the number of singles. Calculate the number of bases. Divide your answer by at bats. Find the total bases with a faster method. Divide by at bats. Add Slugging Percentage to On Base Percentage. Adjust slugging percentage for league. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Microsuede | How to Clean Microsuede | Before cleaning microsuede furniture, check the labels for cleaning instructions. If you see a W or SW on the tag, make a solution with soap and water. If the tag reads S or SW, use a clear liquid like isopropyl alcohol to clean. Vacuum the surface of the couch to pick up any crumbs or dust, then fill a spray bottle with your cleaner and spray a small area to do a spot check. Use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe the sprayed area, and allow it to dry completely before applying it to the rest of the fabric. | Check the labels. Furniture labels will often provide you with a code that tells you how to clean—and how not to clean—your furniture upholstery. Microsuede will generally have one of three labels: W, which means wash with water-based cleaners. S, which means wash with solvent-based cleaners. SW, which means you can use either water-based or solvent-based cleaners. Assemble your cleaning equipment. Your main cleaning agent will be isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, or another clear alcohol, such as vodka. Alternatively, if your furniture has a W or SW code, you can also use a solution made of water and mild soap or detergent. However, microsuede is prone to watermarking, so alcohol is recommended since it dries quickly. Along with your cleaning agent, you'll also need a: Clean, empty spray bottle White or undyed sponge, towel, or cloth that's both clean and dry Soft-bristled brush Vacuum cleaner You can also use baby wipes because they contain alcohol. Vacuum the furniture. Remove the cushions and use a soft-brush attachment to vacuum up crumbs, dust, and other debris. Pick up large debris with your hands. Be sure to get into all the nooks, crannies, and cracks, and vacuum the cushions as well. Fill the spray bottle with your cleaner. Use alcohol for any furniture, or if you prefer (with W and SW furniture), mix about one-half ounce (one tablespoon) of mild liquid soap or detergent with 33 ounces (one liter) of water. Shake well. Test the furniture. Find an inconspicuous area that's out of sight and do a test patch with your cleaning agent. Spray a small spot with the alcohol or soap solution, dab it with a clean cloth, and let it dry. After an hour or so, check to see that the cleaner hasn't caused any: Discoloring Changes to the texture (a little stiffness in the fabric is normal) Color bleeding Fabric shrinkage Clean the furniture. Spray a small area or a single stain with a minimal amount of cleaner (this will prevent watermarks). Use your clean cloth or sponge to wipe the area down, blotting stains and soiled spots. Rotate your cloth often to a clean spot so you aren't just spreading dirt around. Work in small patches or tackle one stain at a time until the entire piece is clean. Don't forget to clean the cushions as well. If you encounter areas that are particularly stubborn, try rubbing them gently with a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush. Let the furniture dry. Using alcohol or minimal amounts of water will ensure that your microsuede is dry in no time, but you can also use an oscillating fan to speed up the process. Brush the fabric. Microsuede can become stiff when it's cleaned. To restore the texture and return the fabric to its soft state, gently buff it with a soft-bristled brush. Return any cushions to the furniture when you're done. Keep your microsuede furniture clean. It is recommended that you vacuum your furniture every week or so, especially if it gets frequent use. Deal with spills immediately to prevent staining. Microsuede is designed to repel liquids, so spills will initially bead on the fabric, giving you time to dab them up with a clean cloth before they are absorbed and stain. In case of a spill that you didn't notice right away, deal with stains as soon as you spot them using the same cleaning process. Spray a small amount of alcohol on the area and wipe with a clean cloth. Spot clean stains. Microsuede is used as a fabric for many items, including clothing, towels, drapes, and mops. These can all be cleaned easily, but handwashing is recommended. Using a spray bottle filled with alcohol or polyester cleaner, spray soiled areas and blot or dab the stains with a clean cloth. Before cleaning any fabric, always read all tag directions regarding proper washing instructions. Perform a small test patch on the fabric somewhere unnoticeable before applying any cleaning solution to the entire cloth. Fill a sink with warm water. You only need the sink about half full or three-quarters of the way full, depending on how many items you'll be washing. As the water is running, mix in one-half to one ounce (one to two tablespoons) of liquid laundry detergent or mild soap. Wash your microsuede items one at a time. Tackle stubborn dirt with a soft-bristled brush. Alternatively, you can wash microsuede items in the washing machine on the delicate or hand-wash cycle. Wash microsuede items alone together, as this material tends to collect lint from other fabrics. Do not use bleach products or fabric softeners on microsuede. Dry the items. When your items are clean, squeeze each one to get out the water. Lay a clean, dry towel flat on a counter or table. Lay a microsuede item flat on top of the towel. Roll the towel up tightly with the item inside, and the towel will absorb the excess moisture. Unroll the towel and hang the item to air dry. Repeat with all your items, replacing the towel with a dry one if necessary. A dryer can be used on low-heat or a no-heat setting, but it's best to hang microsuede fabric on a clothesline or on hangers to air dry. Brush off dirt. Using a soft-bristled brush, get rid of as much dirt, mud, and other particles as you can. Spray the shoes with cleaner. Use alcohol or a soap-and-water solution. Spray small areas at a time, and brush each area with a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush. Allow the shoes to air dry. When they are dry, brush them with a dry, soft-bristled brush if necessary to buff the fabric and restore the microsuede's soft texture. | Check the labels. Assemble your cleaning equipment. Vacuum the furniture. Fill the spray bottle with your cleaner. Test the furniture. Clean the furniture. Let the furniture dry. Brush the fabric. Keep your microsuede furniture clean. Spot clean stains. Fill a sink with warm water. Dry the items. Brush off dirt. Spray the shoes with cleaner. Allow the shoes to air dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Kilt | How to Make a Kilt | Before you make a kilt, measure your hips and waist and decide how long you want the kilt to be, so you'll know how much fabric you need. When you have the fabric, first make pleats all around it. Then, cut a piece of matching material for the waistband, and sew it on the top edge of the kilt. Next, cut duck cloth into sections and stitch them into the back and sides of the kilt to line it. Hem the lining before you continue, or use adhesive liquid if you're short on time. Finally, attach 2 leather belts to hold the kilt in place, and put Velcro on the flaps to keep the kilt closed. | Choose a tartan by clan. Clans and large families of Scottish origin often have their own tartan patterns since the early 1800s. You can wear a clan pattern only if your family has current or ancestral ties to that clan. Find out which clan you belong to. As long as you know your surname or a surname connected to Scottish ancestors, you can search online for your clan name. You can search for your clan name here: http://www.scotclans.com/scottish-clans/clans-a-z/ Locate information about your clan. Once you know your clan name, you can look up more information about your clan in order to find out the tartan pattern or patterns associated with it. Look up your clan here: http://www.scotclans.com/scottish-clans/ Pick a district tartan. District tartans are as old as clan tartans, if not older. There are district tartans spanning all of Scotland and many for areas all over the world, as well. You can wear a district tartan if you or your family come from that district. Look up Scottish districts here: http://www.scotclans.com/whats_my_clan/district_tartans/scottish_district_tartans/ Look up other British districts here: http://www.scotclans.com/whats_my_clan/district_tartans/british_district_tartans/ Look up American districts here: http://www.scotclans.com/whats_my_clan/district_tartans/usa_district_tartans/ Look up Canadian districts here: http://www.scotclans.com/whats_my_clan/district_tartans/canada_district_tartans/ Look up any other district here: http://www.scotclans.com/whats_my_clan/district_tartans/world_district_tartans/ Opt for a regimental tartan. Some Scottish regiments and other regiments in various parts of the world have their own tartan patterns. If you area member of a particular regiment, or otherwise have a direct connection to it, that tartan would be a good choice for you. Check out various regimental tartans here: http://www.scotclans.com/whats_my_clan/regimental_tartans/ Stick with a universal tartan when all else fails. Universal tartan patterns can be worn by any person regardless of clan, district, or other identifying information. Older, more traditional options include Hunting Stewart, Black Watch, Caledonian, and Jacobite. Modern universal options include Scottish National, Brave Heart Warrior, Flower of Scotland and Pride of Scotland. Take hip and waist measurements. Take a tape measure and measure the distance around both your hips and your waist. These measurements will determine how much material you need for the kilt. For women, measure around the thinnest part of your waist and the widest part of your hips. For men, measure around the upper edge of your hip bones and the widest part of your buttocks. When taking measurements, make sure that the tape measure is taut and parallel to the ground. Determine the length of the kilt. A traditional kilt length will equal the length between your waist to your mid-knee. Use a tape measure to calculate this distance. If you plan to wear a wide kilt belt over your kilt, you should add 2 inches (5 cm) to this measurement for a high-rise waist. Calculate how much material you need. Since you need to form pleats out of your material, you will need a much greater length of material than the distance around your waist. Measure the width of the "sett" or pattern on the plaid or tartan material. Each pleat will consist of a full sett with 1 inch (2.5 cm) of exposed pleat. In other words, if the setts on your material are 6 inches (15.25 cm) wide, each pleat will use 7 inches (17.75 cm). Calculate the amount of material you need by multiplying half of your hip measurement by the amount of material needed for each pleat, and add this value to your full hip measurement. Add an additional 20 percent for additional pleating and centering to get your total number of inches needed. Divide this value by 72 to determine how many yards you need at double width. Hem the material, if necessary. Pin the top and bottom edges of the material down, making sure that you fold on the outer edge of a sett on both ends. Sew the hems in place with a straight stitch or use an anti-fraying adhesive liquid on the edges. This will not be necessary if the material has a finished edge at the top and bottom. Make the first pleat. The first pleat will help center the material, so it will end up being a little different from the other pleats. Fold roughly 6 inches (15.25 cm) of material underneath itself at the right side of the material. Pin in place at the waist. On the left side of the material, make a pleat that encompasses two setts. Secure with a safety pin at the waist. Measure out your pleats. On a piece of cardboard or durable cardstock, mark the width of one sett. Divide this marked area into three to eight equal parts. Use your best judgment to determine how many parts to divide the pattern into. The center section will peek through the pleat, so your center section should include an appealing part of the pattern. Pleat the remainder of the outside apron. Lay your cardboard guide above each sett as you fold it. Overlay the folded edge of each pleat over the part of the pattern that matches it in the set next to it. Secure in place with a safety pin. The cardboard guide should give you an idea of where to fold your first few pleats. After you begin folding, however, you may find that you do not need the guide since it should become a simple matter of matching the patterns together. Baste the pleats along the bottom of the material. Use a running stitch to catch the edge of each pleat, holding it in place at the bottom of the material. You should do two rows of basting. The first running stitch should be about 1/4 of the length up from the bottom of the material, and the second should be about 1/2 of the length of from the bottom. Iron the pleats flat. Use an iron with a steam setting to press the pleats in place, making them more durable and helping the pleats keep their form. Iron along each folded edge of each pleat. If your iron does not use steam, you can moisten a thin pressing cloth and place it over the pleats. Place this pressing cloth in between the iron and the material of your kilt and steam-press the pleats this way. Stitch the pleats down. Sew across the entire width of pleats and down each pleat along the fold. Sew a straight stitch with your sewing machine across the top of your pleats, roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the upper edge. Sew a straight stitch with your sewing machine across the folded, ironed vertical edge of each pleat. Only sew about 4 inches (10 cm) of material. Do not sew all the way down each pleat. Trim the back of the pleats. This pleating method can result in excess material, so you can trim this material off. Cut away excess material from the section starting 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the hipline and ending at the waist. Do not cut away material from the first and last pleats. Cut a piece of matching material for the waistband. The material should be 5 inches (12.7 cm) wide and the length should match the length of the top edge of your kilt apron. This should be just slightly longer than your initial waist measurement. Stitch the waistband to the top edge of the outside apron. Turn the bottom edge of the waistband material under 1/2 inch (1.27 cm). Sew this folded edge 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the top edge of the kilt apron, on the outside. The remaining width of the waistband should be folded over the top of the kilt. You do not need to finish it since the lining will cover the raw edges. Cut a piece of duck cloth into sections. Cut 1 yard (91 cm) of duck cloth or canvas into 10-inch (25-cm) wide sections. Gradually wrap sections of duck cloth around your waist. The lining will be formed from three pieces of 10-inch (25-cm) wide strips. Wrap the first section along the wearer's back. Attach two additional sections to the first at the spots on the right and left where a side seam would usually appear. Bring these two side sections together, bringing them around the front until each piece meets the side seam on the opposing side. Pin everything in place. Stitch the lining to the waistband. Align the top edge of the lining to the inside top of the waistband and sew in place. Do an overlap stitch along the top inside of the apron to tack the lining to the kilt apron. Only the top needs to be attached. You do not need to sew the bottom of the lining to the outer apron. Note that the inside of the waistband will also be sewn under the lining, securing it in place. Hem the material. Fold the bottom edge of the lining under and sew a straight stitch along the material, hemming it in place. Do not sew it to the outer apron. You could also use anti-fraying adhesive liquid if you do not want to stitch the hem closed. Attach two thin belts to the inside of the kilt. You will need two leather belts that are roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width and long enough to wrap around your waist. The first leather belt should go just below the waistband, on the underside of the kilt. The second leather belt should go just above the bottom part of the sewn-down portion of your pleats. Again, it should be on the underside of the kilt. Sew the belts in place. The leather portion of the belts should be attached to the lining while the buckle portions should be attached to the pleats. Stitch Velcro onto the apron. For additional support, sew a strip of Velcro onto the top of the apron. One half of the Velcro should be sewn across the top right of the front flap while the other half should be sewn to the top wrong-side of the left. Wear the kilt. With this, your kilt should be complete. Wear it by wrapping the material around your waist and buckling the belts so that the material stays in place. Use the Velcro to add extra support so that your kilt stays firmly in place. | Choose a tartan by clan. Pick a district tartan. Opt for a regimental tartan. Stick with a universal tartan when all else fails. Take hip and waist measurements. Determine the length of the kilt. Calculate how much material you need. Hem the material, if necessary. Make the first pleat. Measure out your pleats. Pleat the remainder of the outside apron. Baste the pleats along the bottom of the material. Iron the pleats flat. Stitch the pleats down. Trim the back of the pleats. Cut a piece of matching material for the waistband. Stitch the waistband to the top edge of the outside apron. Cut a piece of duck cloth into sections. Gradually wrap sections of duck cloth around your waist. Stitch the lining to the waistband. Hem the material. Attach two thin belts to the inside of the kilt. Stitch Velcro onto the apron. Wear the kilt. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Toughen-Up | How to Toughen Up | To be tough mentally, practice staying calm in difficult situations by counting to 10, breathing deeply, or taking a sip of water before reacting. Set small goals every day and challenge yourself to achieve them no matter what. Push outside of your comfort zone by trying things that scare you, and avoid punishing yourself when you make a mistake or don't achieve your goal. Instead, take it as an opportunity to learn, become more resilient, and do better next time. | Identify your natural strengths and weaknesses. Take a step back and look at yourself as honestly as you can, asking yourself what you excel at and what gets under your skin and why. This can be hard to do, but recognizing your tendencies is the first step to getting control of them and becoming a tougher person. For example, if you know that you get defensive when someone critiques your work, it could be that you're worried about failure, or that you have low self-confidence. You can work on these deeper issues so that criticism won't trigger your defensiveness. To recognize your own tendencies, try writing down instances when you've felt panicked, afraid, or worried and how you reacted. You could also ask a close friend or colleague to point out these situations to you. Even the process of figuring out your own strengths and weaknesses can make you a tougher person. It takes courage and strength to look at yourself honestly, and once you see what you need to work on, you'll feel motivated to take on the challenge. If you have trouble identifying your strengths, use an online survey through VIA for various reports. Practice calm responses to pressure and stress. Being able to stay strong when things get rough is a crucial quality for a tough person to have. Figure out what you need to do to stay relaxed and in control in a stressful situation. Then, practice as much as you can in situations when the pressure is off until it becomes second nature. Try strategies like deep breathing, counting to 10, taking a quick walk, or drinking tea or water. You could also try sending a text to a sibling or friend or scrolling through social media for a minute or two. Work on building up your confidence slowly. Some self-doubt is natural, but letting it control you will prevent you from making tough decisions and weathering bad situations. When you realize you're having a negative thought, challenge yourself to turn it into a positive one, a process known as reframing. If you're feeling unsure about a making a decision, use all the information available, make the best choice you can, and stick to it confidently, without regret. For example, if you're having a negative thought like “I'll definitely fail,” change it into something like, “Failure is possible, but it's only assured if I don't try.” Identify your talents and throw yourself into them. You'll feel unique and accomplished, which will go a long way in helping you build your confidence. Change your mindset and see scary situations as moments of opportunity, where you have a huge chance to grow. Embrace them, push yourself over the edge, and see what's you're truly capable of. Be mindful of other cognitive distortions you may have since they could affect your way of thinking and perceiving others. Practice being alone and confronting your thoughts. Set aside at least a few minutes of alone time every day to check in with yourself. What's your focus? Is that what you want to spend your mental energy on? First, accept your thoughts as they are, then push yourself to slowly shift them towards strength, self-confidence, and motivation. Try meditation to help you focus and quiet your mind. Working to relax, increase your awareness, and center yourself can help you stay balanced and calm in stressful situations. Respect and accept your emotions. It's normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed from time to time. Acknowledge your worry, panic, or stress and don't beat yourself up about it—that will only make you more upset. Instead, fall back on your comforting and calming techniques to move past the emotions. Getting upset or angry doesn't mean you're not a tough person—tough people get overwhelmed too. True mental toughness is knowing how to accept, respect, and move past your emotions so they don't control you. Talk to a friend or counselor if you need more help. If you're still feeling unable to take on the challenges and difficulties in your life, it's OK to ask for help. Try opening up to a trusted friend or family member, or talking to a counselor or therapist if that's more comfortable. Asking for help doesn't mean you're weak. In fact, it shows that you're strong enough to know when you need to lean on someone else and brave enough to seek the help you need. If you're talking to a friend or family member, say something like, “I haven't been feeling strong or confident lately and I think it'll help me feel better if I talk to someone about it. Would you mind just listening to me for a while?” Combine cardio and strength training to get in top physical shape. Being physically tough takes ongoing, dedicated work, but the confidence and strength you'll feel in your body will be more than worth it. Work on building strong muscles and increasing your endurance by setting goals for yourself and making training a part of your daily routine. Do cardio exercises by running, biking, or swimming a few times a week. Challenge yourself by pushing your distances and signing up for races like marathons and triathlons. Get into a weight-lifting routine, focusing on working all of the muscle groups in your body. As you improve, push yourself to higher weights and more reps. You could also sign up for a team sport, like soccer, volleyball, or basketball, to get in cardio in a competitive game setting. Train with less rest between sessions. Challenging your body to complete more reps or more training sessions with less time between will help you learn to adapt and recover faster. Remember to keep taking care of your body in between sessions, stretching out and eating well, to avoid injury. For example, if you're doing sets of 3 sprints with 1 minute of rest between each set, bring that recovery interval down to 55 seconds, then 50. Adjust the intervals slowly to avoid burning yourself out. Eat healthy to help your body feel its best. Eating right will help you feel great and crush your workouts. Go for whole, fresh foods like fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish, nuts and legumes, and whole grains. Avoid processed food and junk food, like soda and fast food, and work on limiting your sugar intake as well. Increase your flexibility to help your joints weather stress. Getting more flexible will help you avoid injury and get the most out of your workouts. Stretch out your muscles after you work out to lengthen them while they're still warm and prevent soreness later. Don't stretch out before you start working out. Instead, try a 5-10 minute warm-up, like a walk, jumping rope, or jumping jacks, then stretch out a bit once you're warm. Try yoga for stretching routines that will challenge your body while calming your mind. Put your body in uncomfortable situations to strengthen your willpower. Mental and physical toughness are closely related. By forcing your body into uncomfortable situations, you can enter a “mind over matter” mentality, where you're mentally tough enough to withstand difficult physical conditions. This will be challenging, so take small steps towards overcoming one physical discomfort at a time. Make up small, inconvenient routines and push yourself to maintain them, like touching every overhead tree branch on a walk. This gets you in the habit of exercising mental willpower over your body. You can also try things like taking cold showers, walking or running barefoot, or sticking with an inconvenient diet, such as completely cutting out sweets or fast food. Acclimatize yourself slowly. If you're trying to take cold showers, for example, start by lowering the temperature by a few degrees each day. Try different forms of fitness, like martial arts and wilderness training. Your body can get used to doing the same kinds of workouts all the time, which can cause you to hit a plateau in both mental and physical fitness. Push the limits of what you can achieve with more challenging, alternative forms of fitness that you've never tried before. Try things activities kickboxing, martial arts, or wilderness training. Challenging yourself with unfamiliar training regimens can improve your mental and physical resilience and stamina. Expose yourself to more extreme environments and situations. Being tough isn't just about being strong and having good stamina; it also means knowing how to stay calm and respond in physically demanding situations. Learn about survival techniques to help you make it through danger and practice them in lower pressure situations so you know what to do if disaster strikes. You can practice your survival skills by going camping or attending wilderness survival training classes. Push yourself past barriers with motivation and dedication. When you're coming up against a seemingly-impossible challenge or just feeling tired or unmotivated, remember that the process of getting in shape is as important as the results are. By pushing yourself to get healthy and strong, you're developing the mental and physical strength and resilience to make you into a tougher person. It's still important recognize your physical limitations. Don't jump headfirst into an exercise you've never tried or an extreme diet; instead, set an end goal and take steps to get there in a way that's safe for your body. Recognize the difference between pain and injury and don't hurt yourself. If you're new to intense physical training, consider working with a personal trainer. Make goals and follow through with them. Start by setting small, achievable goals, deciding on 1-2 things you want to accomplish each day or week. Pair this with a few long-term goals that give you something to strive for. Then, put your nose to the grindstone and work as hard as you can to achieve them. Working to achieve your goals can be difficult, but the more you practice and feel the accomplishment that comes with it, the easier it'll be. Try short-term goals like completing projects at work or school a few days before they're due, making a new dish for dinner every week, or going for a short walk every day to get fit. Learn from your mistakes instead of obsessing over them. Tough people are able to use their mistakes as opportunities for growth, and become a more resilient, successful person because of it. Instead of punishing yourself for a mistake, take a step back and look at what happened, what you did wrong, and what you can do to avoid doing the same thing next time. Don't waste energy feeling sorry for yourself or making excuses. Own up to your mistakes and have the confidence that you'll be able to make things right. Don't complain. If you want people to think you're tough, do your best to stay positive and face difficult situations without complaining. Complaining is a waste of time and makes you sound whiny and ineffective. Act like the strong, purposeful, confident person you are. You'll inspire others to want to be more like you. If you need to let off steam (we all do sometimes), do it privately. Write your thoughts down or channel your pent-up energy in a positive way, like through working out. Sharing negative feelings isn't the same as complaining. Instead of whining, try saying something like, “I don't think this is the best way to do this project. Why don't we try it this way?” Offer different solutions and be receptive to others' thoughts, too. Resist the urge to worry. Sharing your worries often will convey a lack of confidence in yourself to others. Confront challenges and problems head-on. Think about what you're running away from or avoiding, and make the effort to face it head-on instead. Leave behind any escapist habits you might have and turn towards your reality, embracing your life as it is while making a commitment to make it everything you want. Try separating yourself from your major distractions so you can clear your head. Try turning off the TV, your phone, or computer for a night or even a few days to correct your focus. Volunteer to do things that scare you. You'll never toughen up if you only stick to things you feel comfortable doing. Practice going out of your way to try new activities and be open to experiences you might naturally tend to avoid. What terrifies you? Decide you're going to overcome your fear. If you hate public speaking, make a speech at your friend's wedding. If you're afraid of water, take swimming lessons. Be strong for others when they need you. It's a lot harder to take other people into consideration than it is to act solely for your own good, and tough people will always take care of others when they need. Be strong for your family and friends when they need someone to turn to. If you see a stranger in need of help, offer it. When you're in a group situation, be the one to volunteer to help. Make sure your family is well cared for. Be reliable and responsible so they know they can count you on. Step up and be the leader when a leader is called for. If you're in a building and the fire alarm goes off, for example, be the one to help calm people down and get them to safety. Accept and welcome change as it comes. Change is a part of life, and a tough, resilient person accepts that there is only so much they can do to control what's around them. Focus on doing what you can to succeed and achieve your goals while making peace with the fact that some things will always be out of your control. Have the confidence that you can adapt to any situation that comes your way and learn from the challenges that you confront. Accept difficult situations and unwanted change without blowing it out of proportion. Remember that you've gotten through hard times before and you will again. | Identify your natural strengths and weaknesses. Practice calm responses to pressure and stress. Work on building up your confidence slowly. Practice being alone and confronting your thoughts. Respect and accept your emotions. Talk to a friend or counselor if you need more help. Combine cardio and strength training to get in top physical shape. Train with less rest between sessions. Eat healthy to help your body feel its best. Increase your flexibility to help your joints weather stress. Put your body in uncomfortable situations to strengthen your willpower. Try different forms of fitness, like martial arts and wilderness training. Expose yourself to more extreme environments and situations. Push yourself past barriers with motivation and dedication. Make goals and follow through with them. Learn from your mistakes instead of obsessing over them. Don't complain. Confront challenges and problems head-on. Volunteer to do things that scare you. Be strong for others when they need you. Accept and welcome change as it comes. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Prevent-Laryngitis | How to Prevent Laryngitis | To prevent laryngitis, wash your hands often to keep bacteria away. Additionally, keep your distance from people with colds since the bacteria that causes upper respiratory infections can be spread by coughing and sneezing. You'll also want to stay away from irritating substances, like cigarette smoke and harsh chemicals, which can affect your throat. Laryngitis can also be caused by certain lifestyle habits, so try to avoid talking too loud, smoking, drinking too much caffeine, or eating a lot of acidic foods. | Keep your distance from people infected with a cold. The viruses and bacteria that cause a cold or upper respiratory infections are often spread by coughing and sneezing. To prevent laryngitis, avoid contact with other people who have a cold. If someone at your work or school is sick, stay away from them as symptoms persist. Never share utensils or a drink with someone suffering from a cold. Wash your hands frequently. Viruses and bacteria are also spread by contact with hands. Frequent hand washing can keep bacteria away, lessening your likelihood of getting a cold. Wash your hands throughout the day, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. If someone you work in close proximity with is sick, wash your hands more often. Apply soap on your hands and work it into a lather. Make sure to scrub all of your hands, including between your fingers, the backs of your hands, and under your fingernails. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Then, dry your hands with a clean, dry towel. Stay away from irritating substances. Even if you're not sick, you can wind up with laryngitis. You can end up with laryngitis due to exposure to substances that irritate the throat. Manage your exposure to anything that causes a sore throat or coughing to prevent laryngitis. Cigarette smoke can irritate the throat. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting. If you don't smoke, make sure you stay away from secondhand smoke. If you're regularly exposed to harsh chemicals or allergens at work or home, make sure to wear a face mask. Stomach acid can also irritate the throat. If you notice you're experiencing symptoms of acid reflux, take medication right away to manage symptoms. Keep your consumption of alcohol moderate. Alcohol can easily dry out the throat, making you vulnerable to laryngitis. Drinking in excess should be avoided if you're trying to prevent laryngitis. If you do drink, stick to one to two drinks a day. Avoid drinking for days on end. If you're trying to avoid laryngitis in preparation for something like a speaking event, it's a good idea to refrain from drinking altogether in the days leading up to the event. Do not overuse your voice. Laryngitis can also be caused by strain to the vocal chords. Talking or singing loudly for days on end can cause laryngitis. Work on preventing your voice from becoming strained if you want to prevent laryngitis. Do not talk or sing too loud. Use a microphone if you need to project your voice. Avoid events where there will be yelling. If you go to, say, a sports match, try not to participate in things like loud screaming and cheering. Limit caffeinated beverages. Caffeine can also dry out your throat, increasing your risk of laryngitis. If you want to prevent laryngitis, do not over do it on substances like coffee and soda. Stick to one or two caffeinated beverages each day to protect yourself from laryngitis. Be careful with your choice in mouthwash. In general, a salt water solution is better for your throat than most oral mouthwashes. If you do use mouthwash, make sure to choose a brand that does not use alcohol or other irritating chemicals. If you're using mouthwash to counteract persistent bad breath, talk to your doctor or dentist. Bad breath may have underlying causes. Avoid certain foods. Spicy foods can trigger acid reflux, causing stomach acid to travel to the throat. This can irritate the throat, causing laryngitis. Limit your consumption of spicy foods, or any other foods that cause symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux. Eat foods to keep your throat healthy. A diet that encourages throat health can help prevent laryngitis. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables contain many vital nutrients for throat health. Work on choosing whole grains over white breads and pastas. You should also opt for brown rice over white rice. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Strive to include a serving of fruits and vegetables in each meal you consume. Make an appointment with your doctor. Even if you work hard to prevent a respiratory infection, you can still end up with laryngitis. Symptoms include hoarseness, a weak voice, sore throat, or a tickling sensation in your throat. If you notice these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. Make sure you have all the information your doctor will need on hand. Jot down when your symptoms started and any risk factors, such as a recent cold or flu, that may have caused laryngitis. You should also have a list of any medications you're currently taking. Your doctor will provide a basic physical exam and probably look at your throat. They will then ask questions about your symptoms and general lifestyle to asses the best treatment plan for you. Take medications as instructed. If medication is required, laryngitis is generally treated with either antibiotics or corticosteroids. If you are prescribed a medication, take it exactly as instructed. Ask your doctor any questions you have before leaving the office. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for bacterial laryngitis. Make sure you take all your antibiotics, even after symptoms have passed, as your doctor instructs. Corticosteroids are usually only used for intense symptoms of laryngitis. They also may be used if you need to clear up symptoms quickly in order to give a speech, sing, or do something else with your voice. Rest your voice. Do not use your voice that often when recovering from laryngitis. Do not talk more than you have to, and avoid talking loudly. Make use of a microphone or megaphone when speaking in front of groups. Keep your throat moist. A dry throat can make symptoms of laryngitis worse, so take steps to keep your throat moist. This will help laryngitis resolve faster. Drink plenty of fluids during the day, especially water. Gargle with salt water, suck on lozenges, or chew gum during the day. Try using a humidifier in your bedroom. You can also try breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water. Avoid whispering. You may be inclined to whisper after contracting laryngitis; however, whispering actually puts more strain on your voice than talking as you normally would. If you need to talk, simply talk in your normal voice. Do not whisper. | Keep your distance from people infected with a cold. Wash your hands frequently. Stay away from irritating substances. Keep your consumption of alcohol moderate. Do not overuse your voice. Limit caffeinated beverages. Be careful with your choice in mouthwash. Avoid certain foods. Eat foods to keep your throat healthy. Make an appointment with your doctor. Take medications as instructed. Rest your voice. Keep your throat moist. Avoid whispering. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Fake-Beard | How to Make a Fake Beard | To make a fake beard, start by getting some crepe wool and spirit gum from your local costume shop or online. Then, unravel about 12 inches of the crepe wool by pulling on the string and unwinding the wool. Next, tug the wool apart to create a wide, thin sheet, and pull the fibers to get the length you want. After that, apply a thin layer of spirit gum just under your chin and wait a minute for it to get tacky before you press the wool into place. Repeat the process to add additional layers of wool along your jaw and up past your chin. | Cut a 3 by 4-inch (7.6 to 10-cm) piece out of felt for the base of your beard. The exact shape does not matter, but an oval or trapezoid will work the best. You will be attaching the wool roving to this, so choose a color that matches your wool. For example, if your wool roving is cream-colored, use white or off-white felt. You can use this method for shorter beards, but it works the best on longer, gnome-like beards. Cut an almond-shaped hole in the felt for your mouth. Place the felt piece against your face, and feel where your mouth is. If you need to, draw on the felt with a pen. Pull the felt away, then cut an almond-shaped hole out of it. It should be big enough for your lips to fit through. Trim the top corners of the shape off so that they follow the curve of your mouth and cheeks better. Pull your wool roving into your desired length. Get some wool roving and unravel it to make a rope. Pull it apart widthwise into thinner ropes, then pull it into 6 to 10-inch (15 to 25-cm) lengths. Make sure that ropes are all equal length. Do not cut the wool roving, or you will get sharp ends that won't look natural. You can find wool roving in craft stores, fabric stores, and yarn shops. You can also find it online. Wool roving is simply wool that has not been twisted into yarn yet. Place a thin weft of roving against the bottom of the mouth opening. Gather a 1-inch (2.5-cm) wide piece of wool roving, and place the last ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) under the almond mouth opening. Make sure that the longer part of the wool is pointing upwards so that it covers the mouth and the last ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) is pointing down. Repeat this step 1 to 2 more times until the entire bottom edge of the mouth is covered. You will be flipping the longer part of the wool down after you sew it. This will hide the seam. Sew or glue the wool roving down. Thread your sewing machine with a thread color that matches the wool. Set it to a straight stitch and a short stitch length. Begin sewing at the bottom-left corner of the mouth and finish sewing at the bottom-right corner. Backstitch when you start and finish sewing to prevent the thread from unraveling. Sew as close as possible to the bottom edge of the mouth. Do not sew across the top edge. You can use hot glue, tacky glue, or fabric glue for this step if you don't know how to sew. Flip the wool roving so that it hangs down and covers the mouth opening. Once you have finished sewing, cut off any loose or hanging threads. Take the longer part of the wool roving that is covering the mouth, and pull it down so that you can see the mouth it again. This should hide the 1/2-inch (1.3-cm) part of the wool roving that you sewed down. If you used glue, wait for the glue to dry first. Hot glue sets quickly, but fabric glue will take 15 to 20 minutes. Tacky glue may take several hours. Tie a piece of string around a length of roving for the mustache. Pull off a length of wool roving for the mustache--it can be as long as you want it to be. Cut a piece of thread the same color as the roving, then wrap it a few times around the middle of the wool roving. Tie the thread into a tight knot. This will cause the mustache to cinch in the middle and poof out; it will look more realistic. Glue the mustache to the top of the felt piece. Outline the top edge of the mouth with hot glue, fabric glue, or tacky glue, then press the roving into the glue. Make sure that the part you tied is centered. At this point, you can also glue down the rest of the beard. Secure a thin elastic to each side of the felt piece. Hold the beard against your face, then measure around the back of your head, from one side of the felt to the other. Cut a thin piece of elastic according to this measurement. Tie a knot in each end, then staple the knots to each side of the felt. Alternatively, thread the elastic through a yarn or tapestry needle, then poke it through the felt. Slip the needle off, then tie a knot in the elastic. Trace a beard shape on the back of a piece of faux fur. Take a piece of fake fur and flip it over so that the back (fabric) side is facing you. Draw a beard shape on the fabric with a marker, including the mouth hole. You can also use felt instead. Your beard can be any color your want, but white, brown, black, gray, or orange will look more natural. Cut the beard with a craft blade or scissors. Make sure that you cut from the back of the fabric. Slide your scissors through the fur so that you don't cut the fibers. You only want to cut the fabric part of the fur, not the fur part. Be sure to cut the mouth hole out too. The mouth hole needs to be big enough to expose your lips. If you are making a felt beard, use scissors instead. Add an 8-inch (20-cm) elastic to each side of the beard. Cut an 8-inch (20-cm) long piece of elastic. Fold it in half to make a loop, then sew it to the top-left corner of the beard. Make sure that the beard and elastic overlap each other by about ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm). Repeat this step for the right side of the beard. Make sure that you are sewing the elastic to the back of the beard. If you are working with faux fur, this is the fabric side, not the furry side. The elastic needs to be long enough to hook around your ears. You may need to make it longer or shorter depending on the size of your head. Alternatively, you can cut a single piece of elastic and sew each end to each side of the beard. This way, you can pull the elastic over the back of your head instead of your ears. Cut an identical beard out of matching felt. Find a piece of felt that's the same color as your beard. Set your felt or faux fur beard on top of the felt. Trace around the beard with a marker, then set it aside. Cut the felt just inside the lines that you traced. If you want to make a simple faux fur beard, you are done. You should do this step if you are making a simple felt beard. A double-layer of felt will be much stronger than a single layer. Pin and sew the second piece of felt to the back of the beard. Flip the beard over so that you can see the back. Place the felt beard on top, covering the elastic. Pin it in place, then sew around the edges using a whipstitch. Alternatively, you can glue the 2 pieces together using fabric glue. If you used felt for both pieces, consider sewing around it on a sewing machine using a straight stitch and a 1/8 to 1/4-inch (0.32 to 0.64-cm) seam allowance. Prepare the beard just before you need to wear it. This beard is not reusable. It is very realistic, however, making it ideal for costumes, cosplay, and theatrical productions. Give yourself at least half an hour to prepare the beard. You can prepare the beard even earlier, but it wouldn't be a good idea to prepare it the day before. It won't be comfortable to sleep in and it will make a mess. Unravel 12 inches (30 cm) of crepe wool. You can buy crepe wool in the doll-making section of some craft stores and fabric shops, but you may have better luck in a costume store or online. It is a long piece of wool roving (wool that hasn't been spun into yarn) that's woven into a braid-like rope with string. To unravel crepe wool, simply pull on the string and gently unwind the wool. for best results, choose a color that closely matches your own. If you can't find the right color, go a shade darker. Untwist the crepe wool and cut it to your desired length. Gently tug the wool apart to create a wide, thin sheet. Gently pull on the fibers to separate a tuft that's close to the length you need. Hold the fibers against your chin, and trim them if needed. Apply spirit gum under your chin and wait one minute. Open up a bottle of spirit gum. Use the attached brush to apply a thin layer of spirit gum to just under your chin, right where the bone is. Wait one minute for the spirit gum to get tacky. Only apply a small patch of spirit gum, about ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) wide and 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) long. You can find spirit gum in costume stores and online. Press the crepe wool into place. Find the cut ends of the fibers. Spread them out so that they can cover the area you coated with spirit gum. Gently press them against the spirit gum. Push the tuft into place with a wood cuticle pusher or the end of a makeup brush. Repeat the process to apply more crepe wool. Apply some spirit gum to your jaw, then let it dry for one minute. Measure and cut the crepe wool, then press it into place. Work your way along your jaw first, then work your way up past your chin and jaw bone. How far up your face you apply the beard is up to you. You can even apply a little on your upper lip to create a mustache. Look at pictures of real beards to get an idea for style and shape. Trim the beard to your desired length. Chances are, the beard may be uneven in some areas. Use scissors to trim the beard into your desired shape. Again, look at pictures online for ideas on how to cut your beard. Do not use a beard trimmer or clipper, or the spirit gum will clog it up. Use small trimming scissors. Apply translucent setting powder over excess spirit gum. This will help dry it out and prevent shine. For best results, use theatrical-grade translucent setting powder and a large, fluffy, makeup brush. It comes in loose-powder form rather than pressed-powder form. You can find it in costume stores and online. At this point, you can finish the rest of your makeup, including foundation, contouring, eyeshadow, etc. Remove the beard with spirit gum remover when you want to take it off. Dip a sponge-tipped makeup brush into spirit gum remover, then dab the top edge of your beard. Wait about 30 seconds for the spirit gum to dissolve, then pull the beard away. Repeat the process for the next layer of beard until you have everything removed. Wipe your chin and jaw (wherever you applied the spirit gum) afterwards with a cotton ball dipped in spirit gum remover to get rid of any residue. You can buy spirit gum remover online and in costume stores. It is usually sold alongside the spirit gum. | Cut a 3 by 4-inch (7.6 to 10-cm) piece out of felt for the base of your beard. Cut an almond-shaped hole in the felt for your mouth. Pull your wool roving into your desired length. Place a thin weft of roving against the bottom of the mouth opening. Sew or glue the wool roving down. Flip the wool roving so that it hangs down and covers the mouth opening. Tie a piece of string around a length of roving for the mustache. Glue the mustache to the top of the felt piece. Secure a thin elastic to each side of the felt piece. Trace a beard shape on the back of a piece of faux fur. Cut the beard with a craft blade or scissors. Add an 8-inch (20-cm) elastic to each side of the beard. Cut an identical beard out of matching felt. Pin and sew the second piece of felt to the back of the beard. Prepare the beard just before you need to wear it. Unravel 12 inches (30 cm) of crepe wool. Untwist the crepe wool and cut it to your desired length. Apply spirit gum under your chin and wait one minute. Press the crepe wool into place. Repeat the process to apply more crepe wool. Trim the beard to your desired length. Apply translucent setting powder over excess spirit gum. Remove the beard with spirit gum remover when you want to take it off. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-CKYC-Number | How to Get a CKYC Number | A Central Know Your Customer (CKYC) number is a necessity in India if you want to invest in mutual funds or financial assets, and it's relatively easy to obtain one. First, complete the CKYC application form which can be found on the Securities and Exchange Board of India website. Include all of the personal information that is asked for such as your Permanent Account Number, address information, and proof of identity. Next, submit your completed application form to your broker or mutual funds advisor. Make sure to also bring a passport-sized photograph of yourself, as well as a copy of your driver's license or your passport. Finally, wait for up to 2 weeks before receiving your CKYC number via text or email. | Download and print the CKYC application form. Access the application form here: https://www.sebi.gov.in/sebi_data/commondocs/KYC_ApplForm_p.pdf. You can also get a copy of the form through your financial broker or mutual funds provider. Provide basic personal information on the form. You will need to provide your full name, as well as your father's or spouse's full name. You will also need to list your date of birth, your gender, your occupations, and your marital status. You will also need to note your citizenship level and your residential status. Include your Permanent Account Number. Your PAN is a 10-digit number given to you by the federal Income Tax Department. You can apply for a PAN if you do not already have one through the government's Income Tax Department. Provide proof of identity and address information. You will need to list at least 1 of the following for the proof of identity section and the proof of address section: your passport number and the expiry date, your driver's license number and the expiry date, your voter ID card number, or an AADHAR card number. You will also need to provide copies of your passport or driver's license to prove your identity and address. You may need to provide the originals of your passport and your driver's license, if requested during the application process. Include a recent passport size photograph of yourself. The photograph should be well-lit and standard passport size, which is 2 by 2 inches (51 by 51 mm) in India. You can get a passport photograph taken at a local photography studio or at a passport services kiosk. Submit the completed form to your broker or mutual funds provider. Sign the signature line on the form. Then, bring the completed form, the passport size photograph, and a copy of your passport or driver's license to your financial representative. They can then process your application properly. You can also go to a local financial registrar office in your area to submit the application. Provide a completed investment application form, if required by your broker. Some financial representatives require you to also submit an investment application, where you specify which investments you would like to pursue once you receive your CKYC number. This will help them to get a sense of how you plan to use your CKYC number and to analyze your finances in detail. Ask your broker for an investment application form that you can complete. Wait up to 2 weeks for your application to process. You cannot pursue any investments legally until your application is approved. However, you can discuss possible investments and mutual funds you are interested in with your financial broker or advisor while you wait. Get your 14-digit CKYC number by email or text message. Once your application is approved, you will receive an email or a text message that lists your CKYC number. The message will appear as: “Your KYC details have been registered with Central KYC Registry. Your CKYC identifier is 10088756711997.” After you have saved the CKYC number in a safe place, delete the email or text message so your number cannot be stolen. A stolen CKCY number can lead to identity fraud, as others can try to use your number to make investments. Apply again if your application is rejected. If your application is rejected, you may have failed to provide the proper documentation. You can apply again for the number by filling out the application form again and following the proper guidelines. Make sure you double check your documentation to ensure your application is approved. You can also talk to your financial broker or advisor for guidance to ensure your application is approved on your second try. Use your CKYC number to invest in mutual funds and other financial products. Having a CKYC number will allow you to invest your money through a broker or a financial advisor. Providing your CKYC number on financial applications and forms will streamline the process. | Download and print the CKYC application form. Provide basic personal information on the form. Include your Permanent Account Number. Provide proof of identity and address information. Include a recent passport size photograph of yourself. Submit the completed form to your broker or mutual funds provider. Provide a completed investment application form, if required by your broker. Wait up to 2 weeks for your application to process. Get your 14-digit CKYC number by email or text message. Apply again if your application is rejected. Use your CKYC number to invest in mutual funds and other financial products. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Drag-Queen | How to Be a Drag Queen | If you want to be a drag queen, start by choosing a persona for your alter-ego, including her name, personality, and voice. For example, decide if you want to be bossy, sweet and sultry, or an over-the-top diva. To get the drag look, tape your pecs up inside a padded bra. Then, choose an outfit and wig that fits your drag persona. Practice your extravagant makeup by watching video tutorials online. Once you've perfected your get-up, learn 2 or 3 songs and practice dancing and talking as your alter-ego until you're ready to show her to the world. Talk to the owners of local drag clubs to get an audition for a regular spot. | Decide whether or not you're going to shave, and what you're going to shave. When it comes to the look of a drag queen, there's no right or wrong way to do it. Some men shave their entire bodies, some men just shave their faces and their chests, and others don't shave at all. The latter is referred to as "bear" or "skag" drag. What is your persona like? If you've got a lot of hair and you do want to shave it, trim it with safety scissors first. Then shave – just after a shower is best. You could also go for a full body wax. You'll walk out with a hairless body and a newfound appreciation for what women go through. Decide whether you'll go large or small. Hip pads add curves, but thin is in. Ultimately, it's up to you. Waist cinchers also come in handy – especially if you're a little heavy in the middle. Again, this is a matter of personality. Is she larger and larger than life? Or is she petite and demure? Take a look at your body type. How broad is your chest? How narrow are your hips? Are they vastly different or about the same? If you don't have an automatic response, you may find it useful to just try on a few dresses with and without padding in place. Then you can see which side of the spectrum you prefer. Take care of your manly bits. When it comes to looking female, men are lacking upstairs and overstocking below. Here are the basics to looking more feminine: Tuck in down below. Just tuck everything between your legs. Women's panties are snug and smooth enough to hold it all in place, though you could also get a gaff (very similar to women's panties). Support garments like Spanx or pantyhose work great too. If you do get a gaff, lie down with the gaff pulled up to your thighs. Tuck each testicle and up into your abdominal cavity. Tuck your penis between your legs and pull up the gaff. Get a good bra. For sizing, measure around your chest a few inches below your nipples. For the cup size, bigger is not better – B or C looks more natural. Anything will fill those cups, but chicken cutlets or silicone breast enhancers will look and feel real. As for cleavage, it's an illusion, created with pecs and tape. Start by holding in your pecs with one hand. Take a strip of medical tape, and apply it like a sash, running from your underarm to your chest cavity. Invest in some wild makeup – and start using it. No drag queen is complete without her face on, and most "faces" are made up of wild shades of make-up (and false eyelashes) that can be seen from 50 rows back. It's not easy, either. Some queens report not being happy with their ability to do their own make-up for a whole year. So start doing your own now; you'll appreciate the practice. It can be tempting to have someone else do it for you, but you don't want to have to depend on anyone else being at the reigns of your performance. And if you can do it yourself, you can mold your mask as your persona evolves. Not sure where to start? There are tons of tutorials for doing drag make-up online. It's also a good idea to talk to friends and confidants that have expertise in this area. They could do it for you once to create a template and you could work off that from there. Start creating your new persona's wardrobe. Is your other half a dynamic diva? Is she the girl next door or is she fiery and fierce? Would she wear long, elegant dresses or mini-skirts and tube tops? Along with the makeup, this is where drag starts getting expensive. Start by just assembling one or two outfits. As you develop your act, you can assemble more. Use skirts and dresses to hide what you need to hide. They're comfortable and feminine, too. Choose tops with wider shoulders, longer sleeves, and lowered waistlines for longer torsos. Wear high heels. Nothing makes your legs sexier than a pair of high heels, but they're hard to find in big sizes at generic stores. Cross dressing websites come in really handy here (and can for clothes as well). Buy a nice wig. Odds are you won't be able to grow a healthy head of long, wavy, luxurious hair in the next few weeks, so a wig is your best bet. And when it comes to wigs, unlike some other things, quality is reflected in the price. Is she a blonde, a brunette, or a redhead? Curly or straight? And take good care of it, too. Wigs get surprisingly unkempt very easily. When you purchase yours (ideally you'll purchase it in person so you can try it on then and there), ask about care. How can you lengthen the life of your wig? The expert you're dealing with will give you tips on brushing and storage. Prepare your persona, her act, and choose a name. Once you've got everything you need to look like a drag queen, you have to have the personality and the act to back it up. Choose your name carefully and make sure it fits who you are – something more refined like Latrice Royale, or something edgy, like Detox? Is she a diva, a dancer, the rule breaker? How does she interact with others, fans or not? Is she sweet and sultry or spicy and bossy? Many queens choose a last name, and most usually borrow that of their "drag mother," the drag queen their style is most heavily influenced by, however, you don't need to do this. Once you have her personality determined, choose a song she'll "sing" and "dance" to (you'll just have to mime the words and you can get away with moving on stage). Memorize the lyrics like your birthday – the last thing you want is to be stuck in front of a mic like a deer in headlights. In the beginning, just worry about having two or three songs under your belt. You can do these over and over at different venues. As you get known, you'll want to increase your repertoire. Audition at local clubs and for events. Where in your area has drag showcases? When you find out, go to them. Check out how they work. Make small talk with the girls and the owner or the hostess. How can you audition? The more you become a part of this community, in drag or not, the easier it'll be to get a spot on stage. This is no theatre audition. When you do show them your stuff, be decked out to the 9's – full hair and makeup and in your best costume. Hopefully you'll nab a weekly spot in their show. Be willing to start working for next to nothing, or even free. When your career is just budding, the money won't be rolling in. Some venues simply offer experience as pay, others drink, and the higher end might roll in $50-$100. So don't quit your day job just yet until you're the one naming prices. Charity events are a huge part of most drag queens' career experiences. It's a great way to get your name out there and to show your support. However, charity events generally don't pay. You're not doing this for money, you're doing this to be a part of a community. Spend money to make money. Drag is not cheap. In addition to a lifestyle, it is a very expensive hobby. You'll be spending hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on make-up, wigs, clothes, and shoes. You've got to look good! In this industry, you'll need to spend money to look good and you've got to look good to make money. Very few drag queens make it professionally. The vast majority do it in their spare time as their after 9-5 passion. Develop a wider, more expansive repertoire as your experience grows. Just like a comedian can only get so many shows out of his material before he has to come up with a new sketch, a drag queen can only perform "Hit Me Baby One More Time" before she has to work on a new act. When you feel ready for a new challenge, go for it. What other songs would your persona take on? Would she do them straight or would she play up the comedy? Does she work the crowd and use audience participation? What makes her song unique? And with this comes new costumes and new make-up. If you're on a tight budget, see what pieces from your previous outfit you can work into a new one, maybe with new accessories and shoes. Choose what kind of queen you want to be. A lot of people have this conception of a drag queen as some ultimate diva, big-breasted and snarky, with an attitude pointier than her six-inch heels. This isn't always the case. In fact, not being this can make your act more interesting. Here is some inspiration: The beauty queen type, like Shangela, is someone you'd never know was a man. Dena Cass is the dancer. When you see her on stage, you know her type. Detox is a fashionista. One look at her outfits and it becomes clear. Nina West is a good example of the unique type. There are some queens that go to the beat of their own drum, and it works. Let her look evolve. As you develop your character, you'll notice that her and her "mask" evolve over time. The things you used to do won't seem applicable anymore, and that also goes for her hair, make-up, and clothes. When something doesn't feel right anymore, it's because she's a part of you and she's outgrown it. That's a completely normal, good feeling. It means you're refining her into who she should be. Support other queens and the community, no matter what. For many, doing drag isn't just about doing drag. It's about being home. Not only are you at home in your persona, but you're at home with your fellow queens and fans. After you walk off the stage, your job isn't done. They cheered you on, now you cheer them on. The camaraderie is what keeps many going, and instead of feeling competitive, most drag environments are about giving off an aura of love and acceptance. The people willing to do drag and be in this environment are looking for you to be family, not looking for your faults. Many people, though by no means all, are going through some transition or some inner conflict, and it's this type of environment that makes them feel good. Be a part of it, and you'll fall in love with drag even more. Ignore the adversity. Let's face it: being a drag queen is no easy task. If you're gay life can be even more difficult and if you're not, you can expect questions about your personal life till the cows come home. There will be people who "don't get it," who think you want to be a woman, and who judge you. They serve no place in your life. Brush it off, because you are fabulous. Let good thoughts be your sword and your shield. The community you're in will help you develop your positivity. When you're surrounded by others who help you feel good and make you your best, it's hard not to think positively. When the adversity comes, you can band together, making each of you individually stronger. Know that larger than life is just the right size. No matter who you are, no matter what you look like, no matter your home life or your career skills, you can be accepted into the drag community. The only requirement is that you let yourself shine as bright as you can shine. You ready to take the leap? You don't even have to be a man to be a drag queen. With a larger than life personality and a nice set of false eyelashes, you can take on the world, no matter who you are (or what you have down there). But it certainly helps to be larger than life. | Decide whether or not you're going to shave, and what you're going to shave. Decide whether you'll go large or small. Take care of your manly bits. Invest in some wild makeup – and start using it. Start creating your new persona's wardrobe. Buy a nice wig. Prepare your persona, her act, and choose a name. Audition at local clubs and for events. Be willing to start working for next to nothing, or even free. Spend money to make money. Develop a wider, more expansive repertoire as your experience grows. Choose what kind of queen you want to be. Let her look evolve. Support other queens and the community, no matter what. Ignore the adversity. Know that larger than life is just the right size. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Hair-Type | How to Determine Hair Type | To determine hair type, start by looking at your roots and scalp to determine hair density. Compare a strand of your hair to a piece of string to determine texture, then use touch to determine your hair's porosity while it's damp. Determine oiliness by checking how oily your roots are the morning after washing your hair. Stretch a strand of dry hair to determine elasticity, then observe your curl pattern to determine how curly your hair is. | Look in a mirror and part your hair in the middle. Use your fingers or a comb to part your hair. Separate it into two sides. It might help to pin down one of the sides to keep it out of your way. Hold a chunk of hair on one side of the part. Move this chunk around a little bit so you can see the roots of your hair from a few different angles. Turn on a good light in your bathroom so you can get a good look at your hair. Alternately, have someone hold a lamp or flashlight above your head to give you more light. Estimate your hair density. Your hair density is basically how many strands cover your head. Look at your hair roots and your scalp. How much of your scalp can you see in an area the size of a square inch? You're not counting individual strands, but you can get a sense of how dense your hair is by how much skin you can see. Thick density : If you don't see much scalp at all, you have thick hair density. Medium density : If you see some scalp, you have medium density. Thin density : If you see a lot of scalp, you have thin hair density. Test another spot on your scalp. Go through this same process at another spot on your scalp. Your hair density may be different at other spots on your head. Get a friend to help you look at the back of your head. Ask them to take a picture so you can see it more clearly. Wash your hair. Using your regular shampoo and conditioner regimen, wash your hair as you normally would. Rinse your hair clean of shampoo and conditioner. Choose a time when you will not be exercising or creating a lot of extra sweat in your hair, which can alter your results. Let your hair air dry. Using a hair dryer might change the way your hair reacts in a certain amount of time, so using a towel and air to dry your hair is the best method. Cut a length of sewing thread about 6-8 inches long. Choose regular thread instead of a thicker thread intended for sewing heavy-duty fabrics. Pull out a strand of dry hair. Try to get the full strand, rather than having it break in the middle. You want to see how thick your hair is, so choose a strand of hair that is most representative of your entire head of hair. The crown of your head is the best area to get the strand from. Your hair should be dry, and have no styling products in it. It is best to leave styling products out of your hair while you're testing it to get the most authentic results. Place the thread and hair strand side-by-side on white paper. Use a sheet of white paper to help you clearly see the hair strand and the thread so that you can compare them more easily. Compare the hair strand to the thread. Take a close look at your hair, such as by using a magnifying glass or magnifying mirror. If it is really curly, stretch it out a bit before you compare it to the thread. It might help to tape down the strand and thread ends so they stay put. Thin hair : If the hair strand's thickness is thinner than the thread piece, you have thin hair. Medium hair : If your hair strand is about the same thickness as the thread, you have medium hair texture. Thick hair : If the hair strand is thicker than the piece of thread, you have thick hair. Wash your hair. Using your regular shampoo and conditioner regimen, wash your hair as you normally would. Rinse your hair clean of shampoo and conditioner. Make sure all chemicals and products are rinsed thoroughly out of your hair. Use a towel to partially dry your hair. Comb through your hair first and then gently squeeze your hair using a clean t-shirt or microfiber towel. Do not dry it too much, or else you may not be able to determine the porosity, or how well your hair retains moisture, very well. Feel your hair in your hands. Take chunks of hair in your hands and feel them from the roots down to the ends. Gently squeeze your hair to feel the moisture. Low porosity : If your hair feels almost dry, your hair has not retained much moisture and you have low porosity. Medium porosity : If your hair is pretty wet but not sticky, then your hair retains a medium amount of moisture and you have medium porosity. High porosity : If your hair feels sticky, as though the water will take a long time to leave your hair, then you have high porosity. Your hair retains a lot of moisture. Float your hair in a large bowl of water. Pull out a strand of hair and float it in a large bowl of water. The bowl needs to be large enough so that the hair strand will not touch the sides. Observe what happens with the strand of hair. Low porosity: If the strand floats and does not sink at all, you have low porosity. Medium porosity : A strand that sinks after a while will indicate medium porosity. High porosity : If the strand sinks to the bottom of the bowl quickly, you have high porosity. Test your hair again on a different day. The weather may affect your hair; if it is very humid, for example, your hair may react slightly differently than on a drier day. Wash your hair. Using your regular shampoo and conditioner regimen, wash your hair as you normally would. Rinse your hair clean of shampoo and conditioner. Choose a time when you will not be exercising or creating a lot of extra sweat in your hair, which can alter your results. Let your hair air dry. Using a hair dryer might change the way your hair reacts in a certain amount of time, so using a towel and air to dry your hair is the best method. Do not add any products to your hair, as this can alter your results. Let your hair sit overnight. Give your head and hair time (about 8-12 hours) to produce oils, which you will then be able to check. Check for oiliness. In the morning, press a tissue to your scalp at the crown of your head. Do not rub the tissue around; just a gentle press against your scalp will suffice. Press it against your head behind your ears as well. Oily hair : If there is oil residue on the tissue, then you have oily hair. Medium hair : If you see a trace of oil on the tissue, you have medium hair. Dry hair : If there is nothing at all on the tissue, then you have dry hair. Combination hair : If there was no oil from one spot, but a lot of oil from another spot on your scalp, then you have combination hair. Test your hair again on a different day. The weather may affect your hair; if it is very humid, for example, your hair may react slightly differently than on a drier day. Pull out a strand of dry hair. A strand of freshly washed, towel dried hair will give you the best results. Try to get the full strand, rather than having it break in the middle. Your hair should be dry, and it can have styling products in it. It is best, however, to leave styling products out of your hair while you're testing it in order to get the most authentic results. Stretch the strand of hair. Hold the strand of hair with your hands on both ends and pull. Stretch it gently. Don't stretch it quickly or else it will break too soon. The strand of hair will snap eventually, but you want to see how much it will stretch before it breaks. Observe what happens to the strand of hair when you stretch it out. Watch how it begins to stretch like a rubber band and pay close attention to when it breaks. Highly elastic hair will stretch when it is wet by up to 50% its original length before it snaps. High elasticity : If you can stretch the strand a long way before it breaks, you have high elasticity and very strong hair. Medium elasticity : If you can stretch the strand somewhat before it snaps, you have medium elasticity. Low elasticity : If the strand breaks almost immediately when stretching it, you have low elasticity and your hair may not be very strong. The strand may also stretch like bubbly gum, and when it breaks it may curl up. Test a strand of hair from another spot on your head. Your hair may have different elasticity on a different part of your head. If you pulled a strand from the crown of your head first, for example, try pulling out a strand from behind your ear or at the base of your scalp. Wash your hair. Using your regular shampoo and conditioner regimen, wash your hair as you normally would. Rinse your hair clean of shampoo and conditioner. Let your hair air dry. Using a hair dryer might change the way your hair reacts in a certain amount of time, so using a towel and air to dry your hair is the best method. Determine your hair’s curl pattern. Andre Walker, hairstylist for Oprah Winfrey, created a system for determining hair type primarily based on curl size and pattern. This includes a range of hair types from straight to coily. 1 (straight) : Hair has no curve in it at all. 2 (wavy) : Hair is wavy but does not curl much. 3 (curly) : Hair is curly with an S shape and holds a definite curl pattern even when unstyled. 4 (coily) : Hair is tightly coiled or kinky, often with a definite Z pattern. It can be stretched out and will return to its curled shape when released. Type 4 hair might shrink up to 75% of its actual length. Find your hair subcategory. Take a look at a representative chunk of your hair. Observe the thickness and pattern of the curl (if you have curls). , These are also based on the Andre Walker system that categorizes hair into four types and three subcategories per type. 1A : Hair is soft and cannot hold a curl. 1B : Hair does not curl but has more volume. 1C : Hair does not curl and is rather coarse. 2A : Hair is wavy, resembling the letter S, and is coarse. 2B : Hair is often frizzy with a definite wave. 2C : Hair is very frizzy with thick waves, and is the coarsest of this category. 3A : Curls are about the same diameter as sidewalk chalk, or pretty loose curls. 3B : Curls are about the same diameter as a sharpie, or medium-sized curls. 3C : Curls are about the same diameter as a pencil, or corkscrew curls. 4A : Curls are very tight, about the same diameter as a needle. 4B : Curls resemble a zigzag pattern, looking like the letter Z. 4C : There might not be a curl pattern to this hair type. It has a tight zigzag with an uneven pattern, so it is harder to define. Compare your hair to the LOIS system. The LOIS system is a curl typing system that considers strand texture and thickness as well. It compares a strand of your hair to the letters L (Bend), O (Curl), I (Straight) and S (Wave). Take a single strand and hold it up with one hand. Compare your hair to the shapes of the letters L, O, I and S. L : Your strand looks like the letter L, with right angles, bends and folds. This is kinky, zigzag pattern hair. O : Your strand resembles the letter O or spirals into several Os. I : Your strand is straight with little to no curves or waves, resembling the letter I. S : Your strand is wavy and curves back and forth like the letter S. Combination : Your strand might have a combination of two or more of these letters. If this is the case, check a few more strands of hair from all over your head to see if one of the letters is more dominant. | Look in a mirror and part your hair in the middle. Hold a chunk of hair on one side of the part. Estimate your hair density. Test another spot on your scalp. Wash your hair. Let your hair air dry. Cut a length of sewing thread about 6-8 inches long. Pull out a strand of dry hair. Place the thread and hair strand side-by-side on white paper. Compare the hair strand to the thread. Wash your hair. Use a towel to partially dry your hair. Feel your hair in your hands. Float your hair in a large bowl of water. Test your hair again on a different day. Wash your hair. Let your hair air dry. Let your hair sit overnight. Check for oiliness. Test your hair again on a different day. Pull out a strand of dry hair. Stretch the strand of hair. Observe what happens to the strand of hair when you stretch it out. Test a strand of hair from another spot on your head. Wash your hair. Let your hair air dry. Determine your hair’s curl pattern. Find your hair subcategory. Compare your hair to the LOIS system. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Control-Perfectionism | How to Control Perfectionism | To control perfectionism, try to stop thinking in terms of what you "should" be doing, since these types of absolutes can set you up for failure. When you start feeling frazzled about doing something perfectly, do a quick reality check about how much it really matters in the long run. It also helps to avoid thinking that you can either succeed or fail at something, with no middle ground. It's okay to use phrases like “acceptable” and “good enough” when evaluating something you've done! Try making a list of your accomplishments at the end of every day to prove how productive you were, even if some tasks weren't completed perfectly. | Remove “should” from your vocabulary. Perfectionists think and talk about what they “should” be doing instead of what they are doing, or what they “should” do or never do. These types of absolutes set you up for inevitable failure. Instead of saying “I should be working on next week's presentation instead of sitting out here in the garden,” allow yourself some time to relax and schedule in some work time for later. Rather than telling yourself “I should get every question right on this test,” try “I'll do my best and look carefully to avoid silly mistakes.” Stop using black-and-white language. Perfectionists set up scenarios in which the only possible results are either “perfection” or “failure,” with no middle ground. This makes it impossible to achieve a goal with a few inevitable flaws, and makes you feel like a “loser” even when you accomplish a task to someone else's satisfaction. Add words like “acceptable” and “good enough” to your vocabulary, and use them when evaluating tasks and your results. Don't view everything in catastrophic terms. Perfectionists tend to create the worst case scenario in regards to failure. They'll say things like “If I don't get this just right, everyone will hate me” or “Everyone will see that I'm not cut out for this job.” When you feel this way, try to balance things out with some best-case scenarios. For instance, say to yourself “If I mess up this part, we'll all have a laugh and move on,” based on what you've observed when others have done the same thing. Part of catastrophic thought is “probability overestimation” — that is, overplaying your odds of failure or of negative consequences from failure. Try to look at the situation from a detached perspective and consider the true “odds.” List your accomplishments every day, week, month, and year. Every evening, write down at least one thing you accomplished that day, no matter how mundane: “I emptied out my junk drawer in the dining room.” Do the same on a weekly, monthly, and perhaps even annual basis. In the process, you'll realize just how much you get done — and that you are therefore the opposite of a “failure.” Don't assess how “perfect” of a job you did — just focus on what you got done. After all, by June 30th, does it matter how well you mowed the lawn on June 1st? Make intentional mistakes in minor everyday matters. This can actually be a bit of fun, but the true purpose is to show you how little other people tend to care whether or not you do everything perfectly. For the most part, they won't even notice your imperfections, and if they do, they usually won't mind. Try, for instance: wearing a shirt with a stain on it on purpose. inviting someone over without tidying up the house. shorting yourself on bus fare so you have to ask someone for a dime. making a few intentional grammar mistakes in an email. pretending to lose your train of thought while speaking in front of a group. Do imperfect work and see if anyone notices. In this case, instead of purposefully doing something imperfectly, simply leave some “imperfections” in place that you typically would find and eliminate. Does your boss even notice that your report is a bit less detailed than normal? Does your teacher seem aware that you didn't re-write your math formulas to make your work look neater? And, even if people do notice, are they bothered by it at all? As long as you're fulfilling the essential requirements of the task, the answer will almost always be “no.” Leave others' work unfinished instead of taking it on. Perfectionists often feel the need to take on others' work to make sure it is “done right” as well, even if they're already overworked with their own tasks. Resist this urge, and observe what happens — it will probably be one of the following: The other person will complete the task to an acceptable level. The other person will do an unacceptable job and will face the consequences. The job won't get done and no one will seem to care all that much. Identify your worst case scenario and ask “so what? ” You may imagine that making a mistake will lead to your worst case scenario and find that you would still be okay if that happened. This can help to ease your concern and relax you. Try looking at the situation and taking the possible outcomes to their natural conclusion by continually asking “so what?” For example, you might worry about being late to work and think, “If I am late, I will get into trouble.” Ask yourself, “so what?” “I might get a written warning or even get fired.” “So what?” “I might have to look for a new job?” “So what?” “If I can't find a new job, I could end up having to move back in with my parents or borrow money from a friend to get by.” Although this scenario would be unpleasant, you would still be okay if this happened. List what you're giving up in your quest for perfection. Striving to be perfect in all things takes up a lot of time — time that could be used for many other things. So, take a few minutes to write down what you're missing out on because you spend so much time trying to be perfect. Are you giving up time with your family or friends? Have you stopped doing (or never started doing) a hobby you really like? Have you lost one or more promising romantic relationships? Are you missing out on adequate sleep, exercise, meal times, or “me time”? Use the list you create to consider your priorities and determine whether trying to be perfect is worth what you're losing. Do a reality check about how much something really matters. Ask yourself “Will this matter in 5 years? 5 months? 5 weeks?” If the answer is “no” to all 3, then you're almost certainly wasting your time trying to complete the task spotlessly. If the short-term answer is “yes,” ask yourself “Will it matter in 5 months/weeks whether this was done perfectly?” Be honest with yourself — how good of a job do you need to do for it to truly matter in the long term? Compare your work and others' fairly and equally. Perfectionists often suffer from one (and sometimes both) of the following problems when dealing with other people: they demand far more of themselves than they do others, or they can't trust others to do a "perfect" enough job and must do it themselves. If you expect the impossible from yourself but not others, envision someone else doing the same task you're doing. Would they have to be either “perfect” or a “failure,” or could they do a “good enough” job? If so, why can't you? If you feel like you have to do everything yourself, take some time observing other people accomplishing tasks and how their peers/superiors/etc. respond to them. If everyone else seems to think the job has been adequately done, remind yourself to accept the "will of the majority." Get outside help if your perfectionism has spiraled out of control. Perfectionism, at its most extreme, can be a symptom of OCD or other medical or mental health issues. If you experience one or more of the following, it might be time to talk to your doctor or a licensed mental health professional: Things must be "perfect" because, if they aren't, very bad things will happen. Things left "not perfect" cause you serious anxiety. The repetitive nature of your perfectionism is causing a serious disruption to your daily life. If you ever feel like harming yourself as a "deserved" self-punishment for your "failures," seek help right away. Forgive yourself for your shortcomings. Nobody is perfect, and everybody has strengths and weaknesses. That's not to say you should not try to grow. You can always learn something new or try to improve, but there are times when you'll have to go with what you already know and do what you can based on that. Don't waste time worrying about what you can't (yet) do. Define your goal for the current task. Focus on what is really needed. Is the real purpose to be perfect or produce a perfect result, or is it to get something done? What really matters? Perfectionism can often cause the opposite of a timely result because the uncertainty that comes with it leads to procrastination. Knowing what you want to achieve not only helps you go in the right direction, it also helps you know when you are finished. Make sure to break up your goals into manageable tasks to avoid becoming overwhelmed by them. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, then focus on losing 5 pounds at a time or exercising regularly rather than on your overall weight loss goal. Strive for the results that are best for you. Do not let your productivity be dictated by fear of others' judgment. Accept a broader form of excellence, rather than narrowly defined perfection. Perfectionism can be self-destructive when the perfectionist is too concerned with how others may perceive an imperfection. Study to learn, rather than to get a perfect score. Eat and exercise for health and fitness, not for simple weight targets. Get started instead of waiting for certainty. Even if you're not sure yet what you're doing, give it a try. You may be better at it than you think, or your task may be easier than you imagined it. Even if your first attempt doesn't get you anywhere, perhaps you'll know what or who to ask to get going. Or, you may just discover what not to do. Most of the time, you'll find that you imagined the barriers as larger than they really are. Set a time limit for the task. Some things, such as housekeeping, are never really finished. No matter how well you clean the floor today, it'll get just as muddy tomorrow. Instead of spending hours scrubbing, set a timer for a reasonable amount of time, and clean for just that long. The place will still get cleaner and you'll work faster and without obsessing over details. Make this sort of upkeep work a regular, brief part of the routine and things will stay at an acceptable, pretty good level. On a longer or more detailed project, a deadline , even a self-imposed one, can get you started and keep you moving instead of worrying over details. Break things up into smaller parts or intermediate goals if they're too big. Do things “your” way instead of the “right” way. Recognize that for many activities, especially anything with an element of creativity, there is no one “right” way, no one “right” answer. If you're evaluated at all, it is subjectively. You cannot possibly please everybody who reads your writing or gazes at your painting, for instance. While keeping an audience in mind can help give your work direction, you should also allow for a large element of personal expression and style. Reflect on your failures. Consider what you can learn from your shortcomings, and how that will help you do a better job next time. You cannot learn without making some mistakes. Recognize the beauty and benefits in imperfection. Dissonant harmonies in music can create tension and drama. Leaves left on the ground insulate plants' roots and decompose to nourish the soil. | Remove “should” from your vocabulary. Stop using black-and-white language. Don't view everything in catastrophic terms. List your accomplishments every day, week, month, and year. Make intentional mistakes in minor everyday matters. Do imperfect work and see if anyone notices. Leave others' work unfinished instead of taking it on. Identify your worst case scenario and ask “so what? List what you're giving up in your quest for perfection. Do a reality check about how much something really matters. Compare your work and others' fairly and equally. Get outside help if your perfectionism has spiraled out of control. Forgive yourself for your shortcomings. Define your goal for the current task. Strive for the results that are best for you. Get started instead of waiting for certainty. Set a time limit for the task. Do things “your” way instead of the “right” way. Reflect on your failures. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Blow-Dry-Curly-Hair-with-a-Diffuser | How to Blow Dry Curly Hair with a Diffuser | To blow dry curly hair with a diffuser, start by conditioning your hair in the shower and then gently squeezing excess water from your hair when you get out. Then, attach a diffuser to your blow dryer and set the dryer to a cool or warm setting, holding it so the diffuser is facing up. When you're ready, place a handful of your curls in the diffuser bowl and lift up the diffuser until it's touching your head. Hold it there for a few seconds, then repeat with the rest of your hair until it's about 80-90 percent dry. | Apply conditioner in the shower. This will keep your hair moisturized and help your curls stay together instead of frizzing. After you rinse out your shampoo, apply it about an inch (2.5 cm) from your roots (since your scalp's natural oils will keep your roots area conditioned) and use your fingers to comb it through to the tips. Some people with curly hair opt to wash with conditioner only, since shampoo tends to dry out curly hair. Find the routine that feels right for your hair's texture. If your hair has been dry and brittle, conditioner washing might be worth a try. Rinse out the conditioner with cool water. Rinsing with cool water (as cool as you can handle) is better for curly hair. It causes the hair shaft to lie flat, rather than frizzing up, resulting in sleeker curls. Taking this step will help hold your curls together when you diffuse them after showering. Gently squeeze excess water from your hair. Flip your hair upside down and use your hands to squeeze out the water rather than twisting or wringing it out. Again, this will help your curls stay pretty and bouncy. When you towel-dry your hair, the curls separate and frizz up. You can also gently pat or squeeze your hair with a clean t-shirt or a microfiber towel to soak up excess moisture. These will not cause frizz like a regular terrycloth towel. Smooth leave-in conditioner into your hair. This is optional, but it's a great help if your hair tends to get very dry and frizzy. Rub some leave-in conditioner between your palms and gently work it through your hair, section by section, until all of your curls are covered. If leave-in conditioner tends to weigh your hair down, try applying it to just the ends. It's most critical to condition your ends, since they are the part of your hair most prone to frizz. Put a little conditioner in your hand and rub your palms together, then gently scrunch the ends of your hair with your hands. You can also add in a curling cream or custard at this point, as it is harder to add when your hair is dry. This is a good time to add other styling products, such as mousse, gel, or styling cream, as well. Get your diffuser ready. Most hair dryers come with a diffuser attachment. It looks like a wide, circular nozzle with several prongs sticking out. Attach it to your hair dryer and set the dryer to a cool or warm setting. Using a cool or warm setting, rather than a hot setting, is much better for curly hair. A hot setting will cause your hair to dry out and get brittle. If your dryer has a separate airflow setting, select medium or low instead of high. Flip your hair upside down. Most curly-haired people know that volume at the roots is important, since curls are heavy and tend to flatten at the top of the head. To avoid this, start by flipping your head upside down. Your hair will dry in an upside-down position, and once you're finished, your roots will have much better volume. If keeping your head upside down gets uncomfortable, you can lean your head to one side or another instead. The important thing is not to sit upright, since gravity will cause your roots to flatten as your hair dries. Another option is lifting the roots with hair clips. Use claw clips to lift the roots from your head, and dry your hair with the clips in place. That way, you won't have to hold your head upside down to get volume. Turn on the diffuser and hold it pointed up. Remember to use a low or medium heat setting. Hold the dryer so that the bowl-shaped diffuser is pointing to the ceiling. Lay a handful of curls in the bowl of the diffuser. Take a small handful of hair, keeping the curls intact, and coil it in the bowl of the diffuser. Just drop the hair into the diffuser; don't push it down or bunch it up. Handle your hair gently at all times. Lift the diffuser until it touches your head to dry your roots. You should feel the prongs separating the hair at your scalp in order to access your roots. Hold the diffuser there for several seconds to allow your roots to get dry. Move it in a circular motion to lift the roots and make sure all the hair in the section gets dry. When the roots feel mostly dry, lower the diffuser and let your hair drop out of the bowl. Don't hold the diffuser in place for too long. You just want your hair to get about 80% dry. If you dry it too much, it will frizz up. Move on to the next section of hair. Take another handful from next to the first section and repeat the process. Coil your hair in the diffuser, then bring it up to your head to dry your roots. When your hair is 80% dry, lower the diffuser and let your hair loose. Continue until your hair is mostly dry. Section by section, dry your roots and curls with the diffuser. Since you'll need to have your head upside down, you might want to take a few breaks. Stop when your whole head is 80-90% dry. Apply hair serum or gel. This will define your curls and keep them from getting frizzy. Put a little product in your hand and rub your palms together, then gently scrunch your hair with your hands to apply. There's no need to use a brush or comb; just use your fingers. Try not to handle your hair too much during the day. Curls tend to puff up when they're over-handled. Now that your hair is dry, just let it be for the rest of the day. Tuck your hair up under a hat or pin it into a loose bun to protect your curls. Use light-hold hairspray if needed. Avoid using firm or maximum hold spray, since it tends to make curls look rigid and helmet-like. Use a light hold spray that allows your curls to move and bounce easily. | Apply conditioner in the shower. Rinse out the conditioner with cool water. Gently squeeze excess water from your hair. Smooth leave-in conditioner into your hair. Get your diffuser ready. Flip your hair upside down. Turn on the diffuser and hold it pointed up. Lay a handful of curls in the bowl of the diffuser. Lift the diffuser until it touches your head to dry your roots. Move on to the next section of hair. Continue until your hair is mostly dry. Apply hair serum or gel. Try not to handle your hair too much during the day. Use light-hold hairspray if needed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Toast-Buns | How to Toast Buns | You can easily toast buns in many ways, like in a skillet, grill, or toaster. To toast your buns in a grill, cut them in half and brush the insides with melted butter to prevent them from burning and to improve their taste. Place the buns facedown on the grill for 10-15 seconds or until they're hot and crispy. Alternatively, put your bun halves in a toaster on medium heat. If you don't have a broiler, grill, or toaster, brush your buns with butter and place them on a hot skillet for 10-20 seconds or until they're hot and crispy. | Set your oven or toaster oven to BROIL and let it heat up for 5-10 minutes. Turn the dial on your regular oven or toaster oven to its broil setting. Use its highest broil setting if it has different ones. Let it preheat for 5-10 minutes so it is ready to toast your buns. If you are using a regular oven, make sure there is an oven rack in the top position right under the broiler. If you are using a toaster oven that has multiple rack positions, you can put the rack in the top position to get the buns closer to the broiler as well. Place the buns cut-side-up on a baking sheet. Cut or pull the buns apart to expose the inside for toasting. Set the halves of the buns face-up on a baking sheet so the cut side will get toasted. If you have to cut the buns in half, then try to make the 2 halves as even as possible so they toast evenly. If the buns are supposed to be attached, such as hotdog or sub buns, you can just spread them apart as much as you can without pulling the halves off of one another. Broil the buns for 30 seconds or until they turn golden brown. Put the baking sheet in the oven or toaster oven and close the door. Keep an eye on the buns and remove them after 30 seconds or when you see that they start to turn a golden brown color. It's easy to go from toasted to burnt with a broiler, so it's important to stay and watch the buns as they toast. Cut the buns in half or pull them apart. Pull precut buns apart to separate the halves. Use a knife to carefully cut the buns in half if they are not precut. This method works best when you are already grilling other foods. That way, you have a grill already hot to toast the buns on. If the buns are meant to be attached, such as hotdog buns or sub sandwich buns, then just open them up as much as you can without pulling the halves apart where they connect. You can brush the buns with about 1 tbsp (14.2 g) of butter or 1 tbsp (15 mL) of olive oil before grilling them for added flavor. Place the buns face-down on a hot grill. Carefully put the buns cut-side-down on the grill over indirect heat. Avoid any areas of the grill where there are large flames that will burn the buns. If you are using a charcoal grill, then wait until the charcoals are embers and not flaming to toast the buns. If you are using an electric grill, then wait until it has been heating up on medium-high heat for at least 5-10 minutes. Around the edges of the grill is generally the safest place to put the buns to toast them. This will toast them with indirect heat without burning them. Toast the buns for 10-60 seconds or until they are slightly charred. Use tongs to lift up the buns every 10 seconds to check how toasted they are. Remove them when you start to see char marks on them. The length of time to toast buns on a grill varies based on the type of grill, the grill temperature, and the position of the buns. If you are grilling things like hamburgers and hotdogs, toss the buns on the grill at the last minute so everything is ready at the same time and you can serve up burgers and dogs to order. Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Set your oven or toaster oven to its bake setting. Turn the temperature to 350 °F (177 °C) and let it warm up for 5-10 minutes. Make sure the oven or toaster oven has an oven rack in the middle rack position in order to evenly bake the buns. Put the buns face-up on a baking sheet. Cut the buns in half or pull them apart if they are precut. Place them on a baking sheet so the cut side is face-up. You can bake buns 30 minutes to 1 hour ahead of time and then store them in a basket covered with tin foil or a clean towel to keep them warm. Try brushing the buns with about 1 tbsp (14.2 g) of butter or 1 tbsp (15 mL) of olive oil before grilling them to give them a flavor boost. If the buns are supposed to be attached, such as hotdog buns or sub sandwich buns, then just open them up as much as you can without pulling the halves apart into 2 separate halves. Bake the buns for about 5 minutes or until they are slightly crispy. Put the baking sheet on the middle rack in the oven or toaster oven. Close the door and let the buns bake for at least 5 minutes or until they start to get crispy. You can remove the baking sheet after 5 minutes and poke the buns with tongs or a fork to check if they are crispy. If they are still very soft, then place them back in the oven for 1-2 minutes. Split the bun into 2 halves. Separate or cut the bun into its two halves to get it ready to put in the toaster. Make sure to cut it in half evenly if you have to cut it apart so it will fit in the toaster. This method of toasting will only work for hamburger-style sandwich buns. You'll need a toaster with large enough slots to accommodate the bun halves. You won't be able to use this method for hotdog buns or other irregularly-shaped buns. Don't put butter, olive oil, or any other substance on the buns before using a toaster to toast them. It will just burn and cause a lot of smoke and a mess. Set the toaster to medium heat or a medium level of toasting. Different toasters have different settings that you can alter to adjust the toast cycle. Pick one of the medium-range settings to toast the bun so you don't burn it. You can alter the settings after the first bun you toast to toast future buns more or less. Some toasters even allow you to adjust the heat while toasting. Toast the bun for the full toasting cycle. Place the bun halves inside and press the lever down to start the toaster. Wait for toaster to automatically finish its toasting cycle and eject the toasted bun. It doesn't matter which direction the bun halves face when you insert them into the toaster. Unlike other methods, this procedure will toast the bun halves on both sides, resulting in a bun that is drier and more crumbly. | Set your oven or toaster oven to BROIL and let it heat up for 5-10 minutes. Place the buns cut-side-up on a baking sheet. Broil the buns for 30 seconds or until they turn golden brown. Cut the buns in half or pull them apart. Place the buns face-down on a hot grill. Toast the buns for 10-60 seconds or until they are slightly charred. Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Put the buns face-up on a baking sheet. Bake the buns for about 5 minutes or until they are slightly crispy. Split the bun into 2 halves. Set the toaster to medium heat or a medium level of toasting. Toast the bun for the full toasting cycle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Nigerian-Puff%E2%80%90Puffs | How to Make Nigerian Puff‐Puffs | Nigerian puff-puffs are a delicious sweet treat you can eat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. All you need is active dry yeast, flour, sugar, and oil. First, mix ½ cup of sugar, 2 cups of warm water, and 2 teaspoons of yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then add 2 ½ cups of flour and mix it until it's smooth. Cover the batter with foil and leave it to sit for 1-2 hours. After that, gather spoonfuls of batter and shape them into balls with a second spoon. Then, fry them in oil until they're golden brown. Remember to flip them so both sides cook through. Once the puff-puffs have cooled, sprinkle them with powdered sugar like donuts. | Mix 1/2-3/4 cups of sugar, 2 cups of warm water, and 2 teaspoons of yeast together. Set the mixture aside. Let it sit for approximately 5 minutes. Add 2 1/2 cups of flour to it. Mix until it's smooth and not lumpy. Cover the batter with foil. Let it rise for approximately 1 to 2 hours. Pour oil in a frying pan on your stove. Put a little drop of the batter to the oil in order to see if it's hot enough; it should sizzle and start cooking immediately if the oil is hot enough. Use a spoon to gather up the batter and another spoon to form it into a ball. Drop it in the hot oil. Fry the batter until the bottom is golden brown. Flip and fry the other side until its golden brown as well. Use a large slotted spoon to take the puff-puff out the oil. Use paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Add powdered sugar to it. Serve and enjoy! | Mix 1/2-3/4 cups of sugar, 2 cups of warm water, and 2 teaspoons of yeast together. Set the mixture aside. Add 2 1/2 cups of flour to it. Cover the batter with foil. Pour oil in a frying pan on your stove. Use a spoon to gather up the batter and another spoon to form it into a ball. Fry the batter until the bottom is golden brown. Flip and fry the other side until its golden brown as well. Use a large slotted spoon to take the puff-puff out the oil. Use paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Add powdered sugar to it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Appropriate-Letter-to-Someone-in-Jail-or-Prison | How to Write an Appropriate Letter to Someone in Jail or Prison | To write an appropriate letter to someone in jail or prison, start by checking the prison website for regulations regarding what a prisoner can receive in the mail. As a general rule, you should avoid writing about things like weapons, drugs, or violence. Instead, try asking open-ended questions like “How are you feeling?” to give them a chance to talk about how they're doing. Additionally, you can write about things going on in your own life, such as what's happening at work or school, so they'll feel connected to you. | Write on a regular basis. If you know someone in prison, writing that person a letter can help the prisoner to feel connected and supported by family members and friends. It is important to let the person in prison know how often you can write letters. This allows the incarcerated individual to maintain his or her expectations and allows you to manage your busy life. Ask open-ended questions. Writing letters may be one of the only ways that an incarcerated individual can talk about how he or she is managing in prison. In order to facilitate an open dialogue and let the person know that you are interested in hearing about his or her life, ask open-ended questions. The incarcerated person may or may not choose to respond to the questions. However, by asking the questions you are letting the person know that you are willing to listen. Some questions that you can ask in your letter may include: How are you feeling? What are you doing to keep busy? What can I do to help support you? Provide your spouse or partner with details from your life. Having your partner incarcerated places significant strain on your relationship. It is important to find ways to stay connected to your loved one while the person is incarcerated. It is important to communicate honestly, regularly, and when possible to include your partner in decision-making. Tell your partner about your plans and your regular schedule. If your incarcerated partner is reading a particular book or watching a particular show, read or watch the same thing and discuss it in your letter. This provides you with a common interest while your partner is incarcerated. If you have children, share details about your child's life. Write about decisions that you are trying to make about jobs, school, friendships and ask for your partner's advice. Be clear about what you can and cannot do. For example, if your incarcerated partner wants you to write every day and you are unable to do that, explain that to your partner and talk about your feelings or concerns honestly. Encourage a child to communicate with an incarcerated parent. Often, letters are the main way that a child can communicate with an incarcerated parent. Writing to a parent can help the child express his or her feelings, feel connected to an incarcerated parent or even lay the groundwork for a future relationship with the parent. If a child has difficulty expressing his or her feelings of sadness, loneliness, abandonment, or anger, it is important for a caregiver to help the child find the words and either write or dictate these feelings in a letter. It is important to share details of the child's life with the parent, including drawings from the child or schoolwork. Potential topics to write about in a letter include: Shared interests such as sports, school, or books. Current events. Special events, such as graduation, birthdays or holidays. Favorite memories, particularly about the incarcerated parent. Provide updates on the child's life, such as how the child is doing in school or in extracurricular events. Consider whether you can make a commitment to an incarcerated pen pal. When you choose to write a prisoner you must understand that you are not engaging in charity but in taking the time to get to know another individual and potentially making a new friend. Therefore, before choosing to write a prisoner you should think about whether you can make the time to maintain the correspondence. It can be incredibly disappointing to an incarcerated person to have someone reach out once or twice and then never hear from that person again. Locate a prisoner. There are a number of organizations and online businesses that connect individuals with incarcerated people looking for pen pals. You can find these websites by conducting an internet search for the phrase: write to a person in prison. Some of these websites charge prisoners a fee for them to sign-up and others may charge users a fee to connect with prisoners. These websites may suggest that you use the website for friendship rather than for finding romantic relationships. The website may not verify any of the information provided by the prisoner. Look to see how long the website/company has been in business. Look for online reviews to see whether the company is considered reputable. Be clear in your intentions. When you write an incarcerated individual, it is important to be clear about your reasons for writing the letter. If you are looking for friendship or to offer support you should state this in your letter. You should also state how often you will be able to correspond to the prisoner. Some incarcerated individuals may be seeking a romantic relationship. If you are not interested in pursuing a romantic relationship you should clearly and kindly explain your position. Some individuals may ask you for money or to do things for them outside of prison. You can politely refuse the request and explain that you will not be giving them money. Keep your first letter short. When you write your first letter to an incarcerated individual, you should keep that letter relatively short. You can explain who you are and how you got their name. You should also tell the person why you wanted to write to them. You should be prepared to maintain the correspondence for at least six months. Do not make any commitments that you feel that you can't meet. Make sure that you follow any of the prison's rules about what can and cannot be included in a letter (discussed below). Offer some details about your life. If you are interested in getting to know an incarcerated person by exchanging letters, it is important that you share some stories or details about your life. You should only share what you feel comfortable sharing. If you think about the pen pal process of getting to know someone, it is important that they get to know you some as well so that they feel a connection to the outside world. Your letters will be read by prison officials so it is important to refrain from discussing any criminal activity, or anything else prohibited by prison regulations. Include your return address. When establishing a pen pal relationship, you need to provide the prisoner with an address where you can receive letters. While many people provide their home address, others choose to keep their home address private and instead set up a post office box (P.O. box). Whichever you choose is fine but generally, prisons require letters to have a return address on the envelope in order for the letter to be given to the prisoner. Check the prison or state’s website for regulations. Generally, prisons have specific rules regarding what a prisoner can receive in the mail. Before sending a letter to a prisoner, go online and see whether the prison has a website. You should check the website for regulations regarding mail and make sure your letter meets all of the requirements. You can find a prison website by searching the internet for the name of the prison and the words: send mail to a prisoner. This search should direct you to either a website for a prison or to the governmental entity (state or federal) that manages the prison and sets forth regulations regarding prisoner correspondence. Address the letter properly. While you should follow the specific guidelines for the prison where the incarcerated person resides, typically your letter should be addressed to the prisoner's legal name, followed by the prisoner's number. The next line should list the cell/bunk location, if given, followed by the name of the prison. The following lines should include the street address or P.O. Box for the prison followed by the city, state and zip code. Do not include any prohibited items or content. The prison regulations will outline a number of things that you are prohibited from sending a prisoner as well as topics that you are prohibited from writing about. For example, many prisons prohibit you from sending books directly to an inmate. Instead, the book must be sent from a publishing house or distributor. With regard to the content of the letter, you are prohibited from writing about anything that describes or encourages criminal activity. Some additional items or content that is prohibited include: Letters that have staples or paper clips. Cash. Cards with electronic components. Nude photographs or photographs which reveal genitalia, buttocks, or breasts. Polaroid photos. Any descriptions of physical violence. Any descriptions of drugs or other intoxicants. Any discussion or description of the use or construction of a weapon. | Write on a regular basis. Ask open-ended questions. Provide your spouse or partner with details from your life. Encourage a child to communicate with an incarcerated parent. Consider whether you can make a commitment to an incarcerated pen pal. Locate a prisoner. Be clear in your intentions. Keep your first letter short. Offer some details about your life. Include your return address. Check the prison or state’s website for regulations. Address the letter properly. Do not include any prohibited items or content. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Ponytail-with-Short-Hair | How to Do a Ponytail with Short Hair | Doing a ponytail with short hair is a bit trickier, but there are still a few styles that should work for you. To do a full ponytail, first divide your hair into 3 sections at the top, middle, and bottom. Tie only the middle section back into a ponytail. Then, wrap the other sections around the elastic and secure them with bobby pins and a quick blast of hairspray. Alternatively, do a half-knot ponytail. For a half-knot, divide your hair into 3 sections at the middle and sides and tie the middle section in a low ponytail. Then, tie the 2 outside sections in a single knot above your ponytail and secure it with bobby pins and hairspray. | Divide your hair front to back into three sections. The sections should start at your forehead and end at the nape of your neck. The middle section should have the most hair, and the two other sections should be equal. Put the middle section into a low ponytail. Leave the two other sections down for now. For example, begin each side section at your temple, then create a part that goes over and behind your ear. Tighten the base of the middle ponytail. Pull on each side of the ponytail to push the elastic band up the ponytail. Try using a fiber-wrapped elastic for the tightest hold. The elastic band will get closer to your scalp, pushing the top of your hair up into a small bump. If the bump isn't big enough, you can use a comb to tease your hair more. Secure with bobby pins. Pull the two other sections of your hair back towards the ponytail. Cover the elastic with the two sections. The elastic band should be hidden. Secure them with bobby pins at the base of the ponytail. Place the bobby pins vertically so that they are hidden, creating a polished look. The two other sections should be secured in a way that they make the ponytail look fuller. They should not appear separate from the ponytail. Tease the ends of your hair. Use a hairbrush to tease the ends of your hair. This will contribute to a fuller looking ponytail by making it appear longer. You can use a teasing comb for extra volume if you'd like. After you tease your hair, you'll want to gently smooth the top of the hair using a light touch with a brush. Use hairspray. Spray the ponytail with a hairspray that provides a strong hold. Secure the ponytail, but don't use so much hairspray that your hair loses its natural bounce. Once you're finished, you can push back your bangs or put on a headband. Put your hair in a low ponytail. Brush your hair behind your eyes. Divide it front to back into three sections. The sections should begin at your forehead and end at the nape of your neck. Pull the middle section into a low ponytail. Secure it with a clear elastic. Leave the other two sections down. Let the middle section be the thickest. It will be difficult to twist your hair if the other two sections are too thick. For example, each side section should begin at your temple. Create a part that goes over and then behind your ear. Brush your hair out first if it is straight or slightly wavy. Do not brush it if you have curly hair that you want to maintain. Tie the two outside sections into a half knot. Put the left section over the right section. Leave a space in between the two section and pull the left section through the hole. Then pull the section into a knot. Pull them back over the top of the center ponytail. The knot should cover the clear elastic. Secure the knot. Wrap the ends of the two sections and pull them around and under the ponytail. Push the leftover ends into the bottom of the ponytail. Use bobby pins to secure the loose pieces at the bottom of the knot. Hairspray the loose hairs. Smooth out the loose ends and flyaway hairs with your hands or with a brush. Lightly hairspray your hair. Work gel into your hair. The gel will help secure the braid you're going to do. You can use gel or texture spray. Run your fingers through your hair to work the gel or spray into it. Braid the underside of your hair. Flip your hair over. Starting from the nape of your neck, begin to French braid your hair. Stop braiding when you've gone halfway up your head. Secure the braid with a small, clear elastic. You may have a difficult time braiding your hair from this position. If so, ask someone to help you French braid your hair. Flip your hair over again. You should be in an upright position. Make sure that the braid is still intact. Gather your hair into a ponytail. Begin gathering your hair into a high ponytail. You can use a brush for the top part of your hair, but do not brush the part where the braid is. Secure the ponytail at the crown of your head with an elastic. You can use a comb to tease your hair for more volume. | Divide your hair front to back into three sections. Tighten the base of the middle ponytail. Secure with bobby pins. Tease the ends of your hair. Use hairspray. Put your hair in a low ponytail. Tie the two outside sections into a half knot. Secure the knot. Hairspray the loose hairs. Work gel into your hair. Braid the underside of your hair. Flip your hair over again. Gather your hair into a ponytail. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Pullup-Bar | How to Build a Pullup Bar | To make an indoor pullup bar, start by threading a couple of 18 inch wide galvanized steel pipes into ¾ inch wide 90-degree elbow joints. Then, fit a 48 inch long steel pipe between the two elbow joints to make your handle. With the bar assembled, attach ¾ inch thick metal flanges to the ends of the shorter bars, as these will fasten the bar in place on the wall or ceiling. Once they're attached, place the flanges flat on the ground and use a carpenter's level to make sure the bar is even. If it looks good, screw the flanges into a 2 foot by 6 foot piece of wood. To hang your pullup bar, locate the support beams or studs in the wall where you want it to go using a stud finder, and attach the support plank to the wall with 2 or 3 screws per stud. | Get pressure-treated wood posts and a steel pipe. To make the stands that will support the pull-up bar, get a pair of 4 in × 4 in (10 cm × 10 cm) posts about 10 ft (3.0 m) in length. Make sure they're pressure-treated so they resist rotting. Then, get a galvanized steel pipe about 4 ft (1.2 m) long to fit between the posts. The length of these items will vary depending on your needs. For example, choose longer posts to give yourself more ground clearance. Most home improvement stores will cut these items for you if you ask. If you have the proper hand saws , you can also cut them to size yourself. Dig a pair of 3 ft (0.91 m) deep holes in your yard. Space the holes 4 ft (1.2 m) apart, or the length of the steel bar you plan on using for your pull-up bar. Make each hole big enough to hold a 5 US gal (19 L) plastic bucket. Set buckets inside the holes to test their size. The buckets will fit snugly inside the holes when they are the right size. Make the holes roughly the same diameter and depth so the pull-up bar is level later. Drill horizontal holes through the top edges of the posts. Measure 4 in (10 cm) down from the top end of each post and mark the spot with a pencil. Then, use an electric drill with a 1 ⁄ 4 in (3.2 cm) bit to create a hole barely wider than the diameter of the steel bar. Drill all the way through both posts. To keep the posts sturdy, leave at least 2 in (5.1 cm) between their top ends and the holes. Thread the steel bar through the posts. Lay the posts down flat on the ground and slide the steel bar through the holes you made. Make sure the posts are spaced about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart, wide enough for the bar's ends to barely emerge from the posts. Another option is to use metal posts and elbow joints. Replace the wood posts with a pair of equally-sized metal pipes. Thread them into 90-degree elbow joints with clockwise twists. The pull-up bar fits into the opposite ends of the joints. Connect the pull-up bar to a pair of metal flanges. Flanges are small connector disks with a series of holes for screws, making them a great way to anchor a metal bar to wood mounts. Slide a single flange onto each end of the bar, twisting them clockwise until they rest against the outside part of each wood post. Position the flanges so their flatter side is against the wood. Flanges have slightly different sides. Make sure the flanges are flush with the wood so they connect properly. If your bar is short, forgo drilling holes through the posts. Instead, set a flange on the inside portion of each post. Secure them in place, then thread the bar into them by turning it clockwise. Screw the flanges to the wood posts. Hold the flanges firmly against the wood. Note the series of screw holes on them and mark these on the wood posts with a pencil. Then, pre-drill the holes with a 1 ⁄ 8 in (3.5 cm) drill bit. Finish by securing the flanges with 3 in (7.6 cm) galvanized wood screws placed in each hole. Mix 2 batches of concrete in separate plastic buckets. Choose 2 big mixing buckets you don't mind burying. The buckets need to be about 1 ft (0.30 m) and 3 ft (0.91 m) deep. Use about 1 bag of 80 lb (36 kg) concrete mix for each bucket. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to mix the concrete with water to the proper consistency. The buckets give the bar more stability. If you put the concrete directly into the ground, it may shift over time. Putting the posts directly in the ground is possible if you brace them with stones or other objects. Set the posts in the holes, then surround them with large objects that aren't easy to move. Put the buckets of concrete in the ground and install the bar. Set the buckets in the holes you dug earlier. Center them in the holes and test them with a carpenter's level as needed to position them as evenly as possible. Then, lift up the pull-up bar and plant the wood posts in the middle of each bucket. Have someone help you pick up the bar in order to plant the posts perfectly in the center of each bucket. Check the bar with a level as you wait for the concrete to dry. Hold a carpenter's level against the top edge of the pull-up bar. When the bar is level, the liquid in the tool will stay centered. Adjust the bar as needed, then give the concrete plenty of time to dry before trying it out. The concrete takes about 24 hours to dry. Give it plenty of time to settle before putting weight on the bar. Thread steel pipes into 90-degree elbow joints. Start with a pair of 18 in (46 cm), ⁄ 4 in (1.9 cm) wide galvanized steel pipes and ⁄ 4 in (1.9 cm) wide 90-degree elbow joints. Set an elbow joint on each pipe. Twist the pipes clockwise until they are solidly threaded inside the joints. These pipes and joints connect the pull-up bar to the wall. They need to be relatively short in order to make the bar stable. Fit a longer steel pipe into the elbow joints. A bar about 48 in (120 cm) long and ⁄ 4 in (1.9 cm) wide will give you plenty of space to do pull-ups in your home. Set the bar into 1 of the joints, turning it clockwise by hand to secure it. Then, fit the other joint on the bar's opposite end. Adjust your pull-up bar by using pipes of different lengths. For instance, choose a shorter bar if you don't have space for the 48 in (120 cm) bar. Attach flanges to the ends of the shorter bars. Get a pair of ⁄ 4 in (1.9 cm) thick metal flanges, which you will need to fasten the bars in place on the wall or ceiling. Place a flange on the free end of each of the 18 in (46 cm) bars, turning it clockwise to thread it. Make sure the flatter ends of the flanges face away from the bars. Flanges are available at most home improvement stores. Choose flanges that have 4 screw holes and fit the diameter of the longer bar. Test the bar with a carpenter’s level to gauge its evenness. Set the bar on the floor with the flanges flat on the ground. Set a carpenter's level on top of the bar. Watch for the fluid in the middle of the level to move to 1 side, indicating that the pull-up bar is uneven. Continue twisting the bars into the flanges and elbow joints until they are all threaded evenly. The bars need to be threaded evenly into the flanges and fittings. You most likely will need to make a few adjustments to get everything perfect. Ensure the elbow joints are well-connected by attempting to turn them clockwise with a pipe. The joints will tighten but not move out of position. Locate the support beams or studs where you wish to install the bar. The easiest way to find the studs is with an electronic stud finder. Hold the stud finder up to the wall or ceiling. It scans walls to find the weight-bearing beams in the walls of your home. The pull-up bar has to be installed on studs or support beams. These beams are the framework of your home, so they are strong enough to withstand the extra weight. If you don't use them, you will rip the pull out bar out of the wall as soon as you lean on it. Mark the locations of the studs and holes on the wood support. You will need a 2 ft × 6 ft (0.61 m × 1.83 m) piece of wood about 8 ft (2.4 m) long. Hold the board up against the wall, over the studs you located earlier. Plan on using 2 or 3 screws per stud, positioning the holes about every 2 in (5.1 cm) along the board's width. Hold the bar against the board before you finalize the measurements. Make sure the flanges don't cover the spots where you need to screw the board to the studs. If you're working on a brick or concrete wall, you have more freedom when placing your bar. You don't need to find studs. Place the bar wherever you want it in the room. Attach the flanges to the board with wood lag screws. Mark the screw holes in the flanges on the board, then pre-drill them with a ⁄ 8 in (0.95 cm) drill bit. Line the pre-drilled holes up with the screw holes on the flanges. Set a ⁄ 4 in (1.9 cm) wood lag screw in each hole and use a socket wrench to secure them to the board. Check the pull-up bar to make sure it looks level and firmly attached to the board before moving on. Connect the wood board to the wall or ceiling. To finish installing your pull-up bar, place the board over the studs again. Using a ⁄ 8 in (0.95 cm) drill bit, drill into the positioning marks you made earlier. Then, fasten the board to the wall with about 8 lag screws 31 in (79 cm) long and ⁄ 8 in (0.95 cm) wide. Space the screws about 2 in (5.1 cm) and use a socket wrench to secure them in place. For concrete or brick walls, use a masonry drill bit to drill into the ball. Hold the pull-up bar to the wall with concrete lag anchors and lag bolts. Test the pull-up bar to make sure it's strong and level. Undo the screws as needed to readjust the positioning. | Get pressure-treated wood posts and a steel pipe. Dig a pair of 3 ft (0.91 m) deep holes in your yard. Drill horizontal holes through the top edges of the posts. Thread the steel bar through the posts. Connect the pull-up bar to a pair of metal flanges. Screw the flanges to the wood posts. Mix 2 batches of concrete in separate plastic buckets. Put the buckets of concrete in the ground and install the bar. Check the bar with a level as you wait for the concrete to dry. Thread steel pipes into 90-degree elbow joints. Fit a longer steel pipe into the elbow joints. Attach flanges to the ends of the shorter bars. Test the bar with a carpenter’s level to gauge its evenness. Locate the support beams or studs where you wish to install the bar. Mark the locations of the studs and holes on the wood support. Attach the flanges to the board with wood lag screws. Connect the wood board to the wall or ceiling. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-a-Female-Friend-Wants-a-Romantic-Relationship | How to Tell if a Female Friend Wants a Romantic Relationship | To tell if your female friend wants a romantic relationship, pay close attention to what she talks about when she's around you. If she confides in you about her dreams and aspirations, problems in her life, or her personal beliefs, it could be a sign that she's interested in you. Also, watch her body language to see if she laughs and smiles a lot around you or playfully touches your arms and hands, which may indicate that she wants a relationship. | Make note of how she talks about her future plans. When she's talking about what she wants to do with her life, career, or general future, pay attention to whether or not she includes you in her plans. If she does, there's a good chance that she's interested in a relationship and sees you being a part of her life for a long time. If she doesn't, though, don't worry. She might be nervous about including you in her plans without talking to you about it first. Think about whether or not she asks you deep questions. Women are pretty good at getting to know others because they know exactly what questions to ask. Make note of when she asks about your career plans, your ideal future family, or your hopes and dreams. These are all signs that she wants to see if your future and hers are compatible. Listen for questions like “How many kids do you want?” or “Do you believe in marriage?” She might also ask questions about your relationship with your family, your previous romantic relationships, or your general beliefs. Ask yourself if you think that she has opened up to you. Along with asking questions comes answering questions! If she's told you about her beliefs, past relationships, and family, she's probably very comfortable with you and sees you as someone she can trust. While this is normal for friends, it can be a sign that she's open to something deeper. This is especially true if she's shared stories that are very meaningful, or even painful, for her to discuss. If she feels comfortable talking about topics that make her emotional around you, it's a good sign that she sees you as someone who is emotionally supportive. Recognize if she gets tongue-tied or nervous around you. Sometimes, you can tell if she likes you by paying attention to how she talks, in addition to what she's saying. If she trips over her words when she's looking at you, or seems flustered, it's a pretty good sign that she likes you. If she's telling an embarrassing story or a funny joke, she might blush when she looks at you, or forget what she was saying. Notice if she touches your hands, hair, or arms. Lingering touch is a huge sign that a woman is interested in you! If she reaches out to touch your hand while you're talking, offers to fix your hair, or brushes her hand against your arm, she might think of you in a romantic way. If you aren't comfortable with being touched, simply let her know that it makes you uncomfortable and you'd like her to stop. If she's a good friend, she'll respect your boundaries. Some women are naturally flirty. Try to pay attention to her around other people to see if she touches them in the same way. If she does, she might just be a flirtatious person! Pay attention to whether or not she wants to take care of you. When women are interested in someone, they normally go out of their way to be helpful toward them. If she offers to help you with things around the house, gets you a small gift, or wants to get dinner for you, she probably views you as a romantic interest. If you're also interested in her, be sure to thank her and try to reciprocate her kindness by being helpful, as well! If you aren't interested in her romantically, try to politely decline her offers, but thank her for her kindness. You could say something like, “That's okay, I think I have it under control, but thanks so much for offering!” Make note of whether she’s laughing and smiling while she’s around you. Although she might laugh and smile around her other friends, pay attention to whether she's consistently happy and giggling around you. She might be trying to flirt with you, or show you that you make her happy! She might even laugh at jokes that you make that aren't particularly funny. If she's laughing when no one else is, it's a good sign that she likes you. Consider whether she notices and remembers things that you say to her. While some women are really great listeners, if she's interested in you, she'll go the extra mile and make note of the things that are important to you. When you're hanging out, she might say something like “Oh, that green shirt is so nice, and it's your favorite color!” If she's really serious about you, she might even get you a small gift that has to do with one of your interests or a story that you told her. Wait for her to introduce you to her family. For a woman, introducing a love interest to her family is a huge step because it signifies that she's serious about her relationship with you. If she asks for you to meet her family, or invites you to events where her family might be, she's trying to tell you that she thinks you're special enough to meet them! If you aren't ready for a serious relationship, politely decline the invitation. Say something like “I don't think I'm ready to meet your family right now, but I'm really glad that you thought to invite me.” She might ask you to come to dinner with them, or come to a family event if you already know her parents because you've been friends for a while. This is also a pretty good sign that she's interested in a relationship with you, since you'll be her “date” for the event or dinner. Decide whether you want the same things from your relationship. One of the most important steps of moving from a friendship to a relationship is deciding if you want the same things. Ask yourself if you're ready to be in a committed relationship, and if you're really interested in her as a person. Try not to put yourself in a situation where you might change your mind in the future. It's also really important to know what kind of relationship you want if you're planning to ask her out. If you want to go out casually before getting serious, be sure to make that clear by saying something like, “Would you like to go on a few dates to see where things go?” If you're just interested in a physical relationship, be honest with her. Some girls will be okay with a “friends with benefits” situation, while others definitely won't. Ask her on a date if you do want to get into a relationship. If she's expressing her interest in you in a few different ways, it's pretty safe to ask her on a date. Remember to be respectful and honest about your intentions, and tell her how you feel about her. You can say something like, “I think you're really sweet and kind, and I've be interested in you for a while. Would you want to go out on a date?” If she says yes, get ready to make a great impression on your date. If she says no, try not to get upset or discouraged. You can still be friends, and you can try asking out someone else who you're interested in sometime in the future. Be honest with her if you don’t want to be in a relationship. In some cases, you might not be attracted to or interested in dating your friend. If you notice that she might be interested in you, the best thing you can do is tell her that you just view her as a friend. To do this in the nicest way possible, you might say something like, “I noticed that you've been acting differently toward me lately, and I wanted to address it now. I really value our friendship and am not really interested in having a relationship beyond friendship. I hope you understand where I'm coming from.” She might be upset for a little bit, but as long as you're nice about it and make it clear that you still want her in your life, things will likely be okay. | Make note of how she talks about her future plans. Think about whether or not she asks you deep questions. Ask yourself if you think that she has opened up to you. Recognize if she gets tongue-tied or nervous around you. Notice if she touches your hands, hair, or arms. Pay attention to whether or not she wants to take care of you. Make note of whether she’s laughing and smiling while she’s around you. Consider whether she notices and remembers things that you say to her. Wait for her to introduce you to her family. Decide whether you want the same things from your relationship. Ask her on a date if you do want to get into a relationship. Be honest with her if you don’t want to be in a relationship. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-Something-Is-Sterling-Silver | How to Know if Something Is Sterling Silver | To identify a piece of sterling silver, first look for the sterling silver hallmark, which is sometimes written as “925,” or “S925” in the U.S., a stamped lion in the U.K., or a stamped vase or Head of Minerva in France. If it doesn't have a stamp, run a magnet around the pieces of metal. If it's attracted to the magnet, it's not sterling silver. Since silver oxidizes in air, try rubbing it with a white cloth and looking for black marks on the cloth from oxidation. | Search for a sterling silver quality mark. . Precious metals are stamped with a quality mark, a symbol or series of symbols that denote its type, purity, and authenticity. If your item contains a sterling silver quality mark, it must also contain the maker's hallmark. In the US, it is not required to stamp precious metals with quality marks, but if you do have a quality mark, there MUST be a maker's hallmark alongside it.. The United Kingdom, France, and the United States of America each have a distinct marking system. American sterling silver is marked with one of the following hallmarks: “925,” “.925,” or “S925.” the 925 indicates that the piece contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. Sterling silver items made in the UK contain a stamp of a lion. In addition to this stamp, UK made items will also contain a town mark, a duty mark, a date letter, and a sponsor's mark. These marks will vary from item to item. France currently marks its sterling silver items with the head of Minerva (92.5% and below) or a vase (99.9% pure silver). Listen for a bell-like ring. When sterling silver is gently tapped, it will produce a high-pitched bell-like tone that lasts for 1 to 2 seconds. To conduct this test, carefully tap the sterling silver item with your finger or a metal coin. If the item is truly sterling silver, it will generate a high-pitch ring. If you do not hear a ring, the item is not sterling silver. When you tap the item, use extreme caution so you do not ding or dent it. Smell the item. Silver does not produce a smell. Hold the item up to your nose and smell it carefully for a few moments. If you sense a strong smell, the item the item likely contains too much copper to be sterling silver. Copper is a common alloy in sterling silver, but 925 sterling does not contain enough to make a smell. Examine the item's malleability. Silver is a soft, bendable metal. To determine if the item is silver, you can attempt to bend the item with your hands. If it bends easily, the item is probably made from pure silver or sterling silver. If the item does not bend, it is less likely that it is made from silver or sterling silver. Test for oxidization. When silver is exposed to air, it oxidizes. The oxidization of the silver causes the metal to tarnish and take on a black tint over time. To test the item for oxidization, you will need a white cloth. Rub a clean white cloth over the item and then examine the cloth. If you see black marks, the item is either silver or sterling silver. If you do not see any black marks, the item is less likely to be made from sterling silver. Determine if the item is magnetic. Like gold and platinum, silver is a non-ferrous metal—it is not magnetic. Run a strong magnet over your item. If the item is not attracted to the magnet, it is made out of a non-ferrous metal. To determine which type of non-ferrous metal your item contains, you may need to run additional tests. If the item sticks to the magnet, it does not contain sterling silver. More than likely, the item is made from highly polished stainless steel intended to look like pure silver. Conduct an ice test. Silver has the highest thermal conductivity rate of any known metal—it conducts heat extremely fast. You can use this knowledge to determine if your item is made from silver. There are two ways to conduct the ice test. Set your item on a flat surface. Place one ice cube on the item and another ice cube on the work surface. If they item is made from silver, the ice cube on the coin should melt much faster than the ice cube on the table. Fill a bowl with several ice cubes and an inch of water. Place your silver item and a similarly sized non-silver item into the ice water. The silver item should become cold to the touch in approximately 10 seconds. The non-silver item will not feel as cold at this time. Have your item appraised. If your home tests yield inconclusive results, you may need to consult a professional to determine if your item is silver, sterling silver, or silver plated. While there are a variety of professionals to choose from, some are more qualified than others. Select a professional that is certified, experienced, and highly recommended. Professional appraisers are highly trained and experienced. Many reputable appraisers are certified by the American Society of Appraisers. Their job is to assess the quality and worth of items. Graduate jewelers are trained and certified by the Gemologist Institute of America. They are skilled artists and experienced repairers of jewelry. They are also capable of evaluating an item's materials. Ask a professional to conduct a nitric acid test. When nitric acid comes into contact with metal, it reveals if the metal is real or imitation. The professional will nick or scratch the item in a discreet area. They will place a drop of nitric acid into the nick or scratch. If the area turns green, the item is not made out of silver; if the area turns a creamy color, the item is made out of silver. You may purchase a kit and conduct this test at home. When handling nitric acid, you need to be extremely careful. Always wear protective gloves and eyewear. Send to a lab for further testing. If your item requires further testing, you may send it to a professional advanced jewelry or metal testing laboratory. Ask a local, trusted jeweler for lab recommendations or search for a reputable advanced metal testing lab online. At the lab, scientists will conduct a battery of tests to determine the chemical makeup of your item. These tests may include: Fire assay—melting down a sample of the metal and conducting a chemical assay The use of an XRF gun. This item send x-rays through the item to test the metal's purity. Mass spectrometry—a test used to determine an item's molecular and chemical structure. Specific gravity assessment—a water displacement test. | Search for a sterling silver quality mark. Listen for a bell-like ring. Smell the item. Examine the item's malleability. Test for oxidization. Determine if the item is magnetic. Conduct an ice test. Have your item appraised. Ask a professional to conduct a nitric acid test. Send to a lab for further testing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-German-Shepherd-Puppy | How to Choose a German Shepherd Puppy | To choose a purebred German Shepherd puppy, first search for breeders registered with the American Kennel Club or the German Shepherd Dog Club of America. Check each breeder's reputation with local dog-lovers and your vet, then contact the breeder to see if the dogs have full lineage and health records. Stay away from people that force extremely young dogs to breed, have dirty kennels, or seem shady. If you're comfortable with the breeder, negotiate a deal to see and purchase a puppy. | Make sure you can afford a German Shepherd. German Shepherds can live 10-12 years with good care and health, so you're making a long-term commitment to your new pet. Be sure that you can provide a dog with everything it needs to have a long, happy life. The ASPCA estimates that in the first year of owning a large dog like a German Shepherd, you will spend about $1,843 on it. After the first year, you will spend about $875 every year. These numbers include medical costs, food, grooming, equipment (crates, toys, leashes), training, etc. If you cannot afford to properly care for a dog, you should wait until you can before adding one to your family. Expect to pay between $500-$1200 and up for a quality German Shepherd puppy from a breeder. You will spend some money up front, but more money invested will save you in vet and other bills in the end. Buying a quality puppy ensures the support of a reputable breeder. For more information on the pricing range in the USA, visit the German Shepherd Dog Club of America website. Research the breed. Though German Shepherds are beautiful dogs, you want to make sure the breed is a good fit for your household. German Shepherds are a herding breed that were bred to move livestock around farms. Because they want to work, they need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and balanced. Without a way to expel energy, German Shepherds often grow unruly and destructive. The breed is a great fit for owners who are looking for a lot of engagement and interaction with their pet. If this is too much responsibility for you, you may want to look into other breeds. Be willing to devote time to early training. German Shepherds are large dogs. The American Kennel Club's (AKC) breed standard is 24-26" to the highest point of the shoulder blade in males and 22-24" in females. They can also be very high-energy pets, even beyond puppyhood. As such, training a German Shepherd is incredibly important if you don't want to get physically overwhelmed by your pet. Luckily, these are intelligent dogs who love to learn and work. They respond very well to training. Decide whether you want a male or female dog. As puppies, the differences between males and females aren't very noticeable, but there are a few differences to consider as they grow older. The most obvious difference is that females will go into heat twice a year if left un-spayed. Females are also smaller and lighter than adult males, and have more delicate facial features. Males can sometimes be more territorial than females. Scent marking can be controlled with proper training. Females may be more protective of their "pack" or family, though this may result in jealousy of other pets. Attend breed events to meet some German Shepherds. The best way to learn about German Shepherds is to meet some in person. By attending a breed show, or "conformation show," you will get to meet show-bred Shepherds and their breeders. These dogs are bred to make sure their physical traits adhere to the American Kennel Club's (AKC) breed standards. But if you're more interested in a dog bred for its herding or working ability, visit a show or trial that tests these skills. Examples include agility, obedience, Schutzhund (guard dog), and tracking competitions, among others. The working dogs are selected for traits like intelligence, ease of training, athletic ability and natural herding and working skills. You can find wonderful German Shepherds of all types at agility, obedience, Schutzhund and tracking tests (and many other different types of competitions). Contact The German Shepherd Club or AKC for a list of events where you can see and meet German Shepherds. Choose where you want to get your new puppy. Pure-bred dogs are rare in shelters, but with some patience you may be able to find a German Shepherd or German Shepherd mix. If you have trouble finding one through your local shelters, consider contacting a breed rescue in your area. Both of these options will allow you to rescue a dog in need of help, but in both cases, you cannot be sure of the dog's lineage. If you are set on a pure-bred German Shepherd that has a known lineage, then you will want to buy from a breeder. Never buy a dog from a classified ad or website without first visiting the location and getting a sense for the owner. Don't agree to meet the puppy off-site — you want to see the breeder's premises. Never buy a dog from a pet store. Pet stores often get puppies from puppy mills who breed without regard for the health or quality of the dogs. Dogs often live in poor conditions and are unhealthy. Do not support these practices with your money. You might see puppies being sold on the side of the street. If they're not affiliated with an adoption agency, you should never buy puppies off the street. These are usually irresponsible breeders, and buying these puppies only encourages more irresponsible practices. Research and contact breed clubs. Start on the internet by checking out national German Shepherd breed clubs like the German Shepherd Dog Club of America or the American Kennel Club. Both of these sites provide detailed information on what to look for in an ethical breeder, and can point you toward more local resources. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Talk to local veterinarians. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. Look for a specialized breeder. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. Ask how much time the dogs spend with humans. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. Make sure the females are bred ethically. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. Before that, it's unsafe to wean them from their mothers. Ask about the puppies' health. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Determine the litter's bloodline. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs.[5] Also ask the breeder whether the parents are "OFA certified" or "AKC Registered." You can ask to see certification for both parents from one of these organizations, but reputable breeders usually offer this without asking. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), on the other hand, is interested in orthopedic and genetic health. German Shepherds commonly have hip and elbow dysplasia. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. Inquire into the breeder's decision-making process. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. Answer any questions the breeder asks honestly. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Learn the signs of an unethical breeder. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. Find out about the breeder's return policy. All reputable breeders should be willing to take the dog back should things not work out with your family. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Read and negotiate the puppy health guarantee. Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What kind of documentation will you need to provide to “prove” your case? What does the breeder agree to offer? 100% money back? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings (or even bans) about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? Contact breed rescues in your area. You can find breed rescues by searching for them online, or by contacting your local humane society, dog officer, or vet's office. Many pet-related businesses will be able to provide information about local rescue organizations. Don't forget about talking to German Shepherd owners or visiting breed shows to meet more owners. Make sure you're dealing with a legitimate rescue group. Any puppy coming from a rescue should be fully checked by a veterinarian for basic health, parasites and vaccinations before they are adopted. Generally, they will be spayed or neutered before they go to their new homes, or you will sign a contract to do so in the near future. Beware of any rescue group who skips these steps. Go through the application process. Many rescue groups have an extensive placement process. They will require an application, an interview, and a home visit to ensure a successful adoption. Some may even ask to consult your current veterinarian for information about you and previous pets. If you don't own your home, be prepared to provide a letter from your landlord stating that you are allowed to have a dog. If you already have another dog, that dog will need to be evaluated to make sure that the dogs will get along. While this may seem excessive, the rescue group just wants to place the dog with a family in a home that's prepared to handle the responsibility. Research the history of diseases in the puppy's lineage. Like all breeds, the German Shepherd suffers from many inheritable diseases that you can't see just by looking at the dog. Common genetic diseases for the breed include degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. If you're getting your puppy from a breeder, they should know about the history of disease in the puppy's lineage. Discuss the likelihood of these diseases developing in your own puppy. Visit the puppy more than once. You want to see the puppy on multiple occasions, if possible, so you can get a better sense of its overall temperament and health. Just like people, puppies can have their good days and their bad days, so you don't want to make a decision based on a single interactions. Examine the puppy's health. Take your time and look closely at each puppy you're thinking of adopting. Puppies should be the appropriate weight — not too chubby, but not too thin — and odor free. They should have clear eyes (not runny or red) and clean ears. The coat should be full and glossy (no balding spots), and free of mats or fecal matter. Look for signs of excessive scratching, which may point to skin or coat problems. It should have a healthy appetite, and no signs of vomiting or diarrhea. Also assess the puppy's social health. Puppies should be curious and well-socialized, playful and friendly. Test the puppy’s temperament. Temperament testing a dog or puppy helps you choose a dog that fits your family and lifestyle. For example, a high-energy puppy may be the right fit for an active outdoor family, but wrong for a family who likes to relax indoors. For temperament testing, separate the puppy from the litter to make sure it's focusing its attention on you. Walk around to see if the puppy follows you. A puppy that follows humans is well-socialized to them and enjoys their company. Kneel and call the puppy to you. It should show interest in you and come when called. Lift the puppy in the air to see how well it deals with being carried. Gently restrain the puppy with its belly up. Though a little bit of struggle is okay, you don't want a puppy who fights you when you try to handle it. Look for a puppy that isn't afraid —note if his tail is between his legs. In all interactions, look for signs of fear or mistrust. These puppies may not adjust well to your home. Look for bad behaviors. If you see a puppy who guards its food or toys, think twice about adopting it. While these behaviors can be improved through training, it's an extra obstacle you don't have to face if you choose a dog with a better temperament. Look for behaviors like growling or snapping when people or other dogs approach their food or toys. A dog who runs away may also have problems interacting safely and comfortably in a home. If you decide to take on a “project” with behavioral concerns, make sure you have a behaviorist or trainer you trust lined up first. Beware that having a "reactive" dog will add to the potential liability of ownership. Play with the puppy. You want a puppy that's playful and not fearful because many dogs bite out of fear. German Shepherds are large, powerful animals as adults, so you absolutely cannot start out with a puppy who's fearful by nature. Puppies born with a fearful personality may be harder to train, and may display fear aggression as adults. Think carefully about adopting a faraway puppy. You may visit a litter and fall in love with a puppy a few states away. If you cannot take the dog home immediately (for example, if it's too young to be weaned), you need to arrange for its transportation at a later date. For the puppy's health, you should make the trip to pick it up yourself. Shipping puppies is very stressful on them, and often results in a sick puppy when you pick them up from the airport. If you want a puppy that lives far away, be willing to travel for it. | Make sure you can afford a German Shepherd. Research the breed. Be willing to devote time to early training. Decide whether you want a male or female dog. Attend breed events to meet some German Shepherds. Choose where you want to get your new puppy. Research and contact breed clubs. Talk to local veterinarians. Look for a specialized breeder. Ask how much time the dogs spend with humans. Make sure the females are bred ethically. Ask about the puppies' health. Determine the litter's bloodline. Inquire into the breeder's decision-making process. Answer any questions the breeder asks honestly. Learn the signs of an unethical breeder. Find out about the breeder's return policy. Read and negotiate the puppy health guarantee. Contact breed rescues in your area. Make sure you're dealing with a legitimate rescue group. Go through the application process. Research the history of diseases in the puppy's lineage. Visit the puppy more than once. Examine the puppy's health. Test the puppy’s temperament. Look for bad behaviors. Play with the puppy. Think carefully about adopting a faraway puppy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sell-a-Motorcycle | How to Sell a Motorcycle | Before you sell your motorcycle, figure out how to price your bike by looking up how much similar bikes typically sell for on Kelley Blue Book. Once you know the lowest price you'd accept, advertise on Craigslist, eBay, Facebook, or by putting up flyers. Include the make, model, year, mileage, several high-quality pictures, and the price. Then, list a price a few hundred dollars higher than what you'd accept, so potential buyers have room to haggle. Finally, once you find a buyer, write a bill of sale to transfer ownership. | Clean the bike thoroughly. To get the most money for the motorcycle, you should clean and detail it before showing it to potential buyers. Clean the chain, engine, wheels, and body of the bike, including the seat. Remove scuff and boot marks, and polish up any chrome pieces to really make the bike shine. Inspect the bike and make replacements, if necessary. While you're cleaning the motorcycle, take note of any damage, dents, or scratches on it. Look for leaks or other issues the motorcycle may have. Get rid of any corrosion on the battery terminals, and touch up the paint, if necessary. To get the best price, you should replace any visibly worn or broken parts. Figure out what price similar bikes are appraised for. Check the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) website, the Kelley Blue Book (KBB) website, and the Auto Traders website to get an idea of what similar bikes sell for. You can also view ads for similar bikes on classified sites to help you determine a price. Determine the average price for a similar bike from the information on these sites. Determine a firm selling price. Consider the average selling price of a bike like yours, how much money you put into the bike, and if there is any existing damage or maintenance required. These things can help you decide what's the lowest amount you'll accept for the motorcycle. Keep in mind that aftermarket parts and modifications don't increase the value of the bike dollar to dollar—expect to lose money on mods. List the bike for a few hundred dollars more than your firm price. To give you room to negotiate with potential buyers, list the bike for a little more than you're willing to accept. Add a few hundred dollars to the total in order to give yourself some wiggle room. Even if the asking price is fair, some people won't buy a bike if you refuse to come down from the initial price. For example, if your firm price is $1,500, list the bike for $1,800 and let potential buyers talk you down. Compile information for the ads. In each ad or post, be sure to include the year, make, model, and mileage of the motorcycle. List the price and which methods of payment you will accept—cash is best, but you may agree to take a cashier's check as well. Don't forget to provide your contact information, too! Note if there are any aftermarket parts or accessories on the motorcycle. Describe the motorcycle honestly and be upfront about any issues it may have. Take several photos of the bike. Provide potential buyers with photos of the bike from various angles, such as each side, the front and back, and close-ups of the cluster and gauges. Be sure the photos aren't too dark or washed-out and that the images are crisp and clear. If there's any damage to the bike, include pictures of it so buyers have a realistic idea of what you're offering. List the bike online if you want to sell it yourself. Advertise the bike using sites like Craigslist and eBay in addition to motorcycle-specific sites, like https://www.cycletrader.com. You can also use social media, like Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter to spread the word. Ask your friends and family to share your posts to expand the audience that sees your ad. Place ads in the newspaper or tack up fliers to find buyers. Though it may seem like an old-school route to take, many people have found that newspaper ads and paper fliers have helped them sell their bikes. Check to see if your region has a motorcycle magazine or newspaper that you can place an ad in. It's also a good idea to make fliers and post them on bulletin boards around town, especially at parts stores and popular motorcycle meetup spots. See if a dealer will take the bike on consignment to reduce the hassle. Many motorcycle dealers will sell used bikes on consignment. Visit several motorcycle dealers in your area to determine if they offer this service. Compare the percentage the dealer takes to determine which shop will give you the most money on the sale. Once you choose a dealer, get the consignment agreement in writing. Ensure the dealer has insurance to cover the bike in the event of damage or theft. Vet potential buyers. People who email, call, or text you asking questions that are already in the ad are likely not very serious buyers. Look for buyers who ask specific questions and seem to have a basic knowledge of motorcycles. Ensure they have cash to offer before agreeing to let them look at the bike. Beware of scams, such as people who want you to ship or deliver the bike without first paying for it. Make time to meet with potential buyers. Arrange to meet potential buyers at a time that works with their schedule, which may mean rearranging your own plans. It's a good idea to meet potential buyers in a public place, like a supermarket, rather than at your home. Choose a spot within walking distance of your home or office, or ask a friend to come along with their car, in case you make a sale. Allow buyers to test-ride the bike, if desired. Some buyers will want to ride the bike in addition to inspecting it before they make a purchase. It's your decision whether or not to let them, but if you agree, you'll need to make sure they have a motorcycle license or endorsement first. They also need to wear a motorcycle helmet that's been approved by the Department of Transportation, if you're in the U.S. It's a good idea to ask test-riders for collateral—holding onto a copy of their license and the amount of cash you're asking for the bike is advised. Accept the best offer. When someone shows up to look at the bike and has the right amount of cash on hand, you can finalize the deal. Be sure to shake on it and write up a bill of sale that includes the new owner's name and contact information. Remove the license plate and keep the registration card for the bike. Provide the new owner with the keys, the title to the motorcycle, and any other pertinent documents (like the manual or maintenance records). Be sure to let the buyer know that the deal is final, and you aren't responsible for any issues that may arise in the future. | Clean the bike thoroughly. Inspect the bike and make replacements, if necessary. Figure out what price similar bikes are appraised for. Determine a firm selling price. List the bike for a few hundred dollars more than your firm price. Compile information for the ads. Take several photos of the bike. List the bike online if you want to sell it yourself. Place ads in the newspaper or tack up fliers to find buyers. See if a dealer will take the bike on consignment to reduce the hassle. Vet potential buyers. Make time to meet with potential buyers. Allow buyers to test-ride the bike, if desired. Accept the best offer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Saddle | How to Buy a Saddle | To buy a saddle, choose an English saddle if you want to ride closer to the horse. If you're planning to participate in horse racing or polo, you should also opt for an English saddle. Alternatively, select a Western saddle if you'll be riding on trails or working on a farm. You should also decide between a leather or synthetic saddle, since leather saddles are more expensive, but last longer. Once you've selected a saddle, make sure it fits by seeing if you can fit 3 fingers between the pommel and the withers. | Set your budget. Make sure you know how much money you can comfortably spend on the saddle. While some saddles are quite expensive, others can be found in a more reasonable price range. Affordable, quality saddles can be purchased for $500 to $1000. Higher end saddles are in the $1000 to $2000 range and up. Whatever your budget, talk to your saddle shop openly, and ask them to help you find a quality saddle that you can afford. Say something like, “I want to find a saddle for trail riding that is less $1000. Can you recommend something of good quality in that price range?” If you cannot afford to pay large amounts of money for a saddle, consider purchasing a used product. Used saddles are often available from riding stables, tack stores, and even from fellow riders. Before purchasing a used saddle, make sure it fits your horse well. An ill-fitting saddle can lead to injury for the horse or rider. Keep in mind that many saddles do not come with cinches, stirrups, and girths, so these will be an additional expense. Research fair prices. A good salesman can convince you you're getting the deal of a lifetime regardless of how much you're paying. That's why it's important to do your research before hand. A simple way to find current pricing is to do an online search for the type of saddle you wish to purchase. You can also visit several different saddle retailers and compare prices. Talk to other horse owners or riders about where they buy quality saddles at the best prices. Purchase from a reputable retailer. There are several indicators that you're dealing with a trustworthy retailer. First, the shop should allow you a trial period with your saddle to ensure it fits both you and your horse. A reputable saddle shop will also have a reasonable return or exchange policy, if your saddle does not work out. Do not purchase saddles from a retailer who refuses to allow you to try out the saddle, or who is unwilling or unable to provide details about the saddle's materials and design. Read up on saddle types. English and Western are the two basic kinds of saddle, but there are actually countless variations of the two. English saddles are smaller, lighter, and allow you to be closer to the horse. Western saddles are larger, and they require padding between the horse and saddle. The most noticeable difference between the two is the horn on the Western saddle. English saddles are available in a variety of styles for different uses. For instance, deeper seated saddles are used for dressage, stylized horse riding competition. Western saddles come in many styles, and they are often decorated with artistic flourishes in the leather. Determine what the saddle’s main use will be. Your riding style will play a crucial part in determining what type of saddle is best. Individuals who wish to participate in dressage, polo, or even horse racing will require an English saddle. In contrast, those who wish to ride on trails or work on ranches or farms may prefer a Western saddle. If you plan to use the saddle for a variety of activities, it's usually best to select a saddle for the activity you will engage in most often. If more than one rider will be using the saddle, make sure each rider has input on the purchase and is able to try the saddle. Choose leather or synthetic. Saddles are made from wood or metal that has been carefully shaped and is then covered with leather or a synthetic material. When purchasing a saddle, make sure to ask about the materials and how they impact the lifespan of the saddle. Purchasing a saddle made from synthetic materials is a viable way to save money. Be aware that saddles made from synthetic materials typically do not last as long as those made from leather. Maintain adequate space between pommel. On both English and western saddles, you'll need to make sure there is enough space between the arched front portion of the saddle, pommel, and the withers. With someone in the saddle, place three fingers vertically between the saddle and withers. If you can do this comfortably, the saddle fits well. If it's a tight squeeze or your fingers don't fit at all, the saddle is too tight. For the English saddle, have a helper move the horse's foreleg while your fingers remain between the withers and pommel to ensure the saddle isn't impeding shoulder movement. Measure saddletree size and shape on Western saddles. This is the underlying support that determines the basic shape of the saddle. If you have a very large or very small horse, you may struggle to find a saddletree that fits just right, but checking for it is simple. With a rider in the saddle, place three fingers horizontally between the horses' shoulder and the saddle on both sides. Just like with the pommel, this is a quick and easy way to gauge whether or not the saddle size and shape fits your horse. Check for tightness on English saddle. Stand at the back of your horse, and look at the saddle without a rider seated. With the horse's head down, you should be able to see light. If you can't see light, the saddle is too tight. This light check lets you know your horse's saddle is snug but not tight. Gauge appropriate saddle size. It's important to make sure you fit in your saddle. The shape and length of the saddle should accommodate you comfortably. Otherwise, you may not want to ride as often. In English saddles you should have four inches of saddle in front and behind your body. Western saddles have four inches in front with your backside rested against the cantle, raised back portion at the back of saddle. You shouldn't feel pressed against the cantle to achieve the four inches of space in the front of the saddle. Ensure western saddles fit with your saddle pad by trying it on your horse. Western saddles need to have about an inch of padding between saddle and horse. In many cases, you may need to purchase an extended cinch to accommodate the added padding. Buy a saddle that fits your horse's build. Saddles are often selected with a particular horse in mind. If your horse is relatively small or young, you will want to look for a lighter, smaller saddle. By contrast, larger horses can handle heavier saddles with greater ease. If you plan to use your saddle on a number of horses, you can choose a saddle to accommodate your largest horse and use additional padding when necessary. Observe your horse’s response to the saddle. For the first few rides after purchasing a new saddle, you'll need to closely watch the way your horse behaves. If you notice a change in their posture, behavior, or ability to run or jump, your saddle may not be a good fit for the horse. For this very reason, most reputable saddle retailers have a return policy that allows for a trial period. | Set your budget. Research fair prices. Purchase from a reputable retailer. Read up on saddle types. Determine what the saddle’s main use will be. Choose leather or synthetic. Maintain adequate space between pommel. Measure saddletree size and shape on Western saddles. Check for tightness on English saddle. Gauge appropriate saddle size. Buy a saddle that fits your horse's build. Observe your horse’s response to the saddle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Turn-on-iCloud-Mail-on-an-iPhone | How to Turn on iCloud Mail on an iPhone | Enable the Mail slider in the iCloud section of the Settings menu. | Open the iPhone’s Settings. This is the grey icon with cogs located on one of the home screens. It may also be located in the “Utilities” folder on a home screen. Scroll down and tap iCloud. This is in the fourth set of options. Sign in to your iCloud account (if necessary). Enter your Apple ID and password. Tap Sign in. Scroll down and slide the Mail button to the On position. Mail from your iCloud email address will now be backed up and synced across iCloud devices. If you do not have an iCloud email address, you will be prompted to make one when you turn Mail sync on. Create and iCloud email address (if prompted). Tap Create. Enter your desired email address. Tap Next. Tap Done | Open the iPhone’s Settings. Scroll down and tap iCloud. Sign in to your iCloud account (if necessary). Scroll down and slide the Mail button to the On position. Create and iCloud email address (if prompted). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Fishing-License-in-Texas | How to Buy a Fishing License in Texas | To buy a fishing license in Texas, go to the official website for Texas Parks and Wildlife or purchase one from a gun, fishing, or sporting goods store. Choose from a 1-day license for $11 if you are a resident or $16 if you are a nonresident. You can also get an all-water year-round package for $40 if you are a resident or $68 if you aren't. Alternatively, residents can pay $30 for a freshwater year-round package or $35 for a saltwater year-round package, while nonresidents can get a freshwater year-round package for $58 or a saltwater year-round package for $64. Also, keep in mind that seniors can buy discounted packages, and fishing is free for anyone born before 1931, active-duty soldiers in the military, disabled veterans, and children under 18. | Choose your fishing spot. You don't need a fishing license in Texas if you are fishing in waters that are completely enclosed by a state park. Figure out where you plan on fishing and if the waters fall within state park lines before wasting time and money on a fishing license. Also, determine if you are fishing saltwater or freshwater. Obtaining a license to fish for saltwater fish is more expensive than getting a license for freshwater. The freshwater year round package costs $30 for residents and $58 for nonresidents. The saltwater year round package costs $35 for residents and $63 for nonresidents. There are still bag and length limits within state parks. Bag limits indicate the number of fish you can catch in a day and length indicates the length of the fish that you can catch. Refer to Texas Park and Wildlife's website to find additional restrictions when fishing within state parks. Consider your age. If you are 17 years old or younger, it's not necessary in Texas that you get your fishing licence. Senior citizen fishing licences are available to Texans that are over 65 years old. The cost of senior citizen packages are far lower than of normal fishing licences. If you were born before 1931 don't bother getting a fishing licence in Texas because it's not required. You can get a senior freshwater fishing license for $12. You can get a senior saltwater license for $17. You can get a senior all-fish license for $22. If you are a minor, you should still be accompanied by an adult when fishing, especially in deeper waters. Follow residency guidelines. You need to figure out your residence status first because Texas has resident and nonresident licenses. To be considered a Texas resident, you need to live in Texas for at least one year and maintain a job. In addition, you need to be a U.S. citizen and be over the age of 18. If you don't meet the criteria, you'll have to obtain the nonresident licence. Resident licences are significantly cheaper than nonresident ones. Determine if fishing is medical therapy. If you are being supervised by a family member or medical professional, then you can fish as therapy. This includes those with mental or physical disabilities. If you are fishing with a family member, then you'll need a note from your doctor saying that this is therapy. If you are fishing as therapy with a medical professional, you'll need to carry a card that identifies the entity that is providing the therapy. Decide between a one day or year round license. Figure out how many days out of the year you're fishing, and calculate whether it would be more expensive to get the yearly license, or get a license for the days you know you're fishing. Year round packages include everything that you need to legally fish and bring home fish that you catch, but is far more expensive than purchasing the daily license. Purchase a yearly package if you know that you'll be fishing a lot throughout the year. One day licenses are much cheaper and cost $11 for residents and $16 for nonresidents. The one day license includes all water fish. If you are active duty in the military, or a disabled veteran, you can get a Texas fishing license for free, as long as you're a resident. The all-water year round package costs $40 for residents and $68 for nonresidents. Buy a license online. Go to the official website for Texas Parks and Wildlife at https://www.txfgsales.com/. Texas License Connection is the online portal for Texas Parks and Wildlife, and is where you can purchase your Texas fishing licence. Click "Purchase Items." This will bring you to the customer search page. Once you get to this page, create your profile. It's necessary that you have your social security number, passport number, driver's license number, or customer number. Click “Create Profile” if there is no customer record found. If you don't have a driver license, it's possible there won't be an existing profile for you. In this case, you need to create a new profile. Make sure to put in all the information correctly when creating a new account. You can also get hunting licenses or combo packages that include both hunting and fishing licenses. Existing data will be pulled from your driver licence information. Complete your online purchase. After you've completely input accurate details about yourself, you can click on the blue button on the bottom that says “Start Shopping.” Click “Fishing” on the next screen. Choose the license that you've determined would best fit your needs and your budget. Review your items and click the “Checkout” button on the bottom of the screen. Once you're done adding everything you need, check out of the store and get ready to input your billing and address information. Remember to put the address you want the licence to get sent to. Once you've finished putting in all your details, the “Place Order” button will finalize the transaction. Once you've completed the steps, you can officially fish in Texas legally. Print out the temporary ID on this page so you have a license while you wait for your official one to come in the mail. When you click your first licence it will take you to the checkout screen, but you can still add more licenses from this screen. You can remove licences on the next page before inputting your financial information. You'll need a credit or debit card in order to purchase a license online. Make sure you have enough funds on your credit or debit card to pay for the license. Purchase your license at a gun, fishing, or sporting goods store. Many commercial businesses are able to give out fishing licenses. Department stores or grocery stores can also have the ability to issue licenses at times. You'll need a valid form of identification in order to get a license. Some valid forms of ID include your drivers license, vehicle registration, or a Texas voter certificate. Make sure to call the place you're going to get your license from to make sure that they can provide you with one. Visit a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department location. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has 1,700 locations in the state. Visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ to find a park near you. If you have additional questions contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (512) 389-4820 or 800-792-1112 extension 4820. Remember to bring a valid form of identification. | Choose your fishing spot. Consider your age. Follow residency guidelines. Determine if fishing is medical therapy. Decide between a one day or year round license. Buy a license online. Complete your online purchase. Purchase your license at a gun, fishing, or sporting goods store. Visit a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department location. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-Belly-Fat-(for-Men) | How to Lose Belly Fat (for Men) | If you want to lose belly fat, try gradually introducing 5 30-minute sessions of cardio exercise like running or hiking to your weekly routine. Alternatively, change your routine to increase your movement,, which you can easily do by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, for example. You should also combine your cardio with at least 2 sessions of strength training per week, such as yoga or weight training. Additionally, cut down on carbs, and replace them with lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and low-calorie dairy products. | Talk to your doctor. Speak to your doctor prior to starting any new diet or physical activity plan. They will be able to tell you if your plan is safe and appropriate for you. Typically, excess belly fat is associated with many chronic health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. This makes it even more important to inform your doctor of your plan and make sure it's safe for your specific health conditions. Eat fewer carbs. Studies have shown that carbohydrate-rich foods can cause an increase in belly fat and waist circumference. Reduce the amount of these foods in your diet to help you lose weight and decrease the amount of belly fat. Your diet should consist of mostly lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy. Limit your intake of empty carbohydrates like bread, rice, crackers or pasta. These foods aren't necessarily unhealthy, especially if they're whole grain foods, however they are not considered nutrient-dense foods. If you're going to eat a carbohydrate-rich food, choose 100% whole grains. These foods are higher in fiber and some nutrients and are considered a healthier choice. Make sure, too, you pay attention to portions one portion of pasta or rice should be half a cup or 125 ml. Whole grain foods include: brown rice, 100% whole wheat bread and pasta, barley or quinoa. Load up on lean protein. Protein-based foods can help men lose weight, reduce belly fat and maintain lean muscle mass. Consuming adequate amounts of protein will also help keep you feeling satisfied longer. To lose fat, protein should make up about 20 to 25% of your daily calories. For instance, if you're eating 1,600 calories a day you need 80 to 100 grams of protein; if you're eating 1,200 calories a day, you need 60 to 75 grams of protein per day. Lean proteins include: lentils, skinless chicken, turkey, eggs, low-fat dairy, seafood, pork, lean beef and tofu. These provide you with the energy you need and help keep you full without piling on unnecessary calories. Create a calorie deficit. Lower your total daily calories to help you lose weight. You can do this in several ways. Try cutting down on portion sizes, burning more calories through physical activity, and changing the composition of your diet to higher protein, lower fat, lower carbohydrates. Begin keeping track of the amount of calories you consume on a daily basis. Don't forget to include the calories in beverages, cooking oils, salad dressings, and sauces. Begin a food journal so that you can track your intake. Online food journals or smartphone apps are designed to help people find the calorie content of the foods they eat, keep track of their intake, and even connect with other dieters. The amount of calories you will need to eat in order to lose weight depends on your age, build, and level of physical activity. To lose 1 to 2 pounds a week, cut out about 500 to 1,000 calories per day. This rate of weight loss is safe and appropriate for most men. Reduce your intake of sugar. Studies have shown that consumption of sugar can lead to increased belly fat over time. Men who eat less sugar have a smaller waist circumference. Items to limit or discontinue eating include: sweetened beverages, candy, cookies, cakes and other sweets, and foods made with white flour (like white bread or plain pasta). If you are craving sweets, try eating a piece of fruit or take a very small serving of your favorite sweet. Ditch the alcohol. There's a reason why they call it a "beer belly." But beer is not the only drink that causes increased belly fat. Studies have shown that all types of alcohol can lead to belly fat in males. It's recommended to have no more than two alcoholic beverages daily for men; however, if you want to reduce belly fat, it's recommended to discontinue drinking altogether. Start exercising. Exercise combined with a low-calorie diet will support and speed up weight loss by burning calories and increasing your metabolism. Including regular cardiovascular activity can help you lose weight and decrease your belly fat. Running, hiking, biking, and swimming are all examples of calorie-burning cardio exercises. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five times a week for a modest benefit. If you don't want to exercise every day, then find ways to incorporate more movement into your daily routine. Get in the habit of taking the stairs rather than the elevator, parking farther away from your destination, and using a standing desk. It is especially important to exercise if you work a sedentary desk job. Include regular strength training. As you age, it may be harder to reduce the amount of belly fat. This is partially due to the natural decrease in lean muscle mass as you age, but also because you begin to store more fat around your midsection. Maintaining lean muscle mass can help prevent this. Include at least two days of 20 – 30 minutes of strength or resistance training each week. Strength training exercises include: free weights, weight classes, using weight machines, or doing yoga. Include whole body exercises. "Spot-training" or focusing only on exercises like crunches and planks may help strengthen your core, but do not reduce belly fat. Toning and strength training exercises build lean muscle mass, but don't decrease fat stored around your midsection. Focus on overall weight loss. Modify your diet and include appropriate amounts of cardio. Then begin incorporating abdominal workouts into your routine to tone your midsection. Find an exercise buddy. Having somebody to accompany you on your workouts can make exercise feel more enjoyable. Studies have shown you're more likely to keep a scheduled workout and workout more often if you're going with a friend. If you are a competitive person, it may be fun to race with your weight-loss buddy to see who can reach their goal weight first. Weigh yourself. To get rid or reduce belly fat you'll need to reduce your weight. To help keep track of your weight loss, weigh yourself regularly. It's best to weigh yourself about one to two times a week. In addition, try to weigh yourself on the same day of the week, at the same time and wearing the same clothes. Keep track of your weight in a journal. Seeing your progress can be motivating to help you stay on track. It can also show you any trends where you're gaining weight as well. Take measurements. In addition to weight loss, one of the best ways to measure your progress of losing belly fat to is track your waist circumference. This is the measurement around the smallest part of your waist. As you decrease belly fat, your waist circumference will decrease. Use a tape measurer to measure the circumference of your waist. Do this by finding the top of your hip bone and your lowest rib and wrapping the tape around your belly between these two points. Continue taking measurements as you diet to track your progress. A high waist circumference or a measurement over 37 inches (94 cm) indicates you have a large quantity of belly fat and are at risk for chronic diseases. Remember that muscle weighs more than fat, so if you are trying to lose weight while building muscle, the scale can be misleading. Your best bet is track your progress by measuring your waistline and weight together. Make a list of other things to do instead of eating. Dieting can be hard, especially when you find yourself constantly thinking about food or eating out of boredom. The best way to curb your appetite is to stay busy and indulge in activities that you enjoy. Making a list of other activities to engage in can help decrease excess snacking or boredom eating. Have this list handy when the desire to eat strikes. Ideas to try include: taking a walk, reading a book, cleaning out a junk drawer, talking to a friend or family member on the phone or doing household chores. If you're feeling hungry and it's close to a planned meal or snack time, have your meal and then move on with other activities. Do not continue to eat or snack. Manage stress. When we have chronic stress in our lives, our bodies release the hormone cortisol, which causes the body to store extra fat in the midsection. In addition, chronically elevated cortisol levels can increase hunger levels. Try to eliminate and manage stressful things, people, and situations in your life. Learn how to better manage the stress associated with elements of your life that can't be changed (like your job, for example). Meeting with a life coach or therapist can provide additional ways to manage stress. Remember that while you can't always control your circumstances, you can control the way you react. Mind/body practices like yoga and meditation help you learn how to relax your mind so that you can better cope with stress, anxiety, and depression. | Talk to your doctor. Eat fewer carbs. Load up on lean protein. Create a calorie deficit. Reduce your intake of sugar. Ditch the alcohol. Start exercising. Include regular strength training. Include whole body exercises. Find an exercise buddy. Weigh yourself. Take measurements. Make a list of other things to do instead of eating. Manage stress. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Milk-Cake | How to Make Milk Cake | To make a Tres Leches milk cake, start by beating butter and sugar together in a bowl before adding eggs and vanilla extract. Next, add sifted flour and baking powder to the mixture 2 tablespoons at a time. Then, pour the patter into a greased 9 by 13 inch pan and bake it at 350° Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Once the cake has cooled, mix whole milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk together and pour the mixture over the cake. Finally, combine whipped cream, sugar, and vanilla and spread it over the cake. | Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the oven rack in the middle position. Grease and flour a 12-cup tube pan. You can also use a 12-cup Bundt cake pan. You can rub about a teaspoon of butter on the pan before you use it, as it will add an extra layer of depth to the flavor of the cake. You can also use shortening or dab just enough vegetable or coconut oil to evenly cover the pan. Both of these options will prevent your cake from sticking to the pan. Try not to use cooking sprays to grease your pan, if possible. These are convenient, but areas where the heat doesn't burn the spray off can become sticky or pasty over time, meaning you'll have to replace your pan sooner rather than later. Coat the greased cake pan with a couple of spoonfuls of flour, enough to create a thin dusting which will prevent the grease from absorbing into the batter when the cake is baking. Whisk the eggs and sugar together. You can do this in a mixer bowl. If you have an electric mixer, whisk on medium-high speed for 5 minutes. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Do this in a medium bowl. Stir in vanilla. Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the milk and vanilla. Stir until the mixture is hot but not boiling. You can tell you have reached this sweet spot between hot and boiling when you see small bubbles start to form around the edges of the saucepan. That is your indication to reduce the heat to low. If the mixture does boil, simply lower the temperature immediately. Boiling milk will cause it to curdle, thus potentially affecting the texture of your cake. If you notice that the milk has curdled too much, it may be best to start again - melt the butter once more, then add the milk and vanilla. Otherwise, go ahead and use the milk - it is safe to do so. Add the egg/sugar mixture and the flour mixture to the saucepan with hot milk. Do this slowly, alternating between adding egg mixture and adding flour mixture. Keep mixing throughout this process. When you have added both mixtures to the saucepan, pour the batter into the greased pan. Bake the cake for 1 hour at 325°F (163°C). Rotate the pan at least once during this hour. Check 15 minutes prior to the end of the hour to make sure your cake is baking evenly. To test whether the cake is baking evenly, remove the cake from the oven and poke it in the middle with a toothpick. The toothpick should come out clean or with only a few crumbles. Batter on the toothpick means the cake needs to stay in the oven for longer. The cake should be golden when it's ready. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes. You can then transfer the cake to a serving plate to allow it to fully cool down. Top the cake while it’s still warm. Great toppings for a hot milk cake include fruit, broiled coconut, or powdered sugar icing. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the oven rack in the middle position. Grease and flour a 9x13in (23x33cm) baking pan. Using a stick of butter or spreading a small amount of vegetable or coconut oil on the bottom and sides of the pan are all good ways to grease the pan. Sift the flour and baking powder together. Do this in a medium bowl. Mix ½ cup of butter and 1 cup of white sugar together. Do this in a medium bowl. Add in eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract and mix until the ingredients are well integrated. Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture. Do this 2 tablespoons at a time, mixing the ingredients continually. When you have mixed your ingredients, pour the batter into the greased pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Rotate your cake at least once during the half hour. Test the readiness of the cake by poking it with a toothpick; the toothpick should come out clean. Cool your cake in the pan for 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow you to get your desired texture and to be able to release the cake into a plate once you are ready to store or serve it. Mix the whole milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk together. Pour the combination of the three over the cake. Mix the heavy whipping cream, ½ cup of white sugar, and ½ tsp of vanilla together. Spread this over the top of the cake. Heat the milk in a medium saucepan. Heat milk on a high setting until it comes to a boil. Lower the heat to medium once the milk is boiling. Stir the milk at regular intervals as it comes to a boil. This will prevent it from sticking to the pan. Add 1.5 tbsp of lemon juice to the saucepan. Keeping the heat at medium, mix in the lemon until it curdles. Strain the whey. Strain 2 ½ cups (600 ml) to reduce the sourness of the mixture. Keep stirring the mixture, now on a low heat, until the consistency is dense, which should take about 10 minutes. Add all of your sugar. Keep stirring the mixture. Add 1 or 2 pinches of cardamom powder to the mixture. Using a small amount of green cardamom can lend your cake a minty yet sweet flavor. Add ½ tbsp of ghee to the mixture. Stir until well mixed. Use the other ½ tbsp of ghee to grease the plate or pan you will place your cake on. Transfer your mixture to the plate or pan. Shape the cake by pressing firmly on all sides until it molds to the shape of the plate/pan. Garnish the cake with pistachios. You can use a handful of pistachios - just enough to be decorative but not too much that the flavor is overpowering. Wait 24 hours for the cake to cool. You can leave the cake on the countertop or place it in the refrigerator if you would like it to cool faster. Serve your cake. To remove the cake from the pan, run a knife around the edges, re-heat the pan for 5-6 seconds over medium heat, then flip the cake over a plate. Cut the cake into square pieces. | Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup tube pan. Whisk the eggs and sugar together. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the milk and vanilla. Add the egg/sugar mixture and the flour mixture to the saucepan with hot milk. Bake the cake for 1 hour at 325°F (163°C). Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes. Top the cake while it’s still warm. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13in (23x33cm) baking pan. Sift the flour and baking powder together. Mix ½ cup of butter and 1 cup of white sugar together. Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Cool your cake in the pan for 30 minutes to an hour. Mix the whole milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk together. Mix the heavy whipping cream, ½ cup of white sugar, and ½ tsp of vanilla together. Heat the milk in a medium saucepan. Add 1.5 tbsp of lemon juice to the saucepan. Strain the whey. Add all of your sugar. Add 1 or 2 pinches of cardamom powder to the mixture. Add ½ tbsp of ghee to the mixture. Transfer your mixture to the plate or pan. Garnish the cake with pistachios. Wait 24 hours for the cake to cool. Serve your cake. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Win-a-Class-Election | How to Win a Class Election | People will vote for a candidate that they know and trust, so if you want to win your class election, you've got to get your name out there and build relationships with voters. Advertising your campaign is super important to get your name out there, so put up campaign signs, pass out flyers and buttons, and ask your school if you can write your campaign slogan in chalk on the sidewalks around your school. While you're out talking to voters, try enlisting groups of people by offering to support them if you're elected. For example, you could approach the football team to find out if they need new equipment or talk to the debate team to find out if they need more support from the student body. If you promise to help them, they can join your cause and help you win the election. | Ask your friends. You should approach the people closest to you for help first. Make sure your friends, or any family members you may have at the school, know that you are running and ask them to vote for you. Also ask your friends to get their friends to vote for you. If they do, it can greatly augment the number of votes you receive. Seek out special interest groups. Identify groups at your school who have a vested interest in one particular aspect of the school's operations and solicit them for help. Sports teams and academic clubs are great groups to approach, since these groups utilize school resources for activities from which individual members benefit. Approach the football team to see if they need new equipment, a better playing field, or more support from the student body. As a student representative, you may be able to help them achieve these goals. Get involved in special events and fundraisers for particular causes as well. If the chess team has a fundraiser to help them travel to a tournament, your presence at the event could be reason enough for the entire chess club to vote for you. Identify important student issues. There may be some issues that are important to the student body at large. Figure out what these issues are and take a position on them to rally support for your campaign. Maybe the student body wants more vending machines or better food in the lunchroom. Vow to address these issues as a class representative and more people will vote for you. Be careful when taking a position on divisive issues, however, as you risk alienating certain segments of the student body on particularly charged issues. Be outgoing. Introverts are rarely selected for student government through general elections because people feel more comfortable voting for someone they know well. High school politics are often to referred to as popularity contests for a reason. As such, you need to get out there and become acquainted with your peers and classmates. Regardless of your class size, try to convince each individual to vote for you. Be friendly to everyone, including your fellow contenders. Enlist faculty support. Some schools do not allow faculty members to be involved in student elections in any way. Others require a faculty supervisor for candidates. Figure out your school's policy and, if necessary, enlist faculty support. Approach a teacher who you know you work well with and ask him or her. Follow the rules. Every school has different rules and guidelines for the use of marketing materials in your campaign. Make sure you are aware of these rules and follow them closely. You don't want to be disqualified from your campaign. Don't hang flyers or posters for your campaign in areas of the school where they are not supposed to be. Don't pass out trinkets or gifts to potential voters if this is not allowed in your school. Make campaign signs. You're not going to win if people don't know you're running. Put up eye-catching posters with memorable slogans to attract the attention of your classmates. Make sure to use bright colors and place these posters in highly trafficked areas of the school, as this will help make sure your signs get seen. If there is a particular hallway or room where students congregate often, place your campaign signs in that area. Use neon green, yellow, orange or pink poster boards to make your signs. These colors have been proven effective in catching people's attention. Utilize handouts. Make fliers, buttons, and pamphlets to pass among your peers. As helpful as signs will be to your campaign, giving the voters something physical that they can hold on to will serve as a reminder that you are running throughout the duration of the campaign. In your fliers or pamphlets, make sure you espouse some positions and give the voters some information about yourself. Try handing out candy. Everyone loves candy and they really like the people who give it to them for free! If your school doesn't allow you to hand out candy, then try handing out bracelets, pencils, and stickers. You may find that people are sticking your stickers on the wall and that is just extra exposure. Chalk the sidewalks. If you school will allow you to, write your campaign slogan or “vote for …” on the sidewalks around your school or in the parking lot in chalk. These sidewalks are highly visible areas to promote your campaign. Again, use bright eye-catching colors and memorable slogans. Again, neon colors are ideal for catching the attention of your classmates. Make sure to check with your school to ensure this is allowed. Start small. Don't run for class president your first year out. Try one of the other positions, instead. If you're new at the school, try volunteering for a position that's not elected your first year, such as yearbook or newspaper. It will be a good way to get to know classmates and the school and gain experience before you run. You may also wish to start your own club or organization. Spearheading an initiative like this will allow you to stand out from the crowd as someone who is willing to invest his own time to improve the student experience. Recognize your strengths and interests. For example, if you like writing, run for secretary. If you're a leader, try president or vice president. It is best to attempt to win a position in which you will naturally excel. Make pledges. If you make reasonable pledges that are appealing to the majority of people, many of those same people will vote for you (for example, say you'll create a short break between classes during each day). However, don't pledge to do something you know you can't do, like getting rid of homework; most people won't believe you and those who do will be disappointed if you can't make it happen. Always be aware of the limitations of your office. You don't want to make promises now only to find out later that you don't have the authority. Prepare and deliver a quality speech. Most school elections give the candidates an opportunity to deliver a speech to their classmates. This speech will likely be one of the most important components of your campaign. Here are some tips for delivering a quality speech: When you make a speech, keep it short, and to the point. Tell the voters why you are the best candidate for the office you're running for. Speak clearly and stand confidently like you know you are deserving of the office you're seeking. When making a speech, don't try to plead, bribe, blackmail, or make promises you cannot fulfill. Know what you can and cannot do in the office you're seeking. Add humor to your speech. Don't lie. Be honest. If you make impossible promises you aren't able to keep, no one will vote for you in the future. Make hand gestures and move around your audience while making speeches. This will help keep their attention. Follow through. If you get elected president, make all of your possible promises come true, and try to make a good one, so you can get elected once more. Make a note of the things you promised to do while campaigning. Tackle those issues one by one, checking off your initiatives as you go. Be prepared to fight for something you promised the student body. Perhaps you said you would try to increase the amount of time between classes, but the school's administration says it can't be done. Don't just give up. Ask questions of the administration and challenge any inconsistencies in their explanation. Your classmates voted for you so that you could represent them. Even if you can't get them what they want, you can at least say you tried your best. | Ask your friends. Seek out special interest groups. Identify important student issues. Be outgoing. Enlist faculty support. Follow the rules. Make campaign signs. Utilize handouts. Chalk the sidewalks. Start small. Recognize your strengths and interests. Make pledges. Prepare and deliver a quality speech. Follow through. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Untie-Shoelace-or-String-Knots | How to Untie Shoelace or String Knots | You can use the twist and push method to undo a knot in a shoelace or piece of string. Twist one end of the string as tight as you can so that it can't bend easily. Push the twisted end of the string into the center of the knot, which will loosen the knot. Pull the knot apart once it has been loosened. You can also use the spoon tap method. Place the knot on a flat surface. Use a light yet solid object such as a wooden spoon to hit the knot until it begins to loosen. When you eventually create a small gap inside the knot, place the tip of tweezers or nail scissors into the gap to ease the knot undone. | Try to understand the knot. If you are untrained in knot theory, this can be tricky, but opening a knot is much easier if you know which loops and intersections are holding it together. Study it for a moment and try to determine which direction each loop should be pulled to loosen the knot. Give your string some slack outside the knot. You won't be able to untie the knot if the ends outside of it are pulled tight. Get a firm grip on two strands of the knot with the tips of your fingers, one in each hand. Depending on how thin your string is, this might be impossible. If you need to use your fingernails. Gently work the two strings back and forth until you feel some looseness. To untie a knot, you need to create slack. Depending on how you are holding the knot, that can mean pushing instead of pulling. Be gentle but firm—tugging the wrong way too hard can just tighten the knot further. Move on to a different pair of loops until the knot loosens. Keep working the knot from different angles, trying different combinations until you get one or two spots of looseness. Get a good grip on the slack spots and pull open the knot. Just make sure you don't accidentally pull the knot tight again. Pull one end of the string back through the open loops to undo the knot. Once the knot opens up into a series of crossing loops, the surest way to get it untied for good is to trace one end back through the loops until there are no intersections. Twist one loose end of the string as tight as you can. You want it so tight that the string becomes dense and less bendy. Firmly push the twisted end directly into the knot. The idea is that the twisted string will be twin and hard enough to overcome the friction of the knot and create some slack. Use the slack it adds to pull the knot apart. Once you've pushed some slack into the knot, you should be able to pull it apart as normal. Find a clear, level surface. Lay the knot on the surface. Bang on the knot with a firm but light object. A wooden spoon is ideal. Keep turning the knot around and giving it another bang until it loosens a little. Once there is a tiny gap, insert the end of tweezers or nail scissors into the little hole. Ease the knot open gradually. It should now slip undone. Get an ordinary corkscrew. You can also use any other thin metal object, like a needle for smaller knots. Just be careful not to pierce and damage your string. Insert the point of the corkscrew between the strings of the knot. Basically any point on the knot will do. Wiggle and twist the corkscrew into the knot. Hopefully this will create some slack. Tug the corkscrew to loosen the knot, and untie as normal. | Try to understand the knot. Give your string some slack outside the knot. Get a firm grip on two strands of the knot with the tips of your fingers, one in each hand. Gently work the two strings back and forth until you feel some looseness. Get a good grip on the slack spots and pull open the knot. Twist one loose end of the string as tight as you can. Firmly push the twisted end directly into the knot. Use the slack it adds to pull the knot apart. Find a clear, level surface. Bang on the knot with a firm but light object. Once there is a tiny gap, insert the end of tweezers or nail scissors into the little hole. Get an ordinary corkscrew. Insert the point of the corkscrew between the strings of the knot. Wiggle and twist the corkscrew into the knot. Tug the corkscrew to loosen the knot, and untie as normal. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Dog-Treats | How to Make Dog Treats | To make dog treats, preheat the oven to 325 °F, and mix 3/4 cups of beef or chicken broth, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, 1/2 cup of powdered milk, 1 egg, and 3 cups of whole wheat flour in a large bowl. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes stiff, and use a rolling pin to flatten it to 1/4 to 3/4 inches thick. Cut the dough into a bone shape with a cookie cutter, and bake them for 50 minutes. Let the treats cool before giving them to your furry friend! | Preheat the oven to 325 degrees fahrenheit. Mix the ingredients. Place the chicken broth, oil, powdered milk, egg, and flour in a large mixing bowl. Use a spoon to stir the ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed. Knead the dough. Use your hands to knead the dough until it becomes stiff and pliable. Turn it out onto a floured counter or work surface. Roll the dough. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to the thickness you desire. For larger dogs, keep the dough thick, about ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm), and for smaller dogs, roll it thin, about ⁄ 4 inch (0.6 cm). Cut the dough. Use a bone-shaped cookie cutter to cut the dough into bone shapes. Lay the bones on a greased cookie sheet. Once you've cut as many bones as you can, gather the dough scraps and roll them into a ball, then use the rolling pin to flatten the dough again. Cut more dog bone shapes from the dough using the cookie cutter. If you don't have a dog bone-shaped cookie cutter, use another fun shape for your dog's treats. Go for a holiday themed cutter, like a tree or a snowflake, or use a classic shape like a star or a circle. Bake the cookies. Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 50 minutes. Check them periodically to make sure they don't burn. If the cookies seem to be turning brown quickly, reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees. If the cookies don't seem to be baking fast enough, increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Remove the cookies from the oven. They will be hard and crunchy, just the way dogs like them. Let the cookies cool and store them in an air-tight container. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the ingredients. Place the ground meat, wheat germ, and powdered milk in a bowl. Use a spoon to fully incorporate the ingredients until you have a firm meaty dough. If the dough seems too loose, add 1/2 cup of flour and mix well. If you know your dog likes certain flavors, consider mixing them in. Use chunks of vegetables your dog likes, or add bits of bacon for an extra punch. Press the meat dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press it flat, making a pancake shape. Flatten it until it's about ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) thick. Cut the meat dough. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut biscuit shapes from the meat dough. Lay them on a greased baking sheet as you go. If you have scraps of meat dough left over, ball it up, press it flat, and cut out more biscuits. Cook the biscuits. Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the biscuits bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges have turned brown. Check the biscuits often to make sure they don't burn. Remove the biscuits from the oven. Let them cool, then serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later use. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the ingredients. Place the flour, baking soda, peanut butter, oil, egg, honey and peanuts in a large mixing bowl. Use a spoon to mix the ingredients until they are fully incorporated. If your dog likes vanilla and other sweet flavors, add a teaspoon of vanilla and a teaspoon of sugar to the batter and mix well. If your dog likes carrots, add 1/2 cup of shaved carrots to the mix. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Use a spoon to scoop the batter into the cake pan, then smooth the surface so the cake cooks evenly. Bake the cake. Place the pan in the oven and bake the cake for 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly brown. Check the cake to make sure it's fully cooked by inserting a toothpick into the middle. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it comes out coated in batter, bake the cake for another 10 minutes. When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool. Ice the cake. When the cake has cooled, invert it onto a plate or doggy dish. Scoop the cottage cheese onto the cake and spread it around with a spoon. If your dog doesn't like cottage cheese, you can also ice the cake with cream cheese or mashed bananas. Don't ice the cake with regular cake icing, since it might hurt the dog's stomach. Serve the cake. Serve the cake whole and let your dog dig right in, or cut it into slices and save some for later. Refrigerate any leftover cake. | Preheat the oven to 325 degrees fahrenheit. Mix the ingredients. Knead the dough. Roll the dough. Cut the dough. Bake the cookies. Remove the cookies from the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the ingredients. Press the meat dough. Cut the meat dough. Cook the biscuits. Remove the biscuits from the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the ingredients. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake the cake. Ice the cake. Serve the cake. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Fake-Bruise-with-Makeup | How to Make a Fake Bruise with Makeup | To make a fake bruise with makeup, start by applying a base layer of red eyeshadow. Then, add some purple eyeshadow over the red, focusing on the parts of the bruise that you want to be the deepest and most intense. If you want to make the bruise look like it's healing, apply some yellow and green eyeshadow as well. You can also blend in a little bit of black eyeshadow if your bruise looks too bright. Finally, take a brush with some face powder on it and blend the bruise into your skin. | Place the bruise. Decide where you will put the bruise and consider what would have caused a bruise in that particular area. This will help you decide where the bruise should be as well as it's shape and size. Put the bruise in a place which is easy to reach to make applying makeup simple. The shape of the bruise should reflect whatever you think would have caused it. Consider a bruise on your forearm as if it was hit by a blunt object like a bat, which would be an oval bruise. It would be a little longer than it is wide and have rounded edges. Another option is giving yourself a black eye as if you were punched in the face. Apply a base layer of red eye shadow. Cover your bruise area with a base layer of red eye shadow. This should create a good size and shape for you to work with. The red will represent all of the area of irritation effected by the bruise. For example, if you are creating the effect of a black eye, curve the red around the bottom of the eye, beginning in the corner and expanding out below the eye and to the side in a crescent shape. It should be about one inch wide at the largest section near the outer, bottom corner of the eye. You can add some red on the edge of the top eye lid to show irritation. Add purple eye shadow to the area to give the bruise some color and depth. Purple should be used on the deepest sections of the bruise to make it really stand out. In the black eye example, start at the bottom corner of the eye and draw along the edge of the bottom lid. Starting back at the corner, draw down along the edge of the eye socket. This will create sort of a “greater than” symbol or a “v” on it's side. Age your bruise with yellow and green. If you have yellow and green eye shadow and want your bruise to appear to be healing, you can blend some green out around the edges of the bruise, as well as a spot of it in the center. Dab yellow on the edges and in the center of these green sections as highlights. Use green and yellow around the edges of the crescent in your black eye. Also put some in the corner of your eye, pushing it into the dip in the socket and dragging it slightly up the top lid and down the corner of the bottom. Dull any bright spots using black eye shadow. If your green and yellow stand out, are too bright, or make your bruise look unrealistic, you can dab little spots of black throughout these areas to dull them and break up the color a bit. You can also use black to darken the purple areas if your shade was a little light, or you want more emphasis. Blend the bruise into the skin and make it last with face powder. Take a large makeup brush and apply some powder to the area. Powder the entire bruise with face powder to blend it into your skin tone and take out some of the shine from the eye shadow. Fool your friends. Let them notice the bruise before you go around showing it off. They are more likely to believe it is real if you don't say anything about it. Let them ask you what happened and be prepared with a fake story. If they don't ask about it, you can “accidentally” touch the bruise or hit it on something, then react as if it hurt. Decide on the timeline of the bruise. Bruises go through a cycle of trauma and healing. Each part of this cycle reflects different colors and intensity. A new bruise is dark red due to the blood pooling under the skin. Next the bruise begins to loose iron and purples. As the bruise begins to heal, it will green around the edges. Before the bruise fades, it will develop yellow spreading across the skin. Lastly, the bruise fades back into regular skin color. Purchase a color wheel. There are several brands of stage makeup which range from inexpensive Halloween makeup to professional stage makeup. The most popular brand of makeup used for theater is Ben Nye. Mehron and Ben Nye both offer a product called a “Bruise Wheel.” The colors you will want for your bruise are red, purple, yellow, green, and blue. Choose darker, duller tones like maroon, mustard and olive. Create a red base layer. Using a makeup sponge, dab it in the red makeup. Apply a cover of red in the size and shape of your bruise. Keep this layer light. Your skin should still show through the makeup. This layer of red should resemble skin irritation. Add depth with darker colors. Use a stippling sponge to add purple and blue makeup to your bruise. Work from the edges toward the center of the bruise. Continue using very little makeup and add small amounts at a time. Blend hard edges with your finger or makeup sponge to blend the dark colors into the red makeup. Highlight the bruise with yellow. Use your makeup sponge to apply a dab of yellow to the center of the bruise. This will give it highlight, as well as the appearance of beginning to heal. Age the bruise with yellow and green. If you want the bruise to look like it has been there for a while and is almost healed, start with a base layer of yellow instead of red. Create a circle of purple in the middle of the yellow for depth, then add green around the outside edges of the purple. Finished. | Place the bruise. Apply a base layer of red eye shadow. Add purple eye shadow to the area to give the bruise some color and depth. Age your bruise with yellow and green. Dull any bright spots using black eye shadow. Blend the bruise into the skin and make it last with face powder. Fool your friends. Decide on the timeline of the bruise. Purchase a color wheel. Create a red base layer. Add depth with darker colors. Highlight the bruise with yellow. Age the bruise with yellow and green. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Pants-Bow | How to Tie a Pants Bow | When you're tying a pants bow, you can either do a half bow or a full bow. To tie a half bow, first adjust your fabric belt so one end is 6 inches longer than the other. Then, cross the short end over the long end and pull the long end down through the opening. Create a loop with the long end, then wrap the short end around the loop and back through the opening you created. Finally, tug on the bow to tighten it, and adjust the size of the loop depending on your preference. To tie a full bow, first adjust your fabric belt so both ends are the same length. Then, cross one end over the other and pull the belt tight. Create a loop with each end of the belt, then wrap one loop around the other and tuck the loop up through the opening at the base. Finally, tighten the knot and adjust the size of the loops as needed. | Tie the bow in the center of your body or off to the side. Choose to tie your pants bow in the center for a neater, more symmetrical ensemble. For a more relaxed, chic look, plan on tying it off to the side. If you aren't sure which look you prefer, try them both and take a photo of yourself with each option. Then look at the photos and decide which one you like the best. Hold the fabric belt so one end is 6 inches (15 cm) longer than the other. If your belt isn't long enough to have that much excess fabric on one side, just try to position it so that one end is a little longer than the other. When you're finished tying the half bow, both sides will be about even. Pants bows are really popular on linen pants, but they can work with an array of other materials. Cross the short end over the long end. Hold one end of the belt in each hand. Take the shorter end and bring it over top of the longer end. Do your best to keep the material straight so it doesn't get twisted at this stage. It may help to tie your bow while standing in front of a mirror! It can make it easier to see what you are doing. Pull the long end up through the opening to tie a basic knot. Tuck the longer end up underneath the short end. Pull both ends tightly to secure the knot. How tight you make the knot now is about how tight the belt will be at the end. If it feels uncomfortable, make it a little looser. Create a loop with the long end as if you were about to tie a bow. You can let go of the short end now. Fold the long end into a small loop and hold it together with one hand. You'll be able to adjust how big the bow is later if you want to. Wrap the short end of the belt around the bow and through the loop you created. Make sure to pull the end through the loop you just created around the half bow rather than down through the inside of the belt. If you make a mistake, just undo what you did and try again! It can take a few tries to get the half-bow technique down. Give yourself some extra time to practice when you're getting ready to go out. Tug the bow to make it bigger or smaller and tighten the knot. To make the bow bigger, pull on one side of the loop; to make it smaller, pull on the end of the loop. Tug both the short end and the bow at the same time to tighten the knot. Create different sizes of the half bow and play around with positioning it in the center or off to the side to see which variation you like the best. Decide if you want your bow to be in the center or off to the side. Placing the bow in the center will give your outfit a neater, more symmetrical look. Tying it off to the side will create a more relaxed and eclectic vibe. Try both options to see which one best fits your personal aesthetic. Position the fabric belt so that the two ends are at equal lengths. If you have ends that are different lengths, your bow will be lopsided and won't look quite right. Use a fabric belt rather than a leather one so that the bow will stay in place and not come undone during the day. Linen and silk belts are great options for tying bows. Cross one end over the other and create a knot. Bring one end of the belt over the other, then pull the top end up under the belt. Pull both ends to tighten the knot. Make sure the tightness of the belt is comfortable both when you're standing and sitting. Create a loop with each end of the belt. Do your best to make the loops equal sizes. Hold one loop in each hand. You can adjust the size of the loops throughout the tying process, so don't worry if you aren't sure of how it looks right now. This bow is a little different from the types of bow you might use to wrap a present or tie your shoes. It looks a little more elegant but requires a slightly different technique. Wrap one loop around the other and tuck it up under the belt. Bring one loop around the top of the other. Pull it back up under the entire belt so it is poking out. Check to make sure you can see two discernible loops. You may need to tug the loops to the side so they're extending out to the sides rather than up and down. Adjust the size of the bow and tighten the knot once you’re done. Make the bow bigger by pulling the loops out a little. Make the bow smaller by pulling at the ends. Tighten the knot by tugging both loops at the same time. Be patient if it takes a little while to get the bow-tying technique down. For a lot of people, it's a new look that might feel strange, but wear it confidently and you'll soon have a new favorite way of styling your pants! Pair the pants with a more form-fitting top. Because the bow is usually a little floppy and sticks out from your pants, a tighter top will keep your outfit from looking frumpy. Remember that the bow is meant to be seen! For colder weather, pair your pants and top with a blazer or cardigan. Tuck in your top so the bow doesn’t get lost under your shirt. This helps create a cleaner look for your outfit. Otherwise, you'll look like you have a bumpy mass of fabric under your top. An alternative is to wear a really short top or a crop top. Add a statement necklace or pair of earrings to your outfit. The bow draws the eye to your waist. To even out your look, add some fun jewelry to bring the eyes back up. Big, dangly earrings or a chunky necklace are fun options to complement your outfit. Jewelry can also help take your look from casual to glam, making your bow tie pants appropriate for the office or a night out on the town. Wear a pair of heels or fancy flats to finish your outfit. Skip the casual shoes and dress up your bow tie pants with a fun pair of heels or flats. If your outfit is fairly monochrome, choose shoes with a pop of color. Or keep things classy with black or tan shoes. Ultimately, though, do what makes you feel best about your look. Fashion is open to interpretation and the most important thing is that you like how you look. | Tie the bow in the center of your body or off to the side. Hold the fabric belt so one end is 6 inches (15 cm) longer than the other. Cross the short end over the long end. Pull the long end up through the opening to tie a basic knot. Create a loop with the long end as if you were about to tie a bow. Wrap the short end of the belt around the bow and through the loop you created. Tug the bow to make it bigger or smaller and tighten the knot. Decide if you want your bow to be in the center or off to the side. Position the fabric belt so that the two ends are at equal lengths. Cross one end over the other and create a knot. Create a loop with each end of the belt. Wrap one loop around the other and tuck it up under the belt. Adjust the size of the bow and tighten the knot once you’re done. Pair the pants with a more form-fitting top. Tuck in your top so the bow doesn’t get lost under your shirt. Add a statement necklace or pair of earrings to your outfit. Wear a pair of heels or fancy flats to finish your outfit. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Something-from-Your-Eye | How to Remove Something from Your Eye | If you have something in your eye, blink your eyes quickly to help remove small debris like dust or hair. It might feel silly, but try to make yourself fake cry, because the tears will help wash away whatever is in your eye. If you need some extra help, open your eye and splash it with cool, clean water. For something stuck under your eyelid, pinch the skin of your upper eyelid and pull it over the lower one. With your eyelids overlapped, roll your eye around to loosen the stuck object. You might want to rub your eye, but avoid doing this, as rubbing can end up scratching your cornea. If you have something large or dangerous stuck in your eye, go to a doctor immediately to have it removed professionally. | Blink your eyes rapidly. When you get dust, hair, or another small foreign body stuck in your eye, your body's natural response is to blink. Blinking rapidly may help move the debris, and allow any tears that may form to clear it out. The more you blink and get yourself to tear up, the better chance you have of removing the particle. To blink, rapidly open and close your eye. Although you may feel silly, the tears may naturally wash out the debris. If you cannot focus enough to get yourself to fake cry, then you can also try yawning to produce tears. Place your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid. If you're attempting to remove something stuck beneath your eyelid, close the affected eye and gently pinch the skin of your upper eyelid. Pull the upper eyelid down slightly over the lower one. Roll your affected eye around in its socket. With luck, this motion will loosen and dislodge something in your eye. Avoid rubbing your eyes. It is instinctual to rub your eye when something has gotten into it, but this can actually be quite dangerous. If you rub your eye, the trapped particle might be pushed beneath your eyelid, puncture your eye, or scratch your cornea, known as corneal abrasion. If this occurs, you could suffer permanent eye damage, up to and including blindness, along with a lot of pain. Therefore, do not apply pressure or rub your eyes when removing something from your eye. Wash the eye with eye solution. Commercially available eye wash solutions are useful for dislodging something from your eye. Eye wash solutions differ in their application process. Some use indirect application by filling a small eye cup with solution, then covering your eye with the eye cup and tilting your head back. Other solutions use a direct method, in which you tilt your head back, then drip or squirt solution directly from the bottle and into your eye. Rinse your eyes with water. If you have an eye cup (used for rinsing eyes), use that to wash out your eyes with cool, clean water. Otherwise, use a small bowl or cup full of water and splash the water into your open eye. You can also place your open eye under a gently-pouring faucet or shower to rinse it out. Place a cotton swab or corner of a clean cloth behind the upper eyelid. Gently pinch your upper eyelid and lift it up slightly from the eye. Slip the cotton swab or corner of a clean cloth gently behind the eyelid and slowly roll your eye toward the back of your head. Remove the swab or cloth and check to see if you still feel something in your eye. If you're unsure, which may occur if your eye is still red or irritated after the removal of the object, you could also check the surface of the cotton swab or cloth for something foreign. Use a cotton swab or corner of a clean cloth to remove the object. If, after rinsing your eye with solution and/or water, you can still feel something in your eye, use a cotton swab or clean cloth to get it out. Always wipe in a gentle up or down motion, and never swipe across the eye. To protect your cornea, look in the direction opposite the place where something is lodged in your eye. For instance, if something is in the right side of your eye, look toward the left. Check the cotton swab or cloth after each attempt at removal. If your cotton swab or cloth was white, you should be able to see it on the cotton swab or cloth after it's been removed. Have a friend help you. If you're having difficulty getting the particle out of your eye and can't see it in a mirror, you should turn to a friend for help. Hold your eyelids open and allow your friend to check for the presence of something. Move your eye around so your friend can see its entire surface. If you are comfortable with it, you may want to have them use a cotton swab to dab the offending object out of your eye. Alternatively, you may invite them to administer eye drops or a cup of water to flush the eye. Identify symptoms indicating you need medical care. If your eye is irritated by anything larger than a small speck, you may need a doctor to help you remove it. If the item is very large, or has punctured the eye to the point of bleeding and severe pain, this is a virtual guarantee. Pain is the most obvious sign that something in your eye is more than a mild irritant, though sometimes something in your eye can cause serious damage even in the absence of pain. Other symptoms to watch for include visible changes to the color of the eye, bleeding, abnormal, blurred, or absent vision, or discharge from the eye. If you cannot dislodge the foreign body from your eye, you should also consider this cause to see a medical professional. Seek medical attention. Once you've identified something in your eye as a serious issue, contact a doctor. Larger foreign bodies, like shards of glass, butter knives, or nails, must be removed by a doctor or medical professional. If the item is stuck inside of the eye, minor surgery may be required to remove it. Otherwise, the doctor may numb your eye and pull out the object, giving you an eye patch to protect it afterwards as it heals. You may also be given antibiotics. Do not attempt to remove objects embedded in the eye. If you have a shard of glass, butter knife, or something else that has punctured your eye, avoid attempts to remove it yourself. You will most likely do even more damage in your attempt at removal. Instead, get to a doctor for proper, safer medical aid. Carefully cover the eye with an eye patch until you see a doctor. | Blink your eyes rapidly. Place your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Wash the eye with eye solution. Rinse your eyes with water. Place a cotton swab or corner of a clean cloth behind the upper eyelid. Use a cotton swab or corner of a clean cloth to remove the object. Have a friend help you. Identify symptoms indicating you need medical care. Seek medical attention. Do not attempt to remove objects embedded in the eye. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Accept-ACH-Payments | How to Accept ACH Payments | Automated Clearing House payments move money from one bank account to another. To set up an Automated Clearing House payment, enquire with different merchant services providers for the best deal. Start with your own bank to see if they offer the service or something similar. Your merchant services provider will give you payment setup forms to fill out and check with the other party. To receive money via an Automated Clearing House payment, you'll usually need the money sender's account and routing numbers. Payments typically take 4 business days to process. | Decide if you need ACH. Automated Clearing House is a payment method that provides for easy money transfer using computer networks. The minimal or nonexistent transaction fees make it useful for regular transfers. However, because of the effort involved in setting up ACH payments, it isn't as useful if you do a lot of one-time transactions. Ask your bank if ACH is an appropriate payment method for you if you are not sure. Examples of transactions that individuals commonly use ACH for are rent or mortgage payments, car payments, and insurance payments. Examples of ways businesses might use ACH are depositing employee paychecks and paying regular bills, like rent or insurance. Talk to your bank about merchant services companies. These are the companies that set up ACH payments. It's a good idea to start with your current bank when beginning your search for a merchant services ACH provider. Working with your existing bank will be simpler, and you may get better treatment because you're a long-term customer. As with any other services for your business, you should get quotes or estimates from 3 or 4 different merchant services providers. Your bank may have a similar program to ACH payments, such as direct deposit. Find out their rates and compare the total cost with that of specialized payment companies. Fill out the necessary paperwork. You will have some forms to sign before you can start using ACH. It is possible that the paperwork could be done entirely online. This paperwork will set up your bank account to receive ACH payments. Read the ACH payment setup forms. Your merchant services provider will give you these as part of your welcome package. They may be paper, electronic or both. They will show you how their specific system works. Fill out a payment setup form. If you are receiving the money, fill it out for a client who wants to pay by ACH. Although forms vary, most need the account number and routing number of the bank account from which you will make an ACH payment. You will also need to include the amount and date of the payment. Review the form with the other party. If you are setting up ACH to make or accept regular payments from another party or business, check in with them. You may need an authorizing signature. You should at least make sure all their information is correct. Transmit the ACH form to your merchant services provider. Depending on the company, they may want this faxed, mailed or hand-delivered. Some companies will use a web portal for instantaneous electronic transmission. If your ACH provider wants the form mailed or hand-delivered, you should make photocopies of the form for your records. Wait for the funds to transfer between bank accounts. This typically takes 4 business days. When you transmit the form, your merchant services provider will verify the information and confirm that funds are in the paying account. This process takes 2 to 3 days. You should receive your funds on the next day. | Decide if you need ACH. Talk to your bank about merchant services companies. Fill out the necessary paperwork. Read the ACH payment setup forms. Fill out a payment setup form. Review the form with the other party. Transmit the ACH form to your merchant services provider. Wait for the funds to transfer between bank accounts. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Guava-Juice | How to Make Guava Juice | To make guava juice, start by peeling and chopping around 1 cup of guava. Then, put the chopped guava into a blender and add 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1/2 cup of cold water. Next, blend everything until the mixture is smooth. Don't blend the guava for too long or the seeds will become gritty. Finally, strain the guava juice through a fine mesh strainer and serve. | Peel and chop the guavas. Wash several red or pink guavas. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. While you can leave the peel on, it will make the juice thicker and grittier. Chop the guavas into chunks. You should end up with 1 cup (165 g). Use guavas that are soft and free of spots or blemishes. Measure the ingredients into a blender. Put the chopped guava into a blender or food processor. Add 1 teaspoon (4 g) of sugar and 1/2 cup (120 ml) of cold water. Put the lid on the blender or processor. You could substitute your favorite low-calorie or natural sweetener for the sugar. Blend the guava mixture. Blitz the guava mixture just until the guava is smooth and mixed with the water. Avoid blending the mixture for too long or the seeds will become finely ground. This will make it difficult to strain them out and your guava juice will be gritty. Strain the guava juice. Set a fine mesh strainer over a bowl. For even smoother juice, line the strainer with cheesecloth. Scoop the guava mixture into the strainer and use a spoon to gently push the mixture through it. You can discard the tiny, hard seeds that are left in the strainer. Add ice cubes and serve the guava juice. Place several ice cubes into 2 small serving glasses. Pour the strained guava juice into the glasses and serve it immediately. Wash, peel, and chop the guavas. Wash several soft, red or pink guavas. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. While you can leave the peel on, it will make the juice thicker and grittier. Use a sharp knife to carefully chop the guavas so you get 3 cups (495 g). Blend and strain the guava. Put the chopped guavas into a blender or food processor. Blitz the guavas until they're smooth and pulpy. Set a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and transfer the guava mixture into it. Stir the mixture so it passes through the strainer. You can discard the seeds that are left in the strainer. Shake the pulp with the seasonings. Transfer the strained guava juice to a cocktail shaker. Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, 3 tablespoons (37.5 g) of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon of lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh mint. Put the lid on the shaker and shake it for 10 to 20 seconds. This will combine the pulp with the seasonings. If you don't have a cocktail shaker, you could just whisk the ingredients together in a bowl or measuring jug. Stir in water and serve the drinks over ice. Put a handful of ice cubes into 2 serving glasses. Pour half of the guava mixture into each glass. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of cold, filtered water into each glass. Stir the drinks so the guava and water combine. Serve the drinks right away. If you like thicker guava juice, just use less filtered water. Wash and chop the guavas. Wash 2 green guavas. Use a sharp knife to carefully chop the guavas into small cubes. Put the cubed guavas into a blender or food processor. Blend the guavas with water. Pour 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water into the blender with the guavas. Blend the guava mixture just until the it's smooth. If you blend it too long, the seeds will become finely ground. This will make it difficult to strain them out and your guava juice will be gritty. Strain and thin the guava puree. Set a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and scoop the guava mixture into it. Stir the mixture so it passes through the strainer. Discard the seeds left in the strainer and pour water into the strained guava puree according to your taste. For example, if you like thick guava juice, you may only want to add a little more water. If you prefer a thinner guava juice, try adding another cup or 2 (240 to 480 ml) of water to the guava. Stir in lime, honey, and salt. Zest a little bit of fresh lime zest into the strained guava juice. Squeeze the lime and add all of the juice to the juice along with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of honey and 1 pinch of salt. Taste and serve the guava lime juice. Taste the guava juice and add sugar according to your taste. Divide the juice between four serving glasses and serve them immediately. For a colder drink, add a few ice cubes to each glass just before you serve the drinks. | Peel and chop the guavas. Measure the ingredients into a blender. Blend the guava mixture. Strain the guava juice. Add ice cubes and serve the guava juice. Wash, peel, and chop the guavas. Blend and strain the guava. Shake the pulp with the seasonings. Stir in water and serve the drinks over ice. Wash and chop the guavas. Blend the guavas with water. Strain and thin the guava puree. Stir in lime, honey, and salt. Taste and serve the guava lime juice. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-Cigarettes-Online-Quickly | How to Buy Cigarettes Online Quickly | To buy cigarettes online quickly, start by checking a few online cigarette retailers until you find the product you're looking for. If you don't immediately find what you're looking for, try using one of the site's search bars or browsing through its catalogue. Once you find the cigarettes you want, click the “Add to basket” button before going to the checkout. Remember that it's a good idea to buy in bulk if you're ordering online, since you'll save money in the long-run.On the checkout page, enter your personal information and provide payment details, then click on the button to place your order. Finally, wait for your cigarettes to arrive in the post. | Visit a cigarette retail site. Today, a wide variety of sites selling cigarettes exist online. Using a simply query like "cigarettes online" in your preferred search engine should yield dozens of relevant results. Each site may have its own selection of brands, products, and accessories for you to browse, so you may want to look at a few sites before making your decision. Browse the site's selection of cigarettes. When you've found an online cigarette vendor that you like, browse through the cigarettes available to find your preferred brand(s). Most cigarette sites will carry most popular, well-known brands like Marlboro, Camel, etc., while some will have foreign or exotic varieties for sale. Generally, cigarette sites will have a prominent list of the brands offered in their "Cigarettes" section. Many cigarette sites will also have a search bar (usually located in one of the page's upper corners) that allows you to search for your desired products. Add cigarettes to your cart. When you've found some cigarettes you like, look for an "Add to cart" button on the page. This will usually be prominently located near the picture or title of the product you're interested in buying. Clicking this button adds the product to your online "cart", which is a running tally of the products you intend to purchase. Nearly all online retail sites, from enormous ones like Amazon.com to the smallest independent retailers, use this "Add to cart" system. Adding items to your cart doesn't purchase them right away, so there's no need to worry if you accidentally add the wrong cigarettes to your cart. Proceed to the checkout process. When you've added all of the cigarettes you'd like to buy to your cart, look for a button somewhere on the page that says "Proceed to checkout". This will take you to a series of screens where you'll confirm and finalize your purchase. You'll also have the option to eliminate items from your order, if you'd like. Note that some sites may require you to sign up with an account before you can check out and purchase your cigarettes. Supply relevant personal information. During the checkout process, you'll be asked for certain pieces of personal information so that the cigarettes can be paid for and shipped to you. You'll want to have a valid credit handy and to be sure of your billing and shipping addresses so that you'll be able to supply this information easily. Fill out the information in the appropriate text boxes, then proceed to the next page. Be wary of scam sites that may try to rob you of important personal data. While most online retailers will require your credit card information and address to buy cigarettes, you should never have to supply your social security number or bank account information. If you are asked for this, leave the site immediately. If desired, choose an expedited shipping option. If you want to get your cigarettes as quickly as possible, you may want to opt for a special shipping option. If this is available, it will usually be offered to you during the checkout process. Some sites may offer options as quick as next-day shipping, though these can become quite pricey, so weigh your desire to get your cigarettes quickly against the cash you have to spend before making a decision. Review and confirm your order. At the end of the checkout process, you'll be given a breakdown of your entire order — everything you're about to buy, the shipping options you've chosen, the address your order will be shipped to, and so on. At this point, you'll want to ensure that everything in your order is correct, because it can be tricky to cancel an order and receive a refund with online shopping. When you've finished reviewing your order, confirm it to make the purchase. There will usually be a prominent button near the bottom your order labeled "Confirm" or "Finalize". Wait for your cigarettes to arrive. Congratulations! You've just purchased cigarettes online. After making your purchase, all you'll need to do is sit back and wait. Your cigarettes should arrive within the time frame specified by the vendor. If they don't, you may need to contact the vendor to receive an update on the status of your order or request a refund. Contact information should be available on the site you purchased your cigarettes from. Make sure you're legally able to buy cigarettes. As a general rule, it is a crime both to sell tobacco to a minor and to purchase tobacco if you are a minor. In the United States, all 50 states have laws that make it illegal to sell tobacco to people under the age of 18. Many other countries have similar laws in place. Though penalties for buying and consuming tobacco as a minor are mild compared to those for more serious types of crime, it's still a very bad idea to buy cigarettes as a minor, as receiving a mark on your criminal record at a young age can cause problems down the line — for example, when applying for college. Typically, in the U.S., the immediate penalty for a minor who buys cigarettes is a fine or community service. For the business that sells the cigarettes, the penalties can be more severe. Most online vendors use a credit or debit card to pay for your order. In the U.S., you must be 18 to be able to have your own credit card, which is also the same age you must be to legally purchase cigarettes. Buy in bulk. When you buy cigarettes online, you'll typically have to pay a shipping and handling fee which you wouldn't normally have had to pay if you had bought your cigarettes from the store. Sometimes, this can offset the savings you would have gotten by buying from a duty-free online site. However, in the case of some retailers, you may be able to get a good deal by buying in bulk if the shipping and handling fee is charged on a per-order or per-box basis. While buying many cartons of cigarettes can get quite expensive, this practice can save you money in the long run. Note, however, that some retailers charge a flat shipping rate based on the number of cartons you buy. This means that, on these sites, buying in bulk doesn't get you a better deal. Shop around. Not all cigarette retailers are created equal. Just like brick-and-mortar stores, some offer affordable deals and great incentives, while others will try rip you off. Before making a decision, try to find your preferred product on multiple websites. Compare both the product's price and the site's shipping and handling rates — sometimes, stores will offer a great price, but make up for it with steep fees. Buy only brands that you recognize. One thing you'll probably notice as soon as you begin to look at online cigarette retailers is that, often, dozens of different brands of cigarettes are sold on the site. Some of these brands are well-known — Marlboro, Kool, Lucky Strike, and so on — while others are somewhat obscure. While it can be tempting to go for a cheap brand you've never heard of, this can be a bad idea. If you don't like the taste or feel of the brand, you may be stuck with a carton or more of sub-par cigarettes. Most online cigarette retailers sell cigarettes in cartons. This is an awful lot of cigarettes to have if you don't end up liking the product, so, if you're looking to try something new, it may be a better idea to go to a specialty smoke shop in person and ask the staff for a recommendation. This way, you may be able to buy just a pack of the new brand, minimizing the damage if you end up disliking the cigarettes. Avoid disreputable cigarette vendors. Thought many of the most popular online cigarette retailers are perfectly reputable and reliable, it's important to know that some are not. Some scam cigarette sites (for instance, Cigarettepurchase.com ), which are often foreign-operated, sell cheap counterfeit cigarettes at name-brand prices. These poorly-produced cigarettes are not held to high sanitation standards and the sale of these cigarettes can help fund organized crime. Other scam sites may not send your order at all or may even attempt to steal your personal financial data. Protect yourself when shopping for cigarettes online by avoiding sites that have the following warning signs: Sloppy or extremely basic site design Obvious spelling/grammar errors Checkout pages that ask you for unnecessary personal information (SS number, bank acct. info, check routing numbers, etc.) No "Feedback" or "Contact Us" information Payment pages that require you to send money via Western Union or wire transfer service | Visit a cigarette retail site. Browse the site's selection of cigarettes. Add cigarettes to your cart. Proceed to the checkout process. Supply relevant personal information. If desired, choose an expedited shipping option. Review and confirm your order. Wait for your cigarettes to arrive. Make sure you're legally able to buy cigarettes. Buy in bulk. Shop around. Buy only brands that you recognize. Avoid disreputable cigarette vendors. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Introduce-Your-New-Dog-to-Dogs-in-the-Neighborhood | How to Introduce Your New Dog to Dogs in the Neighborhood | To introduce your new dog to dogs in your neighborhood, take it on daily walks so it has the opportunity to run into and interact with others. When you come across someone and their dog, first ask them if it's okay for your pets to meet as some dogs might be aggressive and not suitable to introduce yours to. If you get the go ahead, let the dogs sniff each other. Afterwards, praise your dog if it behaved well. Along with these neighborhood walks, you can set up a meet and greet with one of your neighbors and their dog. You should do this in a neutral space like a local park so the dogs don't become territorial or aggressive in their own yards. | Walk your dog daily. An easy way to meet other dogs in your neighborhood is to make sure you are out and about with your dog on a daily basis. If possible, try to keep a regular walking schedule so your new dog will become familiar with the canines and humans it sees out on its daily walk. Walking your dog regularly means you will run into more opportunities for your dog to socialize with its neighbors. Keep your dog on a leash. When you are out and about in the neighborhood, it is important that you always have your dog on a leash. In most places and situations, the law requires you to keep your dog leashed. Having your dog on a leash means you can maintain control if you run into another dog. Keeping your dog on a leash will also prevent your pup from running away should he feel threatened by the presence of another dog. Ask the other dog owner if their dog is aggressive. Before you allow your dog to meet another dog, you should first make sure that dog does not have a history of aggression. Try asking the owner if their dog likes meeting other dogs. If the answer is yes, then ask if their dog has any aggression issues. It is better to ask these questions up front than to learn the answers the hard way. Before you approach the other dog owner, try saying, “Hello! It looks like my dog might like to say hello to your dog. Is your dog aggressive?” Ask the owner for permission to greet their dog. You should never allow your dog to greet a dog without first asking the owner for permission. The world is full of friendly dogs, but it is also filled with dogs that can be aggressive and antisocial. For this reason, it's important that you get permission from the owner before allowing your dog to greet someone else's dog. Try asking, “Is it okay if my dog says hello to your dog? My dog is friendly.” Offer to give the dog a treat if he is excitable. Consider whether the other dog seems excitable, such as jumping up and down or pulling on their leash to get to you. If the dog seems excitable, then ask the owner if it would be okay for you to give him a treat. Then, ask or lure the dog to sit with the treat, and pet him after you give it to him. Using a treat to calm the dog may help to put your dog at ease by making the excitable dog seem less threatening. Otherwise, your dog may confuse the dog's excitement with aggression and become protective. Keep the meeting short and simple. It is best that you keep meetings with other dogs brief while you are out walking your dog in the neighborhood. Once you have acquired permission from the other owner, allow the dogs to sniff each other for a few moments. If your dog behaves well and refrains from lunging at the other dog or barking, praise your dog and then lead your dog away. Set up a meet and greet with your neighbor. A great way to socialize your new dog is to set up a meet and greet with one of your neighbors. If you live near someone with a friendly, well-socialized dog, it is okay to ask them if they are interested in setting up a time and place for the dogs to meet. Make sure to ask your neighbor about any antisocial or aggressive behavior their dog may have exhibited in the past. Supervise the introduction. It's important that you are 100% attentive to your dog and yourself when meeting other dogs in the neighborhood. While it might seem natural to engage in an in-depth conversation with your neighbor as your dogs play, it's critical that you keep your attention on the dogs. This will allow you to respond quickly and effectively should any trouble arise. Introduce the dogs on neutral territory. Dogs are, by nature, territorial animals. It is important that you do introduce your new dog to other dogs in a neutral space. You should not, under any circumstance, introduce the dogs in one another's territory. For example, you shouldn't allow your dog to run into your neighbor's yard to meet their dog. This could set up a situation where your neighbor's dog becomes territorial, and even aggressive. Instead, introduce the dogs in a neutral space, like a neighborhood park or local trail. Monitor the introduction carefully. Pay attention to how each dog is responding to the interaction. For example, you should look out for wary, defensive, or aggressive body language including growling, lunging, teeth baring, and hair standing up on the dogs' backs. If you notice any of these signs, calmly call your dog to you and leave the situation. Allow the dogs to set the introduction’s pace. Not all dogs are going to be excited about meeting each other, or want to immediately engage in a playful or positive interaction. Be patient. Do not expect instant friendship between the dogs and do not force the dogs to interact. Use positive reinforcement. If your dog responds well throughout the meet and greet, reward them. For example, you can give your dog a treat if they remain calm and display confident behavior. At the end of the meet and greet, and after you have left the company of the other dog, positively reinforce your dog's good behavior with a treat or a favorite toy. Make sure your dog is well trained. Before you introduce your dog to other dogs in the neighborhood, you should make sure they understand basic commands like sit, stay, and down. This will help you maintain control over your dog when they meet other dogs and prevent possible scuffles. Another useful command to teach your dog is the “look” command. This will teach your dog to look at an object on command. To teach “look,” start by holding a dog toy behind your back. Wait for your dog to make eye contact with you and then slowly bring the object out to your side. Reward your dog with praise and a treat if he looks at the object. Then, begin to label the behavior with the command “look.” Repeat the training regularly to reinforce it. Pay attention to body language. You need to be keenly aware of your dog's body language when you introduce it to other dogs. You should also pay careful attention to the other dog's body language. Beware of wary or defensive behaviors from your dog or the other dog. Walk away calmly if you notice body language such as: Prolonged staring Stiff legs Baring of teeth Hair standing up on the dog's back Avoid aggressive dogs. If you notice defensive body language in another dog, or if the dog engages in aggressive behavior like barking or lunging, you should not approach the dog. Instead, leave the situation as calmly as possible. Try to distract your dog and calmly, but quickly, walk away from the other dog. | Walk your dog daily. Keep your dog on a leash. Ask the other dog owner if their dog is aggressive. Ask the owner for permission to greet their dog. Offer to give the dog a treat if he is excitable. Keep the meeting short and simple. Set up a meet and greet with your neighbor. Supervise the introduction. Introduce the dogs on neutral territory. Monitor the introduction carefully. Allow the dogs to set the introduction’s pace. Use positive reinforcement. Make sure your dog is well trained. Pay attention to body language. Avoid aggressive dogs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Log-in-to-Snapchat | How to Log in to Snapchat | Open Snapchat , tap Log In , type in your username (or email address) and password, and tap Log In. | Open the Snapchat app. It's the white ghost outlined on a yellow background. If you don't have Snapchat yet, download it first. Tap Log In. Tap the "Username or Email" field. It's the top line on this page. Type in your username or email address. These credentials must be identical to the ones you provided when you set up your Snapchat account. Tap the "Password" field. It's the bottom line on this page. Type in your password. Tap Log In. This button is at the bottom of the page. As long as your username (or email address) and password match up, you'll be redirected to your account. If you've forgotten your password, proceed to the next method. Open the Snapchat app. It's the white ghost outlined on a yellow background. Tap the "Username or Email" field. It's the top line on this page. Type in your username or email address. You'll need this to continue with the password reset process. Tap Forgot your password?. It's below the password entry field. Tap via Phone. This option will send a verification link to your phone number as a text message. If the verification proves successful, you'll be able to reset your password within Snapchat. If you don't have a phone number on record with Snapchat, you'll need to use the via Email option in the next method. Verify your humanity. You'll need to participate in a minigame that proves you aren't a spam program. The instructions for these games vary, so follow the on-screen instructions. Tap Continue. It's at the bottom of the screen. Type in your phone number. Tap Continue. Tap Send via SMS. Doing so will prompt Snapchat to send a verification code to your provided phone number. You can also tap Call me instead to have a Snapchat representative call you with the code. Open the text from Snapchat. It will have a six-digit code with the phrase "Happy Snapping!" written below the code line. Make sure you don't close the Snapchat app when you do this. Type the six-digit code into Snapchat. You'll do this on the provided "Enter Confirmation Code" page. Tap Continue. Type in a new password twice. Both entries will have to match in order for you to continue. Tap Continue. It's at the bottom of this page. If your entries match, your password has been successfully reset! You can now log in like usual. Open the Snapchat app. It's the white ghost outlined on a yellow background. Tap the "Username or Email" field. It's the top line on this page. Type in your username or email address. You'll need this to continue with the password reset process. Tap Forgot your password?. It's below the password entry field. Tap via Email. This option will send a password rest link to your Snapchat-registered email address. Tap the Email field. It's above the "I'm not a robot" box. Type in your Snapchat email address. Tap the box next to "I'm not a robot". This option is here to ensure that you're a human user and not a spam program. You may need to participate in a minigame like selecting every square in a grid that contains a certain image and then tapping Verify. Tap Submit. It's at the bottom of the page. After tapping Submit , Snapchat will send you a verification email. Open your email address. Open the password reset email. Its sender should be "Team Snapchat", and the subject of the email will be "Snapchat Password Reset". If you don't see the email, try looking in your email provider's Spam folder (also check the Updates folder if you're using Gmail). Tap the reset link. It's the middle of the email from Snapchat. Type in a new password twice. They'll need to match in order for you to continue. Tap Change Password. Your Snapchat password has been successfully reset! Now you can log into your Snapchat account. | Open the Snapchat app. Tap Log In. Tap the "Username or Email" field. Type in your username or email address. Tap the "Password" field. Type in your password. Tap Log In. Open the Snapchat app. Tap the "Username or Email" field. Type in your username or email address. Tap Forgot your password?. Tap via Phone. Verify your humanity. Tap Continue. Type in your phone number. Tap Continue. Tap Send via SMS. Open the text from Snapchat. Type the six-digit code into Snapchat. Tap Continue. Type in a new password twice. Tap Continue. Open the Snapchat app. Tap the "Username or Email" field. Type in your username or email address. Tap Forgot your password?. Tap via Email. Tap the Email field. Type in your Snapchat email address. Tap the box next to "I'm not a robot". Tap Submit. Open your email address. Open the password reset email. Tap the reset link. Type in a new password twice. Tap Change Password. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Triphala | How to Take Triphala | Triphala is a tea or tablet made from fruit that's used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat intestinal problems and immune system issues. To prepare Triphala tea, stir 1/2 teaspoon of Triphala powder into 1 cup of hot water. You can also stir the same amount of powder into some honey or ghee and take it before a meal. For the liquid supplement, stir 30 drops into a cup of water or juice 1 to 3 times per day. Take capsules, tablets, or chewables once or twice a day. Take Triphala on an empty stomach to maximize the effects of the medicine. | Use a traditional form of triphala. You can take triphala fruits in their dried form, or prepared as a tea. Both of these traditional forms can be purchased online or from natural health stores. To prepare the tea, stir a half teaspoon (2.5 g) of the powder into a cup of hot water. Alternatively, you can combine the same amount of powder with honey or ghee and take it before a meal. Select a commercially prepared form of the medicine, alternatively. Triphala can be purchased online or from natural health stores in capsule, liquid, tablet, and chewable forms. Choose one of these if you find it convenient. Check the package instructions to determine the dosage equivalent to a traditional form of triphala. To use the liquid supplements, you usually stir 30 drops into a cup of water or juice 1-3 times per day. Capsules, tablets, or chewables should be taken once or twice a day. Take triphala on an empty stomach, in most cases. If you are taking multiple doses per day, try having one in the morning before eating. Then take another before your evening meal. However, if you are taking triphala for digestive benefits, such as a laxative or digestive tonic, have a dose in the evening, about 2 hours after eating dinner or about 30 minutes before going to bed. Taking triphala on an empty stomach is the traditional recommendation. This probably helps maximize the effects of the medicine. Have your dose of triphala separately from other medicines. Whatever condition you are using triphala to treat, take it 2 hours before or after any other medicine or supplements. This ensures that you get its full benefits. Relieve occasional digestive problems. Traditionally, triphala is consumed to get rid of gas, constipation, upset stomach, and a host of other gastrointestinal problems. If possible, take triphala in its dried fruit form or prepare as a tea. Then take 1 to 3 grams (about 0.25 to 0.5 teaspoons) of it each day. If you want to use triphala as a laxative, take 2 to 6 grams (0.071 to 0.21 oz) (about 0.4 to 1.25 teaspoons) each day. Triphala will take 6-12 hours to have its laxative effect. Don't use it as a laxative for more than 7 days. Clear up a cough. You can easily clear up a common cough with triphala. Just take 2 to 6 g of the dried fruit each day until the problem clears up! You can also sip a cup of triphala tea for soothing relief. Strengthen your immune system. Have 1-3 cups of triphala tea per day to ward off a variety of illnesses. Traditionally, triphala is thought to improve your immune system and keep you healthy in general. You can take triphala in other forms to receive its immune benefits as well. Reduce inflammation. A daily dose of triphala can alleviate pain and discomfort caused by arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Talk to your doctor to determine the right dosage for your condition, and to discuss whether or not triphala will interact with other medications you may be taking for your condition. Lower your cholesterol. The digestive benefits triphala is traditionally thought to have may also reduce your levels of “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. If you are taking any other medications for cholesterol, however, talk to a doctor before starting with triphala. Fight cancer. Traditionally, triphala is thought to reduce cancerous cells in patients suffering from the illness. However, research on this effect is inconclusive. If you have cancer, you can ask your doctor whether or not they think triphala is potentially a safe and effective option. Triphala should not replace conventional cancer treatments. Talk to your doctor before using triphala if you have serious symptoms. If you have abdominal pain, nausea, fever, or vomiting, these can be signs of a major illness. In addition, triphala's powerful laxative properties may make these symptoms worse. For this reason, it's best to double-check with a doctor before taking the medicine. Don’t use triphala if you have chronic intestinal problems. If you have a condition like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or another inflammatory colon disease, or any other chronic bowel issue, you should avoid taking triphala. Its effects can severely irritate these conditions as well as: Intestinal blockage Atonic bowel Appendicitis Rectal bleeding Dehydration Ask your doctor about using triphala if you are pregnant or nursing. Triphala is not recommended for people who are pregnant or nursing. Even though triphala is a natural, fruit-based product, it does have potent medicinal properties. This means that it can impact your pregnancy or the health of your child. If your doctor thinks it's ok for you to take triphala, they can help you come up with a safe dosing strategy. Reduce your dosage or stop taking triphala if you experience side effects. Take note if you experience abdominal pain, cramps, spasms, or diarrhea while taking triphala. If you do, try reducing the dose, or stop taking triphala entirely. Take a 2-3 week break from triphala every 10 weeks. Though triphala isn't addictive, it's recommended that you refrain from using it constantly for an extended period of time. After taking triphala for 10 weeks, stop taking it for 2-3 weeks. Then, you can resume your daily regimen of taking triphala. This helps ensure that the remedy is as effective as possible. | Use a traditional form of triphala. Select a commercially prepared form of the medicine, alternatively. Take triphala on an empty stomach, in most cases. Have your dose of triphala separately from other medicines. Relieve occasional digestive problems. Clear up a cough. Strengthen your immune system. Reduce inflammation. Lower your cholesterol. Fight cancer. Talk to your doctor before using triphala if you have serious symptoms. Don’t use triphala if you have chronic intestinal problems. Ask your doctor about using triphala if you are pregnant or nursing. Reduce your dosage or stop taking triphala if you experience side effects. Take a 2-3 week break from triphala every 10 weeks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Professional-Escort | How to Be a Professional Escort | To be a professional escort, start by joining a reputable escort agency, which will keep you safe, handle your bookings, and screen your clients in exchange for a cut of your profits. Choose a first and last name for your escort identity, so you can keep your personal and professional lives separate. You should also get some professional, high-quality photographs taken of yourself, which will help you attract more clients. Once you've chosen a name and had some pictures taken, setup a profile on multiple escort websites to reach more clients. | Join a reputable escort agency if you’re new to the industry. Working for a reputable escort agency gives you a much stronger sense of safety and security than working on your own. Look online, talk to other escorts, or contact your local sex worker advocacy group for agency recommendations. Visit several different agencies and ask any questions you may have before you sign up so that you find one that suits you. Although the agency will take a portion of your income, the advantages of being safe, having your bookings handled, and having your clients screened first all outweigh the cost. A reputable agency will respect your limits and boundaries, provide a safe and hygienic working environment, and will be willing to answer any questions you may have. Reputable agencies will also provide security at the establishment. If possible, it can also help to talk to an escort who works there to get another perspective. Pick a first and last name for your escort identity. Having a unique name helps to advertise your services effectively and to protect your true identity. Before you settle on a name, check online first that there are no other local escorts using the same name to avoid any confusion and miscommunication. Use the same name throughout all of your advertising platforms to maintain consistency. You will often be allowed to use a fake name for sexual health procedures so that you can stay anonymous. This helps to further protect your identity and to maintain your privacy. Some first names for escorts are quite common, so it's a good idea to have a last name too so that your clients can recognize you. Set up online profiles to advertise your services. Escorts often do all of their own marketing and advertising. Use a search engine to find the escort websites that are prominent in your region or country. Sign up to the websites and then write up a short statement about yourself that's warm and approachable. Try to advertise with multiple escorting websites to increase your marketing reach. Some websites may require a physical description of yourself with different body measurements such as clothing size. Whether or not your profile can include the services that you offer depends on the laws in your region. Get professional, high-quality photographs taken to promote yourself. The photos that you use play a huge role in your advertising. Look for professional photography services online or ask for recommendations from other escorts. Then contact the photographer and arrange for a session. Before your session, decide whether you are comfortable showing your face in your photos or not. Your agency may be able to provide you with professional photos. It's recommended that you get your photos taken by a professional, as they know what lighting, angles, and photography styles to use to portray the image that you want. Find out the laws in your region or country before you begin working. The laws and regulations about escorting differ between locations, which can result in large differences within the industry. In some areas, prostitution is illegal but other types of escorting such as companionship are legal. Contact your local escort or sex worker advocacy group for specific information about your region. Ask for information about your rights at the same time so that you are prepared to work in the industry. For example, the services that you can offer, where you can work, and what information you have to disclose to police on request depends entirely on your location. Get a business licence if your region or country requires one. In some locations, you are only allowed to provide escorting services if you have applied for and received a business license. Find out through your local escort or sex worker advocacy group if you need a licence to work in your location. Contact your governmental business licensing authority and fill out the application form. Then submit the application form and wait for a response before you begin working. If you have a business licence, this means that you work as an independent contractor. You don't get health, vacation, or retirement benefits. Pay your taxes based on your income. Tax rates and systems differ between locations, so check how taxes operate where you are before you begin working. Find tax information such as how much to pay and when on your government website. In most situations, declare your income at the end of the tax year and pay the income tax at the specified rate. It can be helpful to work with an accountant if you need help paying your taxes. Alternatively, contact an escort or sex worker advocacy group in your area to get the best tax advice for your location. Even if escorting is illegal in your location, it's still recommended that you pay your taxes to avoid any penalties. Dress professionally and arrive on time to meet clients. Regardless of the type of escorting services that you provide, providing a professional service is key. If you are attending an event with a client, make sure that you ask what the dress code is first so that you know what sort of attire is appropriate to wear. Whether you are meeting the client at their home or in a public space, make sure that you have planned your travel arrangements well in advance so that you aren't late. For females, long or knee-length dresses are usually best for high rise events. If the event is more casual, try a halter or backless dress. For males, a collared shirt is a good option for most events. Maintain a polite, professional conduct at all times. How you treat your clients plays a big part in your success as a professional escort. Be courteous, polite, and warm with every client, yet remember to also remain assertive and in control of the situation. Try to build rapport with your clients so that they are more likely to work with you again. Another important part of building a good relationship with your clients is simply listening to them. Many clients will just want to talk and to enjoy spending time with you, with other services having a less important role. Take payments upfront before you begin working. With any escorting service, it's important that you are paid before you begin working. Request the payment straight after introducing yourself to the client. You can either take cash or credit payments depending on what you feel comfortable with. If the client does not have the payment or refuses to pay you, leave straight away. It's best not to wait until after you have finished working, as otherwise, the client may reveal that they don't have money to pay you. Remain assertive with your clients and specify your boundaries. It's important to be entirely transparent about your boundaries with every client before you begin working. Explain the services that you do and don't provide, the cost for each service, and the length of time that each service takes. Always stick to your own rules and limits, and never let yourself be persuaded or controlled by a client. Never be afraid to say no to a client and always remember that you are the one who has the final say. Use protection for all sexual services that you provide. Protection is the best way to keep yourself safe while you are working. Always use either male or female condoms depending on the type of service you are offering and use lubricant to help prevent the condoms from breaking. Before you work with any client, do a quick visual examination to check for any signs of STIs such as genital swelling, rashes, or discharge. Some escort agencies will screen and check your clients for STIs before you work with them. Get 3-4 sexual health checks per year to keep yourself safe. It's important to get checked for STIs regularly so that you can stay healthy, even if you haven't had unprotected sex. Attend sexual health checks at your local sexual health clinic or doctor's office and follow any necessary treatment plans. Getting checked 3-4 times per year is only a recommendation. Each escort agency will usually have a specific requirement for how often you need to get tested. Sexual health checks usually involve blood tests and swab tests. Take care of your physical health to prevent yourself from getting sick. You need to be physically well and healthy to be a good professional escort. Eat plenty of nutritious food like fruits and vegetables and drink water to stay hydrated. Regular physical activity can also help to keep you in shape and to boost your mood. Build a network of escorts you trust to maintain your mental health. Escorting can be mentally exhausting or difficult from time-to-time, especially with the associated stigma. Take care of your mental health to ensure that you stay well. Talk to other escorts that you trust and don't be afraid to take a step back from the industry if you feel like you can't cope. If you are having serious problems with your mental health that you are struggling to deal with on your own, contact your local sex worker advocacy group for support. Leave any situation immediately if you feel unsafe. If a client's behavior is abusive, threatening, or violent, leave the situation as soon as you can safely do so. Contact your agency and your local police authority immediately. Similarly, if a client refuses to wear protection, leave the situation. Although you need to reimburse the client's payment if you leave, it's best to lose some money and to get yourself safely out of a dangerous situation. If you work for an agency, there will usually be a bouncer at the establishment who has been hired to help protect you. | Join a reputable escort agency if you’re new to the industry. Pick a first and last name for your escort identity. Set up online profiles to advertise your services. Get professional, high-quality photographs taken to promote yourself. Find out the laws in your region or country before you begin working. Get a business licence if your region or country requires one. Pay your taxes based on your income. Dress professionally and arrive on time to meet clients. Maintain a polite, professional conduct at all times. Take payments upfront before you begin working. Remain assertive with your clients and specify your boundaries. Use protection for all sexual services that you provide. Get 3-4 sexual health checks per year to keep yourself safe. Take care of your physical health to prevent yourself from getting sick. Build a network of escorts you trust to maintain your mental health. Leave any situation immediately if you feel unsafe. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-a-Refrigerator | How to Paint a Refrigerator | To paint a refrigerator, start by unplugging it and cleaning the outside with soap and warm water so the paint goes on smoothly. Then, sand the fridge with medium grit sandpaper to remove the glossy finish. Once the finish is off, apply 3 coats of a two-in-one paint and primer using a roller and small, angled brush. For a vintage look, go with a retro pastel color like robin's egg blue or pale pink. If you want to be able to write on your fridge with chalk, try chalkboard paint. Whichever paint you use, let it dry for at least 24 hours before plugging the fridge back in. | Unplug the fridge and move it away from the wall and other furniture. You'll need enough room to be able to get to the sides and the top of the fridge. Moving it away from counters or other appliances also protects those pieces from getting paint on them. Never paint a fridge or clean it with liquids while it's plugged into an electrical outlet. It could electrocute you. Have a friend help you if the refrigerator is too heavy to move by yourself. Empty the food in the refrigerator and the freezer into a cooler or backup fridge. Otherwise, since the refrigerator will be unplugged, the food will go bad. Move the refrigerator to a well-ventilated area if possible. Both standard paint and spray paint give off dangerous fumes, so don't paint in a closed-in space. Your best option is outside, like in the backyard or on a deck. If you're spraying inside, like in a workshop or the kitchen, open all of the windows and turn on the fans to help air out the room. Wearing a mask will also prevent you from inhaling all of the fumes. You'll likely need a friend or family member to help you relocate the fridge. Use a dolly to wheel it to wherever you're going to spray it. Put a drop cloth under the refrigerator if you’re worried about drips. Painting can be a messy task, and you don't want to ruin your floors, grass, or decking. Lay down a drop cloth as protection against stains. You can buy drop cloths at a paint store or a hardware store. If you don't have a drop cloth, lay out a tarp, trash bags, or an old sheet instead. Be careful trying to lift the fridge. Ask someone to help you, or lift one corner at a time by yourself and slide the drop cloth underneath. with soap and warm water. Clean the exterior of the fridge Any dust or grime left on the outside of the refrigerator will mess up the paint and prevent it from going on smoothly. Use a damp cloth or microfiber towel to wipe the front, sides, and top. Let the fridge air dry. Don't brush it with a towel because that could leave lint behind, which makes paint look bumpy. Use an air compressor to dust any nooks and crannies, like the crack between the door and the fridge. This will also remove food particles. A mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water will work if you don't have soap or want a natural alternative. Sand the fridge. Use medium grit sandpaper to remove the gloss. This will help the paint adhere to the refrigerator's surface better. Scrub gently but firmly with a medium grit sandpaper, like 180-grit, which strips away the varnish without damaging the refrigerator itself. If your fridge is already painted, you don't need to take off all of the paint. You only need to sand off the glossy finish. You can wipe the refrigerator down with a damp cloth after sanding if there's a lot of dust buildup. Cover any areas you don’t want painted with painter’s tape. This includes door handles, hinges, or rubber seals. Press the tape firmly around the spots you want to protect so that paint can't seep underneath. Use a spoon or your fingernail to smooth down tape as securely as possible. You can also remove the handles or hinges with a screwdriver or wrench, if you don't want to risk getting paint on them. Set them somewhere safe where you won't lose them. Apply a direct to metal primer and paint. The coat of primer will help seal and smooth the surface before you paint. You can also use a two-in-one paint and primer in the color of your choice. Not only does it save you from having to prime the fridge separately, it also tends to be a thicker paint. That helps avoid splatters and drips, as well as provides more coverage. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Paint-a-Refrigerator-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-a-Refrigerator-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Paint-a-Refrigerator-Step-7.jpg\/aid1117658-v4-728px-Paint-a-Refrigerator-Step-7.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>"} Apply 1 to 2 coats of primer with a foam roller, letting each coat dry for 4 to 6 hours. Stir the paint and pour it into a tray. Use a wooden paint stick or a spoon to mix the paint immediately before using it. Then carefully fill the deep end of the paint tray. Refill the tray as needed as you paint. If you don't stir the paint, it will be runny and cause drips in your coats. Paint 3 thin coats with a foam roller, letting the paint dry between coats. Use slow, even strokes to roll the paint onto the surface of the refrigerator. Multiple thin layers is better than 1 super thick layer, which is more prone to chipping or dripping. Saturate the roller completely by rolling it in the paint tray. This helps the paint go on smoothly without streaks. It should take each coat about 4 to 6 hours before you can paint the next one. If you don't let the paint dry completely before applying the next coat, you'll just smear and ruin the previous coat. Don't forget to paint the top of the fridge! It's best to start with the top so you don't smudge the sides while trying to reach it. Use a small, angled brush to paint hard-to-reach areas. Your roller, no matter how small it is, won't be able to get in around the handle or hinges, for example. An angled brush is perfect for painting trim or smaller spaces, like the edge of the door. A small watercolor brush will work if you don't have an angled brush. Let the paint dry for at least 24 hours before plugging the fridge back in. Don't try to return the fridge to its original spot if the paint is not totally dry. Otherwise, you could mess up some of your hard work or get paint on a nearby counter or piece of furniture. Check the instructions on the paint can if you aren't sure how long to let it dry. Clean up any mistakes, like paint that got somewhere it wasn't supposed to, with a cloth or Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol. Scrub the area to remove the paint. Roll on a layer of polycrylic sealant after your paint is dry if you want extra protection. Use a foam roller to apply 1 coat of the sealant, then let it dry for 72 hours. Cover the entire surface with an oil-based spray primer. Primer will help the spray paint stick to the refrigerator. Hold the can about 8 inches (20 cm) away from the fridge as you spray, moving the can back and forth constantly to avoid spraying too heavily in one area. An oil-based primer will help prevent rust, too. Shake the primer can for 1 minute before you start spraying. Let the primer dry for at least 1 hour. Check the instructions on your can to see how long the drying time is for that specific type of paint. It can vary from 30 minutes to 3 hours based on the manufacturer. Leaving the primer to dry overnight will ensure it's totally dry before you start painting. Choose 1 or 2 paint colors based on the color scheme of your kitchen. Since spray paint is hard to control in a small space, tiny patterns or multicolored designs are difficult to do. Stick to a solid color or 2 complementary colors so your paint job looks professional instead of sloppy. For example, if your color scheme is navy, baby blue, and cream, paint the top half baby blue and the bottom half navy. Neutrals like white, black, gray, or chrome are always good options for a subtler effect. Avoid eggshell or matte finishes which show fingerprints and smudges. Spray the paint in thin coats, letting each one dry completely. Instead of spraying one thick coat, spray multiple lighter layers to prevent dripping. It's also best to hold the can about 8 inches (20 cm) away from the refrigerator while you spray, just like you did for the primer. Allow each coat to dry before you apply the next coat. Shake the paint can for at least 1 minute before you start spraying to thicken it up. If you notice any drips once a coat has dried, use a piece of fine, 150 to 220 grit sandpaper to lightly sand it off. Spray paint should dry enough in 1 to 2 hours for you to apply a new coat. Wear latex gloves while spraying if you want to avoid staining your hands with the paint. Let the paint dry for 24 hours before moving the fridge back. If you try to take the fridge back inside when it's not totally dry, you could smudge or chip the paint. It will dry best in a warm, dry spot. Paint takes longer to dry in high humidity or cool temperatures. If you want to prolong the life of your paint, you can spray a protective sealant over it once the paint is dry. Apply 1 coat of sealant and let it dry for at least 72 hours. A spray enamel sealant will prevent the refrigerator from rusting. | Unplug the fridge and move it away from the wall and other furniture. Move the refrigerator to a well-ventilated area if possible. Put a drop cloth under the refrigerator if you’re worried about drips. with soap and warm water. Sand the fridge. Cover any areas you don’t want painted with painter’s tape. Apply a direct to metal primer and paint. Stir the paint and pour it into a tray. Paint 3 thin coats with a foam roller, letting the paint dry between coats. Use a small, angled brush to paint hard-to-reach areas. Let the paint dry for at least 24 hours before plugging the fridge back in. Cover the entire surface with an oil-based spray primer. Let the primer dry for at least 1 hour. Choose 1 or 2 paint colors based on the color scheme of your kitchen. Spray the paint in thin coats, letting each one dry completely. Let the paint dry for 24 hours before moving the fridge back. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Apple-Smoothie | How to Make an Apple Smoothie | To make an apple smoothie, start by peeling an apple and slicing the fruit into small slices. Once your apple is cut up, toss the core and peel in the trash and drop the fruit into a blender. If you want a little extra fiber in your smoothie, you can keep the peel on, but just make sure to wash the outside of the apple first. For extra flavor, pour 8 fl ounces of cold apple juice in with the fruit. Next, you need to add 8 oz of ice cubes to the blender, since this will help thicken your smoothie and keep everything nice and cold. Finally, hold the blender lid on with one hand and blend until all the ingredients are combined. | Place peeled apple slices into the blender. Use an apple peeler to remove the outer skin of the apple. Then, cut the apple into slices. Discard the core and the peel. Put the peeled apple slices into the blender. You may also leave the peel on the apple for added fiber. Wash the outside of the apple with warm water and cut it into slices. However, if you want a smoother texture, peel the apple before you slice it. Pour 8 fl oz (240 mL) of apple juice into the blender. Measure and pour the juice into the blender. Use juice that is cold or room temperature. There are lots of other liquid base options you can try, such as milk, orange juice, coconut water, or plain drinking water! Add 8 oz (230 g) of ice cubes to the blender. Measure out the ice cubes and add these to the smoothie next. The ice will help to thicken your ingredients and make everything cold. Substitute an equal amount of frozen fruit for the ice to add flavor and nutritional value. Include 2 TBS (30 g) of walnuts, peanuts, or almonds (optional). Adding nuts will give your smoothie a richer taste, but it will also add fat and calories. Skip adding the nuts if you are trying to limit the calories, or add them to improve the texture and flavor of your smoothie. Measure out and add the desired amount of nuts to the blender. Shredded coconut is another great option if you are not a fan of nuts, but this will add about the same amount of fat and calories to your smoothie. Sprinkle in ¼ tsp (0.6 g) of cinnamon if desired. Adding a bit of cinnamon will also add flavor to your smoothie. Measure out the spice and add it to the blender. Nutmeg and ginger are also great options for making an apple smoothie! Use nutmeg or ginger as a substitute for cinnamon, or use ⅛ tsp (0.3 g) of each for extra spice. Blend until the ingredients are uniform. Cover your blender with the lid and hold the lid in place with 1 hand. Then, switch on your blender. Blend the ingredients on high until they are well combined. If your ingredients won't blend, you may need more liquid. Stop the blender and add another 1 fl oz (30 mL) to the ingredients. Then, resume blending. If ingredients get stuck to the sides of the blender, stop it and use a spoon or spatula to remove them. Then, replace the lid and try blending again. Place peeled apple slices into the blender. Use an apple peeler to remove the outer skin of the apple. Then, cut the apple into slices. Discard the core and the peel. Put the peeled apple slices into the blender. You may leave the peel on the apple slices if desired. Wash the outside of the apple with warm water and cut it into slices. Pour 4 fl oz (120 mL) of milk, orange juice, or water into the blender. Measure and pour the milk, juice, or water into the blender. Make sure that the liquid you use is cold or at room temperature. You can also use coconut water as your liquid. Add 8 oz (230 g) of frozen blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries. Choose 1 type of berry or use a combination of berries to add flavor to your smoothie. Buy a bag of frozen mixed berries so you can choose the berries you want to use! Add pineapple, melon, or mango to the mix for a tropical twist on your berry apple smoothie! Blend until the ingredients are well combined. Cover your blender with the lid and hold the lid in place with 1 hand. Then, switch on your blender. Blend the ingredients on high until they are well combined. If your ingredients won't blend, you may need more liquid. Stop the blender and add another 1 fl oz (30 mL) to the ingredients. Then, resume blending. If ingredients get stuck to the sides of the blender, stop it and use a spoon or spatula to remove them. Then, replace the lid and try blending again. Sweeten with 1 TBS (15 g) of sugar, honey, or maple syrup (optional). Taste the smoothie to see if it tastes sweet enough to you. If not, add a small amount of sweetener of your choice to the blender and blend until it is incorporated with the other ingredients. Serve the completed smoothie in a glass! Place the peeled apple slices into the blender. Use an apple peeler to remove the outer skin of the apple. Then, cut the apple into slices. Discard the apple core and peel. Then, put the peeled apple slices into the blender. You may leave the peel on the apple slices if desired. Wash the outside of the apple with warm water and cut it into slices. Pour 6 fl oz (180 mL) of milk or water into the blender. Measure and pour the milk or water into the blender. Make sure that the liquid you use is cold or at room temperature. Use any kind of milk you like, such as cow's milk, almond milk, soy milk, rice milk, cashew milk, etc. Coconut water also works well as a liquid base for smoothies. Add 8 oz (230 g) of ice cubes. Measure the amount of ice cubes you need and add these to the smoothie. The ice will thicken up your ingredients and make everything cold. Try replacing the frozen ice cubes with a frozen banana to add flavor and sweetness to your smoothie. Blend until the ingredients are smooth and transfer to a cup. Place the lid on your blender and hold it in place with 1 hand. Then, turn your blender on high. Blend the ingredients until they are well incorporated. If your ingredients don't blend easily or at all, you may need more liquid. Stop the blender and add another 1 fl oz (30 mL) to the ingredients. Then, turn the blender back on and keep blending. If ingredients get stuck to the sides of the blender, stop it and use a spoon or spatula to remove them. Then, replace the lid and try blending again. Top the smoothie with 1 TBS (15 mL) of caramel syrup. Drizzle the caramel syrup over the top of your smoothie. If desired, you may also drizzle the caramel into the cup before you pour the smoothie into it. Enjoy your smoothie! | Place peeled apple slices into the blender. Pour 8 fl oz (240 mL) of apple juice into the blender. Add 8 oz (230 g) of ice cubes to the blender. Include 2 TBS (30 g) of walnuts, peanuts, or almonds (optional). Sprinkle in ¼ tsp (0.6 g) of cinnamon if desired. Blend until the ingredients are uniform. Place peeled apple slices into the blender. Pour 4 fl oz (120 mL) of milk, orange juice, or water into the blender. Add 8 oz (230 g) of frozen blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries. Blend until the ingredients are well combined. Sweeten with 1 TBS (15 g) of sugar, honey, or maple syrup (optional). Place the peeled apple slices into the blender. Pour 6 fl oz (180 mL) of milk or water into the blender. Add 8 oz (230 g) of ice cubes. Blend until the ingredients are smooth and transfer to a cup. Top the smoothie with 1 TBS (15 mL) of caramel syrup. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Stale-Bread-Soft-Again | How to Make Stale Bread Soft Again | If you want to make stale bread soft again, wrap the bread in foil. If the crust of the bread is very hard, sprinkle a little water on the outside before you close the foil. Place the bread in a 300°F oven for 5-15 minutes or until the bread feels soft. If you added water, heat the bread until it no longer feels soggy. Eat the bread right away, since it will only stay soft for a few more hours. | Preheat your oven to a low temperature. Set your oven to 300ºF (150ºC). The heat will restore most stale bread, although the effect will only last a few hours. Add water only if the crust is hard. Even stale bread still contains plenty of water. It feels dry because the starch molecules have linked up and trapped the water. This means you don't need to add water to the crumb of the bread. If the bread has a hard outer crust, flick water onto it, or run it under the cold tap if extremely stale. If the bread turned dry from overheating, or if it was exposed to air, it has lost some of its water. Wet the whole loaf to restore moisture. Wrap the bread in foil. This prevents steam from escaping, keeping the moisture trapped in the bread instead. Heat until soft. If you dampened the bread, wait until it no longer feels soggy. Depending on the size of the loaf and whether or not you added water, this could take 5–15 minutes. Unwrap and heat for another five minutes if the crust is too soft. If the bread is soft but the once-hard crust is squishy, take off the foil. Keep heating for another five minutes, or until you've restored the crust to the right texture. Eat soon. Heat "melts" the starch molecule structure to release the trapped water, but also speeds up staling once the bread cools down. The bread will only last a few hours at most before it turns stale again. Bring water to a boil in the base of a steamer. Pour a shallow layer of water into the pan. Heat over high until the water reaches a rolling boil, then remove from heat. If you don't have a steamer, you'll need a colander that sits on top of the pan, and a lid that can fit over the colander. This methods adds less heat than the oven, but more moisture. The extra moisture is most helpful when the bread is very stale and hard, or if it was left out unwrapped. Place the stale loaf in the steamer basket. Place the basket over the steaming pan and cover with a lid. Leave covered until the bread is soft. Give the steam at least five minutes to soften the bread. Slice bread to eat right away. Microwaves do soften bread, but the results aren't perfect. Within a few minutes, the bread usually turns rubbery and even tougher than before. This is the fastest method, but it's best to save it for an immediate snack. This happens because the microwave boils away some of the water. The escaping steam pushes the starches into a denser structure, and leaves the bread dry. Slow heating in small increments can reduce this effect, but it's difficult to find a sweet spot that's still hot enough to soften the bread. Wrap in a damp paper towel. Lightly dampen a plain, white paper towel. Wrap it around your bread. This adds more moisture, and traps some of the steam in the bread to keep it soft. Heat in ten second intervals. Depending on how strong your microwave is, the bread might already be soft after ten seconds. If not, try again, checking frequently. | Preheat your oven to a low temperature. Add water only if the crust is hard. Wrap the bread in foil. Heat until soft. Unwrap and heat for another five minutes if the crust is too soft. Eat soon. Bring water to a boil in the base of a steamer. Place the stale loaf in the steamer basket. Leave covered until the bread is soft. Slice bread to eat right away. Wrap in a damp paper towel. Heat in ten second intervals. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Judge | How to Become a Judge | Before you can become a judge, you must attend law school and pass the bar exam. As an attorney, practice keeping a cool head and make sure you're respectful toward judicial assistants, court reporters, and the opposing counsel. To become a judge, you have to either apply or campaign and win an election. Cultivate good relationships with current judges who may support you, and don't give up! Even if you fail the first time, keep applying and pursing your dream! | Obtain a bachelor's degree from a 4-year university. To prepare yourself for getting into a top-notch law school, attend the best university possible. Ivy league schools such as Harvard, Yale and Princeton will prepare you well for law school. However, prestigious law schools often accept students from much smaller undergraduate institutions. Making sure that you participate in extracurricular activities like debate, and preparing well for the LSAT, are the most important things to remember while earning your bachelor's degree. There is no specific major requirement, but many law school applicants have bachelor of arts (BA) degrees in subjects like political science, sociology, history, business and economics. Every discipline has application to the field of law and therefore your future role as a judge. The more rigorous your undergraduate courses, the better prepared you will be for law school. Your performance in college will determine whether you're accepted into law school, so get the highest grades possible. Complete assignments promptly, keep up with your reading, and study adequately for exams. Get real-world experience by completing an internship at a law firm during your undergraduate years. The sooner you get familiar with the legal world, the better. Apply to law school. It takes many years to work your way to a judgeship, so you may want to attend law school as soon as you graduate from college. Apply to top law schools in areas where you might want to eventually practice law. Ace the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). It's important to score as highly as possible. Competition for getting into law school is notoriously high, and even more so at the best law schools in the country. People who go on to be judges are usually top scorers. Consider signing up for an LSAT preparatory course or hiring a private tutor to help you excel and receive a top score. If you are dissatisfied with your LSAT score, you can take the test again before applying to law school. Write intelligent, interesting personal statements. The ability to research, write and think analytically are key in law school. Show that you're a top candidate by putting a lot of time and thought into your personal statements and writing samples. Complete law school. Most law schools offer a 3-year program, and upon completion you receive a Juris Doctor degree. Don't let up on your commitment to getting good grades and being at the top of your class now; you'll need to stand out from your classmates as one of the best if you want to land a prestigious job after school. During the first year of law school, students learn the fundamentals of law, such as civil procedure, contracts, and torts. In the next two years, elective courses in specialized fields of law such as family law and tax law are offered. It's essential that you get experience working with lawyers while you're in law school. Set up a meeting with the career services office at your school to find out about internship opportunities in your area. Pass a bar exam. The bar exam is a test designed by the American Bar Association to determine whether a candidate is qualified to practice law in his or her jurisdiction. Each state has its own bar exam, and you will need to pass the exam in the state where you wish to practice. Bar exams in different states vary in their level of difficulty and pass/fail rates. Enroll in a bar preparatory course. There are a few different programs for bar review, the most popular of which are Barbri and Kaplan. Take the bar as soon as possible after graduating law school so that the information is fresh. If you don't pass the bar the first time you take it, you can try again. Work as an attorney. Judges must work as attorneys prior to attaining a judgeship. Attorneys represent clients before a court and in other legal proceedings to resolve disputes and protect their clients' interests. There are a variety of fields that a lawyer can specialize in, including immigration law, corporate law, tax law, civil rights law, environmental law, and intellectual property law. Choose a field that you are passionate about. When you are first starting out, apply for entry-level law positions at law firms and offices in your state. Spend a lot of time in the courtroom. Being a prosecutor or government attorney offers a unique chance to become intimately familiar with the way the bench operates. If you're drawn to this setting and prefer to spend your time in front of a judge rather than doing legal research, pursuing a position as a judge may be the right choice for you. It isn't mandatory to be a prosecutor to become a judge, but the majority of people who apply and are appointed to judgeships have a plenty of prosecutorial experience. Spending time in the courtroom is also beneficial because it gives standing judges and other people whose support you may later need the chance to get to know you. Do your best to become a regular, high-profile presence in your local court system. Prepare yourself to be a good judge. The path to obtaining a judgeship is about more than networking your way to the top. It's just as important to hone and display traits that you will need to take on the authority and honor of having the power to make tough legal decisions. Be respectful toward judicial assistants, court reporters, and the opposing counsel. Your job as an attorney is to advance justice, not disrupt court proceeding for the sake of advancing your own career. Display dignity and patience under stress. If you lose your temper or reveal an unfair bias during a heated moment, you won't be taken as seriously as a judicial candidate when the time comes to apply. Develop empathy for a broad range of people. As a judge, you will need to be a good listener to people from all walks of life. Every person deserves the same thoughtful, balanced, legally-accurate and just consideration, and it's your responsibility to deliver that. Apply for a judgeship in your state. Candidates apply for judgeships through a judicial nominating commission, or can be recommended by senators or other politicians. Either way, candidates must go through a lengthy application process. At the end of the process, they may be elected or appointed to work as judges, depending on the jurisdiction. Federal, state, and local judges have fixed or renewable terms of office, while some federal judges are appointed to lifelong terms. Be ready to disclose personal information in your application. A judge's past mistakes are always revealed, and sometimes they are rehashed in the press. You will be asked about your involvement in past lawsuits, treatment or counseling you have received for substance abuse, and so on. Send an application to bar associations. In addition to applying for a judgeship through the state supreme court, it's necessary to be evaluated by bar associations that may be influential judicial decision-making. Bar associations have the power to either recommend or choose not to recommend you for a judgeship, so these applications should be taken seriously. Apply more than once. Most people don't obtain a judgeship on the first try. In fact, failing the first time is almost considered to be a prerequisite for eventually getting a judgeship. Go through the application process again, continuing to garner support from judges and show your talent and qualifications in the courtroom. Get to know the judges in your district. Aside from having a thorough, well written application, the best thing you can do to enhance your chance of obtaining a judgeship is to get to know the judges. They will be more likely to support a candidate whom they know and respect. Continue appearing in court so that judges get used to your presence. Argue motions and try cases as often as possible. Attend conferences, meetings, and other events where you have the chance to speak one-on-one with judges. Support other people, so they'll support you. Don't expect to win people's support without putting in effort to help them succeed, too. Win an election. Depending on what judgeship you're pursuing, you may have to be elected, rather than appointed, for the role. In some cases you may win a temporary appointment with the understanding you will run for the position as a sitting judge. In any case, you must act as part of a political party and run a campaign to get or keep the seat. Be a people person. Running for an elective judicial office is like running for other political offices; you must have an appealing public persona that makes people want to vote for you. Raise money. All campaigns involve raising enough money to make you a viable contender. This isn't easy to do, but it's absolutely necessary. Complete the necessary training. Once you have been elected or appointed, you will need to complete certain introductory training programs or seminars before you can start practicing as a judge. Trainees may participate in court trials, review legal publications, and complete online exercises. Training may continue throughout your career to ensure you're informed about the latest changes to the law. | Obtain a bachelor's degree from a 4-year university. There is no specific major requirement, but many law school applicants have bachelor of arts (BA) degrees in subjects like political science, sociology, history, business and economics. Apply to law school. Complete law school. Pass a bar exam. Work as an attorney. Spend a lot of time in the courtroom. Prepare yourself to be a good judge. Apply for a judgeship in your state. Get to know the judges in your district. Win an election. Complete the necessary training. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Quit-Porn-as-a-Muslim | How to Quit Porn as a Muslim | Quitting porn as a Muslim can be stressful, but your faith can help you through the process, among other good habits. Try blocking porn sites using a program or browser extension to make it harder for yourself to give into temptation. Whenever you get the urge to watch porn, stay calm and say a prayer to bring you strength and wisdom. If you're still struggling, try doing some exercise or something productive to distract yourself. If you have a lot of free time, consider volunteering at your mosque or in your community to give you something better to focus on. You can also find a local 12-step program to help you deal with your impulses. If the pressure is too hard to deal with, consider talking to a close friend, family member, or imam for extra guidance. | Keep a diary to identify what triggers you to look at porn. Try keeping a diary of times when you felt tempted to access porn and any times that you followed through with the urges as well. Record how you were feeling, where you were, what time of day it was, and any other factors that you think may have contributed to your urge to access porn. Review your diary after 2 weeks to look for patterns. For example, you might notice that you tend to access porn late at night, after watching movies that feature love scenes, or when you're bored. Knowing these triggers can help you to be more mindful and prevent accessing porn. Make a list of the pros and cons of accessing porn. Writing down all the reasons why you like and dislike using porn may help you to see it as more negative than positive. This may also help you to become more mindful of the habit. List everything that you view as positive about accessing porn under the pros side and everything you see as negative about it under the cons side. For example, under pros you might list things like “relaxes me,” “takes my mind off being lonely,” and “makes me feel good for a little while.” Under the cons side, you might list things like, “costs me money,” “makes me feel ashamed,” “interferes with my social life,” and “is against my religion.” Try keeping the list with you and reading over it often to help remind yourself of the reasons why you want to stop using porn. Block porn sites on your computer and other devices. This may be a good option if you find yourself mindlessly accessing them. Download a browser that makes it easy to block the porn sites or change the settings in your existing browser to make these sites off limits. For a more extreme option, you might even cancel your home internet access for a month or two so that you will have no way of getting to porn sites while you are at home. Say a prayer whenever you get the urge to access porn. If your faith is your primary motivation for quitting porn, praying may be a helpful strategy for you. Try saying a prayer every time you get the urge to access porn. You might even write down a prayer to recite and pull it out any time you feel tempted. Watch for signs of porn addiction in yourself. Porn addiction can cause many of the same types of issues as other addictions, such as to alcohol or drugs. Check yourself for symptoms to determine if you might benefit from seeking help. You might be addicted to porn if you: Feel out of control and unable to stop or limit your porn use. Experience a cycle of shame, guilt, remorse, and depression after viewing porn. Go out of your way to conceal your porn habit from other people. Spend a large amount of time thinking about pornography. Have increased the amount of time that you spend watching porn and it's interfering with other responsibilities. Experience relationship issues as a result of your porn use. Talk with a trusted friend, family member, or imam. Reaching out to someone for help is an important part of recovery, so find someone trustworthy to talk to about what you're going through. Make sure to choose someone who makes you feel comfortable and who will not criticize you or shame you for your addiction. Try saying something like, “I think I might be addicted to pornography and I want to stop using it.” Or you could say something like, “I'm worried that I might have an addiction. I am not sure what to do about it.” Find a therapist who has experience treating porn addiction. Psychotherapy is one of the best ways to work through a porn addiction because a therapist can help you to develop new tools and strategies to avoid using porn. They can also help you to better understand the addiction and this may also help you to stop. Find a therapist who has experience treating porn addiction and meet with them regularly. You can search online to find a therapist in your area who may be able to help you. Look into 12-step support groups in your area. Look into Sexaholics Anonymous (SA) meetings in your area and go to a meeting. Attending 12-step support group meetings can help you by giving you opportunities to share your experiences and hear what other people have done to overcome similar circumstances. Being part of a community of people who are all working to overcome their addiction to sex and porn may also help you to feel less alone. If there are no meetings in your area, consider participating in online meetings or an online forum on overcoming porn addiction. Ask your doctor about trying medication to help reduce your urges. While medication has not been well studied for its effects on treating porn addiction, some medications can help to reduce your libido and curb addictive tendencies. Ask your doctor about medications if your addiction is severe or if you have been unable to control your porn use with other strategies. Examples of medications that may be helpful for treating porn addiction include naltrexone, paroxetine, and SSRI antidepressants, such as fluoxetine and sertraline. Exercise for 30 minutes on most days of the week. Exercising can help you to feel better by releasing endorphins and reducing stress. This may make you less likely to want to access porn. Choose a form of exercise that you enjoy and participate in it for 30 minutes on most days of the week. For example, you could try running, biking, swimming, boxing, or something else that you like doing. Volunteer at your mosque or in your community to fill spare time. Spending spare time helping people or promoting a good cause may help to get your mind off of porn. Look into activities that you could participate in through your mosque if you want to spend more time around other Muslims or work on deepening your faith. Or, you could volunteer at a local homeless shelter or other charity for the less fortunate. You could also look into a class or study group at your mosque to help you develop your relationship with Allah. Set goals for yourself to stay focused on something positive. Having goals may also help you to avoid accessing porn. Identify a skill you'd like to learn, a hobby you'd like to take up, or a personal goal you'd like to work towards. For example, you could set a goal to run a 5K, learn to play an instrument, or learn a new language. Manage stress and anxiety with relaxation techniques. If you sometimes feel triggered to access porn due to stress, learning some stress reduction techniques may be helpful. Try doing deep breathing , yoga , meditation , or progressive muscle relaxation whenever you feel stressed and see if this helps to reduce your urge to access porn. | Keep a diary to identify what triggers you to look at porn. Make a list of the pros and cons of accessing porn. Block porn sites on your computer and other devices. Say a prayer whenever you get the urge to access porn. Watch for signs of porn addiction in yourself. Talk with a trusted friend, family member, or imam. Find a therapist who has experience treating porn addiction. Look into 12-step support groups in your area. Ask your doctor about trying medication to help reduce your urges. Exercise for 30 minutes on most days of the week. Volunteer at your mosque or in your community to fill spare time. Set goals for yourself to stay focused on something positive. Manage stress and anxiety with relaxation techniques. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Private-Foundation | How to Start a Private Foundation | To start a private foundation, choose the type of charitable work you want to support and create a unique name for your foundation. Next, draw up Articles of Incorporation documents, submit them to your Secretary of State's business office, and pay the required filing fee. Then, draw up a conflict of interest policy, establish funding guidelines, and apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Don't forget to file paperwork with the IRS to receive your tax exempt status! | Understand what a private foundation is. A private foundation is a nongovernmental, nonprofit corporation organized "exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, scientific and literary purposes" under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. It is organized by a family, individual or corporation to make donations (grants) to other nonprofit organizations. Here are some key characteristics of a private foundation. Funding - Unlike many nonprofits whose work is supported by donations from the public, a private foundation is funded by an investment of cash, securities and other assets from the founder. Activities - Nonprofits provide various types of services for charitable or educational purposes. A private foundation's principal activity is making grants to nonprofits to support their activities. Tax Status - Like other nonprofits, private foundations are exempt from income tax. They are, however, subject to a one or two percent excise tax on income generated by investments. Clarify why you want to set up a foundation. There are many reasons people choose to set up a private foundation. Before you make this step, you should think seriously about your reasons, and what you want to accomplish. They might include: Tax advantages - They can be significant. As an individual, you can donate up to 30% of your annual income to a private foundation and receive a tax deduction. Controlling your philanthropic activities - Unlike other planned giving vehicles, a private foundation allows you - the founder - to tightly control what types of charities receive support, as well as the management of the assets funding that support. Supporting a pet cause - If you have a cause that is dear to your heart, you might want to set up your foundation to fund charities that are working in that area. Creating a legacy - You might choose to name your foundation after yourself, to carry on and associate your family name with good works. You could also consider naming the foundation after someone you want to honor. Involving your family - A private foundation can be a way to get your family members involved in philanthropic activities. You can name them to the board, or hire them as staff. Identify your areas of interest. An important aspect of starting a foundation is deciding what types of charitable work you want to support. Sometimes founders know right away what they want to support, but others need to give it some thought. While some foundations are very general about their funding, most foundations have specific topics, causes or geographic regions they prefer to focus on. You can get as specific as you like, depending on your interests. Before you decide on your causes , it's a good idea to do research to learn about the needs in that area and the organizations that are involved in that work. Incorporate. A private foundation must be incorporated in the state where it will conduct its business. You can hire an attorney to do this for you, or you can do it yourself. Specific requirements will vary from state to state. Check with your Secretary of State's business office to learn the exact procedure you should follow for the state in which you live. In general, you will need to do the following: Verify that your proposed foundation name is not registered to another corporation. This can often be done with an online search. Draw up Articles of Incorporation, which is the legal document that governs the management of your corporation. If you are handling the process yourself, look for templates online for incorporating a nonprofit entity in your state. Identify your board members. Most states require that new corporations have at least three members serving on the board of directors. You will name them in the Articles of Incorporation. Pay the required filing fees. Draw up a set of by-laws (optional). By-laws are an organization's internal operating rules. They establish the rules for selecting board members, board terms, and specify the organization's fiscal year. Some states require nonprofits to have by-laws and some do not; check with your state's Secretary of State to be sure. Even if you are not required to, it's a good idea to have by-laws as a reference document, as you will occasionally need to provide documentation about the items covered in them. Draw up a conflict of interest policy. The policy will handle instances where the personal interest of a board member or office are at odds with the best interest of the organization. A common example of a conflict of interest is when a board member's firm is hired to perform services for the organization. These types of transactions are not illegal, and can be perfectly acceptable if the decision was vetted in an objective way and truly benefits the organization. You can find templates of conflict of interest policies online. A policy typically: Prohibits or limits transactions where conflict is an issue Requires board members to disclose potential conflicts Requires board members to recuse themselves from making decisions in which they have a personal interest Establishes guidelines for requiring competitive bid processes for transactions over a certain dollar amount, to ensure that organizations are getting fair value. Establish funding guidelines. Your funding guidelines will spell out the interest areas you identified earlier, the process by which you distribute funds, and how or whether organizations can request grants from you. Here are some things to include: Selection of grantees - You can decide to give grants only to organizations that you identify yourself, or to accept grant proposals from charities who want funding. If you choose the latter, you can decide whether you want to allow only proposals that you solicit, or whether any eligible organization can apply. Application process - If you opt to receive applications for funding, you'll need to decide what your process will be. What information do you want to know about the proposed project or organization? It can be as simple as a form or a letter mailed to your foundation, or a very detailed proposal, according to your preference. Whatever you decide, your guidelines should carefully and specifically spell out what you want from applicants. Grant ranges - You will need to determine how large your grants will be. This will be determined in large part by the size of your endowment and how your investments are performing. Calendar - If you intend to accept proposals, you will need to decide how often you want to review them. You can set any schedule you like, from a rolling basis to once a year. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is like a social security number for a business. It will be used by government agencies to identify your foundation. Even if you don't intend to hire any employees, it's a good idea to have an EIN for your foundation. There is no fee to get an EIN. To apply for an EIN: Download and complete IRS Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number. Your EIN will be mailed to you after your paperwork is processed. Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933. A representative will take your information over the phone and issue your EIN at the end of the call. Complete the Internet EIN application. At the end of the process, you will receive your EIN. Apply to the IRS. In order to receive your tax exempt status , you will need to file the correct paperwork with the IRS. The main form you need is Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This form asks questions about how your corporation is organized, what your primary activities will be, the composition of your board of directors , your foundation's financial information, and other details. Be prepared to include: A copy of your grant making guidelines Copies of your organization's organizing documents (articles of incorporation, bylaws, etc.). The correct filing fees. Check the IRS website to verify the current required fees. Be prepared to answer follow up questions. It is very common for the IRS to have questions about your application for tax exempt status. Do not be discouraged if this happens. Be prepared to answer any questions thoroughly. | Understand what a private foundation is. Clarify why you want to set up a foundation. Identify your areas of interest. Incorporate. Draw up a set of by-laws (optional). Draw up a conflict of interest policy. Establish funding guidelines. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Apply to the IRS. Be prepared to answer follow up questions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Your-Cat%27s-Diarrhea | How to Stop Your Cat's Diarrhea | If your cat has only had diarrhea for a day or less, make sure it's drinking enough water, and check to see if the diarrhea may have been caused by any new changes in your cat's diet. However, if the diarrhea lasts for longer than a few days, your best bet is to go to the vet. If your veterinarian prescribes medication, wrap your cat in a towel like a cocoon and give the medication using a syringe at the side of the cat's mouth. | Know when to go to the veterinarian. If your cat has diarrhea that lasts more than a few days, if she's also vomiting, or if she also seems lethargic (more tired than usual) she needs veterinary attention. Call your vet and ask if you should bring a sample of the feces with you in case your veterinarian wants to do an analysis of the specimen. Take your cat to the veterinarian. Bring a fresh fecal sample that's less than 12 hours old. Small amounts of red blood in the stool may be a minor issue. If the stool appears black and sticky (or “tarry”), it may mean that digested blood is coming from the stomach and that a stomach ulcer may have formed. Your veterinarian will probably do some tests (blood work, fecal analysis for internal parasites, x-rays, ultrasound) and prescribe a medication. If your veterinarian finds intestinal parasites in your cat's stool, the appropriate medication will be prescribed. If it's not an intestinal parasite, the veterinarian may prescribe a medication to slow down the diarrhea, such as Metronidazole, Prednisolone or Tylosin. Give your cat the prescribed medication. Bring your cat into a small room and shut the door. Hold your cat firmly in your left arm (if you're right-handed) and wrap her in a towel like a cocoon if she will let you. Give the medicine using a syringe (or eyedropper) at the side of the cat's mouth and administer a little at a time. Make sure the cat is swallowing the medicine and not just letting it drip out. Your veterinarian should include a syringe or eyedropper when they dispense liquid medications. It never hurts to ask for a second one just in case you need a back up. You may want to give your cat a second syringe with a small amount of room temperature water to swallow: this will help clear the medicine taste from his mouth. Observe whether the cat improves. Be sure to ask your vet how soon you should see improvement. Some chronic conditions, like inflammatory bowel disease, may need medication for months, perhaps for life. If the treatment plan is working for your cat, the diarrhea should improve or be resolved completely. Signs of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are: weight loss, dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your veterinarian will need to run tests to determine if your cat has IBD, chronic diarrhea related to intestinal cancer, or regular diarrhea. Consider any changes to the cat's food. If the diarrhea happened within a day or so of changing cat foods or introducing a new food, it could be the new diet. Go back to the old food that was not causing problems and the stool may go back to normal. When the stool is firmed up, try changing the diet very gradually, a little new food at a time. Consider if your cat has food allergies. If you suspect your cat is allergic to her food, try changing her diet. Food sensitivities (allergies) do occur in cats and may cause diarrhea. So, when changing the diet, make sure the new food has very different ingredients than the old food, otherwise, there may not be much difference to the cat at all. Your veterinarian can also discuss with you trying a high fiber diet for your cat. This may include the use of a prescription diet available only through veterinary channels, and not found on the pet store shelves. Royal Canin, Hill's Prescription Diets and Purina pet food companies have a veterinary-only subset of diets created for special medical conditions. Gradually introduce a new diet. For some pets, you might slowly introduce a new food. A good ratio might be 90 percent current food and 10 percent new food. Gradually increase the amount until you reach all new food in about 10 days. Let your kitty tell you how fast you can switch to the new diet. Other cats may prefer adding 10% new food and remaining at that ratio for 3-5 days before adding in 10% more. There is no hard and fast rule and it is not a race. Use Metamucil. Adding half a teaspoon of unflavored Metamucil into your cat's food once or twice a day for 5-7 days may help firm things up. Canned plain pumpkin may do the same thing. Both Metamucil and canned pumpkin are high in fiber. Add probiotics to your cat’s diet. Probiotics add good intestinal “bugs” back into the gastrointestinal system to help rebalance a system that is out of sorts with the diarrhea. An easy and tasty option is FortiFlora for cats, an over the counter (OTC) Purina product. Offer plenty of water. Water loss can be significant with ongoing diarrhea and your pet can get dehydrated. To detect dehydration, gently pinch the normally loose skin at the back of the neck. When a cat is normally hydrated, the skin snaps right back down. If the pinched skin smooths out slowly, or remains tented, the cat is dehydrated. If the cat appears to be dehydrated, take her to the vet right away. | Know when to go to the veterinarian. Take your cat to the veterinarian. Give your cat the prescribed medication. Observe whether the cat improves. Consider any changes to the cat's food. Consider if your cat has food allergies. Gradually introduce a new diet. Use Metamucil. Add probiotics to your cat’s diet. Offer plenty of water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pipe-from-a-Soda-Can | How to Make a Pipe from a Soda Can | To make a pipe from a soda can, first rinse the can out with clean water and let it dry. Once the can has dried, use your thumb to make a small indentation on the side of the can. Next, punch several small holes close together in the base of the indentation with a needle, pin, or pen. Use a pen to make a larger hole somewhere else on the side of the can, which you'll cover with your thumb while you smoke. Sand the area around the indentation to remove any chemicals that may be vaporized while you smoke. When you're ready to smoke, place your material on the indentation, cover the large hole with your finger, and inhale through the mouth of the can to fill it with smoke. Release your finger when you're ready to inhale the smoke. Remember that heating aluminum to high temperatures is linked with serious health risks, so it would be safer to build a pipe out of other easily available household items, like an apple or a potato. | Get a pull-tab aluminum can. A typical 12 oz soda can works fine, as well as a larger "tallboy" style can. Make sure all the soda or beer is out of the can and rinse it out with clean water. Let it dry before continuing with the process. Get a needle, pin or other sharp object. The next step is to make holes in the center of the can's side. A pencil or pen is also an effective hole-poker. If nothing is available, consider breaking the can's tab in half and using the sharp point to create a series of small holes. Make an thumb-sized indention on side of the can. Since you'll want to place your smokables on the other side of the hole you'll smoke out of, make it the opposite side of the mouth of the can. Use your thumb to press in a shallow rut. Poke small holes. Use the needle, pin or other piercing implement to poke a pattern of holes over the basin formed by the indention. They don't need to be big, but the more of them you make, the better. Create a grate-like pattern. Poke a large hole on the side. Pick location which feels most natural to cover with a finger or thumb as you smoke, then use a sharpened pencil or a pen to pierce the can. Remove the tab off the can. Wiggle the tab back and forth on the can until the metal attaching it weakens and breaks away. Work carefully to avoid accidentally dropping the tab into the can. Condition the pipe by heating the smoking area and the adjacent area of the can. While there's no scientific evidence to back this claim, the general idea is that this will vaporize chemicals used to coat the interior of the can before you light up. You can also sand the paint off the indention and the adjacent area. The belief is that this removes a large part of the potentially harmful material that might be vaporized as you smoke. You can use the end of the hole-poker you used, or some sandpaper if some is available. Smoke. To smoke, place your tobacco or other smoking material on the indentation, hold you mouth to the drinking hole in the can, and cover the cab with your thumb. Inhale to fill the can with smoke and release the carb when you're ready to inhale. Understand the health risks. Heating and inhaling aluminum is commonly believed to have a link to Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases. While it's true that it's difficult to heat the aluminum to a high enough vaporization point using a simple Bic lighter, it's also inefficient and probably best to not mess with. Studies are inconclusive on whether aluminum can cause Alzheimer's. That said, the plastics used in the paint and inner lining can contain BPA, and it isn't clear that heating and sanding will remove enough of these plastics. When smoked, it's possible that they may increase your risk of cancer. The basic principle of the soda-can pipe can also be transferred to widely available things like apples, potatoes, and other things that don't have the harmful potential for side-effects. Smoke at your own risk. Assemble the necessary materials. If you want to make a water-pipe or bong-style pipe to smoke out of, you'll need: Two 12 oz cans Tape Can opener Scissors A trumpet mouthpiece or glass slide Water Cut the ends off the cans. After rinsing and drying two 12 ounce (340 g) cans, you'll want to use the can opener to remove both ends of one can and the top end of the other can. Use the can opener as you normally would to open a can of soup. Now, you should have one cylinder with both ends removed and one with no top which will act as the base. Bend in the sharp edges of the top of the can with both ends cut out. Cover it with tape to make sure you can't get cut on the edge. You will place your mouth on this end. Poke a hole in the side of the can with the base. On the side of the can, poke a hole large enough to fit the stem of the mouthpiece or whatever you plan on lighting your smokables in. Try to make sure you round out of the edges of the hole. You can cover it with plenty of layers of tape. Attach the mouthpiece, so it fits snugly. Connect it with tape. Spend some time building up the tape layers so it'll fit snugly. Tape the cylinder on top of the base can. Tape both cans together to create the full chamber of the water pipe. Add water to the pipe. Fill it with enough water so that the stem of the mouthpiece is slightly submerged. Smoke. To smoke, fill the mouthpiece with whatever you're planning on smoking and inhale through the top of the top can. When the chamber fills with smoke, remove the mouthpiece when you want to inhale. | Get a pull-tab aluminum can. Get a needle, pin or other sharp object. Make an thumb-sized indention on side of the can. Poke small holes. Poke a large hole on the side. Remove the tab off the can. Condition the pipe by heating the smoking area and the adjacent area of the can. Smoke. Understand the health risks. Assemble the necessary materials. Cut the ends off the cans. Bend in the sharp edges of the top of the can with both ends cut out. Poke a hole in the side of the can with the base. Attach the mouthpiece, so it fits snugly. Tape the cylinder on top of the base can. Add water to the pipe. Smoke. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-an-Overly-Friendly-Neighbor | How to Deal with an Overly Friendly Neighbor | Overly-friendly neighbors can be frustrating, but you can establish some healthy boundaries with them to keep yourself sane. When you see your neighbor, just say something like, "Hi there! I'm in a rush and can't chat. Talk to you later!" Do this a few times and eventually your neighbor should get the hint that you prefer to keep to yourself. If you do get caught in a conversation with them, end the conversation politely by saying something like, "I have to get started on dinner now," or "I've got to get back to doing laundry, talk to you later!" The more you distance yourself from your neighbor and avoid talking to them, the more likely they are to start leaving you alone. | Resist the urge to avoid them. While it may seem easiest just to avoid your neighbor — say by peeking out your window to make sure they aren't around when you leave the house or by pretending you're not home when they knock — this is simply prolonging the issue and may, in fact, cause their behavior to escalate. Instead of avoiding your neighbor, you can set boundaries in a very non-confrontational way. Look outside before exiting. The easiest way to avoid your overly friendly neighbor is to look outside before walking out the door. Peer through your peephole or window and, if you see them, wait a few minutes before opening the door. If you exit your apartment and hear them around the corner, avoid an awkward encounter by waiting for them to leave the building or enter their apartment. Tell them you’re in a rush and can’t chat. You might not have time in your schedule to wait for them to leave the scene, or they might see you head out and bombard you. Stop a long-winded conversation before it starts. Smile, wave or say hello, and keep walking. Say something like, “Hi there! I'm in a rush and can't chat. Catch up with you later!” With any luck, they'll take the hint after you do this a couple of times. Excuse yourself politely to exit conversations. A friendly, neighborly conversation starts to get stale after about four minutes. If they start to gab and you've reached your limit, find a way to gracefully end the conversation. Try saying, “Well, I'm running late for an appointment. Have a good one!” Other excuses could be a lunch or dinner date, work, or meeting your workout partner. If you're entering your home, you could say, “I have to start dinner,” or “I have piles of laundry (or another chore) to do.” You could always just leave it vague and say, “I just noticed the time - I have to run!” Reschedule chats to a more convenient time. If your neighbor is at your door, you are not required to answer, especially if you don't feel safe doing so. If, however, you feel comfortable answering the door, you can quickly set a boundary by saying, "Now is really not a great time for me to talk." If you wish to have a relationship with your neighbor, suggest an alternate time that you can talk. Say, "Are you free tomorrow afternoon, around four? I'll be free then and would love to take a walk and catch up." If you don't like them dropping by unannounced, you can also tell them politely, “It's really best to call or set something up instead of popping in.” Consider how long you’ll be neighbors. If you're a renter or selling your home, and you know you'll be leaving the neighborhood soon, you might just want to set boundaries (for instance by telling your neighbor "Sorry, I don't have time to chat!") and not actually get into a discussion about their behavior. Matters are a bit more complicated if you and your neighbor are both homeowners or long-term renters. You should confront them about your discomfort instead of trying to spare their feelings or let tensions mount. Confront them sooner rather than later. If you've politely given hints or tried to avoid them with no luck, you might have to have a face-to-face conversation with them. You should make your feelings clear as soon as you notice an issue developing. Delaying a calm, firm conversation will only encourage their intrusive behavior. You might feel the urge to just be nice and spare their feelings, but letting tensions mount could result in a bigger issue in the future. Further, if you lead them to believe their behavior is fine, you'll end up hurting their feelings more when you finally make your feelings known. Be firm and honest about how they make you feel. You should be clear and honest with your neighbors about any issues. Be respectful and polite, but try not to sugarcoat your point too much. Try saying, “You are a warm, nice person. I know you're being friendly, and I hope you don't find me rude, but I'm just not very social.” If you'd like, you could add something like, “My schedule is just so tight right now, and I have so many responsibilities to juggle. I find our chats pleasant, but they always seem to make me run late!” Act as a united front if you’re married or have a roommate. If you live with a spouse or roommate, talk to them about how to handle your overly friendly neighbor. Come up with a strategy and make sure you both follow through with it. In any case, make sure you and your spouse or roommate are a united front. Sending mixed signals will only aggravate the situation. For example, if your neighbor follows you to your door and tries to come in, you could say, “My roommate and I have a 'call ahead' policy — we really don't like people dropping by.” Explain the kind of neighborly relationship you desire. Try explaining to them that, in your experience, good fences make good neighbors. Tell them that you'd like to have an amicable relationship and look out for each other's property, but aren't comfortable with anything more. Try saying, “I've become close with neighbors in the past, but ended up having a terrible disagreement that's made me wary of getting too close to my neighbors. I hope you aren't insulted, and I mean no offense, but I think it's best to keep some boundaries.” Confront your neighbor who gossips. You might like that your friendly neighborhood gossip lets you know about fascinating local news. However, keep your conversations brief, and stick to inoffensive topics. You should ask them not to talk badly about your other neighbors if they start to make things too personal. If they start putting someone down, try changing the subject or find an excuse to leave. If they ask you about your business or for your opinion on someone else, just let them know you're not friendly enough with them to share your or anyone else's secrets. Calmly say, “I really don't like talking badly about other people, especially neighbors.” Stop your neighbor from bringing over food. It's nice when a neighbor bakes you a pie every now and then, but an overly friendly neighbor might try to make it a daily or weekly ritual. They might also try to make you feel obligated to return the favor. If it becomes a problem, express your gratitude, but make it clear you want them to stop. Suppose your neighbor starts bringing over food every few days, and you're tired of it. Tell them, “You know, I really have to start making my own food! I just can't accept any more of yours.” You could try to be polite and say, “I don't want to put you out or burden you.” If they persist, respond by saying, “I really hate to say it, but it'll probably just go to waste. I really appreciate it, but we don't eat many sweets (or whichever items they prepare).” You could also try suggesting a local charity, like a religious organization or soup kitchen, that would welcome their baking or cooking skills. Deal with a neighbor who doesn’t respect your space. In more extreme cases, an overly friendly neighbor might insist on touching you or otherwise intruding your personal space. Even if they believe touching your shoulder when they greet you is harmless, you should tell them to stop if it makes you uncomfortable. Look them in the eye, stand up straight, and do your best to project confidence. Calmly and assertively say, “I don't feel comfortable with being touched like that.” There's no need to make excuses for them or apologize, but you can gauge your response based on your level of discomfort. If your neighbor touches your shoulder, and it's annoying but you don't find it threatening, politely tell them to stop. If they touch you in way you feel is inappropriate, tell them their action is harassment, and don't hesitate to notify authorities if they persist. Contact authorities if you feel unsafe. In rare cases, an overly friendly neighbor might be unstable or threaten your safety. You should get help if they respond in a threatening way to the hints you've dropped or conversations you've had about your space. First, contact your property manager or homeowner's association. They can help mediate the situation before it escalates. If you believe you're in immediate danger, call the police or emergency services. Ask your property manager about relocating. If you live in an apartment complex or building, relocating to another floor or section of the complex might be an option worth exploring. That way, you'll avoid daily interactions with your intrusive neighbor without having to go through the burden of moving to another complex. Describe your situation to your property manager. Ask them, "Are there any available apartments on another floor or in a building on the other side of the complex?" Be sure to ask them to waive security deposits and other fees, since you're an existing resident relocating due to an issue that's out of your control. | Resist the urge to avoid them. Look outside before exiting. Tell them you’re in a rush and can’t chat. Excuse yourself politely to exit conversations. Reschedule chats to a more convenient time. Consider how long you’ll be neighbors. Confront them sooner rather than later. Be firm and honest about how they make you feel. Act as a united front if you’re married or have a roommate. Explain the kind of neighborly relationship you desire. Confront your neighbor who gossips. Stop your neighbor from bringing over food. Deal with a neighbor who doesn’t respect your space. Contact authorities if you feel unsafe. Ask your property manager about relocating. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Square-Meters | How to Calculate Square Meters | To calculate square meters, first measure the length of the area you're measuring. Then, measure the width. Convert any centimeters in your measurement to meters. For example, if the length you measured is 2 meters and 35 centimeters, you would convert the 35 centimeters to meters by moving the decimal point two digits to the left, which would give you 0.35 meters. Therefore, the length is 2.35 meters. Finally, multiply the length and width to get the number of square meters. For example, if the length is 2.35 meters and the width is 2 meters, you would multiply 2.35 by 2 and get 4.7. Therefore, the area you're measuring is 4.7 square meters. If you're measuring in feet instead of meters, first convert any inches in your measurements to feet by dividing the number of inches by 12. For example, if the width of the area you're measuring is 10 feet and 5 inches, you would divide 5 by 12 and get 0.42. Therefore, the width is 10.42 feet. Multiply the length by the width to get the number of square feet, then multiply the number of square feet by 0.093 to find the number of square meters. For example, if the area you're measuring is 2 square feet, you would multiply 2 by 0.093 and get 0.186. Therefore, the area is 0.186 square meters. | Choose a meter stick or metric tape measure. Select a meter stick ruler or tape measure with meters (m) or centimeters (cm) printed on it. These tools will make it easier to calculate square meters, since they were designed in the same system of measurement. If you can only find a ruler with feet (ft) or inches (in), measure with those instead, then go to the section on converting to square meters. Measure the length of the area you're measuring. Square meters are a unit for measuring area, or the size of a two-dimensional object such as a floor or a field. Use your measuring tool to measure one side of the object, from one corner to the other. Write down the result. If the object is longer than 1 meter, remember to include both the meter and centimeter parts of the measurement. For instance, "2 meters 35 centimeters." If you want to measure an object that isn't rectangular or square, read the Complex Shapes section instead. If you can't measure the entire length at once, do it in stages. Lay out the measuring tool, then put down a rock or other small object exactly at an easy to remember mark (like 1 meter or 25 centimeters). Pick up the tool and lay it down again, starting at the small object. Repeat until the entire length is covered, and add all your measurements together. Measure the width. Use the same tool to measure the width of the same area or object. The side you measure in this step should be angled close to 90º away from the length of the object you measured earlier, like two sides of a square next to each other. Write this number down as well. Unless the object you're measuring is much smaller than 1 meter, you can round to the nearest centimeter when making your measurements. For instance, if the width is slightly past the 1 meter 8 centimeter mark, just use '"1m 8cm" as your measurement, without using decimals or millimeter measurements. Convert from centimeters to meters. Usually, the measurements won't divide evenly into meters. Instead, you'll have a measurement in both meters and centimeters, for example "2 meters 35 centimeters." Because 1 centimeter = 0.01 meters, you can convert a centimeter measurement into meters by moving the decimal point two digits to the left. Here are a couple examples: 35cm = 0.35m, so 2m 35cm = 2m + 0.35m = 2.35m 8cm = 0.08m, so 1m 8cm = 1.08m Multiply the length and width together. Once both measurements are converted into meters, multiply them together to get the measurement of the area in square meters. Use a calculator if necessary. For example: 2.35m x 1.08m = 2.538 square meters (m ). Round to a more convenient measurement. If you get a long decimal as an answer, for instance 2.538 square meters, you'll probably want to round it to a number with fewer digits, for instance 2.54 square meters. In fact, since you probably didn't measure correctly down to the tiniest fraction of a meter, the last digits probably aren't accurate anyway. In most cases, you can round to the nearest centimeter (0.01m). For a more accurate measurement, learn how to round to the significant digits. Whenever you multiply two numbers with the same units (for instance, meters), the answer is always in the form of that unit squared (m , or square meters). Multiply square feet by 0.093 . Measure the length and width in feet and multiply them together to get a result in square feet. Since 1 square foot = 0.093 square meters, multiply your result by 0.093 to get the answer in square meters instead. Square meters are bigger than square feet, so it will take fewer of them to cover the same area. For greater precision, multiply by 0.092903 instead. Multiply square yards by 0.84 . If you have the measurement in square yards, multiply by 0.84 to get the measurement in square meters. For greater precision, multiply by 0.83613 instead. Multiply acres by 4050. One acre contains about 4050 square meters. If you want to be more precise, multiply by 4046.9 instead. Convert square miles to square kilometers instead. One square mile is much, much larger than a square meter, so typically it is converted into square kilometers instead. Multiply the square miles by 2.6 to find the area in square kilometers instead. (Or multiply by 2.59 instead to be more precise.) If you really want to convert to square meters, 1 square kilometer = 1,000,000 square meters. Convert square meters to units of area, not length. Square meters are a unit that measures area , or two-dimensional surfaces. It doesn't make any sense to compare them with units that measure length , or distance in one direction. You can convert between "square meters" and "square feet," but not between "square meters" and "feet." Don't use the calculations in this section to convert between units of length. That requires different numbers. Break the shape up into pieces. If you are solving a math problem, draw or cut lines in the shape to divide it into simpler shapes, such as rectangles and triangles. If you are measuring a room or other physical object, sketch a diagram of the area first, then do the same thing. Take measurements of each section and write them on the diagram. Follow the instructions below to find the area of each section, then add the results together. Measure rectangle shaped pieces as you would normally. To find the area in square meters for rectangular sections, see the instructions for calculating an area in square meters. If you are measuring in a different unit, look at the section on other units. Measure right triangles similarly, then divide by two. A right triangle, which has a 90º angle just like the corners of a square, has an area easy to calculate. Measure the two sides next to that 90º corner (the length and width), multiply them together, then divide by two to get the answer in square meters. This works because a right triangle is exactly the size of a rectangle cut in half. Basically, you found the area of a rectangle as usual, then divided by two to get the area of the triangle. Turn other triangles into right triangles, then measure them. Draw a line from any corner of a triangle to the opposite side, so that the line hits the opposite side at a 90º angle (picture the corner of a square). You've just divided the triangle into two pieces, each one a right triangle! See above for instructions on how to find the area of a right triangle; measure each of the two sub-triangles separately, and add them together. Calculate the area of a circle. The area of a circle is πr , where r is the radius, or distance from the center of the circle to the rim, or perimeter. Measure this distance, multiply it by itself, then multiply the result by π on a calculator. If you don't have a calculator with a π function, use 3.14 instead (or 3.1416 if high precision is required). If you're not sure where the center is, have a friend hold a tape measure and walk around the edge of the circle. Hold the other end of the tape measure and adjust your position until the measurement stays the same while your friend walks around the entire edge. More complicated curved boundaries require more advanced math to calculate. If you are measuring a room for practical purposes, it might be easier to estimate the area by pretending the curved surfaces are a series of straight lines. | Choose a meter stick or metric tape measure. Measure the length of the area you're measuring. If you can't measure the entire length at once, do it in stages. Measure the width. Convert from centimeters to meters. Multiply the length and width together. Round to a more convenient measurement. Multiply square feet by 0.093 Multiply square yards by 0.84 Multiply acres by 4050. Convert square miles to square kilometers instead. Convert square meters to units of area, not length. Break the shape up into pieces. Measure rectangle shaped pieces as you would normally. Measure right triangles similarly, then divide by two. Turn other triangles into right triangles, then measure them. Calculate the area of a circle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Spot-a-Fake-Lacoste-Polo | How to Spot a Fake Lacoste Polo | When you're trying to spot a fake Lacoste polo, start by checking the crocodile patch on the left breast of the shirt. The crocodile should be a dark green on a white patch, and should have distinct claws and teeth. Also, its top jaw should be smaller than the bottom one and angled up. In addition, the patch should rest between the bottom stitching on the collar and the second button. | Look for detailed features like claws and teeth. The official logo is a deep, dark green with noticeable teeth and claws. The top jaw is smaller than the bottom jaw and is angled upwards. The crocodile's tail should be rounded and point in the same direction as the jaw, not at the crocodile. The eye should also look more slit-like than rounded. If the crocodile looks cartoonish and lacks detail, the shirt is a sure fake. Lacoste's Vintage brand is an exception. The crocodile will be high-quality but the same color as the shirt. Make sure the logo is on a white background. The logo is a patch that is lightly sewn on from behind. You won't see the stitching when you look at it from the front. Look out for stitching around the patch's border, loose threads, or needle hole marks. These are signs that the polo is a fake. On a few brands, such as the Vintage brand, the crocodile may be printed directly on the shirt. Make sure the logo is under the second button. The crocodile will be in the middle of the left side of the shirt. It should be between the bottom stitching on the collar and the second button. Low-quality fakes often align the crocodile with the bottom stitching. That stitching may also appear crooked. A few real Lacoste versions also align the crocodile with the bottom stitching, so don't depend on this one observation. Turn the shirt inside-out to see the faint outline of the patch. The outline of the crocodile's body should barely be visible. There won't be any colors, threads, or obvious stitching. If the finish doesn't look clean, the shirt is a fake. Look for two vertically-sewn buttons. One button will be at the top of the collar. The other will be partway down it. Each button should have two holes with thread passing up and down through them, not side to side. The buttons should not appear crooked. The threading should appear to hold them tightly in place. See if the buttons look identical. Mother of pearl buttons are all unique. You may notice a rainbow shimmer from a distance. When you look close, you should notice that each button has its own pattern. They may also have some marbling on the back. Plastic buttons are mass-produced and look identical. Feel the buttons to make sure they’re mother of pearl. Real Lacoste polos have mother of pearl buttons instead of plastic ones. Plastic buttons feel softer and warmer but with hard edges. They'll also lack the dip in the center that real Lacoste buttons have. If you still aren't sure, try tapping the buttons against your teeth or biting down on them. Mother of pearl buttons should feel harder and denser than plastic buttons. Avoid buttons that have Lacoste printed on them (update: 2017 Lacoste shirts now may have this print on the buttons depending on the style). Buttons on authentic Lacoste polos do not have the brand name printed on them. Letters on the buttons is a sure sign that the buttons are plastic and fake. Make sure the shirt is sized with numbers. Lacoste polos are designed in France, which sizes in numbers. Above the crocodile, you should see a red number such as “4.” If the polo uses words like small, medium, or large, it is a fake. Look for a detailed crocodile on the tag. The crocodile should be an olive green color. Again, it will have noticeable claws, teeth, a red mouth, and white scales on its back. Make sure the crocodile's outline looks smooth instead of lumpy. An authentic one also won't have rough lines disrupting the coloring. High-quality fakes look similar, but study them closely. They won't be quite as detailed. The crocodile may look a little squashed. The white eyes and scales tend to look rough and too close together. Find a second tag indicating the shirt’s origin. If the polo has a second tag, it'll rest under the first one. The first line should say “Designed In France.” These words should not be covered up by the first tag. The second line will say “Made In” along with a country, which is usually El Salvador or Peru. Lacoste polos made in France are rare. Not all polos have this second tag. Many polos now have a wide tag with the logo, so use other methods to identify them. Check the washing instructions tag inside the shirt. The tag is on the bottom and inside the shirt. When you find it, you will first see “100% cotton” printed in seven languages. On the back, you'll see washing instructions with the word Devanlay, which is the company's name. No fabric should cover the letters on the tag. Fake shirts may have the washing instructions on the tag's front. The tags may also be roughly sewn in with threads that hang down or obstruct letters. The tag may be above small triangle cuts on the side of the shirt. Make sure these cuts are small and don't have loose threads hanging from them. | Look for detailed features like claws and teeth. Make sure the logo is on a white background. Make sure the logo is under the second button. Turn the shirt inside-out to see the faint outline of the patch. Look for two vertically-sewn buttons. See if the buttons look identical. Feel the buttons to make sure they’re mother of pearl. Avoid buttons that have Lacoste printed on them (update: Make sure the shirt is sized with numbers. Look for a detailed crocodile on the tag. Find a second tag indicating the shirt’s origin. Check the washing instructions tag inside the shirt. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Work-from-Home | How to Work from Home | To work from home, search for jobs on reputable career-building websites and avoid scams that promise things, like earning thousands of dollars in one week. Once you have a job, organize an area of your home to serve as your office so you can focus without being distracted. Additionally, choose office hours that you can commit to, and try to keep them as consistent as possible. You should also make an effort to get dressed each morning so you feel motivated and ready to work. | Set aside an area in your home for work. When you're working from home, it's important to set clear boundaries between your work and your regular home life. Whether it's a desk in a home office or a spot at the kitchen table, designate a spot that you use specifically for work-related activities. Pick a spot that's quiet, well-lit, comfortable, and roomy enough so that you can spread out any materials you need for your work. Avoid working in places where you normally relax or sleep, like the couch or your bed. You may be tempted to fall asleep! If possible, set aside a dedicated room for work. Ask your family members or anyone else who shares your home not to disturb you while you're working there unless it's urgent. Declutter your workspace. Get rid of anything you don't need while you're at work. Knick knacks and family photos are ok, but anything else should be put in another room (or at least away from your workspace). You need to create a clean space that's free of distractions. At the end of every day, do some basic maintenance to your organization system, and make sure any work-related materials are put away properly. This way, when you arrive in the morning, you won't be confronted with a mess. If your workspace tends to get cluttered or messy, set aside 15 minutes each day for tidying it up. Keep your work supplies close by. Arrange your work area with all the "office" tools you need, such as your printer, computer, and any paper documents you'll be working on. Place items where they'll be easily accessible and you can find them immediately when you need them. If you find yourself regularly getting up to search for an item (such as a pair of scissors or a pen), move that item permanently into your workspace. Set aside a specific area for it where it's easy for you to find. Other items you may find helpful include a power strip, chargers for your electronic devices, a pad of paper and pen for jotting down notes, drinking water, and snacks. Set a daily schedule and stick to it. Even if you get to set your own hours, keeping a consistent schedule is an important part of working from home successfully. Decide what your daily work hours will be, and set that time aside just for work. Try to choose hours that work well for you. For example, if you're a morning person, you might choose to start working earlier in the day so that you're energized when you begin working on your high-priority tasks. To help maintain a good work/life balance, you can also block out specific times for other obligations, such as chores, meals, and spending quality time with friends and family. Set aside 30 minutes to create a prioritized to-do list for the day. Before you start work, take half an hour to plan your day. Write out a list of tasks you need to complete, placing the most important or complex tasks at the top. As you complete each task, take a moment to cross it off your list or add a star to indicate that it's complete. This will help keep you motivated during the day. For example, you might put a time-consuming task like drafting an article at the top of your list, while putting in a quick order for some new office supplies might go lower on the list. Try to block out specific times for each task, since this can help them feel more manageable. You can also break down larger tasks into smaller chunks. For example, instead of just putting “Write a blog post” on your to-do list, you might break it down into “Do research,” “Write an outline,” “Draft the post,” and “Edit post.” Develop a regular routine around your work hours. In addition to keeping a consistent work schedule, it can be helpful to develop a set daily routine. Find a groove that works for you and make time each day for meals, breaks, and specific activities or rituals that help you maintain your energy and work flow (such as having a cup of coffee first thing in the morning or taking a 15-minute break to read your favorite blog in the late afternoon). For example, you might spend half an hour having your breakfast and morning cup of coffee, then another half hour planning out your day. Establishing a consistent morning routine can help energize you and get you into the right headspace for work. Avoid social media and other distractions. Distractions around the home can be a huge productivity killer. Help yourself maintain a productive routine by putting away your phone and avoiding time-wasting websites like Facebook and YouTube while you're working. Avoid working around other sources of distraction, such as TVs or radios. Consider installing an app or browser extension on your phone or computer to keep you away from time-wasting apps and websites. Apps like StayFocusd and Strict Workflow are great for keeping you on task. If you share your home with other people, explain to them that you need to be left alone while you're working. Ask your friends to keep calling and texting to a minimum during your work hours. Dress like you would if you were going to work. You may be tempted to work in your pajamas every day, but taking the time to get dressed can help get you into the right mindset for work. Even if you aren't going anywhere or planning on a video conference with your boss, put on some clothing so that you don't always feel like you're in relaxation mode. This doesn't mean you have to put on a nice blazer or a tie, although that's fine if it helps you get into the right zone. Just put on some clean, daytime-appropriate clothes. Take time to attend to the rest of your grooming, too. Take a shower, brush your teeth and hair, and do any of the other things you would normally do to prepare for a day at work. Keep a professional tone with coworkers and clients. Even though you're working at home instead of in an office building, it's still important treat your work like work. When you communicate with bosses, fellow employees, and clients or customers, speak to them the same way you would if you were working on-site. Stay courteous, polite, and congenial. Edit your emails and other written communications carefully to avoid grammar and punctuation errors. Respond to calls, chat communications, and emails in a timely manner. This will let your bosses, coworkers, and clients know that you are taking your work and their needs seriously. Check in frequently with your employer and coworkers. Staying in the loop and keeping the lines of communication open are important when you're working from home. If you're working for an employer rather than running your own home business, try to check in occasionally. Give updates on how you're doing, ask any questions you may have, and find out if there are any new developments that you should know about. Take advantage of multiple forms of communication, such as email, chat programs like Slack, your phone, or video calling programs such as Skype or Zoom. Staying in touch can also help working from home feel less lonely and isolating. Avoid dealing with work-related matters after work hours. Avoid blurring the boundaries between work time and down time by getting out of “work mode” at the end of the day. Close your work chat program, stop checking your business email, and let work calls go to voicemail. Dedicate that time to relaxing, spending time with your family, and taking care of tasks that aren't work-related. Similarly, don't let your personal life bleed into your work time. Avoid chatting with friends or doing time-consuming household chores while you're supposed to be working. Leave your home for extended periods of time when you can. If spend your entire day—working and not working—at home, you'll quickly get sick of being there. Make a point of going out during your downtime. Go to restaurants, movie theaters, shopping centers, sporting events, local concerts, and anything else that takes place outside your home. You can also try getting out during your work hours. If you need a change of scene while you're working, you might try setting up your laptop at your favorite coffee shop or in a quiet corner at the public library. Schedule physical activity into your daily routine. Exercise is important for your physical and mental health. Sitting at your work area for hours every day will eventually lead to fatigue, lack of motivation, and disinterest. Keep yourself healthy by making time to get moving, even if it's just a 15-minute walk after lunch. Getting a little exercise during the day can boost your mood and help you feel more energetic, leading to greater productivity. Even if you don't have the time to join a gym or do an extended workout every day, try to go for a walk or a quick jog most days of the week. Take movement breaks during work. Try to get up at least once an hour and move around a little. Do some light stretching, pace around the room, or even go for a quick walk outside. Moving around occasionally will help energize you, promote better circulation, and improve your mood and productivity levels. You can even use your breaks to get quick chores done, like taking out the trash or going to check the mail. Make time for healthy meals and snacks. It can be easy to forget to eat and drink when you're wrapped up in work, but staying well-nourished will help keep you healthy and improve your energy levels. Eat a healthy breakfast before you start work, and make sure to take a lunch break every day. Keep a supply of healthy snacks and meals in your fridge and pantry at home so you won't be scrambling to find something good to eat. Don't forget to drink water throughout the day, since being dehydrated can cause you to feel fatigued and unfocused. Watch out for offers that seem too good to be true. When you see an ad that says, “Earn thousands of dollars from your comfy couch,” “Want to work in your pajamas?” or “Set your own hours working at-home,” be cautious. If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Research the company before you apply to make sure it's legitimate. Other common signs of a scam include: Claims that there's no special experience or skill needed for the job Offers of large amounts of pay for little work Requests for upfront payment from you in exchange for training, certification, or work materials Check reputable news sources and career websites for leads on jobs. Many online news sources and career-building websites compile lists of reputable at-home job sources. These websites can be found through basic internet searches. Just be sure to avoid websites for services you've never heard of before. Check out sources such as Forbes, FlexJobs, Glassdoor, and the Better Business Bureau for information about legitimate work-at-home opportunities. Brainstorm ways to use your special skills for at-home work. When you think of working at home, you might jump straight to things like freelance writing or web design. However, the range of jobs you can do from home might be wider and more variable than you think. Explore a variety of different options based on your unique knowledge, skills, and experience. For example: Jobs that require a lot of typing or editing can be great work for at-home workers. Think about becoming a medical or legal transcriptionist. Similarly, positions that require help with schedules, like personal assistant or receptionist work, can be done online and over the phone. Pay for virtual assistants can range from $15 an hour to over $100 an hour. Do you speak more than one language? Many websites build content in multiple languages and look for people who can edit their multilingual content. Do you have great people skills and know a lot about traveling? Consider being a travel agent from the comfort of your own home. Many booking companies hire at-home workers to answer phone calls and work with customers online. Show off your special skills to potential employers. Think about the skills you need to work at home. Just like with any job, emphasize the skills in the job ad that apply to you best. Then focus on what makes an efficient employee who works from home. Emphasize your organizational skills and your ability to self-motivate as well what elements of your home lend themselves to occupational success. For example: Do you have dedicated space to work from home? Do you have a phone and internet access? Are you good at working under pressure and meeting deadlines? Can you work well without a lot of supervision? | Set aside an area in your home for work. Declutter your workspace. Keep your work supplies close by. Set a daily schedule and stick to it. Set aside 30 minutes to create a prioritized to-do list for the day. Develop a regular routine around your work hours. Avoid social media and other distractions. Dress like you would if you were going to work. Keep a professional tone with coworkers and clients. Check in frequently with your employer and coworkers. Avoid dealing with work-related matters after work hours. Leave your home for extended periods of time when you can. Schedule physical activity into your daily routine. Take movement breaks during work. Make time for healthy meals and snacks. Watch out for offers that seem too good to be true. Check reputable news sources and career websites for leads on jobs. Brainstorm ways to use your special skills for at-home work. Show off your special skills to potential employers. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Avoid-Poisoning-Your-Guinea-Pig | How to Avoid Poisoning Your Guinea Pig | To avoid poisoning your guinea pig, keep all of your cleaning supplies and medications on high shelves and cabinets where it can't reach them. While your guinea pig is out of its cage, keep it within a secured area, like a play pen, in a well-ventilated room. Get rid of all plants that are toxic to guinea pigs, including ivy, poinsettia, tulips, and many others, which you can find online. You should also be aware of which foods are toxic to guinea pigs, like avocado, potato skins, and the green part of tomatoes. | Hide cleaning supplies and medications. If your guinea pig escapes or wanders, it may find its way into your lower cabinets, where it can chew on bottles and boxes. To be safe, place your cleaning supplies, pesticides, and medications on high shelves and cabinets. If you have any pest poisons in your house, including rat poison, put these away on a high shelf. You may even want to stick them in a locked cabinet. Replace any items that contain mercury. Some older thermostats, light bulbs, electrical switches, and batteries may contain mercury, which is lethal to both guinea pigs and humans. Try to identify any electronics in your home that contains mercury, and replace them with non-mercury versions. Mercury can kill your guinea pig if it eats or touches it. Since guinea pigs can chew through wires, remove any mercury from your home, and keep electronics away from guinea pigs. Fluorescent lightbulbs may contain small amounts of mercury. Recycle these instead of throwing them away. Dispose of any items with mercury at a hazardous waste center. Enclose an area for floor time. While your guinea pig is out of its cage, keep it within a secured area. Close the doors, or place your guinea pig in a large pen. Remove any food wrappers, plants, and electrical wires from the area. Even if your guinea pig is secured in a safe area, you should always supervise it during floor time. Keep the cage out of the garage. Never place your guinea pig's cage in a garage. The fumes from the cars can make it sick or even kill it. If you are keeping the hutch inside, you should place it in a well-ventilated room, such as your living room. Remove toxic plants. Many plants can harm your guinea pig. If you own any of these plants, consider getting rid of them. If you keep them, move them to a room that your guinea pig never enters. These plants include: Ivy Foxglove Mistletoe Poinsettia Nightshade Oleander Elephant's ear Dieffenbachia Bulbs of spring-flowering plants like tulips and daffodils Move outdoor hutches away from plants. There should be no plants hanging over or into outdoor hutches. Make sure that the hutch is not touching any plants, so that your guinea pig cannot reach out and nibble something poisonous. Place chicken wire around dangerous plants in the garden. If you let your guinea pig into your garden, make sure it cannot eat poisonous plants. While removing the plants is ideal, you can also install a chicken wire fence around them to keep the guinea pig out. Always supervise your guinea pig while it is outside. Identify any plants before giving them to your guinea pig. If you find a tasty plant for your guinea pig, always identify it first. Take a picture or sample of the plant, and look it up online to see if it is on the list of toxic plants. For example, lily of the valley can cause illness in guinea pigs. It is identified by its long green leaves and small, bell-shaped white flowers. If you're ever uncertain about whether a plant is toxic or not, do not give it to your guinea pig. Provide safe plants to eat instead. Not all plants are poisonous to guinea pigs. Some plants even make for tasty treats for guinea pigs. Some safe plants for guinea pigs include: Chickweed Dandelion Goldenrod Green clover Marigold Sunflower Sweet Pea Give your guinea pig a well-rounded, healthy diet. While guinea pigs love to chew, they may be less likely to eat something bad if they have a healthy diet. A good diet for a guinea pig includes pellets, timothy hay, leafy vegetables, and chopped fruits. Good leafy greens include spinach, kale, and broccoli. Good fruits include apples, melons, and oranges. Avoid toxic foods. There are a few foods that should never be given to your guinea pig. These are foods that may poison your guinea pig or cause severe stomach problems. These foods include: Potato skins or potatoes that have sprouted The green part of tomatoes Chickpeas, garbanzo beans, or other legumes Onions Avocado Iceberg lettuce Chocolate Refrain from giving your guinea pig cooked foods. Cooked, pickled, brined, baked, jellied, or canned foods can all upset your guinea pig's stomach. Make sure you only give it raw fruits and vegetables. Provide food and water during floor time. When you let your guinea pig out for its daily floor time, take out its food and water dish as well. This will make it less likely to munch on other objects in the room. Identify symptoms of poisoning. The symptoms of poisoning can vary based on what caused the poison. In general, symptoms include diarrhea, salivation, skin rash, labored breathing, or a fast pulse. Guinea pigs are incapable of vomiting, so they will not vomit if they have an upset stomach. Call your veterinarian. Get in touch with your vet as soon as possible. If you can, take your guinea pig directly to their office. If you know what caused the incident, bring the item to their office. If your guinea pig is not displaying symptoms but you have caught it eating a poisonous item, you should still call the vet. Your vet may give the guinea pig a gut protectant to minimize damage. Fluids may be used to help flush the poison out of the guinea pig's system. Contact a poison control center. A poison control center can help you get emergency care if your vet is not available. They may provide suggestions for how to treat your guinea pig or they may help you contact an emergency vet. In the US, you can call the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-4ANI-HELP or 1-888-426-4435 for help. This service costs $65 per call. If you live in the UK, you can call the Veterinary Poisons Information center at 02073 055 055. | Hide cleaning supplies and medications. Replace any items that contain mercury. Enclose an area for floor time. Keep the cage out of the garage. Remove toxic plants. Move outdoor hutches away from plants. Place chicken wire around dangerous plants in the garden. Identify any plants before giving them to your guinea pig. Provide safe plants to eat instead. Give your guinea pig a well-rounded, healthy diet. Avoid toxic foods. Refrain from giving your guinea pig cooked foods. Provide food and water during floor time. Identify symptoms of poisoning. Call your veterinarian. Contact a poison control center. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Differentiate-Between-Love-and-Friendship | How to Differentiate Between Love and Friendship | If you are struggling to differentiate between love and friendship, think about how intense your feelings are. If you feel giddy, nervous, or excited when you are around them, you may want to be more than friends. You could also think about whether you are physically attracted to them. You might be more than friends if your palms get sweaty or you feel butterflies in your stomach when they are around. Try comparing the feelings you have for them to how you feel toward your other friends to see if it's the same way you feel about them. | Rate the intensity of your feelings. Spend some time thinking about how powerful your emotions are. You can feel many of the same things for both a friend and lover, but when you're in love, these feelings might be really intense! In general, the more emotional you feel about a certain person, the more likely you are experiencing love. For example, you might feel chemistry with your friend because you both laugh at the same jokes and have an easy time talking to each other. When you love someone these feelings are more intense. You might feel giddy or excited. One way to consider how deep your feelings go for a person is to consider how you feel when you're apart. When you're in love, it's hard to be away from someone for long periods of time. If you're in love, you'll also likely feel special when you're around the person. Notice physical reactions. Your body can actually help you figure out how you feel. When you're with your possible love interest, your heart beat might become more rapid or you might feel like you have butterflies in your stomach. Maybe you even become nervous and flustered. You probably won't start giggling or sweating when you're just hanging with a friend. When you meet up with a friend, you are probably excited. However, you probably won't experience any major physical changes when you see them or give them a hug. With someone you love, you might not be able to control the way your body reacts. Your palms may sweat, your voice might become shaky, or your heartbeat could increase. Compare this relationship to others. Think about how a certain relationship compares to the other friendships in your life. You probably have lots of friends, but only one person is your possible love. With this person, you might value that relationship more than the other people in your life. You may also feel a more intense connection to this person. Maybe you can't imagine a day going by without talking to this person. With a friend, you probably won't mind going a week or two without meeting up. With someone you love, that could seem like eternity. Decide if you want a romantic relationship. You can tell the difference between love and friendship by thinking about the amount of attention you give someone. If you love someone, you'll likely think about them often and want to stay in regular communication with them. You probably won't think of a friend as much throughout the day and won't have the same longing to talk to them. You might think of your friend when something reminds you of them during your day—maybe a song you both like or a story that reminds you of an experience with them. When you love someone, they'll likely be on your mind throughout the day, whether you're reminded of them or not. You might even find yourself daydreaming about them. Figure out how much attention you want to get. Are you happy with the way this person treats you? If they only give you a high five as a greeting, you might wish for something more intimate. Maybe you find yourself wishing for more texts from them. Not hearing from a friend throughout the day won't be as disappointing as not hearing from someone you love. If you are excited to hear from one of your friends frequently throughout the day or get butterflies in your stomach when their name pops up on your phone, this could be a sign that you want a relationship. Talk to a friend or family member. It can be difficult to be objective about your own life. Try talking to someone you trust, like a close friend or sibling. This person can give you an outside perspective on how the person acts toward you and whether or not they believe it is just friendship or whether it could be love. For example, a friend may notice that the person you love looks at you when you're not paying attention. They might also notice that the person talks about you a lot when you're not there—another sign that they think of you as more than a friend. Reflect on your feelings. Figuring out your emotions can be tricky and can take a lot of self-reflection. To help figure out if you have friendly feelings or loving feelings for someone, be honest with yourself about how they make you feel. Make a list to keep track of your feelings throughout the week. Write down how you feel when you talk to this person or when you think about them. For example, you might write that you felt excited when this person called you or nervous when you were hanging out with them. Consider what's attracting you to the person in question. For example, you may have an unfulfilled need that this person seems to fill. For example, if you don't feel popular and this person is a star athlete, then you may be interested in them because you like the way it feels to be with someone you view as popular. In most cases, feelings that are based on external factors like this are not real love. Write in a journal. Take a few minutes every day to write about your interactions with the people around you. This might help you see if you are acting differently toward this person than you are toward your other friends. It could also help you uncover whether or not they are treating you like a friend or lover. Try to reflect on specific situations. For example, think about a time you saw this person talking to another person and reflect on how it made you feel. Did you feel jealous? Did it not affect you at all? Be confident. You might be really nervous to try to change your relationship. That's normal! However, try to act confident. Confidence can help you find the right words to say and figure out how to make your case. Give yourself a pep talk. Try saying something like, “I'm a fun, caring person. Bob would be lucky to be with me.” Act flirtatious. You can test the waters by casually flirting with your love interest. Start by holding eye contact for a second longer than you normally would. You can also pay more attention to them. If you're in a group setting, focus on having a conversation with them. Try some casual touching. Lay your hand on theirs while you are laughing at a joke. Alter your language. Friends tend to speak to each other very casually. This can mean casual nicknames, such as “buddy”, “friend”, or “kid”. When you catch yourself using terms like this, check yourself. Those types of names are mainly used between people who are just friends. Try referring to them by their name instead. When people are in love, they often use cute pet names for each other, which have a deep, romantic connection for the couple. For example, they may call each other sweetie, darling, or baby. Ask them out. Be direct and ask them on a date. You will never know if you two will work as an item if you don't try to date. Be honest and open. Make it clear that you are proposing some one-on-one time. You can say, “I'd really like to spend some one-on-one time with you. Would you like to have dinner with me Friday night?” Accept the other person's response. If the person you love doesn't feel the same way towards you, this can hurt. You might feel rejected and be upset with the other person. Try to understand that this person is probably not trying to hurt your feelings, but they feel it is important to be honest with you. Don't try to make the other person feel bad for not sharing your feelings. If you're not sure what to say, try some of the following: “Thank you for being honest with me. I was hoping you'd feel differently, but I understand you can't change how you feel.” “I appreciate your honesty. I'd still like to be friends, but I hope you'll understand that I may need some time to deal with my feelings.” | Rate the intensity of your feelings. Notice physical reactions. Compare this relationship to others. Decide if you want a romantic relationship. Figure out how much attention you want to get. Talk to a friend or family member. Reflect on your feelings. Write in a journal. Be confident. Act flirtatious. Alter your language. Ask them out. Accept the other person's response. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Raise-Brine-Shrimp | How to Raise Brine Shrimp | To raise brine shrimp, set up a saltwater tank with a slow air-powered sponge filter attached to the pump and a heater so you can monitor the water temperature. Next, buy a packet of dehydrated brine shrimp cysts and pour them into the tank's water. The eggs will hatch within 15 to 20 hours! Feed the baby shrimp small amounts of yeast or powdered milk every day, and you can start harvesting the shrimp in about 8 days! | Go shopping. All of the supplies necessary will be found at an aquarium or pet store; you can shop online if that is more convenient. You will need many supplies for your brine shrimp tank, including: 10 gallon tank Sponge filter (that comes with a tube, a sponge, and a hookup for the air pump) Air pump Tank heater and thermometer A package of brine shrimp cysts (eggs) Aquarium salt mix (setting up a brand new aquarium means you will need about 13 pounds of salt per 50 gallons) 1 gallon container with a lid 10 gallons reverse osmosis water Refractometer or hydrometer for measuring salinity Gravel vacuum Flashlight Determine the best location for the tank. Saltwater tanks should not be near any windows, doors, heater vents, direct sunlight, or air conditioners so the temperature of the water does not change rapidly. The tank should also be set up near electrical outlets because you will need to plug in the heater and air pump. Leave room between the tank and the wall so the air pump will easily fit. The surface should also be level. Rinse the tank to remove any dust. Dry the outside of the tank once you are done, and then place the tank where it belongs in your home. Fill the tank with a saltwater mixture. Make a saltwater mixture with aquarium salt and reverse osmosis filtered water. Fill the 10 gallon tank with 9 gallons of water so there is room for the salt. Then, add the salt per manufacturer's instructions. The salt container will have specific instructions for calculating the amount of salt necessary for your tank. Don't worry if you add too much or too little salt; you can adjust the levels before adding the brine shrimp cysts. Track the salinity with a refractometer or a hydrometer. The salinity of the tank should always be 30-35 ppt (parts per thousand). Use the instructions for your refractometer or hydrometer to measure the salinity of the tank, and add more salt or more reverse osmosis water accordingly. Operating the refractometer or hydrometer involves placing some of the water inside via a dropper or other apparatus. Test the water until you reach the correct salinity. If you've mixed the saltwater correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions, you will not have to tinker with the mixture. Set up a slow air-powered sponge filter. This is the best filter to use in the tank because it will provide aeration, filter the tank water, and won't suck up the tiny brine shrimp. The filter should include a tube, a sponge, and a hookup for the air pump; if it does not include the hookup for the pump, buy this separately. You can place the sponge filter on the bottom of the tank or mount it to the side of the tank, depending on the model you purchased. There are many cheap filters on the market nowadays, but do not scrimp on filtering equipment. Faulty filters may cause the brine shrimp to die. Attach the air pump to the sponge filter. Using airline tubing, attach the end of the sponge filter to the end of the air pump. Plug the pump in, and the filter will begin working. Keep the filter on a sturdy surface behind or below the tank. Install the heater. Set up the heater according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once you plug it in, you can begin to control the temperature of the tank. Install the thermometer using manufacturer’s directions. Place the thermometer on the opposite end of the heater so it is easily visible. Once both the heater and thermometer are installed, you can adjust the heater so the tank is always at the correct temperature: 68°F (20°C)-79°F (25°C). Turn it up or down accordingly. Keep the tank between 68°F (20°C)-79°F (25°C) for 24 hours. Once the tank has maintained this temperature for 24 hours, it is stable enough to hold the brine shrimp. Check the temperature at least twice a day—if the heater is accidentally unplugged or the temperature drastically changes for any reason, your brine shrimp could die. Buy brine shrimp eggs. Packets of dehydrated brine shrimp cysts are sold at aquarium and pet stores. Beginning with one packet is fine, since the brine shrimp will multiply rapidly. Place the cysts in the water, and they will hatch after 15 to 20 hours. If your tank is the correct temperature and salinity for the shrimp, they will hatch within a day. 12 hours after that, you will have young shrimp swimming around in the tank. Enjoy watching the brine shrimp population grow. Brine shrimp will multiply quickly. They will begin as tiny cysts and end up as small shrimp. You do not need to aid them in hatching or growing, since they will do so naturally in a well-maintained tank. If your brine shrimp are not growing or hatching, check the salinity and temperature of the tank for problems. It is natural for some of the brine shrimp to die. Make a reserve of saltwater. You will need to keep the saltwater on hand for when you change the tank water. Always having a gallon of saltwater ready will make changing the water much easier. Fill a gallon container with reverse osmosis water. Add the salt per manufacturer's instructions. Cap the container, and store the saltwater in a cool, dry area until you need it. Use a gravel vacuum to change the water in the hatchery regularly, about 20% (2 gallons) per week. Turn off the aeration and circulation system before changing the water. Let the air in the tank settle so it is not moving. Shine a bright light at the surface of the tank so the brine shrimp all flock to it. Siphon the dirty water off the bottom of the tank with the gravel vaccum. Then, replace the siphoned water with some of the marine salt mixture you made earlier. Check the salinity and temperature of the tank to make sure the levels are good. Rinse or replace the sponge filter every 1-4 weeks. The sponge filter may get noticeably dirty. To rinse or replace the filter, turn off the air pump, remove the sponge, and rinse it in the used tank water, or non-chlorinated (conditioned with Prime or other conditioner) room temperature-or current temperature of your aquarium water. When it is clean again, replace it, and turn the air pump back on. You will only need to get a brand new sponge if it disintegrates. It houses useful bacteria to keep the tank healthy. Never rinse the sponge or any other filter in anything other than used tank water or conditioned water. To rinse filter media in too hot, too cold or chlorinated water destroys the bacteria that supports a healthy tank. Use a flashlight to herd the brine shrimp away from the sponge filter when doing this. You may need someone to help you grab the filter or shine the light. Regularly check the tank’s temperature, salinity, and cleanliness. All of these factors are important to keep in mind when you are maintaining a saltwater habitat. Get into the habit of checking these factors weekly. Use enrichment formulas. Selcon is a popular brand, and there are many others available at most aquarium stores. Ask an employee for help if you have trouble finding the formulas, or use an online store to buy the food in bulk. Feed the brine shrimp yeast, pureed greens, powdered eggs, or powdered milk. Brine shrimp are not picky, and they will eat these human foods. Spirulina is another option to feed the brine shrimp. Feed only small amounts, but do so several times a day. Do not overfeed the brine shrimp! If the tank water begins to look excessively murky and dirty with food, clean the tank and feed the brine shrimp smaller amounts. Begin harvesting the brine shrimp after 8 days. Of course, if you are raising brine shrimp purely for pleasure, you do not have to harvest them, but after 8 days, the adults are large enough to catch with a net and feed to other fish. Turn off the circulation system. After about 10 minutes, the empty cysts shells will float to the surface, and unhatched cysts will sink to the bottom. Now, you can more easily catch the live brine shrimp. Shine a flashlight where you want them to herd. All of the brine shrimp will flock to the light, so they will be easy to catch with the fish net. Use a fish net to catch the adult brine shrimp. The smaller brine shrimp will fall through the net, but larger ones won't. Catch the amount you wish to feed to your other fish. Feed the brine shrimp directly to other fish. Place them in the tank of the fish you want to feed. Your other fish will get to enjoy the nutritious brine shrimp. | Go shopping. Determine the best location for the tank. Rinse the tank to remove any dust. Fill the tank with a saltwater mixture. Track the salinity with a refractometer or a hydrometer. Set up a slow air-powered sponge filter. Attach the air pump to the sponge filter. Install the heater. Install the thermometer using manufacturer’s directions. Keep the tank between 68°F (20°C)-79°F (25°C) for 24 hours. Buy brine shrimp eggs. Place the cysts in the water, and they will hatch after 15 to 20 hours. Enjoy watching the brine shrimp population grow. Make a reserve of saltwater. Use a gravel vacuum to change the water in the hatchery regularly, about 20% (2 gallons) per week. Rinse or replace the sponge filter every 1-4 weeks. Regularly check the tank’s temperature, salinity, and cleanliness. Use enrichment formulas. Feed the brine shrimp yeast, pureed greens, powdered eggs, or powdered milk. Feed only small amounts, but do so several times a day. Begin harvesting the brine shrimp after 8 days. Turn off the circulation system. Shine a flashlight where you want them to herd. Use a fish net to catch the adult brine shrimp. Feed the brine shrimp directly to other fish. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Good-Captions-in-Photojournalism | How to Write Good Captions in Photojournalism | To write good captions in photojournalism, always write in the present tense and strive to be as specific as possible. Be sure to accurately identify individuals in the photos and include the necessary credits and citations when applicable. Avoid writing humorous captions unless the story itself is amusing, and never make judgemental statements. Lastly, fact-check your caption content to ensure the credibility of your story! | Check your facts. One of the most important aspects of any type of journalism is accuracy. If you use incorrect information, the story or photo loses credibility. Before uploading or printing any photo captions, make sure you've checked that anything stated in the caption is accurate. Don't print an incorrect caption if you have trouble checking your facts, either because you can't find an appropriate source, or because you're on a deadline. It's better to leave the information out if you aren't sure it's accurate. Describe something that isn’t obvious. If a photo caption simply describes the visuals in the photo, it's fairly useless. If you have a photo of a sunset and simply caption is as “a sunset” you're not adding any additional information for the reader. Instead, describe details of the photo that are not obvious, like the location, the time of day or year, or a specific event that is taking place. For example, if you have a photo of a sunset you might want to caption it as: “Pacific coast sunset, March2016, from Long Beach, Vancouver Island." Also avoid using terms like: “is shown,” “is pictured,” “and looks on,” or “above." Do not start a caption with certain words. A caption should not begin with the words 'a,' 'an,' or 'the.' These words are too basic and take up valuable captioning room when they aren't necessary. For example, instead of saying: “A blue jay in the boreal forest;” simply say: “Blue jay flying through boreal forest.” Also, do not start a caption with the name of someone, start the caption with a description first and then include the name. For example, don't say: “Stan Theman near Sunshine Meadow Park.” Instead say: “Jogger Stan Theman near Sunshine Meadow Park." When identifying where someone is in a photo, you can say “from left.” You do not have to say “from left to right." Identify the main people in the photo. If your photo includes important people, identify who they are. If you know their names, include them (unless they've asked to remain anonymous). If you don't know their names, you might want to put a description of who they are instead (e.g. “protesters on the streets of Washington, DC”). While it shouldn't need to be said, make sure any and all names you use are spelled correctly and have the proper title. If the photo includes a group of people, or some people who are not relevant to the story (i.e. their names are not required to tell the story), you do not have to name each of them in the caption. Be as specific as possible. This advice goes hand-and-hand with being accurate. If you are unsure of where the photo was taken, or who is in the photo, find out. Showing a photo without any specific information may not be useful to the reader, especially if you cannot inform them of the context in which the photo was taken. If you were working with another journalist for the story, contact them for more information if needed. If you are trying to identify a specific person in the photo, describing where in the photo they are is very useful. For example, if Bob Smith is the only one in a hat, you can say: “Bob Smith, back row in hat." While specific is good, you can also phrase your caption so that is starts general and becomes more specific, or starts specific and ends more generally. Either method ensures specificity, but creates easy-to-ready statements. Label historical photos properly. If you're using an historical photo in your story, make sure it's labelled properly and includes the date (at least the year) it was taken. Depending on who owns the photo, you may also need to credit another photography and/or organization (e.g. museum, archive, etc.). Use the present tense in captions. Because most photos being shown as part of a news story are of things happening “right now,” use the present tense in the caption. An obvious exception would be any historical photos, where using the past tense makes sense. The nice thing about using the present tense is that it portrays a sense of immediacy and increases the impact of the photo on the reader. Avoid humour when the photo isn’t intended to be humorous. If the photo you're captioning is of a serious or sombre event, don't try to be funny in the caption. Funny captions should only be used when the photo itself is a joke or of a funny event that is intended to make the reader laugh. Remember to always include credits and citations. Every photo should include the name of the photographer and/or the organization that owns the photograph. In actual photographic magazines and publications, photos also include the technical details of how the photo was taken (e.g. aperture, film speed, f-stop, lens, etc.) When writing the credits, you don't have to use the term “credited to” or “photo by” if the information is presented in a consistent and understandable format. For example, maybe the credits are always italicized or are a smaller font size. Use the caption to tell the reader something new. When a reader looks at the photo they're usually confronted with some form of emotion and some information (based on what they see in the photo). The caption, in turn, should provide the reader with a piece of information they were unaware of from simply looking at the photo. In short, the caption should teach the reader something about the photo. Captions should intrigue a reader to investigate the story further and look for more information. Captions should also refrain from repeating aspects of the story itself. The caption and the story should complement each other and not be repetitive. Avoid making judgemental statements. Captions should be informative, not judgemental or critical. Unless you were actually able to speak to the people in the photo, and asked them what they were feeling or thinking, don't make assumptions based only on their appearance in the photo. For example, avoid “unhappy shoppers waiting in line” unless you actually know they were unhappy. Journalism is intended to be objective and informative for the reader. Journalists are suppose to present the facts in an unbiased way and allow the reader to form an opinion. Do not worry about length of the caption. A photo may say a thousand words, but sometimes a few words are required to put the photo in context. If a lengthy description is required in order to allow the photo to make sense, that's okay. While you want to try to be as clear and succinct as possible, don't limit the information in your caption if it will be helpful. Write in a conversational language. Journalism, in general, doesn't use overly complicated language. But it also doesn't use cliches or slang. Captions should follow the same basic language requirements. Write your captions in a conversational tone, similar to the way you'd address a family member if you were showing them the photo. Avoid cliches and slang (and acronyms). Don't use complicated words if they aren't needed. If the photo is accompanied by a story, try to use the same tone in the caption that was used in the story. Include unessential story items in the captions. Stories that accompany photos tend to be about something specific and, obviously, tell a story. If there is a piece of information that is useful to understanding the photo, but isn't necessary in telling the story, put it in a caption instead of in the body of the story. This doesn't mean that captions are only used for unimportant items of the story, but rather items that are not essentially to the telling of the story. A caption can be a free-standing mini-story that can include items not used within the story itself. Again, remember that the caption and story should complement each other. Not repeat each other. Determine what punctuation should be used. If the photo is simply of a person (e.g. headshot) or a photo of a very specific item (e.g. umbrella), it's okay to caption the photo with the name of the person or item without any punctuation. In other cases, it is also okay to use incomplete sentences in a caption, but this may depend upon the publication and their requirements. An example of a caption without punctuation might be: “Toyota 345X Transmission" An example of the difference between a complete and incomplete caption: Complete — “Actress Ann Levy takes the Acura 325 for a spin on the British test drive course in London.” Incomplete — “Taking the Acura 325 for a spin." Simplify descriptions in subsequent captions. If multiple, consecutive photos in a story show either the same place or person or event, it is not necessary to keep repeating the details of these items in each caption. For example, if you introduce the person in the first caption using their full name, you can simply refer to them with they last name in subsequent captions. It is okay to assume that someone viewing and reading one photo have viewed and read the captions of the previous photos since they likely are in a specific order that tells a story. You can also skip being too detailed in the caption if the story itself provides a lot of details. For example, if the story tells the details of the event, you do not have to repeat those details in the captions. Identify when photos have been digitally altered. Photos are sometimes enlarged, shrunk, or cropped in order to fit the situation, story, page, space, etc. This type of altering doesn't need to be explained because it doesn't change what is in the image. However, if you've changed the photo in any other way (i.e. changed the colour, removed something, added something, enhanced something unnaturally, etc.) you must identify this in the caption. The caption doesn't have to explicitly say what you've changed, but should at least state “photo illustration." This rule also goes for unique photography methods like time-lapse, etc. Considering using a caption-writing formula. Until you get use to writing captions, you might want to start by using a specific formula. Eventually your captions will likely follow this formula, or something similar, without you needing to think about it. But until then, rely on the formula to ensure you've included all the needed items. One such formula is: [noun] [verb] [direct object] during [proper event name] at [proper noun location] in [city] on [day of the week], [month] [date], [year]. [Why or how.] An example written using this formula: "Dallas firefighters (noun) battle (present-tense verb) a fire (direct object) at the Fitzhugh Apartments (proper noun location) near the intersection of Fitzhugh Avenue and Monarch Street in Dallas (city) on Thursday (day of the week), July (month) 1 (date), 2004 (year).” Do not be arrogant. Arrogance in captions comes when the person writing the caption doesn't care about the reader, and simply writes a caption that is easy at the moment of writing. This can also be consider being selfish because the writer cares more about themselves than the reader who is trying to decipher what the photo and story are about. This can also happen when a writer is trying to be 'fancy' and try something new or clever. There is no need to get complicated. Keep things simple, clear, and accurate. Avoid making assumptions. You know what they say about people who assume … ! The same goes for writing captions. These assumptions could be on the part of the journalist, photographer, or even someone else at the publication where everything is being put together. Don't make assumptions about what was going on in the photo, or who the people are. Find out the truth and only include what's accurate. This also goes for style and format. If you aren't sure if the publication has a specific format for captions, ask. Don't use a format you like that may need to be completely revised later because you didn't ask. Make sure you aren’t sloppy. Sloppiness happens when someone just doesn't care, or doesn't consider the situation important enough to double-check. The result of sloppiness can be incorrect spelling, the wrong names for people in the photo, captions that don't match the photos, referring to a photo in the story incorrectly, etc. If you're proud of your work, do a good job from start to finish. This can also happen when someone tries to use another language in the caption, but doesn't check if it has been written properly. Google Translate is not the same as double-checking if the language is correct! Remember that what you print is considered fact. As a journalist, whatever you print either in your story or caption is usually considered fact by your readers. They rightfully assume you've done your fact-checking and that what you're telling them is accurate. If you were too lazy or sloppy to do the job, you risk passing along incorrect information to a large number of people. Also remember that once information gets “out there,” it can be hard to correct. Especially if that information is related to an event that was tragic, stressful or still ongoing. | Check your facts. Describe something that isn’t obvious. Do not start a caption with certain words. Identify the main people in the photo. Be as specific as possible. Label historical photos properly. Use the present tense in captions. Avoid humour when the photo isn’t intended to be humorous. Remember to always include credits and citations. Use the caption to tell the reader something new. Avoid making judgemental statements. Do not worry about length of the caption. Write in a conversational language. Include unessential story items in the captions. Determine what punctuation should be used. Simplify descriptions in subsequent captions. Identify when photos have been digitally altered. Considering using a caption-writing formula. Do not be arrogant. Avoid making assumptions. Make sure you aren’t sloppy. Remember that what you print is considered fact. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bowl-Your-Best-Game-Ever | How to Bowl Your Best Game Ever | To bowl your best game ever, start strong by wearing a good pair of bowling shoes and using a ball that's the right size and weight for you. Next, bowl a few warmup shots to loosen up your muscles and get a feel for the condition of the lane. Try to determine your strike mark as early as possible so you can continue hitting strikes throughout the game, and don't forget to pick up spares and focus on upping your score with every shot you take! | Make sure you have a bowling ball the feels comfortable in your hands. Bowling balls are all made differently, spinning and hooking at different rates. You want a ball you can comfortably raise and lower, but not so light you could throw it around with ease. It's always best to get a ball of your own instead of borrowing it or renting it, as you'll have a better fit and better results. The average weight for adult men is 14lb and 13lb for women or smaller men. Children usually start at 12lbs. Make sure your fingers are firmly in the holes but come out without sticking. You shouldn't be squeezing your finger or thumb muscles to keep the ball on your hand, just lightly gripping it. Balls come with a variety of "Flare Potential" and "RG Radius" ratings. These tell you how likely the ball is to curve back to the middle after a throw. The higher the ratings, the more the ball hooks. Think about your throw -- straight on or hooked, and buy accordingly. Get good bowling shoes. Your bowling shoes are just like regular shoes-- they need to be taken care of and it's always best if they are your own. Good shoes have a smooth, regular sole and fit you comfortably. Get a half size bigger than your regular shoe size so that your feet are comfortable as you bowl. Start in an athletic, upright bowling stance. The most important thing is where you hold the ball. Put your fingers in the holes and balance the ball on your palm around stomach or chest height, using the opposite hand to support the weight. The ball should be slightly to the right side of your body in alignment with the right seam of your shirt (right handed bowlers). Your knees are slightly bent and your shoulders relaxed, and your left foot is on the big dot in the center of the lane (right-handers). Keep your wrist strong so that the ball appears like a natural extension of your arm. You don't want your wrist to droop down towards the floor. Find your mark on the lane. There are seven arrows on the lane. Do not aim for the middle, as it usually leads to a split. If you're right-handed, aim for the arrow just to the right of the center. If you are left handed aim for the arrow just to the left. This mark is the best starting place for strikes. If it is easier, move your feet to the right or left before you start approaching the lane so that your feet are lined up with the correct marker, then just throw straight ahead. Almost all balls will hook, at least a little, and the lanes are designed for this. You want your ball to hit between the first pin and the next one in line behind it for strikes. This is called the "pocket." Time your approach so that your opposite foot lands in front of the lane. The classic move is the 4-step approach, landing with the foot opposite your throwing arm. For right-handers, step forward with your right foot, then comfortably walk forward so that your left foot lands within 6" or so of the lane. Your right foot will then swing out of the way behind your left foot, allowing you to throw the ball freely. Practice a few times without the ball until you find a good starting spot that lets you arrive at the line, left foot down, every time. There are 2 lines of dots along the approach to the lane that are good starting points for you to begin. Practice taking 4 even steps each time, landing your left foot comfortably, before practicing the throw. You could also start at the foul line (beginning of lane), and walk four steps backward to determine the best starting spot for you. Reverse this is you are left-handed. The foot opposite your throwing arm should be planted at the lane. If you are left handed, you will land and plant with your right foot. Push your arm forward on the first step of your approach. As you take the first step of the approach, push the ball out in front of you so that your arm is extended. Use your left hand to support the weight of the ball as your hold it in front of you. The following steps will be for a right-handed thrower. Remember to keep the ball out to the right side, not in the middle of your body. Drop your arm so that the ball arcs back towards your leg. As you take the first step with your left leg, the ball will drop so that your right arm and left leg are roughly even. Keep your grip on the ball and let it fall freely. Your elbow will be slightly bent, but gravity is doing most of the work as the ball comes down. Let the ball continue arcing behind you and up towards shoulder height. As you step again with your right foot, the ball will continue behind your body and up, reaching its apex as you plant your right foot. You will be swinging it back here. Focus on keeping your wrist strong as you do this, not letting it rotate around. The higher your arm goes back the more powerful the throw will be, do not go too far as this could cause injury. Swing the ball down as you plant your left foot by the line. Come down with the ball, planning to release it as you pass your leg. Your right leg should swing behind the left leg, getting it out of the way for your shot. It doesn't have to swing way out, like a pro bowler, just out of the way enough that you don't hit it with the ball. Release the ball by flicking your wrist and fingers up towards your head. As the ball leaves your fingers, snap them up as if you were closing your hands. Think of the children's game where you have a quarter in your hand and someone is trying to take it before you close your hand. You should release as the ball passes your planted leg, at its lowest point. Look at your mark when release. Don't look at the pins or you will get distracted and throw off key -- the arrows are your target, and the ball will do the rest. Remember you are aiming for the first or second arrow to the right of the center arrow. Follow through. To protect your arm, continue your arm back up on its arc towards your head. Think of drinking from a soda can, bringing your fingers and wrist up to head height. Know where you want the ball to hit. Strikes are most common when the ball hits the "pocket," the space between the front center pin and the next pin behind it, directly. For right handed bowlers this means curving the ball so it strikes right between the front pin and the second pin on the right. This scatters the front set of pins, cascading them into all of the pins behind them. More power means the pins scatter faster, potentially knocking over more pins. Curving the ball is essential to hit consistent strikes. Remember to work on snapping your fingers and wrist as you follow through. Left-handers want to hit between the front pin and the left pin in the second row. Know how lane conditions affect your throw for strikes. An unknown secret of bowling is that every lane is a little different. Lanes are oiled up so that the ball glides straight over the wood without hooking constantly. When the ball is in less oiled, or "dry" areas, it tends to hook more, taking it off the line you threw it on. To make matters even more complicated, the lane patterns will change throughout the game. But bowling your best game ever requires you to read the lane and adjust your shots accordingly, not throwing the same shot 23 times. The most common pattern is wet in the front and middle, and dry on the outsides and back, like a big triangle of oil pointing into the center of the lane. This means a throw to the outside will curve back to the middle, where a throw in the middle might not curve until the last second. This is why you aim out to the side, instead of down the center -- it cause the ball to move out, then curve back in right to the pocket. As the day goes on, oil gets picked up by the balls, making the lane drier and causing the shots to hook more. Many tournaments have "alternate" oil patterns that force you to change your shots to get strikes. Ask to see an oil pattern or warm-up with different angles and starting positions to find your strike mark. Find your strike mark while warming up. Starting in the center and throwing for the arrow just to the right of center (right-handers) is a great starting place to learn strikes, but you need to adjust it for your personal thrown. Make sure you watch the arrow you throw at, not the pins. If you are hitting your mark, but still missing the pocket, you should move your starting position. If your ball is going too far to the left, move 2-3 boards to the left. This means your throw will angle more to the right, giving it more time to curve back to the left. If your ball is moving too far to the right, move your feet 2-3 boards to the right. This will get your ball out of the oil, allowing it to curve more back to the center. If you still have trouble, or the ball is hooking a ton, move your mark to the right or left. The closer to center your mark is, the less the ball will hook. However, you should move your starting position first. Move your starting stance closer to the center as the lane dries up. Near the end of a game, especially with a big group, you may notice your normal shots are hooking more to the center and you're missing the pocket. As you notice your shots curving more to the center, move 1-2 boards to the left (right-handed throwers) and keep throwing at your normal mark, the arrow just to the right of the center arrow. Focus, again, on having the center of the ball hit this mark, not on the pins. If you're hitting your mark but still missing pins, move your feet starting position to accommodate. This extra hook happens because the balls pick up oil throughout the game, removing it from the lane and causing it to dry out. A dry lane hooks more. Understand how scoring works to plan your shots well. Knowing how bowling is actually scored helps you decide which pins to go for and when. The basics are easy -- there are ten pins, and each pin you hit is worth a point. However, spares and strikes are worth more than just 10 pins. Strikes (X) are worth 10 points, plus whatever you hit on the next two throws. Spares (/) are worth 10 points, plus whatever you hit on the next throw. This means a single frame can be worth more than 10 points if you get a strike or spare. For example, say you throw a strike in the first frame. In the second frame you hit 2 pins on the first throw and 3 on the next one for 5 total pins. Your first frame would be worth 15 points (10 for the strike, + 2 for the first throw and + 3 for the second). You still score, however, the 5 points from the second frame too. So your total score, after two frames, is 20 points (15+2+3). If your throw three strikes in a row, your first frame is worth 30 points, 10 for the strike, plus 10 for the second frame and 10 for the third frame. You cannot score you second and third frames until you take another throw. Spares add to your next shot only. So, if I throw a spare in one frame, then throw a gutter ball immediately after, my spare is only worth 10 points (10+0), no matter what I do after that. A spare followed by a strike is worth 20 points (10+10). If you throw a strike or spare in the 10th frame you get a free shot at the end, making the 10th frame the only one with three potential rolls. Thus you should always go for the spare in the 10th frame. Remember that speed makes it easier to pickup spares. Higher speeds mean there is less time for the ball to react and turn off line. Practice a straight, consistent spare shot and you will beat many a people who throw the same shot every time. Everybody can strike. Not everybody spares. Lower, or "weaken," your wrist on your shot to get less spin and a straighter throw. This provides a more accurate shot, as less spin means the ball will hook less. To weaken your wrist, start your shot with your wrist curved slightly down, towards the floor. On your follow through, don't let your wrist and fingers snap up as much. This may take some practice, but changing wrist positions is one of the most important skills for intermediate or advanced bowlers. Adjust your starting position based on your spare. By adjusting your starting position you can often throw right at your normal mark and still get a spare. The boards on the lane (thin wooden pieces running to the pins) are made to give you a measurement system for aiming. If you need to hit a pin left of the center, you move several boards to the right, and vice verse. You then throw at the same mark you aim at for strikes. The system is actually pretty easy to learn and is reversed for the opposite direction of throws. If you want to hit the first pin to the left of the center, move your start position 3 boards to the right. If you want to hit the second pin to the left of the center, move 6 boards to the right. Use the middle of the lane when trying to hit the far right and left pins. Most lanes are the slickest in the middle. Oil is applied to lanes in complex patterns that determine how much a ball hooks -- more oil means less hook, or a straighter, more accurate shot. Since a right-hander going after the far right pins doesn't want the ball to curve to the middle, you should throw diagonally across center instead. This ensures a straighter flight, curving just a bit at the end to avoid the gutter and hitting all the pins. For example, there may be one solo pin on the far right side of the lane. While you could try and hug the gutter, the ball will naturally want to spin to the center because the outside of the line is low on oil. Instead, start your walk from the far left of the lane, throwing the ball from the left diagonally, across the middle, to the far right pins. Aim for the most pins possible during a split. Unless you are skilled enough to hit the outside edge of a lone pin, shooting it like a missile at the pack of three pins in the back corner, you should take the sure-fire three pins. This is especially important if you threw a strike the previous frame, because any pins you hit now get counted twice, once for the strike and once in this frame. If you didn't get a strike in the previous frame, you might be more likely to take a risk now, trying to get a spare to boost your score for later. | Make sure you have a bowling ball the feels comfortable in your hands. Get good bowling shoes. Start in an athletic, upright bowling stance. Find your mark on the lane. Time your approach so that your opposite foot lands in front of the lane. Push your arm forward on the first step of your approach. Drop your arm so that the ball arcs back towards your leg. Let the ball continue arcing behind you and up towards shoulder height. Swing the ball down as you plant your left foot by the line. Release the ball by flicking your wrist and fingers up towards your head. Follow through. Know where you want the ball to hit. Know how lane conditions affect your throw for strikes. Find your strike mark while warming up. Move your starting stance closer to the center as the lane dries up. Understand how scoring works to plan your shots well. Remember that speed makes it easier to pickup spares. Lower, or "weaken," your wrist on your shot to get less spin and a straighter throw. Adjust your starting position based on your spare. Use the middle of the lane when trying to hit the far right and left pins. Aim for the most pins possible during a split. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Open-RAR-Files | How to Open RAR Files | To extract a RAR archive on a computer, use WinRAR (for Windows) or Unarchiver (for macOS). To extract a RAR archive on a phone or tablet, install iZip (iPhone/iPad) or WinZip (Android). | Download iZip. iZip is a free app that can open RAR files, among other things. To download it: Open the App Store Tap Search Tap the App Store search bar. Type in izip , then tap Search Tap GET Enter your Apple ID password or Touch ID. Open your RAR file. Open the app in which the RAR file is stored, then tap the RAR file. It will "open" to a grey screen with the RAR file's name in the middle of the screen. Because iPhones don't have file managers, your RAR file is most likely in an email app or a cloud storage app. Tap . This rectangle with an arrow is in the lower-left corner of the screen. A pop-up menu will appear. Scroll all the way to the right. Swipe from right to left across the top row of apps in the menu. You should see the iZip folder icon appear. Tap Copy to iZip. This is the yellow folder icon near the end of the row of apps. Doing so will open the RAR folder in iZip. If you don't see this option, tap ⋯ , tap the switch to the right of iZip , and tap Done to make it appear. Tap OK when prompted. This will "unzip" the RAR's files, which will make them accessible. If you aren't prompted to unzip the files, do the following: Tap the circle to the left of each file in the RAR folder. Tap Extract at the bottom of the screen. Download the RAR file onto your Android. If the RAR file isn't on your Android's hard drive, you'll need to download it. Open the app in which the RAR is stored (e.g., Gmail or Google Drive), find the RAR file, and download it. If the RAR is already stored on your Android, skip this step. Download the WinZip app. WinZip is a free app that allows you to open many different types of compressed file, including RAR files. To download WinZip: Open the Play Store {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/1\/1e\/Androidgoogleplay.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Androidgoogleplay.png\/26px-Androidgoogleplay.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":531,"bigWidth":"26","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>"} Tap the search bar Type in winzip Tap WinZip - Zip UnZip Tool Tap INSTALL Tap ACCEPT Tap OPEN. This is a green button near the top of the WinZip app page. Doing so opens WinZip. Tap START. It's at the bottom of the WinZip home page. You may first have to swipe left through a few advertisements. Go to your RAR file. Tap either SD or Internal , then navigate to the folder in which your RAR file is stored. Assuming you downloaded the RAR file, you'll tap the Downloads folder, and then the folder for the app from which you downloaded it if necessary. Tap and hold the RAR file. A pop-up menu will appear after a second or so. Tap Unzip to…. It's at the top of the pop-up menu. Select a place to unzip the folder. Tap one of the following unzip locations: Storage - Unzips the RAR to a drive and folder of your choosing on your Android. My Files - Unzips the RAR to the My Files location on your Android. Google Drive - Unzips the RAR into the Google Drive folder. Dropbox - Unzips the RAR into a Dropbox account. If you don't have a Dropbox account, you'll first need to make one. Tap UNZIP HERE. It's in the bottom-right corner of the screen. This will open the RAR and deposit its files into the specified folder. You should now be able to view the RAR's files. Determine your Windows bit version. Depending on whether your Windows version is 32-bit or 64-bit, the file you download will be slightly different. Open the WinRAR download page. Go to https://www.rarlab.com/download.htm. WinRAR is a powerful, free tool that you can use on any Windows computer to view RAR files. If this link doesn't work, go to https://www.rarlab.com instead, then click the Downloads link on the left side of the page. Click your bit version's download link. If your computer has a 64-bit operating system, you'll click WinRAR x64 (64 bit) 5.50 near the top of the page, while 32-bit users will click the WinRAR x86 (32 bit) 5.50 link just above it. The WinRAR setup file will download onto your computer. You may have to click Save or confirm the download before the file will start downloading. Double-click the WinRAR setup file. You'll find it in your computer's usual download location. The WinRAR setup window will open. Install WinRAR. To do so: Click Yes when prompted. Click Install Make sure the RAR box is checked (top-left corner). Click OK Click Done Go to your RAR file. If the RAR file is on your desktop, you're all set; if not, do the following: Open Start {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/0\/07\/Windowsstart.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Windowsstart.png\/30px-Windowsstart.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":"30","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Windows icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_domain\">Public Domain<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Open File Explorer {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/0\/0d\/Windowsstartexplorer.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Windowsstartexplorer.png\/30px-Windowsstartexplorer.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":"30","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Windows icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_domain\">Public Domain<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Click your RAR file's location in the left-hand pane. You may have to select additional folders in the main File Explorer window to find the RAR. Double-click the RAR file. This should open it in WinRAR automatically. You may need to select WinRAR from a pop-up list and then click OK to open WinRAR. The first time you open WinRAR, you may be prompted to purchase it. Click the X icon in the top-right corner of the prompt to close it. Select the folder you want to open. Click the RAR folder's name in the middle of the WinRAR window to select it. Click Extract To. This folder-shaped icon is in the upper-left side of the WinRAR window. A pop-up window will open. Select a destination. Click a folder that you want to use to store the RAR (e.g., Desktop ) on the right side of the pop-up window. Click OK. It's in the bottom-right side of the window. This will prompt WinRAR to begin extracting the RAR folder to the selected location. Once the extraction is complete, you'll be able to open the extracted folder like a regular folder and view its contents. Download the Unarchiver app. To do so: Open your Mac's App Store Click the search bar in the top-right corner of the window. Type the unarchiver into the search bar and press ⏎ Return. Click INSTALL under the The Unarchiver app. Open Spotlight . Click the magnifying glass-shaped icon in the top-right corner of the screen. A search bar will appear. Type unarchiver into Spotlight. This will search for the Unarchiver app in your computer. Click The Unarchiver. It should be at the top of the Spotlight search results. A pop-up window will appear. Click Ask every time when prompted. This will ensure that Unarchiver always checks with you about where you want to extract RAR files. Go to your RAR file. Open Finder by clicking the blue, face-like icon in your Mac's Dock, then click the folder in which the RAR file is stored on the left side of the Finder window. You may have to click through additional folders in order to find your RAR file. Select your RAR file. Click the RAR file in the Finder window to select it. Click File. It's a menu item in the top-left corner of the screen. Select Open With. This option is in the File drop-down menu. A pop-out menu will appear to the right of the drop-down menu. Click Unarchiver. It's in the pop-out menu. Your RAR file should open in Unarchiver. Select an extraction destination. Click a folder on the left side of the window. This is where the extracted RAR file will go. Click Extract. It's in the lower-right side of the Unarchiver window. Doing so will prompt Unarchiver to turn your RAR file into an accessible folder in your specified extraction destination. Once the extraction is complete, you'll be able to open the extracted folder like a regular folder and view its contents. | Download iZip. Open your RAR file. Tap . Scroll all the way to the right. Tap Copy to iZip. Tap OK when prompted. Download the RAR file onto your Android. Download the WinZip app. Tap OPEN. Tap START. Go to your RAR file. Tap and hold the RAR file. Tap Unzip to…. Select a place to unzip the folder. Tap UNZIP HERE. Determine your Windows bit version. Open the WinRAR download page. Click your bit version's download link. Double-click the WinRAR setup file. Install WinRAR. Go to your RAR file. Double-click the RAR file. Select the folder you want to open. Click Extract To. Select a destination. Click OK. Download the Unarchiver app. Open Spotlight . Type unarchiver into Spotlight. Click The Unarchiver. Click Ask every time when prompted. Go to your RAR file. Select your RAR file. Click File. Select Open With. Click Unarchiver. Select an extraction destination. Click Extract. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Millimeters | How to Measure Millimeters | To easiest by to measure millimeters is with a metric ruler or meter stick. If you have a metric ruler, note that the numbered lines represent centimeters and the unmarked lines represent millimeters. One centimeter is equal to 10 millimeters. Put the zero end of the ruler at the starting edge and count the unnumbered lines after the last numbered mark. Then, add the values together. So if you measured 1 centimeter and 5 millimeters, you'd get 15 millimeters total. | Look at the unmarked lines on a metric ruler. There are 2 separate units of measurements on a standard metric ruler—centimeters and millimeters. The numbered lines correspond to centimeters, while the unmarked lines indicate millimeters. If you look closely, you'll notice that there are 10 millimeters in a centimeter. The medium-sized line at the halfway point between each numbered centimeter measurement represents half a centimeter, or 5 millimeters. This same labeling scheme is also used on longer metric measuring tools, such as meter sticks and tape measures. Line up the end of your ruler with the object you want to measure. More specifically, place the line marked “0” up against the far edge of your object. Make sure the ruler is straight and neatly aligned with your starting point. If you're trying to find out how long your smartphone is in millimeters, you would arrange your ruler so that the “0” marking is even with one of the device's horizontal edges. Not all rulers have “0”s printed on them. If the one you're using doesn't, it's safe to assume that the end of the ruler to the left of the “1” indicates “0mm.” Multiply the centimeter measurement just before the end of your object by 10. Note the number of the last full centimeter measurement. Multiplying this number by 10 will convert the unit of measurement to millimeters and tell you how long your object is in millimeters up to this point. If the last full centimeter measurement reads 1, multiplying it by 10 would give you 10, since 1cm = 10mm. Add the number of lines after the last centimeter mark. Now, count up how many unmarked lines there are beyond the end of your object. The reason this is necessary is because there aren't enough millimeters to account for another full centimeter. Using the centimeter measurement to quickly calculate the bulk of the object's length in millimeters just saves time. If the object you're measuring is 1.5 centimeters, multiplying 1 times 10 gives you 10, and adding 5 gives you a total length of 15mm. If it's easier for you, you can also measure one centimeter past the end of your object and then subtract the number of millimeters in between. 2 centimeters (20 millimeters) minus 5 millimeters equals 15mm. Learn how other metric measurements work to easily calculate millimeters. As you've seen, there are 10 millimeters in a centimeter. Similarly, there are 1,000 millimeters in a meter and 1,000,000 millimeters in a kilometer, which is 1,000 meters. Once you understand the math, converting other metric measurements to millimeters is a relatively simple task. The prefix “centi” means “hundred,” signifying that a centimeter is one hundredth of a meter. By the same token, “milli” mean “thousand,” so a millimeter is one thousandth of a meter. Multiply inch measurements by 25.4 to find their length in millimeters. You may need a calculator for this one. Start by entering your inch measurement up to 2 decimal places (as in “6.25”). Then, hit the “x” button and punch in “25.4,” as there are roughly 25.4 millimeters in 1 inch. When you hit the “=” button, the number you get will be the same measurement, only in millimeters. Using the formula described above, 6.25 inches is equal to 158.75 millimeters. Translating inches to millimeters is a little tougher than making other conversions, since inches are imperial units and millimeters are metric. Multiply measurements given in feet by 304.8. The idea here is the same as converting inches to millimeters. There are approximately 304.8 millimeters in an imperial foot, so multiplying the total number of feet by 304.8 will help you determine how long it is using the smallest metric unit of measurement. If you're 5 feet tall, you would be 1,524 millimeters tall. That sounds a lot more impressive! Use a conversion factor of 914.4 to get millimeters from yards. Nothing new here. 1 yard is equal to about 914.4 millimeters. As a result, multiplying a yard measurement by 914.4 will instantly turn it into a millimeter measurement. The same basic principle that makes it possible to convert inches and feet to millimeters also applies here. There are 12 inches in 1 foot, so 12 x 25.4 = 304.8; a yard has 3 feet, so 304.8 x 3 = 914.4, and so on. It's well known that the field of play on an American football field is 100 yards. What many might not know is that this amounts to a whopping 91,440 millimeters. Imagine trying to measure that out with a ruler! Grab a normal credit card. Most credit cards (and other types of plastic cards) have a thickness of 30 mil , which comes out to around 0.76 millimeters (0.762 mm, to be exact). It isn't the most exact measuring tool, but it may be close enough for tasks that require you to have a rough idea of how something measures up in millimeters. If you don't have a credit card handy, stack 10 sheets of 8 ⁄ 2 in (22 cm) x 11 in (28 cm) printer paper on top of each other to get a layer that's about 1 millimeter thick. This may be harder to work with than a single plastic card, though. A “mil” is a little-used imperial unit that corresponds to one thousandth of an inch, and is not to be confused with millimeters. Stand the card up on a piece of paper beside the object you’re measuring. Align the outer edge of the card with your chosen starting point on the object. Imagine that the card is a ruler, and that the edge is the 0mm line. For this method, you'll essentially be adding up 1 millimeter at a time in order to find the one of the object's given dimensions. Use a pen or pencil to draw a thin line along the inner edge of the card. Run the tip of your writing utensil down the card to trace a line long enough to be plainly visible. This marks a distance of 0.762 millimeters between the end of the object and your first line. You'll be drawing a number of lines quite close together, so use light pressure to make the line as thin as possible. Sharpening your pencil or using a pen with an ultra-fine point will help. Slide the card down to the other side of the line and repeat the process. This line will be 1.52 millimeters from your starting point. Reset your card on the far edge of your second line and draw another. Continue measuring and marking in small increments until you reach the end of the object, then count up the number of individual spaces. Make sure you count the spaces between the lines and not the lines themselves, since there will be 1 too many. To increase your precision a bit, count every 4 lines as 3 millimeters total. This will help make up the difference, since the card isn't exactly 1mm thick. | Look at the unmarked lines on a metric ruler. Line up the end of your ruler with the object you want to measure. Multiply the centimeter measurement just before the end of your object by 10. Add the number of lines after the last centimeter mark. Learn how other metric measurements work to easily calculate millimeters. Multiply inch measurements by 25.4 to find their length in millimeters. Multiply measurements given in feet by 304.8. Use a conversion factor of 914.4 to get millimeters from yards. Grab a normal credit card. Stand the card up on a piece of paper beside the object you’re measuring. Use a pen or pencil to draw a thin line along the inner edge of the card. Slide the card down to the other side of the line and repeat the process. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Popcorn | How to Make Popcorn | To cook popcorn on your stove, start by putting 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil and just 2 kernels of corn in a pan on medium heat. As soon as those kernels pop, add the remaining kernels as suggested by the package, and put the cover on the pan so it's slightly ajar to let steam escape. Start shaking the pan gently to keep the kernels from burning, and continue shaking until the popping stops. Then, turn off the heat, wait a few more seconds for any last kernels to pop, and remove the lid. | Buy some brown paper bags (lunch bags), but make sure the package is labeled as being microwave-safe. Bags not meant for use in the microwave can catch on fire. Pour 1/4 to 1/3 cup kernels to the bag. Fold the bag over twice. Do not use staples. Place the bag on its side in your microwave. Cook on high for several minutes. This time varies, depending on your microwave. Do not leave the bag unattended. Stop the microwave when the pops are about 2 seconds apart, and remove the bag from the oven. Pour the popcorn into a bowl and top it with butter and/or seasonings. Buy your favorite popcorn. Follow the instructions on the bag, which typically recommend the following: Massage the bag with your fingertips to break up the mixture before placing it in a microwave. Set the microwave for a few seconds longer than recommended, listen carefully, and stop the microwave when the pops are about 2 seconds apart. Remove the popcorn from the bag immediately for flavor. Open the bag away from you (the steam is hot), then serve and enjoy! Use a pan with a lid, preferably a lid with holes to allow steam to escape during popping. This keeps the popcorn from becoming chewy. Add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pan (suggested on your package of kernels). Turn the heat to medium and add two kernels to the pan. When those kernels pop, the oil is hot enough to add the rest. Add the amount of kernels suggested on the bag to the pan and cover them. If the lid does not have holes, keep it slightly ajar. Gently shake the pan to keep the kernels from burning. Keep shaking while the kernels pop. Once the popping slows to a stop, turn off the heat. Wait a second for any final pops, and then remove the lid away from you to avoid steam. Immediately pour the popcorn into a bowl, add your seasoning of choice, and enjoy! | Buy some brown paper bags (lunch bags), but make sure the package is labeled as being microwave-safe. Pour 1/4 to 1/3 cup kernels to the bag. Fold the bag over twice. Place the bag on its side in your microwave. Cook on high for several minutes. Pour the popcorn into a bowl and top it with butter and/or seasonings. Buy your favorite popcorn. Follow the instructions on the bag, which typically recommend the following: Use a pan with a lid, preferably a lid with holes to allow steam to escape during popping. Add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pan (suggested on your package of kernels). Turn the heat to medium and add two kernels to the pan. Add the amount of kernels suggested on the bag to the pan and cover them. Gently shake the pan to keep the kernels from burning. Keep shaking while the kernels pop. Wait a second for any final pops, and then remove the lid away from you to avoid steam. Immediately pour the popcorn into a bowl, add your seasoning of choice, and enjoy! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Toast-Almonds | How to Toast Almonds | To toast almonds, start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Next, spread some sliced almonds on the baking sheet, making sure they don't overlap. Once the almonds are ready, put the sheet in the center of the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring them even 3 to 4 minutes. Finally, when the almonds turn golden brown, they are ready to come out of the oven. | Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Open your bag and measure 1/2 cup (85 g) of sliced almonds. Spread the almonds evenly over the foil-lined cookie sheet. Try to prevent overlapping. Put the sheet in the center of the oven. Allow the almonds to toast for about 10 to 12 minutes. Open the oven door and stir the almonds with a long-handled wooden spoon every 3 to 4 minutes. Spread them evenly again after each stirring. Pay attention to the smell. When the almonds are nearly done, the kitchen will have an aroma of nuts. The almonds should also turn a golden brown color. Remove the almonds from the oven, and leave the cookie sheet to cool. Use in nut recipes right away or store in an airtight container for future use. Drop 1/2 tsp. (5 g) of butter in a cup or bowl and stir in 1/2 cup (85 g) sliced almonds until they are all coated. The use of a fat helps the nuts to brown. You can also use olive oil. Spread the almonds on a flat, microwave-safe dish, like a pie plate. Make sure they are in 1 flat layer. Microwave for 1 minute on high. Stir the almonds. Microwave and stir at 1-minute intervals. Be sure not to go any longer as nuts can toast quickly. Cool and use or store in an airtight container. Finished. | Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Open your bag and measure 1/2 cup (85 g) of sliced almonds. Spread the almonds evenly over the foil-lined cookie sheet. Put the sheet in the center of the oven. Allow the almonds to toast for about 10 to 12 minutes. Open the oven door and stir the almonds with a long-handled wooden spoon every 3 to 4 minutes. Spread them evenly again after each stirring. Pay attention to the smell. Remove the almonds from the oven, and leave the cookie sheet to cool. Use in nut recipes right away or store in an airtight container for future use. Drop 1/2 tsp. Spread the almonds on a flat, microwave-safe dish, like a pie plate. Microwave for 1 minute on high. Stir the almonds. Microwave and stir at 1-minute intervals. Cool and use or store in an airtight container. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Meatballs | How to Cook Meatballs | To make meatballs, first beat one egg in a mixing bowl. Add 1 pound (1/2 kg) of ground beef to the bowl along with ¼ cup (25 g) of bread crumbs. Then, sprinkle in ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) of salt and ¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) of pepper. You can also add diced onions, parsley, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, or your other favorite seasonings. Mix the ingredients together by hand until everything is thoroughly combined. Use your hands to scoop up some of the ground beef and compact it into a ball that's roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) across. Set the meatball down on a sheet of parchment paper and repeat this process with the remainder of the meat. Next, preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and spread a thin layer of olive oil across the bottom of a baking dish. Line the baking dish with the meatballs so that there's 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each meatball. Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes. Finally, remove the dish from the oven, flip the meatballs, and bake them for 5 more minutes. | Cover your work surface with parchment paper. Tear off a sheet of parchment paper roughly 18 inches (46 cm) in length and spread it over a flat portion of your kitchen counter. This section or parchment paper will provide you with a clean, nonstick surface on which to place your formed meatballs before you cook them. Note that you can also use wax paper instead of parchment paper. If you plan on baking your meatballs, you can line a baking dish or baking sheet with parchment paper instead of lining the counter. You could also grease the dish and line the formed meatballs on it without the use of parchment paper. Combine the ground meat, bread crumbs, eggs, and seasonings in a large bowl. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Ground beef is the simplest meat option for you to use, but you can also use a combination made of equal parts ground beef and ground pork, ground beef and ground sausage, or ground beef and ground veal. For a healthier option, you could skip the beef completely and use ground turkey instead. You can use either unseasoned or seasoned bread crumbs. Dry bread crumbs are often easiest to work with, but you could also tear a slice of fresh bread into small crumbs and use that in place of dry crumbs for a fresher, softer result. Make sure to slightly beat the egg with a fork or whisk before adding it to the mixture. Otherwise, it may fail to bind the meat properly. Salt and pepper are basic seasonings to add to your meatballs, but minced onion and parsley can be used if you want to give the flavor more depth. Other herbs, like oregano or cilantro, could be used instead of or alongside the parsley, as well. Form 1-inch (2.5-cm) balls. Use your hands to roll portions of the meat mixture into balls. Line the meatballs up on your parchment paper until ready to cook. If you have a melon-baller or small ice cream scoop, you could use that to form your meatballs instead of your hands. You could also use a teaspoon to help you portion off the meat into workable amounts. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). If you have not already done so, prepare a 9- by 13-inch (23- by 33-cm) baking dish by coating it with the olive oil. Place the baking dish in the oven as it preheats to warm the dish and the oil. Only use enough oil to grease the pan. If you notice any puddles of olive oil, you should wipe them out or spread them further with a clean paper towel. Nonstick cooking spray may be used instead of cooking oil. Transfer the meatballs to your prepared baking dish. Remove your baking dish from the oven after it finishes preheating. Place your meatballs in the dish, spacing them roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart from one another. Keep the meatballs in a single layer and do not allow them to touch as they bake. If the meatballs bake while touching one another, they may end up sticking together. Gently press down on each meatball as you place it in the baking dish in order to somewhat flatten the bottom. By giving each ball a flat edge, you reduce the risk of the meatballs rolling around and coming into contact with each other in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes. Place the baking dish with the meatball in the preheated oven. Cook for 15 minutes, or until the top sides are well-browned. Turn and bake for 5 minutes. Use tongs to turn the meatballs to the other side. Return them to the oven and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes. When done, the meatballs should be slightly crispy on the outside. They should not be burnt, however. Serve as desired. Remove the meatballs from the oven and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. The meatballs can be enjoyed on their own, with pasta, or in a variety of other dishes. Heat oil in a large skillet. Pour 2 Tbsp (30 ml) of olive oil into a 12-inch (30-cm) skillet and heat on the stove using a medium-high setting. Let the oil heat for 1 or 2 minutes to ensure that it reaches an adequate temperature. If you do not have olive oil, standard vegetable oil can be used instead. Fry the meatballs for 5 minutes. Add the meatballs to the hot oil and cook on medium-high for 2 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until well-browned on all sides. The meatballs should not be stacked or touching when you add them to the pan. If you cannot comfortably fit all of the meatballs into the pan at once, prepare them in batches. Reduce heat and continue cooking. After the meatballs have browned, turn the heat down to medium-low and continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes. The meatballs are done once the juices run clear and the inside is no longer pink. Serve as desired. Remove the meatballs from the heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving alone, with pasta, or in other dishes. Follow another simple meatball recipe. By combining ground hamburger with eggs, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dry onion soup mix, you can create meatballs that are both flavorful and supremely easy to make. Make Italian-style meatballs. Mix ground beef together with classic Italian flavors like garlic, Romano cheese, and oregano to form meatballs that serve as the perfect accompaniment to spaghetti and other Italian dishes. Prepare albondigas meatballs. These Spanish-style meatballs are prepared with ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, oregano, and cumin. Albondigas meatballs can be enjoyed on their own or in a variety of other Spanish dishes. Use them in soups or drench them in tomato-based sauce to serve as an appetizer. Bake a batch of porcupine meatballs. These meatballs get their trademark "spiky" appearance from the addition of white rice, which is added to the ground beef prior to forming it into balls. Prepare sweet and sour meatballs. Meatballs made from a simple recipe are tossed with a tangy sauce made of white vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Serve these meatballs in stir-fries or on their own with a side of rice or noodles. Opt for Swedish meatballs. Swedish meatballs are served in a rich sauce and prepared with warm spices like nutmeg and allspice. Serve up a batch as an appetizer or main dish. For a unique twist, prepare Swedish meatballs with sweet and sour sauce. Use a standard Swedish meatball recipe but serve the meatballs in a tangy sauce instead of the traditional rich, creamy sauce that usually accompanies them. Cook up meatless meatballs. You can replace meats like beef, pork, and turkey with textured vegetable protein in order to create a healthy vegetarian alternative to the standard meatball. Serve these meatless meatballs as you would serve any ordinary meatball. For instance, you can enjoy them on their own, in pasta dishes and soups, or on sandwiches. Think of different ways to serve your meatballs. Most meatball recipes can be served and enjoyed on their own, but adding meatballs to other dishes can be a good way to enhance the flavor of both the meatballs and the dish itself. Italian pasta dishes like spaghetti and meatballs are, perhaps, the most common example of a dish that features meatballs. Meatball soup is also a popular meatball dish. For a cheap, easy twist, you could also add meatballs to ramen in order to create Ramen meatball soup. Meatball sub sandwiches are a relatively mess-free way to enjoy meatballs drenched in sauce, as well. Freeze meatballs for later use. If you are unable to cook and serve your meatballs right this moment, but you still want to have some on hand for easy access, you can freeze the pre-formed meatballs until ready to use. | Cover your work surface with parchment paper. Combine the ground meat, bread crumbs, eggs, and seasonings in a large bowl. Form 1-inch (2.5-cm) balls. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Transfer the meatballs to your prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes. Turn and bake for 5 minutes. Serve as desired. Heat oil in a large skillet. Fry the meatballs for 5 minutes. Reduce heat and continue cooking. Serve as desired. Follow another simple meatball recipe. Make Italian-style meatballs. Prepare albondigas meatballs. Bake a batch of porcupine meatballs. Prepare sweet and sour meatballs. Opt for Swedish meatballs. Cook up meatless meatballs. Think of different ways to serve your meatballs. Freeze meatballs for later use. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Fresh-Mushrooms | How to Store Fresh Mushrooms | The best way to store fresh mushrooms is to keep them in their original packaging and put them in your refrigerator as soon as you get home. If you bought your mushrooms loose, place them in a container, cover the container tightly with plastic wrap, then tuck them in your fridge. When you need to get out a few mushrooms, make the smallest hole possible in the plastic, remove what you need, then rewrap the container tightly. Your mushrooms will stay fresh this way for 7-10 days! | Keep the mushrooms in their original packaging. If you're not going to use your mushrooms right away, it's okay to leave them in their original cardboard and plastic wrap packaging. The plastic wrap usually has holes which allow excess moisture to escape without drying the mushrooms out. Rewrap the mushrooms with shrink wrap. If you do need a few mushrooms right away, make the smallest hole possible in the original plastic covering. Once you've taken the mushrooms you need out of the package, rewrap the area you removed them from with plastic wrap. Refrigerate them. After you've brought the mushrooms home, refrigerate them in their original packaging. Putting fresh mushrooms in the refrigerator slows down the growing process and can prevent them from going bad quickly. Using this technique should keep your mushrooms fresh for about a week. Put mushrooms into a paper lunch bag. If you don't want to store your fresh mushrooms in their original packaging, you can instead store them in a paper bag. The size of the bag can vary depending on how many mushrooms you're storing, but brown paper lunch bags are generally the best choice. You can also wrap them in damp paper towels before you place them in the bag. Leave the paper bag open. Don't fold over the top of the bag of mushrooms. Leaving it open keeps the level of moisture balanced. The bag will trap some moisture. Leaving it open prevents your mushrooms from soaking up too much moisture. Store the bag in your refrigerator. You should store the paper bag of mushrooms in your refrigerator, preferably in one of the crisper drawers. This keeps the scent and taste of other food from getting into your mushrooms. Crisper drawers are also designed to keep fresh vegetables fresher for longer. Using this method should keep your mushrooms fresh for a week to 10 days. Clean the mushrooms first. If you don't plan to use your fresh mushrooms within a week or so, you'll want to freeze them to preserve them. Start by rinsing the mushrooms under water and then letting them dry in open air. You can spread them on a paper or tea towel to catch the excess water. Brush with towel or mushroom brush. Once the mushrooms are relatively dry, brush them with a paper towel or mushroom brush. This gets some of the more stubborn dirt off of them. Slice and sauté the mushrooms. Slice your mushrooms into even pieces before you sauté them. Using an egg slicer can give you uniform pieces. Sauté them in one to two tablespoons of olive oil with some salt and pepper to taste. Let the mushrooms cool. Once you've finished cooking the mushrooms, let them cool before you freeze them. Spread them out on a cookie sheet in a single layer until they are cool to the touch. Freeze in plastic resealable bags. Once the mushrooms have cooled, store them in resealable plastic bags and freeze them. Cooking before freezing them prevents them from absorbing too much moisture when they defrost. | Keep the mushrooms in their original packaging. Rewrap the mushrooms with shrink wrap. Refrigerate them. Put mushrooms into a paper lunch bag. Leave the paper bag open. Store the bag in your refrigerator. Clean the mushrooms first. Brush with towel or mushroom brush. Slice and sauté the mushrooms. Let the mushrooms cool. Freeze in plastic resealable bags. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Cat-Spray-Odor | How to Get Rid of Cat Spray Odor | To get rid of cat spray odor, start by wiping down the area where your cat sprayed with paper towels. If the stain is on carpet or fabric, blot it instead of rubbing it, which will cause the stain to set. Next, apply an enzyme cleaner that will break down the compounds in the urine that cause it to smell. Alternatively, you can spray the area with diluted vinegar, then blot up excess moisture with more paper towels. Then, repeat these steps until all of the smell is gone. | Wipe down the area. If you know where your cat sprayed, you can begin removing the odor by thoroughly cleaning the area. Your first step is to grab some paper towels. If it is a very large spot, you might want to use a cloth towel that you can either immediately wash or throw away. Using paper or cloth towels, wipe up the urine. If the spray has already dried, pour a cup of cold water on the dried spot, then wipe that up with your towels. If the spot is on the carpet, pour some cold water on the spot. Blot that up with the towels before adding cleaning products. Blot the stain. Do not rub the stain into carpet, furniture, or other material, such as clothing. That will cause the stain to set, which you want to avoid. Apply cleaning products. There are many products you can purchase that will help you get rid of cat spray odor. It is important to choose a product that does not contain ammonia, so read the ingredients before purchasing. The smell of ammonia can cause cats to repeatedly mark that spot. Choose an enzymatic cleaner. Several different brands make these cleaning sprays. The enzymes effectively break down the compounds in cat urine that create lingering odors. If you are unsure whether a product is enzymatic, ask a store employee. Most pet stores now stock several brands of these cleaners. Follow the directions on the bottle. Spray the soiled area, allow to soak in, then blot with clean towels. If the sprayed area is on carpet or a rug, follow the same instructions. Then vacuum the area to help thoroughly remove the stain. Use a natural remedy. If you don't want to use a chemical cleaner, you can make your own natural cleaning solution. Mix 100 ml of white vinegar with 200 ml of warm water. Place in a clean, empty spray bottle and shake well. After you have wiped up the urine, spray your cleaning mixture on the soiled area. Blot dry with clean cloths or paper towels. You can also mix 5.5 oz of hydrogen peroxide with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. In a clean plastic container, such as a small bucket, add 1 squirt of liquid hand soap. Mix well with a wooden or plastic spoon. Using a clean cloth, apply the mixture to the stain. Then rinse the area well with warm water. Do not apply a mixture containing hydrogen peroxide to carpet without doing a "spot test" first. In an inconspicuous area, such as a closet, apply the cleaner to make sure that it does not bleach or discolor the carpet. Repeat as necessary. Cat spray stains are among the most stubborn. If the odor is not gone, you may need to repeat the process. Simply make sure the spot is thoroughly dried, then repeat the above steps with your chosen cleaning product. Sometimes the problem might be that you are not sure where your cat sprayed. If you don't know the location of the spray, you might not be able to clean as thoroughly as you would like. Use a portable black light to help you find the stain. Cat spray will appear on furniture or walls as a yellow spot or splatter. Many pet stores sell small, inexpensive black lights. Hire a professional. If the cat spray has not been regularly cleaned, it might be a good idea to seek outside help. For instance, maybe you have moved into a "new" apartment where a spraying cat used to reside. It's going to be very difficult to remove the smell on your own. Look for a cleaning service that lists "pet odor removal" as a specialty. Professional cleaning services will have equipment and chemicals that are more effective at removing set in stains. Ask friends or co-workers to recommend a reputable cleaning service. When you contact the service, don't hesitate to ask for a free estimate. Use air freshener. The best way to get rid of cat spray odor is to remove the scent by cleaning thoroughly. However, that can sometimes take several attempts, and even professional help. In the meantime, there are several things you can do to help reduce the odor and make your home livable. Use an air freshener that contains baking soda. The main component, sodium bicarbonate, is very effective at absorbing odors. You can make a homemade air freshener to sprinkle on your carpets. Combine 1 cup of any dried herbs (such as lavender, rosemary, etc.), 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Sprinkle the mixture onto carpet and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Then vacuum up the remaining powder. You can make this mixture at any time and store it in an airtight container. Open the windows. Fresh air is one of the most effective ways to get rid of any household odor, including cat spray. Open several windows around your home. Try opening some at each end of your home to create a cross-breeze. Make a habit of opening your windows for at least a few minutes each day, even when it is cold out. The fresh air will help keep scents from lingering. You could also invest in an air purifier. Many of these devices will help keep your household smelling fresh. Check out several models to see which would work best for you. Light scented candles. Candles won't remove cat spray odor, but it can help you cover it. For example, maybe you need some relief from the smell while you are cleaning. Or perhaps company arrives unexpectedly and you need to freshen the air quickly. A candle can work well in these situations. When purchasing a candle, sniff before you buy. If you can't detect a strong scent from the jar, you likely won't get a strong scent when the candle is burning. Consider a scent that smells fresh. Many candles are available in scents such as fresh linen or ocean fresh. These would likely cover cat spray odor most effectively. Clean regularly. An important part of keeping your home smelling fresh is to keep it as clean as possible. If you don't know exactly where your cat is spraying, you should make it a habit to keep hard surfaces very clean. This will help keep odors from setting. Make it part of your daily routine to wipe down counters and bathroom surfaces. Once a week (or month, depending on need), wipe down walls and hard floors. You can make your own cleaner by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water. Use clean clothes to apply the mixture to hard surfaces. Clean the litter box. The most effective way to keep your home from smelling like cat urine is to prevent spraying in the first place. One of the best ways to do that is to make sure that your cat is happy with his litter box situation. Cats are very particular about their bathroom needs. If your cat is spraying, ask yourself if his box is clean enough. You may need to change the litter more often and scoop the box more frequently. If your cat started spraying after you switched litters, he may not like the new brand. Try a new product to see if he reacts more favorably to a different kind of litter. Consider getting another litter box. If space allows, give your cat another option for elimination. This may reduce his desire to go elsewhere. Monitor your cat's health. Most cats who spray are males who have not been neutered. It is a way to mark territory. If your cat has not been neutered, ask your vet about the procedure. It will likely stop the spraying. Cats may spray because of health issues. If this behavior is unusual for your cat, consult your vet to see if there is an underlying problem. Provide a stable home environment. Cats often spray because of stress or anxiety. For example, if you have recently moved or introduced a new pet into the home, your cat might react by spraying. Try to give your cat some extra affection. If the cause of anxiety isn't immediately evident, ask yourself some questions. Has your cat's routine changed? Is it possible that he is being bullied by another cat in the neighborhood? | Wipe down the area. Apply cleaning products. Use a natural remedy. Repeat as necessary. Hire a professional. Use air freshener. Open the windows. Light scented candles. Clean regularly. Clean the litter box. Monitor your cat's health. Provide a stable home environment. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Maintain-a-Healthy-Liver | How to Maintain a Healthy Liver | To maintain a healthy liver, restrict yourself to 1 alcoholic drink a day if you're a woman and 2 if you're a man, since greater amounts of alcohol can lead to liver damage. Make sure to eat a balanced diet, including grains and protein, so your liver can function properly. You should also perform regular exercise, like jogging or swimming, to help reduce fatty tissue in your liver. Additionally, take no more than the recommended doses of medication, since some medicines can damage liver cells when they're overused. | Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol can damage or destroy liver cells, eventually causing permanent scarring which impedes or even ceases liver function. If you're a woman, you should restrict your consumption to one alcoholic drink per day. Men may have two alcoholic drinks per day. Even if you only drink rarely, be mindful of over-consuming even on isolated occasions. Binge drinking--defined as any pattern or episode of drinking which causes a blood alcohol content greater than 0.08g/dL--can accelerate liver damage. Be on the lookout for behavioral signs of dependency. If you think you're drinking too much, review your habits and check yourself for symptoms of addiction like drinking alone and increased tolerance. Reduce your consumption of fatty foods. If you eat more fat than your body can digest, the fatty tissue accumulates in your liver. This buildup can lead to inflammation, scarring, or other injuries. Avoid processed foods high in saturated fat in particular. Such foods include fast food like hamburgers and pizza, red meat, potato chips and other deep-fried foods, cheese, and sweets. People with certain medical conditions should be particularly careful regarding managing fat intake, since these conditions may contribute to fatty liver disease: diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure. Balance your diet with a mixture of foods from all of the food groups. Maintaining a balanced diet consisting of grains, proteins, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and fats will help to ensure that your liver receives the nutrition it needs to complete its diverse array of bodily functions. Eat plenty of foods rich in fiber. Fiber assists in clearance of the large intestine by binding to bile and thereby facilitating its transfer out of the body. This represents an important way that the body gets rid of fat-soluble toxins which can eventually deposit and build up within the liver. Examples of fiber-rich foods include peas, beans, artichokes, broccoli, and whole grain bread and pasta. . Shed some extra pounds Combining your healthy dietary regimen with regular exercise should enable you to lose weight over time. This reduction in your weight can lead to diminished fatty tissue in your liver. Regular physical activity will help not only to keep your liver in good condition, but also to improve your overall physical and mental health. You should complete some combination of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities every week. Keep your exercise regimen varied in order to avoid burnout or boredom. While weight loss is generally encouraged as a method of combating fatty liver disease, it is unwise and even dangerous to engage in extreme dieting or exercise. Losing more than four pounds a week can damage the liver, so make sure that your weight loss regimen is gradual. . Quit smoking Tobacco has been shown to have many adverse effects on internal organs such as the liver, despite the fact that the inhaled smoke does not come into direct contact with it. Smoking tobacco has been linked to liver cancer and should be discontinued as soon as possible in order to limit your risk factors for the disease. While tobacco smoking does not damage liver cells directly, it can worsen existing liver conditions like fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. Monitor your health and vital signs to check for physical symptoms of liver disease. While fatty liver disease is generally asymptomatic, alcoholic hepatitis is marked by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Alcoholic cirrhosis is the most advanced form of alcohol-related liver disease and causes jaundice, yellowing skin, extreme weight loss, and severe abdominal pain. Get regular health check-ups. Seeing a health care practitioner regularly will help you avoid all kinds of medical problems, including problems with your liver. Ask for liver function tests if you have a reason to be concerned about your liver. Talk to your health care provider about having a blood sample taken and testing for liver function. The results will indicate how well your liver is performing normal functions such as protein production and clearing of blood waste products like bilirubin. If your tests indicate signs of compromised liver function, there are numerous, highly effective remedies available. For alcoholic fatty liver and most cases of alcoholic hepatitis, abstention from alcohol can reverse liver damage. For non-alcoholic-related liver damage, your doctor may utilize a combination of medication and dietary alterations to initiate liver regeneration. Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. All infants should begin receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine series at birth, while babies between the ages of 12 and 24 months should undergo the Hepatitis A vaccine. Additionally, if you are considered to be “at-risk” for Hepatitis A or B, you should receive the vaccines. Such cases include individuals traveling to high-risk international regions like Africa or Eastern European, individuals with infected sexual partners, and those with chronic liver disease. Take no more than the recommended doses of medications. While some medications do not affect the liver, many common drugs are considered hepatotoxic—that is, they damage liver cells—and should be used sparingly or only in strict accordance with doctors' instructions. Fluoxetine (generic Prozac) and Trazodone are some of the most widely prescribed drugs which are known to be hepatotoxic, while acetaminophen is perhaps the most popularly consumed hepatotoxic drug which may be purchased over the counter. Make sure to check prescription information or product label—or, better yet, consult your local pharmacist—before taking any new medication. | Limit alcohol consumption. Reduce your consumption of fatty foods. Balance your diet with a mixture of foods from all of the food groups. Eat plenty of foods rich in fiber. . . Monitor your health and vital signs to check for physical symptoms of liver disease. Get regular health check-ups. Ask for liver function tests if you have a reason to be concerned about your liver. Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. Take no more than the recommended doses of medications. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ripen-Green-Tomatoes | How to Ripen Green Tomatoes | To ripen green tomatoes, start by poking a few holes in a plastic bag and putting your tomatoes inside of it. Then, add a banana to the bag, which will release ethylene gas that helps fruit ripen faster. Once your tomatoes are bagged, store them in a warm area away from direct sunlight until they're ripe. If you have too many tomatoes to fit in a plastic bag, seal them in a cardboard box with a banana instead while you wait for them to ripen. | Move potted plants inside and leave them in direct sunlight. Tomatoes stop ripening when the temperature gets cold. If the weather is getting cold and your tomato plants are potted, then finishing off the ripening process is easy. Just pick up your plants and move them inside where it's warmer. Leave them near a window in direct sunlight. The warmer temperature and sunlight help the tomatoes continue ripening. Then pick tomatoes as they ripen and turn red. Tomato plants grow best when the temperature is around 70 °F (21 °C), so make sure your home temperature is near that. Cover outdoor plants at night with blankets or row covers. If your tomato plants aren't potted and the season is ending, then you have to pick them or cover them until they ripen. Using a blanket or row cover helps ripen your plants in the last few days before the weather gets cold. Cover the entire tomato plant and make sure no parts are sticking out. Then check them every day and pick the ripe ones. Row covers are a better choice for this method because they're designed to keep plants warm. Buy them at garden stores or online. Take the covering off during the day so the plants get sunlight. This method also works if there is an unexpected early frost, but the weather is supposed to warm up afterward. Pull up the entire tomato plant, including its roots, and move it inside. If the weather has turned and your tomatoes still aren't ripe, dig up the entire plant and let it continue ripening inside. Start by digging around the plant roots with a gardening shovel. Then work the plant out of the ground, roots and all. Shake off all the dirt and debris from the plant so it doesn't make a mess in your home. If any tomatoes fall off while you're pulling the plant up, ripen them in a bag or box. Hang the tomato plant in a cool basement or cellar. These locations have a better environment for ripening tomatoes when they're still on the vine. There are several ways to hang the plants upside down. Use one that works best for you. Continue monitoring the tomatoes and pick them as they ripen. For the simplest solution, tie a string to a nail in your ceiling rafter. Then tie the string around the base of the plant and leave it hanging upside down. You can also punch a hole in the bottom of a bucket. Then tuck the plant through that hole and suspend the bucket from the ceiling. Place a sheet or pan beneath the plant to catch any falling dirt and leaves. Pick the tomatoes if they aren’t ripe yet when the season ends. If the weather has gotten cold but you still have green tomatoes, then you'll have to finish the ripening process indoors. Pick each tomato and be careful not to bruise or crush any. Inspect them and dispose of any damaged ones. They won't ripen properly. Leave the stem attached on all the tomatoes you pick. This helps them ripen better. Wash and dry the tomatoes after picking them. Before you start the ripening process, wash each tomato thoroughly. This removes any bugs or mold spores that could damage the tomato during the ripening process. Run each tomato under cool, running water. Then dry it with a towel. Make sure the tomatoes are dry because mold grows best in moist environments. Place the tomatoes in a paper bag or cardboard box. The specific container depends on how many tomatoes you have. If you only have a few, then use a paper bag. If you have a full vine or more, use a cardboard box with more room. Arrange the tomatoes so they don't touch each other. If you have a lot of tomatoes to ripen, use multiple boxes or bags. Too many tomatoes in one place will eat up all the ethylene, the chemical that makes plants ripen. Add a banana with green ends to the bag or box. Bananas naturally produce ethylene, the chemical that makes plants ripen. While tomatoes produce the chemical on their own, bananas produce much more, and boost the ripening process. Introduce a banana to aid the tomatoes. Use a banana that is still slightly underripe and still has green ends. A brown banana won't produce anymore ethylene. If you place the tomatoes in multiple containers, add a banana to each one. Seal the bag or box. Tomatoes need an ethylene-rich environment to ripen properly, so seal the container you're using. This traps the ethylene and helps your tomatoes absorb as much as they can. If you're using a paper bag, roll the top down. If you're using a box, close the top and use a strip of tape to hold it closed. Don't make the container airtight or too tight to open. You'll still have to check every day for signs of rotting, bruising, or mold growth, so make sure you can open the container easily. Check the tomatoes daily for mold or rotting. Open the container each day and check each tomato. Look for dark brown or black spots on its skin, which indicate that the tomato is starting to rot. Also look for growths on the tomato from mold. Remove tomatoes with these signs and dispose of them. Remove the tomatoes when they ripen. When the tomatoes turn red, they're ripe and ready to use. Pick out the ripe ones and enjoy! In warmer environments, around 65–70 °F (18–21 °C), the ripening process takes 1-2 weeks. In cooler environments, the process takes closer to a month. Use the ripe tomatoes within a week of removing them for optimal taste and freshness. If you won't use them right away, place them on a windowsill in direct sunlight. | Move potted plants inside and leave them in direct sunlight. Cover outdoor plants at night with blankets or row covers. Pull up the entire tomato plant, including its roots, and move it inside. Hang the tomato plant in a cool basement or cellar. Pick the tomatoes if they aren’t ripe yet when the season ends. Wash and dry the tomatoes after picking them. Place the tomatoes in a paper bag or cardboard box. Add a banana with green ends to the bag or box. Seal the bag or box. Check the tomatoes daily for mold or rotting. Remove the tomatoes when they ripen. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Summer-Fling | How to Have a Summer Fling | To have a summer fling, ask out the person you like as soon as possible, since you only have the summer to be together. For example, say something like, “Hey, you seem really cool! I'm looking for someone to have fun with this summer. Are you interested?” Once you start hanging out, try to do as many typical summer activities as possible, like going swimming, going to an amusement park, and taking romantic walks on the beach, to make the most of the weather. When summer comes to an end, make a clean getaway by saying something like, “I've had an amazing time with you this summer, but it's time for us to go our separate ways.” | Look for the perfect partner. Try to choose someone who isn't already attached to you. Avoid neighbors or friends because, since they'll be difficult to separate yourself from when the leaves start to turn. If you can, also avoid even just friends of friends. Look beyond your normal social group entirely. Good places to find a summer fling include the bar, the beach, a party, or even online (but be careful of catfishing). A good person for a summer fling is someone that's confident, energetic, and independent. That way, you can be sure to have a great time without letting him or her down rough. If you're travelling for the summer, you will be in the best position possible to find a summer fling. You will be surrounded by people who will have never met a single person you know back home. You will also have a ready-made exit strategy: You're likely to be hundreds if not thousands of miles away from your summer lover come September. If you're staying put, there are still plenty of options. Check out the dating scene in the nearest major city, beach town, or anywhere close but not too close to home. Be especially on the lookout for people who are just visiting for the summer. If you're somewhere without a lot of people around, your best bet may be the Internet. Check dating websites and specifically look for people interested in casual relationships. Just be careful who you get involved with. It's best to make your first "date" in a familiar public place and possibly even bring a friend along. your potential fling a little. Get to know Find out more about his or her personality and interests. Naturally, if he or she likes the same things as you, that's great. More importantly, look for signs that he or she would like to have a casual relationship. If his or her personality type is one prone to spontaneous adventures, you may have found perfect fling material. You may also choose to use a summer fling to explore romance outside your normal comfort zone. You won't be worried about the relationship's future, so go ahead and try someone whose interests and lifestyle don't mesh with your own. Try someone who isn't normally your "type." Look for body language cues to see if your prospect is into you. A lot of communication is nonverbal. Look for the following in a potential partner that may clue you in to his or her interest: He or she makes and holds eye contact with you more than other people. His or her pupils dilate when the two of you talk. He or she repeatedly touches you in a friendly way. He or she is constantly fiddling with objects, especially when talking to you. Be direct. While body language may clue you in initially, it's important to gauge each other's mutual interest as soon as possible. Remember that a summer fling has a much shorter timeline than a typical relationship. Don't take too long hoping that the other person will make the first move. Instead, be a little more forward than usual. Explain that find him or her attractive and plan a date together. Some examples of what you might say once you've found the right person include: "Hey, you seem really cool! I'm looking for someone to have fun with this summer. Are you interested?" "I'm only going to be in town for a couple months, and I don't want to miss the chance to be with you," is a good line if you're travelling. If your potential fling asks whether or not your offers to "hang out" are platonic, be honest. If he or she asks if something is a "date-date," don't be coy: "Yeah, it's a date-date. I think you're really cute and want to spend more time with you." Be open about your intentions. Your partner should know you want a casual fling, not a serious relationship. Ideally, one or both of you will have a major transition at the end of the summer to make the break easier. This can be something like going back to (different) schools or traveling back home. If you continue seeing each other after the breakup, it will make for a tense, awkward relationship. The best time to bring this up is when you're still flirting, before you've spent too much time together. Say something like: "This summer I just kind of want to have fun, you know? I'm not looking for anything serious." Have the perfect summer. Try to do as many typical summer activities with each other as possible. Go swimming. Visit an amusement park. Hike a long, romantic trail. Book a cruise. Try to take advantage of the great weather and do as much outdoors as possible. Stay safe. Any type of sexual activity comes with the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). With a brief, casual relationship like a summer fling with a relative stranger, this risk can be greater. At minimum, be sure you and/or your partner use a condom. Using lubricants will also help prevent condom breakage and reduce transmission risk. Ask your partner about his or her sexual history and most recent STD test. Keep your partner's safety in mind and be honest about any STD(s) you may have yourself. Above all, don't feel forced to do anything you don't want to do. Remember that there is no way to prevent STDs completely. Keep in mind that sex, just like every other part of life, will always carry a risk. Try to avoid falling in love. Remember that the best summer flings are no-strings-attached. Keep yourself from being stuck with emotional baggage from falling for someone you don't want a long-term relationship with. Is there anything that makes you swoon for a guy or girl? Some specific city or type of date that you think is just super romantic? Avoid that like the plague. Take your temporary partner to fun group events. One great thing about a summer fling is that you'll have a "standing date" for all the fun activities you may not want to go to solo. Whether it's a barbecue or a concert, your partner will be there to make everything you do extra special. Avoid bringing him or her to serious occasions or to meet your family. Remember that a fling should be low-pressure and without commitment. Do you really want to explain that to your parents? What you call your temporary partner will depend on your culture. In places where short-term romances are the norm, there's nothing wrong with telling others that you two are a couple. Likewise, calling him or her your "boyfriend/girlfriend" is generally fine. In more conservative climates, however, it may be better to just refer to him or her as your "friend." Go on a road trip. Head for a place neither of you has been before and make some fun memories together. When you're away from the stress of day-to-day life, you'll feel like you're having a mini-fling within a fling. Unless another couple or some friends tag along, save the road trip for the tail end of summer. You want to make sure your partner is completely trustworthy before travelling with him or her. Plan your exit strategy. When you've decided to bring your summer fling to an end, you generally have two options you can take: The Honest Route: Ideally, both you and your partner are aware of the impending split. This stops any potential awkwardness dead in its tracks. After all, you had an agreement from the get-go. Just tell him or her the date you'll be leaving town or otherwise want to end the relationship. Then pack your bags (even just metaphorically) and move on to the next chapter in your life. The Covert Route: If you can't bring yourself to be brutally honest, start planning your escape at least a week before you want to split. Figure out a good reason to break up, whether it's a surprise trip to study abroad or having to go back home to take care of your family. You could also just tell him or her that the relationship just isn't "working out" for you, even though he or she is a great person. The actual breakup should be clean and simple. Be sure to do the adult thing and break up in person, not over text or instant messaging. If you have trouble working up the nerve, remember that it's just a summer fling. Hopefully you chose a partner who can handle it. End the summer fling on a good note. Reassure the person that the ending is for the best. You may want to use typical breakup phrases here to help them. Keep the break clean in order to avoid either of you holding onto the relationship. Make it clear that the summer fling has officially ended. Stay together if you both feel like it could be something more. Sometimes you may find yourself falling in love with a summer fling despite your best efforts. If the two of you won't be "long distance" at the end of summer, consider keeping the relationship going. Even though he or she may have agreed on an end date in the beginning, your partner may share your feelings. | Look for the perfect partner. your potential fling a little. Look for body language cues to see if your prospect is into you. Be direct. Be open about your intentions. Have the perfect summer. Stay safe. Try to avoid falling in love. Take your temporary partner to fun group events. Go on a road trip. Plan your exit strategy. End the summer fling on a good note. Stay together if you both feel like it could be something more. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Memorize-Math-and-Physics-Formulas | How to Memorize Math and Physics Formulas | If you need to memorize math and physics formulas, use a mnemonic device, where you make a new sentence using the first letter of key words or variables in the formula so you can recall the formula more easily. You can either use an established mnemonic device or you can create your own. As you memorize the formula, try to understand each part of the formula and how they all work together, so in addition to just recalling it, you'll be able to accurately apply it when you're solving a problem. | Use an already established mnemonic device. Some math and physics formulas have mnemonic devices that have been around for a long time. Your teacher might have used a few to teach you the formula in the first place. Use those mnemonic devices to try memorize formulas you have a hard time with. For example, you might have learned the formulas for sine, cosine, and tangent of an angle with the mnemonic device “SOH CAH TOA.” Here, S ine is the length of the O pposite side over the length of the H ypotenuse, C osine is the length of the A djacent over the length of the H ypotenuse, and T angent is the length of the O pposite side over the length of the A djacent. Make up your own mnemonic device. Not every formula has a common mnemonic device that you can use. In that case, make up your own! Use the parts of the formula to tell yourself a story or spell out a word that you can remember. For example, if you're trying to remember that E = mc squared, you could remember it by saying that Elephants (E) are afraid of mice and critters. Use a memory palace. A memory palace is a specific type of mnemonic device that uses visual clues to help you remember things. You should always use the same location, and “travel” through it, looking for the things that will help you remember the formula. For example, think about the house where you grew up. Say that you're trying to remember that the area of a circle is Pi x radius squared. You can remember it by thinking of your kitchen, where there was always pie on the windowsill, next to two rolling pins. Break down the parts of the formula. If you focus on just memorizing the formula, chances are you won't be able to remember it for very long. But if you understand each part of the formula and how they work together, it can be easier to remember them. So let's say you know that speed is the amount of time it takes an object to travel a certain distance. So to figure out speed, you need to know how far the object went and how long it took to get there: so divide the distance traveled by the amount of time it took to get there. If you know all this, you can figure out that speed = change in distance/change in time. Review what the formula builds on. Most physics and math formulas build on things you've already learned. If you're having trouble memorizing new formulas, go back and review the formulas that came before. For example, say you're having a hard time remembering the formula for velocity, but you know velocity is an object's speed in a specific direction. Review the formula for speed, which is distance over time. Then you know that velocity is just speed with a direction attached. Practice each formula. The more you practice with each formula, plugging in different values, the more you'll understand how it works. Understanding how it works can help you to remember the formula itself. Practicing each formula will take a bit of time, but it's worth it, especially if you have a big exam coming up, or if you're going to need these formulas for your career. You can find practice questions in your textbook, or search for practice tests online. If you're having a hard time find extra questions to practice with, ask your teacher for some. Relax. If you're super stressed out or worried you won't be able to learn the material, you're going to have a hard time remembering those formulas! Before you study, sit down at your desk. Take a deep breath, letting each of your muscles relax. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, put your work aside, and take another deep breath. Give yourself a break to relax a little bit. Eat a light snack. If you're hungry or thirsty while you're trying to study, you're going to be distracted. If you're distracted, you'll have a harder time concentrating and you probably won't be able to memorize things as well. Keep a light snack, like fruit, and some water near you while you study. Exercise after you study. It might sound a little weird, but exercising after you study can help you memorize formulas better. The endorphins your body releases during exercise actually help improve your memory, so take a walk or go for a run when you're done studying. Get enough sleep. It's important to get enough sleep before and after you study so your brain can remember what you've studied. You should get at least 8 hours of sleep a night, in a room that's dark. | Use an already established mnemonic device. Make up your own mnemonic device. Use a memory palace. Break down the parts of the formula. Review what the formula builds on. Practice each formula. Relax. Eat a light snack. Exercise after you study. Get enough sleep. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Make-a-Betta-Trust-You | How to Make a Betta Trust You | If you want to make a betta trust you, keep its tank in a room where you spend a lot of time, so it will be familiar with your presence. Spend time bonding with your betta by teaching it simple tricks like following your finger when you trace it along the outside of the glass. You can also teach a betta to jump by holding a piece of food just above the surface of the water. Also, you can draw on the tank with a dry-erase marker to stimulate the betta while showing off your creative side. | Place your betta’s tank where he can see you. Bettas like to observe what's going on around them. One way to interact with your betta is to put his tank where he can see what you are doing. Although this is not direct interaction, it allows your betta to see you as part of his environment, which can keep him mentally alert and occupied. Because he'll be watching you, do not be surprised if your betta swims to the top of the tank when you walk over to feed him. Place the tank in a room where you spend a lot of time, such as the family room. Teach your betta to follow your finger. Bettas are very intelligent fish. Although you may not have thought it possible to teach a fish a trick, you can certainly do with your betta. One trick you can teach him is to follow your finger. This one is pretty simple—place your finger on your betta's tank and wait for him to respond by swimming towards your finger. Move your finger in all directions on the outside of his tank and watch him follow your finger around. Reward your betta with a small piece of food each time he follows your finger. Train your betta to jump out of the water. Place a small piece of food just above the water's surface. You can place the food on a popsicle stick or even your finger. Because betta naturally feed at the water's surface, this will be an easy trick for your betta to learn. Doodle on the outside of your betta’s tank. Since bettas enjoy observing their environment, pique your betta's interest by drawing on his tank. Use a non-permanent dry erase marker and draw different designs. Stand by and watch your betta swim towards the design and investigate it. Experiment with different color markers and different shapes. Teach your betta to flare. Hold a small handheld mirror close to your betta's tank. Since your betta is so intelligent, he will likely recognize his own reflection. When he does this, he will flare his fins, which can be a very beautiful display. You can also teach him to flare with a pen. As soon as your betta flares at the sight of his reflection in the mirror, hold a pen up to the mirror. After a few repetitions, hold only the pen up to get your betta to flare. Make sure to use the same color pen each time. Your betta may become riled up after seeing his reflection. Although there is no recommended amount of time to hold up a mirror in front of your betta, watch his body language to see if he is getting agitated. Choose a large tank for your betta. In the wild, bettas swim in shallow waters. However, do not mistake this for your betta needing only a small bowl to swim in. Your betta's tank should be at least 5 gallons, but bigger is always better—10 gallons or more. If you can find it, use a tank that is longer than it is high. This will mimic your betta's natural shallow water habitat. Small bowls and vases are not recommended for betta fish. Select a filter for your betta’s tank. Bettas swim in relatively still waters in the wild, so you should select a gentle filter that would not create a strong water current in your betta's tank. Adjustable-flow filters are also an option, since you could adjust the strength of the filter to decrease the current. Do not select a tank that already has a filter attached (e.g., eclipse systems). These filters are not adjustable and tend to be too strong for bettas. Although a filter will help keep the water clean, you will still need to replace the water regularly to reduce nitrate levels and maintain overall good water quality. Ask the staff at your local pet store about the strength of the filters available in the store. They should be able to help you choose which one will work best for your betta's tank. Purchase an aquarium light for your betta. Wild bettas live in shaded waters and are accustomed to regular cycles of light and dark from the sun. An aquarium light will be useful in mimicking this same light cycle. Turn the light on during the day and off at night. In addition to mimicking a natural light cycle, the light will also be necessary for the live plants in your betta's tank. There are several types of bulbs (e.g., full-spectrum, LED, incandescent) for lighting an aquarium. A full-spectrum bulb is most similar to natural daylight, and is thus a good type of bulb for your betta's tank. If you plan to add live plants to the tank, the bulb's wattage should be approximately 2 to 5 watts per gallon of water. Bulbs are available at your local pet store. The staff at the store can explain how to safely install the bulb above your betta's tank. Do not use direct sunlight as a light source. It could stimulate algae growth in your betta's tank. Decorate your betta’s tank. Your betta probably will not enjoy living in a tank that just has water in it. One way to decorate is to place live plants in his tank. Since bettas naturally swim in shaded areas, the live plants will provide your betta with shade from the light bulb. Dense areas of live plants provide ideal shade areas. When you are first setting up the tank, add the plants when the tank is half-full. This will make it easier to place the plants where you want them. Following the initial set up, consider switching out the plants during a water change, when you will be removing some of the tank's water. Fake plants are not recommended for your betta's tank. They can have sharp edges that could damage your betta's fragile fins. Aquarium caves are good decoration for your betta's tank, and give him a place to hide. Hiding places provide shade and reduce your betta's stress. Aim to have about three-fourths of his tank's open area covered with different types of hiding spaces. Decorate your betta's tank with driftwood. Make sure that it does not have any rough or sharp edges. Terra cotta pots are not good decoration for your betta's tank. They have sharp edges that could damage your betta's fins. Maintain a constant water temperature and pH. Bettas are tropical fish, so warm water (78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) is best for your betta. Use a water heater and thermometer to respectively maintain and monitor the tank's water temperature. Water heaters are not good for small tanks (less than three gallons), since the water could warm up too quickly and make the betta sick. Water that is too cold can suppress your betta's immune system, leaving him more susceptible to infection and illness. The staff at your local pet store can explain how to install the heater and thermometer in your betta's tank. Bettas prefer slightly acidic water. Maintain the tank's pH at 6.5 to 7. Run a fishless cycle of your tank. Before adding your betta to the tank, you will need to run what is called a fishless cycle. This cycle allows for the growth of good bacteria in your tank's filter that will keep ammonia levels near zero in the tank. The bacteria will convert ammonia to nitrate through a process known as the nitrogen cycle. A fishless cycle usually takes four to six weeks. You will need to use your own ammonia source, such as household ammonia, to start the cycle. Use a test kit to maintain ammonia levels at 2 to 3 parts per million during the cycle. This will allow enough bacteria to grow to handle the waste produced from your betta. Adding your betta to the tank before running the fishless cycle could expose him to high levels of ammonia (produced in his waste), since there would be no bacteria to break it down. Ammonia is toxic and could make your betta very sick (e.g., respiratory distress, erratic swimming, internal and external bleeding. Nitrate is also harmful to your fish. The good bacteria cannot break down nitrate, but you would remove the nitrate when you change the water. Learn about betta temperament. You will have a hard time earning your betta's trust if you add a tank mate that is not a good match. Bettas were originally bred for aggression. However, when they started being bred for color, the aggression was not fully bred out of them. Bettas, particularly male bettas, can be very aggressive towards other fish. On the other hand, bettas could be very submissive, leaving them vulnerable to attack by a tank mate. Bettas are territorial fish, particularly during breeding season in the wild. Female bettas are less aggressive than male bettas and can be housed peacefully with other fish. In the wild, bettas do not travel in schools. Choose a potential tank mate for your betta. Several types of fish may be suitable tank mates for your betta. One type is the white cloud mountain minnow. This minnow has a peaceful temperament and is unlikely to be aggressive towards a betta. It also has a similar diet to bettas. A clown pleco is a peaceful algae eater, and would help keep the cage clean. As an armored catfish, your betta would probably avoid provoking him. A clown pleco is fairly large (four inches long) and requires a large tank (20 gallons). Pygmy corydoras are tiny bottom feeders and are not brightly colored, so they are unlikely to attract the attention of your betta. Ember tetras are small fish that are unlikely to nip at your betta. Harlequin rasboras make good tank mates with bettas because they live with bettas in the wild. Remember that bettas don't need a tank mate. Your betta would do just fine swimming by himself. Do not add a fish with bright colors or flowing fins. A fish whose appearance is as bright and ornate as your betta will likely be perceived as a threat to him. For examples, swordtails would not be good because they have bright coloration. Fish such as guppies, angelfish, and high-fin tetras have long flowing tails. Gourami are similarly shaped to bettas, and could thus be seen as a threat. Learn about your betta’s feeding habits. Bettas have a special anatomical feature called a labyrinth bladder, which allows them to breathe air. With the ability to breathe air, bettas usually eat at the water's surface. In fact, their mouths are turned upwards to accommodate surface feeding. Purchase commercial betta food. Bettas are carnivorous and need high levels of protein in their diet. It is very important to buy betta-specific commercial fish food—the standard tropical fish food is not going to have enough protein for your betta. Betta pellets are ideal for your betta. Make sure to read the ingredient label: the first few ingredients should be meat, and the pellets should be approximately 40% protein. Consider purchasing freeze-dried or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia, all of which are great protein sources. Alternatively, you can find pellets that already contain these protein sources. Learn how to feed your betta. Feed your betta twice a day, about 12 hours apart. Since your betta's stomach is so small (about the size his eyes), he will need only two to three pellets per feeding. Try to feed your betta at the same times each day. Do not overfeed your betta. Overfeeding can cause bloating and other serious health problems in your betta. Overfeeding can also lead to excess food accumulation on the tank's bottom, which dirties and pollutes the water. If you are feeding your betta separate bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia, do so only once a week. These are considered treats and should not be fed very often. | Place your betta’s tank where he can see you. Teach your betta to follow your finger. Train your betta to jump out of the water. Doodle on the outside of your betta’s tank. Teach your betta to flare. Choose a large tank for your betta. Select a filter for your betta’s tank. Purchase an aquarium light for your betta. Decorate your betta’s tank. Maintain a constant water temperature and pH. Run a fishless cycle of your tank. Learn about betta temperament. Choose a potential tank mate for your betta. Do not add a fish with bright colors or flowing fins. Learn about your betta’s feeding habits. Purchase commercial betta food. Learn how to feed your betta. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sex-a-Rat-from-Birth | How to Sex a Rat from Birth | To properly sex a rat from birth, wait for about 2 weeks, or until the kittens have opened their eyes and started eating solid food. Once they're about 2 weeks old, gently lift each one out of the cage and turn it onto its back in the palm of your hand. You should see the rat's anus under the tail, then a smaller opening called the urethra a little further up. In male rats, the distance between the anus and the urethra will be 1.5 to 2 times longer than in females. | Wait until the kittens are about two weeks old. Although it is possible to tell the difference between male and female kittens as soon as a few days after birth, handling them this soon after they are born can be very stressful to them. If there is no immediate urgency for you to determine the sex, wait for a few weeks before handling them. At two weeks of age, the kittens will open their eyes and can start eating solid food. Look at the distance between the anus and urethra. When the kittens are about two weeks old, gently lift them out of the cage and place them on their backs in the palm of one of your hands. Identify the anus (under the tail) and urethra (small opening a little further up towards the belly). The distance between these two body parts ('anogenital distance') will be 1.5 to 2 times longer in male rats than female rats. The male kittens' testicles will eventually descend between the anus and urethra. Be mindful that kittens typically do not like to stay still for long. It may take a few tries before any of them stay still long enough for you to determine what sex they are. In addition, the mother rat may not be comfortable with you handling her babies. If the mother looks upset when you try to handle the kittens, try again later. Hold two kittens in your hand at one time so you can compare the anogenital distances. Check for testicles near the tail. As male rats reach sexual maturity, they will develop a large, visible scrotum that contains the testicles. However, the testicles can sometimes retract upward into a male rat's abdomen, so you may not be able to see them. The scrotum and testicles should be visible on male kittens between three to four weeks of age. Since the testicles can retract, they are not always a surefire way to differentiate between a male and female kitten. If you do not see testicles, use the anogenital distance and presence/absence of nipples to make the sex determination. Separate the males from the females. When rats reach sexual maturity, they can become prolific breeders. One female rat can produce 6 to 12 litters per year, with each litter containing an average of 12 kittens—that's a lot of rats! To prevent unwanted pregnancies, remove the male kittens from the cage when they are around three weeks old. The female kittens can stay with their mother until you adopt them out. The male kittens must be moved to a new cage because they will try to mate with their female littermates and mother. Keep same-sex littermates together. Even after separating the sexes, you should house same-sex littermates in the same cage until they are six weeks old. This will help them continue their emotional development and help them get ready for being adopted. After determining the sex of each kitten, handle them on a daily basis to get them more comfortable with humans. As the kittens get larger, pick them up by gently placing one hand behind their front legs. When you lift the kitten in the air, place your other hand around its back end for additional support. Find homes for the kittens. When the kittens are old enough to be adopted out, you should start looking for someone to take them. It is not advisable to take them to a pet store, since they will likely become food for the snakes. Even taking the kittens to an animal shelter may not be the best idea, since the shelter may not have the facilities to care properly for the kittens and subsequently euthanize them. Your best bet may be to put the word out in your local community that you have baby rats that are ready for adoption. When potential new owners contact you, ask them questions to make sure they are ready to make the commitment to give your baby rats the care and love they deserve. For example, ask them if they have ever owned rats before. If they have not, ask them if they have read up on how to care for rats. Trust your gut when selecting someone to adopt your baby rats. You want them to go to a good home, so you should have a good feeling about the person who wants to adopt them. Make sure you charge an adoption fee. It does not have to be a lot, but chances are the new 'rat' parent will care about the baby rats more if you do not give them to him or her for free. Decide if you should spay or neuter your rat. Spaying a female rat involves taking out her ovaries and uterus. For males, neutering involves removing the testicles. Spaying, or desexing, is not a commonly-performed surgery in rats. Many rat owners decide to simply keep rats in groups of the same gender, rather than put their rats through surgery. However, if you plan to house your male and female rats together, you must have them spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted pregnancies. A rat should be spayed or neutered at around three months of age. Spaying a female rat comes with several benefits, including a decreased chance of developing several types of tumors (breast, uterine, pituitary), and the prevention of pyometra (bacterial infection of the uterus). An intact female will go into heat every few days and become quite grumpy and agitated. Spaying her can make her a little more pleasant to be around. For male rats, neutering decreases aggressive behavior and can make their coats less coarse. Deciding to spay or neuter should be done on an individual basis, since all rats are different. If you are unsure what would be best for your male and female rats, discussing spaying and neutering with your veterinarian. Identify an experienced exotic veterinarian. Not all veterinarians have extensive experience with rats, particularly when it comes to performing surgery. If your own veterinarian is not an exotic expert, ask him or her to recommend other local exotic veterinarians. Having an exotic veterinarian who is experienced with performing rat surgeries increases the likelihood of your rat having a successful surgery. Once you have identified an exotic veterinarian, schedule an appointment with him or her. The veterinarian will examine your rat and make sure he or she is healthy enough for surgery. If your rat has a treatable illness, the veterinarian will make sure the illness is fully treated before performing surgery. Discuss the cost of a spay or neuter with the veterinarian. The exact cost will vary from one veterinary clinic to another. Take your rat to get spayed or neutered. If you have made the decision to spay or neuter your rat, and he or she is healthy enough for surgery, schedule the procedure with the exotic veterinarian. Fortunately, since rats cannot vomit, you do not have to fast your rat before surgery. Whether your rat is getting spayed or neutered, the veterinarian will give your rat an antibiotic injection to prevent infection at the surgical site. To control pain, the veterinarian may also give your rat some pre-surgical pain medication. Your rat will be anesthetized for the surgery. The veterinarian will keep your rat warm during and after surgery to prevent your rat from developing hypothermia. Since rats are small, they could lose body heat quickly during surgery. At the end of surgery, the veterinarian will use suture that will dissolve on its own in a few weeks, meaning that you will not need to take your rat back to the veterinarian to have suture or staples taken out. Observe your rat for signs of pain. A rat spay or neuter is an outpatient surgery, so you will be able to take your rat home the day of surgery. When you bring your rat home, you will need to keep a close eye on him or her to ensure a smooth recovery. For example, watch for signs of pain in your rat, including hunching over, not eating or drinking, and looking withdrawn. Despite being a little woozy and lethargic after surgery, your rat should be able to resume normal activities. However, pain could prevent your rat from doing so. If the veterinarian did not already prescribe pain medication for your rat, contact him or her for a prescription. Administer the medication as prescribed. In the first day or two after surgery, it may help to keep your rat separated from the other rats until he or she is up and moving around a little better. Monitor your rat’s incision site. It is important for you to check for bleeding at your rat's incision site. An easy way to do this is to put some white paper towel in his cage and check it periodically for spots of blood. If your rat has cage mates, you will need to keep a close watch on them to make sure they are not bothering the incision site and causing it to bleed. The cage bedding may also show spots of blood. Change the bedding frequently to reduce the chance of the incision site becoming infected from dirty bedding. Your rat may start to bother his incision site, which could cause it to bleed more and become susceptible to infection. If the incision site is starting to look infected (e.g., swelling, yellow discharge), take your rat to your veterinarian for treatment. | Wait until the kittens are about two weeks old. Look at the distance between the anus and urethra. Check for testicles near the tail. Separate the males from the females. Keep same-sex littermates together. Find homes for the kittens. Decide if you should spay or neuter your rat. Identify an experienced exotic veterinarian. Take your rat to get spayed or neutered. Observe your rat for signs of pain. Monitor your rat’s incision site. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Invited-to-a-Party | How to Get Invited to a Party | To get invited to a party, try asking a friend who was invited to bring you along as a “plus one” by saying something like, “I don't have any plans for Saturday; mind if I come to the party with you?” You could also ask an invited friend to reach out to the party's host and ask them if you could come, so you don't make the host feel awkward by showing up uninvited. Alternatively, casually ask the host if they need any help with preparations, like decorating or making food, which could lead to an invitation to attend the actual party. | Mention the party to your friends. You might casually bring it up while chatting about your plans for the weekend, or you might ask directly. You should target friends that you think have already been invited, because if you bring up the party to another friend who's uninvited, you might end up making that person feel left out. If you get into a situation where you and a few friends weren't uninvited to a party, you could throw a party of your own. Piggyback on the invitations of friends. In most cases it is generally accepted for invited guests to bring a "plus one" to a big to-do. If your friend tells you that he has received an invitation, you can say try to get invited by saying things like: "That's fantastic! I wish I could be there, too." "You know, I don't have any plans that night. You think it'd be alright if I tagged along?" "Dude, it's been forever since we've gotten rowdy! We should go together!" Show your appreciation when tagging along. If your friend agrees to bring you with him, you should show your thanks in some small way, like by offering to drive to the shindig. Be sure to get the particulars from your friend since he has the invitation, and try to be accommodating to his wishes. Accept being turned down graciously. If your friend says he's made arrangements to go to the party with someone else, be courteous and pleasant. After all, your friend probably didn't know you weren't invited or that you needed a piggyback-invite. Then check with other friends you think may have been invited to see if you can tag along with them. Even if turned down, you may be able to ask your friend if he has any leads for a mutual friend who is going that you can tag along with. Ask to go through a friend. This is an especially useful tactic if a good friend of yours has been invited while you have not. This way, you can save yourself and the host some embarrassment by asking indirectly through your friend. You might coach your friend to say to the host: "Hey Emily, I was talking with my friend John the other day, and he doesn't have anything going on this weekend during the party. I didn't say anything about it in case it wasn't cool with you, but would you mind if I invited him along?" "Emily! I have a favor to ask. I wanna come to your party so bad, it sounds mad awesome, but I promised my buddy Kris I'd chill with him. You know him? He's real cool - mind if he comes along?" Identify a unique service you can provide. A small effort on your part can go a long way toward charming the host into forgetting that you weren't invited. A unique skill, like decorating talent or a knowledge of specialty drinks, can enhance the theme of the party. You might: Make specialty decorations. Mix up a batch of your favorite party drink. Offer your services as a DJ. Offer to help out the host. Many people feel awkward about approaching the party host or one of its organizers to offer help, but this can get you on their good side and earn you an invite. It may be easier for you to ask someone you already know. Start with specific suggestions, but also offer to help in any way you can. You might suggest: Helping with decorations, for larger parties. Assisting refreshing party necessaries, like ice. Organizing or setting up sound equipment. Prepare yourself to help. If the host or one of the party organizers accepts your offers of help, you might be put to work double-time. Follow instructions and use your judgement to try and take as much pressure of the host/organizers as you possibly can. And don't forget to relax about your invite - now that you're involved with party preparation, you are most likely invited! Show initiative. You could hurt your chances of getting invited to a party next time around if you sit around when you're supposed to be helping or only do the bare minimum. If you finish your job early, see about helping others in their tasks. Even something as simply as handing pieces of tape to someone putting up decorations can help the party set up go smoothly. Take the hint if rejected, but be politely persistent. It can hurt if the party host or organizer says everything is taken care of without offering an invite, but there are other considerations the host may be taking into account. It's even possible that the host is trying to protect you from having a bad time, especially if, for instance, someone you seriously dislike will be attending. If you have a great idea that would add to the party, you might suggest this to the host, but you should be aware that this refusal might be a gentle way of saying you aren't invited. As an example, you might volunteer to take photos of the party to commemorate the event. If the party host or organizer likes your idea, you are in! Anticipate the needs of the party. The kind of party being thrown will dictate the things that need to be available for the party to be a success! A dance party isn't much of a dance party without music, a wine tasting party could benefit from an intriguing vintage, and almost every large party needs ice at some point. By anticipating needs, you can prove to the host that you'd be a welcome addition to the party crew. Add to party supplies or bring a gift for the host. There are cost effective ways of doing this, like making a dish to pass, or bringing suitable beverages. Think carefully about what you can bring to make the party even better, or bring a specific gift for the host that takes her tastes into consideration. For example, you might: Bring seasonal gifts, like a plastic pumpkin of Halloween candy, eggnog, winter themed treats, or cold drinks in the summer. Give a mixology set as a present for when the party gets started, but only if age appropriate. A dish to pass or snacks to contribute. Mention your potential contribution to the host. Now that you've figured out a worthwhile contribution, bring it up to the party host or organizers. For instance, if you have a delicious recipe for chocolate chip cookies, you can simply say something like: "Emily, I heard about your party. Sound super fun! If you need any dessert, I make killer chocolate chip cookies - my grandmother's recipe. Everybody love them!" "So what are your plans for the weekend? Oh, a party? Well, if you need dessert, I have the best recipe for homemade chocolate chip cookies." Accept the invite, or politely accept being turned down. If your offer matches the needs of the party or the tastes of the host, you'll almost certainly be invited! This scenario has the added benefit of not only getting you legitimately invited to the party, but you'll also be appreciated for your contribution to it! There's always a possibility, whether due to your associations or the hosts perceptions, that you might be denied. Getting angry in this situation rarely does anything positive for your reputation. Be polite and have fun on your own. | Mention the party to your friends. Piggyback on the invitations of friends. Show your appreciation when tagging along. Accept being turned down graciously. Ask to go through a friend. Identify a unique service you can provide. Offer to help out the host. Prepare yourself to help. Show initiative. Take the hint if rejected, but be politely persistent. Anticipate the needs of the party. Add to party supplies or bring a gift for the host. Mention your potential contribution to the host. Accept the invite, or politely accept being turned down. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Good-Face-Care-Routine | How to Have a Good Face Care Routine | To have a good face care routine for oily skin, wash your face twice a day with a gel cleanser, and use an alcohol-free toner. Also, even though it might seem counterintuitive, apply an oil-free moisturizer every day since your face will actually produce more oil if your skin is dry. To develop a face care routine for dry skin, wash your face daily with a gentle cleanser that doesn't foam or lather so it doesn't dry your face out more. You should also use a thick, hydrating moisturizer. | Figure out your skin type. The four major skin types are normal, oily, dry, and combination. Each of these different skin types has different face care needs, and using products formulated for your type will improve the health of your skin. Normal skin may get a bit oily in the T-zone (the area covering your chin, nose, and forehead, in the summer) but doesn't really get dry and rough. Oily skin is characterized by oil production and large pores all over your face. Dry skin often feels tight and rough because of lack of moisture, gets flaky in winter, feels itchy after swimming or showering, and is accompanied by small pores. Combination skin is similar to normal skin in that there will be some oil production, but you'll also have large pores in the T-zone. Understand your needs if you have normal skin. People with normal skin tend to have the easiest time caring for their faces. The main thing to remember is to avoid toners that have alcohol, which can dry your skin. Ingredients to avoid include: Isopropyl alcohol Denatured alcohol Ethanol SD alcohol 40 Know how to address oily skin. The big challenge with oily skin is excessive oil. Many people often use products that strip oil from the skin, but this leaves your face dry and leads to more oil production. Light moisturization is what you're going for instead: Wash your face with a dissolving or gel cleanser at least twice daily Use an alcohol-free toner that contains sodium PCA and witch hazel Use an oil-free moisturizer that contains glycerin Go for a zinc-based sunscreen When it comes to serums, try an AHA, BHA, or retinol serum that will reduce the appearance of pores Learn to care for combination skin. Combination skin can be a problem to care for because some areas will be dry while others will be oily. Essentially, use the same face care products as you would if you had oily skin, with the exception of the moisturizer. Instead of an oil-free moisturizer, opt for a lightweight one. Many lightweight moisturizers will have the words “lightweight” or “light” on the label. Understand the needs of dry skin. Dry skin is very sensitive to products, so it's important to use the right ones. The key with dry skin is to avoid anything that could dry your face further, and to use products that will add moisture back to your skin: Use a mild cleanser that doesn't foam or lather Avoid all products, especially toners, that contain alcohol Use a hydrating moisturizer with a thicker consistency that contains sweet almond, jojoba, evening primrose, or borage oil Try an antioxidant serum that has vitamins A, C, and E Start each morning by cleansing your skin. Wet your face with warm water. Apply a dime-sized dollop of cleanser to your fingers and apply the cleanser to your face. Rub in a circular motion for 30 seconds. Use your hands to rinse the cleanser from your face. Pat your skin dry with an absorbent towel. Use warm water instead of hot, as hot water can lead to natural oils on your skin being stripped away. Do not rub or scrub your skin when you dry it, as this can cause damage and irritation. Apply toner after washing your face in the morning. Once your face is clean and dry, soak a cotton ball or pad with toner and gently rub it onto your neck and face. The toner will remove excess cleanser, leftover dirt and impurities, reduce the appearance of pores, and prime your face for absorbing moisturizer. Moisturize after toning. Moisturizer keeps your face hydrated throughout the day, and protects it from dryness and irritation. Apply a nickel-sized dab of moisturizer to your fingers and gently rub it into your face in a circular motion. Give the moisturizer a few minutes to soak in before continuing with your routine. Consider using a moisturizer with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 for added protection against damaging UV rays. Make sure you still apply moisturizer after washing your face, even if you choose to skip the toner. Apply sunscreen every morning. A daily sunscreen application is the best way to protect your face from developing wrinkles, freckles, melanoma (a form of skin cancer), and other damage that the sun can cause. Apply a grape-sized dab of sunscreen to your fingers and gently rub it into your face, neck, and ears. Use sunscreen with an SPF 30 every day of the year, even if it's the middle of winter. UV rays are just as damaging in winter as they are in summer. Don't skip the sunscreen just because you use a moisturizer with an SPF. Wash and moisturize your face again before bed. Washing your face twice a day will keep your skin free of dirt, oil, pollutants, and other impurities. Before you hop into bed for the night, wet your face, massage your face with cleanser, rinse, and pat dry. When your face is still slightly damp, apply moisturizer. Washing your face before bed is especially important if you have oily skin or wear makeup. Never go to sleep with makeup on. Use a serum before bed to address spots. Most serums are designed to be applied at night, and the purpose is usually to reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and spots. Apply a pea-sized amount of serum to the palm of your hand, and use one finger to apply it to spots and lines. Antioxidant serums are ideal for moisturizing and nourishing your skin. Retinol serums are good for reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. AHA and BHA serums are often used to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of pores. Exfoliate once or twice a week. Exfoliating removes dead skin as well as dirt, oil, and other impurities. Apply a dime-sized amount of exfoliant to your fingers and gently rub it into your skin for 30 seconds. Rinse your face with warm water and pat it dry. There are also chemical peels you can use to exfoliate your skin if you don't want to use an exfoliating scrub. Don't exfoliate more than two or three times a week, as this can damage and irritate your skin. Do a self-exam every month. Regular skin exams are a good idea because they can help you detect possible problems, such as melanoma. Talk to a doctor or dermatologist if you notice any changes. Things to look for include: New moles Raised moles Moles turning a darker color Moles changing size Open sores Pink growths with raised edges and a lower center Raised red patches Patches of scaly red skin Small bumps Flat yellow areas Create a face care schedule. A proper face care routine involves daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Creating a schedule can help you keep track of these tasks, and ensure you don't miss anything important. Here are some important parts of the routine to remember: Morning and night: cleanse and moisturize Daily: tone, apply sunscreen, and apply a serum if necessary Weekly: exfoliate at least once a week, and possibly twice Monthly: do a self-exam to check for changes and problem areas Dedicate a special time for face care. Having a good routine is all about getting into good habits. The easiest way to do this is to set aside time at the same time every day to address your face care needs. That way, you do the same thing at the same time every day, and eventually it will become second nature. For instance, if you start work or school at 9 a.m., set an alarm for 7 a.m. every day to remind your self to wash, tone, and moisturize your face. Similarly, if you go to bed around 11 p.m. every night, set a reminder to wash and moisturize your face before bed. Amend your routine to address changes in your skin. Your skin changes over time, and as this happens, you may have to change the products you use. Similarly, if you notice that your skin is reacting badly to a specific product or step in your routine, consider using a different product. For instance, if your skin starts to become drier as you get older, you may need to switch to a more hydrating moisturizer. Similarly, if you start to break out often, you may need to change the type of cleanser you're using and refrain from picking your face. | Figure out your skin type. Understand your needs if you have normal skin. Know how to address oily skin. Learn to care for combination skin. Understand the needs of dry skin. Start each morning by cleansing your skin. Apply toner after washing your face in the morning. Moisturize after toning. Apply sunscreen every morning. Wash and moisturize your face again before bed. Use a serum before bed to address spots. Exfoliate once or twice a week. Do a self-exam every month. Create a face care schedule. Dedicate a special time for face care. Amend your routine to address changes in your skin. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-a-Deer | How to Catch a Deer | To catch a deer with a drop net, start by laying a drop net out flat on the ground in an area that's free of debris. Then, insert an 8-foot tall post into the ground at each corner of the net, and attach the net to the top of the corner posts. Next, knot a blasting cap into the rope at each corner, and run an insulated wire from the caps to a power source. Finally, place some bait underneath the net, and detonate the blasting caps when a deer comes by to drop the net on it. | Find your state’s regulatory board. Most states have either a Department of Wildlife or a Department of Natural Resources. The appropriate governing body that handles hunting and trapping in your state may go by a different name, though. Find the website for the department and look up information related to trapping deer in your area. Read the laws. Many states forbid the trapping of deer, and using any type of trap to catch a deer can result in stiff fines and penalties. Other states, such as Minnesota, prohibit the use of any type of bait to hunt or catch deer, making most traps ineffective. Read the laws governing trapping deer in your state carefully, including licensing, methods, seasons, antlered vs. antlerless zones, etc. Apply for the appropriate license. Once you know how to catch deer in your area lawfully, apply for the appropriate license. Deer fall under the big game license in nearly every state. The application will require your name, address, and other standard information. A licensing fee will also be associated with the process. Buy a drop net. Different types of drop nets should be used for different animals. A drop net for a deer is commonly tested to 600 lbs. and made of knotted, twisted nylon. Another common feature of certain drop nets is a metal center ring that allows the net to be released and dropped down a center pole. Depending on the type of drop net, the system may also require additional poles to tie off the corners, blasting caps to release the net, and lead-in wire to connect to the blasting caps. Clear all debris. Before setting up a drop net, clear all of the debris from the site where the deer might harm itself. Items you should clear away include stumps, limbs, stones, etc. Lay the net out flat. After clearing the site, lay the net out flat. Place each of the four corners in position, then stretch the net out tight. Place a post at each corner. You will need four eight-foot tall posts, so that you can place one at each corner of the net. The posts should be a minimum of eight-feet tall to make sure that the antlers of a full-grown buck can pass beneath the net. To help support each post, it helps to drive nearby stakes into the ground to attach a tie-down rope on each side of the post. If the posts are near trees, you can attach the tie-down rope to a tree as well. Attach the net to the corner poles. A drop net will have a cable thimble at each corner of the net. Feed rope through the thimble and tie off one end to the drop net. Pull the net taut and tie the other end of the rope to the first corner post. Repeat for all four posts. You can use standard-sized ski rope at fifteen-foot lengths. Any extra give in the rope is perfect for knotting the blasting cap into the rope, which upon detonation will sever the rope and drop the net. You can use a come-a-long or another ratcheting device to help take up any slack in the rope to make sure the drop net is tight. Knot blasting caps into the rope. At about 6-8 inches away from the end of the net, knot a blasting cap into the ski rope. Repeat this step at all four corners. Use electronic blasting caps with at least twelve-feet of wire lead to each cap. This will allow you to run the wire leads in series from one cap to the next, making it easy to blast each cap with a single power wire to the power source. Run a coated, insulated power wire to the power source. Whether you have a detonator or a 12v battery (such as a car or truck battery), you will need to run a coated, insulated wire from each blasting cap to the spot from which you will wait and drop the net. The easiest way is to run wire leads in series between the blasting caps, ending at the corner closest to your hiding spot. You can then run the final wire lead down and connect it to a single power wire that you can run all the way to your battery or detonator. Bait the area. Place bait toward the center of the drop net in order to attract the deer. The center of the net also means the net will has the maximum time to fall without the deer running out from under it. Shelled yellow corn is a recommended type of bait. Pre-baiting the area for a week or two beforehand can make the area more attractive for deer as they will continue returning to the area for food instead of having to stumble upon your bait the first time you place it. Wait for a deer. Several professionals should be on site to help handle any deer, but only one person should wait in a blind to drop the net. Everyone else should wait away from the site in a car to avoid scaring the deer off by allowing to it see or hear more people than necessary. Drop the net. Once you have everything set and a deer has started feeding on the bait, you can use the detonator or the battery to detonate the blasting caps. This will sever the ski ropes, releasing the net from its attachment to the corner posts and dropping it down to catch the deer. Wait until the deer has its head down while it feeds to reduce its reaction time and ensure the net has time to fall. Handle with extreme care. Deer are powerful animals that can kick and gore with their horns as they try to escape. Research teams have proper staff on hand to tranquilize and sedate a deer before the team even attempts to handle the animal. The team will then typically blindfold the animal to keep it in a less frightened state during handling as well. For purposes of ear-tagging or otherwise handling the deer, professionals quickly approach the deer, grasp the deer over the back in a bear hug, tackle the animal down to its side, and hold the front legs close to the body while avoiding the hind legs. This allows another team member to quickly tag the ear of the animal. Wear protective coveralls as well as a helmet with a face mask to help avoid injury. In addition to the immediate physical threat, deer can carry ticks that spread Lyme disease as well as other disease risks for humans. Take every precaution when handling a live deer. Purchase a Clover trap. A Clover trap is a netted trap that is large enough for a deer. The trap consists of a metal frame covered on all sides but the bottom with a linked netting. A trip wire runs parallel to the back wall that releases the front netting, allowing it to fall and trap the deer. You can purchase a Clover trap or make one on your own. Ensure that you use netting that won't risk harming the deer as opposed to covering the frame with chain link or chicken wire. Place and pre-bait the trap. Before actually setting the trip wire, you should place the trap and pre-bait it. Place shelled yellow corn around the entrance and inside the trap for several days before setting it. This gives the deer time to find the bait and feel out the trap. Any deer will return to the trap for more food with less hesitance regarding entering the trap. Set the trap. When you notice that the bait you've been placing toward the back of the trap is getting eaten, then you're ready to set the trap. Place more bait and set the trip wire connected to the net door of the trap. Place the bait beneath the trip wire at the back of the trap. This ensures that the deer will release the trap when it lowers its head to reach the bait. Check the trap every day. One of the greatest benefits of the Clover trap is that you don't have to sit in a blind waiting to release it, but you still have an obligation to check the trap often. Even though the netting on the trap won't harm the deer, it does leave the deer open to attack by predators, so you should check the trap at least once a day. Handle the deer with caution. You should hood the deer first before attempting to handle it because the animal will be more sedate when it can't see the human presence. Researchers who handle deer inside Clover traps are trained professionals. It is not recommended that you try to handle the deer due to risk of injury to both yourself and the animal. Most Clover trap designs are collapsible, making it easy to push the trap downward. This will force the animal to the ground without any room to kick, making it easier to hood and safely handle the deer. If a professional handler must actually enter the Clover trap with the deer, the professional will bring the deer down to its side with a bear hug maneuver from the deer's back and pin the deer's front legs to its body while avoiding the hind legs. Protective coveralls and a helmet with a face mask are highly recommended, as is leaving any direct deer handling to a trained professional. | Find your state’s regulatory board. Read the laws. Apply for the appropriate license. Buy a drop net. Clear all debris. Lay the net out flat. Place a post at each corner. Attach the net to the corner poles. Knot blasting caps into the rope. Run a coated, insulated power wire to the power source. Bait the area. Wait for a deer. Drop the net. Handle with extreme care. Purchase a Clover trap. Place and pre-bait the trap. Set the trap. Check the trap every day. Handle the deer with caution. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Re%E2%80%90Season-a-Nonstick-Pan | How to Re‐Season a Nonstick Pan | To re-season a nonstick pan, start by heating it on the stovetop for 3 minutes over medium heat. Next, pour 2 tablespoons of coconut oil into the pan and swirl it around so the pan is fully coated. Continue heating the oil until it starts to smoke and then set the pan aside to cool. Once the pan is cool, use a paper towel to gently rub the remaining oil into the pan to finish seasoning it. | Add water, baking soda and vinegar to the pan. Before you season a non-stick pan, it's a good idea to deep clean it to take off any stains or food particles that can be partially responsible for the pan's stickiness. Begin by adding 1 cup (236.59 ml) water, 2 tablespoons (29.57 ml) baking soda and ½ cup (118.3 ml) of white vinegar to the pan. Heat on medium until boiling. Place the non-stick pan onto the stovetop over medium heat. Heat the pan until the vinegar mixture is boiling, about ten minutes, then take the pan off the heat. Wash the pan. After you take the pan off the stove, pour out the vinegar mixture into the sink. Then wash the pan as usual with gentle dish soap, being sure not to use steel wool or other abrasive tools that can scratch the non-stick pan further. Dry the pan. After washing out the pan, dry it with a soft dry cloth. It's important to have a completely dry pan before you season it with oil so that the oil can stick to the surface of the pan. Warm the pan over low heat. Once you have thoroughly cleaned the pan, you can begin the process of seasoning it and reviving its non-stick surface. Place the clean, dry pan on the stovetop over low heat and let it warm. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. While the pan is warming, preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (148.88 C). You will bake the oil into the pan to thoroughly coat the bottom. Coat the pan with vegetable oil. Pour a non-salted vegetable oil into the pan. Use enough so that the oil coats the entire bottom of the pan and is about a ½ inch (1.27 cm) high. Heat the pan in the oven for 2 hours. After pouring the oil into the pan, place the pan in the oven and let it heat for 2 hours. The heat of the oven will let the vegetable oil bake into and coat the bottom of the pan. Only use this method if you have a pan that is oven-safe. The oven doesn't have to be completely preheated before you put in the pan. Turn off the oven and keep the pan inside overnight. After two hours, turn the oven off. Instead of taking out the non-stick pan, leave the pan in overnight to keep it heating and drying. Take the pan out and use. After leaving the pan inside the oven overnight, take the pan out. Your non-stick pan should be revived and ready to use! Heat a pan on medium heat for 3 minutes. If you aren't confident that your pan is oven-safe, you can also season a pan on the stovetop. Begin by heating the clean, dry pan on medium heat for 3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to the pan. Once the pan has heated for 3 minutes, add 2 tablespoons (29.57 ml) of coconut oil to the pan and wait for it to melt, about 2 minutes. You can also use vegetable oil if you prefer or don't have access to coconut oil. Swirl the oil to coat the pan. Once the coconut oil has melted, pick the pan up off the stove and roll your wrist to tilt it around in a circular motion. This should swirl the oil around in the bottom of the pan so that it coats the entire bottom. Heat the oil until it smokes. After swirling the oil, place the pan back down on the burner. Let the pan sit over the heat until the coconut oil begins to smoke. This means that the oil is getting hot and is starting to bake into pan. Set the pan aside to cool. When you start seeing the oil smoke, take the non-stick pan off the heat and set it aside to cool. Keep the oil inside the pan and let the pan cool until it is room temperature. Rub the oil into the pan. Once the pan cools, you should still see some coconut oil coating the bottom. Take a paper towel and gently rub the oil into the pan. The rubbing should force some coconut oil into the pores of the pan, while absorbing the excess with the paper towel. Your pan is seasoned and should be ready to use. Clean and dry the pan. Even if you have used vegetable or coconut oil to season and restore a non-stick pan, it's still a good idea to do a quick seasoning of the pan before each use to lubricate it and protect the non-stick surface. Make sure your pan is clean and completely dry before seasoning. Pour oil onto a paper towel. Pour about 2 teaspoons (9.46 ml) of a neutral-tasting oil such as vegetable or canola onto a paper towel. You can also use butter if you prefer by placing a few shavings of butter inside the pan. You only need a small amount of oil, which is why it's best to apply it first to the paper towel instead of putting it directly into the pan. Rub the pan with the oil or butter. Use the paper towel to rub the oil or butter around the bottom of the pan and absorb any with the paper towel so that what you are cooking isn't affected. Then use your non-stick pan to cook as usual. | Add water, baking soda and vinegar to the pan. Heat on medium until boiling. Wash the pan. Dry the pan. Warm the pan over low heat. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Coat the pan with vegetable oil. Heat the pan in the oven for 2 hours. Turn off the oven and keep the pan inside overnight. Take the pan out and use. Heat a pan on medium heat for 3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to the pan. Swirl the oil to coat the pan. Heat the oil until it smokes. Set the pan aside to cool. Rub the oil into the pan. Clean and dry the pan. Pour oil onto a paper towel. Rub the pan with the oil or butter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Conversation-With-a-Girl | How to Start a Conversation With a Girl | Before you start a conversation with a girl, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. It's OK to feel nervous, but try to seem confident by standing up straight and smiling. Once you feel ready, introduce yourself to the girl and ask how she's doing. Try saying something like “Hi, I'm Jake. How are you today?” If the conversation stalls, ask her a question about class or work, or mention a friend you have in common. For example, you could say, “Are you ready for the test on Friday? | Compliment her. Keep it genuine and polite. Tell her that she has a beautiful smile, that you like her necklace or that her laughter is infectious. Make her feel special. Be careful not to overwhelm her with larger-than-life compliments, you will just come across as insincere. Try telling her "You have a great smile, there's something infectious about it!" Or say "That's a cute dress, red really suits you." Try a pickup line. A good pickup line will make a girl laugh and definitely get her attention. Avoid anything too cheesy or creepy sounding. The key to making a pickup line work is confident delivery, so don't be shy! For romance, try "Hi, I'm Andrew. I thought we should at least have a conversation before we get married." For quirkiness, try "I can't think of anyone I'd rather survive the Zombie Holocaust with." For flattery, try "My buddies bet me that I wouldn't be able to start a conversation with the most beautiful girl in the bar. Wanna buy some drinks with their money?" Focus on non-verbal cues. You can use non-verbal cues, such as body language or facial expressions, to turn an otherwise non-flirtatious comment into something with romantic undertones. Keep your body language open and inviting. Maintain good eye contact and smile, smile, smile! Lightly touch her hand or arm when telling a story, this helps to create intimacy and moves you out of the friend zone. Avoid negative body language such as crossing your arms, scowling or looking down. Approach her. Go up to the girl you want to start a conversation with, smile and say hello. Tell her your name and ask for hers. Keep it simple. A genuine, polite greeting beats a cheesy pick-up line any day. In any situation, try a straightforward introduction. For example: "Hi, my name is Bob. What's your name?" In a bar, you can offer to buy the girl a drink. For example: "Hi, my name is Joe. Can I buy you a drink?" Ask her how she is doing. Politely asking a girl how her day was or how she's feeling is a nice way to get her talking. It also makes a good impression as it shows that you are genuinely interested in her and are willing to listen. A simple "How are you doing today?" never fails. Make sure to listen to her answer, it's not supposed to be a rhetorical question! Ask her "How was your day today? Did you do anything fun?" This prompts her to give more than a one word answer and gives you a chance to show off those amazing listening skills. Comment about the weather. You can't go wrong with a harmless observation about the weather, or some other matter-of-fact subject. Make a comment about how sunny/windy/rainy it is. This gives you a safe topic to break the ice with. Once she has responded you can move on to more engaging topics. Turn it into a question, rather than a statement. Say something like "Beautiful day out today, isn't it?" or "I hope this rain eases off soon, don't you?" This gives her the opportunity to respond. If you're not a fan of the weather approach, try another safe topic. For instance, you can try commenting on your surroundings. In a bar, you could say something like "Wow, it's crowded in here tonight, isn't it?" Ask a question about class or work. Finding some common ground can really help to break the ice in a conversation. Ask her thoughtful questions about work or class to get the conversation flowing. If you take a class together, ask her what she thinks of it, whether she likes the professor, or if she's interested in whatever you're studying right now. Say something like "Have you seen the essay topics for next semester? Do you know which topic you're going to write on?" If you work together, ask her if she's working on any interesting projects right now. Bring up pop culture. Referencing pop culture is a clever, non-personal way to bring up personal interests. By finding out what kind of movies or music a girl likes, you can gain an insight into the type of person she is and what her interests are. Such valuable information could help you plan an awesome future date! For televisions shows, ask her something like "Do you watch Mad Men? Who is your favorite character?" For music, ask her "Have you heard Daft Punk's new album? What did you think? For movies, "Have you seen the latest Tarantino film? I heard it's fantastic!" Mention an upcoming event. Mentioning an upcoming event, such as a music festival or exam, can give you something to get excited or nervous about with the girl. This creates a rapport between the two of you and allows the girl to see how much you have in common! If you're both taking the same exam, you could say something like "I'm dreading the math final next week. I suck at algebra! How are you feeling about it?" If you're having a conversation about music, you could mention an upcoming festival. Say something like "Are you going to Coachella this year? I went with a bunch of friends last year, we had a blast! What bands are you hoping to see?" If it's coming up to a holiday, you could say something like "I can't wait for Halloween next week. My friend is having a house party and I've got a great werewolf costume planned. Are you doing anything fun?" Mention a Common Friend. Bringing up a mutual friend in your conversation will help you to draw a personal connection to the girl, even if you don't know her well. She will feel more at ease, as you will no longer seem like a complete stranger! Having a common friend also gives you something (or someone) to talk about. Try saying something like "I've heard you're good friends with Allison. How do you two know each other?" Or "Oh so you know Dan? We go way back! He's hilarious, isn't he?" Bring up a shared experience. Bringing up a shared experience - whether it's working as a volunteer or growing up on a farm - helps to create a personal connection between the two of you and establishes the beginning of a bond. If you realize that you both grew up on a farm, you could say something like "No way! Me too! The worst part was the early mornings, my Dad would get me up at 5 a.m. everyday during the summer to help out! What was it like for you?" If you both worked on volunteer projects you could say something like "I thought it was a really rewarding experience. What inspired you to get involved?" Pose an interesting question. Asking the girl an unusual or thought-provoking question will break the ice and allow the girl to speak her mind. It will give the girl a chance to express herself while you make a good impression for asking such an interesting question in the first place. Win-win! Try something like "If you could be an animal, what type of animal would you be?" Or something like "What are the top five places you want to visit before you die?" Or maybe "Would you ever consider doing a skydive?" Mention a shared interest. Discovering that you have a shared interest is conversational gold and will really help you to start establishing a bond with the girl. It doesn't matter what the interest is - be it reading, running, rowing or rock-climbing - what matters is that it's something you share. If you discover that you both like running you could ask her what her favorite local routes are, or if she's ever considered training for a marathon. If you both like reading, you could ask her who her favorite author is or what she thought of a recent film adaption of a well-known novel. If it's something really quirky, ask her how she first got involved with it and compare stories! Ask a personal question. If things are going well and the two of you seem to be hitting it off, it might be time to get a little more personal. Remember that the aim is to show that you're interested in her and want to get to know her better, not to make her feel uncomfortable. Don't ask her anything that you wouldn't feel comfortable answering yourself. Keep it positive! Don't ask her what her greatest fear or biggest secret is, ask her about her hopes for the future or where she sees herself in ten years. Leave it up to her whether she wants to answer seriously or keep it light-hearted. Try asking her about her family, start with something simple and non-invasive like "Do you have any brothers or sisters?" If you want to find out if she's single, simply ask her "Are you seeing anybody right now?" Project Confidence. The underlying key to all flirtation is confidence. What women really want is a man who is comfortable in his own skin, a man who's happy, capable and self-assured. Update your wardrobe. When you feel good about your appearance, you'll naturally project confidence, so ditch the baggy jeans and invest in some good quality, well-fitting pieces to help you look and feel like 007. Speak clearly and confidently. This doesn't mean talking over people or interrupting them constantly, but try to speak a little louder than you normally would. Avoid qualifying sentences with too many "like"s and "you know"s. Listen well. Try not to dominate the conversation. Ask plenty of questions and listen carefully to her responses. Listening demonstrates that you are interested in her and in what she has to say. Remain engaged in the conversation. Open up about yourself, give the girl more and more reason to like you. Respond to her questions and let her get to know you a little but don't go on and on either, the goal is to engage and intrigue her, not bore her. Make eye contact. Maintaining good eye contact will make you appear more trustworthy and attractive. Looking someone in the eye comes naturally when you're feeling comfortable and confident. Make sure to look at her directly whenever either of you is speaking, but remember to look away during pauses in conversation - staring is creepy! Smile. Smiling makes you look happy, approachable and more attractive. That's the kind of guy girls want to be around, so show off those pearly whites. Avoid "yes" or "no" questions. Questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no" are not a recipe for engaging conversation. Close-ended questions aren't effective for getting the girl to really invest into the conversation. Try to pose more interesting, open-ended questions which require longer, more thoughtful answers. Close-ended questions should only potentially be used in the very, very beginning of the conversation so as to put only a minimum amount of pressure on her. Starting conversations with strangers is an already awkward experience and making it more awkward for her by putting pressure on her with an open-ended question may be counter-productive. So you may start off with open-ended questions like "Is this your first time here?" or "How are you?" to get more comfortable with the situation before proceeding to more open-ended questions. Avoid controversial topics. Bringing controversial topics into the conversation can make her feel awkward, uncomfortable, or just downright angry. Avoid seeking her views on topics such as politics or religion during your first conversation or your relationship runs the risk of being over before it's even begun. | Compliment her. Try a pickup line. Focus on non-verbal cues. Approach her. Ask her how she is doing. Comment about the weather. Ask a question about class or work. Bring up pop culture. Mention an upcoming event. Mention a Common Friend. Bring up a shared experience. Pose an interesting question. Mention a shared interest. Ask a personal question. Project Confidence. Listen well. Remain engaged in the conversation. Make eye contact. Smile. Avoid "yes" or "no" questions. Avoid controversial topics. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Size-Jeans | How to Size Jeans | To size jeans, start by laying them on a flat surface and smoothing out any wrinkles or creases. Then, measure from one side of the waistband to the other and double that number to get your waist measurement. Next, measure from the crotch seam down to the hem of the pants to get the length. You can also measure from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband to get the rise. Once you've measured the pants, compare the measurements to online size charts when you're shopping for jeans to find the right fit. | Use a soft tape measure to measure around your waist for the waist measurement. The tape measure has to bend around your waist, so it needs to be soft. Place the measuring tape directly against your skin about 4 inches (10 cm) below your belly button. Go around the back of your body and back to the front to measure your waist. You'll find many stores use this measurement. If you're not measuring against you're skin, you won't get an accurate measurement. Keep track of these measurements on a piece of paper. Your natural waist is actually a bit higher, just slightly above your belly button. However, most jeans fit lower. Check your inseam by measuring your leg length from the crotch down. With your legs shoulder-width apart, measure from your foot to your crotch on the inside of your leg. If you need to, ask someone you trust to help you. Measure from where you like your jeans to fall on your foot. You'll see this measurement often, especially in men's sizes. For instance, if you like your jeans a bit long, measure from the bottom of your foot. Try not to bend to read the measurement. Instead, use a mirror or mark with the finger holding the measuring tape. If you're struggling to hold the measuring tape in place, try using adhesive tape to secure one end to your ankle while you hold the other at your crotch. Get your hip measurement by measuring around your hips. Some jeans will also have this measurement. Wrap the tape measure around your hips where they are the widest. Make sure the tape measure isn't lifting up or drooping in the back. You won't see this measurement as often, but you can still use it if you're measuring jeans before trying them on. Take your thigh measurement around one thigh. Wrap the tape measure around your skin where your thighs are the thickest. Only take a measurement for one thigh; you don't need to do both. If one is slightly thicker, take the measurement for that thigh. This measurement also isn't very common. Try not to pull your measuring tape too tight or you can give yourself an inaccurate thigh measurement and wind up in an uncomfortable pair of jeans. The tape should be snug, but you should still be able to slip one finger underneath. Check your front rise from your crotch to your belly button. Stretch a tape measure from just behind your crotch line up and over the front of your pelvis to your waist. For women, this is around the belly button; for men, usually an inch or two or a couple of centimeters below. It can be helpful to wear a belt for the front rise measurement to give yourself an indication of where your jean waist would lie. You won't see this measurement as much, but sometimes stores use it to define how high or low the jeans sit. If you need to measure the back rise, do the same thing going the opposite direction. Use your measurements to find a pair of jeans using size charts. In women's jeans, look at the waist, which will be the best indicator of size. You may also use the inseam measurement. For men, you'll use both the length and waist measurement when finding a size on a size chart. Note that sizes may run a little small or large, so it's always best to check the actual chart. When shopping online, use the brand's size chart to find a good fit for that brand. If you need to see sizes in different brands, look at this chart: http://sev.h-cdn.co/assets/cm/15/08/54e782633993b_-_size-chart.pdf. Lay a pair of jeans flat on a workspace. To get accurate measurements, smooth out the jeans flat on the surface. Wrinkles can throw your measurements off. Button and zip up your jeans before beginning. Measure the waistband and double the number to get the waist measurement. The waist measurement is one of the most common measurements you'll see in a store. Use a tape measure to go across the top of the jeans. Make sure the waist isn't drooping or sagging at all. If your waistband is made from elastic material, don't stretch it as you measure or you will inflate the waist measurement. Make a note of whether the jeans are labeled as "high-wasted" or "low rise." If the jeans are intended to sit somewhere besides your natural waistline, you need to know that before buying a new pair. Check the inseam by measuring the length. The inseam is from the crotch seam down to the hem of the jeans; do not measure from the waist. It's often used by stores to help you find your size, especially in men's sizes. It's what's typically used to measure length for pants. Take the measurement down. Make sure the jeans are completely flat when taking this measurement. Take the measurement from the crotch to the waist to get the rise. It's not as common to see this measurement as it is to see waist or inseam measurements, but you may need it sometimes. Some pant sizes may offer a "front rise" and "back rise" measurement. The front rise is from the crotch to the waistband in front, and the back rise is from the crotch to the waistband in back. Measure the thighs 2 inches (5.1 cm) below the crotch seam to get the thigh thickness. Measure horizontally across the leg. Double this number to get your thigh measurement. This measurement also isn't as common. Choose an appropriate jean size by comparing your measurements to a chart. For women's jeans, the waist size will be the most important, though the inseam can determine whether you have tall, regular, or a petite pair of jeans. Compare the measurements to a size chart to find the right size. Men's jeans include both the waist measurement and the length. Try this chart to look at sizes from different brands: http://sev.h-cdn.co/assets/cm/15/08/54e782633993b_-_size-chart.pdf. Most shopping websites have size charts for their products, so if you're looking for a particular brand, use their size chart. Keep in mind that with men's jeans, you may need to go up a few inches or centimeters in size, as clothing manufacturers have made sizes smaller, a problem known as vanity sizing. Factor your preferred rise height into your waist measurement. A low-rise jean will sit 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 cm) below your belly button. Mid-rise jeans fall just below your belly button, while high-rise sits closer to the natural waist, at your belly button or a bit above. If you need to, take a waist measurement where you prefer your jeans to fall. Measure jeans in the store before you try them on. If you hate trying jeans on, use a tape measure to check out the jeans first. Match them up to your measurements to help you find pairs that will fit. If you can't find a perfect match, choose jeans that are slightly bigger. You could also bring a pair of jeans that fit well to the store with you. Hold the jeans up against new pairs to find ones that will fit well. Try jeans on before you buy them to see if the measurements were correct. Even if you measure your jeans, it's still a good idea to try the jeans on. You won't have as many pairs to try on, so the process will go faster. Each pair of jeans will also feel a little bit different, particularly if some have stretch in them while others do not. Bring someone with you when you try jeans and have them check how they fit from behind since it may be difficult for you to see on your own. Study size charts and descriptions when buying online to find the right size. Most online stores have size charts where you can check out exactly what each of their sizes mean. Plus, many stores will also have size descriptions on the product page, which may include the hip measurement and the front rise measurement, so you can get a clearer idea of what you're buying. Always be aware of vanity sizing, as you may not be the same size at every store. Don't worry so much about the "correct" size. Focus on finding the right measurements. That holds true for men's sizes, too, which in theory are "measured" but can also fall prey to different sizes across stores. Learn the brands that fit you well so you don't need to measure as often. Some brands will always run smaller or larger, so it can be helpful to take note of what brands fit you best. Also, keep notes on what brands run true to size and which ones don't. For instance, one site ranked these brands on a scale, with the first one being closest to true size up to the last one, which was much larger than true size: H&M, Calvin Klein, Alfani, Gap, Haggar, Dockers, Old Navy. If you're shopping for jeans online , read customer feedback and reviews to get a sense for how the pants fit, such as if they run large or small. You may also want to consider buying from retailers with generous return policies for online sales so you can trade them in for another pair if you need to. Buy jeans slightly smaller if you think they will stretch. Unless they shrink in the wash, most pairs of jeans are at their tightest the first time you wear them. With the stresses from repeated wearing, most jeans loosen up slightly over time, becoming more comfortable to wear. If a pair of jeans feels just just a bit too tight when you try them on, you may be able to get away with wearing them in the long run. Consider having your pants tailored for a better fit. If you're not happy with the fit of your jeans, having them tailored can make them fit perfectly. Find a nearby tailor who can make some adjustments, which often costs less than buying a bespoke pair of jeans. | Use a soft tape measure to measure around your waist for the waist measurement. Check your inseam by measuring your leg length from the crotch down. Get your hip measurement by measuring around your hips. Take your thigh measurement around one thigh. Check your front rise from your crotch to your belly button. Use your measurements to find a pair of jeans using size charts. Lay a pair of jeans flat on a workspace. Measure the waistband and double the number to get the waist measurement. Check the inseam by measuring the length. Take the measurement from the crotch to the waist to get the rise. Measure the thighs 2 inches (5.1 cm) below the crotch seam to get the thigh thickness. Choose an appropriate jean size by comparing your measurements to a chart. Factor your preferred rise height into your waist measurement. Measure jeans in the store before you try them on. Try jeans on before you buy them to see if the measurements were correct. Study size charts and descriptions when buying online to find the right size. Learn the brands that fit you well so you don't need to measure as often. Buy jeans slightly smaller if you think they will stretch. Consider having your pants tailored for a better fit. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Run-a-Focus-Group | How to Run a Focus Group | A focus group is a great way to survey a group of people and get their opinion on a product or campaign. To run your own focus group, the first thing you'll need to do is recruit around 6 to 10 participants. Put up advertisemets online and in places where your target demographic is likely to hang out, and offer cash, gift cards, or refreshments as an incentive. When they arrive for your group, explain what they'll be doing and get them to sign consent forms. Then, ask questions to guide discussions around your topic. Make sure you record the session so you can analyze their responses afterwards. | Pick a single, clear purpose. This is an opportunity to learn the nuanced opinions of clients, potential customers, staff members or a community. Ideally, you'll only be talking to one of these groups per focus group. They'll be expressing opinions on one topic, which should be kept to a single product or issue. There's a reason it's called a focus group. Narrow down your target audience. Are you researching how your product is received among adolescents? What age range specifically? Do they have specific interests, hobbies, or spending habits? The more specific you can get this, the better you'll be able to guide your recruitment and find useful opinions. If your target audience includes members of a specialized profession, such as doctors, don't try to combine them with other demographics. They will be most likely to speak freely around people from the same background. If you are concerned with workplace satisfaction, consider targeting certain job positions at which employees seem to be particularly discontent. Consider organizing a control group. If you have the resources to run two focus groups, consider running one focus group with participants from your target demographic, and one audience from the broader pool of potential customers or community members. This second "control group" helps you separate the unique opinions of the target demographic from opinions that are more widely shared. Refrain from using the focus group for ulterior motives. Focus groups are less effective when the facilitators or clients try to move beyond the original scope of the project. You may need to correct the participants in your focus group about some of their misapprehensions about the purposes of focus groups. A focus group is not a meeting. You are not trying to achieve consensus or come up with a solution. A focus group is not a public relations opportunity. Don't go out of your way to present your organization in a good light. A focus group is not a way to collect statistical data; the sample size is too small and the data is qualitative. Find a second facilitator. An assistant can take notes and handle the recorder, so that you can focus on facilitating the discussion. The assistant should not participate in the discussion, else the facilitators dominate the discussion and the authority of the lead moderator be undermined The assistant should, however, introduce themselves prior to the beginning of the focus group. This is important for making participants feel comfortable with an additional person in the room. No one else should be present unless they have a clear role, such as managing snacks and sign-in sheets. Unnecessary spectators can make participants nervous. Choose a comfortable venue and recording method. Find a private area where participants will feel relaxed and comfortable. Video cameras or one-way observation mirrors are often used for market research, but they are not appropriate for focus groups covering sensitive or stigmatized topics. Use an audio recorder instead if you are concerned about the effect of observation on participant comfort. Organizing seats into a circle will make all participants feel more equal and comfortable participating than if, for example, they are sitting at a rectangular table with one person at the head. Prepare questions. Design the questions to encourage participants to open up and talk about their opinions in depth. Avoid yes-or-no questions, since people are more likely to respond "yes" to please you. Instead, use open-ended questions like "What do you think of this product?" or questions that describe both choices, such as "Do you think the color of this product should be changed, or kept the same?" Avoid technical terms and jargon. Keep sentences short and focus so that they do not confuse participants. Avoid questions that might embarrass participants or intimidate them into silence. Begin with questions that encourage participants to talk generally about the subject to make them comfortable and familiar with the topic of conversation. For example, “How do you like to use your smart phones?” Move on to questions that get to the substance of the discussion: “How likely would you be to use a thesaurus app?” Before concluding, ask if anyone has something else to say that did not come up earlier in the discussion. Ask positive questions to establish comfort, before moving on to more negative questions. Ask: “what do you like about this product” before asking “what do you dislike about this product?” Plan out how you will record data. Before you begin acquiring data, you will want to consider how you will store it. That means not only getting a tape recorder, but also thinking about a format in which you can organize and sort through your data. For example, an excel spreadsheet can be used to record responses and label them according to common themes. This database will ultimately be used to account for how many of a particular type of response you received and serve as an ease go to source for particularly impactful quotes on any given subject. Remember to keep data in a password protected location, especially if you are working in a university system that requires strict privacy measures. If the data needs to be shared with multiple researchers, use a password protected online database like Dropbox. Write your advertisements to whittle down potential applicants. Use clearly worded announcements and an introductory questionnaire to make the requirements, date, and time as obvious as possible. If you are looking for a particular type of participant,—for example. people of a particular age group—make this clear in the advertisement. Use targeted advertising. Advertise your focus group in a method that is most appropriate to your target group. For community issues, talk about your project with workers at community organizations and ask them to pass on emails or envelopes to their members. Post posters at places where people of your target demographic are likely to visit. Solicit participants within an organization. If, for example, your focus group pertains to employees of a particular company, you can choose names randomly from a list of employees. You can also ask bosses to nominate individuals who will have a particularly good knowledge of the subject. For a more targeted approach, you can interview established committees or groups of people with the same job title. When participation isn't random, you should be mindful of whether the intergroup dynamics of people who know one another will hinder your research. Will the presence of an authority figure scare some? Is there a group of people who are particularly close that might come to dominate the discussion? Offer incentives. Offer "goodie bags," money, coupons, paid time off, or free food and drink. Incentives are a major reason for people to join focus groups, and the participants should be compensated for providing valuable information. In most cases, you will need to offer at least $50 to adequately reward a participant. However, you could also offer a single big reward to the winner of a random drawing. Perform the drawing in person at the end of the focus groups, so that no one suspects wrongdoing. Recruit six to ten people. This is large enough to get a diversity of opinions, but small enough that everyone should be comfortable. It is probable that 10%-20% of participants who sign up will miss the focus group. However, you do not want more than ten people to arrive. If you invite ten to eight people you should have a comfortable number of discussants. Coordinate a meeting. Establish that all members of the group are willing and able to meet at a particular place and time. Once you have established that this is the case, send out a written confirmation two days in advance of the focus group to remind them of the meeting. In the note, thank them for their participation and remind them of the date, time, place, and rewards for the focus group. Pass out forms. You will want to pass out a short consent form that explains in two or three paragraphs the purpose of the study. Note that responses will be recorded. Sometimes you might want to include an additional form where participants provide demographic information, including their background with the subject in question. Any demographic forms should take no more than three minutes to complete. Plan to have participants arrive 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the actual focus group. This will give them time to fill out paper work, have a bite to eat, get comfortable, and introduce themselves. Have the participants introduce themselves. People are typically more comfortable sharing opinions if they know a little bit about the other people in the group, even if it's just their names. This is especially true for focus groups on controversial community issues. Often an icebreaker question like, “Where does everyone come from” or “where would everyone most like to go on vacation” can make people feel at ease. Set up a table at the entrance to the venue with name tags. If the focus group is composed of anonymous strangers, place random numbers of the name tags to use. Use these numbers to identify participants. Announce the purpose of the meeting. Prepare an introduction that concisely explains the reason for the group to meet. Don't assume people are at all familiar with the topic at hand, or how a focus group functions. Explain that this is a brainstorming session, for sharing as many detailed opinions as possible. Remind them that the focus group will be recorded, but that there are no right answers and that the purpose is to get their opinion. Ask questions to guide the discussion. Use one of your prepared questions to kick off the discussion. Stick with the topic until you have achieved good responses, before moving on to the next. Use additional, unprepared questions to ask for more detail if the participants are giving brief answers. Encourage people to expand on their responses by asking them “Can you say more about that?” Alternatively ask if they can provide an example of what they are talking about. Summarize what someone has said and ask if others feel the same way. If someone isn't talking, turn to them and inquire as to their thoughts on what has just been said. You should generally enter with no more than 10 prepared questions. Ideally, your questions should encourage participants to talk among themselves, so that you can withdraw from the conversation. Stay neutral and empathetic. Don't insert your personal opinion into questions, or let the participants know your views on the topic. Avoid leading questions like "Don't you think it would be better if...?" Participants should feel as if the moderator is legitimately interested in everyone's feelings. To make participants comfortable it is important that the moderator is someone they can relate to but also respect. For example, choosing someone of the same gender as the focus group can be important for making the participants feel like they have an empathetic host. Constantly scan the room and establish eye contact, especially with those who have been speaking less frequently. Record responses. The assistant should manage the tape recorder and write down comments in case the recorder fails. The assistant should also, however, be attentive to things that won't be recorded. Note, for example, body language when it seems bear on how the participant feels about the topic. Prevent any one individual from dominating the conversation. If one participant talks more often than the others, it's your job to politely put a stop to it. The best tactic is typically to encourage other people to speak up, with questions such as "Does anyone else have a different perspective? After a particularly long and complicated response, it is good for the moderator to summarize what has been said. Once clarified, it will make it easier for participants to build off the comment. Also, the ability to recount such points makes the moderator appear vested in the discussion, encouraging participation. Your goal should be solicit as many different opinions from as many participants as possible. Keeping the conversation open and easy is crucial. Tamp down arguments. Explain that you're not trying to reach consensus, and that more opinions lead to more helpful data. If participants are still heated or argumentative, change topic to the next question. End the meeting within an hour and a half. The members of your focus group will become tired and, therefore, less productive somewhere between 45 to 90 minutes after the beginning of the focus group. Establish a set end time so that participants know what to expect. Adjourn by summarizing the useful results of the focus group, casting the focus group in a good light. Thank everyone for contributing. Provide opportunities for feedback and review. Give the participants a chance to provide feedback, using an anonymous system if the focus group didn't go smoothly, or if the participants are your coworkers. You as the facilitator can also review the event to better prepare the organization for the next one. Debrief. After participants have left the room, record the date, time, and name of the group on the recorder. Discuss important takeaways and body language cues with the assistant to make sure that these are recorded with the rest of the focus group information. Repeat. You generally want to ask three or four new groups the same questions. The purpose of a focus group is to get as many different opinions as possible. Therefore, you should ideally continue to hold focus groups until you are no longer hearing new ideas. | Pick a single, clear purpose. Narrow down your target audience. Consider organizing a control group. Refrain from using the focus group for ulterior motives. Find a second facilitator. Choose a comfortable venue and recording method. Prepare questions. Plan out how you will record data. Write your advertisements to whittle down potential applicants. Use targeted advertising. Solicit participants within an organization. Offer incentives. Recruit six to ten people. Coordinate a meeting. Pass out forms. Have the participants introduce themselves. Announce the purpose of the meeting. Ask questions to guide the discussion. Stay neutral and empathetic. Record responses. Prevent any one individual from dominating the conversation. Tamp down arguments. End the meeting within an hour and a half. Provide opportunities for feedback and review. Debrief. Repeat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Withdraw-from-Alprazolam | How to Withdraw from Alprazolam | If you need to withdraw from alprazolam, it's best to work with your doctor to come up with a manageable tapering schedule, since abruptly stopping this medication can be really dangerous. Everyone's tapering schedule will be unique, but a common approach is to divide your total daily dose into three mini-doses. Then, continue slowly decreasing your dose every 2 weeks until you're off the medication. You may experience anxiety, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, blurred vision, and general aches and pains during this time, which is normal. If you're experiencing more severe symptoms, like hallucinations, delirium, or seizures, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. | Consult with a physician. All cases of benzodiazepine withdrawal should be overseen by a doctor who is familiar with the process. He will monitor your safety and progress, making adjustments to your alprazolam withdrawal schedule as needed. Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you're taking. Be sure to mention any medical conditions that you have. These can affect your tapering schedule. Follow your doctor’s recommended taper schedule. Most of the worst-case withdrawal scenarios result from abruptly quitting alprazolam. Quitting cold turkey from any benzodiazepine is unsafe and is not recommended by benzodiazepine experts. It is possible to reduce your alprazolam withdrawal symptoms by taking smaller amounts of the drug in small increments over a long period of time, letting your body adjust to each taper. Then, you can incrementally taper down again. You will not drop off the drug completely until you are down to a minimal dosage. Tapering schedules with vary with each individual, depending on length of use, dosage, and other factors. Talk to your doctor about switching to diazepam. If you have been using Alprazolam for a long time (over six months or so), your doctor may switch you to a longer-acting benzodiazepine such as diazepam. Your doctor may also recommend this option if you are on a high dose of Alprazolam. Diazepam works the same way as Alprazolam, but it is longer acting. This means that it stays in your system longer, which may result in fewer withdrawal symptoms. Another benefit of diazepam is that this drug is readily available in liquid form and smaller dose tablets. Both of these options aid in tapering. The switch from alprazolam to diazepam can be immediate or gradual. If your doctor chooses to switch you to diazepam, she will adjust your initial dosage of diazepam to equal your current dosage of Alprazolam. Generally speaking, 10 milligrams of Diazepam equals one milligram of Alprazolam. Divide your total daily dose into three mini doses. Your doctor may recommend that you divide your total daily dose into a schedule that you take three times a day. This will, of course, depend on your dose and time of use of the benzodiazepine. For example, if you have used alprazolam for a long time, you may have a longer taper schedule or smaller reductions per week. Your dose schedule may also be adjusted according to how you respond to the taper. Decrease your dose every two weeks. If you are on diazepam, the doctor generally will recommend decreasing either 20% to 25% of your total dose every two weeks, or 20% to 25% every week first and second week. Then you will likely decrease your dose by 10% every week thereafter. Some doctors recommend tapering 10% every one to two weeks, until you are at a 20% dose. Then you might taper down 5% every two to four weeks. If you are taking diazepam as a replacement for alprazolam, your total dose should not decrease more than about 5 mg of diazepam per week. It should also go down to decreasing by one to two milligrams per week when you reach a small dose like 20 mg of diazepam. Recognize that your tapering schedule is specific to you. No one model fits everyone, just like no pair of shoes fits everyone. Your taper schedule will depend on different things such as how long you have been on Alprazolam and your dose, and your withdrawal symptoms. If you have been on low, sporadic doses of Alprazolam, your doctor may not recommend tapering or may taper faster than someone who has been on a chronic, steady or high dose. Generally, anyone who has been on a benzodiazepine for over eight weeks will require a taper schedule. Talk to your pharmacist. One of your best friends while tapering is your pharmacist. Her knowledge is paramount in your tapering success. She will offer solutions such as: compounding your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs to avoid and other insightful pharmacological issues. If your doctor prescribed other drugs instead of alprazolam, the taper plan will take that into account as well. Maintain your physical health while you taper. At times, your withdrawal symptoms may make it difficult for you to function normally. But it is important that you take care of yourself while you taper. This will help your body through the detox process. Although there are no studies directly indicating this, physical activity and health may benefit you and minimize withdrawal symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids. Eat plenty of healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Stay away from processed and refined foods. Get as much quality sleep as you can. Get regular exercise. Avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol. While you are tapering, limit your caffeine intake as well as tobacco and alcohol use. Alcohol, for example, creates toxins in your body that can hinder the recovery process. Don’t take over-the-counter drugs without consulting a pharmacist. Avoid using any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs without talking to a pharmacist or doctor first. Many OTC drugs can add stress to your central nervous system as you taper. These include antihistamines and sleep aids. Keep a journal. Tapering schedules are based on how long you have been taking the alprazolam, and at what dosage. Track your dosage reductions by keeping an eye on when you take your dosage and how much the dosage is. You can keep track of when you have had good or bad days and adjust your taper accordingly. Keep in mind that you will make minor tweaks and adjustments as you move forward. A journal entry example in a spreadsheet form might look like this: 1) January 1, 2015 2) 12:00 PM 3) Current dose: 2 mgs 4) Dose reduction:.02 mgs 5) Total reduction level: 1.88 mgs You may add several daily entries for a multiple daily dosages. Include any withdrawal symptoms or change of mood you notice. Check in with your doctor periodically. During your tapering process, you should be seeing your doctor every one to four weeks, depending on your taper schedule. Bring up any concerns and difficulties you are still experiencing. Mention any withdrawal symptoms you may be experiencing, such as anxiety, irritability, agitation, insomnia, panic or headaches. If you experience any severe symptoms like hallucinations or seizures, seek medical attention immediately. Ask your doctor about other medications. If you do experience severe withdrawal symptoms, a doctor may prescribe other drugs to help offset these symptoms. A doctor may also suggest an antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medication, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol). The risk of epileptic seizures increases greatly during withdrawal from alprazolam. If you have a slowly designed taper plan, this is not a typical course of action that needs to be taken. Visit a mental health professional. Paying attention to your mental health is important after withdrawal from benzodiazepines, as it can take weeks, months or even years to fully reverse the neurological changes they cause. The acute process may take up to three months, but full recovery may take a couple years. It's a good idea to visit a psychologist and/or a psychiatrist during this period. Consider continuing to see a mental health professional after your tapering schedule. Consider a 12-step rehab program. If you have been taking high dosages of alprazolam, you may want to consider enrolling in a 12-step rehab program. The tapering schedule is separate from a rehab program, but if you are experiencing addition, a rehab program can be very helpful. Understand why unsupervised withdrawal from Alprazolam is dangerous. Alprazolam, also known as Xanax (its brand name), is a medication known as a benzodiazepine. This medication is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks and other related psychiatric disorders. Alprazolam and other benzodiazepines increase the action of a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger in the brain, called GABA. The long-term use of alprazolam may cause dependence or addiction. If you abruptly discontinue using it, you may experience to severe withdrawal symptoms as your brain chemistry tries to rebalance itself. Stopping benzodiazepines like Alprazolam has the potential to cause a life-threatening withdrawal syndrome. In some cases, unsupervised withdrawal from alprazolam may result in death. Learn the symptoms of withdrawal. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal before you start tapering alprazolam. This can help ease any mental anguish caused by not knowing what to expect and/or being taken by surprise by your withdrawal. Tapering off (slowly reducing your dose) under a doctor's care will reduce withdrawal symptoms. When you withdraw from alprazolam, you may experience any combination of symptoms and in varying severities. These symptoms may include: Anxiety Irritability Agitation Insomnia Panic Depression Headache Nausea Fatigue Blurred vision Aches and pains Be mindful of severe withdrawal symptoms. Severe alprazolam withdrawal symptoms include hallucinations, delirium and seizures. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Recognize how long withdrawal symptoms can last. Alprazolam withdrawal symptoms begin approximately six hours after taking the last dosage. The symptoms typically peak anywhere between 24 and 72 hours. They can last two to four weeks. Remember, until you have completed a successful benzodiazepine taper, your body will be in a constant mild withdrawal state. This is why a slow taper is highly recommended. Be patient with your recovery. Generally speaking, tapering off Alprazolam should be as slow as you feel comfortable with. If you taper more slowly, your symptoms should be less severe. Keep in mind that a slower taper results in far fewer withdrawal symptoms. The goal is to complete the tapering without prolonged withdrawal side effects, not to finish as quickly as possible to only suffer side effects and less repaired GABA receptors that will influence the healing process. The longer you are on a sedative-hypnotic like alprazolam, the longer it will take for your brain to return to normal once you stop. The estimated time frame for tapering is between six and 18 months and varies upon dose rates, age, general health, stress factors and time of use. Regardless of your doctor-recommended taper schedule, it should be: Slow and gradual. Scheduled: The doctor will ask you to take a dose at a certain time rather than “as needed.” Adjusted to your symptoms of withdrawal or rebound of anxiety or disease. Monitored weekly to monthly, depending on your situation. | Consult with a physician. Follow your doctor’s recommended taper schedule. Talk to your doctor about switching to diazepam. Divide your total daily dose into three mini doses. Decrease your dose every two weeks. Recognize that your tapering schedule is specific to you. Talk to your pharmacist. Maintain your physical health while you taper. Avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol. Don’t take over-the-counter drugs without consulting a pharmacist. Keep a journal. Check in with your doctor periodically. Ask your doctor about other medications. Visit a mental health professional. Consider a 12-step rehab program. Understand why unsupervised withdrawal from Alprazolam is dangerous. Learn the symptoms of withdrawal. Be mindful of severe withdrawal symptoms. Recognize how long withdrawal symptoms can last. Be patient with your recovery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Premature-Fledging | How to Prevent Premature Fledging | To prevent premature fledging, avoid checking a nesting box 12 to 14 days after the bird's eggs hatch because this is the time of greatest risk of premature fledging. Even after this time has passed, check the box only a few times a week and not every day, to avoid disturbing the birds too much. Choose the afternoon for any checks you make, and only do so when the weather is calm and dry so the chicks don't get cold or frightened. When approaching the box, make noise to let the mother bird and babies know you're there. You can do this by talking or whistling as you get close, then gently tapping the box once you're ready to open it. And finally, keep each of your nest box observations to under a minute. | Purchase a top opening nesting box. Although they are harder to clean out, and more difficult for shorter people to monitor, premature fledging is less likely to occur if you have a top opening nesting box. This type of nesting box is especially effective at preventing premature fledging if the entrance is covered with a sock or piece of cloth while checking the box. To make cleaning more easy, make your nesting box open multiple ways, for example from the sides, front, and top. However, only use the top opening to monitor the box. Use a plastic strawberry basket. Make monitoring easy by placing a plastic strawberry basket in the box before nest building occurs. Strawberry baskets allow you to smoothly and quickly slide the nest out of the box, without touching or disturbing the contents, to monitor it. It also helps with the removal of blowflies. Blowflies will drop through the basket and onto the floor of the nesting box instead of remaining in the nest with the baby birds. Place a small mirror in the box. A small mirror is helpful to look inside the nest without disturbing it. Install a small mechanic's or dental mirror just inside the entrance hole. Shine a small penlight at the mirror. The light will bounce of the mirror allowing you to see the nest with minimal disturbances. Use super glue to secure the mirror inside the box. Check the box in the afternoon. Avoid checking the box in early morning and dusk. Also, avoid checking the box during wet and/or cold weather, especially if it is less than 50 °F (10 °C) outside. Instead, check the box during calm, dry weather conditions. Remember that you only need to monitor the box during nesting season, i.e., late March through August. Avoid checking the box 12 to 14 days after the bird's eggs have hatched. Checking the box during this time can cause premature fledging. Do not check the box too frequently, i.e., every day. Instead, check the box only once or twice a week, or every seven to 10 days. How frequently you check the box depends on how serious predator problems are, how much data you want to collect, and how much time you have. Make noise before opening the box. Before opening the box, make your presence known. If you do not, you might startle the female, and a startled female could damage the eggs. Make your presence known by whistling, calling out, and/or lightly tapping on the side of the box. Spend less than a minute checking the box. Once you have made your presence known, slowly open the box. Do not yank it open. Spend less than a minute when checking the box to avoid stressing the birds, or chilling the eggs or nestlings. Once you are finished checking, slowly close the box, as well. You want to close it slowly because a sitting female or one of the nestlings might decide to fly out. If they do, you do not want to inadvertently hurt the birds by closing the door too quickly. Keep good records. Every time you check the box, record what you see. This way, you can avoid checking the box during the critical period when disturbing the box could cause premature fledging. This critical period is 12 to 14 days after the nestlings have hatched. You will also be able to determine when fledging may occur, i.e., 17 to 18 days after hatching. It is ok to check the box during the official fledging period. Record the day egg hatching begins and when the last egg is laid. This will help you calculate when the critical period will take place. Remember, do not check the box during the critical period in order to avoid premature fledging. Also record what kind of nest you see, how many eggs and nestlings there are, and any evidence of problems. Look for pests. There are a variety of pests that can make a home out of your nesting box. These pests include House Sparrows, paper wasps, fire ants, bumblebees and honeybees, blowfly larvae, mice, and snakes. When monitoring the box for these pests, always use caution and never reach in with your hands. House Sparrows are non-native birds that may attack and destroy eggs, nestlings, and incubating adults of native bird species. By identifying a House Sparrow's eggs, you can remove their nests from your box. Because these birds are non-native species, you may legally remove their nests, eggs, and young. A House Sparrow's eggs may be cream, white, grey, or green in color. All of the eggs are speckled with irregular fine, brown speckles. The shell is also smooth with a slight gloss. Purchase a galvanized stovepipe. It is recommended that you use an 8” diameter by 24” long stovepipe. Along with the stovepipe you will need to purchase a slender galvanized pole/pipe (.5” in diameter and 7 feet long), hardware cloth, 7” long hanger iron straps, and two No. 8 B32 by ¾” machine screws and nuts. You can purchase these materials from your local hardware or home improvement store. Find the stovepipe in the plumbing section. Purchase a tin snips tool to cut the hardware wire if you do not have a pair. Cut a hardware cloth circle. Using the tin snips, cut a circle in the hardware cloth that is one inch bigger than the diameter of the stovepipe. Then, cut a small hole in the middle of the hardware cloth circle. The size of the hole should be the size of the mounting pole's diameter. For example, if your mounting pole is.5” in diameter, then cut a.5” hole in the middle of the hardware cloth. Place the hardwire cloth circle over the top of the stovepipe. Bend the edges down one inch and fit them inside the stovepipe. Slide the cloth an inch down the stovepipe, or until the cloth is fitted tightly inside it. Make sure the fit is nice and tight. Then, take your tin snips and cut three tabs in the top of the stovepipe. Bend these tabs inward and over the top of the hardware cloth. Take your mounting pipe and hanger strips. Using the machine screws and nuts, bolt the hanger strips together and securely around the center of the pole. Bolt them no more than a foot from the top of the pole—the top of the baffle needs to be at least four feet off the ground. Then, bend the edges outward. These edges will support the stovepipe baffle. Place duct tape or a radiator hose clamp around the pole and underneath the hanger straps to hold them in place better. Slip the stovepipe baffle over the pole. Do this once the hanger claps are secure. Slip it over the pole until it rests on top of the hanger clips. To discourage predators, the baffle should wobble a little bit. When mounting the nesting box on the pole, the bottom of the box should be only three to four inches away from the top of the stovepipe baffle. This will encourage snakes to go inside of the baffle and get stopped instead of climbing over the outside of the baffle. | Purchase a top opening nesting box. Use a plastic strawberry basket. Place a small mirror in the box. Check the box in the afternoon. Make noise before opening the box. Spend less than a minute checking the box. Keep good records. Look for pests. Purchase a galvanized stovepipe. Cut a hardware cloth circle. Place the hardwire cloth circle over the top of the stovepipe. Take your mounting pipe and hanger strips. Slip the stovepipe baffle over the pole. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Infuse-Vodka-With-Watermelon | How to Infuse Vodka With Watermelon | To infuse vodka with watermelon, start by cutting a watermelon up into small, 1-inch cubes. Then, place the cubes in a jar and fill the jar with vodka so the cubes are completely submerged. Next, seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 6 days. Finally, place a cheesecloth or tea towel over the mouth of the jar and strain the watermelon-infused vodka into a new container. | Trace a hole in the watermelon. Twist off the cap to the vodka and place it on the lengthwise side of the watermelon (the oval shape of the watermelon should be horizontal). Position the vodka cap in the center of the watermelon. Use a serrated knife to “trace” around the edges of the vodka cap, creating a circle. Stay as close to the actual cap size as possible, because you will eventually place your vodka bottle inside the hole that you've carved, and you want the fit to be snug so there are no leaks. Cut out the watermelon plug. Take the vodka cap off the watermelon, and use the knife to cut and follow the traced circle you just made. Place the knife point down on the edge of the circle and insert the knife about halfway. Cut out this piece as if you were carving a pumpkin. Continue cutting around the traced circle until the entire circle is carved around. Remove the watermelon plug. Use the knife to pry at the plug by inserting the knife at the cut edges, and bringing the knife down, underneath the plug, to create a 45-degree angle. This will create a wedge that can pop the watermelon plug out of the carved hole. Refrigerate the watermelon plug in a re-sealable plastic bag so that you can reinsert it later. Save the vodka bottle cap to seal the vodka later. Create space for the vodka bottle to fit inside the watermelon. Scoop out enough watermelon flesh with a spoon or melon scooper to create a hole deep enough that the vodka bottle neck can fit fully into the watermelon. Be careful of watermelon juice and pulp splashing. This can make your workspace wet and sticky. Insert the vodka bottle neck into the watermelon. Stand the watermelon upright so it's length is perpendicular to the surface space you are working on. Carefully tilt the watermelon on its side to meet the opened vodka bottle, and insert the bottle into the hole in the watermelon. The entire bottle neck should be able to fit in the watermelon hole. If you have a friend nearby, they can hold the watermelon up and in the air a little bit and guide it to meet you, holding the opened vodka bottle. Your vodka bottle will be at about a 90 degree angle to you, and parallel to your work space when you insert the bottle. Let the watermelon absorb the vodka. Rotate the watermelon until it is back on a resting position on your work space, with the vodka bottle now upright and centered. Leave the watermelon to absorb the vodka for at least 12 hours. The vodka should absorb about half, to the whole bottle of vodka. Serve the vodka infused watermelon. Remove the bottle of vodka once the watermelon has absorbed all the alcohol. Insert the watermelon plug back into the hole and place in the refrigerator (with the vodka hole facing upward), if you are not planning on cutting and serving the water immediately. If you are planning on using the watermelon immediately, cut up the watermelon, and serve. You can cut the watermelon into wedges, or peel it and cut it into cubes. Cut the watermelon. Slice a watermelon in half. One half is going to be used to infuse the vodka, the other half can be used for something else, or normal snacking. Slice the half of watermelon in half, creating two quarters, and then slice the quarter pieces of watermelon, separating between the flesh and the rind. Continue to cut the watermelon into about 1 inch chunks. Don't worry about removing the seeds, they will be strained out later. Soak the watermelon in vodka. Place the cut up watermelon chunks into an airtight jar. Fill the jar with vodka, and completely cover the cubes. Seal the container and place it in a cool, dark place to steep for at least 6 days. Strain the vodka. Remove the container from its storage place, and open the jar. Place a clean tea towel, or cheesecloth over the mouth of the jar, and secure it with a rubber band. Slowly tip the jar over, and strain the infused vodka into clean bottles or jars. The vodka should look pink. Throw out the watermelon chunks, or if you're feeling really daring, wrap the pieces of watermelon in plastic wrap, refrigerate, and eat later. Prepare the jar of candy. Collect 12 pieces of watermelon candy, and place the candy in the jar you're going to use to soak the candy with vodka. This method can be used with other flavors of candy too. Add the vodka. Pour the vodka into the jar, covering the candy, and fill until it is close to the top, but still sealable. The vodka will start breaking down the candy instantly. Let the vodka sit for about 8 to 12 hours. You might want to shake the jars to try and dissolve the candy faster, but this doesn't really dissolve the candy faster. Refrigerate. Put your jar in the refrigerator or freezer, and let it chill until you are ready to serve it. At first, the flavor of the vodka will taste just like the watermelon candy you used, and then the vodka taste will come through. These can be served as shooters, or used for flavored martinis. | Trace a hole in the watermelon. Cut out the watermelon plug. Remove the watermelon plug. Create space for the vodka bottle to fit inside the watermelon. Insert the vodka bottle neck into the watermelon. Let the watermelon absorb the vodka. Serve the vodka infused watermelon. Cut the watermelon. Soak the watermelon in vodka. Strain the vodka. Prepare the jar of candy. Add the vodka. Refrigerate. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Graph-a-Parabola | How to Graph a Parabola | To graph a parabola, use the coefficient a and coefficient b values from your parabolic equation in the formula x = -b ÷ 2a to solve for x, which is the first coordinate of the vertex. Next, plug x back into your equation to solve for y, which is the second coordinate of the vertex. You can then create a table by using different values for x and calculating y in your equation to get a set of coordinates. Plot these coordinates on a plane and draw your parabola! | Understand the parts of a parabola. You may be given certain information prior to beginning, and knowing the terminology will help you avoid any unnecessary steps. Here are the parts of the parabola that you'll need to know: The focus. A fixed point on the interior of the parabola that is used for the formal definition of the curve. The directrix. A fixed, straight line. The parabola is the locus (series) of points in which any given point is of equal distance from the focus and the directrix. (See the diagram above.) The axis of symmetry. This is a straight line that passes through the turning point ("vertex") of the parabola and is equidistant from corresponding points on the two arms of the parabola. The vertex. The point where the axis of symmetry crosses the parabola is called the vertex of the parabola. If the parabola opens upward or to the right, the vertex is a minimum point of the curve. If it opens downward or to the left, the vertex is a maximum point. Know the equation of a parabola. The general equation of a parabola is y = ax + bx + c. It can also be written in the even more general form y = a(x – h)² + k , but we will focus here on the first form of the equation. If the coefficient a in the equation is positive, the parabola opens upward (in a vertically oriented parabola), like the letter "U", and its vertex is a minimum point. If the a is negative, the parabola opens downward and has a vertex at its maximum point. If you have trouble remembering this, think of it this way: an equation with a positive a value looks like a smile; an equation with a negative a value looks like a frown. Let's say you have the following equation: y = 2x -1. This parabola will be shaped like a "U" because the a value (2) is positive. If the equation has a squared y term instead of a squared x term, the parabola will be oriented horizontally and open sideways, to the right or left, like a "C" or a backward "C." For example, the parabola y = x + 3 opens to the right, like a "C." Find the axis of symmetry. Remember that the axis of symmetry is the straight line that passes through the turning point (vertex) of the parabola. In the case of a vertical parabola (opening up or down), the axis is the same as the x coordinate of the vertex, which is the x-value of the point where the axis of symmetry crosses the parabola. To find the axis of symmetry, use this formula: x = -b/2a. In the above example (y = 2x² -1), a = 2 and b = 0. Now you can calculate the axis of symmetry by plugging in the numbers: x = -0 / (2)(2) = 0. In this case the axis of symmetry is x = 0 (which is the y-axis of the coordinate plane). Find the vertex. Once you know the axis of symmetry, you can plug that value in for x to get the y coordinate. These two coordinates will give you the vertex of the parabola. In this case, you would plug 0 in to 2x -1 to get the y coordinate. y = 2 x 0 -1 = 0 -1 = -1. The vertex is (0,-1), and the parabola crosses the y-axis at -1. The coordinates of the vertex are sometimes known as (h, k). In this case h is 0, and k is -1. The equation for the parabola may be written in the form y = a(x – h)² + k. In this form the vertex is the point (h, k), and you don't need to do any math to find the vertex beyond interpreting the graph correctly. Set up a table with chosen values of x. Create a table with particular values of x in the first column. This table will give you the coordinates you need to graph the equation. The middle value of x should be the axis of symmetry in the case of a "vertical" parabola. You should include at least two values above and below the middle value for x in the table for the sake of symmetry. In this example, put the value of the axis of symmetry (x = 0) in the middle of the table. Calculate the values of corresponding y-coordinates. Substitute each value of x in the equation of the parabola, and calculate the corresponding values of y. Insert these calculated values of y into the table. In this example, the values of y are calculated as follows: For x = -2, y is calculated as: y = (2) (-2) - 1 = 8 - 1 = 7 For x = -1, y is calculated as: y = (2) (-1) - 1 = 2 - 1 = 1 For x = 0, y is calculated as: y = (2) (0) - 1 = 0 - 1 = -1 For x = 1, y is calculated as: y = (2) (1) - 1 = 2 - 1 = 1 For x = 2, y is calculated as: y = (2) (2) - 1 = 8 - 1 = 7 Insert the calculated values of y into the table. Now that you've found at least five coordinate pairs for the parabola, you're almost ready to graph it. Based on your work, you now have the following points: (-2, 7), (-1, 1), (0, -1), (1, 1), (2, 7). Remember that the parabola is reflected (symmetrical) with respect to the axis of symmetry. This means that the y coordinates of points directly across the axis of symmetry from each other will be the same. The y-coordinates for the x-coordinates -2 and +2 are both 7; the y-coordinates for the x-coordinates -1 and +1 are both 1, and so on. Plot the table points on the coordinate plane. Each row of the table forms a coordinate pair (x, y) on the coordinate plane. Graph all points using the coordinates given in the table. The x-axis is horizontal; the y-axis is vertical. The positive numbers on the y-axis are above the point (0, 0), and the negative numbers on the y-axis are below the point (0, 0). The positive numbers on the x-axis are to the right of the point (0, 0), and the negative numbers on the x-axis are to the left of the point (0, 0). Connect the points. To graph the parabola, connect the points plotted in the previous step. The graph in this example will look like a U. Connect the points using slightly curved (rather than straight) lines. This will create the most accurate image of the parabola (which is at least slightly curved throughout its length). At both ends of the parabola you can draw arrows pointing away from the vertex if you like. This will indicate that the parabola continues indefinitely. Shift a parabola upward. Consider the equation y = x +1. This shifts the original parabola upward 1 unit. The vertex is now (0, 1) instead of (0, 0). It will retain the exact shape of the original parabola, but every y-coordinate will be shifted upward 1 unit. So, instead of (-1, 1) and (1, 1), we plot (-1, 2) and (1, 2). Shift a parabola downward. Take the equation y = x -1. We're shifting the original parabola downward 1 unit, so that the vertex is now (0, -1) instead of (0, 0). It will still have the same shape of the original parabola, but every y-coordinate will be shifted downward 1 unit. So, instead of (-1, 1) and (1, 1), for instance, we plot (-1, 0) and (1, 0). Shift a parabola to the left. Consider the equation y = (x + 1). This shifts the original parabola one unit to the left. The vertex is now (-1, 0) instead of (0, 0). It retains the shape of the original parabola, but every x-coordinate is shifted to the left one unit. Instead of (-1, 1) and (1, 1), for instance, we plot (-2, 1) and (0, 1). Shift a parabola to the right. Consider the equation y = (x - 1). This is the original parabola shifted one unit to the right. The vertex is now (1, 0) instead of (0, 0). It retains the shape of the original parabola, but every x-coordinate will be shifted to the right one unit. Instead of (-1, 1) and (1, 1), for instance, we plot (0, 1) and (2, 1). | Understand the parts of a parabola. Know the equation of a parabola. Find the axis of symmetry. Find the vertex. Set up a table with chosen values of x. Calculate the values of corresponding y-coordinates. Insert the calculated values of y into the table. Plot the table points on the coordinate plane. Connect the points. Shift a parabola upward. Shift a parabola downward. Shift a parabola to the left. Shift a parabola to the right. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Heel-Stretch | How to Do a Heel Stretch | Before you do a heel stretch, warm up by jogging and stretching your leg muscles with lunges and hamstring stretches. Once you're warmed up, begin the heel stretch by kicking your leg up high and catching your heel in your hand. If you struggle to do this, try holding your heel, doing a quick dip, and kicking it up until you get the hang of the movement. Once your leg is in the air, bring it parallel with your chest and turn your leg outward to keep your balance. To hold the stretch, do a "High-V" with your free hand. | Get moving. Before you stretch, jog or power walk for about 5 minutes to loosen and warm your muscles. Warming your muscles up before stretching makes them more pliable. Stretching cold, tight muscles may decrease your strength and keep you from performing to your best ability. Stretch your muscles. After warming up, start stretching your muscles, paying particular attention to your legs. Your legs will be doing most of the work, so you need to make sure they're flexible. To get ready for the heel stretch, you should be doing lunges , hamstring stretches, and split stretches. You'll also need to do a few arm stretches to prepare yourself. Practice kicking the leg that will be in the air. This will warm and stretch your leg muscles even more, and will also help prepare your leg for a high kick. Kick your leg back and forth, like you would kick a ball. Practice these kicks for about 15-20 repetitions.Try to kick higher each time. Kick your leg up high. Stand with your feet together and your legs straight, then kick your leg as high as it will go. Catch your foot by the heel. If you're kicking your left leg, catch it with your left hand. If you're kicking your right leg, catch it with your right hand. Most beginners won't be able to do this on the first try. Start by grabbing the heel that will be in the air, do a quick dip, and pull the leg up. This will help you practice the move until you get more advanced. It also helps to have a partner stand in front of you if you're a beginner. Then you can put your leg on your partner's shoulder, and when you're ready, have them move away until you're holding the pose on your own. Your hand should be on the bottom outside of your heel. Do not grab your toes. It will make you lean forward, which is not proper form. Pull your leg to your torso. Your leg should be parallel to your torso, or at a 45 degree angle from your body. This requires some balance, so don't feel bad if you stumble or drop your leg. If your legs are long, this will require some extra flexibility. Point your toe and turn your leg out from the socket. This will help you straighten your leg and remain stable. Do not turn your leg out from the knee, as this can cause serious injury. Bring your other arm into a "High-V". The hand not holding your leg should be closed into a fist. Pulling the other arm into the “High-V” is the correct way to do the move stylistically, but it also helps you keep your balance. Keep your core muscles engaged and your base leg straight. Your knee should be unlocked but straight, and your body should be tight. Locking your knee can be dangerous. Keep it very slightly bent to avoid injury. Keeping your core tight will help you maintain your balance while holding the heel stretch. Stay balanced using your entire body. Focus on the muscles in your lower body and the posture of your upper body in order to stay balanced. The foot on the floor should be firmly planted. Your body weight should be evenly distributed through the heel, ball, inner, and outer sides of the foot. The thigh and calf muscles in your standing leg should be held firm and straight. Tighten these muscles to keep from wobbling or jutting your hip out. Your back should be straight with your chest and chin held up. Keeping the upper body strong and lifted will help you stay balanced. Remember to smile. When done properly, the heel stretch should look easy and graceful. Begin in the heel stretch position with your leg extended to the side. Prepare to move the extended leg forward by dropping the hip down. This move is intended for advanced cheerleaders who have perfected the side heel stretch. Shift the extended leg to the front, keeping the hand on your heel. Use the hand holding your heel to help move your leg around to the front of your body. This movement is more difficult and requires extreme balance and strength. Do not bend either leg when moving the leg front. Keeping the leg straight will force the hips to shift down and straighten. Hold the leg in front with two hands. Move the other arm out of the “V” fist position and use both hands to grip the bottom of the foot, holding the leg straight in front. The leg should stay long and extended straight up. | Get moving. Stretch your muscles. Practice kicking the leg that will be in the air. Kick your leg up high. Catch your foot by the heel. Pull your leg to your torso. Point your toe and turn your leg out from the socket. Bring your other arm into a "High-V". Keep your core muscles engaged and your base leg straight. Stay balanced using your entire body. Remember to smile. Begin in the heel stretch position with your leg extended to the side. Shift the extended leg to the front, keeping the hand on your heel. Hold the leg in front with two hands. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Ready-for-Prom-Night | How to Get Ready for Prom Night | To get ready for prom night, start by packing a bag of essentials like the tickets, lipstick, and extra hair pins a few days before so you're not doing it at the last minute. When you wake up the morning of prom, take a shower to exfoliate and shave so that your skin looks its best. Next, go to your hair and makeup appointments, and pick up the boutonniere if you ordered one. Then, go home and get dressed before heading out to your prom! | Start with the dress. Finding your prom dress is one of the most fun parts of prom planning, but it can also be the most stressful. There are endless options to choose from, so it's best to start looking for your dress a few months in advance so you have plenty of time to find the perfect one for you. Check out some magazines for inspiration and shop for a dress that works with your signature style, whether it's classic preppy, romantic vintage, or modern and edgy. The important thing is to find a dress that makes you feel great. Check out online prom sites for tons of options at discount prices. Make sure you order well in advance so you can get your dress altered if necessary. If you like the vintage look, shop in consignment and vintage stores. You can find incredible deals there. If you want a designer dress without the big price tag, check out Rent the Runway or another designer dress company that lets you rent a dress for a fraction of the retail price. See if your date wants to wear an outfit that matches yours (i.e. your dress matches his vest/tie). Get underwear that flatters your dress. Don't draw negative attention to an otherwise stunning dress by having your bra straps or underwear lines showing! Head to the intimates department to pick out underwear that will help you look your best. Choose a bra that gives you full support without showing. If your dress is backless or strapless, there are plenty of options that will still work for your dress. Choose seamless underwear in a color that won't show through. If your dress is sheer, you may need a slip to go underneath. Find jewelry and other accessories. Once you've got the dress nailed down, it's time to add the details that will make your outfit look complete. Pick accessories that accent the style of your dress without being overpowering. Vintage and costume jewelry stores offer amazingly intricate jewelry at a very low price. If you can't find just the right jewelry and you're feeling ambitious, why not make your own ? Don't forget to pick out a bag or clutch that matches your dress! It should be big enough to hold essentials like makeup, your cell phone and keys. If your prom is in early spring, it might still be chilly outside. Choose a coverup or shrug to put over your shoulders in case you get cold. Pick the right shoes. Your shoes should match your dress, but don't worry if you can't find heels in the exact same color. You can buy white shoes and have them dyed, or go with a neutral; nude or black heels look amazing with almost any dress color. Bring your dress to the shoe store so you can try them on together to make sure they work. Break in your heels before the big day. Wear them around the house and outside on the concrete to scuff the soles up a bit. This will make your shoes more comfortable and less likely to slip when you're walking around on the night of prom. Consider bringing backup flats. If you aren't used to wearing tall heels, your feet might start to hurt. Have a backup pair of neutral ballet flats you can slip on just in case. Consider your hair. Many girls opt to have their hair done in a salon on the morning of prom, but it's also a popular choice to do your own prom hair. There are hundreds of great tutorials online offering advice on how to create beautifully styes for any hair type. Here are a few styles that are gorgeous for prom: Romantic, loose waves Braided updo Classic chignon Practice your makeup. Check out beauty videos to find ideas for how to do your makeup in a way that matches the rest of your style. Some girls use prom as a good excuse to go out all with sparkles and color, while others like a toned-down, classic look. Play around with different ideas until you settle on a look that makes you feel awesome and looks good with your dress. Smoky eyes are sexy and classic. A bold red lip will turn heads. You may want to consider contouring your face. Decide on your nail color , too. Make beauty appointments if necessary. If you're planning on getting your hair, makeup or nails done at a salon, book your appointment at least a month in advance. That way you won't be scrambling to find openings at the last minute. Salons tend to fill up during prom season. Your nail appointment should be made for the day or two before prom day. Your hair and makeup appointments should be made for the morning of prom. Decide who to go with. Some people like to go with a date, and others prefer to go single. Either way, it's fun to go with a big group of people you have dinner with before prom and party with after. A good group number is six to ten people; more than that, and you'll have trouble making dinner reservations (although if extras join later, it probably won't be an issue to squeeze them in). Once your group is set, you can all start planning together. Make a Facebook group that includes everyone who is part of your prom group. You can talk about where you're going to meet, where to have dinner, etc. Decide how your group is going to handle prom photos , too. Who will be in the pictures? Do you want to take them at someone's house, or will you have them professionally done at prom? Discuss with the group. Get your tickets. Prom tickets usually go on sale a month or two before the date. You might as well get your ticket sooner rather than later so it'll be one less thing to worry about. If you're bringing a date, make sure you get a ticket for your date, too. Figure out your transportation. Will you be taking a limo to prom, driving your own cars, or getting dropped off? Figure out what you want to do several weeks ahead of time so you won't have to worry about it as the day approaches. Talk with your date and your friends to decide the best course of action. If you want to rent a limo, figure out how much each person in the group will owe (including tip). Make reservations with limo company, and make sure everyone knows where and when to meet the limo before the night begins. Make dinner reservations. It's customary to go out to a nice dinner before prom with your group of friends. You can spring for the nicest restaurant in town or go for something a little more low key so you won't have to worry about a big bill. Just make sure you call the restaurant several weeks ahead of time to make your reservation. If more people decide to join your group later, call back to update your reservation. You don't have to go out to dinner. Some groups like to pre-party at someone's house instead. Decide what to do after prom. Prom after parties are almost as fun as prom itself. Depending on the size of your group and your budget, you have a lot of options here. Talk with your group to decide where you're all going to go when people are tired of dancing and ready for the real party to start. You can pool your money and rent out a hotel room near the place where your prom is being held. If a hotel is too pricey, it's also popular to have a co-ed sleepover with all your friends. If you want something a bit more low-key, you could just plan to have a few of your closest friends spend the night so you can discuss everything that happened at prom. Run your plans by your parents. It's a good idea to let them know what you have in mind a few weeks in advance. Your parents are going to be almost as excited about your prom as you, and filling them in on the details will help things run more smoothly. Plus, if you want a later curfew or permission to go to a coed sleepover, you might need time to help them see your point of view. If your parents aren't happy about your plans, a good strategy is to try to include them a little more. Ask them to take pictures beforehand, or ask their opinion on what restaurant to choose. The more involved they are, the more likely they'll be to help you have a fantastic night your way. If your parents haven't met your date or the people you'll be spending the night with introduce them in advance so they'll feel like they're in the loop. Order your date's boutonniere or corsage. If you're bringing a guy to prom, it's customary to give him a boutonniere to pin to his tux. For a girl, order a corsage to wear around her wrist. Call a flower shop and choose the flowers you want included. Order it to be picked up on the morning of prom, so the flowers will be as fresh as possible. Try on your dress with all your accessories a few weeks early. Now's the time to make exchanges, get your dress altered, or change your mind about what shoes to wear. Don't wait until the week of prom to make big changes in your wardrobe. You'll have enough to worry about that week! Confirm all of your appointments. It sounds like a pain, but it is worth it to confirm them. A week or so ahead of prom, call all the places you made appointments or reservations to double check they still have you booked for the right day and time. Pack your bag with stuff to bring with you. Rather than scrambling to fill up your purse right before prom, it's better to have everything you need ready to go a few days in advance. Pack your bag with essentials you'll need at dinner and afterward. If you're spending the night out, you may need to pack a second bag with necessities you'll need for spending the night. To pack in your purse: your invitation, lipstick, small perfume bottle, small bottle of moisturizer, travel size hairspray, extra bobby pins, cell phone charger, keys, and a wallet. To pack in your overnight bag: nightclothes, toiletries, hanger and dress bag for your prom dress, change of clothes for the next morning. Start your beauty regimen the day before prom. You want to look and feel your best on prom day, so it's important to be healthy the day before. To avoid feeling bloated, sick or tired, do the following: Drink tons of water to stay hydrated. Eat fruits and veggies. Get a full night's sleep. Do at least half an hour of exercise. Go to your nail appointment or give yourself a manicure. Wake up early and take a shower or bath the morning of prom. You want to give yourself plenty of time to exfoliate, shave, and moisturize. Wake up several hours before your first appointment so you won't end up having to rush. Exfoliate your skin until it's soft and gleaming using either a body scrub or a loofah. Don't forget your shoulders, back and arms. Shave your legs, bikini area, armpits and so on. Moisturize your skin with a rich moisturizer so it's soft all day. Use a pumice stone on your feet to make them smooth. Give yourself a quick facial to brighten your face. You might want to put an extra top coat on your nails to keep them from getting chipped. Go to your appointments. If you're getting your hair done and makeup done, go to your appointments before putting on your prom dress and accessories. Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to pull over your head without messing up your hair. Remember to bring pictures of the looks you want so your stylists won't have trouble making you look just right. If you ordered a boutonniere or corsage, don't forget to pick it up. Finish getting ready. Some people like to get ready with their friends, while others prefer to do it on their own at home. Either way, it's finally time to wear that dress that's been hanging in your closet! Put everything on and give yourself a once over in the mirror before you head out. Ask a friend to check you from the back to make sure there are no loose threads or strands of hair that need to be fixed. Double check your bag to make sure you have everything you need for the night. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged. Enjoy your prom! All your hard work is now falling into place, so relax and enjoy the night. Even if you experience a hitch in your plans, try to go with the flow. So what if the limo is late, your hair comes a little loose or the corsage your date gives you doesn't match your dress? What matters now is having the time of your life, so let loose and enjoy it. | Start with the dress. Get underwear that flatters your dress. Find jewelry and other accessories. Pick the right shoes. Consider your hair. Practice your makeup. Make beauty appointments if necessary. Decide who to go with. Get your tickets. Figure out your transportation. Make dinner reservations. Decide what to do after prom. Run your plans by your parents. Order your date's boutonniere or corsage. Try on your dress with all your accessories a few weeks early. Confirm all of your appointments. Pack your bag with stuff to bring with you. Start your beauty regimen the day before prom. Wake up early and take a shower or bath the morning of prom. Go to your appointments. Finish getting ready. Enjoy your prom! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Shoe-Width | How to Determine Shoe Width | To determine your shoe width, first trace around your foot on a piece of paper with a pencil. Then, measure across the widest part of your foot, and subtract 1/5 inch from that number to account for the pencil lines. Once you know the width of your foot, look up your shoe size on an online sizing chart. Compare the width measurement you took with the information provided on the chart to see what kind of shoes you need. For example, a woman with size 5 shoes whose foot is 4 inches wide would require an extra wide shoe. | Place your foot on a piece of paper while seated. Sit down with your back straight on a chair. Take a piece of paper big enough for your whole foot to fit on. Place your foot flat on the paper. If you intend to wear socks with the shoe you're buying, wear those socks while measuring your foot. Trace your foot. With a pen or pencil, trace the outline of your foot. Keep the pen or pencil as close to your foot as possible. This will help ensure an accurate measurement. You'll get the most accurate measurement if you have someone else trace your foot while you remain seated upright, but it's okay to do it yourself. Alternatively, you can use a soft tape measure to measure the length and width of your foot directly. Repeat with the other foot. After you finish measuring your first foot, do the exact same process with the second foot. Feet are usually slightly different in size, so you'll be picking shoes with your larger foot in mind. Measure the width between the widest points of each foot. To figure out the correct width for your shoes, you'll need to determine your foot width. Identify the areas on your feet with the largest width. Take a tape measure or ruler to measure both widths. Typically, the widest part of the foot is just behind the toes, where the ball of your foot is located. Subtract to find your shoe width. The first measurements will not be entirely accurate. The pencil will have created a small amount of space, making your measurements slightly larger than your actual feet. To determine your most accurate foot width, subtract ⁄ 5 inch (0.51 cm) from each measurement. Identify your shoe size. With a simple internet search, you can find a general size chart for shoe size. Match the length of your foot with the corresponding shoe size. But also take note that there are different size charts based on gender. For example, a foot around 8.5 inches (22 cm) would be a women's size 5 based on U.S. sizes. In European countries, the measurement of 8.5 inches (22 cm) would be a 35 or 36. Figure out your width based on that size. The size chart should indicate your width based on your shoe size. After identifying your shoe size, look back to the width measurements of your bigger foot. Figure out what the width would be for your shoe size based on that measurement. For example, a woman with size 5 shoes with a shoe width around 4 inches (10 cm) would require an extra wide shoe. In stores, extra wide shoes are normally labeled as "E." Use specific sizing charts when possible. Every sizing chart is different, and some companies' shoes may run slightly smaller or larger than average. When buying shoes, see if the manufacturer has a specific sizing chart before assuming your shoe size based on a general chart. This will help increase the likelihood shoes will fit properly, especially if you're making purchases online. Measure your feet at the end of the day. The size of your feet fluctuates throughout the day. Feet tend to get bigger at night due to swelling. Measure your feet at night to make sure your shoe will fit throughout the course of a day. Measure while wearing the socks you'll use with your shoes. If you're going to typically wear socks with your shoes, put your socks on before measuring your feet. For example, running or gym shoes are typically worn with socks, so put on your normal workout socks when measuring your feet. Some shoes, like sandals and some flats, usually are not worn with socks. In this case, it's unnecessary to wear socks while measuring your shoes. Try shoes on prior to purchase. Shoe size and width can help you find shoes with a higher chance of fitting. However, even if the measurements are correct, things like the shape of your feet can affect how a shoe fits. It's always better to try shoes on prior to purchase, to increase your chances of finding the perfect fit. If you do order shoes online, make sure it's from a company that allows you to return them for a full refund if they don't fit. Buy shoes that will fit your largest foot. One foot is usually a little bigger than the other. Use this foot's measurements to determine your shoes' widths. This way, your shoes will fit comfortably on both feet. | Place your foot on a piece of paper while seated. Trace your foot. Repeat with the other foot. Measure the width between the widest points of each foot. Subtract to find your shoe width. Identify your shoe size. Figure out your width based on that size. Use specific sizing charts when possible. Measure your feet at the end of the day. Measure while wearing the socks you'll use with your shoes. Try shoes on prior to purchase. Buy shoes that will fit your largest foot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-in-Butter | How to Cut in Butter | To cut in butter, start by unwrapping the sticks and freezing them for 1 hour. Then, hold the butter flat against a cheese grater and grate it over a sheet of wax paper. If you're not using the butter right away, return it to the freezer. When you're ready, use an electric mixer or pastry cutter to mix the butter into the dry ingredients. You can also cut the butter into ½-inch (1.3 cm) cubes and put them in the fridge until you're ready to use them. Then, just mash the cubes into your dry ingredients using your fingers! | Freeze the butter for 1 hour. Unwrap however many sticks of butter your recipe requires and put them in the freezer for about an hour. Grating the butter is much easier if it's frozen because it makes the butter more solid and firm. Grate the butter with a cheese grater. Remove the butter sticks from the freezer and get out a box cheese grater. Hold the butter flat against the biggest holes in the grater and move it in a repeated downward motion over a sheet of wax paper. Put the butter back in the freezer until you’re ready to bake. Unless the next step in your recipe is to bake the ingredients, carefully place the wax paper sheet of grated butter back in the freezer. Keep the grated butter in the freezer until just before it's time to bake. This will ensure that the ingredients are the correct consistency when mixed together. Mix the butter into the dry ingredients with an electric mixer or pastry cutter. Take the butter out of the freezer again and combine it in a bowl with the other ingredients. Use an electric mixer or a pastry cutter to fully mix the butter in with the dry ingredients. Cut the butter into ½-inch (1.3 cm) cubes. Get out a knife and cutting board and unwrap all sticks of butter that your recipe requires. Cut each stick into several ½-inch cubes so that mixing the butter into the dry ingredients is as easy as possible. Refrigerate the cubes for about 30 minutes. It's a good idea to chill your butter cubes for about half an hour so that they don't start melting. This will prevent the butter from becoming too soft and creating an undesirable consistency once it's cut in. Toss the cubes in the dry ingredients. Using your hands or a fork, toss the butter cubes in with the dry ingredients so that they stick to the butter. This should make the ingredients stick to your hands less once you start smushing. Smush the butter into pea-sized pieces. While combining with the dry ingredients, smush and separate the butter cubes continuously with your fingers. Keep an eye on the overall consistency and stop when most of the chunks of butter look like they're about the size of peas. You can also cut the cubes into smaller chunks with a pastry cutter. Cut chilled or frozen butter into ½-inch (1.3 cm) cubes. Unwrap the sticks of butter you're cutting in and set them on a cutting board. Then slice them into several ½-inch cubes to that they're a bit easier to mix in with the other ingredients. Pulse all ingredients about 8 times in a processor. Add your butter cubes into a food processor with the other ingredients and quickly press and release the power button. Allow one second to go by and then press the button again. Press the button like this about 8 times to get the right consistency. Mix the butter in by hand or continue mixing in the food processor. Depending on what you're baking, you may want to combine the ingredients more extensively with your fingers. Otherwise, you may be able to keep adding ingredients to the food processor and continue mixing by pulsing. For example, all of your mixing can be done in the food processor if you're making a pie crust. | Freeze the butter for 1 hour. Grate the butter with a cheese grater. Put the butter back in the freezer until you’re ready to bake. Mix the butter into the dry ingredients with an electric mixer or pastry cutter. Cut the butter into ½-inch (1.3 cm) cubes. Refrigerate the cubes for about 30 minutes. Toss the cubes in the dry ingredients. Smush the butter into pea-sized pieces. Cut chilled or frozen butter into ½-inch (1.3 cm) cubes. Pulse all ingredients about 8 times in a processor. Mix the butter in by hand or continue mixing in the food processor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Like-Audrey-Hepburn | How to Look Like Audrey Hepburn | Audrey Hepburn's look is fashionable and timeless. If you want to look like her, you'll need to wear sophisticated clothing in neutral colors. Audrey often wore simple designs, so try wearing a well-fitting black dress and black flats. You might also wear high-waisted pants, a quarter-length shirt, and a scarf to look like Audrey. To finish your look, put on a pair of pearls and large, dark sunglasses. To style your hair like Audrey, try wearing something elegant, like a french twist or a neat bun. You could also wear a headscarf for a classic Hepburn look. | Cultivate a sophisticated wardrobe. Audrey Hepburn wore clothes that never really went out of style. Avoid following the latest trends in fashion. Instead, stick to the basics. One of Audrey's best-known outfits was the little black dress she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Choose clothing that is timeless and durable so you can wear them for decades. Because Audrey was already quite tall, she usually wore a pair of flats. Buy several pairs of flats, especially a black pair for any occasion. If you wear heels, choose a short and understated pair. Wear neutrals and pastel colors. Audrey Hepburn generally wore neutral colors, like black, beige, and white. These three colors don't go out-of-style and can work in most occasions. Hepburn also wore pink for a splash of vibrancy on occasion. By focusing on one color in her outfits, she was able to highlight her figure. Stick to simple designs. Stay away from loud or busy designs, which will draw attention away from your natural beauty. Instead, pay attention to fit. Audrey Hepburn's clothes complimented her figure well. Record your body measurements, know what your body type is, and try on clothes before you buy them to ensure a good fit. Ignore clothing sizes, as these can vary between companies. A small at one brand could be a medium elsewhere, or vice-versa. Focus on measurements and sizing charts. Emphasize your wrists, neck, and waist. Audrey Hepburn cultivated an elfish and delicate beauty, which you can mirror by bringing attention to the delicate parts of your body. Choose high-waisted pants or a midriff belt to draw eyes to your waist. Three-quarter length shirts can make your wrists stand out. Halter necklines can draw attention to your neck and shoulders. Audrey Hepburn also liked wearing scarves to draw attention to the neck. Buy several in neutral colors and accessorize as needed. Accessorize with subtle, classy jewelry. Audrey is known best for wearing a string of pearls around her neck, a formal look that never goes out of fashion. But don't overload yourself with lots of clunky jewelry. Choose one item to wear at a time so it stands out. A pair of large, dark sunglasses is also acceptable, as Audrey often sported a pair on hot days. You can also buy a pair of simple stud earrings to mirror her style. Apply a tinted moisturizer or foundation. Audrey Hepburn had clear skin, which she took care of routinely. Depending on your tastes, apply a tinted moisturizer or foundation to your skin. Match the shade as closely to your skintone as possible. Take care of your skin: drink plenty of water, always wear sunscreen, and exfoliate your skin every week. Emphasize your eyes with eyeshadow, charcoal liner, and mascara. Audrey Hepburn's eyes were the focus of her face. First, apply a layer of beige eyeshadow. Then, use a soft brown or black charcoal liner to draw a cat eye to your top and bottom lids. Finish the look with dark grey eyeshadow and a coat of mascara. Use a powder brush to apply a warm color around the apples of your cheeks. Blush will give you a glow like Audrey Hepburn's bright complexion. Swirl your brush into the blush palette, blowing off any excess to avoid an overstated color deposit on your cheek. Move the brush up from the apples of your cheeks, blending as you go so the color looks natural. Wear a creamy lipstick that matches your skin tone. Audrey Hepburn wore pink and red lipstick shades that matched her complexion. Choose a lipstick color that suits you and doesn't overpower the rest of your makeup. For a put-together look, match your lipstick color with your blush. Wear your hair in a french twist. Audrey Hepburn often wore her hair in an elegant French Twist with a slight bouffant. Sweep all your hair to one side and twist your hair up into the opposite direction that you swept it. Insert pins to hold the hair in place, and tuck loose ends into the twist. Use hairspray to hold the twist in place. This hairstyle is ideal for long hair. If your haircut is shoulder-length or shorter, try a half-up/half down hairstyle or a pixie cut. Tie your hair up in a bun. While filming Bloodline in 1979, Audrey Hepburn wore her hair in a neat bun. Pull your hair back into a high ponytail, securing it with a hair tie. Then, wrap your hair in a spiral around the base of the ponytail and secure the bun with bobby pins. Again, spritz the bun with hairspray for a sleek look. Buns come in many different styles. After you've mastered the classic bun, you can try a messy bun, ballerina bun, or a braided bun. Wear a headscarf. Headscarves were a go-to for Audrey Hepburn; in fact, she even sported one at her wedding to Andrea Dotti. Buy a few headscarves in different colors to wear on days when you don't feel like styling your hair. You could also adapt a regular scarf into a head scarf. Get a pixie cut. In the 1950s, Audrey Hepburn popularized pixie cuts for women. With a little bravery and confidence, you can wear a pixie cut, too. Bring in a picture to your hairdresser so they know what you're looking for. Accessorize your pixie cut with a headband or with bobby pins to give your hair extra "oomph." Pixie cuts may seem easier to style than longer haircuts, but they are still high-maintenance. Research different ways to style your pixie cut beforehand so you're ready for the upkeep. | Cultivate a sophisticated wardrobe. Wear neutrals and pastel colors. Stick to simple designs. Emphasize your wrists, neck, and waist. Accessorize with subtle, classy jewelry. Apply a tinted moisturizer or foundation. Emphasize your eyes with eyeshadow, charcoal liner, and mascara. Use a powder brush to apply a warm color around the apples of your cheeks. Wear a creamy lipstick that matches your skin tone. Wear your hair in a french twist. Tie your hair up in a bun. Wear a headscarf. Get a pixie cut. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Control-Anger-in-a-Relationship | How to Control Anger in a Relationship | If you are in a relationship and want to control your anger during a fight, try to give yourself time to think before you speak, so you can express yourself calmly and clearly. To calm both your body and mind, take deep breaths and repeat a calming phrase, like "relax" or "I am calm," which will remind you to keep your composure. When you express your thoughts to your partner, make sure to use "I" statements instead of "you" statements, like "I feel really angry when you say things like that." That way, your partner won't feel like you are blaming them for your emotions. However, if things escalate too much, call a timeout by explaining that you need a second to regain your composure, but still want to talk later. | Think before speaking. While it may feel easy and gratifying to let your anger out, think before saying your words. Collect your thoughts before speaking in order to prevent yourself from saying something you may regret or that may hurt your partner. If you feel like reacting to something your partner did or said, this is a good time to take a step back and collect your thoughts. Use deep breathing. Focusing on your breath can help calm both your body and your mind and thus relieve your anger. Using deep breathing can separate you from the situation and your feelings of immediate anger and help you focus inward. Practice deep breathing when you are in a naturally calm state. Then, try it when you are angry or upset, and notice how it helps you achieve calm. Once you start feeling anger come, take a moment to do some breathing to calm yourself before exploding. In order for breathing to calm you, you must breathe from your diaphragm, not your chest. When you breathe from your diaphragm, you should be able to feel your stomach rising and falling (not your shoulders). When practicing, you can place your hand on your stomach to feel the movement. Repeat a calming phrase. If you're having a hard time with your anger, use a word or phrase to remind yourself to keep your composure. Using a word or phrase can help keep you on track and not let your emotions get the best of you. Say to yourself, “relax,” or “I am calm,” or “chill.” Especially if you feel your anger rising, use a word to keep it at bay. Express your feelings calmly. It's possible to express what you're feeling calmly, even when you feel angry. Aim to focus on expressing your own wants, needs, and feelings without assigning blame, guilt, or hurt to your partner. Use your opportunities to speak by expressing yourself and not attacking your partner. Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements. For instance, instead of saying, “You make me so angry” say, “I feel really angry when you say that.” Owning your own feelings empowers you and doesn't place blame on your partner. Call a timeout. If you're having a difficult time controlling your anger, tell your partner you need some time to yourself. If you fear you may say something hurtful or you need some time to collect your thoughts and feelings, tell your partner that the discussion is important, but you need a break. Go outside, splash water on your face, or take a walk. Do whatever it takes to help calm the temper. Say, “This is important to discuss, however, I'm having a hard time handling my anger. Can we talk about this again in 10 minutes or perhaps later tonight?” Don't use a timeout to avoid the situation. Use it to gain emotional composure. Be aware of your anger warning signs. While you may perceive your anger as coming out of nowhere, there are some warning signs of rising anger. Your body communicates anger to you before your emotional reaction. Keep an eye out for some of the following signs: Clenched hands or jaw, muscle tension (like shoulders) Feeling flushed Faster breathing Headache Pacing, increased need for movement Pounding heart Own your anger. Anger is a reflection of how you feel, not how someone is “making” you feel. Your anger belongs to you and not to your partner. Avoid blaming your partner and accept that your anger is your responsibility to deal with appropriately. If your anger is your own, then it is also within your control. Handle outside factors. Recognize whether outside factors contribute to or worsen your anger. This can include not getting enough rest, being hungry, feeling stressed out at work or school, or other external factors. If you notice your anger in the relationship increases when you have outside stressors (like work deadlines or when the kids are sick), realize that you may be mismanaging your anger and taking it out on your partner or the relationship. Look at your regular routine and distinguish events or situations that tend to trigger anger. These situations may include commuting, dealing with rowdy children, or routinely not getting enough sleep each night. Address these factors and find healthy outlets for your anger that don't involve your partner. Address primary emotions. Often, anger is a secondary emotion to other deeper emotions, such as sadness, guilt, shame, fear, hurt, or rejection. Think about whether anger is your primary emotion, or if it is the way you are expressing a different emotion. Anger may be expressed if the other emotions make you feel vulnerable or weak, as anger can act as a defense that makes you feel more powerful. Ask yourself whether you are truly angry, or if you are responding to feeling vulnerable, weak, sad, or shameful. Are you being triggered and responding to the trigger through anger? If anger is the only feeling you experience regularly, it may be shielding other emotions that make you feel vulnerable. You may feel fear in experiencing other emotions such as vulnerability, sadness, guilt, shame, or defeat. Ask yourself what blocks you from these emotions, and practice expressing them, even if it's only in a secret journal. If it's difficult for your to access emotions other than anger, talk to a therapist. He or she can help you access and experience your emotions in a safe, non-threatening way. Identify your maladaptive thoughts. Nothing “causes” your anger aside from your own perceptions of situations. Anger has more to do with your interpretations than what actually happens. Acknowledge how your thoughts affect your anger, then address their validity and truth. Especially in relationships, your partner can trigger you and set off your anger. Some common destructive thought patterns include: Generalizing - Saying that your partner ALWAYS does something, or NEVER does something. (“You NEVER take out the trash” or “You ALWAYS cut me off when I'm speaking”). Blaming - Your first reaction is to externalize blame when something goes wrong. You may blame your partner for things that happen to you instead of taking responsibility. (If you leave your phone on a bus, you blame your partner for distracting you). Mind reading - Assuming that your partner is purposefully hurting you, ignoring you, or upsetting you. (If your partner doesn't do the dishes, you assume that he or she is avoiding them as a way to get back at you). Looking for the final straw - Actively looking for things to be upset about or only focusing on negative things. Often, this occurs one small thing at a time, until you reach the “final straw” and explode. Overcome negative thought patterns. Once you've identified your thought patterns, learn how to rationally respond to them. When you start to accuse your partner of wrongdoing or feel defensive, start paying attention to the thoughts influencing these feelings. Then, ask yourself some questions. ”Is my perception an accurate and valid approach to the situation?” ”Is there something I can do about this?” ”Is this ruining the rest of my day? Is this something worthy of pursuing?” ”How important is this in the grand scheme of things? Is this something that greatly influences our relationship?” Think of whether this is an issue deserving of your emotional energy and anger. If not, say to yourself, “This upsets me, but I can move past it.” Keep the relationship the priority. Above being “right,” it's important to be respectful. If “winning” is your priority, think about how this is hurting the relationship, and if you want to continue prioritizing this mindset. Chances are, your partner may pick up on this and not appreciate playing second to your need to be right. Focus on the present. When you're angry, it may feel good to bring up the past to make a point. This a great way to throw blame in the mix. If you'd rather avoid blaming your partner, keep to the present and don't get derailed onto other problems in the relationship. Focus on solving the current problem. If the discussion does derail, gently bring it back to what's at hand. Say, “Let's stick to discussing what's in front of us.” Practice active listening. Avoid cutting off your partner while he or she is speaking. Allow your partner to finish speaking, then reflect back what you've heard. That way, you can reflect your understanding while affirming your partner. Say, “I hear you saying that you want me to consider your feelings more and not assume you want something. Is that right?” Acknowledge your part. Be willing to admit that you make mistakes. Recognize any assumptions or misunderstandings you've engaged, and take responsibility for your words and actions. You don't have to take on the blame for everything, but do own your part. Say sorry with a sincere apology to your partner. Offer forgiveness. Don't hold onto resentments toward your partner. Be forgiving and don't withhold forgiveness as a way to punish your partner. Instead, see forgiveness as a road to freedom and a way to let go of any negative feelings toward your partner. Whether you choose to say “I forgive you” to your partner or not, forgiveness is often more about personal freedom and freeing the other person from blame. It doesn't mean you take full responsibility or even that you accept what happened as okay. It just means you're willing to let it go. Be accountable. Keep yourself accountable for the changes you want to make. Take your accountability inward and ask yourself why you want to change your anger patterns and how you're doing each week in accomplishing this goal. Ask yourself why you want to control your anger, and what benefits it will have for you, your partner, and your relationship. You may even consider writing down your goals and putting them in a place you'll see regularly. You may choose to have an accountability partner, or someone you can talk to openly about making changes around your anger. This is someone you can talk to about when and why you get angry and how you handle your anger. Know when to seek professional help. If your anger interferes with your relationship and causes you to hurt people, say or do things you regret, or is completely out of control, consider seeking therapy. You can work one-on-one with a therapist, or check out anger management groups, which unite people over wanting to gain better control of their anger. It's important to know when your anger is destructive, and that it's okay to reach out for help for your sake and for the sake of your relationship. For more information, check out How to Choose a Therapist. | Think before speaking. Use deep breathing. Repeat a calming phrase. Express your feelings calmly. Call a timeout. Be aware of your anger warning signs. Own your anger. Handle outside factors. Address primary emotions. Identify your maladaptive thoughts. Overcome negative thought patterns. Keep the relationship the priority. Focus on the present. Practice active listening. Acknowledge your part. Offer forgiveness. Be accountable. Know when to seek professional help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Wasp-or-Hornet-Sting | How to Treat a Wasp or Hornet Sting | If you need to treat a wasp or hornet sting, elevate the affected area and remove any tight-fitting clothing. Place an ice pack or wrapped ice cubes over the sting and hold it in place for about 10 minutes. You can repeat this as many times as necessary until the pain and itching subside. You can also place a gauze bandage soaked in vinegar on the area to help neutralize the alkaline sting. If the person experiences difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or loss of consciousness, call for emergency help right away. | Get a safe distance away. Unlike bees, wasps and hornets do not die after stinging, and they will not leave their stinger in your flesh. They can, however, sting multiple times. Before treating the sting, make sure you are no longer near the wasp or hornet. Elevate the area and remove any tight-fitting clothing. If the sting is on your legs, arms, hands, or feet, you'll want to remove any tight clothes, shoes, or jewelry immediately. Swelling will occur, in which case it'll be very hard to remove these items later. The arm or leg should be elevated for this purpose as well. The less it swells, the better you'll feel, so keep those limbs elevated. If it's on your leg, lay down as soon as you can. Ice the area. The best thing you can do for this sting is to ice it. Don't bother with the pharmaceuticals, don't bother with the old wives' tales of other remedies -- just place ice in a wrap of some sort and keep it on the area for 10 minutes. Remove it when it's getting too cold (you'll definitely know when that is), and repeat it in 10 minute increments. The pain and itchiness will subside almost immediately. Use an ice pack, ice cubes wrapped in a towel, or whatever you have lying around. You probably don't want the ice directly on your skin, so be sure to wrap it up. Apply vinegar to the sting. Dab a cotton ball or paper towel into white vinegar, and wipe it over the sting. Wasp and hornet stings are alkaline, which means that they can be neutralized by an acidic substance like vinegar. You may need to do this every few minutes since vinegar dries quickly. You can also soak a bandage in vinegar and place it onto the affected area. Change the bandage every few hours or as needed. This will keep vinegar on the wound at all times. Take an antihistamine (Benadryl) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). These agents help the wasp or hornet sting by relieving the itching and burning sensation (antihistamine) and pain (acetaminophen). Symptoms will probably last 2-5 days; follow the instructions on the label for dosage. For those under 18, aspirin is not advised. Keep it clean to prevent infection. Be sure to regularly clean the wound with soap and water. A sting is nothing to worry about unless it gets infected (or if you're allergic); by keeping it clean, you drastically reduce your chances of anything becoming serious. If the person stung is having an allergic reaction, call the Emergency Services or your local emergency services. If the victim is having a bad reaction, they may be experiencing anaphylaxis. Call for immediate emergency medical assistance if you notice the following symptoms: Difficulty breathing or wheezing Tightness in the throat Trouble speaking Nausea or vomiting Fast heartbeat or pulse Skin that severely itches, tingles, swells, or turns red Anxiety or dizziness Loss of consciousness If an anaphylaxis action plan has been established and an Epipen is available, don't wait; inject it. Do not worry about harming the other person. The less time wasted, the better. Use toothpaste. The remedy second to the miracle powers of ice is toothpaste. The texture and bite somehow fool the brain into feeling like the area is being scratched, so there's psychological satisfaction as well. Dab a bit on the area, wait a few minutes, and the symptoms will subside. You'll need to reapply in about 5 hours or so -- or whenever the symptoms wear off. That's probably enough to find (or make) ice, though -- probably a preferable option. If you're in a real pinch, slather on some honey. It's not the best home remedy, but it can lessen your symptoms and get you feeling a bit better, albeit very temporarily (probably around half an hour). Just enough time to get a hold of a better cure. You may have read about using a tea bag or tobacco on the area. Don't bother - neither "remedy" will not help your sting. Consider pharmaceuticals, but don't depend on them. There are a number of products out there on the market for stings, but none of them is as good as an old-fashioned bag of ice. But if you're curious, here are some details. Skeeter Stik or Survivor Gel Stick are basically tubes of "travel-relief" when camping or otherwise away from the amenities of everyday life. It's a great idea in theory, but not very effective. Some may contain ammonia, which can irritate your skin. Caladryl can help. However, most creams, like Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Cream, are just okay. You might have relief for a few minutes. Hydrocortisone cream is better, but caladryl is best. | Get a safe distance away. Elevate the area and remove any tight-fitting clothing. Ice the area. Apply vinegar to the sting. Take an antihistamine (Benadryl) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Keep it clean to prevent infection. If the person stung is having an allergic reaction, call the Emergency Services or your local emergency services. Use toothpaste. If you're in a real pinch, slather on some honey. Consider pharmaceuticals, but don't depend on them. |
https://www.wikihow.mom/Know-If-a-Baby-is-Teething | How to Know If a Baby is Teething | To know if your baby is teething, start looking for signs when they're 3 months of age. Try to look for a facial rash or extra drooling, which are both signs of teething. You can also gently peel back your baby's lip to see if they have bulging gums, which are another sign of teething. Additionally, monitor whether your baby sucks or bites more on toys or their fingers, which it may do before any teeth appear. If you don't notice physical symptoms, look out for your baby being irritable or crying excessively, as these are common teething symptoms. | Expect signs as early as three months. There is a wide age range for when babies start teething. Some parents may notice signs as early as three months, with the tooth pushing through the gum between four and seven months. Most children will have all 20 of their primary teeth by the age of three. Looking for the signs of teething can alert you to examine your baby's mouth for teeth, soothe his discomfort, and clean your baby's mouth of bacteria. Be aware that some babies will exhibit no signs of teething. In these cases, checking your baby's mouth can alert you to teeth pushing through. Examine your baby’s mouth area. If you suspect your baby is teething, you may want to check to see if you see any signs around her mouth. You can do this by checking the skin around the mouth and then looking inside your baby's mouth. Make sure that your hands and fingers are clean before you examine your baby's mouth to keep any bacteria that can cause infection at bay. Check to see if you notice any drooling or if your baby's mouth is extra wet. This is a good sign that your baby is about to start or is already teething. Look for a facial rash or rosy skin on your baby when you check for drooling. Developing a facial rash is often a sign that babies are teething. It may not be particularly dark, but if your baby's skin appears more pink or red than normal, this could be a rash developing. Peel back your baby's lip very gently to examine her gums. Be aware that you may see bulging gums, especially around the molars. In other cases, you may notice a buildup of fluid that creates a bluish cyst. This is completely normal and you should leave it alone. Massage your baby's gums as you feel for teeth or hard spots. This can provide a bit of relief to your baby while helping you figure out if she is teething. Notice excess sucking or biting. Most babies will exhibit some physical symptoms of teething before the first tooth pushes through his gums. Many babies will bite or suck on toys, fingers, or other objects. If you notice that your baby seems to be biting or sucking things more often, this is a likely sign he is about to start or has begun teething. Check if your baby is rubbing his gums with the items on which he is sucking or biting. Many teething babies will rub their gums in addition to sucking and biting. Watch your baby’s ears. Babies often associate the pain of teething with their ears. If you notice your baby pulling or batting at her ears in addition to other symptoms, she may be teething. Be aware that it is common for babies to pull or play with their ears out of curiosity. However, it can also be a sign of ear infection. If you are not sure if the pulling is related to teething or an ear infection, which can be serious if left untreated, call your pediatrician. Other signs that point toward an ear infection include a fever, having a cold, or acting fussy when pulling the ears, lying down, or drinking from a bottle. Feel for a temperature. If your baby's cheeks or skin is pinker or feels warm to the touch, he may be running a mild temperature because of teething; however, you should be aware that teething will only cause a slight increase in temperature. If your baby is running a high fever, he could be teething and have something causing the fever. In this case, call the doctor to check if your baby needs to be seen. Observe your baby’s mood. In addition to the physical symptoms of teething your baby might have, she might also exhibit behavioral signs. Two of the most common behavioral symptoms are irritability and excessive crying. See if your baby is fussier than usual or even irritable despite attempts to comfort her. This can be a result of pain or discomfort your baby feels from teething. You may notice that your baby's fussiness or irritability is worse in the evening because tooth eruption is more active at night. Listen if your baby is crying more than usual or over the course of a few days. This may signal teething, especially if your baby has other symptoms; however, you should also be aware that excessive crying can be a sign of gas, colic, or another medical condition such as an ear infection. Check for changes in eating patterns. Because teething can cause your baby discomfort in his mouth, it may affect his eating habits or patterns. Make sure to pay close attention to how much or if your baby is eating, which can signal a tooth erupting or the onset of teething. Watch to see if your baby suddenly prefers nursing or bottle-feeding if he usually eats solids. This can be the result of a spoon or fork irritating your baby's inflamed gums; however, your baby may prefer eating solids because the counter pressure from the utensils feels good on his gums. Recognize that your baby may pull back from nursing or bottle-feeding because sucking puts uncomfortable pressure on his gums and ear canals. Make sure to take your baby to the pediatrician if he is refusing to eat. This can be a result of teething or another condition. In either case, your doctor can help diagnose and treat the problem. Pay attention to baby’s sleep. Because tooth eruption happens mostly at night, the teething process may disrupt your baby's ability to sleep at night and even nap. Note changes in your baby's evening habits, including wakefulness or disrupted sleep. Your baby may also experience disruption to her nap schedule. If your baby has these symptoms along with other signs of teething, she may be getting ready to cut teeth. Remember that disrupted sleep from teething can also cause or increase your baby's irritability or fussiness. Massage baby’s gums. Giving your baby's gums a gentle massage can relieve any discomfort he is feeling. In addition, this can help you feel any teeth pushing through or potential problems with your baby's mouth. Wash your hands before you massage your baby's gums. Be sure to thoroughly rinse off any soap residue your baby could ingest. Use one or two fingers to rub your baby's gums. Apply gentle pressure and rub his gums in a circular motion. Run a cold washcloth over your baby’s mouth and gums. If you notice any signs of teething in your baby, especially drooling, use a cool washcloth to your baby's benefit. Not only can this soothe your baby's discomfort, but it can also prevent a rash from developing on her mouth as well as remove bacteria buildup. Use a clean washcloth washed in an unscented detergent for sensitive skin to ensure that this doesn't irritate your baby's delicate skin or gums. Run the washcloth under cool or cold water and wring out any excess moisture. Wipe the cloth over any parts of your baby's mouth where there is drool. After this, gently open your baby's mouth and massage her gums with the washcloth. Both of these can help remove bacteria buildup inside and outside your baby's mouth. Start your regimen of massaging and cleaning your baby's gums as soon as you can. Ideally, you'd start this immediately after her birth. Offer baby a teething toy. The counter pressure of chewing on a teething implement can help relieve any discomfort you baby is feeling. From teething rings to teething biscuits, you can try any number of different toys to soothe your baby. Put a moist washcloth in the refrigerator or freezer for 30 minutes and allow your baby to chew on it. Make sure to not let the washcloth get rock hard because it can bruise your baby's swollen gums. Chill a rubber teething ring in the refrigerator and give it to your baby. Be aware that you should never put rubber teething rings in the freezer or boil it to sterilize it. These extreme temperature changes can damage the rubber or plastic and cause it to leak chemicals. You should also make sure to never tie a teething ring around your baby's neck, as this risks strangulation. Give your baby cold food and water. Anything cool can help relieve your baby's discomfort. Let your baby have a cold drink or a cold food to help him feel better. This may also help a baby who is having trouble eating because of discomfort get vital nutrients. Let your baby drink a bottle of ice or icy cold water if he is over six months. If your baby is under six months, he can have a small amount (1–2oz) of ice-free water from a bottle or cup. Don't give water to babies more than one to two times per day unless recommended by your doctor. Give your baby chilled foods such as yogurt, blended peaches, or applesauce to soothe gums. You can also give him popsicles or freeze fruits such as bananas and plums in a baby feeder mesh bag. This bag will keep gummed-off food from choking your baby. Only give your baby teething biscuits or frozen and cold foods only if he is already eating solids. Make sure your baby is sitting upright when you provide these options. Take a pain reliever. If your baby is older than six months, you can give her a dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Younger babies can take acetaminophen with approval from your doctor. Pain medication can relieve discomfort and irritability. Make sure to consult with your baby's pediatrician before giving her any pain relievers. Consider giving your baby a baby-formulated pain reliever of ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Follow the packaging instructions for dosing or ask your pediatrician if you are unsure. Remember that you should never give your child aspirin unless specifically directed by your doctor. Aspirin consumption in children can lead to Reye's syndrome in children. Be aware of what to avoid. There are a lot of remedies that can soothe a teething baby, but there are also some from which you should steer clear. Alcoholic remedies and teething gels or tablets can be harmful to your baby's health. Avoid doing the following to relieve discomfort in a teething baby: Placing an aspirin against a tooth or the gums Rubbing alcohol on your baby's gums Giving your baby a teething tablet Massaging teething or numbing gels on your baby's gums, because some of them contain medicines that can be dangerous for babies Putting an amber necklace on your baby because they don't work and pose a choking hazard Dabbing whiskey on your baby's gums can sedate the child and be dangerous Talk to your dentist. If you are concerned about your baby's teething process, schedule an appointment with your dentist. A dental examination can alert your dentist to potential problems and help the dentist develop a treatment for them. Let your dentist know about your specific concerns. You may want to inform your dentist about what signs and symptoms of teething your baby has exhibited as well as anything you've done to relieve them. | Expect signs as early as three months. Examine your baby’s mouth area. Notice excess sucking or biting. Watch your baby’s ears. Feel for a temperature. Observe your baby’s mood. Check for changes in eating patterns. Pay attention to baby’s sleep. Massage baby’s gums. Run a cold washcloth over your baby’s mouth and gums. Offer baby a teething toy. Give your baby cold food and water. Take a pain reliever. Be aware of what to avoid. Talk to your dentist. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Live-with-a-Hypochondriac | How to Live with a Hypochondriac | If you live with a hypochondriac, take the time to listen to their fears when you can, since a friendly ear will help reduce their anxiety and panic. However, try to gently remind them that their aches and pains likely aren't serious. For instance, if your loved one complains of headaches and fears they have a brain tumor, acknowledge their pain but remind them that headaches can also be a symptom of allergies, dehydration, or eye strain. You can also offer to help treat the symptoms to assure them that you are taking them seriously and are trying to help. For example, if your loved one complains of shoulder pains, ask if they want to learn some simple stretches to help their shoulder feel better. | Understand that illness anxiety creates real distress. Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD) is a mental disorder, just like depression or OCD, and a real illness. Even if the illness is not real, the stress feels very real. Severe illness seems like a serious possibility to your loved one, and bland reassurances won't make it go away. Thanks to the internet, the world is flooded with information about the latest illness outbreaks and potential causes of different diseases. Helping a person who has IAD avoid as much of this information as possible will help to filter some of that out. Listen, even if the claims sound bizarre or made up. Those who are struggling with IAD need to be heard. This helps to prevent anxiety and panic which can be caused by being ignored. If no one seems to take notice, your loved one's beliefs about the illness may multiply, causing him or her to believe that the fictional condition is getting worse. Active listening does not mean agreeing with the person's fear. It means giving your loved one the time to be heard in a supportive manner and letting your loved one know you are hearing his or her concerns. Acknowledge the symptoms and give gentle reminders that it might be okay. People who have illness anxiety disorder tend to worry excessively about their symptoms. By acknowledging your loved one's symptoms, you may help to validate their feelings. This puts the person at ease. By gently suggesting their pain could be from a less serious cause, you can also offer an easier solution to your loved one's fears. For example, you might say "I got similar shoulder aches from carrying a heavy backpack, before I switched to my rolling one. Maybe you're tense or sore from activity." Or, "Stomach pains usually don't mean stomach cancer. What's most likely is that you are stressed, under the weather, or digesting something that didn't agree with you." Offer to treat the symptoms, without rushing to determine a cause. If your loved one has a stomachache, offer stomach pills. If your loved one's shoulder hurts, offer to show him or her some stretches. Doing something about your loved one's symptoms—even something small—can help your loved one stop obsessing over the symptoms. Treat the pain or complaint without speculating too much about the possible diagnosis. Overreacting and assuming the worst is a big part of their stress so avoid buying into this stress. Assume that the symptoms are real. Your loved one is certainly experiencing real pain. It might have a physical cause, such as knee strain or mild flu, or it may be caused by stress. Either way, your loved one will probably benefit from treatment. Seek medical advice from a trusted doctor to address the pain. Encourage your loved one to do activities that they enjoy. Try getting your loved one to go outdoors or to engage in a favorite activity. This may help your loved one get their mind off of stressful things, and help them relax a little. Getting more physical activity can be especially helpful for anxiety, well-being, and physical condition. Accompany your loved one to a doctor. Allow your loved one to explain the symptoms to the doctor. If the doctor does not identify IAD, then you may want to take the doctor aside and briefly explain your concerns. "Hypochondria" is an outdated term, so the doctor will probably identify it as Illness Anxiety Disorder. Help your loved one decide on treatment options. Illness anxiety may be treated with antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, and/or psychological therapy. Make arrangements for the person to see a therapist around once a week if possible. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy may be an effective approach, as well as gradual exposure therapy. Discuss the possibility of co-occurring issues. People with hypochondria may also experience other anxiety disorders and/or depression. Consider getting your loved one screened for these conditions as well. If your loved one is nervous, assure them that the screening just means filling out a form about their symptoms. Remember, fear is a big part of the disorder. Listening to them, and validating their feelings, can help them deal with their fears. Attend support groups for this condition. A person with IAD may be able to locate a nearby support group for individuals with this condition. It may also be helpful for your loved one to attend a support group for anxiety, as the two are closely related. There are support groups offered for both the person with the condition, and the family support members. Talk to the person's therapist and ask for support group recommendations. Set boundaries as needed. Your health and well-being is your first responsibility. It's okay to end a conversation or demand space if you don't have the energy to deal with their anxiety at the moment. Try gently changing the subject. Otherwise, tell your loved one that you need some quiet time, or that you're going to take a break. It may be hard at first to step away and follow through with the boundaries you set, but sticking to them will reinforce them over time. Help your loved one build a support system. You don't need to be your loved one's only helper. Encourage your loved one to reach out to others, so that he or she is getting support from various sources. Support can come from family members, friends, coworkers, religious groups, counselors, and members of a support group. Not only will this benefit both of you, but the more people that know about the disorder and can offer true support, the better. Hiding the diagnosis can result in someone with IAD seeking out people to talk to who don't know the person has IAD, and the person may get sucked into an anxiety spiral with them. Give yourself plenty of time to relax. You can't help a drowning person if you're barely afloat yourself. Spend time each day doing something you enjoy, so that you can be at your best mental health. Self-care can be anything you feel good doing or that helps you relax. The beauty of self-care is it is up to you to choose if you relax better by getting a massage, spending quiet time reading or even doing intense exercise. Find a confidante whom you can talk to about your struggles. This should be someone who is removed from the situation who can listen without judgment. Talk to a therapist if you are overwhelmed. It's difficult to pour into someone else's cup when your own is empty. Find a source of support for yourself in the form of a counselor or therapist. This person can offer you helpful suggestions as to how to cope with living with someone who has IAD, and how to help your loved one better. Talking to a therapist yourself can be a positive example for the person you are helping, as well as a support for you. A person who has IAD may feel ashamed about getting therapy, and you seeking services can actually normalize the process for them. Do fun things together to maintain a positive connection. Reinforcing the positive will show your loved one that he or she can enjoy life and get positive attention for things beyond always being “sick”. Fun things can be virtually anything that allows the two of you to bond and change the dialogue from an illness. Examples may include engaging in a sport, watching a movie, or planning an exciting vacation. | Understand that illness anxiety creates real distress. Listen, even if the claims sound bizarre or made up. Acknowledge the symptoms and give gentle reminders that it might be okay. Offer to treat the symptoms, without rushing to determine a cause. Encourage your loved one to do activities that they enjoy. Accompany your loved one to a doctor. Help your loved one decide on treatment options. Discuss the possibility of co-occurring issues. Attend support groups for this condition. Set boundaries as needed. Help your loved one build a support system. Give yourself plenty of time to relax. Talk to a therapist if you are overwhelmed. Do fun things together to maintain a positive connection. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-the-Hiccups | How to Get the Hiccups | To get the hiccups, drink something fizzy like sparkling water or soda. You can also get hiccups if you eat dried foods such as bread or crackers without drinking water. Alternatively, try eating some spicy food, which can irritate the nerves in your stomach and throat so you get the hiccups. Another way to start having hiccups is to suck in a large mouthful of air, close your mouth, and swallow. You can also end up with hiccups by burping repeatedly on command or swallowing air into the back of your throat. | Drink something fizzy. Sparkling water, soda, and other carbonated beverages can all cause hiccups. Drinking quickly might increase the odds when consuming this sort of beverage. Eat dry food without drinking. Eating something dry such as bread or crackers quickly without anything to drink might cause hiccups as well. The shift in liquid balance may disrupt your diaphragm. Eat spicy food. Eating food spicier than you're used to could irritate the nerves around your throat and stomach, which can cause hiccups. Eating food spicier than you can handle can also upset your stomach. This doesn't happen to everyone. Alternate your beverage's temperature. Sudden temperature changes in the stomach sometimes cause hiccups. This can happen if you drink a hot drink, then follow it with an icy one. The same results will work with hot and cold foods eaten in rapid succession. Permanent tooth damage is a possibility as the enamel on your tooth can fracture. Do not make a habit of this activity, and never try it if you have porcelain tooth implants, or if your teeth feel painful or sensitive to heat or cold. Drink excessive amounts of alcohol. Being intoxicated is classically linked to having hiccups. The older cartoons would often portray a drunk character fumbling over words with hiccups sprouting out. Swallow a large mouthful of air. Suck in a mouthful of air, close your mouth, and swallow. This is one of the only methods successfully used by a research team, who believe that hiccups might be a reaction to dislodge large pieces of food from the esophagus. You could simulate this by chewing and swallowing a moderately large mouthful of bread. Trying this with other foods, especially large amounts, is not recommended, due to the risk of choking. Trying this too many times is likely to lead to an unpleasant, bloated sensation. Force yourself to burp. Some people who burp on command repeatedly will induce a hiccuping fit.The same effect can be achieved by sucking in air rapidly to the back of your throat. Avoid overstimulating your glottis, or the flap at the back of your throat, by closing and reopening it rapidly. This is the same motion that occurs when you hiccup, so stimulating it intentionally may trigger hiccups. Your glottis is active when you say "uh oh." Be aware of straining it from burping or screaming as a form of singing. Understanding where your glottis is and when it is stimulated will reduce your chances of straining it. Take a shower with an abrupt temperature change. Sudden temperature changes may stimulate certain nerves that can trigger a hiccuping session. It is the same technique mentioned earlier about eating or drinking foods that contrast in temperature. Temperature change can also cause hives or swollen skin. Trigger sudden emotions. Nervousness and excitement are likely emotions that will trigger hiccups. This is probably the least reliable method since most people hiccup only occasionally despite daily mood shifts. Still, if there is a movie, video game, sport, or other activity that makes you excited, scared, or nervous, be aware that it may induce the hiccups. Hiccup from bowel issues. Many types of gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, a bowel obstruction, or gastro-esophageal reflux disease can cause hiccups. These types of diseases can be caused by a lack of fiber, lack of exercise, travel, consuming excess dairy, stress, and pregnancy. Start hiccuping from a respiratory condition. These conditions include pleurisy, pneumonia, and asthma. Strain on the respiratory system affects your diaphragm which causes hiccups. Respiratory conditions can stem from multiple sources like: Genetics Inhaling toxic agents (cigarettes, oil fumes, etc.) Accidents Develop hiccups from the brain. Traumatic brain injuries, brain tumors, and strokes can all cause hiccups. Hiccups can even arise from the internal, psychological brain due to grief, excitement, anxiety, stress, hysterical behavior, and shock. While psychogenic hiccups are rare, they occur in both children and adults. | Drink something fizzy. Eat dry food without drinking. Eat spicy food. Alternate your beverage's temperature. Drink excessive amounts of alcohol. Swallow a large mouthful of air. Force yourself to burp. Take a shower with an abrupt temperature change. Trigger sudden emotions. Hiccup from bowel issues. Start hiccuping from a respiratory condition. Develop hiccups from the brain. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Issue-Stock | How to Issue Stock | Before you issue stock, make sure to determine how much capital you need and how many shares you can issue based on your Articles of Incorporation. Once you've done this, divide the capital you need by the number of shares you are willing to sell, even if you are buying the stock yourself. Decide whether common shares or preferred shares are right for your company by consulting with an attorney. Finally, draft a Stock Subscription Agreement with your attorney to issue the shares. | Familiarize yourself with the basics of issuing stock. Issuing stock is one of the two basic ways to raise funding to grow your business. If your business is new, or is growing, capital is necessary, and issuing stock involves selling pieces of ownership in your business to investors in exchange for cash. Issuing shares involves determining how much capital you need, and then determining an appropriate amount of shares to issue in order to raise that capital. If you need $5,000 initially for example, and decide to issue five shares to yourself, each share would be worth $1,000 each. Since you own five out of five shares, you would own 100% of the business. This would involve adding $5,000 of your own cash into your business, since you must pay for the shares. If you need another $5,000 later on, and you choose to issue an additional five shares to other investors (like family, for example) for $1,000 each again, you would see your ownership drop to 50%. This is because there are 10 shares outstanding now (five of yours, and five belonging to other investors), bringing your ownership down from 100% to 50%. Review the benefits of issuing stock. Other than issuing stock, the other way to finance your business is by relying on debt. Issuing stock has several advantages as an option, and may be appropriate for your business. Firstly, if you are a new business, or a business with a poor credit rating, acquiring debt may be too costly or impractical. Lenders often charge higher interest rates to businesses with little or poor credit. Issuing stock leaves you with more cash available compared to debt financing. When you take out a loan, you will need to not only use up your cash flow to repay the principal, but you will also be required to pay interest. This eats out of your profits each month. Acquiring more debt makes your business appear risky. Investors look at how much of your assets are owned by shareholders, and how much is owned by lenders. The higher the proportion owned by lenders, the more risky your company is deemed to be by both future investors and future lenders. If your business fails, your assets will need to go to pay back the loans outstanding before shareholders receive their share. Examine the disadvantages of issuing stock. Issuing stock means giving up a piece of your ownership in the business (also known as diluting your ownership), which also means sharing your profits, sharing decision making, and sharing in all future growth of the company. In addition, if you ever want your ownership back, you will need to buy out the other shareholders, which may cost much more than the money that was initially raised by them. The more shares you issue, the smaller your ownership is in the business. This means you may have less say over the future course of the business. Consider alternatives to issuing stock. Using debt can also have advantages to your business. When you use debt, you do not dilute your ownership in the business at all, and the lender has no control or say over what you do with your business. You can also easily plan for loan payments because they do not fluctuate. Another benefit to using debt is that interest payments are tax deductible, which can reduce your overall tax bill. In addition, once the debt is paid off, you get to keep all the profits that will be made from the loaned money, whereas with issuing stock it would need to be shared with shareholders. Issuing debt is a good idea if you have good credit rating, and a profitable and stable business. Determine how much capital you need. Chances are you are not issuing shares for no reason, and it is very likely you will need to the shares to fund some part of your business. For example, say you own a delivery business, and decide you need to add five new trucks to your fleet, at $20,000 per truck. You will then require $100,000 of capital. This amount will ultimately guide the entire process of issuing stock, as it will help you determine how many shares to issue and at what price per share. Determine how much stock the corporation is authorized to issue. The Articles of Incorporation (the formal documents which are provided when you start your business) will set out the maximum number of shares that the corporation can issue to potential shareholders. This does not mean that the corporation must issue all of those shares. New corporations will likely hold back shares so that, if necessary, it can raise capital at a later date When you incorporate your business, you will be required to decide how many shares your business is authorized to issue. For example, the initially authorized amount may be 100 shares. You cannot issue any more than that without formal modifications to the Articles of Incorporation. Set forth the value of the shares that will be issued. Once you know the amount of capital you need, and the amount of shares you can issue, you can determine the value of the shares. If your business is just starting and you plan on putting your own money into the company and issuing shares to yourself, the value you choose to assign to each share ultimately doesn't matter. For example, if you are putting $100,000 of your own money in to fund a fleet of trucks, you can technically price each share at $100,000 per share (the par value, or stated value) and only issue one share. It is wise, however, to make the shares worth much less. If you have 100 shares that you are authorized to issue, issuing only one share to yourself means that once the remaining 99 of your shares are issued potentially to other investors, you will own only a very tiny portion of your business. If you make the shares worth $2,000 per share, for example, you would be able to issue 50 shares to yourself (to raise the $100,000 you need). This means you would have used half of the 100 authorized shares, which means that when the other 50 shares are issued later on, you will still own 50% of the business (due to owning 50 out of the 100 available shares). Understand that the par (or stated) value does not need to equal the sales price of the share. You can issue preferred shares, which give shareholders certain rights before common stock holders, which will require the shareholders to pay the par value as well as additional paid-in capital (the amount over the par value that is paid for the premium or preferred share). Determine the class of the shares to be issued. There are basically two types of shares that can be issued — common shares, and preferred shares. While both shares allow the shareholder to own a piece of the business, they differ in terms of voting rights and other factors. A preferred share is usually a share without voting rights, but that receives first claim on the profits of the company, as well as on the company's assets in the event of a bankruptcy. For example, in the event that your business goes bankrupt and assets need to be sold, they would first go to the preferred shareholders to make sure they are properly compensated. The remaining money that is left over would then be distributed to common shareholders. Preferred shareholders may have unlimited, limited, or no voting rights depending upon the issue. Common shares have voting rights, and are allowed to participate in profits and in the proceeds from asset sales after the preferred shareholders are fully paid. For example, assume your business has $100 in profits, and each shareholder is entitled to $5 per share. If there are five preferred shares, they would receive their $25 first, after which the common shareholders would be paid. If the profits were $25, only the preferred shareholders would be compensated. Always consult with an accountant or lawyer to decide on the ideal mix of shares to issue. Every company will have different preferences depending on how much voting control they want shareholders to have, as well as how much flexibility they want with profits. Determine the number of shares to issue. Once you know the value of each share, the amount of capital you need, and the number of shares you are authorized to issue, it is possible to determine the number of shares your business should issue through some simple calculations. Begin with the amount of capital you need (for example, $100,000). If each share is worth $2,000, you can determine how many shares you need to issue by simply dividing the amount of capital ($100,000) by the value per share ($2,000). In this case, you would need to issue 50 shares to provide you with the amount of capital you need. Make sure you are in compliance with state and federal securities law. The law surrounding the issuing of stock is highly complex and detailed, and therefore it is absolutely essential to involve a lawyer if you are planning on issuing stock of any kind. Not only can a lawyer guide you through the technicalities of issuing stock, but he can also make sure that you are complying with any and all state and federal securities law. Draft the Stock Subscription Agreement. After you have successfully decided how much stock you need to issue, the value, and all the other relevant details, it is important to both create a document that details everything surrounding the transaction, and issue stock certificates to all the shareholders involved. This document is known as a stock subscription agreement. This document should not be crafted without consultation with a lawyer. While templates can be found online, it is important to make sure a lawyer looks over all details to ensure they work for your particular situation. The stock subscription agreement will outline who you are selling shares to, the amount of shares, the price per share, the date of the transaction, the amount of cash being received, and the payment method. It will also outline all the various risks and responsibilities associated with being a shareholder. After the agreement is made, you must print out hard copy shareholder certificates to provide your shareholders. This is a legal document that specifies the shareholder's name, the amount of shares held, the value the shares were purchased at, the business name, and any special rights granted to the shareholder. While templates can be found online, always consult a lawyer when crafting share certificates. Complete the transaction. Once you decide on all the details surrounding the issuing of stock, the actual issuing of shares is the simplest part. The issuing of shares consists of receiving the amount of cash specified in the stock subscription agreement (typically by check), in exchange for providing share certificates indicating ownership. You would, for example, receive a $100,000 check from your shareholder, and in turn issue certification indicating that the shareholder owns 50 shares at $2,000 per share. Note that on occasion, stock certificates can be issued in exchange for assets other than cash, and this is known as "non-cash consideration". For example, it is possible to issue shares to a supplier of machinery in exchange for machinery needed, instead of cash. This is useful if a very specific asset is needed more than cash, and if the provider is interested in being a shareholder. While this is not typical, this can occur if you you need a very particular asset and know a shareholder that can provide it. Discuss this option with your accountant. The the actual transaction of issuing shares is fairly simple for a small business, but for a large multi-million dollar corporation, the act of issuing shares often involves extensive consultation with investment banks and teams of professionals. This is because large corporations typically issue stock to the general public through a process called an Initial Public Offering, or an IPO, and banks are required to find buyers for the large number of shares. | Familiarize yourself with the basics of issuing stock. Review the benefits of issuing stock. Examine the disadvantages of issuing stock. Consider alternatives to issuing stock. Determine how much capital you need. Determine how much stock the corporation is authorized to issue. Set forth the value of the shares that will be issued. Determine the class of the shares to be issued. Determine the number of shares to issue. Make sure you are in compliance with state and federal securities law. Draft the Stock Subscription Agreement. Complete the transaction. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Simple-Stretcher | How to Make a Simple Stretcher | To make a simple stretcher, start by spreading out a blanket or tarp on the floor. Then, place a long pole on the blanket, and fold the blanket so it's about the same length as the pole. Next, place a second pole about 2 feet away from the first one if you're lifting a person of average width. If you're lifting someone who's a bit wider, try placing the poles 3 feet apart. Finish by folding both sides of the blanket over the poles, and holding them in place with duct tape. | Look for a wide wool blanket or tarp. To make a simple stretcher, you will need a long, wide tarp or a wool blanket. Try to find a tarp or blanket that is at least 8 feet wide and 8 feet long (2.4 meters x 2.4 meters), as you will need to fold it to make the stretcher. If you cannot find a large blanket, you can try putting together two smaller blankets so they are at least 8 feet by 8 feet (2.4 meters x 2.4 meters). Find two poles. While you don't need to use poles to create a simple stretcher, they will make your stretcher sturdier. You will also need two poles that are of equal length and at least 8 feet long (2.4 meters). Look for wooden poles that are at least two inches thick, as this will ensure they are sturdy. You can use wooden poles that you cut down from a tree and shave down to be the same length and width. Or you may use metal poles. Make sure the poles are equal in length, as you do not want a lopsided stretcher. The poles should also be sturdy enough to hold some weight, as they will act as supports for both sides of the stretcher. If you do not have poles, you can make a very simple stretcher with just a blanket. Get duct tape. You may decide to have a roll of duct tape on hand in case you want to secure the stretcher with the tape once you have put it together. If you are using a wool blanket, you may not need duct tape to secure the stretcher, as the friction between the two ends of the wool blanket will keep it in place. If you are using a tarp, you may decide to use the tape to secure the stretcher. Spread the blanket on an even surface. Start by spreading out the blanket or tarp on an even surface, such as the floor. Make sure no corners are folded over and the blanket is laying flat. You may also place the two poles next to the blanket so they are easy to access. Measure the length of the stretcher. You will first need to check that the blanket and the poles are around the same length. This will ensure there is no extra material hanging off the sides of the stretcher. Measure the length of the stretcher by placing one of the poles on the blanket lengthwise. If the pole is not in line with the end of the blanket, you may need to fold over the end or both ends of the blanket so the blanket is around the same length as the poles. You may make the blanket about one to two inches shorter than the length of the poles so some of the pole sticks out on either end of the blanket. This will make it easier to hold and lift the poles once you use the stretcher. Determine the width of the stretcher. Once you have confirmed the length of the blanket, you will need to determine how wide the stretcher is going to be. Start by placing one pole lengthwise about two feet from the edge of the blanket. Then, consider how wide you want the stretcher to be. If you are trying to fit someone who is of average weight and height, you may place the other pole lengthwise two feet away (0.7 meters) from the first pole. If you are trying to fit someone who is a bit bigger or wider, you may space out the poles so there are three feet (0.9 meters) between the two poles. Try not to make the distance between the two poles too big, as you will need enough material on either side of the poles to fold over the poles. Fold the blanket or tarp over the poles. Now that the poles are in place, you will take one end of the blanket and fold it over the poles. It may only cover one of the poles and lay just behind the second pole. This is fine. Make sure the blanket lays flat over the poles. Then, take the other end of the blanket and fold it over the other pole. The two ends of the blanket should overlap each other. Make sure the poles stay straight lengthwise as you fold over the blanket. If you are not using poles, then you will wait until the person is on the blanket before doing anything to the sides. Secure the stretcher with tape, if necessary. The two ends of the blanket should create enough friction to stay together on their own. If you want to make sure the stretcher is secure, you may use duct tape to secure the two ends of the blanket or the tarp. You may use one long strip of tape to keep the two ends of the blanket or the tarp together. Lay the stretcher next to the injured person. To put an injured person on the stretcher, you should first move the stretcher so it is only a few feet away from the injured person. If the person is on a bed or a raised area, try to place the stretcher just below the person. This will make it easier to transfer the person to the stretcher. Lift the person onto the stretcher. Tell the person, “We are going to move you onto the stretcher now.” You may then need someone to help you carefully slide or lift the person towards the stretcher. If the person is able to lift themselves up with their arms, they may do so and lay themselves down on the stretcher. If the person is lying down on a bed with a sheet, you may have the person cross their arms over their chest. Then, you may have someone help you lift the sheet the person is lying on, cradling the person, and place it on the stretcher. If the person has any head injuries, have a third person hold the person's head steady as they are lifted so their head does not shift or move around. Place the person in the middle of the blanket. Have two people raise the stretcher. Once the person is situated on the stretcher, you should have one person raise the back end, closest to the person's head, with their body facing forward. The other person should raise the front end of the stretcher, closest to the person's legs, with their body facing away from the person on the stretcher. Then, you may count together "1, 2, 3" and lift the person on the stretcher on "3." This will make it easier to lift the stretcher evenly and bring the person to safety. If you are not using poles, then you will need two people on each side of the blanket. Have the partners on each side roll up a few inches of the blanket on their side until the roll is thick enough to grasp and hold onto. As one unit, all four people will lift the blanket together to transport the person. Carry the person in the stretcher. You and the other person may try to coordinate your movements so the stretcher stays even and steady. This could be done by counting each step you take together out loud or by trying to find a rhythm to walk to so you are both walking at the same pace. Make sure you keep a good grip on the stretcher poles and the person carrying the other end of the stretcher does the same. You do not want the injured person in the stretcher to be bounced around, as this could lead to further injuries. | Look for a wide wool blanket or tarp. Find two poles. Get duct tape. Spread the blanket on an even surface. Measure the length of the stretcher. Determine the width of the stretcher. Fold the blanket or tarp over the poles. Secure the stretcher with tape, if necessary. Lay the stretcher next to the injured person. Lift the person onto the stretcher. Have two people raise the stretcher. Carry the person in the stretcher. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Political-Party | How to Create a Political Party | Starting a political party takes a lot of effort, but you can make it easier on yourself by knowing your local requirements, having a distinct brand, and organizing supporters. Before you take any steps to form your party, contact your local electoral commission and find out their requirements for registering a political party. You'll likely need to spend a certain amount on election campaigns, receive contributions, and have a sizable number of official members. In addition to knowing your goals, come up with a distinctive name that's short and reflects your party's values. Then, you can start social media accounts with this name and start promoting yourself. Once you have a social media presence, promote meetings at local places where people can learn about your political party and become official members. | Hold meetings to generate interest in forming a party. At every stage of creating and maintaining a political party, you'll need lots of enthusiastic involvement. Let others know that you are interested in starting a new party, and ask them to get involved. You could try starting out by holding a meeting with people you already know in a community center or even at your home. If there's interest in creating a new party, tell them to spread the word to people they know. Hold a second, larger meeting inviting these people, too. Ensure attendance at all meetings. When officially filing your party, you'll typically need to prove that you've been holding meetings. It's never too early to start soliciting donations. At the early stages, you can start a crowdfunding campaign. Later, you can have your financial team set up a more formal donation process. Rally around potential candidates. You might want to start a political party to draw attention to a great candidate for office, and to help them get elected. If you have a charismatic candidate you would like to promote, ask them to attend your meetings. They can give speeches, take promotional photos, greet constituents, and generally increase the buzz about the formation of your new party. Write a platform describing your party’s basic principles. You can start by having discussions at your meetings about what your party wants to emphasize. Generate a list of your principles, and designate a member or a committee to draw these up. Share them with the whole group, make any necessary changes, and vote to officially adopt the platform. Address things like: What aspects of political, social, or economic life would your party like to improve? What would your party want to accomplish if elected to office? What sets your party apart from others? Why would voters want to support your party's candidates? Establish rules and regulations for your party. A political party is a complex organization, and hopefully one that will grow over time. To keep things manageable, you'll need to establish another committee to write bylaws. When they're drafted, share them with everyone before voting to approve them. You'll often also need to share these when officially filing. Bylaws will discuss things like: Who is the party's leadership? How will they be elected? What committees will be formed? How do members vote on important issues? How will candidates be chosen? How will disagreements be handled? When will meetings be held, and what form will they take? Work out the financial aspects. It takes money to organize a political party and promote candidates for elections. Your party will need rules for how money will come in, who will oversee it, and how it will be used. When officially filing your party, you will probably need to provide a statement of your financial scheme and an explanation of your accounting, so it's a good idea to write these early. Consider: How will donations be generated? What account or accounts will money be held in? Which committee will be in charge of finances? Who will provide your accounting services? What guidelines do you want to set for things like how money can be spent on election campaigns? What procedures will you have for ensuring financial transparency? How will you handle any financial disagreements or investigations? Give your party a distinctive name. A political party will be known everywhere by its name, so give this some thought. You'll need to select a name that isn't already taken by another party, and isn't so similar to another one that the public will get confused. Check with your local electoral commission for a list of currently registered political parties. Select a name that captures your party's core values. Try to keep the name short -- no more than a couple of words. That way, it will be memorable and easily identifiable. Create a logo identifying your party. Logos are used everywhere to advertise and identify political parties. They're typically also required when officially registering a party. Choose one that's not too complex, but is distinctive. For example, if your party emphasizes conservative principles, you could select a logo that contains a traditional symbol of your area. If you want to brand your party as an innovator, consider a logo that depicts a modern, contemporary symbol while using traditional colors. Establish a website with your own domain. It's vital for a political party to have a website that the public can visit for more information. Purchase a domain name that is closely related to your party's name. Put the website's address on promotional materials, and distribute these at meetings. Your website's content could include things like: A copy of your party's manifesto and core beliefs. Biographies and statements from party leaders. Information about upcoming events and elections. Pages for any candidates that are running in elections. A link for information on how to donate. Utilize social media to promote your party. Get the word out about any events that are hosted by your political party. You can also create and share promotional videos and images to let the public know what your party is all about. Make sure to post regularly -- you can also share news content and other materials that are relevant to your party's interests. Social media services are vital to generating and maintaining interest in your party. Get out there on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and any other major social media sites. Designate a social media team to oversee this aspect of your party's activities. Collect signatures from supporters. To qualify as a political party, you'll typically need a certain number of signatures. This may simply be a hard number, like 1000, or it may be a certain percentage of voters registered in your area, like 5 percent. Pass around a paper or online form that announces it as a petition to create a political party. Have supporters sign. If you already have enough members in your party, just collect their signatures. Otherwise, get out there on the street, describe your party to passersby, and ask them to sign in support. Meet any specific eligibility requirements. These can vary widely depending on the area you live in. In some cases, for instance, you might need to do things like: Prove that you have spent more than $1,000 on election campaigns in a year,. Show that you have received contributions. Have a current politician declare membership. Reach a threshold number of official members. File at the right time. In some cases, you can only register a political party at certain times of the year. For instance, you may not be able to register a new political party shortly before an election. If you aren't sure of the rules in your area, check with your local electoral commission. Submit official filing paperwork. You'll need to contact the electoral commission in your area to determine what paperwork you need to file. Typically, it will involve an official form, and copies of supporting documents like a statement of organization, contact information for officers, necessary signatures, and a financial statement. There may also be a filing fee. Once you're officially registered, you should be able to officially have candidates placed on ballots for elections. | Hold meetings to generate interest in forming a party. Rally around potential candidates. Write a platform describing your party’s basic principles. Establish rules and regulations for your party. Work out the financial aspects. Give your party a distinctive name. Create a logo identifying your party. Establish a website with your own domain. Utilize social media to promote your party. Collect signatures from supporters. Meet any specific eligibility requirements. File at the right time. Submit official filing paperwork. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Burn-Belly-Fat-Fast | How to Burn Belly Fat Fast | If you want to burn belly fat fast, cut back on calories and avoid processed foods like refined grains and sugars. Also, increase your protein intake and try to have a few cups of green tea every day. When you're exercising, focus on cardiovascular workouts like jogging, cycling, and swimming to burn the most fat. High-intensity interval training is even more effective at super-charging your metabolism and shedding belly fat quickly. Activities that strengthen your core, like yoga, can help you target fat around your midsection. | Cut back on calories. The most important part of losing weight is not working out until you collapse — it's your diet. If you burn 500 to 750 more calories than what you eat every day, you will lose 1–2 pounds every week (any more than that is considered unsafe weight loss). There are tons of little changes you can make to cut calories from your diet, from replacing high-calorie dressings with vinaigrette and asking for all dressings/sauces served on the side, eating at the table instead of in front of the tv, skipping cheese and other fatty additions to your salads and meals, using smaller plates, leave off the whipped cream on your coffee drink, and on and on. Eat more protein. Protein is required by the body to repair damaged cells and plays a vital role in growth and development. But it can also play a role in weight loss. Diets high in protein tend to make people feel fuller, and when paired with a reduction in carbohydrate intake these diets can help with weight loss. However, it's important to remember that not all sources of protein are good for you: red meat and full-fat dairy products, though high in protein, can also increase the risk of heart disease. Good sources of protein include: Soy protein Legumes and beans Nuts Fish Skinless poultry Lean beef or pork Fat-free or low-fat dairy products Eat polyunsaturated fats. While saturated fat leads to the body's retention of visceral fat, causing abdominal girth and excessive weight gain, studies have shown that a diet high in polyunsaturated fat helps promote the production of muscle mass instead of body fat. Polyunsaturated fats can also help reduce cholesterol levels in the body, lowering the risk of stroke and heart disease. Sources of polyunsaturated fats include: Olive oil Soybean oil Corn oil Sunflower oil Salmon Mackerel Herring Trout Walnuts Sunflower seeds Tofu Soybean Eat low-glycemic-index foods. Foods that are low on the glycemic index (GI) are digested and absorbed more slowly than high-index foods, and when coupled with increased physical activity a low-GI diet has been shown to be effective in losing weight. Foods that are low on the glycemic index include: Beans and lentils Apples Apricots Bananas Carrots Corn Mango Oranges Certain types of pasta Avoid processed foods. Processed foods are often reached for as comfort food. But certain processed foods, like refined grains and refined sugars, increase inflammation in the body, and have been linked to excess belly fat. Drink green tea. Some studies suggest that drinking green tea (including decaffeinated green tea) or taking green tea extracts can increase the body's rate of fat oxidation and may decrease overall body fat. The studies used green tea extract, administered by capsule, but dieters may also get some of the same benefits from drinking green tea. Get enough calcium. Adults typically need around 1,000 milligrams of calcium every day to help maintain muscle and nerve function, and it's necessary for healthy bones and teeth. But calcium may also help prevent the body from storing visceral fat in the abdomen. Though studies have not shown a drastic change in weight due to increased calcium intake, researchers suggest that it may have a small effect in some people. Calcium requires vitamin D to be absorbed into the body; therefore, be sure to get enough vitamin D as well. Sources of calcium include: Dietary supplements Non-fat or low-fat milk and dairy products Kale Salmon Tofu (with calcium sulfate) Set goals. Making goals will help you stay motivated by giving you something concrete to work toward. Setting SMART goals is widely considered the best way to set goals and stay on track. SMART goals are: S pecific, M easurable, A ttainable, R ealistic and T ime constrained. For instance, instead of saying, "I want to be stronger," your goal is something like, "I want to be able to bench press 100 pounds, three times in a row, three months from now." Or, "I want to lose 10 pounds in the next 4 months." Once you have set your goals, you can make a plan to achieve them. What do you need to do to achieve your goal? As you approach your goal, start thinking about your next SMART goal to set and achieve. Focus on cardiovascular exercise. Cardiovascular exercise is one of the best ways to lose weight. Studies show that cardiovascular exercise like walking, jogging, and running is highly effective at any degree of intensity. That's because cardio/aerobic exercise works the muscles in your arms, legs, and hips, and increases blood flow to all sets of muscles. Effective cardio exercises include: Walking Jogging/running Bicycling Swimming Skiing Stair climbing Elliptical training Rowing Aerobic dancing Lose fat with high-intensity interval training (HIIT). If you're trying to lose weight fast, HIIT training can super-charge your metabolism for upwards of 24 hours after exercising. This means your body will continue burning calories long after you've ended your workout. HIIT burns more calories in less time than steady-state cardio. In one study, researchers looked at two groups, one running for 30 to 60 minutes three times per week, the other doing four to six 30-second treadmill sprints, resting for four to six minutes between each sprint. After six weeks, it was found that the group doing HIIT training lost more weight. For HIIT to work, you need to be giving about 90% all-out effort during the high-interval portion. This means not walking, jogging or even running — you should be sprinting , unable to carry on a conversation. Start out with high-intensity intervals that last for 30 seconds, then rest (by walking or doing low-intensity exercise, not by standing still) for a minute. Eventually you'll want to do your high-intensity training for longer periods (try 60 to 90 seconds) and decrease your rest periods to a 1:1 ratio. Start your HIIT workout with a five minute warmup, then do 20 minutes of HIIT, and then cool down for another five minutes. Try biking, sprinting, and rowing. Lift weights. Weight training is a great tool for losing weight, toning muscles and it can actually help your body burn calories more efficiently. Experts recommend incorporating two to three weight-training sessions per week, with noticeable results in just a few weeks. Work your core. When many people think of core strengthening, they think of stomach crunches. Crunches are helpful for building abdominal muscles, but contrary to popular belief, crunches won't do much to lose the layer of fat stored in your belly, and can actually cause significant damage to the spine. Instead, try a workout routine that strengthens your whole core, like yoga , or try abdominal presses and planking. Get enough sleep each night. Studies have shown that getting less than five hours of sleep each night or more than nine hours of sleep can result in an increase in weight gain. Some studies further show that not getting enough sleep increases the body's cravings for high-calorie foods, and led to an overall increase in caloric intake. Adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Keep your stress levels low. Stress causes the body to crave fatty foods, often called "comfort food", and can also lead to snacking or eating when the body isn't actually hungry. Finding ways to lower your stress levels can help you feel better and may help you lose weight faster. Increase or vary your activity level. Try something new. That will help keep you interested and wanting to do more. Repeating the same workout at the gym for month after month will lead to a plateau where you will stop seeing gains. Try something different, or hire a trainer to give some variety to your exercise program. Stay motivated. Often times, people lose motivation to stick with a diet or an exercise routine. Finding a reason to stay motivated beyond belly fat goals, like overcoming a genetic predisposition to excess body weight or working toward fitting into your favorite article of clothing again, can help you stay motivated to meet your fitness and lifestyle goals. | Cut back on calories. Eat more protein. Eat polyunsaturated fats. Eat low-glycemic-index foods. Avoid processed foods. Drink green tea. Get enough calcium. Set goals. Focus on cardiovascular exercise. Lose fat with high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Lift weights. Work your core. Get enough sleep each night. Keep your stress levels low. Increase or vary your activity level. Stay motivated. |
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