url
stringlengths 27
124
| title
stringlengths 10
107
| summary
stringlengths 15
6.15k
| article
stringlengths 0
117k
| step_headers
stringlengths 0
5.75k
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Gun-License-in-Massachusetts | How to Get a Gun License in Massachusetts | To own or carry a firearm in Massachusetts, you'll need a gun license. Before you can apply for your gun license, you'll need to complete a state-approved gun safety course. Once you've received your safety course certificate, get a gun license application form from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's website or your local police station. Choose whether you only want to keep a firearm at home or if you want permission to carry it. You'll also need to include 2 personal references who aren't related to you and pay the fee, which is usually about 100 dollars. Then, take your completed form to your police station. Keep in mind that you won't qualify for a gun license if you've been convicted of a felony, violent or gun-related crime, domestic violence, or if you've been imprisoned for a misdemeanor or committed to hospital for mental illness or substance abuse. | Find a licensed firearms safety course. In order to apply for a gun license, you will need to complete a firearms safety course. You can find one in several ways: Visit the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, at www.mass.gov/eopss. Follow the link to "Firearms Registration and Laws” in the top right corner of the page. Select “Approved Basic Firearms Safety Courses" to access a complete list of courses approved by the state of Massachusetts. Call the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security at 617-727-7775 to speak with someone about enrolling in one of the approved courses. Contact the police department for the city or town where you reside, and ask them about upcoming courses in your area. For example, the City of Worcester lists courses directly on its website. Enroll in and attend a firearms safety course. The purpose for taking the course is to become educated on Massachusetts firearms laws, in addition to learning how to safely handle a firearm. Some courses are offered by local police departments, and some courses are offered by private companies. The basic firearm safety course will include the following: shooting practice and training understanding the parts of the firearm understanding ammunition safe storage and security of firearms review of Massachusetts firearms laws (some private companies may offer broader classes that could satisfy applying for a license in other states as well) Complete the firearms safety course and collect your certificate. After you successfully complete the firearms safety course, you will receive a Firearms Safety Certificate. You will need to submit a copy of this certificate when you apply for a Massachusetts gun license. Obtain the gun licensing application. Your request for a gun license begins by completing the “Massachusetts Resident LTC/FID/Machine Gun Application” form. You can get a copy of the form from one of three possible sources: If you have Internet access, you can print an application directly at home from the website of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. If you do not have Internet access, you can call the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security at 617-727-7775 to request an application by mail. Alternatively, visit your local police station and request a copy of the application form. Additional forms that you might need, such as an application as a non-resident, an application as a resident alien, or a Firearms Licensing Review Board Petition, may be found at the website of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's Firearms Forms and Applications page. Fill out the gun license application clearly and carefully. You will need to complete the form carefully, either by typing or printing clearly and legibly all the answers. It is important that you read the instructions before completing the form. If you have any questions while completing the application, you should contact your local police department. Mark whether this is your first application or a renewal. If this is your first application, indicate that you are a new applicant by placing a check mark next to "New Applicant" at the top of the form. If this is for a renewal license, you will check “Renewal” and provide your most recent license number. Indicate the type of gun license you are applying for. For example, if you just want the license to purchase a firearm and keep it at home, then you need what is called an FID. Place a check mark next to "Firearms Identification Card.” If you are requesting permission to carry a firearm, you need the LTC license. You should select “License to Carry.” Provide your personal information in the fields provided. You will be required to enter your name, address, the date and place of your birth, the names of your parents, your physical traits, occupation and employer information, and either your Social Security Number or drivers license number. Complete the questionnaire regarding your legal status. You will be asked for information regarding your citizenship, past convictions or felonies, whether you have ever suffered from mental illness, drug, or alcohol addiction, if you have ever been involved in domestic violence, and if there are any outstanding warrants for your arrest. If you answered "yes" to any of the inquiries on the questionnaire, you will be required to provide details about the circumstances surrounding each inquiry. Provide the names and contact information for two personal references, not related to you. In some cities or towns, you may also be required to submit a written letter of recommendation from these people. Check with the local police about this requirement. Explain why you are applying for a gun license. The police need to monitor the number of applications they approve and the reasons for them. You need to be truthful in this step and not look for an answer that you believe the police want to hear. If you believe you need it for personal security, then say so. If you can provide more reasons (recent shootings in your area, etc.), that may help your explanation. Complete your application. Sign and date the appropriate fields at the bottom of the gun licensing application. Your application will be incomplete without your signature and probably will be returned to you without being processed. Check with your local police department for all application requirements. The state law sets the basic requirements for gun license applications, but the final decision is made by the local chief of police for each city or town in Massachusetts. Each police department has some leeway in the documentation that they require with each application. For example, some towns require a copy of your birth certificate, but other towns will accept different forms of identification. Some towns may require written recommendations from your two reference people; other towns would only require their names and contact information. Make a copy of your Firearms Safety Certificate. In any city or town, for a new license, you will need to submit proof that you have completed a firearms safety training course. Have a copy with you when you submit your application. Prepare the application fee. The license application fee is generally $100. Check with your individual city or town to verify the amount and the form of payment that is accepted. For example, the City of Everett only accepts payment by money order. The City of Worcester will accept payment by cash, check or money order. For other cities or towns in Massachusetts, contact the police department directly. The City of Billerica has instructions on its website that you are to get a Receipt for Payment form from the Police Station, take that form to the City Treasurer to pay the $100 fee and get the receipt verified, and then take the verified receipt back to the Police Station to submit with the application. Take the application and required materials to your local police department. You should call the police department or check its website to see if there are certain times that they accept applications. For example, the City of Worcester requires applicants to make appointments in advance, which are only scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. The City of Everett has a link on its website to schedule an appointment to submit your application. The City of Billerica website instructs applicants to contact the clerk for information about applying, but no specific appointment information is included. If you need help locating the nearest police department, call the Massachusetts State Police at 508-820-2300 to find an office that will process your application. Follow any additional instructions the Police Department requires. Some departments will require your fingerprints along with the application. After you submit your application, along with the accompanying materials, the police will run a background check both within Massachusetts and in any other states where you have lived, using the information provided on the gun licensing application. The police department will then inform you of the method and time frame in which you will receive your gun license. Be a resident of Massachusetts. All lawful residents of Massachusetts, regardless of official citizenship, are eligible to get a license to possess or carry a firearm in Massachusetts. There are some ways for a non-resident of Massachusetts to obtain a temporary gun license for a specific purpose. If this applies to you, then contact the police department for the city or town where you will be visiting. Have a positive criminal record. Your record does not need to be absolutely clean, but there are limitations. The state law is very clear that no gun license may be issued in Massachusetts to anyone who has been convicted of any of the crimes described below. If any of these apply to you, you should read the full text of the law carefully and consult with an attorney: a felony a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of more than two years a violent crime certain crimes related to gun or ammunition possession, distribution or sale certain crimes related to the use of controlled substances misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence Be free of mental disability or other health limitations. Nobody may hold a gun license in Massachusetts who has been committed to a hospital for mental illness, alcohol or substance abuse, or who has had a guardian appointed on the basis of mental incapacity, or who has been found to have an alcohol or substance use disorder. There are some exceptions, if the applicant is able to produce a doctor's findings attesting that the condition no longer applies at the time of the application. If any of these descriptions apply to you, you should read the full text of the law carefully and consult with an attorney. Be of the appropriate age for the license you are seeking. An applicant for a license to carry a firearm (LTC) in Massachusetts must be at least 21 years old at the time of filing the application. An applicant for a firearms identification card (FID) must be at least 15 years old, with parental permission. An applicant who is at least 18 years old can apply for an FID without parental consent. Be “suitable” to carry a gun license. The state law says that the license may be denied for anyone who is deemed “unsuitable to be issued” a license. The determination of whether you are “suitable” is up to the chief of police for the city or town in which you live and apply for the license. This determination is based on “reliable and credible information” that the applicant has engaged or may engage in behavior that would cause a risk or danger to society. | Find a licensed firearms safety course. Enroll in and attend a firearms safety course. Complete the firearms safety course and collect your certificate. Obtain the gun licensing application. Fill out the gun license application clearly and carefully. Mark whether this is your first application or a renewal. Indicate the type of gun license you are applying for. Provide your personal information in the fields provided. Complete the questionnaire regarding your legal status. Provide the names and contact information for two personal references, not related to you. Explain why you are applying for a gun license. Complete your application. Check with your local police department for all application requirements. Make a copy of your Firearms Safety Certificate. Prepare the application fee. Take the application and required materials to your local police department. Follow any additional instructions the Police Department requires. Be a resident of Massachusetts. Have a positive criminal record. Be free of mental disability or other health limitations. Be of the appropriate age for the license you are seeking. Be “suitable” to carry a gun license. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Hot-Even-If-You-Wear-Glasses | How to Be Hot Even If You Wear Glasses | Being hot while wearing glasses is all about confidence and mixing up your style. It might take a little time to get used to wearing glasses, but if you're confident about your looks, you might even look hotter with your glasses. Remember that a lot of celebrities who are considered super attractive regularly wear glasses. Try experimenting with different hairstyles to see what complements your glasses the best. You can also add a little blush and lipstick to draw the eye away from your glasses. Another thing you can do is use an eyebrow pencil to make your eyebrows fuller so they don't get lost behind your frames. | Determine your face shape. The balance between your face shape and choice of frames will influence the how people judge the attractiveness of your frames and facial features. Generally, symmetry in your face is regarded as attractive, so your goal when choosing frames should be to create a proportional appearance between the left and right side of your face as well as the top and bottom. Four of the most common face types are: Round faces tend to have full cheeks and a soft, rounded chin. The height of your face, if you are round shaped, will be about the same as its width. Square faces have a strong jawline. You should notice that your features that are sharper and more angular. Lastly, if your face is square shaped, your forehead should be wider than the lower half of the face. Oval faces have relatively balanced features while being taller than wide. If your face is oval, you should notice high cheekbones and a chin that is thinner than your forehead. Heart shaped faces are most noticeable by a characteristic broad forehead and tapered chin that comes to a point. You should also notice that your cheekbones are relatively high on your face. Pick out frames that fit your face. Glasses that are too big for your face will throw off your facial symmetry and make onlookers wonder why you didn't choose a more flattering shape for your frames. You should use your frames to help balance out the less distinct features of your face or to detract attention away from your more prominent features. Some suggestions for the four most common face shapes include: Round shaped faces can benefit from frames that have strong, noticeable details. The lens shape should be wider than tall. Nose pads are also a must, as these will keep your frames from accentuating your already round cheeks too much. Square shaped faces should consider frames that soften your natural sharp angles in the jaw and elongate your relatively short facial height. Frames that are wider than they are deep are an excellent choice, as well as lenses that are wide and thin. Oval faces are usually considered to be naturally balanced. To preserve this balance, you should find glasses with frames that match the wideness of the broadest part of your face. You might also find that frames with a walnut shape keep your facial features nice and balanced. Heart shaped faces will benefit from frames that are wider at the bottom than the top. Add to this style of frame a rimless border and you should notice a lighter look in your glasses that lessens the natural wideness at the top of your face. Opt for thin lenses. Thick lenses are not only heavy and bulky, but these can also lead people associate you with nerdy pursuits. Even if your vision isn't very good, you don't have to suffer with noticeable, thick lenses. Thanks to technology you can purchase lightweight lenses, sometimes referred to as featherweight lenses, which will be much thinner and elegant than your normal ones. Lightweight lenses make use of a special kind material to create thinner, lighter lenses. The most common material used in this process, polycarbonate, is light, resistant to damage from impact, and relatively affordable compared to other lightweight lenses. Choose colored frames. If you can afford multiple pairs of glasses, you can get creative with your use of color. You can match the color of your frames with your outfit, the weather, and even your mood. However, for a more all-around good look, you should choose either a “cool” color or a “warm” color. Cool colors are blue based while warm colors are yellow based. Of these two color bases, most people will fall into either one of these two categories. Approximately 60% of the US population are considered to be better suited by cool tones than warm. Your skin tone can also have a significant impact on the color of your base tone. Warm skin tones tend to have a color described as “peaches and cream”, while olive colors are considered cool. Examples of warm colored frames include: camel, khaki, gold, copper, peach, orange, coral, off-white, red, blonde tortoise. Examples of cool colored frames include: black, silver, rose-brown, blueish gray, plum, magenta, pink, blue, amber, darker colored tortoise. Match or balance skin type and hair. One common feature that you might forget to consider is your skin quality. If your skin tends to be oily, shiny frames can draw attention to this and have a negative impact on your look. A matte finish will suit shinier skin types best. In addition to the shine of your skin, you'll also need to account for the fullness of your hair. Many people's hair becomes thinner as they age, but your glasses can steal attention away from your hairline. Choose bold, thick frames to return attention to your eyes, and strong, sharp angles to firm up weakness in the jawline. Hide shadows with concealer. Even the smallest and most delicate frames and lenses will cast at least a small shadow around your eyes. This can make your eyes look dark or tired, especially if you have a problem with dark circles under your eyes. To brighten up the area around your eyes, you can: Use concealer. This way your complexion will appear more naturally balanced, and the dark spots under your eyes less dark. Remember to use a little concealer on the lid of your eye as well! Make use of natural skin-brightening techniques. Using a masque of natural ingredients to improve the coloration of your skin might mean you don't have to spend money on more expensive, cover-up products. Use a gel liner. There are many kind of eyeliner you can use to restore attention to the eyes hiding behind your lenses, but gel liner is considered to be one of the best. This is especially true if you wear lenses for nearsightedness. These kind of lenses can make your eyes look smaller than they actually are. Avoid dramatic eye makeup, as it can look too busy when combined with the border of your frames. A prominent smokey eye can leave your eyes looking to dark around their perimeter. Curl your lashes to prevent lens interference. It can be irritating when you have to clean your glasses every few minutes to wipe away oil transferred from your eyelashes to your lenses. To keep this from happening, you should curl your lashes. This has the bonus effect of giving you a bright, alert, and attentive eye appearance. Lengthening mascaras should be avoided if your lashes already brush against your lenses. Instead, you might have better luck with product that adds volume or thickness. Focus your application on the roots as opposed to the tips of your lashes. Prevent mascara from coming off onto your lenses by using a creamy formula that is waterproof. You may also have difficulty with mascara flaking off onto your lenses if you've owned it for longer than three months. When curling, you can achieve the best results by focusing your efforts on the base of your lashes. Don't clamp too tight or you may make your lashes curl too intensely. Following this, you might use an eyelash curler on the midpoint of your lashes to give an impressive curl. Prevent your eyebrows from becoming lost behind your frames. This is especially important if you've chosen a pair of frames that are thick. Give your brows a full appearance with an eyebrow pencil and add shape and definition to create better balance between this feature and your chosen glasses. Add a pop of color to your lips and cheeks. A little bit of blush to your cheeks. This will bring warmth to the overall appearance of your face. Strong or bold frames can be balanced by stronger tones on the lips and cheeks, though you should be careful not to apply too much product. Lip color , especially, can either complement your bold choice in frames or create contrast, depending on the requirements of your outfit and the day. Be confident. You might feel self-conscious wearing your glasses, especially if you're new to wearing them. But the truth is that many famous people who are considered attractive wear glasses these days. With the right style of frame, color, and a classy pair of specs, you might even end up looking hotter in your glasses than you did before you had them! Confidence has been found to give individuals a boost where looks are concerned. Although you might not think your mindset has an influence on how people perceive your appearance, you might only need to improve your confidence before people start thinking you look smokin' hot in your glasses. and exercise. Eat healthy You'll look even more attractive when you eat right and keep yourself physically active. Being healthy will improve your mood, self-image, contribute to a healthy weight , all of which will likely help you gain confidence and become hotter in the eyes of others. To improve your overall healthy, you might: Join a sport or physical hobby, like riding a bicycle , walking daily , yoga , and more. Daily physical activity will make you feel better about yourself, even if you don't notice any large changes in your physical appearance. Take care of your hair. Dry and frizzy hair often appears poorly maintained and un-stylish to others, so you should replenish dry hair when necessary. Your hair color also contributes to the overall color balance of your face and the resulting color of your lenses, so you should keep it healthy and clean. Try new hair styles if you're not satisfied with your current look. Consider your style according to your face shape and pick out a look that adds balance to your shape in the same way you did for your glasses. Choose outfits that complement the style of your specs. Finding your ideal style can take time and effort. You'll have to try on many different looks and outfits. You may even want to bring a friend so you have a second opinion, but you can also ask the employees at the places you shop for their opinion as well. Style and fashion are a matter of taste. Men might want to check out how to dress well as a guy for some direction on looking your best. Women, on the other hand, might look into how to dress yourself and look good doing it. Practice good hygiene. Shower as regularly as you need to. For most adults, this will be daily or every other day, although many younger children likely won't need to shower as frequently. Use deodorant, moisturize so your skin to keep it healthy, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and improve your skin complexion, and wear clean clothes. For a more complete idea of what you should do to keep good hygiene, you should check out how to have good hygiene (boys) or how to have good hygiene (girls). | Determine your face shape. Pick out frames that fit your face. Opt for thin lenses. Choose colored frames. Match or balance skin type and hair. Hide shadows with concealer. Use a gel liner. Curl your lashes to prevent lens interference. Prevent your eyebrows from becoming lost behind your frames. Add a pop of color to your lips and cheeks. Be confident. and exercise. Take care of your hair. Choose outfits that complement the style of your specs. Practice good hygiene. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Train-a-Bird-to-Step-on-Your-Finger | How to Train a Bird to Step on Your Finger | To train a bird to step on your finger, stand just above the bird's eye level and slowly move your hand close to it. Next, gently push your finger against the bird's lower chest, right above its legs, to put the bird slightly off balance. When the bird lifts its leg to steady itself, place your finger under its foot and let it step up onto your finger. If the bird is reluctant, say its name and use a command like "step up" to encourage it. Then, praise the bird and give it a special treat to reinforce the behavior. | Train your bird 2-3 times a day for 10-15 minutes. Birds are creatures of habit, and have a short attention span, so short, consistent training sessions are the best approach. Find a comfortable training area. Birds have short attention spans, so it is important to create a space with few distractions. Confident or acclimatized birds may not require a cage for training. If the bird is nervous or unaccustomed to your home, keeping the bird in the cage as you train it may be necessary. Create a safe and comfortable environment. Close all doors and windows, turn off ceiling fans and other devices that may harm the bird, and keep other animals out of the room. Make sure that you are calm and gentle when training your bird; if you are frustrated, angry or nervous the bird will likely become agitated. Prepare a special treat as a reward for your bird. As you calm the bird, accustom it to your hand, and teach it the step-up command, it is important to reward the bird's accomplishments. Rewards (such as fruit and nuts) should be reserved specifically for teaching your bird to step-up and be a food the bird does not usually eat. Smaller, quickly edible rewards can be given to your bird to calm and encourage it as you teach the command. Saying soothing words and being generous in praise will calm and encourage your bird. Familiarize the bird with your hand. Slowly place your hand in the cage (but not too close), until the bird is comfortable. Shy or nervous birds may require several sessions before they are comfortable with your hand. Be persistent, and always make sure to move slowly to avoid startling the bird. Stand just above the bird's eye level in order to establish dominance. Standing too tall can frighten the bird, and crouching too low may display submission on your part. Offer your hand to the bird. Make sure to move your hand slowly, and to hold your hand steady and with confidence. Birds will become nervous if their handler is nervous, and will become reluctant or scared to step onto your finger if your hand wobbles or you drop the bird during these early sessions. Slowly and gently push your finger against the bird's lower chest, right above his legs. Apply gentle pressure so that the bird is put slightly off balance. The bird should lift a leg when it feels off-balance. When this occurs, place your finger under its foot and lift gently – the bird should step up on to your finger or hand. If the bird is nervous or bites, you may have to begin training with a wood dowel until it becomes more comfortable. A bird may use its beak to steady itself, or even bite your finger or hand. If this occurs do not suddenly pull away or show fear, as the bird may be frightened or read this as a sign of submission. Encourage the bird to “step up. ” Use the bird's name when you say “step up,” and be generous with praise. Many birds, particularly if they are young, will step onto your finger with a little encouragement, as a finger resembles a perch. When your bird steps-up, praise it and give it a special treat you prepared before beginning. Even if the bird only raises one foot to your hand you should praise and reward it. With repetition and encouragement the bird will learn to associate the command "step up" with perching on your hand or arm. Repeat the training with the other hand. Following the same steps, accustom the bird to your weaker hand. Animals of habit, birds may refuse to perch on your opposite hand unless you take the time to train them during this initial period. As your bird becomes comfortable, you can begin taking it out of the cage before repeating the step-up training. Stick train your bird. If your bird is shy or nervous and refuses to step on to your finger or hand, use a wooden dowel instead. Once the bird steps up on to the dowel, move on to the "laddering" technique. Place your finger beside and slightly higher than the perched bird and encourage it to move to the new perch. Accompany each step with the "step up" command, and be generous with praise when the bird follows your command. Have the bird continue moving from dowel to finger and finger to dowel until the training session is over. Be persistent, but patient. Birds have unique temperaments and may be shy or nervous, and thus it is important to exercise patience as you train your bird every day. Make a routine of the training sessions. Your bird will learn to anticipate your training sessions together. Reward even small amounts of progress with praise and treats. Encouragement is the best way to make your bird comfortable and teach it to follow your commands. | Train your bird 2-3 times a day for 10-15 minutes. Find a comfortable training area. Create a safe and comfortable environment. Prepare a special treat as a reward for your bird. Familiarize the bird with your hand. Offer your hand to the bird. Slowly and gently push your finger against the bird's lower chest, right above his legs. Encourage the bird to “step up. Repeat the training with the other hand. Stick train your bird. Be persistent, but patient. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Relaxed | How to Stay Relaxed | The best way to stay relaxed is to do a physical activity of any kind. All it takes is a walk around the block, putting on some music and dancing, or just doing a bunch of jumping jacks. You can exercise to fight stress when it comes up, or you can keep stress away by regularly exercising for 10 minutes a day. Another way to keep stress at bay is to avoid sugary foods and instead munch on fruit that's high in vitamin C, which can help stabilize your mood. If you still need to blow off some steam, try calling a friend to talk about anything, since connecting with another human will release the happiness hormone, oxytocin. | Watch for signs of stress. The most effective way to stay relaxed is to prevent stress from accumulating. Unfortunately, the signs that you are experiencing stress can be subtle, and you may not realize it until it's too late. So keep an eye out for stress-signals and take some steps to get relaxed. Take a few minutes each day to check in with yourself and looks for signs that you may be experiencing too much stress. Check your quality of sleep. Are you having a hard time falling asleep? Are you waking up several times during the night? Do you get plenty of sleep but still feel worn out? How is your mental focus? Do you feel foggy? Is it hard for you to concentrate? How are you eating? Have you been forgetting to eat regularly? Or perhaps you've been eating too much? How are your interactions with others? Are you able to be patient, or are you irritable or snippy? Get some exercise. Physical movement of any kind is the quickest and easiest way to bust stress and stay relaxed. You don't need to join a gym (although that is one option). You can take a walk around the block, put on some music and dance, or play in the pool with your family. You can use exercise to zap stress when it comes up, or you can make exercise part of your daily routine to keep stress away. Exercise doesn't have to be a major time commitment — it doesn't have to happen in a 30 minute or hour block of time. Squeezing in a 10 minute walk during your lunch break and then another one during your child's soccer practice may be more feasible and just as beneficial. Eat healthy snacks. Diet plays a major role in the ways that our bodies handle stress. When we are stressed, it is natural to reach for sugary or high-carb options to get a quick boost. But foods high in processed sugars and carbohydrate will actually spike your blood sugar, making you feel jittery, and even less relaxed. Instead reach for fruit high in vitamin C to help stabilize your mood, or dark chocolate to help reduce cortisol (the stress hormone). Call a friend. Any time you need to let off a bit of steam, it is a great idea to call a friend and talk. Even if you don't feel like talking about what's bothering you, just some friendly chit-chat is an excellent stress reducer. Feeling a connection to someone produces the happiness hormone oxytocin, so calling a friend is an effective way to process stressful emotions. Create a bedtime ritual. A good night's sleep is one of best antidotes to stress, and a great way to stay relaxed. Unfortunately, bedtime can be the moment when all the day's anxieties come rushing back to you. You can prevent this cycle and ensure restful sleep by creating a bedtime ritual that you do each night Put on some gentle music while you get ready for bed (using the same song each night is a good idea). Put on your pjs, brush your teeth, and wash your face. Get a drink of water. Do this ritual the same way each night. Within a week, you should experience deeper sleep. Get to know your anger. Our brains are hardwired for survival. Part of that survival means protecting our emotions. As a result, we become addicted to negative emotional responses (anger, blaming, irritation). But the truth is, every little discomfort is not a threat to our survival. When you begin to recognize anger, you can begin to break the negative pattern. Notice the feelings in your body when you become agitated. It usually begins with a tightness in the stomach. Next comes the blaming. You may find yourself saying, “How could they…” or “I can't believe they would do this to me.” When you feel this or hear these thoughts, stop and remember that this is survival tactic. Do you feel like you need to be angry right now in order to “survive”? If not, then you can break the habit. Stop and breathe. Perhaps the most ancient and sure-fire way to stay calm and help diffuse a moment of conflict is to simply stop and breathe. If someone makes you angry or defensive, do not immediately respond. Instead, stop, breathe, and count to ten (inhale on one, exhale on two, and so on). Just five breaths is usually enough for you to get your bearings and respond from a relaxed place, instead of firing off an angry or defensive retort. Loosen your muscles. Scan your body for places that are tight. If you are in the midst of a heated discussion, aim to release tension stored in your body. By doing so, you improve your circulation, make it easier to think clearly, and increase your ability to stay calm. Quickly scan your body. Is there anywhere that you are holding tension? Common locations for stored tension include the jaw, shoulders, and abdomen. Take a deep breath in, and when you exhale, focus on releasing the tension from one area of the body. Then repeat, releasing the tension from another spot. View “cursing” as a red flag. Sometimes letting an exclamation slip out can act as a kind of release valve. Rather than preventing yourself from cursing, the important thing is to view this outburst as a “red flag,” or a sign that you've reached a critical level of frustration. Whenever you become upset enough to curse, immediately stop and relax. Try the “stop and breathe” technique. Perform a body scan and release tension. Walk a way for a moment to compose yourself. See the humanity in others. Very often, we lose our cool dealing with people in a consumer capacity. We may become angry at the customer service representative, or the waitress, or the manager of a grocery store. In these situations, it is easy to focus solely on what it is you want, and fail to see the humanity in the person you are dealing with. In these moments, remind yourself that you are talking to a person with a family and a life, who is probably just doing his job. Remind yourself that the person you are dealing with has parents, and possibly children of his own. Remind yourself that the person you are dealing with has his own daily struggles. Remind yourself that this person eat breakfast, pays bills, and hugs his loved ones, just like you. Imagine an asteroid is hurtling toward Earth. When faced with a moment of intense stress or conflict, stop and imagine an asteroid is hurtling toward Earth. If this were your last hour on the planet, would winning this argument be important at all? The truth is, none of us know how much longer we have to be alive. Calling this to mind can enable you to be relaxed, let minor things go, and be your most positive self. Change your attitude toward “discomfort. ” Pain and discomfort serve important purposes in life. Unfortunately, most people will do anything they can to alleviate discomfort rather than truly experience it. When you feel emotional pain or when you are inconvenienced, don't look for the easiest solution. Take some time to consider the best possible solution. In some cases, that may just mean giving a situation some time. For instance, if you are in a new relationship and you get in an argument, your instinct may be to run, because you feel uncomfortable or experience emotional pain. Ending things might seem like the easiest solution and the best way to protect yourself from further discomfort, but in doing so, you miss out on the opportunity to grow, learn, and stay in a potentially rewarding and wonderful relationship. Remember that growing can be painful, but it's usually worth it. Exercise your patience. Patience is like a muscle: the more you use it the stronger it gets. You can put yourself in positions to strengthen your attitude toward patience. Try to do something like this everyday. Get in the longest line at the bank. Go inside a restaurant instead of using the drive-thru. Park in the last row when you go to the grocery store. Chew your food. Impatience is often expressed by the way we eat. Impatient people tend to rapidly gobble down their food, while relaxed folks take their time. You can work to cultivate patience by taking the time to chew your food. It will take a bit of discipline at first, but in time, you will stoke your ability to remain relaxed and at the same time, improve your digestion. Focus on the journey. When you focus only on some future goal, it robs you of the ability to enjoy what's happening in the present. A person with a future-oriented mindset has trouble being relaxed. The worst part is, the future never really arrives, so you end up spending your whole life in an anxious state. Instead, focus on the journey and enjoy the ride. Stop to notice details during your day. Name five or more features about what is happening in the present moment. You may notice, for example, that the sky is a deep blue with a few clouds, a Tom Petty song is playing, or your dog is splashing in water and looks so happy. | Watch for signs of stress. Get some exercise. Eat healthy snacks. Call a friend. Create a bedtime ritual. Get to know your anger. Stop and breathe. Loosen your muscles. View “cursing” as a red flag. See the humanity in others. Imagine an asteroid is hurtling toward Earth. Change your attitude toward “discomfort. Exercise your patience. Chew your food. Focus on the journey. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-an-AC-Filter | How to Install an AC Filter | The filter for your air conditioning unit keeps the air in your home clean, and you should replace it every 3 months. You'll find the filter on your return air duct, which is usually on the same wall as your thermostat or at least nearby. Look for small fasteners that pull out and let you open the cover. Alternatively, your filter might be inside the unit itself, behind a front panel. All you need to do is take out the old filter, replace it with the new one, and close the grate again. Wipe the grill down with a damp rag to get rid of any dust and you're all set. | Purchase a new filter. You can find air filters at home improvement stores and most big box stores. If you're not sure what to buy, look at the size you already have after you pull it out. Basic air filters take care of things like dust and dirt. You can also buy filters to help reduce allergies, as they filter out more particles. However, the more they filter out, the less efficient they are because AC has to work harder to get the air through the filter. Look for the return air duct. Usually, the return air is located near your thermostat, either on the same wall or nearby. It's often near the floor on the wall and looks like a vent/grate. However, it may also be in the floor, ceiling, the furnace, or even the air conditioner. Pull open the return cover. Find the fasteners to pull open your grill work. Often, you'll have little fasteners that pull out and allow you to open one side of the cover. Lean the cover out towards you. Remove the old filter. Take the old filter out, being careful of the dust. Most filters will have a buildup of dust that will shake off everywhere if you're not careful. Place the filter in the trash. Place the new filter in the vent. Check for the airflow arrow on the vent. The arrow should point inward towards the duct not outward towards the grill. It should set right into the frame of the vent, as long as you have the right size. Clean the grill. Wipe down the grill with a damp rag to remove buildup of dust and hair. You can also use a vacuum cleaner if it's particularly dirty. Run the hose along the vent on the outside and inside to clean it. Check inside your AC unit. With some units, especially indoor units, your filter may be inside the unit. Find the AC closet. Pull off the front panels. They should just slide off. Often, the air filter is at the bottom. Before pulling the filter out, check which direction the air flow arrow is pointed so you can install it correctly. Look for a filtration system inside. Sometimes, you'll have a filter on the inside of the wall when your AC is outside. Often, the filter will just slide into a metal duct. You don't even need to open a grate. Wipe off a reusable filter. Some ACs, particularly ductless filters, have a reusable filter. Switch the unit off, then remove the cover that houses the filter. Pull the filter out and wipe it clean before replacing it. Write the date on the new air filter. Take the new air filter out of its package. It's helpful to write the date on the edge of the filter in permanent marker. That way, you know when you changed it last. Change the filter at least every 3 months. Filters should be changed often, at least 4 times a year. However, if you live in a particularly dusty area, change it more often. You'll also need to change it more if you have pets. Set a reminder. If you have trouble remembering to change your filter, try setting a reminder on your phone or computer calendar. You can also write it on a wall calendar three months from the day you change it. | Purchase a new filter. Look for the return air duct. Pull open the return cover. Remove the old filter. Place the new filter in the vent. Clean the grill. Check inside your AC unit. Look for a filtration system inside. Wipe off a reusable filter. Write the date on the new air filter. Change the filter at least every 3 months. Set a reminder. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Croutons | How to Make Croutons | Before making croutons, preheat your oven to 375 °F and cut 1/2 a pound of stale bread into cubes. Then, put 1/4 cup of melted butter into a bowl and season it with salt. Add your bread cubes and toss them until they are evenly covered. Spread the croutons on a baking tray and bake them for 10 minutes, tossing them after 5 minutes. If you want to make parmesan cheese croutons, add the cheese after 5 minutes in the oven. When the croutons are done, let them cool before serving. | Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut your bread into cubes or rectangles, then set them aside. The best type of bread to use for this is something that is slightly stale with a thick crust, such as: boule, ciabatta, and sourdough. Try to make your pieces about ¾-inch (1.91-centimeter) wide. You can remove the crust if you want to, but many people choose to leave it on for texture and variation. Here are some ways you can cut your croutons: If you want standard croutons, cut the bread into slices first, then into cubes. If you want something rustic, simply tear your bread into small chunks. If you want French croutons, cut a baguette into ¼ to ½-inch (0.64 to 1.27-centimeter) thick slices. Pour the olive oil or melted butter into a large mixing bowl, then stir in your desired seasonings. If you want something simple, a teaspoon or two of salt will do. If you want something more flavorful, try adding some fresh or dried herbs. If you wish to make Parmesan cheese or fresh herb croutons, hold off on the cheese/herbs for right now; you will add them later. Put your bread pieces into the bowl, then toss to mix. Keep tossing until the bread pieces are evenly coated. If you are making French croutons, use a pastry brush to lightly coat each side with the oil mixture instead. Spread the croutons in an even layer across your baking sheet. Make sure that the croutons are not touching, or they may end up soggy. If you can't fit all of the croutons onto one baking sheet, divide them between two baking sheets. If you have a small oven, you will need to bake the croutons on different levels, then rotate the baking sheets after 5 minutes so that they bake evenly. Bake the croutons for bout 10 minutes, tossing them after 5 minutes. Depending on how stale the bread was and the size you made the pieces, your croutons may be done after 10 minutes. If they aren't, toss them again, and bake them for another 5 minutes or so. Some croutons may take up to 20 minutes, especially if you like them extra-crunchy. If you are making French croutons, use a spatula or a pair of tongs to flip the croutons over. If you want to make Parmesan cheese/fresh herb croutons, add the cheese/herbs after the first 5 minutes of baking, just after you toss the croutons. Allow the croutons to cool, then use them in your recipe. If you have any leftover croutons, store them in an airtight container. Cut your bread into ¾-inch (1.91-centimeter) cubes. The best type of bread to use for this is something that is somewhat stale with a thick crust, such as: boule, ciabatta, and sourdough. [[[Image:Make Croutons Step 8 Version 3.jpg|center]] Melt the butter in a skillet over medium to high heat. Try to use salted butter if you can. If you don't have any salted butter on hand, that is okay—just use unsalted butter, and plan to add a pinch of salt later on. Add the bread pieces into the skillet, then give them a stir so that they get evenly coated with the melted butter. You want the bread pieces to be in a single layer. If you have small skillet, it might be a better idea to do this in several batches, otherwise the croutons might end up soggy. Sprinkle the bread with some dried herbs, if desired. If you are using unsalted butter, you can add a pinch of salt at this time. Let the bread cook until it turns brown. Avoid stirring the bread during this time. You only need the bottom side to turn brown. Once it turns brown (or a light-golden color, if you prefer), you are ready for the next step. Give the bread a stir, and cook it for 10 minutes more, stirring often. Once the bread pieces start to turn brown, use a metal spatula to turn them over. Cook the bread pieces for another 10 minutes or so, or until they are browned to your liking. Remove croutons from the skillet. If they are too oily for your liking, you can let them drain on a few folded pieces of paper towel. Use the croutons in your recipe, or store them. This recipe makes about 3 cups (90 grams) of croutons, so you will likely have lots left over. You can store any leftover croutons in an airtight container, as long as they have cooled down first. | Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut your bread into cubes or rectangles, then set them aside. Pour the olive oil or melted butter into a large mixing bowl, then stir in your desired seasonings. Put your bread pieces into the bowl, then toss to mix. Spread the croutons in an even layer across your baking sheet. Bake the croutons for bout 10 minutes, tossing them after 5 minutes. Allow the croutons to cool, then use them in your recipe. Cut your bread into ¾-inch (1.91-centimeter) cubes. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium to high heat. Add the bread pieces into the skillet, then give them a stir so that they get evenly coated with the melted butter. Sprinkle the bread with some dried herbs, if desired. Let the bread cook until it turns brown. Give the bread a stir, and cook it for 10 minutes more, stirring often. Remove croutons from the skillet. Use the croutons in your recipe, or store them. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Make-Your-Dog-Stop-Sleeping-in-Your-Bed | How to Make Your Dog Stop Sleeping in Your Bed | Before you try to make your dog stop sleeping in your bed, buy a dog bed, put it in a comfortable spot, and put your dog's favorite toys in it. Then, take your dog for a long walk before bedtime to tire it out. When you get back, lead your dog to its bed by holding out a treat. Tell your dog “Go to your bed” and give it the treat only when it lies down in its bed. If your dog gets up, tell it “No” and walk it back to its bed. You may have to repeat this several times before your dog learns the command and follows it consistently. | Watch how your dog sleeps. This will help you find a dog bed that will be comfortable for her as she sleeps. Pay close attention to your dog's body language as she sleeps. If your dog likes to stretch out while sleeping, go for a comfortable rectangular mattress. If your dog like to curl up in a tight ball, an enclosed round or oval bed will be the best fit for her. Older or arthritic dogs may feel more comfortable with a memory foam mattress. Buy a dog bed at your local pet store. When buying dog beds, you really do get what you pay for. Flimsy and cheap pet beds will fall apart easily and last your dog only a few months. The better the quality of the bed, the longer it will last. When choosing a dog bed, you should consider your dog's sleeping style, her age, and your budget. There are several types of beds available, including:. Orthopedic dog beds: Orthopedic dog beds are long mattresses that provide orthopedic support. They are best for older dogs and provide extra cushioning. They are also roomy, so if your dog likes to spread out when she sleeps, this could be a good option. Donut (bolster) dog beds: This type of dog bed is a cushion with a raised side that makes it look like a donut. These are good for dogs who like to curl up when they sleep. Pillow or cushion dog beds: These are simple beds made of a large pillow or cushion and are good for dogs who like to spread out when they sleep. 'Heated dog beds: If you live in a colder climate or have an old or small dog that doesn't retain body heat well, a heated dog bed is a good option to keep your dog warm. Place the bed in a comfortable spot, like the living room or in your bedroom. Though you want to encourage your dog to stay out of your bed and in her bed, you should also make sure her sleeping area is in a comfortable spot that she is familiar with. The bed should be in an area that is room temperature and not near a draft or an open door. Look for a spot that is in a dark or shaded area of the room. Put her favorite toys near the bed. This should make the bed more appealing to her. You can also place a shirt that smells like you on her bed to encourage her to lay down on her bed. Set up a sleeping place for your dog in a kennel or crate if she is a new puppy. It's very important establish his sleeping area right away so she is not tempted to try to lay on your bed. Line the kennel or crate with newspaper in case of any nighttime accidents. Create an elevated area at the back of the sleep area, such as a dog bed or pillow, so your puppy is sleeping in a clean area of the kennel. Take your dog for a long walk before bed. This should wear her out and make her have less energy to fight you when it's time for bed. Keep your dog on her leash and lead her to her bed. You can also hold out a treat to give her encouragement to go over to the bed. This will train her to connect the bed with a positive reward. Never pick up your dog and place her in her bed or she will associate being there with a negative experience. Command her to “Go to your bed”. Be clear with your command. Give her a treat only when she lies down on the bed. Every time she gets up out of the bed, say “No” and calmly walk her back to her bed. Then, repeat the command “Go to your bed”. Increase the amount of time after you say the command and then give her a reward only if she lies down in the bed. Eventually your dog will learn the command and understand that she will be rewarded if she stays in her bed. Ignore her whining during the night. She may give you big sad eyes as you try to go to sleep, or vocalize her displeasure at her new sleeping arrangement by whining or moaning during the night. But avoid giving in to these displays as it will only reinforce her behavior and prevent her from getting used to her bed. Yelling at your dog as she whines may only make her whine louder. If the whining continues after you have ignored it for several minutes, ask your dog if she wants to go outside. If she responds and becomes excited, take her out. Make the trip feel purposeful, a time for your pup to go to the bathroom, not play time. If you don't think your dog needs to go to the bathroom and is whining due to being in her bed, continue to ignore her whining. Do not try to punish her behavior as this will actually reinforce her behavior. Punishing her will show her you are paying attention to her behavior. Be prepared for the whining to get worse before your dog eventually stops whining. But commit to ignoring her as it will help her get used to the bed in the long run. Correct your dog if she jumps on your bed. This is an important step to establishing boundaries for your dog and reinforcing the importance of her sleeping on her own bed. If your dog jumps on your bed, tell her “Go to your bed”. If your dog does not move, either pick her up and place her on the floor or gently nudge her off the bed while saying “No.” Use positive reinforcement to correct your dog’s behavior. Many dog owners use a spray bottle of water to punish bad behavior in their dog, including sleeping on their bed or on other furniture. But positive reinforcement, where you reward your dog for good behavior rather than punish her for bad behavior, can also be an effective way to train her. Praise your dog if she goes to her bed without you leading her or if she lies down on her bed after you command “Go to bed”. This will help her associate the bed with rewards and praise rather than punishment or negative feelings. Practice inviting your dog to her bed. Never allow your dog to enter your room or crawl into bed uninvited. This will give her a sense that she is in charge of bedtime. Make sure she only acts on command and when you wake up, make sure she waits calmly for your command before getting out of bed. Establish your dominance over your dog by keeping her out of your bed. One of the ways dogs determine hierarchy is through physical height. The higher-ranking animal will position herself higher than the lower-ranking one. So when you allow your dog to sleep on the bed next to you, she could infer that she is above or equal to you. Maintaining your dominance over your dog is important because without establishing your leaderships, your dog could be disobedient or act out. If you have indicated that you do not have control over your dog, she may take it as license to act badly. Keep your other pets happy and safe. If your household has more than one pet, such as another dog or cats, keeping your dog out of your bed will also set an example for your other pets. Creating separate beds for all your pets will also allow you to get a good night's sleep without having to worry about rolling over and crushing a furry friend. Eliminate the risk of catching a disease or illness. If your dog plays with, steps in, or eats feces (her own or other animals') she could transmit dog-to-human bacteria or parasites like salmonella or heartworms. Most dogs step in all kinds of things, so the likelihood of your dog carrying bacteria you may not want all over your sheets is high. If you suffer from asthma or other allergies, having your dog's fur in your bed may make these issues worse. Keeping your dog in a separate bed or sleeping area will benefit not only your pup, but also your ability to get a good night's sleep. | Watch how your dog sleeps. Buy a dog bed at your local pet store. Place the bed in a comfortable spot, like the living room or in your bedroom. Put her favorite toys near the bed. Set up a sleeping place for your dog in a kennel or crate if she is a new puppy. Take your dog for a long walk before bed. Keep your dog on her leash and lead her to her bed. Command her to “Go to your bed”. Ignore her whining during the night. Correct your dog if she jumps on your bed. Use positive reinforcement to correct your dog’s behavior. Practice inviting your dog to her bed. Establish your dominance over your dog by keeping her out of your bed. Keep your other pets happy and safe. Eliminate the risk of catching a disease or illness. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Gorgeous-As-a-Heavily-Obese-Girl | How to Look Gorgeous As a Heavily Obese Girl | Being obese doesn't mean you can't be gorgeous! Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and by dressing well and highlighting your best features, you can feel great about the way you look. The next time you go clothes shopping, look for pieces that accentuate your best features. For example, if you love your shoulders, choose an off-the-shoulder top, or if like your backside, consider wearing a form fitting skirt. If you want to accentuate your waist, try on a high-waisted skirt or pants, or a wrap dress. Keep in mind that thicker fabrics are usually more flattering than thinner fabrics like cotton and silk. If you like to wear makeup, apply some eyeliner to your top lash line and a little mascara to accentuate your eyes. You can also apply foundation and concealer to even out your skin tone. | Play up your upper body if you're pear-shaped. Wear loose blouses and form-fitting skirts and pants to help your smaller half look more proportionate to your fuller bottom half. Avoid wearing baggy pants and peasant skirts, as these can make your hips and thighs look larger than they actually are. You have a pear-shaped body if your bust measurement is smaller than your hip measurement. You carry more weight around your butt, hips, and thighs. Highlight your chest, arms, and legs if you're apple-shaped. Try tops that show a bit of skin on the shoulders and chest. Wear tailored skirts or pants to make your body look more sleek and smooth. This will create balance between your midsection and the rest of your body. You have an apple-shaped figure if you carry most of your weight in your mid-section. Your hip and bust measurements are smaller than your waist. Accentuate your bottom half if you're cone-shaped. Avoid a lot of detailing and design on the top half, and have more fun with the lower half to even out your appearance. Try skirts that flare out, pants with big pockets, and other fun bottoms. If you're cone-shaped, you'll have larger shoulders and bust. Your hips will be smaller. You can still wear cute shirts, but skip the ones with lots of details, like beading, embroidery, ruffles, and so forth. Enhance your curves if you have a straight body type. Get creative with layers and accessories. Try shirts with ruffles along the shoulders or bust, or skirts that flare out. If you want to wear a maxi dress, pair it with a belt to cinch your waist. This will help give the impression of a fuller top and bottom half and a narrower middle section. You have a straight body type if your shoulders, bust, hips, and waist are all about the same size. Show off your waist if you have an hourglass figure. Pick clothes that taper in at the waist and hug your shape to show off your curves. Loose, baggy clothing won't do your body justice. Women with an hourglass body have a smaller waist, with a curvy bust and wider hips. If this describes you, it's a great idea to accentuate that waist. In general, accentuate your waist no matter your body shape. Your waist can be at your true waist, but it can also be somewhere else, like right under your bust. Balance your frame by letting people know where that part of your body is. You can use a belt to accentuate your waist, as well as by trying to front tuck your top. Another option is a jacket with a drawstring rather than a completely loose jacket. Pick fabrics with structure. Flimsy, lightweight fabrics may seem breezy and casual, but they can cling to your body and actually become a bit uncomfortable. Fabrics that are a bit more substantial will make you look svelte and smooth. They offer support while also concealing any lines from undergarments. You don't need to write off fabrics like silk and cotton forever, but be sure to try different fabrics to find what feels best to you. Try on different styles. As a heavily obese girl, it may be tempting to stay in a certain fashion comfort zone. There is nothing wrong with embracing a flowy, boho style, but try on other options too. The next time you go out clothes shopping, take something you wouldn't normally wear into the fitting room with you. You may like something you never expected to! You don't need to buy any of the clothing you try, and you don't need to show anyone. Just try to be open-minded about other styles of clothing. Remember, you won't know how something looks on you unless you give it a try. Choose clothes that aren't necessarily tight but that skim your body, are comfortable, and show your shape underneath. Flaunt your favorite features. You can dress according to your body type and abide by fashion tips, but at the end of the day, you should show off whatever you want to show off! If you love your shoulders, expose them in a plunging off the shoulder top. If you love your backside, wear a formfitting skirt to boast your behind. You know better than anyone what you're working with, so highlight your best features. Use colors and patterns to your advantage. Don't be afraid of bright colors – just make sure that the clothing fits appropriately! For a sleek look, try creating monochromatic outfits with various textures. If you want to wear stripes, opt for thin, light-colored stripes on a darker background. Vertical stripes will help you look slimmer than horizontal ones as well. If you particularly love a part of your body, wear fun, bright patterns on other parts to draw attention to it. Embrace your body. While it's fun to highlight, accentuate, and maximize certain features, try not to worry about minimizing others. If there's an area of your body that you may not love as much as others, try something radical and show that area off! Dress to make yourself feel happy and confident, not to follow fashion "rules" or to hide your body. Keep your hair healthy. Soft, shiny hair is a gorgeous accessory. To keep your hair healthy, make sure you're treating it healthy. Don't shampoo it too often, as this can strip it of its moisturizing, natural oils. Use hot tools sparingly, and always use a heat protectant. Let your hair air dry whenever you can, but when you can't, use a medium to cool setting on your hair dryer. Make sure you're eating a nutrient-dense diet and drinking plenty of water. A daily multi-vitamin can help with any nutrient deficiencies you may have. Mix up your hairstyle. Branching out from your usual, go-to look can make you look and feel more gorgeous than ever. Don't worry if you aren't a gifted hairstylist – YouTube offers tutorials for every hairstyle under the sun. When you have a little bit of free time, try out a few new looks that make you feel beautiful. Remember to keep your hair healthy. Instead of using curling irons, try some no-heat curling methods instead. Avoid pulling your hair back into sleek ponytails all the time, as this puts too much tension on your hairline and can damage your hair at the roots. Rock some hair accessories. The majority of girls have the occasional self-conscious day, when nothing seems to fit right and every outfit seems to hug in all the wrong places. One of the best things about hair accessories is that they always fit! Add some fun headbands, stylish clips, and trendy hats to your wardrobe to easily add a special touch to any outfit. Perfect your skin with foundation and concealer. When it comes to applying makeup, the goal is to accentuate your natural, gorgeous features. Whether you're a complete makeup rookie or an aspiring cosmetologist, developing a makeup routine that you enjoy can boost your confidence and help you look gorgeous. Creating flawless-looking skin is the first step. Even out your skin tone with a liquid foundation. With clean hands, dot the product all over your face and blend it in thoroughly with a thick, rounded makeup brush. Use a concealer to cover up blemishes or discoloration. Use your fingertips to gently tap the product into your skin. Set everything with a powder. Gently brush the powder over your foundation and concealer, focusing on areas of your face that tend to get oily. Accentuate your eyes with eyeliner and mascara. Most girls have a personal preference when it comes to this step, so feel free to develop your own routine. If you're brand new to makeup, however, there are a few basic techniques to make your eyes really pop. Apply eyeliner to your top lash line to make your eyes look big and bright, and your lashes appear more luscious and thick. Curl your eyelashes with an eyelash curler to make them look more open. Apply mascara to add volume and intensity to your lashes. Use a blush to brighten your face. This step is extremely important. While smooth, even skin is great, a blush or a bronzer will give you an attractive, cheery glow. It will add some dimension to your skin, and brighten your entire makeup look. Choose a color that looks and feels natural to you. Depending on your skin tone, this might be a bubblegum pink, a peach, or a bronze color. Use a soft blush brush to apply this to the apples of your cheeks, gently sweeping it upwards towards your ears. Blend the blush into your skin softly. Find role models similar to you. If you're surrounded or bombarded with images of girls who look completely different than you, it can be easy to feel like an outsider. It's important to find relatable role models who inspire you. It doesn't matter if it's a plus-size model in a fashion show, a super confident woman you know in real life, a teacher, a family member, or a body positivity spokesperson – just find someone who helps you love yourself. Do a search online for plus-sized or obese models, writers, song writers, or actresses. Read their stories and listen to their interviews. They may inspire you! Remember that you are your biggest critic. If there are certain things you don't like about yourself, you're most likely the only one who notices. If you can forget about your little “flaws,” others will too. If you're having a great time and embracing what you have to offer, other people will be attracted to that. Consider giving yourself a compliment each day. If you're having trouble doing this, start off with something small, like your eye color, then work your way up. Think about the bigger picture. As cliché as it may sound, you only live once. Don't waste your time worrying about a few extra pounds or trying to conform to a certain expectation. Embrace your body, and remember that it is completely beautiful in all of its uniqueness. When you feel confident, worthy, and gorgeous in your own skin, you will look like it too! | Play up your upper body if you're pear-shaped. Highlight your chest, arms, and legs if you're apple-shaped. Accentuate your bottom half if you're cone-shaped. Enhance your curves if you have a straight body type. Show off your waist if you have an hourglass figure. In general, accentuate your waist no matter your body shape. Pick fabrics with structure. Try on different styles. Flaunt your favorite features. Use colors and patterns to your advantage. Embrace your body. Keep your hair healthy. Mix up your hairstyle. Rock some hair accessories. Perfect your skin with foundation and concealer. Accentuate your eyes with eyeliner and mascara. Use a blush to brighten your face. Find role models similar to you. Remember that you are your biggest critic. Think about the bigger picture. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Program-GM-Keyless-Remotes | How to Program GM Keyless Remotes | To program a GM keyless remote from before 2007, sit inside the vehicle while holding the key, and close all of the vehicle doors. Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder, but do not turn on the ignition. Press and hold the unlock switch on the driver door, and while still holding the switch in the unlock position, quickly cycle the ignition ON, OFF, ON, OFF, ON, OFF. Release the door unlock switch, then simultaneously press and hold the lock and unlock button on the keyless remote for 15 seconds. Turn the ignition switch ON again to exit the keyless entry transmitter mode. | Get inside of your vehicle. It is necessary for you to be near both the inside locks and the ignition. Make sure you are sitting comfortably in your seat, and that the keyless remote is close enough to the steering wheel and locks. Close all the vehicle doors. Make sure that each door is shut tightly, otherwise the vehicle will not sync correctly. If you can, give each door handle a yank from the inside to make sure that they are closed as tight as they can be. Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder. However, do not turn ignition switch yet. This will screw up the cycle you will have to start over. Press and hold the driver door unlock switch. This is the switch on the door, not the remote. Do not let up on the lock, otherwise it will mess up the process and force you to restart. While holding the door lock switch in the unlock position, cycle the ignition ON, OFF, ON, OFF, ON, OFF. Only turn the key as far as it will go before the ignition actually starts the engine. You do not want to start your car. Every time you turn the key to the ON position, a light on the dashboard should appear, and then go away when you turn the key to the OFF position. Do this step quickly. Release the door unlock switch. The doors will lock and unlock one time to confirm the program mode is activated. If the door only locks, or only unlocks, you will have to start the process over again. Something likely went out of sync, or you did not turn the ignition ON/OFF fast enough. Simultaneously press and hold the lock button and the unlock button on the keyless remote for fifteen seconds. The doors will lock and unlock as you are holding down both buttons to confirm the programming of that transmitter. Do not wait to do this step. You want to do this within ten to twenty seconds after you have shifted the ignition ON/OFF. Repeat the previous step to program up to four transmitters. Once more, do not wait very long in between transmitters. Otherwise you will lose the sync with your car and have to start the process all over again. Turn the ignition switch to the ON (one more click forward) position in order to exit the keyless entry transmitter mode. If you forget to do this step, it is likely that your car will not unlock/lock properly. Operate the transmitter functions in order to verify correct system operation. Step out of your car, and go as far as 20 feet. Test the locking mechanism on the transmitter. If it works from that distance, step back another 20 feet (40 feet in total) and try it from there. If you are noticing it not working, you may have to restart the sync cycle over again. It may also indicate the battery is low. Determine if your car has a VIC (Vehicle Identity Check). Common places to look are in your driver's manual which comes with the car. You can ask your car care professional. There should also be a Vehicle Information button on your dashboard with a picture of a car, marked with the letter "I". If your car has a VIC, use the following steps. Get in your car. Sit down comfortably in the driver's seat, and make sure that all of the doors are closed. Tug on each of the handles from inside to make sure they are all closed tight. Make sure that your transmitter is close to the steering wheel and lock buttons. Start your car. Put your key in the ignition and turn it all the way clockwise until you hear the engine come on. Make sure that the gear shift is set to park. Press and hold the Vehicle Information button until the display reads "Press V to Relearn Remote Key. " If for some reason the display does not appear, restart your car, and repeat the previous steps. If the display still does not appear, contact your nearest GM car care professional. Press the Set/Reset button until "Remote Key Learning Active" appears on the display. The Set/Reset button should be near the Vehicle Information button. If you cycle past the option, continue pressing the Set/Reset button until the "Remote Key Learning Active" option reappears. Press and hold the Lock and Unlock buttons at the same time. Do this for at least fifteen seconds. You should hear a noise that sounds like a chime. This means that your transmitter has been successfully synced. If that does not happen, it is likely the sync is off, in which case you will have to restart the process. Repeat the previous step for each transmitter, up to four. Do this in rapid succession. If you wait too long, it is likely that your car will go out of sync, and you will have to restart the process for whichever transmitters you have left over. Exit programming mode by turning off the vehicle and removing the key. It is important that you do this, otherwise the lock/unlock features in your car will not properly work. This can result in dangerous circumstances where your locks do not work. If you forget, or take too long to take your key out, start the whole process over again for your own safety and convenience. Test your transmitters. Get out of your car and close the driver's door. Step away from the car about 20 feet. Press the unlock/lock buttons separately. If they work from this distance, step back to a further distance and try your transmitter from there. If you are noticing that your transmitter is not locking and/or unlocking, start the process over again to ensure that it works. If you have repeated the process numerous times with no success, contact your car care professional for further instruction/help. If the transmitter works at 20 feet but does not work at, say, 40 feet, the transmitter may not have a strong enough signal to travel that far, or that the transmitter's batteries are low. Determine if your car has a VIC (Vehicle Identity Check). A common place to find this information is in your driver's manual which comes with the car. You can ask your car care professional. There should also be a button on your dashboard with a picture of a car, marked with the letter "I". If your car does not have a VIC, use the following steps. Get in your car. Sit comfortably in the driver's seat, and make sure that your transmitter is close enough to the steering wheel and internal locks. Pull on the internal handles of each door to make sure that they are closed tightly. Turn your key to the "Accessory Power" position. When you put the key into the ignition, do not turn it all the way clockwise. Instead, turn it to the position right before when the ignition would start. Press and hold the odometer stem for three seconds. This is located in front of the driver's seat, behind the steering wheel. Do this until the display board reads "Relearn Remote Key." If your car does not do this, you may have your key in the wrong position. You can always pull your key out and start again. Press and hold the Unlock/Lock buttons at the same time for fifteen seconds. You will hear a noise that sounds like a chime. This means that your transmitter has been successfully synced. If you do not hear this chime, that means that the sync is off. You will have to repeat the previous steps in order to successfully sync your transmitter. Program additional transmitters, up to four. Do this in rapid succession, otherwise your car will go out of sync. If this happens, make sure that you begin the process over again, otherwise you will not successfully sync your transmitters. Turn your key to the left and remove it. If you do not do this step right afterwards, it could throw the sync of the car off. If you forget to take the key out, or take it out a while afterwards, it is best to repeat the previous steps over again. Otherwise you could potentially have thrown off your transmitters, and not be able to work your Unlock/Lock buttons. Test your transmitters. Step out of your car and shut the driver's door. Step about 20 feet away and press the Unlock/Lock buttons separately. If the locks seem to work, go back even further and test it again. If the locks do not appear to work, it is best to restart the process for your own safety. If you have tried and tried again, and nothing seems to work, contact your nearest car care professional. Put the key in the ignition and turn to start (but don't turn on the engine). Short pins 8 and 4 on the ODB1 port (makes the doors lock and unlock). The data port is located under the steering column below the dash. Press and hold the lock button on the remote until the car locks to program it
| Get inside of your vehicle. Close all the vehicle doors. Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder. Press and hold the driver door unlock switch. While holding the door lock switch in the unlock position, cycle the ignition ON, OFF, ON, OFF, ON, OFF. Release the door unlock switch. Simultaneously press and hold the lock button and the unlock button on the keyless remote for fifteen seconds. Repeat the previous step to program up to four transmitters. Turn the ignition switch to the ON (one more click forward) position in order to exit the keyless entry transmitter mode. Operate the transmitter functions in order to verify correct system operation. Determine if your car has a VIC (Vehicle Identity Check). Get in your car. Start your car. Press and hold the Vehicle Information button until the display reads "Press V to Relearn Remote Key. Press the Set/Reset button until "Remote Key Learning Active" appears on the display. Press and hold the Lock and Unlock buttons at the same time. Repeat the previous step for each transmitter, up to four. Exit programming mode by turning off the vehicle and removing the key. Test your transmitters. Determine if your car has a VIC (Vehicle Identity Check). Get in your car. Turn your key to the "Accessory Power" position. Press and hold the odometer stem for three seconds. Press and hold the Unlock/Lock buttons at the same time for fifteen seconds. Program additional transmitters, up to four. Turn your key to the left and remove it. Test your transmitters. Put the key in the ignition and turn to start (but don't turn on the engine). Short pins 8 and 4 on the ODB1 port (makes the doors lock and unlock). Press and hold the lock button on the remote until the car locks to program it
|
https://www.wikihow.com/Learn-English-Grammar | How to Learn English Grammar | Learning English grammar can seem really complicated at first, but once you learn the basics, it should feel more natural. If you're just starting to learn English, focus on the parts of speech, like nouns, adjectives, and verbs. Once you understand these, learn how to put together a simple sentence using a verb and an action. For example, “The dog ran,” or “The boy laughed.” Make sure your nouns and verbs are both singular or plural. For instance, in the sentence "The children are at school," both the noun and verb are plural, which are "children" and "are". If it was singular, the sentence would be "The child is at school." After that, learn basic punctuation, like ending every sentence with a period and separating clauses with commas. You should also read books and magazines in English so you can see how everything fits together and have fun while you learn. | Learn the parts of speech. Every word in the English language can be categorized as a specific part of speech. The parts of speech do not define what a word is. Instead, they describe how to use that word. A noun is a person, place, or thing. Example: grandma, school, pencil A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun within a sentence. Example: he, she, they Articles are special terms that proceed a noun within a sentence. The three articles are: a, an, the An adjective modifies or describes a noun or pronoun. Example: red, tall A verb is a word that describes an action or state of being. Example: be, run, sleep An adverb modifies or describes a verb. Adverbs can also be used to modify adjectives. Example: happily, wonderfully A conjunction joins two parts of a sentence together. Example: and, but A preposition is used in combination with a noun or pronoun to create a phrase that modifies other parts of speech, like a verb, noun, pronoun, or adjective. Example: up, down, of, from Interjections are words that express an emotional state. Example: wow, ouch, hey Explore the rules governing each part of speech in greater depth. Most parts of speech have additional rules governing their usage. If you want to master English grammar, you will need to study these rules in detail. Make note of the following for your studies: Nouns can be: singular or plural; proper or common; collective; count or non-count; abstract or concrete; gerunds Pronouns can be: personal, possessive, reflexive, intensive, reciprocal, indefinite, demonstrative, interrogative, or relative Adjectives can be used on their own, for the sake of making comparisons, or as superlatives. Adverbs are either relative adverbs or adverbs of frequency. Conjunctions are either coordinating or correlative. Verbs can be: action verbs or linking verbs; main verbs or auxiliary/helping verbs The articles "a" and "an" are indefinite, while the article "the" is definite. Know how to write numbers. Single-digit numbers (zero through nine) should be spelled out in word form, but double-digit numbers (10 and up) should be written in numerical form. All numbers within a sentence should either be spelled out or written numerically. Do not mix and match. Correct example: I bought 14 apples but my sister only bought 2 apples. Incorrect example: I bought 14 apples but my sister only bought two apples. Never start a sentence with a number written in numerical form. Spell out simple fractions and use hyphens with them. Example: one-half A mixed fraction can be written numerically. Example: 5 1/2 Write decimals in numerical figures. Example: 0.92 Use commas when writing numbers with four or more digits. Example: 1,234,567 Write out the numerical figure when specifying the day of the month. Example: June 1 Learn how to structure a basic sentence. At minimum, every sentence consists of a subject and an action. A sentence that lacks either one is a sentence fragment and is considered to be improper. The subject is usually a noun or pronoun, and the action is conveyed using a verb. Correct example: The dog ran. Note that the subject is indicated in italics and the action is indicated in bold print. Incorrect example: Yesterday afternoon. Expand your sentences into more complex forms after mastering this basic format. Maintain correct subject/verb agreement. Within a sentence, both the subject and verb must share the same singular/plural state. You cannot use the singular form of a verb with a plural subject; a plural subject must have a plural verb. Correct example: They are at school. Incorrect example: They is at school. When two singular subjects are connected with the word "and" ( he and his brother ), the subject becomes plural. When connected by "or" or "nor" ( he or his brother ), the subject is singular. Collective nouns, like "family" or "team," are treated as singular nouns and require a singular verb. Form compound sentences. Compound sentences are the easiest sentence form to master after the basic sentence. Use a conjunction to join two related thoughts into one sentence rather than forming two separate sentences. Instead of: The dog ran. He was fast. Use: The dog ran and he was fast. Instead of: We looked for the missing book. We could not find it. Use: We looked for the missing book but could not find it. Practice using conditional phrases. A conditional sentence describes a situation in which one part of the sentence is true only if the other part is true. They can also be referred to as "if, then" statements, but the word "then" will not always appear when the sentence is written. Example: If you ask your mother, then she will take you to the store. Note, however, that it would also be correct to write: If you ask your mother, she will take you to the store. Both forms are still conditional. Understand how to use clauses. Use clauses to form complex sentences. Clauses are the "building blocks" that can be used to expand a sentence past its basic form. They can either be independent or dependent. An independent clause has its own subject and verb. As a result, it could stand as its own sentence. Note that compound sentences, as mentioned previously, consist of independent clauses. Example: She felt sad, but her friends cheered her up. Both "she felt sad" and "her friends cheered her up" could stand as separate sentences. A dependent clause is one that could not stand as its own sentence. Example: While he agreed with his brother, the boy would not admit to it. The clause "While he agreed with his brother" would not make sense a separate sentence, so it is a dependent clause. Manage punctuation. There are multiple punctuation marks and various rules governing their usage. You should study these rules in detail, but first, you need a basic understanding of how each punctuation mark is used. Periods (.) mark the end of a statement sentence. Ellipses (...) indicate that a portion of text has been removed from the passage. Commas (,) separate words or word groups when a pause is necessary but a period is inappropriate. Semicolons (;) should be used in complex sentences that lack a connecting conjunction. Colons (:) are used to introduce lists within a sentence. Question marks (?) are used at the end of a sentence when the sentence asks a question. Exclamation points (!) are used at the end of a statement sentence to indicate surprise or emphasis. Quotation marks (") separate words spoken by another person from the rest of the text. Parentheses () enclose information that clarifies a preceding thought. Apostrophes (') separate contractions and show possession. Learn about paragraph structure. A basic paragraph consists of three to seven sentences. Each paragraph must have a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. The topic sentence is usually the first sentence in the paragraph. It is the most general sentence and introduces the idea you plan to discuss throughout the rest of the paragraph. Example: English grammar is a complex topic that covers a range of information. The supporting sentences explain the idea presented in the topic sentence with greater detail. Example: English grammar is a complex topic that covers a range of information. At the "word" level, one must learn about parts of speech. At the "sentence" level, topics like sentence structure, subject/verb agreement, and clauses must be explored. The rules governing punctuation use are also a part of "sentence" level grammar. Once a person starts writing larger piece, he or she must also learn about paragraph structure and organization. The concluding sentence summarizes the information presented in the paragraph. It is not always necessary, but you should still know how to write one. Example: English grammar is a complex topic that covers a range of information. At the "word" level, one must learn about parts of speech. At the "sentence" level, topics like sentence structure, subject/verb agreement, and clauses must be explored. The rules governing punctuation use are also a part of "sentence" level grammar. Once a person starts writing larger piece, he or she must also learn about paragraph structure and organization. All of these rules define and describe how to write English correctly. Also note that the first sentence of a paragraph should be indented a few spaces to the right of the paragraph's left edge. Vary sentences within a paragraph. While you could technically have a paragraph that uses nothing but basic sentences, a better and more grammatically pleasing paragraph will have a variety of simple and complex sentences. Correct example: I love my cat. He has soft, orange fur. On cold days, he likes to cuddle next to me for warmth. I think that my cat is the greatest cat ever, and I am really happy to have him. Incorrect example: I love my cat. He is orange. His fur is soft. He cuddles next to me on cold days. My cat is the greatest cat. I am really happy to have him. Organize longer pieces. After you feel comfortable with your paragraph writing skills, try writing longer works, like academic essays. Essay writing is a separate subject, so you should study about it in greater detail. There are a few things you should keep in mind as you begin, though. Organize your essay by writing an introductory paragraph, three or more body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. The introductory paragraph must be a general paragraph that presents the main idea without providing detail. The supporting paragraphs must expand on this main idea with greater detail, and each paragraph should cover its own separate point. The concluding paragraph restates and summarizes the information presented in the essay and does not introduce any new information. Understand that this is just the beginning. The rules and information provided in this article will not teach you everything you need to know about English grammar. This article is intended to serve as a starting point in your studies. The actual subject of English grammar is much more complex, and you will need to devote a lot of time and effort if you really want to learn it. Compare grammar rules. If you are learning English as a second language, compare the rules of English grammar to the grammar rules of your native language. Some aspects will be similar while others will differ. When the rules are the same, rely on the knowledge you have of your native grammar to help you with English grammar. When the rules differ, devote more time and concentration on practicing those aspects of English grammar as you study. Do a lot of reading. People who do a lot of reading tend to be more proficient with English grammar in their own writing and speech. This does not refer to grammar books. Grammar books are helpful, of course, but the principle of this step is a different one. Read books, magazines, or other materials written in English that you enjoy. The more often you read, the more familiar you will naturally become with the way that grammar is used in word, sentence, and paragraph levels. Learning the rules of English grammar is an important step, but you will be able to put those rules into practice better if you are actually used to seeing proper grammar. Take a class. If you are currently in school, look for a special elective class that focuses on grammar or a tutoring opportunity provided through your school. If you are no longer in school, consider taking a grammar class at a community college, community center, or library. You could also look for a class online. For non-native English speakers, look for classes specifically designed for students who are learning English as a secondary language. These classes are usually labeled as ESL (English as a Second Language), ENL (English as a New Language), or ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes. Find a mentor. If formal classes do not help, find a mentor who can review grammar rules with you one-on-one. This mentor could be a teacher, professor, or professional tutor. On the other hand, it could also be a parent, sibling, friend, or other relative who has a strong grasp of the English language and is willing to help out. Look for additional information on your own. Go to a bookstore and purchase an English grammar workbook, or hop online and access some free grammar resources through the Internet. As a general rule, look for Internet sources that come from educational (.edu) websites. Examples include: The Guide to Grammar and Writing by Capital Community College Foundation ( http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/ ) Purdue University's Online Writing Lab ( https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/5/ ) Practice. Above all else, practice makes perfect. The more you can practice English grammar, the better you'll get with it. | Learn the parts of speech. Explore the rules governing each part of speech in greater depth. Know how to write numbers. Learn how to structure a basic sentence. Maintain correct subject/verb agreement. Form compound sentences. Practice using conditional phrases. Understand how to use clauses. Manage punctuation. Learn about paragraph structure. Vary sentences within a paragraph. Organize longer pieces. Understand that this is just the beginning. Compare grammar rules. Do a lot of reading. Take a class. Find a mentor. Look for additional information on your own. Practice. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Register-a-Green-Dot-Card | How to Register a Green Dot Card | If you want to activate your Green Dot debit card online, visit the Green Dot website. Enter the 16-digit number printed on the front of the card, followed by the expiration date and the 3-digit code printed on the back of the card, then click "Continue." Then, you'll need to provide your personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number in order to activate your card. | Visit the Green Dot Platinum site to register your secured credit card. A Green Dot Platinum Card is a pre-paid credit card. You fill out an application for the card, which is then sent to you in the mail. You must pay a deposit to secure your line of credit. Go to https://www.greendot.com/for-people/our-products/secured-credit-card to apply for a secured credit card or register a card you've received. Generally, the amount of your deposit is the amount of your line of credit. For example, if you deposited $200, you would have a $200 line of credit. Enter your account number and your personal information. When you click the "Register Card" button, you'll be redirected to the card activation page. You'll need to enter the following information: Your account number (the number on the front of your card) Your name The last 4 digits of your Social Security number Your card's expiration date The CVC/CVV number on the back of your card Your date of birth The state where you live Your ZIP code Click "Activate Card" to finish the process. Once your card is activated, you can use it to make purchases anywhere that accepts VISA cards. Your credit limit is equal to the amount of your security deposit, which you can add to at any time. Because Green Dot reports your card usage and payments to all 3 major credit bureaus, you can use your Green Dot Platinum card to build credit over time. Keep your card balance low and make your payment on time every month. Avoid carrying a balance on your card because you will be charged interest, which will make it harder to pay off as time goes on. Visit https://secure2.greendot.com/enroll/get-started to activate your card online. This is a secure page, meaning any information you send through the site is encrypted and is therefore only able to be used by Green Dot. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV. The first page will ask you for the 16-digit card number, which can be found across the front of the card. You will then need to enter the card's 4-digit expiration date, which is located below the card number, and the CVV, which is the 3-digit security code found on the back of the card. Click the "Next" button to be taken to the next page. If you have entered the card information correctly, you should be taken to a page asking for more information. If you receive an error message, check to make sure you entered the numbers correctly. If you continue to receive an error message, call the number on the back of your card. Enter your personal information to finish registering your card. The USA PATRIOT Act requires banks to collect and verify personal information for all account holders. To finish activating your card, you must provide your: Name Address Date of birth Mobile phone number Social Security number | Visit the Green Dot Platinum site to register your secured credit card. Enter your account number and your personal information. Click "Activate Card" to finish the process. Visit https://secure2.greendot.com/enroll/get-started to activate your card online. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV. Click the "Next" button to be taken to the next page. Enter your personal information to finish registering your card. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Count-Calories-in-Your-Cat%27s-Food | How to Count Calories in Your Cat's Food | To count calories in your cat's food, start by looking on the back of the bag for a food label that lists the amount of calories in a serving. Alternatively, check the company's website or call them to ask for this information. You can also determine the amount of calories by finding an online calorie calculator and entering the information from the bag's label. | Check the label for the number of calories. In order to determine the number of calories in your cat's food, you should look at the food label to see if the calories are listed. Cat food companies are not required to put caloric information on the label. That being said, some brands will include caloric information. This is often the case for foods that are marketed as “light.” Calculate the calories using an online calculator. If you cannot find the caloric information printed on the label, then you can calculate the number of calories yourself. For example, use an online calorie calculator to determine the number of calories. In order to do this, you will need to look at the “Guaranteed Analysis” section of the food label. Here you will find all of the nutritional information regarding the percentage of protein, fiber, fat, minerals, etc. found within the food. You will then input these numbers into an online calculator, such as this one: http://fnae.org/carbcalorie.html The calculator will determine the number of calories per 100 grams of food. It will also provide you with information concerning the percentage of carbohydrates. Look at the manufacturer's website for caloric information. In some instances you can find the caloric information regarding your cat's food by searching the specific product page on the manufacturer's website. In many instances the manufacturer will list the caloric information on the website, rather than directly on the label. You can also email or phone the manufacturer to inquire about this information. Compare the calories in wet and dry foods. Generally, dry cat food is more condensed and contains more calories than wet food. This means that your cat could get the same amount of calories by eating a small amount of dry food and a larger serving of wet food. In most cases, the calorie count for dry food is anywhere between 350 and 500 calories per cup (0.2 liters), whereas wet food ranges from 120 to 190 calories per cup (0.2 liters). Different proteins also have different average calorie levels. For instance, chicken-based foods typically have more calories than turkey, fish, or beef-based cat foods. Talk with your vet. It is also important to have a good understanding of how many calories your particular cat needs to consume each day. This amount will vary between cats and is usually based on their age, weight, activity level, and whether or not they have been spayed or neutered. Ask your vet to assess your cat and determine the proper number of calories it should consume each day. In most instances your vet will provide you with an ideal caloric range for your cat. Use an online calculator. It is also possible to discover your cat's caloric needs using an online calculator. Complete an online search for a “cat calorie calculator.” You will then need to input your cat's weight and indicate if your cat has been spayed or neutered. You will also be asked if your cat is a kitten. This calculator will provide a general indication of your cat's caloric needs, but is not as accurate as a vet assessment. Calculate the number of calories yourself. It is also possible to calculate the number of calories your cat needs by using a mathematical formula: Cal=(weight kg^0.75)*70*Factor. You need to calculate your cat's weight in kilograms to the power of 0.75. Then multiply that number by 70. This will give your cat's Resting Energy Requirements (RER). You then need to adjust that calculation slightly depending on your cat's age and activity level. For a normal adult cat you would multiply this number by 1.2. For example, an adult cat that has been neutered and that weighs 10lbs (4.54kg) will use the following formula to calculate their desired calories: (4.54^0.75)*70*1.2=261 calories/day. If this were a kitten, you would adjust the factor number from 1.2 to 2. Alternatively, if the cat was overweight the factor would be adjusted from 1.2 to 0.8. Understand the average caloric intake for cats. An adult cat needs approximately 25 to 35 calories per pound per day. The number varies slightly based on activity level. For example, an active eight pound adult cat would need to consume about 30 calories per pound per day for a total of 240 calories. Kittens need to eat slightly more because they are still growing. As a result, you should feed them frequent meals (approximately four per day) and they should eat as much as they can until they reach six months of age. At this point you can begin feeding them like an adult cat. Monitor your kitten's weight and development to ensure they are not over or under eating. Determine your cat's proper daily feeding portion. Once you have determined the number of calories your cat needs to eat each day and the number of calories within its food, you can calculate how much food to feed your cat each day. For example, if your cat needs 400 calories per day and you are feeding your cat a dry food that contains 200 calories per cup (0.2 liters), then you would need to feed your cat two cups (0.5 liters) of food per day. You could divide this up into two meals or allow your cat to graze all day and only provide a maximum of two cups of food. Subtract any calories that are given in the form of treats. You should also take into consideration the calories contained in any treats that you give your cat. For example, if your cat eats 50 calories worth of treats each day, then you need to reduce the amount of calories they receive through their regular meals. For example, if your cat needs 200 calories per day and they eat 50 calories in treats, they would have 150 calories left to receive from food. If their food contains 100 calories per cup (0.2 liters) then they would need 1.5 cups (0.4 liters) of food each day. Monitor your cat's weight. You will likely need to change the amount of food you give your cat throughout their lifespan. This is because their activity level and metabolism may change as they age. Monitor your cat's weight and adjust their caloric intake accordingly. For example, if your cat begins to gain weight, you may need to start feeding them less calories each day. Similarly, if they start losing weight begin feeding them more calories. Calculate their caloric needs by using their desired weight instead of their actual weight. This will help you determine the exact amount you should be feeding them. In order to lose weight, your cat will need to eat less than the recommended caloric intake for its weight. Consult with your vet to determine how much and how quickly to reduce your cat's caloric intake in order to prevent starving or underfeeding your cat. | Check the label for the number of calories. Calculate the calories using an online calculator. Look at the manufacturer's website for caloric information. Compare the calories in wet and dry foods. Talk with your vet. Use an online calculator. Calculate the number of calories yourself. Understand the average caloric intake for cats. Determine your cat's proper daily feeding portion. Subtract any calories that are given in the form of treats. Monitor your cat's weight. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Handle-an-Approaching-Dog | How to Handle an Approaching Dog | To handle an approaching dog, don't smile at it or look it in the eyes, since some dogs may take this as a sign of aggression. If the dog's owner is with it, keep your eyes on them instead, and get their approval to greet their dog before you try petting it. Then, let the dog come to you, so it feels comfortable and in control of the situation, and offer it your hand to sniff. The dog may move a little toward you, bend its head to be pet, or wag its tail if it approves of you. However, if it growls or if its ears go back, leave it alone, but don't let it see that you're afraid or it may use that as an opportunity to attack. | Ask the owner first. Don't try to greet a dog that's not on a leash and with its owner. You know nothing about the dog, so you can't be sure whether it's aggressive or not. When a dog is with its owner, you have a chance to ask if it's okay to approach. The owner may have a good reason for not wanting you to approach. For instance, the dog may not be comfortable around strangers. Don't look the dog in the eye. Looking a dog in the eye is a sign of aggression. Therefore, if you're trying to keep an interaction friendly, skip looking it in the eye. Focus on the dog's owner. You can also look further down, like at the dog's paws. Also, don't smile, as that looks like you're showing your teeth, a sign of aggression. Let the dog come to you. If you move towards it, the dog may take that as a sign of aggression. Instead, stop and let the dog move towards you. It lets the dog feel more in control, which makes the dog more comfortable. Give the dog a chance to smell you. Hold out your hand so your dog can test you out in a dog's way, by sniffing you. Either hold your hand out with your fingers together, palm down downward or hold it out in a tight fist. Watch for the approval from the dog. The dog will let you know if it's okay to take the interaction farther. If it approves, it may move a little towards you. It may also bend its head down so you can pet it or wag its tail. On the other hand, if its ears go back or he growls, let the dog be. Backing up or cowering is also a bad sign from the dog. Keep your petting away from bad areas. Dogs are sensitive about certain areas, like their stomachs and paws. Pet the dog on the back of the neck or shoulders, not the head. The chest is also fine for petting, as long as you approach gently with an open hand. If the dog shifts out of your reach a little or steps back, the petting session is over. Let your dog greet another dog. If your dog is with you and the dog appears friendly, you can encourage an encounter by letting them arch around each other sideways while you keep the leash somewhat slack. They will likely sniff each other. You do want to be able to pull the leash back if you need to. Once they greet each other, both will probably be ready to move on. Watch for the dogs getting angry or aggressive. If either dog gets stiff or stands up taller, you should pull your dog away. Also look for flat ears, growling, or bared teeth. Look for signs of aggressiveness. Often, dogs greet each other from the side when they're not on a leash, rather than from the front. Watch for dogs who are running straight at you and looking you in the eye. That's a good time to start moving away, as it's more likely to be aggressive. Don't make eye contact. Because looking the dog in the eye is an invitation to fight, try not to stare an advancing dog down. You may want to give a nervous smile, but that's also a bad idea. If you show your teeth, that is dog language for aggression. Try not to be afraid. While it can be difficult to do when an aggressive-looking dog is coming your way, it's important to not be afraid. Dogs can sense when you're afraid, and they will use that as an opportunity to attack. Put distance between you and the dog if possible. Move across the street in a steady walk. Also, try to put physical objects between you and the dog, such as cars, light poles, fences, or trees. Sometimes, that will distract a dog. Stand still if the dog is too close. If a dog jumps out at you, try standing still with your limbs tucked closely to your body. Running at this point will only encourage the dog to chase you, and most dogs won't attack when you hold your ground. If you notice the dog start to back up, take a step towards it to encourage it to move on. Try to stay quiet while standing still. Curl up. If you're on the ground, your best option is to curl up into a ball. Make sure to protect your head with your arms. Pull something over you if you can, like a jacket. Also, make sure your fingers aren't sticking out because they make easy targets. Protect yourself with a shield. If the dog bites, your first instinct is to pull back. However, that will just make the dog more aggressive. Instead, try to protect that area with something like clothing, a bag, or a purse. Don't be aggressive back, as that eggs the dog on. Try to move your dog away. If a dog is coming at you and your dog looking like it might want an interaction or a fight, you should try to get you and your dog out of the way. The best way to do that is to distract your dog with treats, which is why it's important to carry treats with you when you're out and about with your dog. Hold the treats up for your dog to see, making sure to get in its line of sight. If you need to, reward your dog with a treat every step or two to keep the focus on you. Move out of the way. The best thing to do with an aggressive dog, particularly if you have your dog with you, is to get away from it if possible. Walk quickly to a place that hides you, such as a car or even a fence. If you can get out of the dog's line of sight, you're better off. Don't run. Running will encourage the dog to come after you. It'll think it's time for a chase. Therefore, just try to walk in a quick and determined manner. Jogging may also encourage the dog to come after you and your dog. Put the focus on yourself. If you can't get enough distance between you and the approaching dog to be on the safe side, you'll need to stand your ground. Get your dog to sit and then step between your dog and the approaching dog. Hold your hand out, and say a command like "stop" or "sit" in a loud, deep voice. Use a common command, as the dog is more likely to respond. Distract the dog with treats. If the dog stops at all, throw some treats in its direction. Often, the dog will stop to hunt around for the treats, giving you a break in the action. Use the opportunity to take yourself and your dog away from the situation. Consider carrying a distraction tool with you. You can use things like air horns, loud whistles, and even umbrellas to distract a dog from attacking. The first two rely on noise to distract the dog. Opening up an umbrella in the dog's direction can scare it enough to make it back away. Don't put yourself in the middle of a fight. If you try to get between two dogs who are gearing up for a fight, you could find yourself with a serious injury. Getting yourself injured is no way to save your dog because then you have to deal with treating your own wound. The best way to break up a dogfight is to find someone to help you. Each of you should grab a dog by the back legs, lifting up and pulling back to remove them from the fight. Try to move the dogs as far away from each other as possible. If you can only do one dog, pick the one that's being the most aggressive. Call an ambulance. If you are bleeding a lot, it's best to call 911. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to something like a dog wound. The ER doctors will be able to assess if you need stitches and/or antibiotics to treat the wound. Clean the wound. If the wound isn't too serious, you can try cleaning it at home. Make sure to wash it out with soap and water. You can then apply antibiotic ointment and cover it with a bandage. However, if you notice deep puncture wounds, you should see a doctor. Other bad signs that may show up or develop in the following couple of days include swelling, redness, and increasing pain. If you notice these signs, you should see your doctor. Call animal control about the dog fight. All dog fights or attacks should be reported to authorities. Make sure you have a description of the dog. You'll also need to give a general location of the dog, as well as what happened with you or your dog. Get your dog checked out. If your dog is in altercation, it's best to take it to the vet for an exam. You may not be able to find wounds under the fur, and they could develop into serious infections. Your vet is better equipped to handle it. | Ask the owner first. Don't look the dog in the eye. Let the dog come to you. Give the dog a chance to smell you. Watch for the approval from the dog. Keep your petting away from bad areas. Let your dog greet another dog. Look for signs of aggressiveness. Don't make eye contact. Try not to be afraid. Put distance between you and the dog if possible. Stand still if the dog is too close. Curl up. Protect yourself with a shield. Try to move your dog away. Move out of the way. Don't run. Put the focus on yourself. Distract the dog with treats. Consider carrying a distraction tool with you. Don't put yourself in the middle of a fight. Call an ambulance. Clean the wound. Call animal control about the dog fight. Get your dog checked out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Drive-a-Farm-Tractor | How to Drive a Farm Tractor | To drive a farm tractor, start by locating the shifter, which will either be on the right of the steering wheel or between your legs, near the foot pedals. Next, use your left foot to push the clutch down to the floor and shift the tractor into first gear before slowly releasing your foot from the clutch. Repeat this process to shift the tractor into second, third, or other gears. Finally, stop the tractor by depressing the clutch, pushing the gear shift into neutral, and releasing the clutch before using your right foot to press on the brake. | Get in the tractor. Sit in the seat. If recommended, put on the seat belt. Put the key in the ignition. Depress the clutch with your left foot, until it hits the floorboard. If it is a cold start, inject ether into the fuel lines. If the tractor has glow plugs, turn the key to warm them, for an easier start up. With the clutch depressed with your foot, push in on the key and turn it until the tractor begins to turn over. Hold for approximately 8 seconds before letting go and trying again. Repeat until the tractor turns over. If the tractor continues failure to start, it is recommended to spray starting fluid into the lines. Move the shifter. Now that your tractor has started, depending on the year, it may have a steering wheel hand clutch, which will be located on the right of your steering wheel. This is usually found in John Deere 4020's. Locate your shifter, and most tractors follow the same procedure for taking off. If it has a hand foot clutch, the shifter will be in between your legs, near the foot petals. If your shifter is on your right hand side, and is located on the side of the throttle, it is most likely a power shifter. Release the clutch. The tractor has labeled gears between first to the last one, including reverse. Push in the clutch, which is your left foot and push the shifter into first gear. Throttle the tractor up slowly to increase the RPMs. Slowly release your foot off the clutch and you will feel the tractor begin to move. throttle the RPMs again to increase speed, and power. Shift the gears. Now that your tractor is moving, in order to shift gears, locate second, or the next gear you need. Press in the clutch and shift the gear. Slowly release the clutch and you will feel a small kick or since of power. The gear has locked and you are now in that desired gear. Learn to stop. Now you have learned to shift a tractor, and take off, you need know how to stop. To stop the tractor, depress the clutch, find neutral in the gear shifter. Let off the clutch, and depress the break with your right foot. The tractor should come to a halt, and you have successfully drove a tractor. Throttle the RPM down to the lowest setting, and this is the tractor's idle. | Get in the tractor. Put the key in the ignition. Depress the clutch with your left foot, until it hits the floorboard. With the clutch depressed with your foot, push in on the key and turn it until the tractor begins to turn over. Repeat until the tractor turns over. Move the shifter. Release the clutch. Shift the gears. Learn to stop. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Move-an-Upright-Piano | How to Move an Upright Piano | To move an upright piano, you'll need at least 4 people to help you since pianos can weigh anywhere from 300 to 900 pounds. Before you get started, cover up the piano with moving blankets to protect it from damage. Then, when you're ready, lift the piano onto a 4-wheel dolly and secure it with moving straps or rope. Finally, roll the piano to wherever you're moving it to, using a ramp if you need to move it up or down a set of stairs. | Assemble a moving team. Call up friends, neighbors, and relatives and ask them if they'd be willing to help you move the piano. At minimum, aim for a group of four people in at least average physical shape, who are willing to spend one to two hours helping you with the move. The more helpers the better: Five people in average physical shape will be more effective than three people in above-average shape. Do not ask for help from anyone who has a history of back, leg, hip, or arm injuries. Children should not help with piano moving. Wear appropriate clothing. Take some time to select an outfit that is comfortable and loose enough to be flexible. For example, pants that are too tight could tear as you squat to lift the piano. Wear athletic shoes or work boots with a treaded sole that grips floors and outdoor surfaces well. And use a pair of work gloves with rubber-treated palms to help you get a better grip on the piano. Don't wear long jewelry, such as necklaces or bracelets, that could get caught in tight spaces while moving. Do without excessively baggy clothing as well, since it too can get caught during the move. Cover up the keyboard. To protect the keys from damage during travel, put the lid down over the keyboard and lock it into place. If the lid does not have a lock, secure it with some tape that won't remove the wood's paint or stain, such as masking tape or electrical tape. Protect the piano with moving blankets. Have at least two movers shift the piano back from the wall about 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) by pulling out the front legs. Using masking tape or electrical tape, secure moving blankets or other padded fabric to cover all painted and lacquered surfaces of the piano. The blankets will shield the piano from getting dented and scratched on the way to the moving truck and during the drive to your destination. Some upright pianos have cylindrical moving handles attached to the outer frame of the back side. Be careful not to cover these with blankets, since you'll need to access them when it's time to lift the piano. Clear a path to the exit. Move aside any furniture or rugs that will get in the way of the piano as you roll it toward the exit door. If the door does not stay open on its own, have a mover or an extra helper hold it for you. Make sure any children are supervised during the move, and are clear of the exit path. Set up ramps. If you'll need to carry the piano down any porch steps, you'll need to use a metal stair ramp. These can be rented from moving companies, sometimes from the same company you may be renting a moving van from. Put all ramps, including the moving van's loading ramp, in place before starting the move. To find a stair ramp, look up “Moving Equipment Rental” in a telephone directory or online search. Position the movers and a dolly. Use a 4-wheel dolly that is at least half the length of the piano. Center the dolly underneath the piano a couple of inches (about 5 centimeters) from the pedals. Position one mover at each end of the piano, and one in front to help steady the piano onto the dolly. A fourth mover can act as a “spotter” who points out potential collisions with walls or furniture, and holds open doors if needed. Find the best grip. The movers on either end of the piano can grip the corners underneath the ends of the keyboard with their left hand, and the handle behind the piano with their right hand. The person in the front of the piano should stand just behind the dolly and grip underneath the keyboard. If there are no handles on the back side of the piano, there should be a horizontal board near the middle or top of the frame that can be gripped instead. If it is near the top of the frame, push upward with your palm to lift. Lift the piano onto the dolly. The movers on each end of the piano should begin lifting from a squatting position. This will allow the legs to do most of the lifting and prevent back strain. Do a “1-2-3” count, and then lift the piano high enough to clear the height of the dolly. The person in front of the piano will support and guide the piano only once it is lifted, backing up and helping the other two to place the base of the piano squarely centered onto the dolly. Take care never to support the weight of the piano on one or both of its thin front legs. This can be avoided by tilting the piano slightly back when lifting it. Secure the piano to the dolly. Using moving straps or rope, tie the piano down to the dolly. Pass the straps or rope underneath the dolly and over the top of the piano, and tighten the strap ratchet or tie the rope knot at the piano's back side. There should be enough tension so that when one end of the piano is lifted, the dolly moves with it. Roll the piano to the exit. The movers at each end of the piano should guide it slowly through the residence to the threshold of the exit. Be careful to stabilize the piano while going over any bumps or dips in the ground. The person who was lifting at the front of the piano can now help the “spotter” with guiding the piano. Clear the threshold. At the exit's threshold, lift the lead end of the piano slightly and push from the back end until the dolly's first pair of wheels clears the bump. Then the mover on the side that is still inside the residence lifts their end slightly, while the person on the lead end pulls slowly backward until the second pair of wheels clears the bump. Guide it down the stair ramp. If you have front or back porch steps and are using a ramp, position two movers at the front end of the piano and one at the back. The two movers at the front will catch its weight as you roll it down the ramp, and the person at the back end will guide it downwards from the top of the ramp. Proceed slowly on the ramp, taking small steps as you push and pull the piano down onto the pavement. Have spotters look out for cracks or separations in the pavement as you roll the piano to the truck ramp. Avoid these if possible, otherwise push the dolly slowly over them. Push the piano up the truck ramp. Position the two strongest movers at the back end of the piano, another at the lead end, and one alongside the ramp at the back side of the piano. As the movers at the back end push the piano up the ramp, the person at the lead end guides the front end up into the truck. The person at the side of the ramp is there to stabilize the piano in case it starts to tilt back perpendicularly to the ramp. Secure the piano in the truck. Roll the piano against a wall in the truck. Using moving straps, fasten the piano lengthwise to the support bars or rails along the truck's interior wall. Make sure the straps are tightened to the point that the piano can't be shifted more more than an inch (2.54 centimeters). Roll the piano out of the truck. Once at your destination, undo the straps that were securing the piano to the truck wall. At the top of the truck ramp, position two movers at the lead end of the piano, one at the back end, and one alongside the ramp at the back side of the piano. Slowly guide the piano down the ramp. Move it into the new space. Use a stair ramp again if the residence has a high porch, and push the piano up the ramp with two movers at the back end, and one at the lead end guiding it up the ramp. Then slowly lift the dolly wheels one pair at a time over the threshold of the entrance. Set the piano into place. Carefully move the piano through the new residence to its intended location. Remove the straps or rope that were securing it to the dolly, then push it back against the wall. With one mover on each end of the piano, and a third holding the dolly, lift the piano from a squatting position off the dolly. The person holding the dolly should then pull it back and clear of the piano. The movers at each end can then lower the piano very slowly to the ground. | Assemble a moving team. Wear appropriate clothing. Cover up the keyboard. Protect the piano with moving blankets. Clear a path to the exit. Set up ramps. Position the movers and a dolly. Find the best grip. Lift the piano onto the dolly. Secure the piano to the dolly. Roll the piano to the exit. Clear the threshold. Guide it down the stair ramp. Push the piano up the truck ramp. Secure the piano in the truck. Roll the piano out of the truck. Move it into the new space. Set the piano into place. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Download-Snapchat-on-an-iPhone | How to Download Snapchat on an iPhone | Open the App Store , search for Snapchat , and download the first search result. | Open your iPhone's App Store. Its app icon resembles a white "A" made of paint brushes. You'll find the App Store on the Home Screen. Tap Search. It's the magnifying glass icon on the bottom of the screen. If asked about location services, tap Allow or Don't Allow first. Tap the search bar. It's at the top of the screen. Type "snapchat" into the bar. Exclude the quotation marks. Tap Search. It's the blue button on your iPhone's keyboard. Tap GET to the right of Snapchat. The Snapchat app icon resembles a white ghost outlined on a yellow background. If you have downloaded Snapchat on your iPhone before, the GET button will be replaced by a cloud icon with a downward-facing arrow. Below the word "Snapchat", you should see the phrase "Snap, Inc." Tap INSTALL. This button will appear immediately after tapping GET. Type in your Apple ID password. It's the password you use to log into your Apple ID account. You can also use Touch ID here if you have it set up for the App Store. If you aren't signed into your Apple ID, tap Use Existing Apple ID and enter your Apple ID email address and password. If you don't already have an Apple ID, you'll need to create one. Tap OK. Snapchat will begin downloading to your iPhone immediately. After the download completes, you'll be able to find Snapchat on one of your iPhone's Home Screen pages. | Open your iPhone's App Store. Tap Search. Tap the search bar. Type "snapchat" into the bar. Tap Search. Tap GET to the right of Snapchat. Tap INSTALL. Type in your Apple ID password. Tap OK. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Decrease-Gas-Caused-by-Fiber-in-Diet | How to Decrease Gas Caused by Fiber in Diet | If fiber in your diet is making you gassy, try adjusting your diet to include more insoluble fibers. For example, if you get gas after eating oat bran, replace it with insoluble wheat bran. Additionally, try replacing canned beans with dried ones. You can also cut back on gas-producing vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. To minimize any negative effects from adding more fiber into your diet, increase your intake gradually and make sure you're getting the right amount for your age. Drinking plenty of water with your meals can help, too. | Understand the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber. It's important to understand the two forms of fiber, and which foods contain soluble or insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like material, which can lower your cholesterol and blood glucose levels. It also slows down your digestion and is more likely to cause gas. It is found in foods like oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, and some fruits and vegetables. Consume more water to help absorb soluble fiber. This is important when taking any fiber supplement as well. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. It promotes movement in your digestive tract, so it accelerates your digestion. As a result, it causes you to have less gas than soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber is found in foods such as whole wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, green beans, and potatoes. Substitute soluble fiber heavy foods with insoluble fiber heavy foods. It's important to balance your fiber consumption so you eat both insoluble and soluble fiber sources. This will help you stay healthy and get enough fiber in your diet. But to cut down on gas, try substituting certain soluble fiber foods with insoluble fiber foods. For example, oat bran contains mostly soluble fiber, and wheat bran contains more insoluble fiber. So, regular wheat bran cereal or bran muffins may cause less gas than oat bran cereal or oat bran muffins. Use dried beans, rather than canned beans, in your meals. Beans are known to be major sources of gas, but dried beans may cause less gas, post meal. Soaking the dried beans overnight before you eat them can lessen the impact of beans on your digestive system. Avoid cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage. These foods are great sources of fiber, but they can cause gas and bloating. If possible, limit your consumption of these foods to once a month, or substitute these foods for other vegetables that are less gas-inducing. Leafy green vegetables like spinach, collard greens, and lettuce are mostly packed with insoluble fiber, so they are a good source of nutrients and should cause less gas. Avoid raw vegetables, as they are harder for your body to break down and can lead to gas. Steam or cook vegetables before you eat them. Add fiber to your diet slowly. The bacteria in your stomach and small intestine need time to catch up with your fiber consumption. Adding too much fiber too quickly can cause gas, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea. Increase your fiber intake about 5 grams (0.2 oz) per a day, over a period of 1-2 weeks, to allow your body time to adjust. You may experience bloating and gas at the beginning of your fiber intake. But over time, your body will adjust to the fiber and you should see a reduction in bloating and gas. Remember to increase fiber with water at the same time. Increase water intake anytime you add fiber to your diet to prevent constipation. Eat 25-38g (0.9-1.3 oz) of fiber a day if you are an adult. The recommended fiber intake for female older children, adolescents, and adults is no more than 25g (0.9 oz) a day. Older male children, adolescents, and adults shouldn't have more than 38g (1.3 oz) a day. Younger children will not be able to eat enough calories to achieve this amount of fiber in their daily diet. But you should introduce whole grains, fresh fruits, and leafy greens to your child's diet so they can build up their tolerance for fiber over time. Drink water with every meal. Water helps to push the fiber through your digestive system. Staying hydrated also prevents the fiber from hardening and obstructing your intestine. Dehydration and a buildup of fiber in your body can lead to some uncomfortable moments in the bathroom. You should also stay hydrated if you drink coffee throughout the day. Caffeine is a diuretic that pulls fluids from your body and makes you urinate. This can lead to dehydration. For every 1 cup of caffeinated fluid you consume, you should drink 2 glasses of decaffeinated fluids. Too much caffeine in your body, coupled with a fiber rich diet, can lead to constipation and gas. Use a product like Beano. Beano is an over-the-counter medication that contains a natural enzyme to prevent bloating and gas caused by fiber intake. Beano works to reduce the amount of gas the fiber you eat releases, cutting down on the amount of gas you release after a meal. In several studies, Beano has been shown to be effective at alleviating bloating and gas after a fiber heavy meal. Talk to your doctor before you take fiber supplements. Daily use of fiber supplements like Metamucil or Konsyl can be a very effective way to maintain a healthy fiber intake. However, the best way to receive fiber is always through food first. You should check with your doctor before you add fiber supplements to your diet, especially if you are taking other medication that could interact with these supplements. Start with a small amount of fiber supplements so your body has time to adjust and you do not get too bloated or gassy. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Fiber supplements can decrease your body's ability to absorb certain medications, like aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin) and carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol). These supplements can also reduce your blood sugar levels. Your doctor may need to adjust your medications or your insulin if you have diabetes and want to take fiber supplements. See a doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bloody stools. Bouts of excessive bloating, belching, and gas often resolve on their own, or they will lessen as your body adjusts to your fiber intake. But you should talk to your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or you experience severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stools, unintended weight loss, or chest pain. These symptoms could be signs of an underlying digestive condition or intestinal issue. | Understand the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber. Substitute soluble fiber heavy foods with insoluble fiber heavy foods. Use dried beans, rather than canned beans, in your meals. Avoid cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage. Add fiber to your diet slowly. Eat 25-38g (0.9-1.3 oz) of fiber a day if you are an adult. Drink water with every meal. Use a product like Beano. Talk to your doctor before you take fiber supplements. See a doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bloody stools. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remember-What-You-Read | How to Remember What You Read | To remember what you read, start by skimming the material beforehand to help you grasp the bigger picture and purpose of the content. Next, read a section of the text for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, write down what you read in your own words to help you assess what information you remember. If there's any information you had trouble putting into your own words, go back and re-read that part of the section. Additionally, try discussing the material with a friend to help you memorize and understand the material. | Know what goal you hope to achieve by reading the material. Ask yourself, “Why am I reading this?” or “What am I supposed to learn from reading this?” By understanding your purpose for reading the material, you will be able to stay on task and focus on the more relevant parts of the text. For example, if you keep in mind that you are reading the material for an exam, this will help you focus on important dates, events, and people. Become familiar with the topic. Get to know the topic by doing a quick Internet search. The more you understand and know about a particular topic, the more likely you will be able to make associations and remember the information better. For example, if you will be reading about Islam, type in “Islam” in your search engine. Then, click on an article, for example a Wikipedia article, and familiarize yourself with the basic tenets of Islam. Skim the material to pick out the main points. Before reading the material, take note of headings, pictures, tables, blurbs, charts, and opening paragraphs. Focus on the important information that fulfills your purpose for reading the material. Skimming the material primes your memory, orients your thinking so you can focus on important information, and helps you formulate a bigger picture of the content, which makes it easier to remember important information. Read in short segments. Reading when you cannot focus is a waste of time. Therefore, to maximize your focus, read in short segments. For example, read only a section, or read for only 10 to 15 minutes at a time. After you read the section, go over what you just read in your mind. Increase your reading endurance by steadily increasing the amount of time you read each day or week. For example, if you read in short segments of 10 to 15 minutes one week, read for 20 to 25-minute segments the next week. Take notes. As you read, write down relevant information. The tactile act of writing will help you remember the information better. For example, if you are reading about Islam, write down the 5 tenets of Islam. You can also underline concepts, or write down ideas that come to your mind as you read. This is a form of active reading, which helps you engage with the material instead of just taking it in passively. Active reading will help you absorb and remember the material better. Highlight important concepts. Try to only highlight important and relevant information. For example, highlight just a few key words on a page. Before you highlight something, ask yourself, “Does this information fulfill my purpose for reading the material?” If the answer is no, then it is best to not highlight it. Link the material to something you know. Associate new information with information you already know. By associating new information with prior knowledge, your brain will store the new information in your long-term memory bank. For example, if Thomas Jefferson was born in the same month as your mom, by linking his birthday to the birthday of someone you know, you will be able to remember the date better. It's hard to understand difficult concepts if you don't have a good understanding of the underlying fundamentals. If you're having trouble understanding what you're reading about, it might help to go back to the basics. Think in pictures. Creating mental pictures for the content you read will help you remember the content better than just reading the content without any mental images. Make mental pictures of important events, concepts, or people. This is an especially helpful strategy for visual learners. For example, remember an important date, such as when a battle began, by imagining the battle in your head with the date in big letters. You could also try drawing out the battle scene and writing the date of when it began and ended underneath it. Read out loud. If you are an auditory learner, try reading important material out loud. The act of speaking and hearing the material will enable you to remember the material better. Particularly, read the important information you have underlined, as well as answers to questions out loud. You can also use word association to remember important facts. For example, create rhymes or songs to help you remember important information. Ask yourself questions about the material. While reading the material, ask yourself, “How does this material fit into what I already know and do not know?” “Why did the author mention this?” “Do I understand this concept or word?” “Where is the evidence for this statement?” “What is the main idea of this paragraph?” or, “Do I agree with the author's conclusions?” By asking and answering these questions, you will be able to remember relevant information much better. Reword what you read in your own words. After you finish reading a section, write down what you read in your own words. This will help you assess which information you remember and which information you cannot remember. Go back and re-read the information that you could not remember, or had trouble putting in your own words. The goal isn't to recreate whole passages in your own words. Just write down a quick summary or outline of the main points. Try to stick to a few bullet points or short paragraphs. Discuss the material with someone. After you read something, discuss the new information with a friend, family member, or classmate. The act of discussing the content will create new associations in your memory. It will also help you see which information you understand and can remember, and which information you do not understand and cannot remember. Go back and re-read the information you had trouble relating and remembering. Then, discuss the information with a friend or family member again. Re-read the material. Repetition is key to remembering any kind of information. After you read something, go back over the important concepts and ideas that you highlighted or underlined. Also, re-read the paragraph in which the concepts and ideas are embedded. After 1 or 2 days, go back over the content. Re-read the important concepts and ideas, and quiz yourself. | Know what goal you hope to achieve by reading the material. Become familiar with the topic. Skim the material to pick out the main points. Read in short segments. Take notes. Highlight important concepts. Link the material to something you know. Think in pictures. Read out loud. Ask yourself questions about the material. Reword what you read in your own words. Discuss the material with someone. Re-read the material. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Tutor | How to Be a Good Tutor | To be a good tutor, start by talking to them about what they know, and ask them where they're struggling with. Create a schedule with them with major and minor goals to achieve throughout your studying sessions. At the beginning of each session, ask them about topics from your previous lesson to see what they remember, and ask them what assignments they're working on in class. Focus on a specific goal for the lesson, like completing a homework assignment or practicing a concept, and use the student's skills and abilities to approach the goal. | Pay attention to what they already know. When first getting to know your students, you need to gauge what they already know, so you don't waste time in your sessions. Ask the student what they're good at and what they most enjoy about the subject you're working on. Let him or her speak open-endedly about the subject and show off for you. It will make the student feel smart and validated while letting you figure out what material they've already mastered. Ask where they’re having trouble. Students are often quite aware of their weaknesses. They know what types of questions they consistently miss on quizzes, or what parts of class lectures make no sense to them. Let the student explain where they get lost, and make a list of those areas for your own reference. Work together to set up goals. Create a mix of major and minor goals that can be achieved in a reasonable amount of time. For example, a student may not be able to bring up a math grade within a month, but three months would be a good goal for grade improvement. Minor goals should be set for the short term: the student will write a 150-word summary of a major source for an upcoming research paper by the end of the session. Write down the goals on a sheet of paper and have the student keep track of it. Putting them in charge of the "goal tracker" gives them more responsibility for their own improvement. Track the student’s progress. Create a chart that allows you and your student to assess how well he or she is doing both in your sessions and in class. This chart can include entries for: Quiz and test grades Overall class grades Achievement of the goals you set up together Your evaluation of the student's effort Your evaluation of the student's understanding of concepts Celebrate improvement in qualitative assessments like grades with a lot of praise! If the student's grades aren't improving, but you see a lot of effort, your chart will help keep him or her from getting discouraged. Open with questions about material covered in the last session. Before moving on to new material, you want to make sure your student has mastered the old material. Ask one or two open-ended questions that will allow the student to display their understanding of concepts. If they struggle, you may need to revisit that information before moving on. Also allow the student to raise any questions of his or her own about previous material. Help students meet their in-class requirements. Have your student inform you about projects and essays as soon as they receive their assignments. Break each project down into smaller parts and work through them together slowly, well-ahead of time. Not only will the graded assignment be of a higher quality, but you'll also model for the child how to manage their time effectively. If teachers give out study guides for exams, gear the content of your tutoring sessions toward the material that will be covered. Focus each session on a specific goal. Depending on the student's needs for a given class, you may be working on a paper or project, or you may be going over concepts from class. After reviewing old material, make a verbal plan about what you will achieve together in this session. Make sure to keep your goals manageable: Today, we're going to work on the organization of this essay. We're just going to take the ideas you already have and put them in the best possible order in an outline. Today, we're going to try to figure out the network of Allied forces in WWII. Next session, we'll work on the Axis countries. Today, we're going to look at all the problems you got wrong on your last math test and try to figure out the right answers. Then, we'll do new problems that test the same concept. Provide opportunities to succeed. While you should be working toward goals, you don't want to discourage your student by setting the bar too high. Every session should include exercises you know the student can complete successfully. From there, you can build on the lessons toward more complex exercises that may prove more challenging. If the student doesn't perform at the level you expected, don't give up! Repeat the exercise until he or she completes it correctly. When they do, heap praise on the student for working through an obstacle. Give your students breaks. The breaks should be no longer than 5 minutes. Working for long stretches time might wear them out and make them lose focus. A 5-minute break is just enough time to refresh students without breaking stride in the work you're doing. Adapt to student needs. You have goals laid out, but sometimes young people get worn down by their work, just like adults do. If your student seems tired or in a bad mood on a given day, don't be afraid to mix things up a little and lighten the mood. For example, if you're tutoring a student in a foreign language, you might listen to and translate songs instead of going through conjugation exercises. You might watch cartoons in that language and see how much of the plot the student can follow. Cater your tutoring style to the student’s learning style. Not all children learn in the same way. Some students work better alone, and will do better if given time to complete activities on their own. Others are more social learners who will learn more if it seems like you're working through the problems with them. Aural students learn best through verbal explanation, so talk to them about concepts. Verbal students need to talk through concepts on their own, so be willing to sit back and listen. Physical/tactile students need to work with their hands. Bring in 3D models if you're studying anatomy, or clay that they can shape into the different organs of the body. Visual students might need graphic aids like pictures, charts, or educational videos. End each session by looking forward to the next one. The end of a tutoring session doesn't mean the student is "finished" for the week. Make clear that you expect them to prepare for your next session in the time you're apart. If there's any work that wasn't finished during the session, assign it as homework for the next meeting. If you have a fun activity planned for the next session, give the student something to look forward to. Build a personal relationship with your students. Your job is to help students perform up to their potential. As such, you're as much friend and cheerleader at times as you are instructor. By forming personal connections with students, you can more effectively motivate them to succeed. Talk about how the subject makes them feel. Students who perform poorly in class may feel ashamed of it. When they improve, they may feel powerful and proud. Comfort them in their down times and celebrate their successes. Share your own experiences of failure and how you overcame them. Find out what their passions are, so you can make the tutoring sessions more interesting. A straightforward equation might seem boring, but a subtraction problem about fighting dinosaurs might perk up a student who loves dinosaurs. Learn the student’s communication style. Connect to the student on their own terms. If a student is intensely shy, you can't ignore it! It may be that the student communicates best in the days between sessions, when he or she can email you questions. Sometimes students are reluctant to ask questions in person, even though they have many they need answered. Show up for each session in a good mood. Your students will pick up on your moods immediately. If you seem tired or low energy, they will mimic your tone. But, if you show up smiling and optimistic for every session, they'll follow your lead and put more effort into the work at hand. Act as a guide rather than teacher. Teachers and tutors have very different roles. Teachers have many students to oversee at once, and must act as authority figures who pass on knowledge. Tutors work one-on-one, though, and are more like "educated peers" than authority figures. You only have one student to work with at a time, so you don't have to lecture. Let students take charge of learning objectives, and guide them toward their goals. Ask a lot of questions. You don't want to lecture your students. Instead, ask open-ended questions that force them to come to conclusions on their own, with research you help them conduct. Give students room to fall in love with the material. While you need to keep the student on track to achieve their goals, don't be afraid to give up a little control. If, when studying the Civil War, your student wants to spend a lot of time on an unimportant but dramatic battle, let it happen even if it eats up a whole session. A tutor should let natural curiosity grow rather than trying to smother it. The increased enthusiasm will pay off down the line. Communicate clearly with parents and teachers. Without their help, you won't know how to focus the content of your sessions in a way that will help your students succeed in school. Talking to parents and teachers is especially important for younger students. While a high schooler might be able to explain course objectives to you, a third grader won't. Reach out to the parents and teacher(s) and set up a regular schedule for communication. You might speak to the parents every time the student is brought in for a tutoring session. You might agree to email the teacher on the first Monday of each month to get a sense of what's coming down the pipe in the student's classwork. | Pay attention to what they already know. Ask where they’re having trouble. Work together to set up goals. Track the student’s progress. Open with questions about material covered in the last session. Help students meet their in-class requirements. Focus each session on a specific goal. Provide opportunities to succeed. Give your students breaks. Adapt to student needs. Cater your tutoring style to the student’s learning style. End each session by looking forward to the next one. Build a personal relationship with your students. Learn the student’s communication style. Show up for each session in a good mood. Act as a guide rather than teacher. Give students room to fall in love with the material. Communicate clearly with parents and teachers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-the-Walmart-Self%E2%80%90Checkout | How to Use the Walmart Self‐Checkout | Walmart's self-checkout can seem confusing, but once you know how to scan and bag your items, you can save yourself a lot of time when you checkout. Once you've chosen a self-checkout machine, select your language and then locate the barcode on the first item you want to scan. Face the barcode to the scanner so it can read it. When the machine reads the barcode, you'll hear a beeping sound, and your item will appear on the screen with the price next to it. Then, you can move the item to the baggage area, which is weight-sensitive and will detect when you place your item. Finish the process by selecting a payment method on the screen and paying for your items. | Set your items down to the left of the machine. If you run out of room, leave your remaining items in your bag or cart until there is more room to place the items down. Select your choice of language. If you speak English, then tap the "English" button. A Walmart Self-Checkout will generally only present you with either an English or Spanish option. The instructions will start once you have selected the language that you wish to hear them in. Look for the barcode on each item. The barcode could be found on one of the item's sides, its top, or its bottom. The placement of the barcode is different for each item. If the item doesn't have a barcode, it will have a tiny sticker on it with a given number. This is especially true when dealing with fruit. Deli meat packages have a barcode on their labels, which are printed by the person who weighed the item. Look on this sticker for the item's barcode. Turn the barcode toward the machine. Allow the item's barcode to face the machine so that the machine's scanner can read it. Turn the item so that it's at about a 45-degree angle, so the scanner can pick up the code. Keep it near the scanner until you hear a beep. If the barcode is unreadable the first time around, twist the product's barcode over the red laser both backward and forward. If you don't see a barcode, press in the “Help” button and the self-checkout assistant will be there as soon as they are free. Move the item to a bag. Once the machine has made a 'beep' sound, quickly move the item to a bag. The machine is sensitive to item weight, so if you do not wish to bag the item, select the button that says “Do Not Bag” on the machine's screen. If the item's barcode triggers an item that requires additional warranties or requires an age verification check, the machine will trigger help automatically for the checkout bagger to help you. You'll have to wait until the checkout ringer comes to assist you for each item that requires this special help. If you accidentally place an item back into the scanning area, you may end up repurchasing it. Press “Help” on the screen to call over the register attendant, who will help fix this problem. Find the sticker on your fruit. If you don't see a sticker, you'll need to ask for help with locating the sticker or use the code lookup function on upper right of the machine's screen to find the exact item that you're intending to purchase. The sticker will have a number that is marked as its produce code. Press the "Fresh Produce Lookup" button. Select the fruit or vegetable that you are purchasing. If you are unsure of the item's name, press the “Help” button and someone will come to assist you. Place the item onto the machine’s scale. Be sure that no other item is placed on the scale at the same time as this item is being weighed. If other items are on the scale, you will be charged for more than the proper cost of the produce. Press the "Key in Code" button, but leave the piece of fruit on the scanner scale. Touching this button will allow you to enter in the exact product you are looking for with a quick entry by number. Type in the item’s code. Touch each number on the screen that corresponds to each number on the piece of fruit. Then, touch the “OK” button in order to process the produce code. Remove the piece of fruit from the scale, and place it into a bag. If you do not want the item bagged just yet, be sure to select “Do Not Bag” on the screen. Open up the first bag. With a Walmart Self-Checkout, you are responsible for bagging your items yourself. However, if you need bagging assistance, set these items off to the side of the register and to the right of the bags. Be sure to select “Do Not Bag” on the screen for each item that you do not bag immediately. Keep similar items bagged together. Remember that bagging similar items together will help cold items remain cold and warm items remain warm. It is also important that you keep light items on top and heavier items at the bottom of your bags. Toxic items, such as cleaning supplies, should be bagged separately. Bag your meat separately as well to keep food fresh and safe to eat. Double-bag breakable or heavy items. Items such as milk may require more than one shopping bag. Place your item into one bag, and then lift that bag out and into an additional bag. This will prevent items from falling out of bags on your way back to your vehicle or on your walk back home. Wait for the Finish/Continue button to begin blinking. Once you have scanned all of your items, select this button to indicate that you are ready to pay for your order. Scan in your coupons. Coupons entered into the system must be Internet-printed with a readable barcode. Scan each coupon into the barcode scanner and then drop each one into the slot marked "Coupons." Wait until the machine prompts you to drop each coupon into the slot. Tap the "Proceed to Checkout" light. When it begins to blink, tap this button and prepare your means of payment. Double check that all of your items have been scanned in. Select your payment method. All self-checkout registers accept cash, but they also accept Walmart gift cards, most major credit cards, debit cards, and EBT cards. If using a check, go through a regular checkout lane, since there is no option for check payment at the self-checkout. Check the screen to ensure that your payment method is available. Insert your form of payment. Select your payment form on the screen and then follow the instructions, always beginning with cash if you are paying any of the order in cash. If paying in cash, always insert your coins first, and then the paper money. Use the examples provided on the machine's deposit area to properly submit your money. If you are choosing to split the bill between cash and credit, always tap the Cash option first. Later, you can finish the transaction with your credit card by selecting the “secondary payment form” button when it appears onscreen. Tap the "Tap for Credit" button, or begin using the credit card machine when the total is reevaluated. If using a gift card, after touching the "Walmart Gift Card" button, swipe the gift card in the credit card reader, and then scan the card's barcode from the back. Collect your change and receipt. At the end of your completed order, a receipt will print. It will drop out near the scanner at the bottom of the machine, where your change will also be dropped out. Do not leave without grabbing your bagged items, your change, and your receipt. | Set your items down to the left of the machine. Select your choice of language. Look for the barcode on each item. Turn the barcode toward the machine. Keep it near the scanner until you hear a beep. Move the item to a bag. Find the sticker on your fruit. Place the item onto the machine’s scale. Press the "Key in Code" button, but leave the piece of fruit on the scanner scale. Type in the item’s code. Remove the piece of fruit from the scale, and place it into a bag. Open up the first bag. Keep similar items bagged together. Double-bag breakable or heavy items. Wait for the Finish/Continue button to begin blinking. Scan in your coupons. Tap the "Proceed to Checkout" light. Select your payment method. Insert your form of payment. Collect your change and receipt. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Fever | How to Treat a Fever | To treat a fever, try to rest as much as possible, since exerting yourself may cause the fever to get worse. For relief from headaches or muscle pain, take an over-the-counter pain killer such as Motrin or Tylenol. You can also try taking a lukewarm bath, which will cool your skin and alleviate some discomfort. Additionally, drink plenty of water to replenish your fluids and avoid dehydration. However, make sure to call your doctor if your fever lasts for more than 3 days, or if you experience symptoms, like blisters or abdominal pain. | Let the fever run its course. A fever itself is not necessarily unhealthy. It's not an illness; it's a physiological response to something else. Your body will often react to sickness or infection with a fever; it is a defensive response by your immune system as it tries to rid the body of pyrogens (fever-producing substances). Acting too quickly to treat your fever can, counterintuitively, harm your body by undercutting one of its defensive measures. Rather than treating your fever immediately, continue to take your temperature and monitor your symptoms. The fever will probably subside in time. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for any discomfort. Having a fever can sometimes cause headaches, as well as joint and muscle pain. If your fever symptoms are uncomfortable, you can alleviate them with ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Avoid giving aspirin for a fever, especially if you are dealing with a sick child. Aspirin can have harmful side effects for anyone under the age of 18. Aspirin is generally more likely than ibuprofen or acetaminophen to cause gastrointestinal side effects. Never give aspirin to a child. It can cause a potentially life-threatening condition called Reyes Syndrome. Rest as much as possible. This is the best forms of fever treatment; further exertion will likely cause the fever—and the infection or illness that caused the fever in the first place—to worsen. Wear light clothing to keep your body cool. You should avoid raising your body temperature any higher than it already is, especially if it is summer or you live in a warm climate. Sleep when you can, under only a sheet or light blanket. Often the discomfort of a fever makes it difficult to sleep at night. Any sleep will help your body; take naps during the day, and sleep when you can at night. Hydrate your body by drinking water. Along with resting, you must hydrate your body when it is feverish. Fevers often cause the body to sweat, which expels fluids from the body. To compensate for these lost fluids, drink plenty of water. Although children may prefer to drink soda or juice, these fluids are not as helpful in staying hydrated. However, if your feverish child will only drink soda or juice, it's better than nothing. Coffee and tea are also not as effective as water. Bathe yourself in lukewarm water. Immersing your body in lukewarm water will cool off your skin and may alleviate discomfort from the fever. Don't submerge yourself for too long; you want to give your body a chance to release heat through evaporation. Do not take an ice bath; the water temperature should be around 85 °F. If you are caring for a feverish child, try sponging them or wiping their skin with a damp sponge or a wet washcloth. Monitor the fever closely. As is the case with a fevered adult, a fever usually indicates that your child's body is raising its own temperature to fight off a sickness or infection. However, because children's bodies are smaller and often have weaker immune systems, there are certain precautions to take when you are dealing with a feverish child. Continue to take your child's temperature (at least every couple of hours), either rectally, orally, or in their ear or armpit. If your child is under 36 months old, the rectal temperature is the means of measurement recommended by doctors. Take infants (under 3 months) to a doctor if a fever over 100.4 °F persists. Although in children and adults, a low-grade fever is nothing to worry about, it can be harmful to infants. If you have a baby 3–6 months of age with a temperature of 100.4 °F or higher, take him or her see a doctor, even if the child has no other observable symptoms. Once your child is older than 6 months, you don't need to be concerned unless her fever reaches 103 °F. Keep your child hydrated. Just like for fevers in adults, you need to make sure your child consumes plenty of fluids—primarily water—to replenish the fluids that they lose through sweat. Although children may prefer to drink soda or juice, these fluids are not as helpful in staying hydrated. However, if your feverish child will only drink soda or juice, it's better than nothing. Wipe your child’s skin with a wet washcloth. The washcloth (or sponge) should be lukewarm, not ice-cold. Ice cold water will cause your child to shiver, which will combat your intent by raising their temperature. Do not give your child an ice bath or insist that they take a cold shower. Administer ibuprofen if your child feels discomfort. Ibuprofen is safe for children of any age, and should reduce the aches and chills that are often associated with fevers. Acetaminophen may also be useful for symptoms of a fever. Remember to dose a child's dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen by their weight. Avoid giving aspirin for a fever. Aspirin can have harmful side effects for anyone under the age of 18. Keep track of how long the fever has lasted and its peak temperature. Normally, a fever will break and subside after a day or two. If the fever has lasted more than three days, you may need medical attention. If your peak temperature rises over 102 °F, the fever has become severe. Note any severe symptoms. Although a fever is typically a sign of the body trying to get rid of a virus or infection, severe and painful symptoms can indicate complicated medical problems. These should not be dealt with using fever-remedy methods. Contact your doctor immediately if you have a fever and experience: Confusion or trouble staying awake. Severe lower abdominal pain. Blisters or rashes on your skin. Call your doctor. Severe, long-lasting fevers should not be treated from home; your doctor may want to put you on an IV to keep you hydrated or prescribe another treatment. If you have a severe fever, your doctor may even send you to the emergency room. Even if the fever has not reached 102 °F and has not lasted multiple days, you should still call you doctor if you are experiencing unexpected symptoms. It's important that you talk to your doctor since your fever may be from an infection that requires treatment. Prevent future fevers. The best way to avoid having a serious fever again in the future is to avoid the illness or infection that lead to the fever in the first place. You can do this by: Staying up to date on your immunizations. Avoid contact with ill people, and wash your hands. | Let the fever run its course. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for any discomfort. Rest as much as possible. Hydrate your body by drinking water. Bathe yourself in lukewarm water. Monitor the fever closely. Take infants (under 3 months) to a doctor if a fever over 100.4 °F persists. Keep your child hydrated. Wipe your child’s skin with a wet washcloth. Administer ibuprofen if your child feels discomfort. Keep track of how long the fever has lasted and its peak temperature. Note any severe symptoms. Call your doctor. Prevent future fevers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reheat-Ribs | How to Reheat Ribs | To reheat ribs, start by covering them in barbecue sauce and wrapping them in 2 layers of foil. Then, place the ribs on a baking tray and heat for 1 hour in the oven at 250 degrees F. Finally, remove the ribs from the foil, turn the oven to "broil," and put the ribs in the oven with the door open for 10 minutes. Alternatively, if you want to reheat ribs in the microwave, cover them with a paper towel to prevent the fat from sparking and heat them for 1 minute. | Thaw your ribs that need to be reheated if applicable. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius). If the oven is any hotter than this, there is risk of the rib meat shrinking and getting tough. Slather barbecue sauce over the rib meat on all sides. Wrap the ribs to be reheated in 2 layers of foil. Be careful to not rip the foil otherwise the rib meat could dry out. Set the foil wrapped ribs onto a baking pan or cooking sheet and put in the middle rack of your oven. Heat until the center of the rib meat is 155 degrees Fahrenheit (66 degrees Celsius). This takes approximately 1 hour, depending on the size of the cut. Remove the foil from the ribs and set the oven to "Broil. " Allow ribs to sit in the oven on broil with the oven door open on 1 side for 5-10 minutes then turn to opposite side until the BBQ sauce bubbles. The door should remain open so the thermostat in the oven does not turn off. Remove reheated ribs from oven and allow to sit for 5 minutes or until ready to eat. Thaw your ribs that need to be reheated if applicable. Coat both sides of the ribs with barbecue sauce along the rib meat. Heat your grill to approximately 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius) with the lid closed. If you are using a gas grill, this is a medium setting. Wrap the ribs with 2 layers of foil. Set the ribs on the grill in a spot with indirect heat and reheat until the rib meat comes to approximately 155 degrees Fahrenheit (66 degrees Celsius). Take ribs out of foil and place on the grill in a spot with direct heat for approximately 5 to10 minutes per side until the barbecue sauce is bubbling. Remove the ribs and allow them to cool until they're ready to serve. | Thaw your ribs that need to be reheated if applicable. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius). Slather barbecue sauce over the rib meat on all sides. Wrap the ribs to be reheated in 2 layers of foil. Set the foil wrapped ribs onto a baking pan or cooking sheet and put in the middle rack of your oven. Heat until the center of the rib meat is 155 degrees Fahrenheit (66 degrees Celsius). Remove the foil from the ribs and set the oven to "Broil. Remove reheated ribs from oven and allow to sit for 5 minutes or until ready to eat. Thaw your ribs that need to be reheated if applicable. Coat both sides of the ribs with barbecue sauce along the rib meat. Heat your grill to approximately 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius) with the lid closed. Wrap the ribs with 2 layers of foil. Set the ribs on the grill in a spot with indirect heat and reheat until the rib meat comes to approximately 155 degrees Fahrenheit (66 degrees Celsius). Take ribs out of foil and place on the grill in a spot with direct heat for approximately 5 to10 minutes per side until the barbecue sauce is bubbling. Remove the ribs and allow them to cool until they're ready to serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Open-a-Computer | How to Open a Computer | To open a laptop computer, start by shutting the computer down completely and unplugging any attached cables or power adapters. Next, flip the laptop over and remove the battery to prevent the laptop from accidentally turning on while you're working on it. Then, remove the screws from the panels with a phillips screwdriver so you can access the hard drive bay and the RAM. If you want to clean the inside of your computer, have a can of compressed air ready to blow away any dust or buildup. | Gather your tools. Most cases will just one screwdriver to access. Some cases use thumbscrews, but a screwdriver can still help loosen an overly-tight screw. The most common screw is a 6-32, which you can use a standard #2 Phillips screwdriver to remove. This is the larger of the two most common sizes. The second most common screw is the M3. This is slightly smaller than the 6-32, but can still be removed with a #2 Phillips screwdriver. If you want to clean the inside of your case, you'll likely need some compressed air and a small vacuum. An electrostatic wriststrap can be helpful for grounding yourself while working inside the computer, but you can ground yourself without one. Shut down the computer. Use your operating system's Shutdown function turn the computer off. Unplug all of the cables from the back of the computer. If you're afraid you won't be able to remember where everything goes when you need to plug it back in, take a picture or draw a diagram first. Identify the motherboard I/O (Input/Output) panel. This is located on the back of the computer, and contains a variety of different connectors, including Ethernet, speakers, USB, display, and more. Knowing where this is will help you orient your case on the table. Lay the case on your work surface with the I/O panel laying closest to the surface. This will ensure that you remove the correct panel on the computer and can access the components inside. Avoid laying your case on the carpet when working on the inside. Find the screws along the back of the case. You should see two or three screws along the top edge of the back of the case that hold the side panel in place. Removing these screws will allow you to remove the side panel. Lots of enthusiast cases and some cases from major manufacturers will use different case panel mechanisms. Some use thumbscrews that you can remove by hand, while others have a simple latch and no screws at all. If you're having difficulty figuring out how to remove or open the side panel on your case, look up your computer or case model online. Ground yourself before touching any components. Electrostatic discharge can cause significant damage to your components without you even realizing it. Ensure that you are properly grounded by attaching your electrostatic wristband to the bare metal of the computer case, or by touching a metal water tap. Click here for more details on properly grounding yourself. Clean your computer while it's open. Computer's build up dust surprisingly quick, and dust can lead to overheating, poor performance, and hardware failure. Any time you open your computer, you should take a few moments to ensure that dust isn't becoming a problem. Click here for detailed instructions on cleaning your computer. Identify the motherboard. This is the large logic board that all of your other components are plugged into. The majority of it will probably be obscured by your installed components. The average motherboard has a processor socket, PCI slots for graphics and expansion cards, RAM slots for memory, and SATA ports for hard drives and optical drives. Click here for detailed instructions on installing or replacing a motherboard. Identify the processor. You usually can't see the processor because it is covered by a heat sink and CPU fan. It is typically fairly centrally located on the motherboard, closer to the top than the bottom. Click here for detailed instructions on installing a processor. Click here for detailed instructions on applying thermal paste and installing a heatsink. Identify the RAM. Your computer's RAM sticks are long and short, and the slots can usually be found fairly close to the processor socket. The sockets may be partially or completely occupied by RAM sticks. Click here for detailed instructions on installing new RAM. Identify the graphics card. If your computer has a graphics card installed, it will be located in the PCI slot closest to the processor, called the PCI-E slot. The PCI slots are typically found on the bottom half of the motherboard, and line up with removable bay covers on the back of your case. Click here for detailed instructions on installing a new graphics card. Click here for detailed instructions on installing PCI expansion cards. Identify the power supply. Depending on your case, the power supply may be located at the top or bottom of the case, along the back side. It is a large box that routes power to all of the components in your computer. You can follow the power cables to see that all of your components are powered. Click here for detailed instructions on installing a new power supply. Find your hard drive(s). Your hard drives are typically installed in bays attached to the front of the case. The hard drives are connected to the motherboard via SATA cables (older computers use IDE cables, which are wide and flat). They are also connected to the power supply with SATA power connectors (old drives use Molex connectors). Click here for detailed instructions on installing a new hard drive. Identify your optical drive(s). These can often be found directly above your hard drive(s). They are larger than the typical hard drive, and poke out through the front of the case so that they can be accessed. Like hard drives, all modern optical drives use SATA connectors. Click here for detailed instructions on installing a DVD drive. Identify the fans. Most computers will have several fans installed. There may be one or more case fans, as well as a fan on the processor. These fans are connected to the motherboard, and may be connected to the power supply as well. Click here for detailed instructions on installing a new computer fan. Gather your materials. Laptops use much smaller screws than desktop computers, and as such you'll need smaller Phillips screwdrivers. The most common screwdriver required for laptops is a #0 Phillips. If you want to clean the inside of your laptop, you'll want a can of compressed air. Shut down the laptop. Use your operating system's Shutdown function turn the computer off. Unplug any attached cables. This includes your power adapter, and any USB devices, headphones, or other peripherals. Flip the laptop over on your work surface. You will likely see one or more panels that can be removed. Laptops offer much less access to your components than desktop computers. This is because the majority of a laptop's hardware cannot be replaced without extensive soldering knowledge. Remove the battery. This will help prevent the laptop from accidentally turning on while you're working on it. Remove the screws for the panels you want to open. You may have one or more panels that allow you to access your replaceable components. Most laptops allow you to access the hard drive bay and the RAM. Click here for detailed instructions on installing new laptop RAM. Click here for detailed instructions on installing a new laptop hard drive. | Gather your tools. Shut down the computer. Unplug all of the cables from the back of the computer. Identify the motherboard I/O (Input/Output) panel. Lay the case on your work surface with the I/O panel laying closest to the surface. Find the screws along the back of the case. Ground yourself before touching any components. Clean your computer while it's open. Identify the motherboard. Identify the processor. Identify the RAM. Identify the graphics card. Identify the power supply. Find your hard drive(s). Identify your optical drive(s). Identify the fans. Gather your materials. Shut down the laptop. Unplug any attached cables. Flip the laptop over on your work surface. Remove the battery. Remove the screws for the panels you want to open. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Fruit-Punch | How to Make Fruit Punch | To make fruit punch, start by boiling 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan for 3 minutes to make a syrup, then letting it cool completely. Next, combine the syrup with 2 cans of orange juice concentrate, 2 cans of lemonade concentrate, and a can of pineapple juice in a large bowl. Finally, pour 3 cups of club soda and a liter of lemon-lime soda into the bowl and give it a quick stir before serving. | Thaw the orange juice and lemon concentrates. The concentrates won't mix well frozen, so take them out of the freezer and let them thaw completely. You can speed the process along by running the cans under a stream of warm water. When the concentrate is soft enough to remove from the cans, pour it into a large bowl. Try cherry lemonade or strawberry lemonade concentrate to change the flavor and color of your fruit punch. Or substitute frozen concentrate with liquid concentrate. Use any juice you like: cherry, apple, grape, and so on. Bring the water and sugar to a boil on the stove. Pour the water and sugar into a small saucepan and bring the mixture to a full boil. Allow it to boil for about three minutes, until the sugar has dissolved completely into the water. You now have a simple syrup that will easily mix with the fruit punch to add just the right amount of sweetness. Allow it to cool completely. If you like your fruit punch extra sweet, make 2 cups simple syrup. You can skip the simple syrup entirely if you'd prefer not to add extra sugar. Mix the simple syrup with the thawed concentrates. Pour the simple syrup into the bowl and use a long-handled spoon to stir the mixture until everything is thoroughly incorporated. Add the club soda and lemon-lime soda. Pour the sodas into the bowl and give the mixture another quick stir. Don't over stir, since you want the punch to stay carbonated. If you're not serving the fruit punch immediately, store the fruit juice mixture in the refrigerator, and wait until the last minute to add the sodas. That way the punch will be carbonated when you serve it. Serve the punch. Punch is usually served in a large glass bowl with a ladle you can use to portion it among small cups. If you'd like, keep the punch cold by pouring it over a few trays' worth of ice cubes. Here are a few other serving suggestions: Make fruit punch ice to keep the punch from getting diluted as the ice melts. Just make an extra batch of punch and freeze it using regular ice cube trays, then add the punch ice cubes to the punch when you're ready to serve it. If the punch is for a themed party, get creative with your ice! Try making an ice ring (freeze punch or water in a bundt cake pan), an ice hand for halloween (freeze punch or water in a latex glove tied at the end), or a giant ice cube (freeze punch or water in a large, square cake pan). Serving punch with sherbet is a classic touch at kids' parties. Add several scoops of orange or raspberry sherbet directly to the punch bowl, or serve each cup of punch with a tiny scoop. If the punch is being served at an adult party, add 2 cups of white rum or vodka to make it alcoholic. Mix the tropical punch, pineapple juice and sugar in a large bowl. Easy fruit punch is made by mixing juices and sodas with pre-mixed tropical punch. It's a step up from simply serving plain bottled tropical punch at a party. By adding fresh ingredients, you can transform bottled punch into something fit for any occasion. Be sure to mix the ingredients until the sugar is completely dissolved. You can skip the sugar if you don't want your punch to be too sweet. Add 1/2 cup of lime or lemon juice to give your punch a fresh boost. Add the soda. Right before serving, pour in the ginger ale to add flavor and carbonation to your punch. Make sure you add it just before serving, or the punch might go flat before the party starts. You can substitute the ginger ale for lemon-lime soda. Or try adding plain club soda if you think your punch is already sweet enough. Serve the punch. Pour it from the bowl into a glass serving bowl or tureen. Serve the punch in small cups with ice. Here are a few optional serving suggestions: Make an extra batch of punch and freeze it using regular ice cube trays, then add the punch ice cubes to the punch when you're ready to serve it. If the punch is for a themed party, try making an ice ring (freeze punch or water in a bundt cake pan) or an ice hand for halloween (freeze punch or water in a latex glove tied at the end). Add several scoops of lemon, orange, raspberry or strawberry sherbet directly to the punch bowl, or serve each cup of punch with a tiny scoop. If the punch is being served at an adult party, add 2 cups of white rum or vodka to make it alcoholic. Bring the sugar and 1 cup water to a boil. Pour 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over high heat to make a simple syrup. Stir the mixture as it boils, and keep cooking until the sugar dissolves into the water. It should take about three minutes. Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool completely. If you don't want to make your own syrup, it's available for purchase wherever liquor is sold; just look for the section where mixers are stocked. Or you can just mix a cup of sugar and a cup of water; the drink won't be as smooth, but it will taste still taste good. Mix the syrup and juices. Pour the syrup into a large bowl and mix it with fresh lime and lemon juice. Add the strawberry syrup. Jamaican punch typically contains strawberry syrup, lending this cocktail a bright fruity flavor and classic red hue. In place of strawberry syrup, you can use cherry syrup or another flavor that's red in appearance. Add the rum. Mix in the Jamaican white rum (or spiced rum, if you'd prefer). Add more or less rum according to your preference. Mix in the water. Start by adding five cups of water, then give the mixture a taste. You can drink it as is or add the last cup of water to dilute it a bit. Serve the punch plain or over ice. Either way is acceptable. This type of punch is not normally served in a large punch bowl, but instead in individual cocktail glasses. Garnish the punch with a pineapple ring or a cherry. | Thaw the orange juice and lemon concentrates. Bring the water and sugar to a boil on the stove. Mix the simple syrup with the thawed concentrates. Add the club soda and lemon-lime soda. Serve the punch. Mix the tropical punch, pineapple juice and sugar in a large bowl. Add the soda. Serve the punch. Bring the sugar and 1 cup water to a boil. Mix the syrup and juices. Add the strawberry syrup. Add the rum. Mix in the water. Serve the punch plain or over ice. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Handle-Being-Made-Fun-Of | How to Handle Being Made Fun Of | Being made fun of can be hurtful, but if you find ways to cope, you'll be able to move on with your life. Sometimes the best course of action is to ignore the teasing, since bullies often just want attention. The next time someone starts picking on you, don't say anything and walk away from them. If they continue to tease you, try to stand up for yourself and ask them to stop. You could say something like, “I don't appreciate you making fun of me. Please stop.” In the meantime, focus on making friends who will care for you and build you up. Try joining a club, sport, or volunteer in your community to find people with similar interests. | Disregard the teasing. Unless it becomes a routine problem, if someone makes fun of you the best way to handle the situation is by ignoring the teasing altogether. By ignoring the bully you are denying them the attention that they are seeking by making fun of you. They are likely to get bored and leave you alone. When someone starts to tease you, don't give them the attention that they are seeking. Continue to do what you were doing and act like you didn't hear them. Walk away from the bully. If ignoring the bully does not work, consider walking away from the situation. While this still denies the bully the attention that they were seeking, it also sends a clear signal that you will not tolerate being teased. This will also prevent you from having to hear what the bully has to say. If someone starts to pick on you while you are at your locker at school, grab the books that you need and go to class. When a co-worker is making fun of you in the office, find something else to do. Go to a different room to work, grab a cup of coffee, or take a trip to the restroom. The bully will likely be back to work by the time you return. Find an outlet. If persistent teasing is getting you down consider finding an emotional outlet. Exercise can help you release built up anger and stress. It can also be a great confidence booster. Take up boxing or kung fu to release some built up aggression. Yoga or distance running are great outlets to manage stress and clear your head. Firmly ask them to stop teasing you. Sometimes ignoring a bully does not put an end to the bullying. It is important to stand up for yourself when someone is making fun of you. Be sure to make eye contact with your bully while you firmly ask them to stop teasing you. Make your statements short and to the point. Say something like, “I don't appreciate you making fun of me. Please stop.” Stay calm when you confront your bully. Being emotional or crying could fuel the bullying. Take a humorous approach. Most bullying can be hurtful in the moment but really won't matter of weeks or months. If you understand how insignificant the teasing really is, try to respond to the teasing with humor. Be witty or exaggerate the bully's comments. Seek help from an adult. If you are a child or teenager and need help to stop someone from bullying you, it is okay to ask an adult for help. Bullying is very serious and is not tolerated in most schools. Ask a teacher, coach, parent, or other trusted adult to help you handle the situation. Most schools have anti-bullying policies and will take disciplinary measures to ensure the safety of each of their students. Be persistent. If one adult does not take your concerns seriously, talk to a different adult. You have the right to feel safe. Be prepared to give specific examples. You want the adult to understand that they are bullying you, and not that you are tattling on them. If the bully is a family member, consider asking another family member to help. They may be able to talk to your bully privately to put an end to the teasing. Increase your circle of friends. By increasing your circle of loyal friends you are establishing more people who will stand up for you when someone is making fun of you. If it is your friends that are teasing you, consider finding new friends. Although friends sometimes tease each other, it is never okay for a friend to relentlessly tease you regardless of your requests for them to stop. Friends should not make each other feel bad. Join a club, sport, or other extra curricular activity that interests you in order to find new friends with the same interests and values. Volunteer after work for a local organization. Be a good friend in return. Remember how it feels to be made fun of and never laugh when someone else is being made fun of. Stand up for others who are being bullied. Don’t dwell on the teasing. Let go of all of the negativity and focus on positive things. Remind yourself of all the things you are good at and surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself. Try to understand that you cannot control the bully but you can control how you react to a bully. Find someone to talk to about the teasing. Continuous bullying can be damaging to someone's psychological well being. Over time, the victim might feel helpless, worthless, and anxious. This can have a negative effect in school, work, or social life. Seek professional help from a counselor or psychologist if you feel that you need additional emotional support to handle bullying. Your school's counselor will be able to give you additional tips to handle bullying. There is no shame in a counselor, therapist, or psychologist. They may also be able to help improve your social skills to help prevent you from being a target of bullying in the future. | Disregard the teasing. Walk away from the bully. Find an outlet. Firmly ask them to stop teasing you. Take a humorous approach. Seek help from an adult. Increase your circle of friends. Don’t dwell on the teasing. Find someone to talk to about the teasing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Bingo | How to Play Bingo | In Bingo, the goal of the game is to be the first player to get 5 chips in a row on their scorecard. Your row of 5 chips can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. To get started, give each player at least 1 scorecard and plenty of Bingo chips. Then, have 1 player, the "caller", randomly choose from the game pieces which have letters and numbers that correspond with the scorecards and call out their selection. For example, the caller might draw "B6," which corresponds to the "B6" square on the scorecards. If your scorecard has that square on it, place a Bingo chip on it. Once all the players have had an opportunity to place a chip on their scorecard, have the caller choose another letter and number combination. Keep playing like this until 1 player gets 5 chips in a row on their scorecard. If you're the first player to get 5 in a row, call out "Bingo!" to win the game. | Get at least 1 scorecard for each player. Bingo scorecards have 25 randomly numbered squares on them, with the word "BINGO" written across the top. Your goal is to cover 5 of those squares in a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal row. You can find Bingo scorecards online at your local hobby store. If you're playing Bingo with kids, you can print blank Bingo scorecards from off the internet and write in your own words, symbols, or pictures in the squares. Explain to everyone how the game's letter-number combinations work. In standard Bingo, there are 75 different letter-number combinations. Each letter-number combination corresponds with a square on the scorecards. For example, all of the numbers in the "B" column on the scorecard correspond with "B" letter-number combinations. If the caller chooses "B-9," you would look for the "9" square under the "B" column. If you're looking for a simpler version of Bingo to play with kids, you can use pictures or words instead of letter-number combinations. Choose a player to be the caller. In Bingo, the caller is the person that reads out the letters and numbers that determine which squares get covered on everyone's scorecards. The caller still gets to play the game with everyone else. If you're playing at a Bingo hall, there will already be a designated caller. In that case, the caller will not be playing with everyone else. Pass out scorecards to all the players. Each player needs at least 1 scorecard. Players can use more than 1 scorecard, as long as they can keep track of all the letters and numbers on the different cards. Playing with multiple scorecards increases your chances of winning, but it's trickier since you have more squares to keep track of. When you're playing with multiple scorecards, it's possible to win on more than one scorecard in the same game. Give each player a pile of Bingo chips. Bingo chips are what players will use to cover the squares on their scorecards. Any small objects will work as Bingo chips, as long as they can fit inside the squares on the scorecards. You can use poker chips, coins, or even small pieces of paper as Bingo chips. Place a chip on the square in the center of your scorecard. In Bingo, the square in the center of everyone's scorecard is considered a free space. Everyone starts out with 1 chip over that space. Give the caller the letters and numbers they'll call out in the game. These letters and numbers can be written down on small pieces of paper and then folded up, or you can use actual Bingo balls that have letters and numbers on them. They just need to correspond with the letters and numbers on the scorecards. Put the pieces of paper or Bingo balls in a bucket, bowl, or Bingo spinner so the caller can choose them at random. If you're playing Bingo with kids and the scorecards have pictures or words on them, give the caller corresponding pictures or words to choose from. Have the caller read out a letter-number combination. The caller should grab a letter-number combination at random, without looking, and read it out loud. Have them call out the combination a few times so everyone hears it. For example, if the caller pulls out a piece of paper or a ball that says "N-7" on it, they would say "N-7" out loud. If you're playing Bingo with pictures or words instead of letter-number combinations, have the caller read out the word or describe the picture to the other players. Place a chip on your scorecard if you have that letter and number. After the caller reads out the letter-number combination, check your scorecard to see if you have the letter and number they called out. If you do, put a chip on that square. For example, if the caller says "G-46," you would look for the number "46" in the "G" column on your scorecard. If you have it, you'd cover that square with a chip. If you don't have the letter and number the caller chose, you don't have to do anything. Continue playing until someone gets 5 chips in a row on their scorecard. Have the caller continue to call out different letter-number combinations. Players should keep placing chips on the squares on their scorecard whenever a corresponding letter-number combination is called. A player wins if they get 5 covered squares in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal row. There's no limit to how many letter-number combinations the caller reads out. They'll keep choosing new combinations until someone wins. Shout "Bingo” if you get 5 squares in a row. When a player gets 5 covered squares in a row on their scorecard, they should yell "Bingo" so everyone knows they won. When someone shouts "Bingo," the caller will stop choosing new letter-number combinations. If more than 1 player shouts "Bingo" after the same letter-number combination is called out, all of those players win. Have everyone clear their scorecards after someone wins. Once someone has called out "Bingo" and won that round, everyone should take all the chips off their scorecards. You should always start a new game with a clear scorecard (except for the chip on the free space in the center). Mix up all the letter-number combinations for the next game. To start a new game of Bingo, the caller will need to mix all the letter-number combinations they called during the last game back into the bucket, bowl, or spinner they're using. Always start a new game with all of the letter-number combinations mixed together. | Get at least 1 scorecard for each player. Explain to everyone how the game's letter-number combinations work. Choose a player to be the caller. Pass out scorecards to all the players. Give each player a pile of Bingo chips. Place a chip on the square in the center of your scorecard. Give the caller the letters and numbers they'll call out in the game. Have the caller read out a letter-number combination. Place a chip on your scorecard if you have that letter and number. Continue playing until someone gets 5 chips in a row on their scorecard. Shout "Bingo” if you get 5 squares in a row. Have everyone clear their scorecards after someone wins. Mix up all the letter-number combinations for the next game. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Style-a-Lob | How to Style a Lob | To style a lob, try braiding your hair when it's wet and then unbraiding it once it dries to create easy, effortless-looking waves. Alternatively, you can use a curling iron to style your roots and mid-length hair for more defined curls. Or, if you'd prefer a sleeker style, try blow drying your hair with a round brush so it dries straight. You can also straighten your hair with a flat iron and then flip the ends out for a classic, sleek look. | Add curls to straight hair with a curling iron for a new look. Wrap a small section of hair around a curling iron for 10-15 seconds, then move onto the next section. Alternate between curling your hair towards and away from your face. Focus on curling the roots and mid-lengths, leaving the ends straight. Let your hair cool, then set your style with hairspray. The size of your sections should not be larger than the diameter of your curling iron. Set your curling iron at 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit (149-177 degrees Celsius). Curl your bangs for a more natural look, or leave them straight for a chic look. For a more natural look, run your fingers through your hair to loosen up the curls. Use gel or mousse on damp hair if you want to enhance natural curls. Wash your hair, then apply some gel or mousse. Allow it to air dry, or blow dry it with a diffuser. If you'd like to shape your curls further, use a curling iron in a size that matches your curls. Alternate the directions you curl in, and follow your natural curl pattern as much as possible. Apply a smoothing cream or glossing cream to your hair after it dries to add shine. Skip the hairdryer and curling iron if you have natural/textured hair. Wash your hair like you normally would, then apply some gel or styling mousse to it, along with your usual hydrating cream. Wrap strands of hair around your fingers as they dry. Be sure to go with the direction of your curl pattern, not against it. Wrap a strand of hair tightly around your finger, hold it for a moment, then slip your finger out. The size of the strands depends on the shape of your curls. Your hair will start to break up into individual strands shortly after you step out of the shower and it starts to dry. This technique is called finger coils. Curl your hair with a flat iron for beachy waves. Apply a heat protectant and a texturizing spray to dry hair. Wrap thin sections of hair around a flat iron , just like you would with a curling iron. Hold it for a few seconds, then move onto the next section. If you want to give your hair more volume, apply a volumizing product to the roots before you curl your hair. Braid your hair while it's wet for quick and easy waves. Get your hair wet, then divide it into 5 sections: 2 on each side of your head and 1 in the back. Braid each of the 5 sections individually, wait until your hair is completely dry, then undo the braids. Run your fingers through the waves to loosen them, if desired, but do not brush them. If you don't have hours to let your hair air dry, sit under a hooded dryer. If you are in a hurry, do this step with dry hair, then press each braid from top to bottom with a flat iron. Undo the braids once your hair cools. Blow dry your hair with a round brush. Start with damp, freshly-washed hair. Blow dry your hair straight by running your hair between a hairdryer and a round barrel brush. Keep the round brush under your hair, and the hair dryer over your hair. Use a flat iron to smooth out flyaways. If you don't have an excessive amount of flyaways, rub a pea sized amount of serum in the palm of your hands and apply it to your hair to tame the flyaways. Work in sections from 1 side of your head to the other. You can use this technique on bangs as well. Straighten your hair with a flat iron, then flip out the ends. Make sure that your hair is dry first. Apply a heat protection spray, then let it dry as well. Use a flat iron to straighten your hair like you normally would. As you reach the ends, twist your wrist to rotate the iron upwards. Let your hair cool before setting the style with hairspray. If you have curly hair, blow dry it straight with a round brush first. Keep the brush on top of your hair rather than under it so that the ends curl outward. Touch things up with a flat iron, if needed. Use a blow dryer and a flat iron if you have textured or natural hair. Apply a good heat protectant, then blow dry your hair as straight using a round brush. You can also use either a paddle brush or a blow dryer with a comb/pik attachment. Gather the upper three-quarters of your hair into a bun, then straighten the bottom layer with a flat iron and a low-heat setting. Let down another layer of your hair, and repeat the process. Keep going until you reach the top of your head. To get your hair straighter, place a fine toothed comb below the flat iron as you run the flat iron through the length of your hair. You may have to work in smaller sections if your hair is very thick. Apply a hair oil or serum to smooth any stray strands and add shine. Create a sleek look by applying gel to wet hair and brushing it back. Apply a high-shine gel to your hair, from roots to ends. Comb your hair back with a fine-toothed comb, so that it flows away from your front hairline and the part disappears. Apply more gel to the top of your head as needed to finish the wet look. Leave the ends alone. Straighten your hair first, if it is curly or wavy. Accent your straight style with a headband. A thick, fabric headband will look trendy, but if you want something fancier, try a decorative metal one instead. Experiment with brushing your hair straight back, away from your hairline, or parting it down the center or off to the side. Make sure that the headband that you are using goes with the rest of your outfit. For example: A thick, fabric headband will look better with a casual outfit than a fancy outfit. If you are wearing jewelry, match the metal headband to whatever you are wearing. Pair gold jewelry with gold headbands, and silver jewelry with silver headbands. Try French braids if you want to braid your hair. Part your hair down the middle, then French braid each side. Continue with regular braids, or tie them off at your nape for a chic look. Create a Dutch braid by crossing the left and right strands under the middle strand instead of over it. Convert 2 Dutch braids into a braided crown for a romantic look. Part your hair down the middle, then Dutch braid each half. Continue braiding your hair until you reach the ends, then tie them off with hair ties. Gently pull on the outer loops forming the braids to loosen them up. Cross the braids against the base of your skull, then secure them with bobby pins. Create a mini braided headband for a romantic look. Create a center part. Gather 1 small section of hair from each side of the part, about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) behind your hairline. Braid each section, then bobby pin them behind your head, like a half-up ponytail. You can do this look with a side part too. For a twist, create the mini braids, then pull all of your hair back (including the braids) into a low ponytail. Upgrade a low ponytail with a looped bun for a chic look. Pull your hair back into a low ponytail. Twist a hair tie 2 to 3 times around it. On the last wrap, pull your ponytail only halfway through the hair tie. If you have thin hair, you'll probably need to wrap it 3 times. If you have thick hair, you'll only need to wrap it 2 times. You can create this style with half-up, half-down ponytails as well. Braid your hair, then wrap it into a bun for a fancy twist. Create a simple braid at the base of your neck. Secure the end of the braid with a clear elastic. Wrap the braid into a coil, then secure it with bobby pins that match your hair color. Use as many bobby pins as you need to. This style will look gorgeous with a side part, but you can use a center part too. Wrap several sections together if you want to create an intricate bun. Gather a section on each side of your face, and secure with a clip. Pull the rest of your hair back into a low ponytail. Braid your hair, then tuck the end under the hair tie. Unclip the 2 sections from before and pull them back towards the braid. Cross them, wrap them around the braid, then secure them with bobby pins. Mist your bun with hairspray to help it last longer. Change up your look with a side part for something quick and simple. Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to create a deep side part. Start the part just above your left or right eyebrow, then angle it towards the back-center of your crown. Set your style with a misting of hairspray. If your hair is still wet, you can blow dry it at this point to help further set the part. Try a half-up ponytail if you need to keep your hair out of your face. Brush your hair back so that your part disappears. Gather all of the hair above your ears, and pull it back into a ponytail. Secure it with a hair tie that matches your hair color. Curl or straighten the rest of your hair, if desired. If your hair is not long enough for this, start gathering your hair 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) above your ears instead. Give the style a twist, and pull the ponytail halfway through the hair tie on the last wrap to create a messy bun or top knot. Pin your hair back if it is too short for a half-up ponytail. Grab small sections of hair from both sides of your face, just above your ears. Pull these sections back behind your head and overlap them. Secure them with 2 crisscrossing bobby pins. Use more bobby pins on either side of the crisscross, if needed. Use bobby pins that match your hair color for a natural look. Use colorful, glittery, or decorated bobby pins for a fancier look. Stack 2 ponytails if you want a more voluminous style. Pull the hair above your ears into a half-up, half-down ponytail and secure it with a clear elastic. Pull the rest of your hair into a second ponytail just beneath it, and secure it with a clear elastic as well. Wrap a hair tie around both ponytails to hold them together. Use anti-frizz cream to smooth your hair and add some shine to it. You can also take a thin strand of hair from the bottom ponytail, wrap it around both ponytail, then secure it with a bobby pin. Use headbands if you don't want to use ponytails. Slip fabric headbands over your head and around the neck, then pull the front over the top of your head; make sure that the rest is under your hair. If you prefer a metal headband, brush your hair back and away from your face, then slip the metal headband over the top of your head. Accessorize your hair with hair clips for a cute look. Part your hair off to the side, then clip back the smaller side of the part behind your ear with a hair clip. You can also pull your hair back behind your head and secure it with decorative hair clips. If you are wearing an updo, such as a braided crown or a messy chignon, you can insert decorative hair pins instead. You can use decorated bobby pins too. They are sturdier than regular bobby pins, and usually have an ornament on the end. | Add curls to straight hair with a curling iron for a new look. Use gel or mousse on damp hair if you want to enhance natural curls. Skip the hairdryer and curling iron if you have natural/textured hair. Curl your hair with a flat iron for beachy waves. Braid your hair while it's wet for quick and easy waves. Blow dry your hair with a round brush. Straighten your hair with a flat iron, then flip out the ends. Use a blow dryer and a flat iron if you have textured or natural hair. Create a sleek look by applying gel to wet hair and brushing it back. Accent your straight style with a headband. Try French braids if you want to braid your hair. Convert 2 Dutch braids into a braided crown for a romantic look. Create a mini braided headband for a romantic look. Upgrade a low ponytail with a looped bun for a chic look. Braid your hair, then wrap it into a bun for a fancy twist. Wrap several sections together if you want to create an intricate bun. Change up your look with a side part for something quick and simple. Try a half-up ponytail if you need to keep your hair out of your face. Pin your hair back if it is too short for a half-up ponytail. Stack 2 ponytails if you want a more voluminous style. Use headbands if you don't want to use ponytails. Accessorize your hair with hair clips for a cute look. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Vagina-Smell-Good | How to Make Your Vagina Smell Good | To make your vagina smell good, make sure to wash regularly to keep the area clean and get rid of any bacteria. Try to find fragrance-free soaps to avoid any skin irritation and bad odor. You should also avoid using lubricants or other products that are not water or silicone based, since this can lead to infection. Think about your diet, too, since eating too much sugar can lead to bacterial infections. If you want to smell particularly good, try adding a dab of perfume, like sandalwood or vanilla, to your inner thighs. | Wash regularly. You need to shower and wash yourself regularly to smell good! For most women, a good guideline is to gently wash the area around the vagina every day. Washing yourself will help combat a buildup of bacteria on the skin, which causes odor just like it does anywhere else on the body. Use the correct soaps. Your vagina is very sensitive. Using the wrong types of soap can cause irritation and bad odor. Avoid soaps which are heavily perfumed, contain too many unnatural ingredients, or have antibacterial properties. These upset the natural balance of your body. Instead, use natural soaps which are labeled as being fragrance-free. Don’t douche. The only time you should douche (wash out your vagina) is if your doctor tells you to. Douching creates a terrible imbalance of your body's natural bacteria and will almost guarantee that you end up with some kind of infection. The only cleaning that you will need to do will be with basic soap and water on the outside of your body. Wipe carefully. Incorrect wiping after using the toilet can lead to infections. Wipe in the correct direction (front to back) and be sure that you are thorough. It is easy to miss the vaginal area and this can leave residue which leads to infections or overgrowth of bacteria. Use products carefully. Be careful about the products that you use around your vagina. Using lubricants that are not water or silicone based can cause infections, and you should always clean lube off once you're done using it. Anything with heavy fragrance can cause infections easily, so avoid feminine products which aim to make your vagina smell like flowers. This includes lotions. Wear clean, fresh, correctly fitting underwear. This is a very important part of keeping your vagina clean and healthy. Wearing the same set of underwear for more than 24 hours may quickly create an imbalance of bacteria. You will also want to wear the right type of underwear. Your underwear needs to breathe, since an overly moist environment will cause bacterial buildup. Cotton is best. Make sure you do laundry, it can get messy! Use perfume. Yes, using perfume too close to your vagina is a bad idea. However, putting a dab of perfume on the inside of each of your thighs, roughly six inches from the vulva area, is a time-honored way to smell amazing when anyone puts their head down there. You partner will associate musky smells with sex (since this is the type of smell you have naturally) so try to get a perfume which is generally musky. Sandalwood and vanilla are common “sexy” smells. Watch your diet. Your diet can greatly affect your taste and smell. Certain foods tend to affect your body in certain ways, by altering your body's balance of sugar, bacteria, and chemical compounds. Much like how if you eat a lot of garlic, your skin excretes a garlic smell for several days, you can eat or not eat certain foods to produce a better smell and taste in your vagina. You'll want to start by eating less sugar. A spike in blood sugar can cause yeast infections and buildup, which will cause bad odor. Yogurt is considered to be a great way to help women keep a healthy vagina, as it contains the bacteria which naturally occurs in our body to maintain a healthy vagina. Watch out for infections and diseases. These are the major causes of serious vaginal odor. Examples of such infections and diseases include yeast and bacterial infections (the most common causes), STIs, STDs, or viruses like herpes. Even much more serious problems like some kinds of cancer or internal ruptures can cause vaginal odor. You will need to monitor your body for other signs of illness and if you really feel that your vaginal odor is unnatural, see your doctor. One thing to look out for are unusual discharges from your vagina. Brown, green, or chunky white discharges are signs of infection and you should go see your doctor as soon as possible. Just remember that some discharge is normal and healthy but it should not smell. Be aware that certain sexual practices cause vaginal odor. Any introduction of foreign bacteria can upset the delicate balance in your vagina and so sexual practices can have an effect. Certain practices in particular can set off a reaction, namely anal sex before vaginal sex, oral sex, and the use of objects or food as penetrative methods. If you wish to engage in these practices, use protection (like a condom) and change it in between activities. Check for foreign objects. Foreign objects lodged in the vagina will cause your body's immune response to react and try to attack the object. This can cause bad odor as well. Tampons that have been forgotten or left in for too long, pieces of a broken condom, or objects used in sexual play are examples of such causes for odor. Be careful to practice proper hygiene. Improper hygiene can lead to a buildup of bacteria around your vagina and vulva. This will cause odor, though it may not necessarily cause an infection. If you want to reduce odor, keep yourself and your clothing clean. Loose clothing can prevent smell too. Avoid hot baths and hot tubs. Surrounding your vagina with hot water will kill much of your body's natural bacteria which preserves the delicate balance of your vagina. | Wash regularly. Use the correct soaps. Don’t douche. Wipe carefully. Use products carefully. Wear clean, fresh, correctly fitting underwear. Use perfume. Watch your diet. Watch out for infections and diseases. Be aware that certain sexual practices cause vaginal odor. Check for foreign objects. Be careful to practice proper hygiene. Avoid hot baths and hot tubs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Freeze-Kiwi | How to Freeze Kiwi | To freeze kiwi slices for storage, start by lining a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper. Place your fruit on top of the sheet, making sure the pieces don't touch, and sprinkle them with sugar if desired. Then, cover the tray with more parchment paper and set it in your freezer. When the kiwis are completely frozen, transfer them to a ziploc or vacuum sealed bag and put them back in the freezer for long-term storage. | Check your kiwis to make sure they are ripe. Kiwis can deteriorate during storage, so it's important to preserve them in the best condition possible. Look for kiwis that are completely ripe, meaning they depress slightly when squeezed. If a kiwi is hard, give the fruit some time to ripen before freezing it. The size of a kiwi plays no role in how ripe it is. To ripen your kiwis faster, place them inside a paper bag. Slice off each kiwi’s stem. A kiwi's stem is located on the top of the fruit and typically looks like a small wooden patch. With a paring knife, cut off the stem and the immediate skin surrounding it, revealing the fruit inside. To preserve as much of the kiwifruit as possible, try to make your cut less than.25 in (0.64 cm) thick. Place a spoon underneath each kiwi’s skin. With the stem removed, look for the seam where the kiwifruit meets its skin. Take a spoon and push it into this seam with the curved side facing out. The goal is to push the skin up, not take chunks out of the kiwi itself, so do your best to avoid carving the fruit. Turn the spoon to peel off the skin. When the head of the spoon is completely inside the kiwi, slowly turn the utensil around the entire fruit. This will cause the skin to pop up, creating a gap between it and the kiwi. When you're finished, the kiwi should slide out of the skin with little effort. Cut your peeled kiwis into multiple slices. For the best possible freezing results, make your kiwi slices as thin or thick as you would if you were using or eating them today. If there's any skin still left on your kiwi, peel it off now. Whole kiwis often swell and tear apart during the freezing process, a problem kiwi slices don't have. Cover a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper. Pull out a flat tray or baking sheet that's small enough to fit inside your freezer. Clean off the tray if necessary, then line it with a piece of parchment paper or non-stick plastic wrap. Look for parchment paper at discount and grocery stores. Place your kiwi slices on the sheet. The individual slices should not touch each other, but you can set them incredibly close to preserve space. If necessary, pull out additional baking sheets to store all your fruit slices. Coat the kiwis with white sugar (optional). To better preserve the color and flavor of your kiwi slices, you can coat them with a thin layer of standard, granulated white sugar. To do so, grab the sugar with your fingers and sprinkle it over the fruit, letting it spread out evenly. For every 1 imp qt (1,100 mL) of kiwi slices you have, plan to use about 8 oz (230 g) of sugar. In place of sugar, you can use a store-bought fruit preservative powder. Cover the kiwi slices with parchment paper. To help pack in moisture, lay a sheet of parchment paper or non-stick plastic on top of your kiwi slices. Press down on the paper to make sure there is no space between it and the fruit. If you'd like, wrap the entire sheet in protective paper to cover up any additional air holes. Clear out a spot in your freezer that is large enough to fit your baking tray. Try to make this spot as flat as possible to keep your kiwi slices from losing juice or sliding into each other. Place your kiwis in the freezer until they are completely frozen. For small kiwi slices, expect the freezing process to take between 4 and 6 hours. For larger slices, it may take up to a day or, in some cases, even longer. Remove the tray when the kiwis are firm and no longer depress when squeezed. To speed up the freezing process, remove as many items from your freezer as possible. Transfer the kiwis to a freezer-safe bag. For long-term storage, kiwis need to stay in a container with as little air exposure as possible. The cheapest solution is to place the slices inside a freezer-safe bag, press out excess air with your hands, and seal the bag shut. For a better but more expensive solution, try running your slices through a vacuum sealing device. Since they are now firm, you no longer need to keep your kiwis from touching. Store your kiwi slices in the freezer for up to 12 months. Place a label on your kiwi container listing the fruit's initial freeze date, then place it anywhere inside your freezer. Good kiwi slices should last for up to 1 year, but examine the fruit every month to check for mold and rot. Do not thaw your kiwi slices before use. When defrosted, frozen kiwi slices often become mushy and undesirable. To avoid this, use your kiwi slices as smoothie ingredients, meat tenderizers, garnishes, and other cooking elements that work well when frozen. For dishes where melted kiwi is necessary, like gelatin, boil the fruit before use to keep its enzymes from changing. | Check your kiwis to make sure they are ripe. Slice off each kiwi’s stem. Place a spoon underneath each kiwi’s skin. Turn the spoon to peel off the skin. Cut your peeled kiwis into multiple slices. Cover a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper. Place your kiwi slices on the sheet. Coat the kiwis with white sugar (optional). Cover the kiwi slices with parchment paper. Clear out a spot in your freezer that is large enough to fit your baking tray. Place your kiwis in the freezer until they are completely frozen. Transfer the kiwis to a freezer-safe bag. Store your kiwi slices in the freezer for up to 12 months. Do not thaw your kiwi slices before use. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Address-Envelopes-With-Attn | How to Address Envelopes With Attn | To address an envelope with “Attn,” write “Attn:” at the top center of the envelope, followed by the name of the recipient. Write the name of the person's company on the next line. Then, on the next line, write the company's address like you normally would on an envelope. | Write "Attn" followed by the name of the recipient. The "Attn" line should always appear at the very top of your delivery address, just before the name of the person you're sending it to. Use a colon after "Attn" to make it clearly readable. This line signifies to the mail carrier exactly for whom the letter is intended. For example, write "Attn: John Smith," where "John Smith" is replaced with your recipient's name. As an alternative, you can write out the full word "attention." Write the business or organization name next. The name of the company where the person works goes underneath the "Attn" line. The company name should be written on the second line of the destination address. If the company is large and the person to whom you're writing works for a particular department, include the department name on a line of it's own before you write the company name. Not including the company name on the envelope will not usually prevent your letter from being delivered. However, your letter will look less professional, and may not get delivered promptly if you don't include the company name. Add the street address beneath the company name. The full street address should be added in a single line. Make sure to include any directional signs (such as "east" or "west"), suite number, or unit number. Suite and unit numbers should not be placed on a separate line unless absolutely necessary. Make sure you know the exact street address where your recipient works. Many businesses that are located in multi-story or other large buildings will include a suite number in their address. Including this number is crucial. Fill in the city, state, and postal code on the bottom line. If you know the "ZIP+4" postal code, include it to further ensure that your letter reaches the correct address. Check your address to ensure it is correct. When you're satisfied that all the details are right, put a stamp in the upper righthand corner and send your letter. | Write "Attn" followed by the name of the recipient. Write the business or organization name next. Add the street address beneath the company name. Fill in the city, state, and postal code on the bottom line. Check your address to ensure it is correct. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-Your-Consumer-Rights | How to Protect Your Consumer Rights | You can protect your consumer rights by shopping wisely and getting help if you're dissatisfied with a product or service. By shopping smartly, you'll minimize the risk of having your consumer rights violated. For example, whenever you're paying for services, like lawyers, contractors, or plumbers, check their professional licenses to make sure they're legally covered. Always ask for a receipt so you have physical proof of your purchase. To protect your consumer rights, always use a credit card for any large purchases, since your bank will cover you in the event of a fraudulent transaction, while this doesn't apply to debit cards. If you make a purchase for over 20 dollars that you regret or felt pressured into, under federal law you have the right to cancel the purchase by midnight of the 3rd business day after the sale. Don't panic if your consumer rights are violated, since the law will support you. If a product is defective, you also have the right to a replacement or refund, although you may need proof of your purchase, like a receipt or invoice. | Learn your basic consumer rights. Congress and state legislatures have passed numerous laws to protect consumer's rights in the United States. Underlying these laws are the basic rights to which all consumers are entitled. These rights include: The right to choose from a selection of quality products and services that are sold at competitive prices. The right to safety or that products purchased in the marketplace and used as directed will not harm the consumer. The right to information about products so that consumers can make informed choices when purchasing goods. The right to be heard by manufacturers of products as well as by government agencies and courts when raising a complaint. The right to a remedy or redress when a consumer is dissatisfied with or injured because of a product or service. The right to environmental health, which means that manufacturers and marketplaces cannot operate their businesses in a way that damages the environment. The right to service that is convenient and respectful. The right to education about consumer rights and training to facilitate thoughtful and informed decisions in the marketplace. Evaluate large or risky purchases before making them. Before making a large or risky purchase, you should consider checking with other retailers to make sure that the item is not less expensive elsewhere. In addition, you should discuss your potential purchase with a trusted friend or family member who has made a similar purchase. You may also consider: Making a budget to determine whether you can afford the item. Deciding what features or services are absolutely necessary and what are unnecessary but costly. Reading reviews online about the product and determining whether the product has been recalled. You can check on recalled products at: https://www.recalls.gov. Ask about product warranties. A warranty is a promise by a seller or manufacturer that they will repair or replace a product if it breaks down within a certain amount of time. Federal law requires that warranties must be available for consumers to review before purchasing a product. When reviewing a warranty or comparing warranties between manufacturers, you should look for the following: Check to see how long the warranty lasts and if anything voids your coverage. Who provides warranty service – is it the manufacturer or someone else? Does the company repair or replace the product if it stops working? What repairs or problems are covered? Ask that any warranties made orally by a salesperson be put in writing or you may not be able to get the promised service. Check that professionals are licensed. Before contracting with someone for professional services such as lawyers, contractors, plumbers or others, you should make sure that they are appropriately licensed before hiring them. Contractors, plumbers and electricians are all required to be licensed by state boards. You can request a service provider's license number and then check his or her licensure status online. You can find links to state license boards at: http://www.contractors-license.org. You check whether lawyers or doctors are licensed through state bar associations or medical associations. Check business reviews at the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) maintains a list of complaints and ratings for companies. Before hiring a business to provide services, you should review BBB's website to make sure the company has not mistreated consumers in the past. You can lookup companies on BBB at: https://www.bbb.org. Be careful making online purchases. When making purchases online, only provide your contact information and credit card companies at trusted websites. When making online purchases, you should look for a small padlock symbol in your address bar. This indicates that the website is secure. Website addresses that begin with “https” versus “http” offer a greater level of security. If you are unsure whether the site is trustworthy, conduct an internet search on the name of the company or website and the words “trustworthy” or “secure.” This may help you uncover any problems people had with the website or reviews that the website is secure. Always request a receipt for purchases. You should always request and keep the receipt for any product or merchandise that you purchase. A receipt is usually required to return faulty merchandise or submit a complaint against a business. You should also keep other important documents related to the purchase of goods or services, such as, contracts, warranties and manuals. Read and submit a warranty after purchase. It is important to comply with the warranty and care instructions of a product. Some warranties will be voided if you use the product in manner that was not specified. Additionally, some manufacturers require that you register your product and/or warranty with them, either online or by returning a warranty card. Challenge fees charged by gift cards. Occasionally, gift card companies may try to charge you a fee for failing to use your card within a year. Federal law prohibits these types of charges. You cannot be charged an inactivity fee until after you have not used the card for a year and the card cannot expire for at least five years. You should also check your state laws regarding gift card fees and expiration dates as some states have banned these practices. You can review state and federal law regarding gift cards at: http://www.ncsl.org/research/financial-services-and-commerce/gift-cards-and-certificates-statutes-and-legis.aspx Use a credit card when making online purchases. People are increasingly making large purchases over the internet. There are a number of things you can do to protect against fraud and consumer rights violations. One of the most important things that you should do is use a credit card when making online purchases. Credit card companies are responsible for fraudulent purchases over $50, whereas a debit card does not offer the same protection. Before making an online purchase, you should read the website's security policy and how it handles disputed charges. Some websites, such as eBay, offer customers a money back guarantee is a seller is unable to resolve an issue with your transaction. Whenever an Amazon account holder goes to purchase an item, the website automatically shift the person's account to an encrypted server to protect his or her payment information. Amazon also allows you to dispute any unauthorized charges through Amazon directly with the company. Use the “cooling-off” rule. If you make a purchase that you regret or felt pressured into, under federal law consumers have the right to cancel the purchase by midnight of the 3rd business day after the sale. Your purchase must be for $25 or more in order for the cooling off rule to apply. Ask a retailer to explain their return policy. While federal and state laws place requirements on retailers regarding refunds, one of the best ways to protect your consumer rights is to ask a retailer to explain their return and refund policy before you make a purchase. It is more likely that a large retail operation will have posted their refund policies, however smaller retail operations or individuals may not. In addition to asking a retailer to explain their policy, you should review your state's laws regarding refunds. You can find a summary of state refund laws at: http://consumer.findlaw.com/consumer-transactions/customer-returns-and-refund-laws-by-state.html. Use your right to complain. Despite taking precautions, you may still experience a violation of your consumer rights. If you experienced problems with an item or service that your purchased, you have the right to complain. If you are not satisfied with the retailer's response, you have the right to file a formal complaint against the business. Just as you have consumer rights, you also have an obligation to speak up when your rights are violated and express your concerns. Contact the seller or manufacturer if a product is defective. If a purchased product is defective, your first step should be to contact the seller or manufacturer of the product. If you call the manufacturer, ask to speak to the customer service department and explain the problem with the product. Most companies want to maintain good customer relations so often they will work with you to repair or replace the product. Normally, the product needs to be defective and your claim must be maid within the timeframe of the warranty. Some companies will replace a defective product outside of the warranty because they want to maintain positive customer relations. Some sellers may require proof of purchase before repairing or replacing defective goods. If customer service is not providing satisfactory assistance, you should ask for the name of the person's supervisor or manager and an address where you can send a letter. Contact a supervisor in writing. If after speaking with customer service, the seller or manufacturer did not resolve your issue, you should write a letter to a supervisor in the company. You can always ask a customer service representative to whom you should address your concerns. In your letter, your should address the following: When you purchased the product or service, the amount that you paid and attach copies of any invoices or receipts that you have. A detailed description of the problem with the product or service and why it failed to meet your expectations. A statement of how you want the situations resolved, either by refund, replacement or repair. If your letter does not get a response, send a copy of the letter to the business's national headquarters or someone higher in the management chain. If this is a small retailer, there may not be anyone else to whom you can complain and therefore you should make your complaint to consumer protection offices and organizations. You can review a sample complaint letter at: https://www.usa.gov/consumer-complaints. Write an online review of the company. If you received poor service or a defective product and an unsatisfactory response from the retailer, you can write a negative review about the retailer online. Many online retailers such as Ebay and Amazon and websites such as Yelp allow you to post negative as well as positive reviews about products and services. By posting an online review, a retailer may respond to your concerns more quickly. If not, you have at least warned other consumers about the issues you faced. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). BBB allows consumers to file complaints about businesses for poor services and products. BBB collects information about the nature of the transaction, the product and the consumer's complaints. BBB then forwards your complaint to the business within two business days. They ask each business to respond within 14 days and try to resolve consumer complaints within 30 days. You can file a complaint with BBB at: https://www.bbb.org/consumer-complaints/file-a-complaint/get-started. File a complaint with a federal or state consumer protection agency. Every state has a consumer protection agency dedicated to protecting consumer rights and addressing consumer complaints. While each agency may have its own requirements, generally you will be asked to provide the following information: Name and contact information. Information about the seller and the type of product or service. A detailed description of your complaint. You can find contact information for state consumer protection agencies at: https://www.usa.gov/state-consumer. At the federal level, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for protecting consumer rights. The FTC accepts complaints under several broad categories: identity theft; scams and rip-offs; unwanted telemarketing, text, or SPAM; mobile devices or telephones; internet services, online shopping, or computers; education, jobs, and making money; and credit and debt. You can make a complaint to the FTC online at: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1 Engage in dispute resolution. Some contracts for services or purchase may require that a consumer and retailer engage in dispute resolution rather than filing a lawsuit. Dispute resolution may include the following: Mediation, which is when both sides meet with a neutral third party who helps facilitate an agreement or settlement between the parties. In mediation, the parties attempt to reach an agreement with the assistance and guidance of a mediator. The mediator does not have the power to require the parties to take any actions. In an arbitration, the arbitrator acts like a judge and decides how the dispute should be resolved. | Learn your basic consumer rights. Evaluate large or risky purchases before making them. Ask about product warranties. Check that professionals are licensed. Check business reviews at the Better Business Bureau. Be careful making online purchases. Always request a receipt for purchases. Read and submit a warranty after purchase. Challenge fees charged by gift cards. Use a credit card when making online purchases. Use the “cooling-off” rule. Ask a retailer to explain their return policy. Use your right to complain. Contact the seller or manufacturer if a product is defective. Contact a supervisor in writing. Write an online review of the company. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). File a complaint with a federal or state consumer protection agency. Engage in dispute resolution. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sell-Photos-Online | How to Sell Photos Online | To make money selling photos online, register for an account with a stock photo website and review the rules and requirements before you get started. Next, create a diverse portfolio of your digital photos and upload your highest quality images to the stock website. Be sure to use relevant and specific tags so potential customers can find and buy your images easily. You can also consider registering with multiple stock photo websites to maximize your earnings! | Look at several different sites’ pay rates. Basic stock photo sites like Dreamstime, freedigitalphotos.net, and Shutterstock are popular choices for amateur photographers, while the pros often choose Getty Images or Corbis. Each of these sites has a different pay rate, but most sites offer at least 30% commission. Be sure to check each site's commission rate before you sign up. Often, the most popular sites pay the smallest commission. Whether or not you want to sell quickly for less money or wait longer for more money is up to you! Don't undervalue yourself. If you love what you do and you're good at it, charge accordingly. Check the site’s requirements and themes to avoid rejected images. Every site has its own requirements for download quality and its own focus on themes. Your images won't be accepted if you don't follow the site's specific requirements. Make sure your photos meet the requirements and fit the site's theme before you submit them. For example, Dreamstime requires a minimum of 3 megapixels for download size, and they also prefer business-oriented photos. Register for an account. Registration with the site that you choose is usually free. If the site isn't free, you may want to reconsider using them unless the fee is pretty cheap and a one-time payment. Be sure to read the site's instructions carefully, because there's often important information about payment and copyright issues included. Review and complete the payment portion of your account. Most sites will pay you via Paypal, although a few sites may pay via check through the mail. You will need to provide the email address associated with your Paypal account, along with any additional information they require. If you don't have a Paypal account, set one up. When you're paid varies from site to site. Some only pay you when you request a cash-out, and others pay on a specific day of the month. Make sure you are registering with a reputable site before giving them your account information or home address. Consider registering for multiple sites. Registering for multiple sites can let you make more money, but be careful! If you sell an image on one site, you may have to remove it on all your other sites. Also, some sites will offer exclusive contracts that pay you more if you only sell your photos to them. Read all the fine print before registering to multiple sites! Develop a diverse portfolio of digital images. If you only have 4 or 5 main subjects in your images, they will only appeal to a certain kind of customer. While you can still make money this way, it's better to have a diverse collection of images with many different subjects and tones. The more people your images appeal to, the more money you'll make. Don't be afraid to experiment—that's how you'll discover the style that really fits you best. Choose generic images to make the most money. Generic images appeal to the largest audience, so these photos will sell more often than niche or unusual images. Go through your digital portfolio and pick out generic images with mass appeal. For example, images of flowers and landscapes work well. Single-subject shots, like a bookcase of old books, a windmill, or a wine bottle, also work well. Anything business or office-oriented usually does well. Generic tones also sell well on stock sites. For example, images that look vintage. Select images that are high quality for the best results. Most stock sites have rules about resolution, size, file format, and so on. Make sure your images adhere to those rules so they won't be rejected. If the site you're using doesn't have set requirements, customers are much more likely to purchase high quality images with good resolution. Use only your very best work. Choose images with crisp detail and balanced color. For example, images that are blurry or high contrast wouldn't be appropriate choices. Upload your photos to the stock site. Make sure your chosen images follow all of the site's rules and requirements, such as image size, resolution, file type, and so on. If your site lets you post images in specific categories, make sure your photos match the categories to increase sales. Tag your images with relevant tags to appear in site searches. When you upload your photos to websites, they'll be among thousands of other pictures. Thinking of tags for each picture will help them come up first in searches. Pick multiple tags for each picture. For example, if you upload a picture of the beach, your tags might include words like “beach,” “fun,” “sunny day,” “sand,” “surfing,” or “tropical.” Experiment with using a mix of generic tags and specific tags. Generic tags are the most popular ones because they're the most searched for. Using generic tags will get your photos in front of the most people. Specific tags can get your images in front of a different group of people. Use a mix of both, so people searching for something specific can find you, and so can people searching for general terms. For example, if your beach picture is of a boardwalk in New Jersey, use generic tags like “beach,” “boardwalk," "ocean view" and so on. Then include specific tags like “New Jersey,” “Asbury Park,” and “South Point Boardwalk.” Avoid using images with visible or recognizable brands in them. Using images like these can get you into trouble, because you'll be making money off of someone else's brand without their knowledge or approval. Most stock photo sites have rules against using images like this. Avoid them altogether to avoid running into problems. For example, an image of a Ford Mustang convertible or Campbell's soup can would be inappropriate to upload and sell. Avoid using images featuring corporate logos, stills from movies, or anything else originally made by something else. Avoid using images with people or properties in them. Any person that appears in your stock photos must sign a release form before the image can be sold. The same goes for images depicting someone's personal property, such as a local storefront or your neighbor's barn. You would need to track down the correct legal forms and get them signed each time you used an image like this, which would be a hassle. In some cases, it may even be impossible. You can download model release forms online, or write up your own. Take all your photos yourself to get an automatic copyright. According to international copyright law, the photographer automatically owns the copyrights to anything they take themselves. You don't have to register or sign up for the copyright if you were the one operating the camera. One exception is photos taken while you were employed by a company as a photographer. For example, if you are a photographer working for a newspaper, the newspaper owns the photos you take on the job. Registering your copyright isn't required, but it's often a good idea--it can prevent people from stealing your work. | Look at several different sites’ pay rates. Check the site’s requirements and themes to avoid rejected images. Register for an account. Review and complete the payment portion of your account. Consider registering for multiple sites. Develop a diverse portfolio of digital images. Choose generic images to make the most money. Select images that are high quality for the best results. Upload your photos to the stock site. Tag your images with relevant tags to appear in site searches. Experiment with using a mix of generic tags and specific tags. Avoid using images with visible or recognizable brands in them. Avoid using images with people or properties in them. Take all your photos yourself to get an automatic copyright. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-Music | How to Read Music | To read music, start by memorizing the notes on the Treble clef. Use the mnemonic " E very G ood B oy D oes F ine" to memorize the 5 lines of the Treble clef from bottom to top, and the mnemonic FACE to memorize the 4 space between the lines from bottom to top. Once you've got that down, practice rhythm by tapping your fingers to the beats of your favorite songs. Then, study the different rests, which are symbols that tell you to pause in a song. The more flags a rest has, the longer you should stay silent! | Get a handle on the staff. Before you are ready to start learning music , you must get a sense for the basic information that virtually everyone who reads music needs to know. The horizontal lines on a piece of music make up the staff. This is the most basic of all musical symbols and the foundation for everything that is to follow. The staff is an arrangement of five parallel lines, and the spaces between them. Both lines and spaces are numbered for reference purposes, and are always counted from lowest (bottom of the staff) to highest (top of the staff). Start with the treble clef. One of the first things you'll encounter when reading music is the clef. This sign, which looks like a big, fancy cursive symbol at the left end of the staff, is the legend that tells you approximately what range your instrument will play in. All instruments and voices in the higher ranges use the treble clef, and for this intro to reading music, we'll focus primarily on this clef for our examples. The treble clef, or G clef, is derived from an ornamental Latin letter G. One good way to remember this is that the line at the center of the clef's "swirl" wraps around the line that represents the note G. When notes are added to the staff in the treble clef, they will have the following values: The five lines, from the bottom up, represent the following notes: E G B D F. The four spaces, from the bottom up, represent these notes: F A C E. This may seem like a lot to remember, but you can use mnemonics—or word cues—that may help you remember them. For the lines, "Every Good Boy Does Fine" is one popular mnemonic, and the spaces spell out the word "FACE." Practicing with an online note recognition tool is another great way to reinforce these associations. Understand the bass clef. The bass clef, also known as the F clef, is used for instruments in the lower registers, including the left hand of the piano, bass guitar, trombone, and so on. The name "F clef" derives from its origins as the Gothic letter F. The two dots on the clef lie above and below the "F" line on the staff. The staff of the bass clef represents different notes than that of the treble clef. The five lines, bottom to top, represent these notes: G B D F A ("Good Boys Don't Fool Around"). The four spaces, bottom to top, represent these notes: A C E G ("All Cows Eat Grass"). Learn the parts of a note. Individual note symbols are a combination of up to three basic elements: the note head, the stem, and flags. The note head. This is an oval shape that is either open (white) or closed (black). At its most basic, it tells the performer what note to play on their instrument. The stem. This is the thin vertical line that is attached to the note head. When the stem is pointing up, it joins on the right side of the note head. When the stem is pointing down, it joins the note head on the left. The direction of the stem has no effect on the note, but it makes notation easier to read and less cluttered. The general rule on stem direction is that at or above the center line (B for treble clef or D for bass clef) of the staff, the stem points down, and when the note is below the middle of the staff, the stem points up. The flag. This is the curved stroke that is attached to the end of the stem. No matter if the stem is joined to the right or left of the note head, the flag is always drawn to the right of the stem, and never to the left! Taken together, the note, stem, and flag or flags show the musician the time value for any given note, as measured in beats or fractions of beats. When you listen to music, and you're tapping your foot in time to the music, you're recognizing that beat. Learn about measure lines. On a piece of sheet music, you will see thin vertical lines crossing the staff at fairly regular intervals. These lines represent measures (called "bars" in some places); the space before the first line is the first measure, the space between the first and second lines is the second measure, and so on. Measure lines don't affect how the music sounds, but they help the performer keep their place in the music. As we'll see below, another handy thing about measures is that each one gets the same number of beats. For example, if you find yourself tapping "1-2-3-4" along to a piece of music on the radio, you've probably subconsciously found the measure lines already. Learn about timing, or meter. Meter can be generally thought of as the "pulse" or the beat of music. You feel it instinctively when you listen to dance or pop music; the "boom, tiss, boom, tiss" of a stereotypical dance track is a simple example of meter. On a piece of sheet music, the beat is expressed by something that looks like a fraction written next to the first clef symbol. Like any fraction, there is a numerator, and a denominator. The numerator, written in the top two spaces of the staff, tells you how many beats there are in one measure. The denominator tells you the note value that receives one beat (the "pulse" that you tap your toe to). Perhaps the easiest meter to understand is 4/4 time, or "common" time. In 4/4 time, there are four beats in each measure and each quarter note is equal to one beat. This is the time signature you'll hear in most popular music. You can count along to common time music by counting "ONE two three four ONE two three four..." to the beat. By changing the numerator, we change the number of beats in a measure. Another very common time signature is 3/4. For example, most waltzes will have a steady "ONE two three ONE two three" beat, making them in 3/4 time. Some meters will be shown with a letter C instead of two numbers. 4/4 time is often shown as a big C, which stands for common time. Likewise, 2/2 meter is often shown as a big C with a vertical line through it. The C with the line through it stands for cut time (sometimes referred to as half common time). Get in the groove. Since it incorporates meter and time, "rhythm" is a crucial part of how the music feels. However, whereas meter simply tells you how many beats, rhythm is how those beats are used. Try this: tap your finger on your desk, and count 1-2-3-4 1-2-3-4, steadily. Not very interesting, is it? Now try this: on beats 1 and 3, tap louder, and on beats 2 and 4, tap softer. That's got a different feel to it! Now try the reverse: tapping loud on 2 and 4, and soft on beats 1 and 3. Check out Regina Spektor's Don't Leave Me. You can clearly hear the rhythm: the quieter bass note happens on beat 1 and beat 3, and a loud clap and snare drum happen on beats 2 and 4. You'll start to get a sense of how music is organized. That's what we call rhythm! Imagine yourself walking. Each footstep will equal one beat. Those are represented musically by quarter notes because in much of Western music (meaning music of the western world, not just the music of Hank Williams!), there are four of these beats for every measure. Musically, the rhythm of your walking will look like this: Each step is one-quarter note. On a sheet of music, quarter notes are the solid black dots attached to stems without any flags. You can count that off as you walk: "1, 2, 3, 4-1, 2, 3, tw Quarter notes are referred to as "crotchets" in some places, such as the UK. If you were to slow your pace down to half that speed, so that you only took a step every two beats on the 1 and on the 3, that would be notated with half notes (for half a measure). On a sheet of music, half notes look like quarter notes, only they aren't solid black; they are outlined in black with white centers. In some places, half notes are called "minims". If you slowed your pace down even further, so that you only took a step every four beats, on the one, you would write that as a whole note—or one note per measure. On a sheet of music, whole notes look like "O"s or donuts; similar to half notes without stems. Pick up the pace! Enough of this slowing down. As you noticed, as we slowed the notes down, we started taking away bits of the note. First, we took away the solid note, then we took away the stem. Now let's look at speeding things up. To do that, we're going to add things to the note. Go back to our walking tempo, and picture that in your mind (tapping your foot to the beat can help). Now imagine that your bus has just pulled up to the stop, and you're about a block away. What do you do? You run! And as you run, you try to flag the bus driver. To make notes faster in music, we add a flag. Each flag cuts the time value of the note in half. For example, an eighth note (which gets one flag) is 1/2 the value of a quarter note; and a 16th note (which gets two flags) is 1/2 the value of an eighth note. In terms of walking, we go from a walk (quarter note or quaver) to a run (eighth note or semiquaver)—twice as fast as a walk, to a sprint (sixteenth note or demisemiquaver)—twice as fast as a run. Thinking in terms of each quarter note being a step as you walk, tap along with the example above. Beam up! As you can see with that above example, things can start to get a little confusing when there are a bunch of notes on the page like that. Your eyes start to cross, and you lose track of where you were. To group notes into smaller packages that make sense visually, we use beaming. Beaming merely replaces individual note flags with thick lines drawn between note stems. These are grouped logically, and while more complex music requires more complex beaming rules, for our purposes, we'll generally beam in groups of quarter notes. Compare the example below with the example above. Try tapping out the rhythm again, and see how much clearer beaming makes the notation. Learn the value of ties and dots. Where a flag will cut the value of a note in half, the dot has a similar—but the opposite—function. With limited exceptions that do not come into play here, the dot is always placed to the right of the note head. When you see a dotted note, that note is increased by one half the length of its original value. For example, a dot placed after a half note (minim) will be equal to the half note plus a quarter note. A dot placed after a quarter note (crotchet) will be equal to a quarter note plus an eighth note. Ties are similar to dots—they extend the value of the original note. A tie is simply two notes linked together with a curved line between the note heads. Unlike dots, which are abstract and based wholly on the value of the original note, ties are explicit: the note is increased in length by exactly as long as the second note value. One reason you would use a tie versus a dot is, for example, when a note's duration would not fit musically into the space of a measure (bar). In that case, you simply add the leftover duration into the next measure as a note, and tie the two together. Note that the tie is drawn from note head to notehead in the opposite direction as the stem. Take a rest. Some say music is just a series of notes, and they're half correct. Music is a series of notes and the spaces between them. Those spaces are called rests , and even in silence, they can really add motion and life to music. Let's take a look at how they're notated. Like notes, they have specific symbols for specific durations. A whole note rest is a rectangle descending from the 4th line, and a half note rest is a rectangle resting on the 3rd line and pointing upwards. The quarter note rest is a squiggly line, and the rest of the rests are an angled bar that looks like a number "7" with the same number of flags as their equivalent note value. These flags always sweep to the left. Make sure you understand the above, and then let's dive into the fun stuff: reading music! We now have the basics down: the staff, the parts of a note, and the basics of notating durations of notes and rests. Learn the C scale. The C major scale is the first scale we use when teaching how to read music because it's the one that uses just natural notes (the white keys on a piano). Once you have that locked into your brain cells, the rest will follow naturally. First, we'll show you what it looks like, then we'll show you how to make sense of it, and begin to read music! Here's what it looks like on the staff. See the "C scale" above. If you'll take a look at the first note, the low C, you'll see that it actually goes below the staff lines. When that happens, we simply add a staff line for that note only—thus, the little line through the note head. The lower the note, the more staff lines we add. But we don't need to worry about that now. The C scale is made up of eight notes. These are the equivalent of the white keys on the piano. You may or may not have a piano handy, but at this point, it's important for you to begin to get an idea of not just what music looks like, but of what it sounds like, too. Learn a little sight singing—or "solfège. " That may sound intimidating, but chances are, you already know it: it's the fancy way of saying "do, re, mi." By learning to sing the notes that you see, you'll begin to develop the skill of sight-reading—a skill that can take a lifetime to perfect, but will be useful right from the beginning. Let's take a look at that C scale again, with the solfege scale added. See the "C Scale Solfege 11" above. Chances are, you know the Rogers and Hammerstein song "Do-Re-Mi" from The Sound of Music. If you can sing the "do re mi" scale, do that now while you look at the notes. If you need a refresher course, you can hear the song on YouTube. Here's a slightly more advanced version, walking up and down the C scale using the solfège notes. See the "C Scale Solfege 1" above. Practice singing Solfege—part II a few times, until it becomes familiar. The first couple times, read very slowly so that you can look at each note as you sing it. The next couple times, substitute the "do re mi" for C, D, E. The goal is to sing the actual notes. Remember our note values from before: the high C at the end of the first line, and the low C at the end of the second line are half notes, while the rest of the notes are quarter notes. If you imagine yourself walking, again, there is a note for each step. The half notes take two steps. Congratulations, you're now reading music! Take the next step. So far we've covered the very basics of rhythm and melody, and you should possess the basic skills necessary that you now understand what all those dots and squiggles represent. While this might get you through basic Flutophone class, there are still a few more things you'll want to know. Chief among these are key signatures. You may have seen sharps and flats in music: sharp looks like a hashtag (♯) and a flat looks like a lowercase B (♭). They are placed to the left of a note head and indicate that the note to follow is played a half-step (semitone) higher for a sharp, or a half-step lower for a flat. The C scale, as we learned, comprises the white keys on the piano. When you're beginning to read music, it's easiest to think of the sharps and flats as the black keys. C major and A minor have no sharps or flats. Know the whole tones and semitones. In Western music, notes are either a whole tone or a semitone apart. If you look at the C note on the piano keyboard, you'll see there's a black key between it and the next note up, the D. The musical distance between the C and the D is called a whole tone. The distance between the C and the black key is called a semitone. Now, you may be wondering what that black key is called. The answer is, “it depends.” A good rule of thumb is if you are going up the scale, that note is the sharp version of the beginning note. When moving down the scale, that note would be the flat version of the beginning note. Thus, if you are moving from C to D with the black key, it would be written using a sharp (♯). In this case, the black note is written as C♯. When moving down the scale, from D to C, and using the black note as a passing tone between them, the black key would be written using a flat (♭). Conventions like that make music a little easier to read. If you were to write those three notes going up and used a D♭ instead of a C♯, the notation would be written using a natural sign (♮). Notice that there's a new sign—the natural. Whenever you see a natural sign (♮) that means that the note cancels any sharps or flats previously written. In this example, the second and third notes are both "D"s: the first a D♭, and so the second D, since it goes up a semitone from the first D, has to have the note "corrected" to show the right note. The more sharps and flats scattered around a sheet of music, the more a musician must take in before the score can be played. Often, composers that previously used accidentals in previous measures may put "unnecessary" natural signs to provide clarity for the player. For example, if a previous measure in a D major piece used an A♯, the next measure that uses an A may be notated with an A-natural instead. Understand key signatures. So far, we've been looking at the C major scale: eight notes, all the white keys, starting on C. However, you can start a scale on any note. If you just play all the white keys, though, you will not be playing a major scale, but something called a "modal scale," which is beyond the scope of this article. The starting note, or tonic , is also the name of the key. You may have heard somebody say "It's in the key of C" or something similar. This example means that the basic scale starts on C, and includes the notes C D E F G A B C. The notes in a major scale have a very specific relationship to each other. Take a look at the keyboard above. Note that between most notes, there is a whole step. But there is only a half step (semitone) between E and F, and between B and C. Every major scale has this same relationship: whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half. If you start your scale on G, for example, it could be written like this: Notice the F♯ near the top. In order to maintain the proper relationship, the F has to be raised a semitone so that it's a half step from the G, not a whole step. That's easy enough to read by itself, but what if you started a major scale in C♯? (See above.) Now it starts to get complicated! In order to cut down the confusion and make music easier to read, key signatures were created. Each major scale has a particular set of sharps or flats, and those are shown at the very beginning of the music. Looking again at the key of G, we notice that has one sharp—F♯. Instead of putting that sharp next to the F on the staff, we move it all the way to the left, and it is just assumed from that point on that every F you see is played as an F♯. (See above picture.) This sounds, and is played, exactly the same as the G major scale above, with no key signature. Get loud—or get soft! When you listen to music, you have probably noticed that it's not all at the same volume, all the time. Some parts get really loud, and some parts get really soft. These variations are known as "dynamics." If the rhythm and meter are the heart of the music, and notes and keys are the brains, then dynamics are surely the voice of the music. Consider the first version above. On your table, tap out: 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and 5 and 6 and 7 and 8, etc. (the and is how musicians "say" eighth notes). Make sure every beat is tapped at the same loudness, so that it sounds a bit like a helicopter. Now take a look at the second version. Notice the accent mark (>) above every F note. Tap that out, only this time, accent every beat that you see the accent mark. Now, instead of a helicopter, it should sound more like a train. With just a subtle shift in accent, we completely change the character of the music! Play it piano, or fortissimo, or somewhere in between. Just like you don't always talk at the same level—you modulate your voice louder or softer, depending on the situation—music modulates in level too. The way the composer tells the musician what is intended is by using dynamic markings. There are dozens of dynamic markings you may see on a piece of music, but some of the most common ones you'll find will be the letters f , m , and p. p means "piano," or "softly." f means "forte," or "loud." m means "mezzo," or "medium." This modifies the dynamic after it, as in mf which means "medium loud", or mp , which means "medium soft." The more p s or f s you have, the softer or louder the music is to be played. Try singing the example above (using solfège—the first note in this example is the tonic, or "do"), and use the dynamic markings to notice the difference. Get louder and louder and louder, or quieter and quieter and quieter. Another very common dynamic notation is the crescendo , and it's corollary, the decrescendo or "diminuendo". They are visual representations of a gradual change in volume which look like stretched-out "<" and ">" symbols. A crescendo gradually gets louder, and a decrescendo gradually decreases the volume. You'll notice that, with these two symbols, the "open" end of the symbol represents the louder dynamic and the closed end represents the quieter dynamic. For example, if the music directs you to gradually go from forte to piano, you'll see an f' , then a stretched out " > ", then a ' p'. Sometimes a crescendo or diminuendo will be represented as the shortened words cresc." (crescendo) or dim. (diminuendo). Keep learning! Learning to read music is like learning the alphabet. The basics take a little bit to learn, but are fairly easy, overall. However, there are so many nuances, concepts, and skills that you can learn that it can keep you learning for a lifetime. Some composers even go so far as to write music on staff lines that form spirals or patterns, or the even use no staff lines at all! This article should give you a good foundation to keep growing! Learn these key signatures. There is at least one for every note in the scale—and the savvy student will see that in some cases, there are two keys for the same note. For example, the key of G♯ sounds exactly the same as the key of A♭! When playing the piano—and for the purposes of this article, the difference is academic. However, there are some composers—especially those that write for strings—who will suggest that the A♭ is played a little "flatter" than the G♯. Here are the key signatures for the major scales: Keys not using sharps or flats: C Keys using sharps: G, D, A, E, B, F♯, C♯ Keys using flats: F, B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭ As you can see above, as you move through the sharp key signatures, you add sharps one at a time until every note is played sharp in the key of C♯. As you move through the flat key signatures, you add flats until every note is played flat in the key of C♭. It may be of some comfort to know that composers usually write in key signatures that are comfortable for the player to read. D major is a very common key for string instruments to play because the open strings are closely related to the tonic, D. There are few works out there that have strings play in E♭ minor, or brass playing E major - it's as much a pain for them to write as it is for you to read. | Get a handle on the staff. Start with the treble clef. Understand the bass clef. Learn the parts of a note. Learn about measure lines. Learn about timing, or meter. Get in the groove. Imagine yourself walking. Pick up the pace! Beam up! Learn the value of ties and dots. Take a rest. Make sure you understand the above, and then let's dive into the fun stuff: Learn the C scale. Learn a little sight singing—or "solfège. Congratulations, you're now reading music! Take the next step. Know the whole tones and semitones. Understand key signatures. Get loud—or get soft! Play it piano, or fortissimo, or somewhere in between. Get louder and louder and louder, or quieter and quieter and quieter. Keep learning! Learn these key signatures. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Musty-Smell-from-Clothes | How to Remove Musty Smell from Clothes | To remove musty smells from clothes, machine wash them with hot water and add white vinegar, borax, or baking soda. If your clothes are too delicate to wash with hot water, use cold water instead and machine wash them several times. When your clothes are done in the wash, hang them up outside to air dry if possible so the fresh air gets rid of any lingering odors. | Choose a household product to use. Clothes with a mild musty smell can often be treated using a common, nontoxic household product. This method is also best for delicate fabrics that can't be bleached. If your clothes have mold spores, they won't stop smelling musty until the spores have been killed. Check around your house to see which of the following mold killing products you have on hand: White vinegar Borax Baking soda Start a load of wash. Put the musty clothes in your washing machine with the amount of detergent you normally use. Let the washer fill with water as the cycle begins. Allow it to completely fill before continuing. It's best to use hot water to ensure the mold spores get killed. If you're washing clothing that can't be washed in hot water, try using cold water instead. You may have to wash the clothes more than once to get rid of the smell. Pour a cup of your chosen product into the water. Once the washer has filled with water, pour in a cup of vinegar, borax or baking soda. Pour it straight into the water so it will get evenly dispersed. Finish running the wash cycle as usual. Each of these items has properties that help to kill mold spores and remove bad smells. If the clothes are particularly musty, you can use baking soda and vinegar together. If you aren't able to pour the product straight into the water, mix it with a cup of hot water and use the liquid detergent dispenser. Hang the clothes outside to dry. Drying your clothes on a line in the sun will help to kill any remaining spores and freshen the smell of the clothing. Even during the winter, you can dry your clothes outside on a sunny day. Try to place them in an area that gets full sun and wind. If it's raining outside, you'll need to use your dryer instead. This isn't ideal, since the dryer is an enclosed space that doesn't allow fresh air to flow through your clothes. If your clothes come out of the dryer still smelling musty, wait for a sunny day to wash them and dry them outside. Try a no-rinse cleaner. If you need to get the smell out of a coat or another clothing item that's dry clean only, submerging it in water isn't an option. No rinse cleaner effectively rinses the surface of an item without completely saturating the layers of fabric, so there's less chance of warping. Look in the laundry products section for a "no-rinse wash." It's a concentrated solution that comes in bottles, similar to detergent. In most cases you'll mix a capful of the no-rinse wash with several liters of water. Pour it into a spray bottle. Spray your musty garment so that all parts of it are slightly damp. Hang the garment to dry outside in the sun and wind. When it dries, the smell should be gone. If it still smells musty, repeat the process. Note that this does require wetting the fabric. Don't use this method on items that shouldn't get wet, like leather or suede. Use baking soda. Instead of washing your clothes with baking soda, you can use dry baking soda on your dry clean only garments. Baking soda will absorb the musty smell. You may have to repeat the process more than once for best results. Lay the garment on a clean surface. Sprinkle it all over with a fine layer of baking soda. Turn it over and do the same. If you don't wish to put baking soda directly on the item try placing the item in a plastic bag next to an open container of baking soda. Let the baking soda sit on the garment overnight. Take it outside and shake it well. Use a soft brush to remove excess baking soda. Hang it outside for the rest of the day. Try spraying your garment with vodka. If you don't want to go to the expense of getting a special cleaner, you cause use cheap vodka. Pour some vodka into a spray bottle. Spray the musty item all over, making sure you don't miss a spot. Hang it outside in the sun to dry. This should remove or weaken the musty smell. Get it dry cleaned. If no at-home methods successfully remove the musty smell, you may need to take the item to a dry cleaner store. Dry cleaners use powerful chemicals to deodorize fabric, and in most cases they can effectively get rid of mustiness. If you're not interested in having your clothing coated with chemicals, look for a "green" dry cleaning store that uses liquid carbon dioxide cleaning. Place the clothes in boiling water. If your items are extremely moldy and you don't want to throw them away, you can try putting them in boiling water to kill the mold spores and remove that musty smell. This method should only be used on items like towels, sheets, and other sturdy linens that can stand up to boiling water. If you place delicate fabrics in boiling water, they will probably fall apart. To boil moldy items, Bring a large pot of water to a boil. You need enough water to thoroughly saturate the garment you're treating. Place the garment in a separate large pot. Pour the boiling water over it, making sure it gets fully soaked. Let it sit for five minutes. Wring out the water. If it's still very hot, you may want to wear rubber gloves. Wash the garment as usual in the washer. Dry it outside in the sun. Use bleach. Bleach is an effective mold killer. It will remove mold and mustiness from items that are safe to bleach, like towels, sheets and socks. Be sure to check an item's tag before bleaching it. If it says "Do Not Bleach," use a different method. Whenever you use bleach, do it in a room with plenty of ventilation, and protect your skin with gloves. To bleach your clothes, In a large bucket, mix up a solution with half a cup of bleach and a gallon of water. Place the musty clothes in the bleach solution. Wash the clothes in your washing machine with detergent, as normal. Dry them outside in the sun. Try ammonia. Ammonia has a strong smell that is toxic to the lungs, so make sure your laundry room is well ventilated before using. Put your clothes in the washer and start a wash cycle without adding any detergent. Add a cup of ammonia to the water. Let the cycle run, then do a second cycle with detergent only. Hang your clothes in the sun to dry. Never mix bleach with ammonia. It creates a gas that can cause lung damage if breathed. Handle ammonia with care. You may want to wear clothes to prevent it from getting on your skin. If you breathe in ammonia, leave the area to get fresh air. Call poison control if you feel light-headed. | Choose a household product to use. Start a load of wash. Pour a cup of your chosen product into the water. Hang the clothes outside to dry. Try a no-rinse cleaner. Use baking soda. Try spraying your garment with vodka. Get it dry cleaned. Place the clothes in boiling water. Use bleach. Try ammonia. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Good-at-Graduation | How to Look Good at Graduation | Everyone wants to look good on graduation day for their friends and family, and luckily putting together a good outfit is easier than you may think. Order your gown and cap well ahead of time so you can try it on to make sure it fits. The gown should fall below your knees and be loose-fitting. Under your gown, wear a dressy outfit, like a loose-fitting dress or shirt and tie. Your gown will typically be in a neutral color, such as black or dark blue, so try to pick clothes to match. You may also want to accessorize your outfit with a pair of earrings or a necklace, which will give your gown a personal twist. Consider applying extra concealer under your eyes when you do your makeup, since your cap may cast shadows over your face that can look like dark rings under your eyes. | Order your cap and gown plenty early. Your school will have a ordering process for your cap and gown. Order it plenty early to avoid scrambling at the last minute. Keep your graduation attire until graduation. You'll want to take everything out and make sure it's all there. Your package should come with four main components: a gown, cap, tassel and hood. Try it on and make sure it fits. Gowns are based on your height and the length should come down to at least your knees and be loose fitting. Hats are generally come in a universal size but you'll want to make sure it fits. Put your graduation cap on correctly. Your cap, also known as a mortar board will be flat with a square top. It should be put on your head so that the board (the flat part) is parallel to your shoulders. The hat will have a tassel attached to the top on a button. It is customary that the tassel hangs on the right side of the hat until you graduate, then you move it to the left side of the board. If you have long hair, bring along bobby pins in case you need to fasten the cap to your hair to prevent it from flying off in the wind. Putting the rest of your attire on correctly. You may also need to wear a particular hood or cords depending on your degree or distinctions. Advanced degrees usually come with particular hood colors based on your department and should be put on over your head so that it drapes across the shoulders and down the back of the gown with the lining of the hood down to display its colors. If you have any honors cords, they should be draped over the left side of your gown. Wear comfortable and style underneath your gown. Most schools typically choose dark neutral colors like blue or black for your cap and gown. You'll want your outfit to match. Wear something sleek since your robe will already be bulky. A loose, free flowing dress is a great option, especially in bold, bright colors. For guys, a classic dressy look without a suit coat jacket can make a great look. A tie is a must. If you are celebrating after graduation with a party or dinner, know whether you'll have time to change. If you won't, wear an outfit you'll also be comfortable in without the cap and gown. Check the weather. You'll want to prepare for the temperature and bad weather. Wear something with pockets. You aren't going to be able to wear a bag or purse on stage and you may want your keys, wallet and phone nearby. This can also be useful to keep your phone to take pictures of your friends to remember the day. Decide how you want your hair to look. You'll likely wear a graduation cap, but you can still choose a unique style that will look great whether your cap is on or off. If your hair is longer, you may be stuck in a warm, cramped environment so you'll likely want to keep your hair off your neck to help stay cool. A simple pony-tail, side-braid, or your hair up can be great ways to keep cool and look good once the cap comes off. If you are using some sort of product of hairspray, make sure to use a heat protectant spray and primer so it can handle the heat under your cap. This definitely applies for guys who may want to avoid wearing any sort of hair product that can sweat down. Find a picture of the hairstyle you want.That way whether it's your hairdresser, barber, or friend, they can clearly see the vision you have in your head for how you want to look. Take your graduation attire into consideration when doing make-up. The cap will draw attention to your face so make sure your skin and things like eye-brows are exactly how you want them. Also, the cap will case a shadow on your face which can give you the appearance of dark circles, even if you don't usually have them. Adding a little extra concealer, particularly under your eyes, can help this. Avoid any overly heavy make-up that may sweat off or make your skin feel suffocated. Pick out comfortable and stylish shoes. Virtually the only thing people will be able to see are your shoes. You'll want to choose a dressy pair but also something that is comfortable. You may have to walk from the staging area to your seat and of course across stage. While a pair of stilettos may be inappropriate, you'll want to avoid being overly casual like a pair of flip flops. Choose accessories that accent your outfit and gown. Since most of your outfit will be hidden, and you have little choice over the cap and gown you'll wear, finding some accessories like jewelry can be a great way to personalize your look. A classic necklace like a string of pearls can really personalize your look as well as your favorite earrings. Sometimes there is custom jewelry made and sold by your school for the occasion. This can be a good way to commemorate the event with a piece of jewelry you'll always have. | Order your cap and gown plenty early. Try it on and make sure it fits. Put your graduation cap on correctly. Putting the rest of your attire on correctly. Wear comfortable and style underneath your gown. Wear something with pockets. Decide how you want your hair to look. Take your graduation attire into consideration when doing make-up. Pick out comfortable and stylish shoes. Choose accessories that accent your outfit and gown. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Back-Hair | How to Get Rid of Back Hair | To get rid of back hair, start by evenly distributing a hair removal cream over your back. You can either have a friend apply the product or use a long-handled brush, then wait 3-6 minutes before using a damp cloth to wipe the hair off. Alternatively, if you have someone to help you, try assisted shaving, which starts with trimming any long or fuller patches of hair. Then, have your helper use an electric shaver to get a fast and full cut, and finish by shaving with a regular razor for a close and smooth look. | Trim thick or long patches. If you have thick, dense back hair growth, this can clog the razor. Trim it down first to ensure the best results with shaving. There are several ways to do this. For example, you can have your assistant cut it with a pair of scissors and a comb or use a heavy-duty set of electric clippers. Exfoliate. Have your assistant scrub your back with warm water and a mild abrasive. You can use a shower brush, a mild body scrub, or a pumice stone — whatever you're comfortable with. This will exfoliate your skin, getting rid of dead skin cells before you shave. The main benefit of this is that it reduces the chance of ingrown hairs. However, it's not strictly necessary, so you can skip this step if you're in a hurry. If you have an electric shaver, use this first. Electric clippers aren't as good as razors for getting a close, smooth shave, but they are good at getting through a lot of hair fast. If you have a set, have your assistant go over your entire back once, giving it a rough shave. You don't need to shave all the way down to the skin — just cut down on most of the "bulk." When you shave with a razor in a few steps, your work will go quicker and there will be less hair to clog the razor. Apply the shaving cream or gel. Have your assistant apply your preferred shaving lubricant all over your back in a single layer. Whatever you normally use for your face should be fine. Keep in mind that this will use a lot more lubricant than your typical face-shaving session. Make sure you have plenty before you start or you may need to make a trip to the store mid-shave. Shave. Tell your assistant to start shaving. You'll probably want to be near a sink for this so your assistant can rinse the razor. Have your assistant apply more gel or cream as needed until your entire back is shaved. To get a smooth shave without discomfort, shave your entire back once with the grain , then shave again against the grain. Shaving against the grain first can cause minor pain and irritation. Optionally, shower. You don't need to, but this is a great way to rinse off stray hairs that can become uncomfortable when you put on your shirt. Plus, it feels great — especially if you haven't had a smooth back in a long time. Dry off. Pat the skin dry lightly with a clean towel. Be sure to use a patting motion, not a rubbing one. Rubbing can irritate the newly-exposed, delicate skin. To keep the skin smooth and supple, you may want to apply unscented lotion all over the back. Avoid scented lotions — the chemicals in these can irritate post-shave skin (especially if your assistant accidentally gave you tiny cuts or nicks). Apply some of the product to your hands or a long-handled brush. Make sure you have a way of reaching your entire back. If you're using your hands, you may want to get the help of an assistant. Evenly distribute the cream over your back. Make sure all of the hair is covered. Have an assistant help you if you're even a little worried about not being able to reach the middle of your back — you don't want to miss any spots. You don't need to vigorously rub the cream into your skin. Just apply it gently over all of your hair. Wash your hands after your have applied the cream. The cream can irritate your skin if it's allowed to dry (not to mention that it will remove any hair on the backs of your hands it is allowed to work on). Let the cream sit for as long as directed. The cream's packaging will tell you how long to let it sit. Usually, this will be somewhere in the neighborhood of about three to six minutes. After waiting, use a damp cloth or towel to wipe a small area of your back. If the hair does not come off easily, wait another couple of minutes. Remove the hair. When the hair comes off easily, use the damp cloth to gently wipe it off. Again, if you can't reach the center of your back, get an assistant to help. Rinse off with warm water in the shower. This is a quick, convenient way to rinse all of the cream (and the dissolved hair) off. You can rinse your back with water from a towel, but it's much easier to miss spots and allow the cream to sit for too long this way. Purchase a waxing kit from the store. You can find these at most department and cosmetic supply stores. There will probably be many different varieties of available. All other things being equal, hot waxing kits work tend to work best for the back because they can cover a larger area. Note: Waxing will leave your back red and sensitive, so start this method at least 24 hours before you want to show it off. Wash your back with soap and water. This is usually easiest in the shower. This is an important step — the wax has a much easier time grabbing your hair if it is free of sweat and oil. After showering, be sure to dry your back thoroughly. Prepare the wax according to the product’s instructions. For most hot waxes, you'll need to heat the wax up (usually in the microwave). The temperature of the wax should be warm, but not painfully hot. Different products will have slightly different sets of instructions. Coat a small area of the back with the wax. Use the included waxing stick (or a clean spatula) to spread the wax in the direction of hair growth. Work in small patches of no more than a few inches around at once. Press a waxing strip into the wax. While the wax is still hot, firmly press the paper or fabric strips into the wax. Let the strip sit for for a few moments to allow it to stick. Jerk the hair out quickly. Pull the strip in the against the direction of hair growth. This is the opposite of the direction you applied the wax. Use a quick, fluid motion. Don't go slowly — this will hurt. To reduce pain, do not pull straight up or up at an angle. Keep the strip close to the body as you pull in a direction parallel to the skin and pull as quickly as possible. Repeat the process of applying and removing the wax and strips. Continue until all of the hair on the back has been removed. This will take many applications. Don't be afraid to take breaks if the pain becomes too much. Future waxings tend to hurt less than the first. If the pain is ever unbearable, stop — burning or injuring yourself isn't worth worrying about uneven back hair. Wash with an antibacterial soap when you're done. After you finish your waxing, your back is likely to be a little red and irritated. In this state, it's more vulnerable to infections than normal. To reduce this risk, wash it with soap. An easy way to do this is to simply take a shower. Prep your back. Everything you need to do to shave with a back shaver is the same as if you were working with a normal razor and an assistant. In other words: Exfoliate with water and a gentle abrasive or brush to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. Clean and dry your back if you are using an electric razor. Wet your back and apply shaving cream/gel if you are using a standard razor. Find an appropriate workplace. While a back shaver will allow you to reach your whole back, you'll still probably miss spots if you can't see what you're doing. Find a bathroom that has a large mirror. Grab a smaller mirror and face away from it. Use the smaller mirror to see your work. With one hand, hold the shaver. With the other hand, angle a smaller mirror in front of you. Adjust it so that you can see your back in mirror behind you with the reflection from the small mirror in your hand. Shave your upper back. Fully extend the arm of the back shaver. Lift your arm up over your head with your elbow bent and position the shaver in the center of your back. Use gentle, controlled motions to shave the hair on your back in rows from your mid-back up to your shoulders. Shave your lower back. Bend the shaver at an angle (if your shaver has this option). Angle your arm to reach your lower back hair from the side. You'll probably need to adjust the mirror so you can see what you're doing. Double-check to ensure you haven't missed any spots. Since it's hard to look at your entire back at once with the two-mirror setup, take a few minutes to look at each spot individually. If you see any leftover hair, shave it as normal. After you're done, take a quick shower to wash off stray hair. Pat dry with a towel and, if desired, apply a gentle unscented lotion to keep the skin soft and smooth. Wash your skin with warm water. Taking a quick bath or shower softens you back hairs and relaxes your skin. This can make it a lot easier to remove the hair, so while it's not essential, it's usually a wise idea. You don't need to wash with soap yet — this will come later. Note: As with waxing, it's best to do this method the day before you need to show off your back so any redness and irritation will have a chance to subside. Dry the skin with a clean towel if you wash. Most epilators work better on dry skin. Some, however, are designed to be used in wet environments — check the packaging if you are unsure. Optionally, you can apply some talc or baby powder after drying off with a towel. This will further dry the hair in addition to getting it to stand up, making epilation easier. Epilate the back. Turn the epilator on. Get an assistant to drag it slowly across the patches of hair on your back. The teeth of the epilator will pull the hairs out (similar to how a waxing strip would). This is generally described as being painful, though there is some debate about whether waxing or epilating hurts more. As when waxing, don't hesitate to take breaks. If the pain is too intense, dragging the epilator across the skin more quickly can reduce the amount of time you have to endure the pain. However, you may need to go back over the same patch multiple times if you miss hairs. Wash your back with soap. When you're done, your back will likely be red and irritated. To help prevent infection, wash gently with soap and warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel when done. Get a professional waxing. A professional waxing will work more or less the same way as if you were doing it yourself or having a friend help you. The level of pain is likely to be roughly the same. Professionals may be able to work more quickly than amateur assistants and, depending the service you use, you may be in a more comfortable environment than you would be at home. Back waxing fees will vary by location. $40-$70 for just the back is typical — costs will be higher if extra areas are waxed. Consider laser treatment. This option uses a precisely-controlled medical laser to burn individual hair roots. Multiple treatments are usually needed over time to get permanent results. Some limited hair regrowth can occur over time, though multiple sessions make this less likely. This procedure tends to cost about $400-$500 per session. One advantage of laser treatments is that they allow the option of "thinning out" patches of hair, rather than removing all of it. Consider electrolysis. This option uses a small electrical probe to individually shock each hair follicle. Electrolysis is truly permanent — once each cell is treated, it is very rare that hair will regrow. However, since each hair follicle must be treated individually, it can be very time-consuming. This procedure costs about $40 per treatment, but a large area like your back may require many treatments. | Trim thick or long patches. Exfoliate. If you have an electric shaver, use this first. Apply the shaving cream or gel. Shave. Optionally, shower. Dry off. Apply some of the product to your hands or a long-handled brush. Evenly distribute the cream over your back. Let the cream sit for as long as directed. Remove the hair. Rinse off with warm water in the shower. Purchase a waxing kit from the store. Wash your back with soap and water. Prepare the wax according to the product’s instructions. Coat a small area of the back with the wax. Press a waxing strip into the wax. Jerk the hair out quickly. Repeat the process of applying and removing the wax and strips. Wash with an antibacterial soap when you're done. Prep your back. Find an appropriate workplace. Use the smaller mirror to see your work. Shave your upper back. Shave your lower back. Double-check to ensure you haven't missed any spots. Wash your skin with warm water. Dry the skin with a clean towel if you wash. Epilate the back. Wash your back with soap. Get a professional waxing. Consider laser treatment. Consider electrolysis. |
https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Have-Swag | How to Have Swag | If you want to be seen as someone who has swag, start by walking tall and proud, and talking about what you think and feel with confidence, which is key to having swag. Additionally, focus on being your own person, and try to worry less about what others think about you. For example, add your own personal flair to your wardrobe, like funky jewelry or oversized glasses, instead of focusing on trends. At the same time, look for people who you think have swag, and try to hang out with them so you can pick up tips on how to act and what to wear. | Be proud to strut your stuff. Having swag is all about being confident. If you just bought a new piece of clothing or are trying out a new hairdo and are starting to worry that you may look ridiculous, it will show. If you don't have faith in your appearance and are feeling iffy about your personal style or the words that come out of your mouth, then the people around you will start to doubt you as well. Whatever you're doing, own it. Don't look around, seek approval from others, or ask people if "it's okay" if you check out the movie you wanted to see or step into a funky clothing store. Don't spend hours looking in the mirror, checking yourself out, or asking your friends if your new kicks are ridiculous. Look in the mirror, know you look good, and walk on. Stand tall, walk with your head high and your shoulders up instead of slouching. Look ahead, not down at your feet or the floor, to let people know you're happy to be who you are and are proud to take up space. Make it personal. Having swag isn't just about copying urban trends or mimicking your favorite rapper -- though your role models and friends can help influence your style, you should add your own personal flair to your wardrobe, your mannerisms, and your words. Figuring out what makes you unique is part of finding your personal brand, the thing that you can do that is undoubtedly a part of who you are. Here are some ways to make your swag personal: Maybe you like to dress urban chic as a girl, but you also love to rock pigtails once in a while. Maybe you're the only guy in your school who can make neon kicks look cool. Maybe you love giving a thumbs-up while winking in a way that's so corny that it becomes cool again. Maybe you're the guy who is always laughing, no matter what. Don't be a hater. You may think that having swag means being so cool that you're surrounded by little underlings who are vying for your attention -- that you need to constantly put people down and make them feel like they're not good enough to prove how cool you are. Well, in fact, the opposite is true. To have swag, you have to be cool with everyone. This doesn't mean you should be best friends with everyone, or spend hours complementing or sucking up to everyone you see -- it just means that people should want to be around you because you're not consumed by hate, jealousy, and bitterness. You may think that putting people down will lift you up, but in reality, it'll just show how insecure you are. If people around you are hating, then you should check them or find some new friends to hang out with. who make you want to be better. Hang out with people This doesn't mean you should latch on to the hip or popular kids at school just because you think it'll make you popular by association. It does mean that you should gravitate toward other people with swag because they'll make you know what it means to truly have swag, and because you'll be able to pick up some tips on how to act and what to wear just by hanging around you. If you hang around some people you would describe as "dead weight" just because you're too nice or you've been friends for a long time, but they don't have much to offer, then it may be time to cut them loose. If you know some people with swag but you don't know them well, then take it slow. Don't just start trying to hang out with them all the time or they'll think you're a lackey. Get inspired by your role models. Pick a few people that you admire, and let them guide you in your path to swaghood. They don't have to be the coolest people in the world, but they do have to inspire you in some way, whether it's because they make you want to pursue your dreams, kick your style up a notch, or even to improve on your lack of patience. Here are some role models that can inspire you: Someone in your family. Do you wish you had your mom's sense of humor or your grandma's ability to make anyone in the world feel better? Maybe you've always admired your older brother's work ethic. Do what you can to try to develop these qualities. Favorite musician. Do you love Mariah, Kanye, or Lady Gaga? Or are you more into the retro artists like Mick Jagger or Otis Redding? Whoever your favorite artist is, see what you can learn from him or her apart from the musical talent -- you can probably learn to be more independent, to have more fun, and to walk with style. Favorite athlete. What can you learn from LeBron, Serena Williams, Derek Jeter, or Coco Crisp that you can't find in the halls of your own school? Watch these athletes both on and off the field and find something you admire about them. Favorite public figure. Do you admire Obama, Wendy Davis, or even more outlandish figures like Snooki from the Jersey Shore or the comedian Bill Burr? Whoever you like, figure out what qualities you like about that person and what you can do to achieve them. Someone in your social circle. Find a role model right in your own friend group or community who can teach you a thing or two about life. Stop caring what other people think. If you really want to have swag, then you should do whatever makes you happy and not care about how others may perceive you -- as long as you're not being offensive or hurting people in the process. You should wear and say what makes you feel good -- not what you think will impress the hip crowd at your school. If you're obsessed with impressing people and trying to please others, you'll never get their respect. If someone makes fun of your clothes or something you like to do, don't let them bring you down. If you stop wearing a certain outfit because you got picked on, you're just giving in. Wear it again with even more pride. It's okay to ask the people you care about for their advice and opinions -- it's not okay to ask your friends to validate every little thing you do or everything you're thinking of doing. Be independent. A person with true swag is just as comfortable on his own as he is with a pack of friends. If you want to have swag, then you should work on being independent and being happy with doing your own thing instead of following what everyone else is doing just because you don't want to be forgotten or left out. To be independent, you have to develop your own interests, goals, and dreams. It's cool to spend a lot of time with your friends, but don't spend every minute of your free time being social. It's important to spend some time on your own to pursue your interests, whether it's writing songs, reading, or working out. Part of being independent is being an independent thinker. Don't be afraid to have your own thoughts instead of always agreeing with your friends just to avoid conflict. If your friends ask you to hang out but you'd rather do your own thing, level with them. They'll respect you even more if they know you have your own goals to work on. Have the right body language. The most important thing is to keep your head high and to never look down at the ground unless you want to look lost and insecure. If you want to practice the "swag walk," you can try spreading your legs out a bit and tilt your feet out as you walk with a bit of extra bounce in your step. Keep your arms at your sides or use them to gesture as you talk, but don't cross them over your chest or you'll look unsure of yourself. Don't be afraid to smile. Smiling does not mean you're uncool. When you talk to people, make eye contact. Don't make it seem like you have more important things to do than to really pay attention to the person in front of you. Wear the right clothes. For guys, the clothes are less important than the accessories that go with them. Just make sure to wear a comfortable, loose-fitting t-shirt, a hoodie, a jersey, or any top that makes you feel and look good. As for pants, you can wear baggy basketball shorts or pants, any workout pants, or tight-fitting jeans. Though you may want to sag your pants because you think it'll make you have swag, a lot of girls are turned off by this, so it's your call. Avoid V-necks, if you can. They're too pretty for a traditional swag look. Be bold and wear a denim vest, striped sweater, or any retro look that you want to bring back with some hipness and flair. For a more dressy look, wear a button-down with a funky pattern. Your pants can be loose, but not so loose that they fall off you. You can't go wrong with a white t-shirt. Wear a suit jacket with a white button-down shirt and a pair of jeans. You don't have to be going anywhere fancy to bring out the suit jacket. . Rock the right kicks If you want to have swag, then you have to have the right footwear. For guys, this mostly means sneakers unless you have to dress up -- and if you're feeling bold, you can get dressed up while still rocking a cool pair of sneakers. Jordan Retro's LeBron's Kobe's KD's Roshe Runs Nike SB Vans Sperry's Nike Foamposite's Converse High Tops . Accessorize For guys, a few key accessories can help kick an ordinary outfit into the realm of the extraordinary. You don't have to wear a ton of accessories, but you do have to choose your accessories carefully, whether you're rocking a new pair of sunglasses or wearing an old but eye-catching hat. Here are some things to keep in mind as you accessorize your outfit: Black frameless glasses or shutter shades A gold watch Any baseball hat Laplanders Snapbacks made by Mitchell and Ness, Zephyr, American Needle, New Era, and Last Kings If you have the money, go for a designer belt, such as Hermes, Gucci, Fendi, or Louis Vuitton Dog tags or chains Have the right body language. To have girl swag, you have to own your body and make everyone see that you're proud of how you look. Walk with your shoulders up, your chest out a bit, and your head high. Avoid slouching at all costs and stand tall and proud. Smile at people and make eye contact, and don't be afraid to give a person a gentle touch when you're talking. When you walk into a room, don't hesitate. Look like you know where you're going even if you have no idea. Avoid fidgeting with your jewelry, zippers, or hands, or you'll look insecure. . Wear swag tops As long as you look good, you can wear any shirt that looks cool to you. Whether you're going for a tight-fitted or baggy look, all you have to do is own it, whether you're wearing tanks, belly-shirts, shirts with graphics or fun logos, or halter tops. Try wearing some of these tops to kick up your level of swag: Hoodies. Wear a hoodie with your favorite sports team's logo on it. For a retro look, wear a hoodie with your elementary or middle school's logo on it. That will be so dorky that it'll be cool all over again. T-shirts. A baggy t-shirt, tight t-shirt, or a graphic tee or shirt with a logo will all look cool. You can even wear a t-shirt that falls just above your belly button with a baggy pair of pants. The shirt can also have a well-known logo like Adidas or Under Armour on it. Tank tops. Go for a halter, spaghetti strap, or even a tube top if you're feeling bold. Tiny tanks look great under big, flashy jackets. Rock a gold or silver jacket. The more pockets and zippers, the better. A letterman jacket, even if it's ten years old, is definitely cool. Rock a jersey. Put on a jersey with your favorite current basketball player's last name on the back, or a Shaq or Jordan jersey for a more old school look. Pair it with a pair of leggings. Wear swag pants or shorts. Any pair of pants can help step up your wardrobe as long as you wear them with the right attitude. Anything from basketball shorts to cargo pants can make you look good as long as you rock them with pride. If you wear tight pants, try to pair them with a loose shirt, and if your pants are looser, they'll tend to look better with a tighter top. Try on these types of pants or shorts: Booty shorts, baggy basketball shorts, or Chachi pants Baggy sweats, baggy workout pants, or drop-crotch pants Skinny jeans, leggings, or jeggings Anything with animal print or anything loud or bright Have the right kicks. If you want to have girl swag, you can go for a trendy and sporty look or you can go more girly with the right pair of heels. You can decide whether you want your shoes to be the centerpiece of your outfit, or if they should just subtly tie your whole look together. Here are some pairs of kicks to wear if you want to rock out: Sneakers such as Jordans, Vans, Supra, Nikes, and Adidas Black and white Converse Chunky gold, silver, or black heels Simple Rainbows or other sandals Ballet flats Birkenstocks Accessorize with swag. You can decide if you want to go over-the-top with your accessories, or if you just like to wear one pair of earrings or the perfect hat to tie your look together. Whatever you want, there are a number of accessories that can help tie your outfit together. Try some of these: Bangles, spiky bracelets, or snap-on bracelets Gold or silver hoop earrings or hanging necklaces Chains Toe-rings Chunky Grandma rings Diamond studs in your ear or nose Teamsport beanies or fitted caps Bandanas Oversized frameless glasses . Have stylish makeup and hair To truly have swag, you don't have to put on five layers of makeup or mimic Rihanna's latest hairdo. You just have to do your own thing and bring more attention to your appearance. Here are a few things you can do: Wear the amount of makeup you're comfortable with. If you love wearing makeup, rock it, but if it's not for you, that's cool too. Put on a light lipstick or lip gloss. Use dark eyeliner and shadow to create smoky eyes. Switch up your hairstyle from time to time. Dye it a loud color like purple or green once in a while, and go for short spiky Miley Cyrus type hair, or let your locks fall long past your shoulder. | who make you want to be better. Get inspired by your role models. Have the right body language. Wear the right clothes. . . Have the right body language. . Have the right kicks. Accessorize with swag. . |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-a-Dog-Chase-from-Becoming-an-Attack | How to Stop a Dog Chase from Becoming an Attack | Even though it's scary, the best ways to stop a dog chase from becoming an attack is to stand still and stay calm. Make sure to keep your arms still, since flailing your arms can agitate the dog even more. Additionally, avoid making eye contact, which can be perceived as a direct threat. Then, tell the dog “Go away!” in a loud, firm voice to try to make it leave. Alternatively, if the dog seems to be calming down, back away from it slowly until it's out of your sight. | Stand still and stay calm. If a dog is chasing you, standing still is probably the last thing you think you should do. You may feel like you're now an easy target for the dog. However, standing completely still is one of the best things you can do to stop the chase from becoming an attack. Stand with your arms to your sides, like a tree. If you think you'll be tempted to move your arms if they're at your sides, fold them across your chest. It's important not to flail your arms around—this could agitate and excite the dog even more. When you stand, turn your body to the side so you can see the dog from the corner of your eye. Do not make eye contact with the dog. As you stand, do not look directly into the dog's eyes. If you make eye contact, the dog may interpret the stare as a direct threat, increasing the likelihood of an attack. If the dog walks in front of you, try looking downward or to the side. Tell the dog to go away. A dog intent on attacking wants its target to be stressed and afraid. If you are calm, still, and assertive, the dog will be much less likely to attack you. As you are standing still and staying calm, firmly say 'Go away!' to the dog. Do not yell the command, since this could agitate the dog. Say the command just loudly enough so the dog gets the message that you are not afraid of it. You can also give the dog regular commands, like sit, down , and stay. If the dog has received obedience training, it may respond to these commands. Most dogs will turn and leave at this point, once they realize that showing aggression isn't enough to scare a person off. If the dog does not leave, continue to stand still and avoid eye contact. Back slowly away from the dog. If the dog calms down and doesn't attack you, breathe a huge sigh of relief! Don't let your guard down just yet, though. The dog may wait until you turn your back on it to attack you. Back away slowly until the dog is out of your sight. “Feed” something to the dog. If the dog does not back down and proceeds to attack you, it's time to go into protective mode. To keep the dog from biting you, give it something else to bite, such as a purse, backpack, or anything else you can quickly throw at the dog. Doing this will distract the dog and put distance between you and the dog. If you're wearing a long sleeve shirt, try to get your arm out of the sleeve and have the dog bite the sleeve as you take the shirt completely off. While the dog is distracted, back slowly away and get to safety. Curl into a ball on the ground. If you have fallen on the ground during the attack, quickly curl into a tight ball. Cover your ears with your hands and remain still and silent. Curling into this position will protect your face, chest, and throat. These areas could suffer serious damage from dog bites. The throat has major blood vessels (jugular vein, carotid artery) that could bleed a lot if damaged by a dog bite. The chest contains vital organs, like the heart and lungs. Curling into a ball mimics playing dead, which will not be threatening to the dog. Most dogs will stop the attack and leave the area once a person has curled into a ball. Do not pull away from the dog. If you are curled up on the ground and the dog starts biting, you will probably want to pull away. However, pulling away could actually cause more damage, since your skin could tear while you pull away. It will be hard for you to stay still, but do your best to do so. Stay still until the dog has stopped attacking you. Yell for help if you can. | Stand still and stay calm. Do not make eye contact with the dog. Tell the dog to go away. Back slowly away from the dog. “Feed” something to the dog. Curl into a ball on the ground. Do not pull away from the dog. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Countertops | How to Measure Countertops | To measure existing countertops, measure the length and the width in inches, then multiply those measurements to find the area in square inches. If your countertops have multiple sections, add the areas of each section together to calculate the total square inches. If you're measuring new cabinets for countertops, measure the length of the cabinets, then measure the width and add 1 1/2 inches to the width to account for the overhang of the countertop. Then, multiply the length and updated width together to find the area. | Sketch the room. Prior to measuring your countertops, create a rough diagram of your kitchen or bathroom. The drawing provides a visual to potential contractors and serves as a convenient place to record your measurements. It does not need to be to scale. Retrieve a piece of graph paper and a pencil. Draw a model of your space—sketch the walls and mark the doorways. Sketch the appliances, sinks, and faucets. The location of appliances, sinks, and fixtures must be added to your diagram. If you are you keeping your current appliances and fixtures, roughly draw your existing appliances, sinks, and faucets on the diagram. If you are you replacing your existing appliances or altering the layout of your space, sketch the location of your new appliances, sinks, and or faucets on the diagram. It is also helpful to note the type of sink, refrigerator, stove, and range found in your space. Draw the layout of your cabinets. Sketch the layout of your cabinets on your diagram. Again, the dimensions do not need to be precise or to scale. If you intend to keep your existing cabinetry, draw the current layout of your cabinets on your diagram. If you intend to alter the layout of your space and or replace your cabinets, sketch the new cabinetry layout or use an online program to design your space. Note edge types or sweeps. Countertops are highly customizable. The unique touches you select may alter your quote and therefore should be noted in your diagram. Choose an edge type for your countertops: ⁄ 8 inch (1.0 cm) rounded solid surface, eased stone, bevel stone, ogee stone, or bevel solid surface. Mark any sweeps, or rounded overhangs. Measure the length of your existing countertops in inches. To measure the length of one section of countertops, run a measuring tape flush along the back edge of the section from one end to the other end. The beginning and end of a section is marked by a wall, edge of a cabinet, or an appliance. Add ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) to the length, and round the measurement to the nearest ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm). Record this measurement on your diagram or a separate sheet of paper. Repeat this process until you have measured the length of each section of your countertops. Do not stop measuring when you reach a sink, but continue to measure beyond the sink until you reach the end of a cabinet, appliance, or a wall. If you have an L-shaped countertop, measure the long side first, followed by the short side from the back edge. Add the total measurements together to treat it like one countertop. Measure the width of your existing countertops in inches. Use a measuring tape to measure the width of each section of countertop. Run the measuring tape from the back of the countertop to its finished front edge. Round the measurement to the nearest ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm) and record this measurement on your diagram or a separate sheet of paper. Repeat this process until you have measured the width of each section of countertop. If you have a backsplash, account for its dimensions in your final measurement. Calculate the square footage. In order to receive an estimate from a contractor for your new countertops, you need to provide an approximate calculation of your existing countertops' square footage. Calculate the area (or square inches) of each section by multiplying the length times the width of each section (Length x Width = Area). Calculate the total square inches by adding together the areas of each section. Calculate the square footage by dividing the total square inches by 144 (Total Square Inches ➗ 144 = Total Square Footage). Measure the length of your new cabinets in inches. When measuring the length of one section of cabinets, run a measuring tape flush along the back edge of the section from one end to the other end. Add ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) to the measurement, and round the measurement to the nearest ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm). Record this measurement on your diagram or a separate sheet of paper. Repeat this process until you have measured the length of each section of your new cabinetry. Measure the width of your new cabinets and add 1–1 1⁄2 in (2.5–3.8 cm). When measuring the depth of your new cabinets, you must account for the overhang of the countertop. Run the measuring tape from the back of the cabinet to the front top edge of the cabinet. To account for the countertops' overhang, add 1– 1 ⁄ 2 in (2.5–3.8 cm) to the measurement. Record this revised number on your diagram or a separate sheet of paper. Repeat this process until you have measured the width of each section of cabinets. To account for the overhang of an island, you must add 3 inches to the length and 3 inches to the width. Calculate the square footage. To receive an estimate from a contractor for the cost of your new countertops, you need to provide an approximate calculation of the countertops' square footage. Calculate the area (or square inches) of each section by multiplying the length times the width of each section (Length x Width = Area). Calculate the total square inches by adding together the areas of each section. Calculate the square footage by dividing the total square inches by 144 (Total Square Inches ➗ 144 = Total Square Footage). Measure the length of the backsplash and calculate the square footage. If you have or are planning to add a backsplash, account for its dimensions in your final measurement. Measure the length of the backsplash for each section of countertop. Add the lengths together. Multiply the total length of the backsplash by 4 inches (the height of the backsplash). Divide the product by 140 to calculate the total square footage of your backsplash. Add this number to the total square footage of your countertops. Measure an L-shaped counter. Often countertops run along two perpendicular walls, forming an L-shape. When measuring this layout, you must first verify that your corner is a 90° angle. Measure and mark 3 feet from the corner along one wall. Measure and mark 4 feet from the corner along the other wall. Measure the diagonal distance between the two points. If the distance is 5 feet, then your corner is square. Divide the counter into two sections. To determine the length of section A, measure from one end of the counter to the wall. To determine the width of section A, measure from the front edge of the counter to the wall. To determine the length of section B, measure from the opposite end of the counter to the wall. Subtract the width of section A to get the length of section B. To determine the width of section B, measure from the front edge of the counter to the wall. Calculate the area (or square inches) of each section by multiplying the length times the width of each section (Length x Width = Area). Calculate the total square inches by adding together the areas of each section. Calculate the square footage by dividing the total square inches by 144 (Total Square Inches ➗ 144 = Total Square Footage). Measure irregular countertops. If your countertops are irregularly shaped, divide the countertop into square sections. These sections may overlap and or include negative or blank space. Once you have sectioned off the countertop into squares, measure the length and width of each section. For each section, multiply the length by the width. Calculate the area (or square inches) of each section by multiplying the length times the width of each section (Length x Width = Area). Calculate the total square inches by adding together the areas of each section. Calculate the square footage by dividing the total square inches by 144 (Total Square Inches ➗ 144 = Total Square Footage). | Sketch the room. Sketch the appliances, sinks, and faucets. Draw the layout of your cabinets. Note edge types or sweeps. Measure the length of your existing countertops in inches. Measure the width of your existing countertops in inches. Calculate the square footage. Measure the length of your new cabinets in inches. Measure the width of your new cabinets and add 1–1 1⁄2 in (2.5–3.8 cm). Calculate the square footage. Measure the length of the backsplash and calculate the square footage. Measure an L-shaped counter. Measure irregular countertops. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-Positive,-Happy-and-Optimistic | How to Become Positive, Happy and Optimistic | By changing your perspective of negative situations and being more present in each moment, you can become more happy, positive, and optimistic. Try to avoid viewing things as good or bad, since often situations you think are bad make you stronger and turn into valuable learning experiences. Aim to be more mindful by paying attention to your senses in each moment rather than getting lost in thoughts about the past or worrying about the future. When you feel down, focus on trying to make other people happy, which will in turn make you feel good. For example, compliment your coworkers or buy a coffee for the person behind you in the line. If you find yourself feeling anxious or disheartened, tell yourself positive mantras, like, “I'm stronger than this,” or “I'm going to kick today's butt.” | Choose a mantra. A mantra helps you think more positively and cultivates a healthy mindset. When you're reciting your mantra, the part of your brain that makes self-judgmental thoughts turns off. You can use a mantra that you create for yourself, or you can choose a positive quote. Recite your mantra every morning or several times throughout the day. You can also post your mantra in your home, such as on your refrigerator, near your bathroom mirror, or on your wall. Here are some examples of great mantras: “If I believe it, I can achieve it.” “Every day is a new beginning.” “I deserve love and happiness.” Use positive self-talk. You spend all day with yourself, so how you talk to yourself is important! Talk to yourself the same way you'd talk to your best friend. Make a point to say kind things to yourself. When you catch yourself saying something mean, switch it around to be positive. For example, tell yourself, “I am capable,” “I am a hard worker who can achieve success,” or “I always do my best.” You may catch yourself in negative self-talk, such as, “I can't do this. It's too hard.” When this happens, don't be mad at yourself. Instead, turn it around. Tell yourself, “It's okay to be afraid when trying something new. This is an opportunity to learn, so I'm going to do my best.” Confront your negative thought patterns. Negative thought patterns can prevent you from thinking positive, optimistic thoughts. You can fix them by noticing when you're engaged in them and questioning your conclusions. Negative thought patterns include: Filtering out positive experiences so that you focus on the negative. Personalizing negative events so that everything is your fault. Catastrophizing by assuming that the worst will happen. Polarizing every situation as either good or bad. Reframe difficult situations. You will encounter setbacks and obstacles in life, as that's a normal part of living. How you approach them is important. Instead of dwelling on how they hurt you, try to see them in a more positive light by looking for something positive in the situation. For example, you might be worried about trying something new. Instead of thinking, “What if I can't do it?” tell yourself, “This is a great opportunity to try something new.” You don't have to ignore negative feelings that you have about a hard situation. Instead, just look for opportunities for growth. Think about all of the things that could go right. Pessimistic people often dwell on their worries, constantly thinking about what could go wrong. However, you can change that mindset by looking for things that could go right. Over time, you can train your mind to think optimistically! When you catch yourself worrying, make a list of potential positive outcomes. You could write it down, list it in your head, or type it on your phone. At first, it might be hard not to think of things that can go wrong. When this happens, answer the negative thought with a positive thought. For example, you may think, “Group projects always end up with me doing all of the work but getting less credit.” Counter this thought with, “Group projects help all of us create our most innovative work.” Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad. ” Instead, think of everything as an opportunity. Humans aren't born with a concept of “good” or “bad,” we learn it. You can change how you approach life by rejecting the labels you've learned. For example, you might label a luxury apartment as “good” and a small studio apartment as “bad.” This can make you feel sad if you can only afford the studio. Challenge this label, focusing on why the studio is actually good, such as that it provides shelter. Spend more time thinking about the positive aspects of your life. When you spend more time thinking about something, your brain learns that it's a priority. While thinking about bad experiences can make you feel down, thinking about good experiences can make you feel positive and happy. Look at photos that remind you of good memories. Post your favorite positivity quotes around your home so that you read them often. Review your gratitude journal. Make a gratitude list. Recognizing everything you have to be grateful for can help you foster a more positive mindset. No matter how bad things might seem, you do have things to be grateful for! Write down even the smallest details, such as sunny weather or a compliment from a stranger. You could list everything in your life that you're grateful for, or you could focus on just today. Try keeping a gratitude journal. For example, you might write down 5 things each day that you're grateful for. Improve your sense of humor. A sense of humor helps you maintain a positive approach to life and laugh off minor hardships. For example, you might trip up at work or school. Instead of getting down on yourself, let your sense of humor help you laugh it off. Smile Take a comedy class Watch funny movies Go to a stand-up comedy showcase Read humorous books Surround yourself with positive people. Just as negative people can bring you down, positive people can boost you up. Seek out friends that have a positive outlook on life, and limit the time you spend with overly negative people. Don't cut people out of your life for having a negative outlook, especially if they're going through something. Instead, try to spend time with them in a group setting. Additionally, set boundaries so that you can be supportive without sacrificing your positive outlook. If you have a friend who is always negative, then you might try talking with them about it. Ask about their well-being and let them know you have noticed that they often seem unhappy. Find your purpose. Having a purpose in life can help you find happiness, as well as stay positive and optimistic. If you're working toward your purpose, your successes have more meaning and your hardships won't seem as difficult. Journaling can help you find your purpose. Write your responses to questions like these: What do I want in life? What's most important to me? Where do I see myself in 5 years? 10 years? What am I really good at? Consider how you enjoyed spending your time when you were growing up. This may connect to your purpose. Think about your personal beliefs. How could they give you purpose? Focus on changing one thing at a time. It's normal to be dissatisfied with parts of your life. For example, you might not like your job, or you might be having a fight with a sibling. Confront one issue at a time to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Make a list of what you want to change, then prioritize it. Start with what's most important for you. Live in the moment using mindfulness. Much of what weighs on your mind comes from the past or the future. You can let go of these worries by living in the present. Focus on just this moment right now, allowing yourself to fully experience it. Use your 5 senses to ground yourself in the moment. For example, smell the scents in the air, observe small details in the scene around you, and listen for the sounds you can pick out. Let go of distractions, such as your phone or earbuds. Let go of your need for control. It's normal to want to control every aspect of your life, but that's an impossible goal. Trying to control everything actually makes you more stressed and less happy. Instead of trying to control every aspect of your life, focus on controlling the only thing you can -- your own reaction. Let other people take care of themselves. Don't be afraid to delegate tasks. Remind yourself that you can't eliminate difficult moments from your life, but you can approach them differently. Accept your circumstances for what they are. This may sound defeatist, but it's actually the first step to improving your outlook. Don't hold off on living because you're waiting for the right circumstances. Your life is happening now! It's okay to try to change your circumstances, as long as you focus on yourself and not others. You can change you, but not anyone else. Remind yourself that setbacks are temporary. You will encounter setbacks, as they happen to everyone. It's easy to get tripped up by them, but don't let them trap you in a mindset of defeat. Instead, view them as stepping stones on your path to success. Tell yourself, “I have to fail to learn the lessons I need to be successful.” Do something you enjoy every day. This will boost your mood and give you a more positive outlook toward your life. It's normal to spend much of your day taking care of work, school, or other responsibilities. Carve out time to make yourself happy, as well! Grab a coffee with a friend. Enjoy your hobby. Watch a favorite TV program. Play with your pet. Play a board game with family members. Eat dessert. Volunteer to help others. This helps you feel better about yourself and gives you a more positive perspective about your life. Not only will you be doing good, but volunteering also gives you a sense of abundance in your life. Choose a cause that you care about, then do something to help! Give your time at a local nonprofit. For example, you could hand out food at the local food bank. Donate your time to help a cause you care about, such as animal rights. You could also donate to charity. Do random acts of kindness. As the saying goes, “Giving is better than receiving.” Doing nice things for others will make you feel happy and positive. You'll feel good about yourself and know that you're helping create a better society. Buy someone a coffee. Give a compliment. Treat a coworker to lunch. Make your family a special treat. Leave a favorite book on a bus seat or park bench. Post a kind note on the bathroom mirror. Schedule downtime so that you get proper rest. Rest is essential to living a happy life. It helps you stay positive, be more creative, and be more productive during your work times. Allow yourself to relax for at least 30 minutes each day, and give yourself 1 day each week to rest. Give yourself permission to rest and relax. Don't think about work or responsibilities during this time. Limit how much television you watch. This will give you more time to work on things that truly matter to you, such as your hobbies or personal goals. There's nothing wrong with enjoying television, but too much of it can leave you feeling down. Turn off the tube and engage in an activity that supports your happy, positive life instead. Work toward a personal goal. Spend time with people you care about. Go to a museum. Check out a new place in your city. Eat a nutritious, balanced diet. Nourish your body with the food that you eat so that you can live your best life possible. Not only will this help you look and feel your best, but it also helps you manage stress. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, but limit simple sugars and processed foods. Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Don't overly restrict your diet. Instead, focus on adding nutrition. Make a stress tool-kit. This can help you better cope with life's stressors. Stress is a part of life, and having positive coping strategies ready can help you stay in a positive mindset. Here are some things you could include in your stress tool-kit: Bath salt in a calming scent, such as lavender A book of positive quotes A journal A bottle of essential oil in a scent you like Supplies for a favorite hobby Your favorite comedy flick An adult coloring book and colored pencils Set boundaries to protect your mental health. It's easy to get overwhelmed, and it's up to you to limit how much time and energy you expend on a daily basis. Give yourself limits, and communicate them to the people in your life. Let people know what you will and won't tolerate. For example, tell your friends that you will turn off your phone at 10:00 p.m. so that you can rest. Say “no” when you don't think something is right for you. It's normal to not have the time, energy, or desire to want to do everything you're asked to do. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. You can do this in 1 block or break it up into 3 blocks of 10 minutes. This will boost your mood and reduce stress. For best results, choose an exercise that you enjoy. Here are some great options: Go for a nature walk. Jog. Join a cardio class. Try an aerobics DVD. Dance. Participate in recreational sports. Perform breathing exercises. Breathing exercises can help you calm down and support a positive mind-state. If you want to relax, try a basic breathing exercise like the following: Keep it simple by just watching your breath. Focus your attention on each inhale and exhale, free of judgement. Breathe in for 4 counts, then hold your breath for 4 counts. Slowly release the air for 4 counts. Next, repeat these steps for a 6 count, followed by an 8 count. Sit comfortably in a quiet room. Visualize yourself in a happy place, such as the beach. Monitor your breath for 5-10 minutes. Try breathing in through your nose and out of your mouth. Take slow, deep breaths from your abdomen. Meditate. Meditation is a great way to calm your mind and reduce stress. This can help you support your positive, happy mindset. Even 5 minutes of meditation can be helpful! You can use a guided meditation or just focus on your breath. Look online for meditation videos or try an app like Calm, Headspace, or Insight Meditation. Do yoga. Yoga helps you relax and connect with your breath. It can also improve your body image. You could try a sequenced yoga practice or just a few poses, depending on your preferences. You can do yoga at home using a website, book, or DVD. Taking a yoga class at a local studio or gym can ensure that you are using proper form. It's also a great way to deepen your practice and connect with other people. Get enough sleep. Sleep is important for your body, allowing it to repair itself. Unfortunately, it's hard to get enough sleep. How much sleep you need each night depends on your age: Adults need 7-9 hours Teens need 8-10 hours School-aged children need 9-12 hours Young children need 11-14 hours Babies need 12-17 hours | Choose a mantra. Use positive self-talk. Confront your negative thought patterns. Reframe difficult situations. Think about all of the things that could go right. Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad. Spend more time thinking about the positive aspects of your life. Make a gratitude list. Improve your sense of humor. Surround yourself with positive people. Find your purpose. Focus on changing one thing at a time. Live in the moment using mindfulness. Let go of your need for control. Accept your circumstances for what they are. Remind yourself that setbacks are temporary. Do something you enjoy every day. Volunteer to help others. Do random acts of kindness. Schedule downtime so that you get proper rest. Limit how much television you watch. Eat a nutritious, balanced diet. Make a stress tool-kit. Set boundaries to protect your mental health. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Perform breathing exercises. Meditate. Do yoga. Get enough sleep. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Style-Curly-Hair-for-Volume | How to Style Curly Hair for Volume | To style curly hair, first add some volume with a light sea salt spray. You can also use a leave-in conditioner to moisturize and de-frizz your hair, making it lay closer to your head. Next, use a curling wand on a few straighter strands of hair near the top layer to add shape and definition to your curls. If you want to give your curls a nice lift, apply some dry shampoo near the roots. | Wash your hair 2-3 times each week. If you shampoo your curly hair frequently, it may dry out. To keep your hair from looking and feeling dry, wait a few days between washes. Use a sulfate-free shampoo. Shampoos that contain sulfates may also contribute to dryness and frizziness, so it's best to wash with a sulfate-free shampoo each time. Check the ingredient list on the product before buying to confirm it doesn't include sulfates. Use a moisturizing conditioner. Your curly hair benefits from hydration. Invest in a moisturizing conditioner to greatly diminish and prevent frizziness. Condition your hair right after you rinse out your shampoo. Look for a conditioner that contains a type of oil, such as coconut, grape seed, or argan. These ingredients all help moisturize and prevent dryness. Leave some of your conditioner in. Even though it's meant to be rinsed out, leaving some of your conditioner in can give your curly locks a moisture boost. Just after you apply the conditioner, give your hair a very brief rinse. Then, leave the rest in to get smoother, shinier hair. Don't skip the quick rinse, or else the conditioner may weigh down your curls too much. Detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb. Using a brush to detangle your curls will only create unsightly frizz. Instead, use a wide-toothed comb after washing and conditioning your hair. Start combing your ends and slowly work your way up to the root area instead of combing root to tip. Let your hair air-day half way. If your hair is thick and coarse, it'll take longer to air-dry. If your hair is fine and thin, it'll dry quickly. Let your hair dry naturally for however long you need to in order to get your hair about 40% of the way dry. Scrunch your hair with a small towel or microfiber cloth. Hold your towel or cloth flat in your palm just below the ends of a small section of your hair. Bring the towel or cloth upward while simultaneously squeezing your hair. Once your hand is close to your head, hold the squeezed position for a couple of seconds. Then move onto a new section of hair. Repeat this process for your entire head. This will remove the excess water from your hair and also give you natural, bouncy curls. Plop your hair with a cotton t-shirt. Lay out a cotton t-shirt with the bottom of the shirt facing you. Flip your hair over onto the center of the towel and then place the shirt's bottom on the nape of your neck. Use the shirt sleeves to tie a knot towards the back of your head in order to secure the shirt to your head. Untie the knot and remove the shirt after about 10-20 minutes. Plopping works well for hair that is medium to long in length. It adds volume and curl because the hair is squished against the head; It also removes moisture from the hair. Blow dry your hair with a diffuser. A diffuser is an attachment that can be put on the end of a hair dryer. This attachment is made specifically to maximize volume and even out your curl pattern while also minimizing frizz. Blow dry your hair with the diffuser pressed up against your head until it's 70-80% dry. Drying it completely with a hair dryer can cause frizz. Make sure to put a moisturizing and/or curl-enhancing product in your hair before blowing it dry in order to minimize frizziness and dryness. Volumize your curls with a sea salt spray. In general, you want to keep your hair products lighter, to avoid weighing down your hair and decreasing volume. Hold a sea salt spray bottle about 6 inches (15 cm) away from your hair and give your locks a quick spritz. Move the bottle around your head as your spray about 5-8 times so that all of your hair gets an even application. Sea salt spray will hold the strands of your hair together well without giving your hair the “crunchy” texture that other products often do. You can also get some extra volume by applying a volumizing foam to your hair. Moisturize and/or de-frizz with leave-in conditioners. Apply a leave-in conditioner to your wet hair in order to give your hair the moisture it needs, and also lessen frizz. When hair frizzes, it is moving outwards in search of moisture, but it will lie flat when well moisturized. You can also apply an oil serum to your hair to help de-frizz it. It's also beneficial to apply some leave-in conditioner to your hair 1-2 days after you've washed it to help revitalize your curls. Curl a few pieces of hair with a curling wand. Plug in and turn on a curling wand. Take a flatter/straighter strand of hair that's about the same size as one of your curls and wrap it around the wand. Hold this position for a couple of seconds. Let go of the strand and slowly pull the wand away from your hair. Using a curling wand on some strands in your top layer will add definition and shape to your curls. Repeat this process for about 10-12 strands evenly spaced around your head. Use dry shampoo to lift your roots. Using dry shampoo on a regular basis can help you get away with washing your hair less, which means avoiding dryness and frizziness. You can also use it to add some volume to the root area. Apply the dry shampoo to your roots to give them a nice lift. Clip your hair at the root. Get 6-12 small jaws hair clips. Lift up a chunk of your hair near the root area where it's flat and secure a clip to the roots of the hair underneath. Repeat this process with the rest of the clips on various points of your head. This will create the illusion of volume at the root area. Wear the clips in your hair all day and then take them out before going to bed. | Wash your hair 2-3 times each week. Use a sulfate-free shampoo. Use a moisturizing conditioner. Leave some of your conditioner in. Detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb. Let your hair air-day half way. Scrunch your hair with a small towel or microfiber cloth. Plop your hair with a cotton t-shirt. Blow dry your hair with a diffuser. Volumize your curls with a sea salt spray. Moisturize and/or de-frizz with leave-in conditioners. Curl a few pieces of hair with a curling wand. Use dry shampoo to lift your roots. Clip your hair at the root. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Dog-Hair-off-Furniture | How to Get Dog Hair off Furniture | The easiest way to get dog hair off of furniture is to use a lint roller on the whole surface of the piece. The next best thing would be to use a vacuum on the furniture. If you don't have a lint roller or a vacuum, there are a few other ways you can get rid of dog hair. Wrap a long strip of tape with the sticky side facing outwards around your hand. Then pat your hand along the furniture to remove the hair. Or you can dampen a washcloth and rub the furniture with it to pick up hair. Make sure you wipe only in one direction so you don't spread the hair around. | Use a lint roller. You can roll this device over the surface of your furniture to pick up dog hair. You can find a lint roller at any drug or grocery store. You can use a lint roller on furniture, clothing, and even your dog itself. The adhesive isn't strong enough to harm skin, furniture, or clothes. Use tape. Flatten a section of sticky tape against the furniture, let it sit for a few moments, and peel it away to remove stubborn dog hairs. Use broad sections of tape to make the process go more quickly. Duct tape and masking tape are good choices. You may have to do this many times to get all the hair off. Consider making yourself a makeshift lint roller using tape, preferably masking or duct tape. Rip off a generous piece of tape and put it around your hand so that the sticky side is facing out. Then pat the furniture where the hair is so that the hair comes off with the tape. You may have use several pieces of tape depending on how much hair there is. Be careful using duct tape (and other especially strong types of tape) on furniture that is coated in paint or another thin veneer. If you do use duct tape, don't leave it on for more than a few seconds. Strong adhesives might peel away paint from your furniture. Use a damp washcloth. Removing pet hair from any cloth surface is easy if you use a damp washcloth. Wipe cushions or clothing in one direction only and the hair will lift off. You can also try a damp sponge mop to remove pet hair from your carpets. Again, wipe in one direction only, and the hair will pile up and can be easily picked up by hand. Vacuum the furniture. Use the detachable hose of a vacuum-cleaner, use a small handheld vacuum, or lift a vacuum onto the surface of a couch or chair. Depending on the type of furniture, vacuuming may or may not work. To make it easier to vacuum your furniture, use a window squeegee to collect most of the fur in one spot. Simply run the squeegee over the furniture in the same way you would a window. Push all of the fur into one spot on the couch, then vacuum it up. If there is a very large amount of fur, don't vacuum it. This may clog up the vacuum or even damage it. Consider using a shampoo vacuum cleaner for fabrics. Make sure that your pet shampoo product is safe to use on furniture. In the future, consider brushing your dog more frequently or covering your dog's favorite furniture with blankets in order to prevent excessive shedding. Use a toothbrush. For just a few clingy hairs, try using an old toothbrush. Dog hair is hard to clean out from between brush bristles, so do not use a toothbrush that you plan to use for anything else. For an easier option, look for a fur removal brush, which is larger than a toothbrush. It's specially designed to collect loose fur. You can find a fur removal brush at your local pet store or online. Don't let your home get too dry. Static electricity and low humidity make already annoying pet hair that much worse. Mitigate these two factors, and fur will remain more friend than foe. Remove pet hair from upholstery and fabric with rubber gloves. Wear a pair of disposable rubber gloves, and dampen them with water so the hair will stick. Run your hand over the surface to attract hair. Simply rinse off the glove when it's covered with hair, and repeat as needed. If you don't have rubber gloves handy, try a slightly wet sponge instead. This method doesn't use up lots of tape needlessly. As another option, use a pet grooming or deshedding glove, if you have one. These gloves are very effective for collecting fur. You can also spray a mix of water and fabric softener onto your upholstered furniture, then wipe the hair off. To remove pet hair from wooden furniture, use a soft cloth and furniture polish or anti-static dusting spray. The spray will eliminate the electric charge, making removal easier and lessening the likelihood that the hair will re-stick. Cover your furniture. Many people use plastic sheeting to preserve their furniture. However, this method is often viewed as pointless or inconvenient due to noise, discomfort, and opacity of the plastic. You may also consider spreading out an old towel or blanket where your dog likes to lay. You can wash the towel whenever you like, and you can put it away when guests come to visit. If your dog tends to climb on one particular piece of furniture and lay in the same spot, you may be able to keep hair off that furniture by protecting the spot. Some pet stores sell furniture covers specifically made for dogs. Groom your dog. Consider brushing your dog more frequently, giving it haircuts, and giving it baths. Use a grooming brush to comb away loose hair. Brushing your dog about two days a week dramatically cuts down on the amount of fur tumbleweeds rolling through your living room. Give your dog a haircut once a month. It may stop shedding so much fur if you take control of the process. Give your dog a bath once or twice a month, or as frequently as you like. After the bath, let it stay outside for about an hour to dry off. Consider putting a stocking or thin sock over the vacuum hose, and then vacuuming your dog. You may not be able to get him or her to stand still. . Teach your dog not to climb on the furniture If your dog won't stop climbing all over your bed or couch, try training your pet to sleep on the floor instead. Scold your dog when it climbs on the furniture, and make it clear that it's wrong. If you are firm and persistent, you can retrain your dog and keep hair off of your furniture altogether. Bear in mind that if your dog sheds a lot, you may still need to vacuum frequently to keep dog hair off of the floor. Consult your vet. If you think your dog might be losing hair for a medical reason, consult a vet for help. Your vet may prescribe hair-loss medication, or may be able to identify some other treatable condition that is causing the hair-fall. | Use a lint roller. Use tape. Use a damp washcloth. Vacuum the furniture. Use a toothbrush. Don't let your home get too dry. Remove pet hair from upholstery and fabric with rubber gloves. Cover your furniture. Groom your dog. . Consult your vet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Print-Business-Cards | How to Print Business Cards | To print your own business cards, check your printer manual to determine the maximum cardstock weight it can handle. Most business cards are printed on 80-110 lb cover weight cardstock. For crisp, clean edges, choose cardstock which is already scored. After you design your card, set your printer so it will print the correct number of cards per sheet, and test the alignment on regular printer paper. Once you're sure it's right, feed the cardstock into your printer through a manual feed if you have one, so the cardstock won't be bent. | Buy cardstock compatible with your printer. Look up your printer's maximum cardstock weight before you buy the paper. Most business cards are printed on 80 lb cover weight cardstock (215 grams per square meter), while some businesses prefer more durable paper up to 110 lb (200 GSM). If using a home printer, check the manual to find its maximum paper weight. Cardstock too heavy for the printer may cause jamming, or (on a laser printer) flaking images. Many printers have a "manual feed" slot, usually behind a back panel, that sends thick paper through a straighter path, reducing the chance of bending or jams. On some printers you'll adjust the rear tray instead; follow the manual instructions for printing on envelopes. Check the cardstock finish. Glossy paper may damage incompatible laser printers. Inkjet printers require coated cardstock for a crisp image. Most home printers use dye inks. If yours uses pigment ink (which is a little duller but fade-resistant), it will not print properly on some types of coated cardstock. Look for pre-scored paper (recommended). Consider saving yourself some cutting effort by printing on perforated business card paper. Choosing the standard size for your area is usually the most convenient option: Standard business cards in the United States measure 2 x 3½" (51 x 89mm). The most common European size is 55 x 85 mm (2.12 x 3.37"). Chinese business cards are usually 54 x 90mm (2.13 x 3.5"). Japan and Korea use slightly different sizes. You may go with non-perforated paper, but using a paper cutter is tedious for large numbers of cards. Automated business card cutting machines are faster, but can be very expensive. Sketch a rough card layout. If you haven't already, sketch out your basic business card layout. Make sure to include the following information: Business logo and name as the most prominent information. Job title and company name. Phone, email, website, mailing address, and/or other contact information. Emphasize methods your customers use most. Design the card in Microsoft Publisher. Microsoft Publisher is designed for graphic layout of printed documents, but does not come with all versions of Office Suite. These instructions apply to Publisher 2010 and later: Open Publisher and select Business Cards on the Available Templates page, or go to File → New → Business Cards. Select the template that matches your design best. Adjust options if desired. Click Create when finished. To match the size of pre-scored sheets, choose a template listed under the sheet manufacturer, or adjust size under Page Design → Size → More Preset Page Sizes. Click placeholder text and logo to insert your own design. Experiment with menu options for greater customization. Use Microsoft Word instead. Word does not provides as many templates or as many tools for adjusting your design, but it works for basic designs. Here are three ways to get started on most versions of Word (2010 or later for Windows, 2011 or later for Mac): To choose an existing template, select File → New → Blank Document → Business Card → Print Business Cards. This requires an internet connection. To make your own design from scratch, click the Mailings tab in the top ribbon, then Labels. In the new ribbon tab, select Options and select the product you'll be printing on. Avery and other business card sheet manufacturers may offer additional downloadable templates on their website. Add a reverse side to the business card (optional). If using Publisher, go to the Page Navigation pane, right click the current pane, and select Insert Page. Choose the layout option that best matches the design of your back. If using Word, click Insert in the Pages ribbon tab, choose Blank Page , and design the back from scratch. Keep all vital information on the front side. The back is for a tagline, mission statement, or other less important info — and leaving it blank is a common choice. Make sure the margin widths and number of copies per sheet are identical on both sides. Testing on ordinary, cheap paper first is recommended to ensure the two sides align exactly. Print your business cards. If you selected the template that matched the product you're printing on, it should set your printer to the correct settings automatically. Otherwise, select Print and adjust the numbers under "Multiple copies per sheet" to match your paper product. For two-sided business cards, look for a "duplex" option in the settings. If your printer does not have duplex capability, you will need to print just the front side, then flip the paper and reinsert it before printing the back. Start with one page on ordinary, cheap paper to test the alignment. Hold two-sided cards up to a light to make sure the front and back align. | Buy cardstock compatible with your printer. Check the cardstock finish. Look for pre-scored paper (recommended). Sketch a rough card layout. Design the card in Microsoft Publisher. Use Microsoft Word instead. Add a reverse side to the business card (optional). Print your business cards. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-Palms-(Advanced) | How to Read Palms (Advanced) | Palm-reading is a worthwhile talent you can use to impress your friends and even make a living off of. If you've already mastered the basics of palm-reading, try practicing reading people's finger shapes. The different finger shapes, like square, pointed, or spade-shaped, can represent different qualities, like being down-to-earth or inventive. A long ring finger may indicate someone is artistic, while a short pinky finger may show they're good at influencing other people. Large, heavy fingers often mean someone is tough, and long and slim fingers signify a more sensitive person. Finger-spacing can also shed light on someone's personality. For example, someone with a lot of space between their ring finger and pinky is probably very independent. | Examine the finger shape. Finger shape normally coincides with the shape of the hand. However, most hands represent a mixture of finger types. This mixture helps to create a diversity of qualities and talents for a person. The shape of the fingernail is also used in trying to determine the type of finger. Square fingers have square nails and represent a down-to-earth quality in respect to the attributes of the finger. Pointed fingers often have almond-shaped nails and reveal an artistic nature. Spade-shaped fingers have square-based nails which broaden at the tip and represent inventiveness. Cone-shaped fingers have oval nails and represents an imaginative quality. With mixed fingers , if a person had a square type of ring finger, for example, then they would be artistically inclined. But if the same person had a pointed index finger, then their occupation will commonly not be art-related. When it comes to nails , naturally long nails show a soft heart; short nails show an unfortunate paranoid and uneasy nature; wide nails show quarrelsome qualities; narrow nails show a conservative and refined nature. Examine the finger smoothness. The smoothness or knottiness of the fingers and their joints is a good indication of which area of life a person would most likely be active in. It also deals with the instinctive, practical, and intellectual attainment in regards to the fields which each finger represents. The middle finger deals with service (goals, restrictions). The index finger deals with authority (position, wealth, happiness). The ring finger deals with fulfillment (fame, success). Finally, the little finger deals with activity (health, mind, commercial ventures). If your joints are generally smooth , then you may tend to be passive, letting other control you, but at the same time quite impulsive which may sometimes lead to carelessness. If your top knuckles are smooth and your middle ones are internally rough , then you are a person whose intellect and practicality work well together. A strong instinctive drive is a characteristic of well-developed knuckles. The fleshiness of the pads inside the fingers as well as the flatness of those areas show a good development or lack of it in regards to the attributes of each finger. Well-developed balls on the ends of fingers show a strong intellect and courtesy of the mind. A flatness represents a lack of intellectual insight regarding the attributes of the respective fingers. Examine the finger spacing. It is also important to note the way fingers are spaced apart. With your hand in a relaxed position, examine how some fingers stand apart from others and how some stick close to the adjacent fingers. An independent mind is signified when your little finger stands apart from the ring finger, with a great deal of space between them. An art-related life is shown when the ring finger sticks close to the middle finger. Your fate will also aid in your success. If your middle finger and the index finger stick close together , it shows that you will gain authority and rank through your own goals and dreams. If they stand apart, then your position will come from other means. Examine the finger build. The build and thickness of a person's fingers can denote the personality type. Heavy fingers often show a more physical nature, maybe with a tough outlook on things. Long and slim fingers signify more of an emotional and aggressive type of person, so this person may be very sensitive to insults or very literal to sarcastic remarks. Short and thick shows that a person is more emotionally comfortable. If your index finger is longer than the normal length, you tend to be a leader and tell others what to do. But if it is shorter, then you tend to sit back and let others control you. Examine the finger length. The length of your fingers are measured relative to the size of your palm. On average, the longest finger is about seven-eighths the size of your palm, and if it is just as long as your palm, then your fingers are considered long. Short fingers are shorter than seven-eighths of the palm. In relation to the fingers, the thumb is normally higher than the bottom joining of the index finger. The index finger, however, reaches a third of the way up the nail of the middle finger. The ring finger normally reaches just above the nail of the middle finger and the little, or pinkie, finger should reach the top joint of the ring finger. If your ring finger is longer than the normal length, you may have an artistic talent, as well as a reckless and wild nature. If your little finger is shorter than the normal length, it shows that you lack the ability to influence others. If it is longer, you tend to be very articulate, and good at writing and selling. Read the Health Line. The Health Line deals with the material well-being as much as the physical. This is especially so that when the Life Line may be faint or hard to see. If a person has very faint Fate, Fame, and Success Lines, then the Health Line also lays a strong part in the development of material wealth. The Health Line can be found extending from below the little finger, down across the palm, to the base of the thumb. Sometimes, it may even join with the Life Line. Missing - it is likely that you'll have little to no health problems. Strong and undisturbed - strong business sense as well as the strength to work hard and make money. Wavy - potential health problems as a result of anxiety and nervousness. Broken - poor health will cause problems in business situations. Smaller lines crossing Health Line - prone to accidents. Extra lines branches onto the Life Line - sign of life-threatening situation in old age. Square encircling the line - a sign of protection, whether it be in the form of good medical treatment, or aid in solving a business problem. Break in the line to form a donut shape - a need for hospitalization. A triangle formed by the Life, Head, and Health Lines - known as the Lucky Triangle, where the broader the angle of the triangle, the greater your luck. Read the Fame Line. The Line of Fame reinforces the Fate Line. The Fame Line influences the social rewards of success. This line, if visible, starts at the base of the hand, and moves its way up to below the ring finger, running parallel to the Fate Line. Missing - one's future fame must be looked for in other areas of the palm; may still be successful but prefer to do without public acclaim. Strong and clear - distinction and satisfaction with your life's work. Broken repeatedly - indication of the ups and downs of social recognition. Travels straight to the ring finger - likely to have fame in the arts. Starts at the Head Line and runs through the Heart Line - hard work and success late in life. A separation at the end of the Fame Line (becoming two smaller lines) - success may be dubious in value. Ends beneath the ring finger in a star or triangle - spectacular success awaits in the fine arts field (acting, singing, dancing). Ends beneath the ring finger in a square - a kindly patron. Read the Marriage Lines. Relationships are indicated by the little line (or lines) that are located just below the base of the little finger. The closer the lines are to the base of the little finger, the later in life these relationships will be. Several light lines - romances. Strong and clear lines - marriage. Numerous overlapping lines - affair(s). Lines that meet but don't cross - children that will be born in affairs. Fork at the start towards the back of the hand - long engagement. Fork at the end towards the palm - separation (with or without divorce). Line at the end that cuts the line off sharply - end to a relationship due to death or divorce. Breaks that resumes with an overlap - separation with a later reunion. Read the Money Lines. These lines don't indicate material wealth, so much as they represent skill in acquiring riches and how it can be done. No Line - You will be making so much money you'll wipe your nose with a $100 bill Line from the base of the thumb to below the index finger, ending in a star - a natural talent for moneymaking. Line from the base of the thumb to the little finger - wealth acquired through inheritance or family allowances. Line from the base of the thumb to below the middle finger - money made in business. Line running to the ring finger, cutting through the Fame Line - money obtained through luck and surprise. Read the Travel Lines. The Travel Lines are a major indication of the trips taken throughout your life that have had or will have a penetrating impact on your life. These lines generally start from the edge of the palm at the 'heel," opposite the thumb, and extend horizontally. Intersecting the Life Line - a trip will be made under circumstances of health, or your health will be affected by a trip. Crossing the Travel Line - danger, or problems within travel. A square encircles the lines - a sign of protection in your travels. Breaks - possible delay in your travels. Intersecting the Fate Line - travel will present a life-changing experience. Read the Minor Lines. The Minor Lines can be found in most hands. They include the lines of Opposition, Intuition, Escape, and Influence. Lines of Opposition: These lines can be found on the outside of the palm, between the Heart and Head Lines. These lines illustrate the opposing forces that we all must deal with in life. Line of Intuition: This line appears on the outer palm (at the base of the hand under the little finger). It illustrates strong insight. If you have this line you are an extremely sensitive, intuitive person and may have ESP (extra-sensory perception). The line can appear to curve into the palm or out to the edge of the palm. Either way, the meaning stays the same. Line of Escape: This line is more towards the bottom of the palm, near the base. It often crosses the Life Line, and this crossing symbolizes the time in your life the following experience may happen. The Line of Escape illustrates an individual who escapes the problems of their life by indulging in their imagination. If it connects with the Line of Fame, they retreat into creative arts ease themselves. If the Line of Escape crosses with the Health Line, the person will resort to drugs and drinking. This may also foreshadow suicide. Lines of Influence: These lines originate from the base of the thumb, and radiate out into the Palm. Where they connect with other lines, they illustrate an important event. The much sought after influence lines are the ones that show how and where you will come into money, if it crosses the Money Lines. Learn to read the mounts of the palm. Analyze the fingerprints on the fingers. Understand the degrees of the palm. | Examine the finger shape. Examine the finger smoothness. Examine the finger spacing. Examine the finger build. Examine the finger length. Read the Health Line. Read the Fame Line. Read the Marriage Lines. Read the Money Lines. Read the Travel Lines. Read the Minor Lines. Learn to read the mounts of the palm. Analyze the fingerprints on the fingers. Understand the degrees of the palm. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sneak-Around-at-Night | How to Sneak Around at Night | The key to sneaking around at night is taking your time and being prepared. Always walk gently on your tiptoes and move as slowly as possible to avoid making a noise. If you can't see where you're going properly, stay low so it'll be easier to rebalance yourself if you trip on something. Hold your breath and listen carefully for any signs of movement before you move around. If you're sneaking around your house at night, figure out where any creaky floorboards are during the day so you can avoid them when you need to be quiet. Always have a good excuse ready in case you get spotted, like “I'm just getting a glass of water.” | Get the right equipment. The most essential piece of equipment is an alert mind, but other items can help too. Ropes or a grappling hook are always nice if you are going to be climbing trees. Leather gloves help when climbing to protect your hands, so they aren't a bad idea. Wear appropriate clothing. Clothing is situation-sensitive. It is always a good idea to stay in the shadows, so olive drab or dark blue is a good color for shadows. Don't use black because it can "cut out" your shape in the dark. Camouflaging for the type of environment you are in is even better because in the shadows it looks black, and when in minor light you can blend in with trees, bushes or grass. You also don't want to wear clothes that make noise. DO NOT wear anything that has buttons or anything that jangles around. Also, don't bring your keys with you! If you must bring your keys with you, remove all extras and wrap remaining keys in a cloth and separate them. Wear appropriate shoes. Shoes matter too. The type of shoes you wear should reflect how far along you are in your stealth training. If you are just beginning, soft shoes with light rubber coating on the bottom is the best. As you become better, you can wear normal shoes, and eventually boots that have soft rubber on the bottom. If inside or outside try to go barefoot as much as possible because it minimizes noise. If you are walking on grass it may tickle your feet but it is better than being captured. Map out your route. If you know where you're going and what obstacles you'll face, you'll be much better prepared. Identify hiding spots. Check if anyone is still awake. Learn sound sources. Map out all of the creaky floors and objects, these are the things that give you away. Also stay very close to walls. It will reduce the creaking sound. Draw a map of the house and put a letter or a number on the creaky and squeaky. If you have room, write notes at the bottom of your map. Walk as close to the edge of each wall for creaking floors or stairs. Worn floor boards generally have more support near walls. Learn how to walk. Your footwork is just as important as crouching into the steps to absorb the movement. Normal heel-to-toe rolling movement is great for fast speed movement on grass and very slow movement on hard surfaces. Keep in mind that the slower you move, the more silent you are. When moving through leaves, or trying to remain absolutely silent, keep your weight on your back foot, extend your leading foot, and to set it down and slowly shift forward, absorbing the movement in your knees and ankles. You should only have the ball of your foot, which will work as a cushion, make contact with the ground during this type of movement. If you're maneuvering in an environment that provides "Noise Cover" or if there is a medium risk of being heard, lower your heel to the ground to touch when switching weight to the lead foot. To stay silent indoors, breathe and walk to the rhythm of the room clock. If someone is asleep, they are used to the sound of the clock, and thus it will help obscure your footfalls. Use the flat foot when walking across gravel or across anything in which many small objects can be disturbed and make noise. Absorb the step as you normally would, but you let your entire foot make contact with the gravel at the same time to let the weight distribute evenly. Slow to very slow movement should be used. Know how to walk through doorways. When walking through a doorway normally (shoulders very close to the door jams) can cause sounds (like running air conditioners) to fluctuate and let people know that there's something there. The same thing applies when you are sneaking around, you can "hear" where people are based on how ambient noise is being manipulated. Sneak through doorways with your back to the jam, and be perpendicular to the door. This will minimize the effect. Keep body sounds under control. Try as hard as you can to not sneeze! If you have allergies, take your meds before you leave for your excursion. But be sure it won't make you drowsy! If you do feel a sneeze coming on, plug your nose, squeeze your eyes shut, and think as hard as you can about not sneezing. Also, for some people, saying the word "watermelon" repeatedly will help suppress a sneeze. Look at the article How to Stop a Sneeze for other tips. Be patient. Being silent and undetectable means being slow and careful. If you have a creaky bed, move slowly with patience; what's five minutes of slow, steady, moving compared to the whole night off? Adjust your eyes to darkness. Find a spot to stay motionless to give your eyes time to become accustomed to the dark before you attempt to move around too much. This will give you an advantage over anyone who is looking for you and allow you to avoid injury. You can also create an eye patch, and leave it on one eye prior to leaving, to adjust that eye to the dark, and then switch the eyepatch eye once you have entered the dark region. The human eye takes 30 minutes to fully adjust to night vision, and one flash of light can require another 30 minutes of time to adjust. Learn to work with the light. Stay out of light as much as possible but know how to work with light when it's around. This will help you stay undetected, especially since people will be assuming that they can see everything because light is available. Absolutely avoid using your own light sources, such as a flashlight or a candle, unless you know you are in an area where no one can see you. Standing in the darkness behind a light source (like a fire or floodlight) is a good way to hide, because the person's eyes will be adjusted to see the light, but not the darkness behind it. The eye is extra sensitive at nighttime, so make sure that when you move around in the dark, don't make sudden or abrupt movements. Listen to your environment. Keep your ears perked up; if there is someone upstairs and you hear moving or the floor creaking -- hide! Always have a place pre-picked according to your position. Crouch for stability. Remain in a crouched position as you're moving, and have your hands out to the sides at waist level to detect any obstacles you might have not seen and keep balance, and to absorb the step when you move forward by crouching a little further down into the step. You do not want to crouch below a 90 degree angle at any moment unless you are crouching to the ground to put a knee down or lying down, because it is very hard on the knees. Stay alert. One of your worst enemies is the surprise factor. Being caught off-guard can not only startle you, but cause you to make noise or lose control of the situation. The best way to know if someone is coming is to see them; if you can't see them, hearing them is the second best way to know in advance. Most people do not walk quietly, so you can hear them coming. When in sight range of someone you may be able to wait for an opportunity to hide better if you have not. Always act as if someone is actively looking for you, even if they aren't. This will subconsciously force you to be more careful. Stay invisible. Slow movement is possible when you are in someone's sight range. If you are a decent distance away from them and they probably won't see it, lie down if your environment permits it. This minimizes your size and makes you harder to spot. Good places to go prone are dark areas or areas with foliage cover. If you are wearing camouflage or a dark colour, this will help conceal you in the darkness. Just slip into a shadow and breathe softly. Once they come in audible range of you, movement should not continue, and you must maintain absolute stillness. If you are within arm's reach of the person walking towards you, freeze. If you aren't perfectly hidden, holding still will normally take care of the dilemma, but if you can manage, curl up into a ball and try to cover your shoulder features and your head; this will hide the human outline. Manipulate environmental sound. Learning to make animal sounds will make people less suspicious if they hear you but will not always work. If you plan to use an animal sound, be sure it fits the environment--i.e. don't use a turkey call in Alaska or a robin call in the Caribbean. Also, be sure you can use the sound well--nothing is worse than you losing your cover when your target hears a duck call that sounds like an old-fashioned car horn. Also, if you have one, use a recorder to use different sounds to be more realistic and convincing. Make sure that the sound is the only thing recorded and not something like lake water crashing or children playing in the background. Know how to read and move around people. When sneaking, you might encounter people. Waiting until they pass might not be an option: you might have to find ways to manipulate them and work around them. This means learning how to read their behavior and predict what they will do. Monitor a sleeping person's breathing: Regular breathing means that the person is awake or is nearly awake! Shallow breathing means that person is lightly sleeping but you should still be careful! Snoring means deeper sleep but you should still take precautions. Distract them if you need to get past. For example, if someone is looking a way you don't want them to, then roll or throw a small object (like a coin) to create a noise in another area and make your move. Don't use a distraction if they are suspecting somebody is near. If you are getting something from a container right by someone, take the container as far away from them as possible, open it slowly, and take what you need carefully. If it snaps shut, close it under a blanket or pillow, then return it to its original location. When sneaking up on someone, try to match your steps with theirs and avoid breathing heavily. Also, if your target is talking with a friend next to them, be sure to be on the opposite side, for the target might look at the friend and see you. For example, if your target is on the left and friend on the right, stay slightly to the left. Know how to escape. Normally when you are escaping, you have been discovered, and are making a mad dash to hide or get away. Disregard all stealth and just put distance between you and your discoverer so that you can hide once again and sneak away. If you don't think that you have been seen, you might want to try sneaking away as stealthily as possible. Then you can hide, wait for the threat to leave, and continue on doing whatever you were doing. Have an excuse. You might get caught, but if you're careful you can get rid of any suspicion about what you were doing. Have a good excuse ready that is plausible and comfortable for the other person to accept. If you hear someone coming and you are caught and inside the house, make a sleepy face and yawn then say, "I just came out to get a glass of water." This usually works, but don't do it a lot because people will get suspicious. If you're sneaking into a friends room and you accidentally go in through the wrong window and end up in their dad/mom's room (or worse get the wrong house) have a code name ready for you and your friend. For example if you get the wrong house and the owner wakes up or moves like they woke up you can shout: "Crap, Mitch! This isn't Fred's house!" And bolt. This way the owners think that you were trying to prank a friend and don't know your identity. Do the same thing for the wrong room. Stay safe! If you are going into an area you are not 100% secure with, ask around a bit, and if you just don't feel comfortable, plan around it. If you do not feel safe going into an area you should not enter it. Bringing something to defend yourself can greatly increase the amount of trouble that will result from being caught. In particular concealed weapons will result in the harshest punishments. It is important to remember that this is all for fun and if you are sufficiently afraid that you need a weapon you should be doing something else or sneaking somewhere else. | Get the right equipment. Wear appropriate clothing. Wear appropriate shoes. Map out your route. Learn sound sources. Learn how to walk. Know how to walk through doorways. Keep body sounds under control. Be patient. Adjust your eyes to darkness. Learn to work with the light. Listen to your environment. Crouch for stability. Stay alert. Stay invisible. Manipulate environmental sound. Know how to read and move around people. Know how to escape. Have an excuse. Stay safe! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Personal-Development-Plan | How to Start a Personal Development Plan | To start a personal development plan, start by writing down the things you'd like to change about yourself, such as a smoking habit or your general fitness. Then, use those things to come up with specific, attainable goals, like, "I will lose 5 pounds in 2 months." Once you have some goals, consider how long each will take and give them an appropriate timeline, such as one month, six months, one year, five years, and so on. Then, at a set time each week, review your progress for the last week and set new action steps for the upcoming week. | Decide what you want to change[1]
X
Research source
. Get a fresh piece of paper, or start a new journal. Jot down notes on the areas of your life that aren't working well for you. Some experts believe it is better to focus on one goal at a time to stay focused, however, you may feel like tackling several goals at once. Pinpoint specific areas in your life that have burdened you for months, or years. For example, if you smoke, now might be the time to make that goal to quit! Areas to consider: Health and fitness Relationships Career Finances Habits and lifestyle choices Education Write down your goals. Get a piece of paper and begin writing down what you want to achieve. When you write down your goals, studies show it is more likely you will commit to them. Create four headings at the top of the page. The first heading should be "Goal Area" and the next four headings should be "One Month," "Six Months," "One Year," and "Five Years." If you like, you can continue with "Ten Years" and so on. Under the goal area, make a list of things you want to change. For example, "Career" or "Finances." Then under the time headings, state what you would like to have changed by that time in your life. Make sure your goals are stated in the positive. For example, "I will.." not "I might" or "I hope..." The more confident your statements are, the more motivating they will be for you. Be specific when you write down your goals. For example, instead of "I will lose weight" try "I will lose 5 pounds by increasing my activity level and decreasing my caloric intake." At the bottom of the page make a section called "Action Steps" and write down all the steps you will take to help push you towards your goals. For example, "I will walk one mile per day" or "I will eat a fresh salad every day." Make sure your goals are attainable[3]
X
Research source
. Do you have the skills, knowledge, tools, and resources to make it happen? For example, you may consider taking a night class, investing in exercise equipment, or hiring a business coach. You will feel more inspired and prepared to move towards your goals if you do everything you can to prepare. Seek out a mentor. Most successful business people have had a great mentor along the way. Find a successful businessperson, athlete, or public figure that you admire. If you know them, ask them if they would be interested in mentoring you. If you don't know them, then read up on how they accomplished their goals. Study what they did and find inspiration in their motivation. They will most likely have a blog or article where they share their success story. For example, "How I made my first million dollars..." Have faith in yourself and in the process. The first step to goal setting is to have total belief and faith that you can succeed. If you don't believe you can absolutely transform your life and get what you want, then you might as well forget about goal setting and do something else. If you are in doubt, look around at your world. Everything started with a single thought! Eliminate negative self chatter such as "am I good enough?" You are good enough. Even though you've probably made mistakes in the past, that's what it means to be human! You're still a complete, whole human being with inherent self-worth. Commit yourself. If you are feeling like your commitment is wavering, get your goals out and read them. Also, write a few pages about how and why you are committing to each goal; why it is important to you, what it means to you, why the outcome is necessary and what you are going to do to make it happen. Without strong commitment, you are unlikely to follow through. As you go through the process of achieving your goals, you may want to check your commitment level. Ask yourself if you are giving it your best effort. Check to make sure you are following through with each goal. If you stumble, make sure you are willing to recommit and move forward. Choose to learn from your experiences, win or lose. Visualize the outcome. Some experts believe that taking a few minutes every day to visualize specific goals may have a significant impact on the degree of success you experience. In some cases research has revealed that mental practices are almost as effective as true physical practice. Before you go to sleep at night, try closing your eyes and visualizing your success. Tell a friend about your goals[9]
X
Research source
. Telling your support system, like your family and friends about your personal goals will inspire you to complete your goals and help cement the commitment you have made to follow them through. Your friends or family members may ask you on occasion how you are proceeding, which will keep you focused on what you set out to do. Without telling anyone about your goal, it would be easier to give up and not feel any guilt over failing. Stay positive. All great achievers had dreams that seemed totally impossible at the start, but instead of letting the difficulties stop them, they decided to go ahead. Keep your mind positive, as the biggest obstacle to your success is your thoughts. While you are driving in your car, or at home, pop in a motivational CD that inspires and encourages you and keeps you on track. Remember to keep things in perspective. Don't make a mountain out of a molehill. Don't let your vague fears hold you back from doing what you want to do. Find the optimistic viewpoint in a negative situation. Cultivate and live in a positive environment as best as you can. Add value and positivity to someone else's life. Make a list of resources. There are many ways to educate yourself in order to learn more about the area you are seeking to improve. Informing yourself on the topics you are committed to improving will help keep you up to date on the latest improvements in your field of interest and keep you inspired. Check your local paper for community educational classes. Go to your local library and source out books and read them. Learn from other people's experiences and knowledge and commit to an online course or seminar that will inspire you. Ask friends that are successful in the area you want to improve in what resources they use. Take notes. Note taking is an active process, making you an active learner. While taking a seminar, or listening to a motivational CD, write down notes on what you are learning. How does it apply to your goals? Taking notes will keep the information you are learning fresh in your mind and also help you keep track of your progress. Review your goals weekly. Let's be honest, if you don't think about your goals, you won't make them happen. If you aren't doing anything about your goals, they are just wishes. At a set time, perhaps Monday mornings, review your progress for the last week and set new action steps for the upcoming week that push you towards your ultimate goal. Reading your goals weekly helps remind you of their importance and keeps you clear on what you truly want in your life. Check to see if you are on track with your deadline. Perhaps you need to kick it up a notch and take more small steps to achieve your goal. Make sure you are challenging yourself enough. If the goal is becoming too easy to attain, perhaps you need to make the goal more challenging by adding a new component. For example, "I run two miles a day" instead of "I run a half mile a day." Check to see if you are still inspired by your goals. If not, reorganize them until you feel more enthusiastic. | Decide what you want to change[1]
X
Research source
. Write down your goals. Make sure your goals are attainable[3]
X
Research source
. Seek out a mentor. Have faith in yourself and in the process. Commit yourself. Visualize the outcome. Tell a friend about your goals[9]
X
Research source
. Stay positive. Make a list of resources. Take notes. Review your goals weekly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Hair-Grow-Faster | How to Make Your Hair Grow Faster | To make your hair grow faster, try to eat fruits, vegetables, protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Eating a nutritious diet will help support strong, healthy hair. Avoid shampooing your hair every day since shampoo strips hair of its natural oils and leads to breakage. Instead, condition your hair every day so it's healthy and hydrated, which will make it easier to grow out. Gently brush your hair every day to distribute the natural oils from your scalp down to the ends. Limit how often you use heat-styling tools since they can cause breakage. Finally, it might seem counterintuitive, but remember to get your hair trimmed every 10 to 12 weeks to prevent split ends, since split ends make it harder to grow your hair out. | Avoid shampooing every day. Unless your hair is really oily, shampooing your hair daily can dry out and damage your hair. Washing your hair every other day allows your body's natural oils to condition your hair. You may also consider using a scalp treatment to help keep your hair follicles clean. This may also help to keep your hair healthy. Use conditioner. When you do shampoo your hair, be sure to condition it. Hair conditioner helps to replenish the oils that have been stripped from your hair during shampooing. Make sure that you completely wash the shampoo out of your hair before conditioning. Rinse your hair with cool water. After you rinse the shampoo and conditioner out of your hair, briefly rinse out your clean hair under cool water. Cool water ensures that the hair follicle is tight. This reduces the amount of hair that is lost after a shower. Minimize heat and color. Using heat or hair color on your hair damages the hair over time. Try to reduce the amount of heat that you use on your hair by letting your hair air dry when possible. Use sponge or velcro rollers instead of hot rollers. Stretch out the amount of time between coloring and use color-safe shampoo to minimize hair dying damage. Brush your hair carefully. Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair. Work the comb through the ends of your hair and move your way up to the scalp. Tugging too hard on the hair to brush out tangles will result in hair loss. Wear a ponytail correctly. Pulling your hair too tight into a ponytail on top of your head can result in breakage. Instead, wear your hair down or in a loose ponytail. Avoid using rubber hairbands. Change up the position of your ponytail so that your hair doesn't get too brittle in one area. Massage your scalp. Performing a daily scalp massage on yourself may help to stimulate blood flow to your hair follicles and promote hair growth. Include a daily scalp massage in your hair care routine. Get your hair trimmed. It might sound counter-intuitive but getting your hair trimmed will help your hair from breaking off and this will result in your hair growing faster. With time, the strands of hair will begin to split at the ends. These split ends tangle and are more likely to be pulled out when brushed. Keeping your hair trimmed will minimize split ends. Use a silk pillowcase. Your hair can catch on the threads of a cotton pillowcase. A silk pillowcase reduces this friction, thus reducing breakage. Wrapping your head in a silk scarf could be used as an alternative to a silk pillowcase. Avoid wrapping your hair in a towel. Wrapping your hair in a towel on top of your head after a shower can also cause breakage. Instead, gently squeeze or blot excess water out of your hair. You may also consider using a microfiber towel to wrap your hair since these are gentler than regular cotton towels. Include protein in your daily diet. Your hair and nails are primarily made up of a protein called keratin. Hair growth has three phases: anagen (when hair is growing), catagen (when growth starts to shut down), and telogen (when growth stops and/or the hair falls out). Hair that is lacking protein goes into resting stage faster than hair rich in protein. Chicken, eggs, and Greek yogurt are great sources of protein. Your protein needs can vary based on your weight and lifestyle. Most people need between 45 to 55 grams (1.6 to 1.9 oz) of protein per day. Increase your iron and zinc intake. Minerals like iron and zinc are crucial to the production of proteins that make up the hair on your body. Low iron is known to cause hair loss. You can get iron and zinc naturally in foods like spinach, beans, and seafood. The amount of iron and zinc you need to intake daily depends on your age, sex, and lifestyle. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your daily mineral intake. Eat vitamin-rich foods. Vitamin D is thought to be crucial to hair growth. Vitamin C is also important for iron absorption. Vitamin C is common in citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruit, and limes. You can get Vitamin D from the sun and food sources like fortified milk and fortified orange juice. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your daily vitamin intake. Increase your intake of biotin and other B vitamins. Biotin and other B vitamins can help to promote healthy hair, so make sure to include these in your diet. You can ensure that you are getting enough of these vitamins by taking a daily multivitamin. You can also eat foods that are rich in these vitamins. Eggs, cheese, mushrooms, almonds, and cauliflower are all good sources of biotin. B vitamins are present in fish, meat, eggs, dairy, leafy greens, peas, and beans. Also, look for foods that have been enriched with B vitamins, such as cereals and breads. Focus on good fats. Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for hair growth. They also keep your hair looking shiny and healthy. Your body does not produce this fat naturally. You can get Omega-3 fatty acids from fish. The American Heart Association recommends that an adult eats two servings of fish each week to get the appropriate amount of Omega-3 fatty acids. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, then make sure to take a DHA supplement. You can also get Omega-3 Fatty acids from flaxseed oil. One teaspoon a day is all you need for adults. Talk to your doctor for younger children. | Avoid shampooing every day. Use conditioner. Rinse your hair with cool water. Minimize heat and color. Brush your hair carefully. Wear a ponytail correctly. Massage your scalp. Get your hair trimmed. Use a silk pillowcase. Avoid wrapping your hair in a towel. Include protein in your daily diet. Increase your iron and zinc intake. Eat vitamin-rich foods. Increase your intake of biotin and other B vitamins. Focus on good fats. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Mortgage-Payments | How to Calculate Mortgage Payments | To calculate what your mortgage payments will be, type the payment, or PMT, function into a spreadsheet. You will be prompted to input your monthly interest rate, the number of payments during the loan period, and the principal on your loan. Once you have typed in these numbers, hit enter to get your monthly payment. Keep in mind that the result will be displayed as a negative number because it is an expense. | Understand the function used. Mortgage payments can be easily found using your chosen spreadsheet program. This function, in all major spreadsheet programs (Microsoft Excel, Google Spreadsheet, and Apple Numbers), is known as PMT, or the payment function. It combines information like your interest rate, number of periods, and principal to arrive at an amount for each monthly payment. For simplicity, we will be focusing on Microsoft Excel's PMT function here. The process and inputs will likely be identical or very similar for any other program you are using. Consult the help tab or customer service if you have any problems using these functions. Start using the PMT function. Start using the PMT function by typing =PMT( into your spreadsheet. The program will then prompt you for the proper entries into each part of the function by showing the following: PMT(rate, nper, pv, [fv], [type]). The first three represent required inputs, while the last two are optional. rate stands for the monthly interest rate. Note that this will be your annual interest rate (the quoted rate on your loan agreement, like 4 or 5 percent) divided by 12. It should also be expressed as a decimal. For example, if your annual interest rate is 6%, you would divide this number by twelve to get your monthly interest rate. This would be 6%/12, or 0.5%. However, this number must be input in the equation as decimal, so we divide again by 100. So we have 0.5%/100, which equals 0.005. This will be your monthly interest you will use to calculate mortgage payments. These calculations can also be done in a different order (6%/100 = 0.06, 0.03/12 = 0.005). nper is short for "number of periods" and simply represents how many payments you will make on your loan. For a monthly payment, this would be 12 times the number of years on your loan. Imagine for this example that you have a 15-year mortgage. So, your "nper" value, or your number of payments, would be 12*15, or 180. pv stands for "present value" but here it simply means the principal of your loan. For this example, imagine you have a $100,000 loan. This will be your "pv". Don't worry about the other two values; leaving them blank will make the program assume their correct value of 0. Enter this information and press enter. The program will display your monthly payment amount in the same cell you entered the formula into. Note that this number will be negative, this is simply the program expressing it as a payment (or expense). In the example above, this information would be entered as =PMT(0.005, 180, 100000). Analyze your result. The PMT function will return an amount that represents the total amount you will pay on the loan each month. Know that this number will be expressed as a negative number. This doesn't mean you entered your information incorrectly, but simply that the program represents payments as an expense and therefore, a negative number. Multiply by -1 if this helps you understand and use the figure. The spreadsheet should return -$843.86 when you enter your function as described above. Multiply this number by -1 to get your monthly payment of $843.86. Understand the equation. In order to calculate the monthly payment, we can rely on a relatively simple equation. The monthly payment equation can be represented as follows: M = P r ( 1 + r ) n ( 1 + r ) n − 1 {\displaystyle M=P{\frac {r(1+r)^{n}}{(1+r)^{n}-1}}}. These variables represent the following inputs: M is your monthly payment. P is your principal. r is your monthly interest rate, calculated by dividing your annual interest rate by 12. n is your number of payments (the number of months you will be paying the loan) Input your information into the equation. You will need to input your principal, monthly interest rate, and number of payments in order to find your monthly payment. This information can be easily found in your loan agreement or from a quoted loan estimate. Check the information again to be sure of its accuracy before using it in calculations. For example, imagine you have a $100,000 mortgage loan with 6 percent annual interest over 15 years. Your input for "P" would be $100,000. For "r," you would use your monthly interest rate, which would be 0.06 (6 percent) divided by 12, or 0.005 (0.5 percent). For "n" you would use your total number of payments, one for each month in fifteen years, which would be 12*15, or 180. In this example, your complete equation would look like this: M = $ 100 , 000 0.005 ( 1 + 0.005 ) 180 ( 1 + 0.005 ) 180 − 1 {\displaystyle M=\$100,000{\frac {0.005(1+0.005)^{180}}{(1+0.005)^{180}-1}}} Simplify your equation by adding 1 to the "r. " Simplify your terms by doing the first step in the order of operations, which is adding the 1 and "r" inside the parentheses on the top and bottom of the equation. This is a simple step that will make your equation look much less complicated. After this step, your sample equation would look like this: M = $ 100 , 000 0.005 ( 1.005 ) 180 ( 1.005 ) 180 − 1 {\displaystyle M=\$100,000{\frac {0.005(1.005)^{180}}{(1.005)^{180}-1}}} Solve the exponents. The results inside the parentheses, (1+ r), from the previous step must now be raised to the power of "n." Again, this "n" represents the total number of payments. This step requires a calculator with an exponent function, which is usually represented like this: x y {\displaystyle x^{y}}. This is done by entering the value to be raised, (1.005) in the example equation, then pressing the exponent button, then entering your value for "n" and pressing enter or =. In the example, the result comes out as 2.454. If you don't have such a calculator, type your values from the last equation into Google followed by ^(n) while replacing the "n" in parentheses with your value for "n." The search engine will calculate this value for you. Keep in mind that only the figures inside the parentheses will be raised to this power, not the "r" outside of them (at the front) or the -1 at the end of the equation. After this step the sample equation would look like this: M = $ 100 , 000 0.005 ( 2.454 ) 2.454 − 1 {\displaystyle M=\$100,000{\frac {0.005(2.454)}{2.454-1}}} Simplify again. Here, you should multiple "r" times the result of the last step on the top (the numerator) and subtract 1 from your result on the bottom (the denominator). The same equation would look like this after this step: M = $ 100 , 000 0.01227 1.454 {\displaystyle M=\$100,000{\frac {0.01227}{1.454}}} Divide the numerator by the denominator. This means dividing the top part of the equation by the bottom part of the equation. This should leave you with a small decimal. In the example, your equation would now be: M = $ 100 , 000 ∗ ( 0.008439 ) {\displaystyle M=\$100,000*(0.008439)} Multiply "P" by this result. This will give you your monthly loan payment. In the example, this would be ($100,000)*(0.008439), or $843.90. This represents your monthly payment. Set up your amortization schedule. An amortization schedule will tell you exactly how your monthly mortgage payments will be split between paying off principal and interest and what your balance will be at the end of each month. Start by inputting the basics of your loan information in the top left of a spreadsheet program. For example, in cell A1, write out "annual interest rate." Then, input your annual interest rate as a percentage in the next cell over, B1. Continue down to cell A2 for the loan duration in years, inputting the amount in column B as before. Do the same for payment per year and loan principal in cells A3 and A4, respectively. Create your amortization schedule columns. Skip a line under your loan information. Then, place the following words across the spreadsheet, in row 6 from columns A to E: Payment number. Payment amount. Principal payment. Interest payment. Loan balance. Fill out your first month's amortization. Directly under the column headers you just created, start filling out your loan information. Under payment number, place a 1. Then, under payment amount, type in "=pmt(B1/B3,B2*B3,B4)". This is the payment function. Under principal payment, type "=ppmt(B1/B3,A7,B2*B3,B4)". This is the principal payment function and it shows the amount of the principal paid down each month. Under interest payment, type "=ipmt(B1/B3,A7,B2*B3,B4)". This is the interest payment function and it shows the amount of interest paid down each month. Finally, under loan balance, type "=(B4+C7)". Cell A7 should contain your first payment number, 1. Cell C7 should contain the payment amount. Complete your amortization schedule. Select the range from cell A7 to E7. Then, drag the calculations down to the last payment. At this point, the loan balance in column E should be $0. Remember that your number of payments is calculated by multiplying the number of annual payments by the loan duration in years. If your loan payment numbers don't update down the amortization schedule. Type "=(A7+1)" into cell A8 (payment 2) and drag that down to the end of your schedule. The rest of the numbers will then update. | Understand the function used. Start using the PMT function. Enter this information and press enter. Analyze your result. Understand the equation. Input your information into the equation. Simplify your equation by adding 1 to the "r. Solve the exponents. Simplify again. Divide the numerator by the denominator. Multiply "P" by this result. Set up your amortization schedule. Create your amortization schedule columns. Fill out your first month's amortization. Complete your amortization schedule. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Snakes-Away | How to Keep Snakes Away | To keep snakes away from your home, clean up any woodpiles or clutter in your yard and keep leaves raked up. Snakes like to hide in vegetation, so keeping your yard free of debris will make your yard less appealing to them. Cut any low shrubs or bushes and get rid of potential food sources, like rodents, so that snakes won't be tempted near your home. You can also buy snake-proof fencing for areas where children and pets commonly go. | Keep your yard free of clutter. Snakes are ambush predators, meaning they like to attack their prey from dark hiding places. As such, clutter is essentially an open invitation to snakes, giving them perfect hiding spots. Piles of leaves, compost piles, straw mulch, wood chip mulch, stacks of firewood, and piles of cut grass are all comfortable places that snakes like to hide in, so these should be removed from your yard. Instead of wood mulch, consider crushed stone. It's not as comfortable or effective for snakes to hide in. Avoid low-growing plants. Just like clutter, certain shrubs and other plants provide the perfect hiding spot for a neighborhood snake. Keeping your grass mowed is a good way to prevent snakes from slithering around your yard. Shrubs and packed gardens with thick plants will also attract snakes. If you are very concerned about a potential snake problem, remove or thin these plants out. If you want to keep these plants, however, consider transplanting them to the far side of your yard, away from the foundation of your house. Get rid of any possible source of food. Snakes will only hang around your yard if there's something there they can eat. Depending on the species, this could mean a problem with large insects such as cockroaches and grasshoppers, or small mammals such as mice and rats. Try laying traps or spraying repellents designed to keep these pests away from your house, and the snakes should stay away as well. Patch up any holes. If you have spotted snakes in your yard and are worried about keeping them out of your house, the best thing you can do is locate and repair any holes in your property's foundations, the garage, or screen doors. Carefully inspect these areas and if you notice any holes, no matter how small, patch them up immediately. Even holes as small as a quarter are large enough for certain types of garter snakes to squeeze through. Beyond allowing access into your home, any holes or cracks in your building's foundations provide great hiding places for snakes. Put up snake-proof fencing. The effectiveness of snake proof fencing might depend on the type of snake you have in your area and how it commonly travels, but there are specialized types of fencing that have proved effective against many types of snakes. Snake-proof fencing usually follows three broad types: plastic sheeting, steel mesh or catch net fencing. No matter the construction, these fences should be flush to the ground and angled outwards. This prevents snakes from slithering under the fence or climbing over. It might not be practical to fence your entire yard this way. Instead, consider fencing specific areas commonly frequented by children and pets. You should consider putting up similar snake barriers around any buildings on your property elevated off the ground. This will keep snakes from hiding underneath. Create vibrations. If you have spotted snakes in your garden or yard in the past, and suspect that a few might be hiding in there even now, run the lawn mower or tiller around the area before working in it. You do not want to push the mower or tiller through the area, because the idea is not to kill the snakes but simply to scare them off. The vibrations produced by these machines are usually enough to warn and frighten off many snakes, especially common garter snakes. Note that this won't keep snakes away permanently, but if you need to work in a garden, this can scare off snakes long enough to let you work. Lay traps. If you suspect that you already have a snake, or are worried about any snakes that might have snuck in before you took measures to repel them, you can set up mechanical traps or glue traps in your basement or garage. Before setting these traps up, though, you should contact your local animal control officer or state wildlife agency to make sure that the procedure is done safely and legally. Make sure not to use glue traps outside. This could inhumanely trap wildlife other than snakes. Use trekking poles when hiking. These poles look very similar to ski poles, except they're usually adjustable to adapt to the terrain. Trekking poles allow you to push tall grass and other brush out of your way, potentially scaring off any hidden snakes. As you hike, your pole hitting the ground and banging against rocks will also deter snakes. They can feel the vibrations in the ground, and will usually leave when they sense your approach. If you can't afford or otherwise acquire a trekking pole, a ski pole will do fine. Stay on cleared, popular trails. Snakes tend to hide under stones, logs and in dense foliage. Trails cleared of clutter are less likely to attract snakes. Additionally, if you stick to well travelled trails, the frequent foot traffic will already keep snakes away. They have no desire to approach humans, and if they know people frequent a particular area, they'll tend to stay away from it. Watch your step. Many snakes, such as the rattlesnake, are colored in a way that blends in with their environment. Keep your eyes open while on a trail; you might spot and effectively avoid a snake encounter before it happens. Be especially careful if you're traversing rocks or fallen logs. Both of these are favorite hiding spots of various snakes. If you need to traverse these fallen objects, step up on them, then down, rather than simply stepping over. This gives you the chance to scan the area around the object, to ensure no snakes are hiding nearby. Avoid picking up stones or wood while on a trail. This might disturb any snakes hiding underneath and provoke an attack. If you need to lean on something while hiking, such as a rock face or a tree, pay close attention to where you place your hands. Choose the time of your hike carefully. Snakes are cold-blooded, meaning they can't regulate their body temperature the way humans can. They have to expose themselves to sunlight to warm themselves up, and hide away from sunlight to cool down. Consequently, snakes tend to be more active in warmer weather. If you're really concerned about encountering a snake on a hike, consider planning your hike for the cooler weather of fall and winter. | Keep your yard free of clutter. Avoid low-growing plants. Get rid of any possible source of food. Patch up any holes. Put up snake-proof fencing. Create vibrations. Lay traps. Use trekking poles when hiking. Stay on cleared, popular trails. Watch your step. Choose the time of your hike carefully. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Taste-Wine | How to Taste Wine | To taste wine, first take a sip and roll it around in your mouth. Note the initial flavors and whether you like the taste. Then, purse your lips as if you were going to whistle, breathe in through your mouth, and exhale through your nose to catch any new aromas. Next, take another sip, paying attention to subtle differences in flavor or texture. When you swallow it, see if the wine is nicely balanced, with 2-3 fruit flavors and a mixture of sweet and sour. Also, notice the aftertaste, which should be palatable and linger a bit if you're tasting a quality wine. | Fill a quarter of the glass with wine and hold the glass by the stem. Holding the glass by the bulb will heat up the wine and distort the flavor. The reason for the stem is to prevent adding excess heat, so hold the glass lightly by the thin stem. Wine needs to "breathe," or rest in exposed air, after being opened to get the best flavor, so take your time examining the wine before starting to drink. Take a small sniff of the wine right after opening. This is a good time to catch a preliminary sniff of the wine so you can compare its fragrance after swirling. This will also allow you to check for any off odors that might indicate spoiled (corked) wine or some other biological or chemical imperfection, which will smell stale or rotten. Smells to note include: A musty, wet, attic-like smell means the wine was improperly bottled and cannot be salvaged. The smell of burnt matches is a product of bottling, but it should fade after exposure to air. Nail polish or vinegar-esque smells are indicative of a wine that is too acidic. Brettanomyces, or "Brett," causes a yeasty smell that is natural in red wines. Too much of this yeast smell can, however, ruin the other flavors of the wine and point to a mistake in the wine-making process. Look at the edges of the wine and note the colors. Tilting the glass can make it easier to see the way the color changes from the center to the edges. Hold the glass in front of a white background, such as a napkin, tablecloth, or sheet of paper, to make out the wine's true color. For the wine professional, this is the first clue to how old the wine may be and how well it is holding up. Look for the color and clarity of the wine. Intensity, depth, and saturation of color are not necessarily consistent with quality. The wine should not be murky or cloudy in color. White wines get naturally darker with age, but should not be brown. Red wines tend to lose their color with time, turning brownish, and have a small amount of harmless, dark red sediment in the bottom of the bottle or glass. Know that red wines have natural sediment at the bottom. Sediment formation, which looks like dirt at the bottom of the glass, is a naturally occurring process in which polymerization causes the precipitation of colloids of pigmentation, among other things, to fall out of solution and form small grainy sediment. Long story short: this is not a fault in the wine, it is a natural part of winemaking. Swirl the wine in your glass. This is to increase the surface area of the wine by spreading it over the inside of the glass, allowing the aromas to escape from solution and reach your nose. It also allows some oxygen into the wine, which will help its aromas open up. Lightly twirl the stem of the glass, keeping the bottom of the glass on the table if you are worried about spilling. Viscosity is how quickly the wine slides back down the glass. More viscous wines are said to have "legs," and are likely to be more alcoholic or contain more glycerol (for sweeter, dessert wines). Outside of looking pretty, this has no relation to a wine's quality, but more "legs" may indicate a full-bodied wine. Sniff the wine. Initially, you should hold the glass a few inches from your nose. Then let your nose dive 1/2 inch or so into the glass. What do you smell? Keep gently swirling your wine if you can't smell much -- swirling allows the evaporating alcohol to carry the aromatic molecules toward your olfactory sensors. If you don't think a wine smells good, it likely won't taste good. Great wine is enticing on the nose and gives you a hint of what is to come. Common scents include: Fruits: berries, cherries, and richer fruits for reds and citrus for whites. Floral or herb scents in whites and lighter reds, like Rhône region reds. Earthy scents, like soils, minerals, or rocks, are possible in nicer whites. Spices and unique smells like vanilla, toast, pepper, chocolate, and coffee come from the wooden barrels used to age the wine, usually oak. Older wines often have nuanced, subtle smells that are hard to place, so don't worry if you can't pick out a smell. Take a sip of wine and let it linger in your mouth. One important difference between drinking and tasting is expectorating. Roll the wine around in your mouth, exposing it to all of your taste buds. Pay attention to the texture and other tactile sensations such as the sense of weight or body (the wine feels physical). What are the initial flavors that stand out? Most importantly, do you like it? Spit the wine into a spittoon, provided on all wine-tours, if you are planning to taste lots of wine. Getting drunk will make it harder to taste complex wines later on. If you're driving, use the spittoon. Aspirate the wine after your first taste. With your lips pursed as if you were to whistle, draw some air into your mouth and exhale through your nose. This liberates the aromas for the wine and allows them to reach your nose via the passageway at the back of your throat, known as the retro-nasal cavity. The nose is the only place where you can detect a wine's aromas. However, the enzymes and other compounds in your mouth and saliva alter some of a wine's aromatic compounds. You are looking for any new aromas liberated by the wine's interaction with the environment of your mouth. Take another sip of wine, this time with air with it. In other words, slurp the wine (without making a loud slurping noise, of course). Note the subtle differences in flavor and texture. Flavors and scents come in successive waves in fine wines, they are revealed as your sensors adjust to the wine. This is especially important with red wines. Don't worry if this makes you feel out of place. It is an accepted step in wine tasting. Look for balance in a good wine. Is there any one taste that overpowers the rest? Can you detect the same flavors you smelled now that you are tasting the wine? Great wines are balanced so that they don't attack your taste buds. You can taste 2-3 different fruits, a mixture of sweet and sour, and some earthy characteristics. A little bitterness is natural, but it shouldn't ruin your palate. All wines are different -- whites and dessert wines, for example, are usually on the sweeter side. You are looking for balanced flavors, whatever they are, not one "perfect" balance. Note the aftertaste of the wine. How long does the finish last? A good, 60 second or longer flavor as an aftertaste is a good sign of quality. At times, you will pick up things in the finish that was not detectable in the initial taste. Do you like the taste? Has it changed? Write down what you think about the wine. You can use whatever terminology you feel comfortable with. The most important thing to write down is your impression of the wine and how much you liked it. The more specific or detailed you are the better your reference will be against a similar wine from another winery. Many wineries provide booklets and pens so that you can take notes. This can be a great aid in helping you to pay attention to the subtleties of the wine and remember what you like. Keep a booklet of your favorite bottles and what meal you ate them with for future reference. Match the glassware to the wine. Stemware/drinkware comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. The more experienced wine drinkers and connoisseurs often enjoy wines out of stemware or bulbs that are tailor-made for a specific varietal. When starting out, the basic rule of thumb is that you want larger glasses for reds and smaller glasses for whites. Know how wines change with age. Wines have a myriad of components that can be generally categorized into aromatic or tactile. Aromatics relate to what you smell. Tactile elements include bitterness, saltiness, sweetness, tanginess/acidity, and savory elements. Aging will soften tannins, which is the bitter taste in some wines. Perceived Acidity will soften throughout the life of a wine as it undergoes chemical changes, including the breakdown of acids. Flavor and aromatic intensity will rise and then fall throughout the life of a wine, going into a cocoon stage mid-life and reemerging. Alcohol content will stay nearly the same. All of these factors contribute to knowing when to drink/decant a wine. Remember some common flavors for different wines. There are some commonly found tastes for each of the most common varieties. However, remember that the growing region, harvesting decisions, and production choices have a great impact on a wine's flavor as well. Cabernet - black currant, cherry, other black fruits, green spices. Merlot - plum, red and black fruits, green spices, floral. Zinfandel - black fruits (often jam-like) and black spices - often called "briary." Syrah (or Shiraz, depending on vineyard location) - black fruits, black spices - especially white and black pepper. Pinot Noir - red fruits, floral, herbs. Chardonnay - cool climate: tropical fruit, citrus fruit in slightly warmer climes and melon in warm regions. With an increasing proportion of malolactic fermentation, Chardonnay loses green apple and takes on creamy notes, Apple, pear, peach, and apricot. Sauvignon Blanc - Grapefruit, white gooseberry, lime, melon. Know how common wine flavors are produced. There are a lot of decisions a winemaker must make when designing a wine, and it would be impossible to explain them all. Some of the most common methods, and the taste they produce, include: Malolactic fermentation (the natural or artificial introduction of a specific bacteria) will cause white wines to taste creamy or buttery Aging in oak will cause wines to take on a vanilla, caramel, or nutty flavor. The minerality and earthiness of a wine comes from the soil the wine was grown in. "Tannins" refers to the astringent, bitter compounds found in grape skins, stems, and seeds as well as the oak barrels in which the wine is aged. If you want to know what tannins taste like, bite into a grape stem or eat a cabernet grape off the vine. In young red wines, tannins taste bitter and drying, but they get silky with age. Try pairing wines with new ingredients and note the how it enhances or diminishes the flavors of the wine. With red wines try different cheeses , good quality chocolate and berries. With white wines, try apples, pears, and citrus fruits. Pairing wine with food is more complicated than "red with beef and white with fish." Feel free to drink whichever wine you want with whatever food you want, but remember a perfect pairing is a highly enjoyable experience | Fill a quarter of the glass with wine and hold the glass by the stem. Take a small sniff of the wine right after opening. Look at the edges of the wine and note the colors. Know that red wines have natural sediment at the bottom. Swirl the wine in your glass. Sniff the wine. Take a sip of wine and let it linger in your mouth. Aspirate the wine after your first taste. Take another sip of wine, this time with air with it. Look for balance in a good wine. Note the aftertaste of the wine. Write down what you think about the wine. Match the glassware to the wine. Know how wines change with age. Remember some common flavors for different wines. Know how common wine flavors are produced. Try pairing wines with new ingredients and note the how it enhances or diminishes the flavors of the wine. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pot-Liners-for-Plants | How to Make Pot Liners for Plants | Pot liners make it easier and cleaner to move plants between pots. To make pot liners for your plants, use a fabric, like burlap, or recycle plastic packaging like milk bottles. Start by placing your material into a pot and mark where you need to trim it with a pen or pencil. Then, use a pair of scissors to cut your material to size. You'll want the pot liner to be well hidden in the pot but not so small that you can't easily get hold of it. Once you've cut it to size, poke small drainage holes evenly across the bottom of the liner. It's crucial that water can drain out of the liner. | Choose your pot liner material. The most common materials are plastic and fabric, such as burlap. Smaller plants can even use coffee filters. The material you use simply depends on the size of the pot you're lining and what material you have at your disposal. Look around your house for material you can repurpose into pot liners. Plastic milk gallons, bottles, and similar items can be great pot liners. You can cut off the spout, wash out the inside, and nestle the body of the jug or bottle into a similarly sized pot. You must use a material that you can poke holes in. It is critical that water can drain from your pot liner. Measure the liner against the pot. In other words, place your liner within the planter and use a writing utensil to mark the places you'll need to cut or trim. For example, if you are using a piece of burlap, place it within the planter and mark where the burlap extends beyond the rim of the planter. If you're using an old plastic carton, mark where you'll cut the plastic so that it nestles discreetly into the pot. The liner can fit all the way to the bottom of your planter, but it doesn't have to. If you have a very deep pot, you might not want to fill the entire thing with soil. If you create a pot liner that is sturdy and strong enough to hold your soil and plant, you can always try creating one that hangs from the rim of the planter without actually going all the way to the bottom. The planter or pot will appear to be completely full, but only the liner will actually be full. If the liner doesn't reach the bottom of the pot, you can also place rocks or packing peanuts in the pot. Trim your liner. Typically, you will want to cut it so that it's not easily visible, and it appears that the plant is directly placed in the decorative pot or planter. However, you should leave enough material so that you can grasp it when you need to pull out the liner from the pot. Using sharp scissors, cut the liner material along the marks you made against the planter. Place it in the pot, and double check if you need to trim again. If you're using a fabric liner, such as burlap, try letting the liner show for a decorative, rustic look. You can leave excess material on either side of the liner so that they act almost as handles when you need to pull the liner out of the planter or pot. Just make sure that you practice pulling the liner out of the vessel a couple times before you fill it with heavy soil. You need enough material to get a sturdy grasp. Cut drainage holes in the bottom of the liner. The holes should be dispersed evenly along the bottom of the liner, and they should be big enough just to let water drain out but not so big that you are losing chunks of soil every time you move the pot. That will defeat the purpose of your liner! The drainage holes are absolutely crucial for healthy plants. If the roots are constantly soaked, they cannot get the air they need. Plants often die from sitting in stagnant pools of water and developing rot. Whether you're using plastic, fabric, of filters, you must cut or poke holes into the bottom. This is another huge benefit of using pot liners. When you're planting in a pot or planter that does not have drainage holes, the pot liner will allow you to lift the plant out of the pot, let the roots drain properly, and place it back into the pot. Fill your liner with potting soil. The potting soil you use will depend on the plant. A good soil will hold moisture and nutrients at the roots, while still allowing them to breathe. You can find various potting soils at any store that sells gardening supplies. Look for ones that specifically contain peat moss, pine bark, and perlite or vermiculite. Fill the pot about half way before placing the plant. It is important to buy soils that are specifically for potting. Things like garden soil and mulch were not created for planting in containers. Leave two or three inches between the top of the soil and the lip of the pot. Place your plant in the soil. The largest plant should go in the center of the pot, and smaller plants can go closer to the perimeter. After you've transferred your plant into the potting soil, add more soil so that the roots are fully covered. The soil shouldn't be packed extremely tightly— “fluffy” soil is the best soil for growing in pots. Place your pot in sunlight and water it regularly. However, be cautious of overwatering. Touch the surface of the soil, and add water whenever it feels dry. Slowly add water until there is water running from the drainage hole. Ideally, there is a drainage hole in your decorative pot or planter. If not, you will need to lift the liner and plant, drain the pot, and put the liner and plant back down into the pot. The entire root zone should be damp, but not constantly soaked. Ventilation and drainage are crucial. | Choose your pot liner material. Measure the liner against the pot. Trim your liner. Cut drainage holes in the bottom of the liner. Fill your liner with potting soil. Place your plant in the soil. Place your pot in sunlight and water it regularly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Life-Hacks | How to Use Life Hacks | If you want to use life hacks to make your routine easier, do a search online for common life hacks and read through them to see which ones apply to you. For example, if you cook often, then a hack which tells you to hang up a cookbook with a pants hanger might make your next recipe easier. You can also use life hacks around your home, such as installing coat racks instead of towel rods in the bathroom or using beeswax to waterproof your shoes. | Lay a wooden spoon over the top of a pot to prevent a boil-over. The foaming bubbles created by boiling water are filled with steam. If they touch something at a temperature below 100 °C (212 °F), the steam will condense (change back into a liquid) and break the surface tension of the bubbles. A wooden spoon is the best choice because a plastic spoon might melt and a metal spoon will get very hot to the touch. Make Ramen Noodles in a coffee maker for a quick meal. Put the noodles in the carafe and add the recommended amount of water to the reservoir. Turn on the brewing cycle and leave the noodles in the dispensed hot water for the recommended time. Transfer them to a bowl and stir in the seasonings. You can add the seasonings to the carafe as well, but this makes it hard to get the flavor of Ramen Noodle seasoning out of your coffee pot! Make there isn't a used coffee filter in the machine before proceeding. You don't need to add a clean filter. Reheat leftover pizza in a skillet to get a crispy crust. Place the skillet over medium heat and add a quick spritz of cooking spray or a few drops of cooking oil. Heat a slice of pizza in the pan for 2 minutes, then put the lid on and turn the heat to low for about 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Add a few drops of water to the pan before putting on the lid to cook the top of the pizza a bit faster. Be careful, though, as any oil in the pan may splatter. Use a skirt hanger with clips as a space-saving cookbook holder. Use the 2 clips on the hanger to hold the cookbook open. Put the hanger's hook over a nearby cupboard handle to create an instant and very useful cookbook holder! The open book will be at just the right height for easy reference, and it won't take up valuable counter space. Remove stems from strawberries quickly with a thick straw. Insert the straw into the side opposite to the stem and press it up through the center of the strawberry. When you get all the way through to the top, the stem will pop right up and out! A sturdy plastic straw works well, but a reusable metal straw is even better. In either case, use a wider milkshake or smoothie straw if available. Use tongs to more easily squeeze all the juice from a lemon. Cut a lemon in half, then wedge one half between the tongs, cut side facing out. Squeeze the ends of the tongs that you usually use for picking up things to press out as much lemon juice as possible. Repeat with the other half. Consider laying a fine mesh strainer over the bowl or pitcher you're squeezing the juice into in order to catch the seeds. Use your cereal spoon to keep milk from splashing when you pour it. Add your cereal to the bowl, then lay your spoon upside down on top of it. Pour the milk slowly onto the underside of the spoon's head. You'll notice far less splashing than when you pour the milk directly onto the cereal. Alternatively, add the milk to the bowl first, then the cereal! Remove the yolk from a cracked egg easily with a water bottle. Crack the egg into a bowl or dish, then grab a clean, empty plastic water bottle. Squeeze the bottle about halfway (not enough to crush it), place it right on top of the yolk, and release your squeeze. The yolk will be sucked up into the bottle! Pit cherries quickly with a straw and a bottle. Choose an empty glass or plastic bottle with a mouth that's smaller than your cherries, so that you can place a cherry stem-side up on the bottle opening. Press straight down through the stem with a sturdy straw (metal is best), a skewer, or a chopstick. The pit will drop right into the bottle. Chill a beverage quickly in the freezer with wet paper towels. Wet down 1-2 paper towel sheets, then squeeze out the excess water. Wrap the paper towels around a can or bottled drink and put it in the freezer for 15 minutes. The damp paper towels help chill the drink much more quickly. Don't forget about a glass bottle you put in the freezer—if the liquid freezes, the bottle may explode! Store mixed pancake batter conveniently in a plastic ketchup bottle. This is a great way to store extra batter in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it makes dispensing the batter easy! Just squeeze out the amount you need right onto the griddle when making pancakes. Use a kitchen funnel to make it easier to pour the batter into the bottle. Or, find a plastic bottle with a slightly smaller mouth than the ketchup bottle. Cut off the bottom of this second bottle, place it upside down into the mouth of the ketchup bottle, and use it as a DIY funnel. Use a muffin tin to serve a range of condiments at a party. Add ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, salsa, mayonnaise, or whatever other condiments you need to the individual indentations in the muffin tin. This makes serving the condiments and cleaning up afterward a cinch! Cut clean slices of cheesecake and soft desserts with dental floss. Cut a length of unflavored dental floss and wrap the ends around your index fingers. Pull it taut and press it straight down through cheesecake, cinnamon rolls, fondant, jelly rolls, and so on. Use the same process to cut through clay with a length of wire. Keep your packaged bread fresher longer with a plastic bottle top. Starting at the point where the cylinder starts to narrow toward the spout, cut the top section off of a clean, dry plastic drink bottle. Feed the open end of the bread bag up through the cut opening and out of the mouth of the bottle, then fold it down over the sides of the mouth. Screw on the bottle's lid to make an airtight seal. Use plastic lids as simple but effective coasters. Don't have a coaster on hand? A plastic lid from a mayonnaise jar or similar container can do the job! Just place your drink on top and you've got a neat coaster. Make canvas shoes water-resistant by applying beeswax. Use a clean rag to spread the beeswax over the entire outer surface of the shoes, making sure not to miss any areas. Then, wave a hairdryer over the shoes until the wax melts and becomes invisible. Apply another coat of beeswax whenever you notice the water-resistant coating begin to falter. Iron a dress shirt collar fast with a hair straightener iron. This is a quick fix that saves time versus getting out your iron and board. Just plug in the hair straightener, let it heat up, and clamp it over each side of your shirt collar for about 15 seconds. To play it safe, don't do this while you're wearing the shirt! This is a great hack if you're going to wear a sweater over your dress shirt anyway—why bother ironing the whole thing? Use white wine to reduce the appearance of a red wine stain. If you splash some red wine on your white shirt, grab some white wine! Dampen a clean cloth in white wine and gently blot the red wine stain until it becomes less noticeable. It won't remove the stain completely, but it does a surprisingly good job. If you have a stain remover stick or wipes with you, use them—they work even better. If you left them at home, use them on the stain before washing the garment. Prevent lost socks by pinning pairs before washing and drying. Stop feeding single socks to the “dryer monster” by outwitting it! Simply secure each pair of socks together with a safety pin before putting them into the wash. Keep them pinned together when you transfer them to the dryer. Replace any pins that start to show signs of rusting. Screw a magazine holder onto the back of a cabinet door to hold a hairdryer. Choose a magazine/file holder made of plastic, wood, metal wire, or sturdy cardboard and secure it in place with 2-4 screws. Most standard hairdryers fit perfectly into this spot. Alternatively, use several removable adhesive strips instead of screws. Use coat hooks instead of rods to hang towels in a small bathroom. These take up much less space, since each hook can hold 2 large towels. The towels may also dry faster than if you use towel rods that are stacked one in front of the next. Apply magnetic strips behind cabinet doors to store personal care items. Buy peel-and-stick magnetic strips, or use removable adhesive strips to secure the magnets in place. Use the magnetic strips to hold tweezers, bobby pins, cosmetic brushes, and other magnetic objects. Check to see how many of your personal care items are magnetic before trying this. Buy a scrub brush attachment for your drill to clean tile and ceramic. Instead of relying on elbow grease alone to scrub a tub or toilet, let your drill do the hard work! Look for different types of scrub brush attachments where cleaning supplies are sold. Set the drill to its lowest speed first, then increase it as needed. Follow the brush attachment's instructions carefully. Don't use the attachment to clean fiberglass, laminate, wood, stone, or other surfaces unless the brush is specifically marketed for that purpose. Use a clean dustpan to fill a bucket that won’t fit under the sink. Place the bucket on the floor directly in front of the sink. Place the larger end of the dustpan under the faucet so that the pan's handle is resting over the front edge of the sink. When you turn on the water it will flow through the channel in the handle, go over the edge, and fall like a waterfall into the bucket. Have some towels handy the first few times you try this. It may take a bit of practice to get the placement and water flow just right. Paint your keys with nail polish to color-code them. This is a great hack if you have a bunch of similar-looking keys on your key ring. Gel nail polish adheres best to metal keys, but any type of polish will do. Store your household cleaners conveniently in a shoe hanger. Hang or attach the shoe hanger to the back of a closet or pantry door, then fill the pockets with your cleaning bottles. Choose a shoe hanger with mesh or clear plastic pockets so you can easily differentiate the cleaning bottles. If you have a hanging rod in the closet, get a shoe hanger with hooks. For safety, add a lock to the door if there are kids around. Try different home remedies to remove permanent marker. Different DIY removers may work better for different materials. Give the following a try: For fabric, try hand sanitizer. For your skin or for wood surfaces, try rubbing alcohol. For painted walls, try hairspray or toothpaste. For ceramic or glass, mix 1 part white toothpaste and 1 part baking soda. Soak a crusty paintbrush in vinegar for 30 minutes to ease cleaning. After 30 minutes, use a wire brush or paintbrush cleaner to remove the loosened paint. Then, wash the brush with soap and water, rinse it, and let it air dry. If you heat the vinegar to nearly boiling in a pot on the stove, you can reduce the soaking time to 10 minutes. Reduce the odor of water-based paint with vanilla extract. When painting a room, stir in 1 US tbsp (15 ml) of vanilla extract per 1 US gal (3.8 L) of paint. The vanilla will mask the unpleasant odor of the paint. Essential oils like peppermint work as well. This hack doesn't work on oil-based paint, since the vanilla extract or other essential oil creates a solution with the oils in the paint—which may negate the pleasant scent you're aiming for or make the paint smell even worse. The oils aren't soluble with water-based paint, though, so they remain separate and help mask the paint odor. Use a rubber band to keep kids from locking a door. Loop the rubber band over one door knob, make a figure eight over the latch, then loop the free end of the rubber band over the other door knob. Choose a thick, sturdy rubber band that is stretched taut when positioned this way. Make a smaller “laundry basket play tub” within your bathtub. Place a standard rectangular laundry basket into the tub as you fill it with water. Put your toddler or small child into the basket, along with their toys. When bathtime is done, just drain the tub and lift out the basket with all the toys inside! This is not a substitute for an infant bath basin. Use it only for kids who are big enough to bathe in a standard tub. Supervise children at all times while bathing. Create a child safety bead-bracelet with your phone number on it. Buy a container of colorful bracelet beads and let your child help you thread them onto the bracelet string. Pick out numbered beads and string them on so that they correspond to your phone number. You might also want to spell out the child's first name. A bracelet is no substitute for proper supervision of a child. Use pool noodles to help keep a kid from rolling out of bed. Lay a foam pool noodle along each long edge of the bed, right on top of the mattress. Tuck the fitted sheet over the mattress so that the noodles are held securely in place. The small humps created by the noodles will make it less likely that your child will roll off the edge of the bed. Use this as a short-term measure for an occasional problem. Invest in proper bed rails if your child rolls out of bed frequently. Trace a kid’s feet on paper when you’re shoe shopping without them. Instead of having to guess whether a pair of shoes will fit, bring their feet (or at least a tracing of them) with you. Trace around both their feet, either barefoot or with socks on. If the shoes you're looking at are larger (but not too much larger) than the traced outlines, the shoes will fit—at least for a few months! Use paper cupcake or muffin wrappers to catch drips from frozen treats. Poke the bottom of the wooden stick of your kid's favorite frozen treat—like a Popsicle or ice cream bar—through the bottom of the paper wrapper. Slide the wrapper up to the base of the treat and let it catch all the inevitable drips! Paper wrappers with foil on the outside work best, but any paper wrapper will do. Seal your tablet in a zip-close bag if you like to read in the tub. Use a clear, 1 US gal (3.8 L) bag with a secure zip closure. Test the bag first by sealing a piece of paper inside and submerging it for 1 minute. If the paper is dry, your tablet should stay dry too! Play it safe and do your best to keep your tablet dry regardless. Don't try to read underwater! Use springs from used pens to strengthen the ends of charger cables. Charger cables tend to kink, bend, and break right near the ends (where they plug into the wall or your device). To protect these sensitive areas, pull apart several old, dried up pens and pick out the springs inside. Wrap the springs around the ends of the cables to give them more protection while still letting them flex somewhat. Organize cords at the edge of your desk with binder clips. This is a great hack if your desk is cluttered with several charger cables, printer cables, ethernet cables, and so on. Choose binder clips that are large enough to clip to the edge of the desk, but also small enough (if possible) to keep the head of each cable from falling through the binder clip opening. If you can't fit the head of a cord through the binder clip wires, squeeze the sides of each wire to remove them from the clip. Then, squeeze them again to put them back in place after you've pulled the head of the cord through. Organize cords using empty toilet paper tubes in a shoebox. For a smaller cord, stand a toilet paper tube up in the box and feed the cord down into the tube. For a larger cord, use the toilet paper tube as a sleeve and slide it over the cord once you've looped it around itself several times. Stand your phone upright in a cup, glass, or mug to amplify the volume. If you tend to sleep through your alarm even when it's set to high volume, give this hack a try. Put the phone's speaker (which is usually at the bottom) into the bottom of the cup and get ready for a much louder sound! You can use this trick to amplify music, but it may take some trial and error to find a cup, glass, or mug that doesn't distort the sound of your favorite tunes. Use a cassette tape case as a cheap but sturdy phone stand. Try this hack if you find some old cassette tapes (with their cases) in the attic. Open the case's lid as far as it will go, then lay the case front-side down on your table or desk. The slot in the lid will hold your phone at a great viewing angle. Some larger smartphones may not fit into the slot. Carry multiple plastic bags at once with a large carabiner clip. The problem with carrying several plastic shopping bags at once isn't that they're too heavy, but that the handles dig into your hands. Instead, buy a large carabiner clip at a hardware, outdoor, or sporting goods store. Clip both handles of each bag into the carabiner, then carry everything more comfortably by holding onto the carabiner. Use snack chips as kindling to help start a fire. Light a loose pile of snack chips on fire, then slowly add wood to build up your campfire. Snack chips are made almost entirely of 2 components—hydrocarbons and fats—that burn readily, so you'll be surprised how quickly and easily they go up in flames. Cheesy tortilla chips (like Doritos) work great here, but any type of fried snack chip will do the job. Make sure not to eat all your kindling beforehand! Hide your valuables on the beach in an empty sunscreen bottle. Your best option is a bottle with a rounded rectangular shape and a large flip-top lid that also twists off. Clean and dry the bottle thoroughly, making sure to get rid of the oily residue on the inside. Then, stick things like your ID and cash inside it. Unless there is a sunscreen thief around, your stuff will stay safe! Alternatively, you can buy storage containers online that are made to look like real sunscreen bottles. Use your phone and a Gatorade (or similar) bottle to make a lantern. Turn on your phone's flashlight tool and lay it down so the light is shining straight up. Place the Gatorade bottle right on top of the light—it's shape will diffuse the light and create a cool lantern. Full bottles work better than empty bottles, and liquids with light coloring (like yellow or pale blue) work better than clear liquids. | Lay a wooden spoon over the top of a pot to prevent a boil-over. Make Ramen Noodles in a coffee maker for a quick meal. Reheat leftover pizza in a skillet to get a crispy crust. Use a skirt hanger with clips as a space-saving cookbook holder. Remove stems from strawberries quickly with a thick straw. Use tongs to more easily squeeze all the juice from a lemon. Use your cereal spoon to keep milk from splashing when you pour it. Remove the yolk from a cracked egg easily with a water bottle. Pit cherries quickly with a straw and a bottle. Chill a beverage quickly in the freezer with wet paper towels. Store mixed pancake batter conveniently in a plastic ketchup bottle. Use a muffin tin to serve a range of condiments at a party. Cut clean slices of cheesecake and soft desserts with dental floss. Keep your packaged bread fresher longer with a plastic bottle top. Use plastic lids as simple but effective coasters. Make canvas shoes water-resistant by applying beeswax. Iron a dress shirt collar fast with a hair straightener iron. Use white wine to reduce the appearance of a red wine stain. Prevent lost socks by pinning pairs before washing and drying. Screw a magazine holder onto the back of a cabinet door to hold a hairdryer. Use coat hooks instead of rods to hang towels in a small bathroom. Apply magnetic strips behind cabinet doors to store personal care items. Buy a scrub brush attachment for your drill to clean tile and ceramic. Use a clean dustpan to fill a bucket that won’t fit under the sink. Paint your keys with nail polish to color-code them. Store your household cleaners conveniently in a shoe hanger. Try different home remedies to remove permanent marker. Soak a crusty paintbrush in vinegar for 30 minutes to ease cleaning. Reduce the odor of water-based paint with vanilla extract. Use a rubber band to keep kids from locking a door. Make a smaller “laundry basket play tub” within your bathtub. Create a child safety bead-bracelet with your phone number on it. Use pool noodles to help keep a kid from rolling out of bed. Trace a kid’s feet on paper when you’re shoe shopping without them. Use paper cupcake or muffin wrappers to catch drips from frozen treats. Seal your tablet in a zip-close bag if you like to read in the tub. Use springs from used pens to strengthen the ends of charger cables. Organize cords at the edge of your desk with binder clips. Organize cords using empty toilet paper tubes in a shoebox. Stand your phone upright in a cup, glass, or mug to amplify the volume. Use a cassette tape case as a cheap but sturdy phone stand. Carry multiple plastic bags at once with a large carabiner clip. Use snack chips as kindling to help start a fire. Hide your valuables on the beach in an empty sunscreen bottle. Use your phone and a Gatorade (or similar) bottle to make a lantern. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Movie-Theater | How to Start a Movie Theater | To start a movie theater, consider opening a franchise through a major movie chain so you have financial and logistical support. If you'd prefer to open your own movie theater, decide which kind of theater you want to operate, such as a mainstream theater or an independent theater. Then, calculate the costs of opening your theater, which will include building rental, film licensing, and staff. Additionally, develop a business plan to attract investors, and apply for the necessary business licenses and permits in your state. | Get familiar with the exhibition industry. Learn everything you can about the movie theater industry. There are books and magazines devoted to the business of movie theaters (also known as exhibition), databases with information like moviegoer demographics, and other resources available. Learn about different types of theaters. There are a lot of different venues and styles for showing movies. These include: Mainstream, first-run theaters: These typically show major films at their time of release. They are often corporate or franchise operations, but not always. These usually show a number of different films at one time in individual theaters housed within the building. Second-run theaters: These specialize in films that have already been shown in first-run theaters. Independent theaters: These may show independent films, specialized features, classics, major-release films, or some combination of these. These are more likely to have only one or a few screens. These may also be theaters that open up in a bar or restaurant. Drive-in movie theaters: These are open, outdoor areas which show films on large screens to viewers who park and watch from their vehicles. They need special projection and sound equipment, and ramps for cars to park on. Drive-ins can often only be used in warm months of the year. They can be repurposed during other times, for as flea market spaces, etc. You can also set up a very simple theater that might be a homemade screen set up in someone's yard, or a consumer-grade projection system set up indoors. This could be sufficient for your needs if you are just interested in showing films to fairly small groups of people, such as for non-profit community events. Conduct market research. Find out what movie theater offerings are in your area. If you live in a large city, there will likely be multiple theaters. If you live in a small city or town, there may be one theater or none at all. Talk with the other theater owners to see how well their businesses thrive. Just because you'll be a competitor doesn't mean that you can't have a friendly professional relationship. Conduct a survey of the local community to determine what kinds of films people watch. You'll want to make sure you're playing movies that people will actually watch. If you live in a really conservative area, for example, you probably won't have a lot of success showing really racy, edgy films. Decide which kind of theater you want to open. Each kind of theater has specific concerns. Some options may be more successful than others, depending on your community and audiences. This decision will also be dependent upon your start-up capital and potential investors. Choose from among the mainstream, first-run theater; second-run theater; independent theater; or drive-in theater. Look into theater chains that offer franchise opportunities. Some movie theater chains have franchise opportunities, in which you put up the money to open a theater in the chain's name. Benefits and drawbacks to doing this can include: Having the brand and name recognition of a major chain, which will draw moviegoers who are looking for a standard experience. Ease of setup—the franchise terms will probably determine many decisions that have to be made in opening the theater. The financial backing and resources of the chain, including contacts to film brokers. On the other hand, you may not have as much control over the details of your theater if you have a franchise. Some major chains do not offer franchise opportunities. Understand the regulations for starting a business in your area. If you are interested in a theater as a profitable business, much general information about starting a business will apply. Your movie theater will need to be founded and operate in accordance with the regulations regarding businesses in your area—including any permits, building code requirements, taxes, etc. You can also start a nonprofit movie theater. For this type of operation, you'll need a mission statement, bylaws, and a board of directors. Tally up the costs. Aside from any standard costs for starting and running a business, there are also expenses that are specific to operating a movie theater. These costs will vary depending on geographic location, and size and type of theater and films shown. Estimate the costs to run your theater. These costs include: Building rental or purchase Staff Concessions overhead Licensing fees for showing films. These can be very expensive, especially for first-run, major motion pictures. Movie brokers can be hired to assist with the process of attaining films and approval to show them. Equipment. This can include projection systems, lighting, seating, soundproofing, decoration, concession areas, etc. The particular equipment you need depends on the type of theater you want to operate. Most movie theaters need to have digital projection capabilities, since movie distributors primarily distribute their movies on digital formats now. The upfront costs for digital projection can be expensive, with a digital projection system for one screen running $60,000 or more. If you have multiple screens in your theater, your costs will be much more expensive. You might also consider offering certain specializations, such as 3D capabilities, D-Box motion seats, or IMAX (large-format, high resolution screenings). Select a location. Location is one of the most important aspects of any business, including movie theaters. You will want to have your theater located in a place that will be accessible to many people, easy to find, and near other businesses and attractions that will draw people. Having a good location means a better chance of drawing customers and staying profitable. Think about parking as well. If your customers have trouble finding parking spots, they may be less likely to come to your theater. Look into special incentives for your business. Research the incentives and tax breaks that may help you, such as incentives for green businesses, those owned by women and minorities, and independent businesses. Pick a name for your theater. Choose a name for your theater that is attractive to customers. Many theaters have classic names or some version thereof, using words like Bijou, Metro, Pickford, Star, and so on. If you have an angel investor or benefactor, you might consider naming the theater after this person. Develop a business plan. A business plan will be helpful when seeking financing from lending institutions or independent finances. The plan will show your specific insight into the theater business. There are numerous sample business plans available online that are specific to starting a movie theater. Your business plan will need to include information such as: Mission or objective of your business Market research and audience analysis Costs of initial start-up and maintaining the theater Pricing for tickets, concessions, etc. Projected costs and revenues Secure funding. The start-up costs for running a movie theater can be expensive, but don't let that discourage you. With a solid business plan, you may be able to attract investors who are willing to put up money in exchange for a financial interest in the business. You might also look into getting a business partner. Look for someone who has connections with the local business community and who has experience raising money and running businesses. Some small organizations run crowdfunding campaigns to raise money. These are appeals to people who are especially interested in your theater, asking them to contribute money to your business. Some independent theaters have successfully run crowdfunding campaigns to raise money to purchase digital projection equipment. Plan your timing. Figure out when you would like to open the theater. Aim for a time when there will be lots of people in town. Don't schedule your opening night for a time that competes with a major concert or other event that will attract a lot of people. If you are planning to open with a certain new film, you'll need to schedule your opening for when the film is available. Pay licensing fees to show movies. If you are showing films to a paying audience, you need to make sure you have secured licensing permission from the film's distributor. There are copyright laws that determine how films can be shown to a public audience. Contact the film distributor to find out fees for screening a film. If a movie is in the public domain, this means that no entity holds copyright. Therefore, you don't need to pay a licensing fee. Check to see if a movie is in the public domain at the Library of Congress' website. Hire your staff. Depending on the size of your theater, you will likely need at least a few employees to help you run the theater. At the very least, you'll need a projectionist and a ticket-taker, as well as someone to sell concessions. Schedule your screenings. You'll want to offer several showings of each film. Make sure you have a decent range of screening times in the late afternoon and evenings, on weeknights and weekend nights. Promote and advertise the theater. Movie theaters compete with many other forms of entertainment for the time and attention of customers. You will have to work hard and do everything you can to draw people in. Market your theater in a variety of media, focusing on how it will provide moviegoers a unique experience. Invite the local media for a tour of your theater. Be available for interviews. If the local newspaper or TV station does a piece on your business, this will be invaluable for your business. Pay attention to concessions. If you sell concessions at your theater—popcorn, candy, soft drinks, etc.—these can be major profit earners, and in many cases the largest source of profits. Concessions can be big earners because their prices can be marked up significantly. For instance, popcorn itself is relatively inexpensive for a movie theater owner to purchase, but can be sold to moviegoers at many times its wholesale value. Popcorn, candy, nachos, soft drinks and other snacks are standard in many theaters. You can choose to include more specialized food, or even alcohol, depending on local regulations. Offer on-screen advertising. You can sell screen space to local businesses who want to advertise to your audiences. This is another important source of revenue, especially for smaller theaters. Consider a subscription model. A subscription model allows moviegoers to buy passes valid for a certain amount of time (a month, six months, a year, etc.) that will allow them entrance to a number of movies at your theater. This model allows you to compete with home video streaming services, and is likely to result in repeat customers while still being profitable. Subscription models can be especially beneficial for independent theaters. Your subscription model can offer passes valid for unlimited movies, or for a limited number, within the time period. You can also offer multiple levels or “perks” with different passes. A standard subscription might include just the cost of admission, while a premium package could include cost of admission and a popcorn, etc. Offer theater rentals for other events. If you operate an independent theater, consider using it for other purposes. You can generate more revenue by renting out your space for events, like birthdays parties, group meetings, etc. You will have to decide on pricing for rentals, as well as policies regarding use and clean-up. The scheduling for such events will also have to work so that they don't interfere with the movie run schedule. Consider joining a trade association. A trade association brings together similar businesses in order to share information and secure favorable conditions for their business operations. The National Association of Theater Owners (NATO) is an organization that represents cinemas in the United States and around the world. Its members include large corporate theaters as well as independent movie houses. It can be a useful source of information and support. Attend an industry convention. There are a number of conventions devoted to the business of running a movie theater. These can provide information and ideas about opening your movie theater, as well as opportunities to network. Some of the major industry conventions include: Arthouse Convergence is an annual gathering of independent theater owners. CinemaCon is the official convention of the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO). ShowEast is another convention, held in Hollywood, Florida, on an annual basis. CineEurope and CineAsia are international industry conventions for movie theaters and theater chains across the globe. Run joint promotions with local businesses. Continue growing your business by partnering with local restaurants, cafes, bookstores and other businesses to offer promotions for your audiences. Partner with other local organizations. As your theater becomes more popular, think about ways to grow connections in the community. Partner with a local university to offer a series of screenings on a particular topic. Host a film festival. Hold benefit screenings for local nonprofit organizations. Anticipate changes in the market. As your business grows, you will need to stay on top of industry trends. The market is constantly changing, especially with the growth and prevalence of personal entertainment devices. As the market changes, you must adapt your business in order to survive. | Get familiar with the exhibition industry. Learn about different types of theaters. Conduct market research. Decide which kind of theater you want to open. Look into theater chains that offer franchise opportunities. Understand the regulations for starting a business in your area. Tally up the costs. Select a location. Look into special incentives for your business. Pick a name for your theater. Develop a business plan. Secure funding. Plan your timing. Pay licensing fees to show movies. Hire your staff. Schedule your screenings. Promote and advertise the theater. Pay attention to concessions. Offer on-screen advertising. Consider a subscription model. Offer theater rentals for other events. Consider joining a trade association. Attend an industry convention. Run joint promotions with local businesses. Partner with other local organizations. Anticipate changes in the market. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Dress-Shoes-from-Creasing | How to Keep Dress Shoes from Creasing | When you buy dress shoes, choose a pair that fit close to your foot so there aren't any gaps that may cause creasing. Moisture can cause your shoes to crease, so spray them with a water repellent and try not to get them wet. Put your shoes on a shoe rack or stuff them with newspaper as soon as you take them off, and don't wear your dress shoes 2 days in a row so they'll have time to dry out. | Choose shoes that fit you well. If there is a gap between your foot and the shoe, the leather will bend more. This is the reason that most shoes crease. This is especially common around the toe box, so look for a pair of dress shoes that fit your foot closely without being too snug. Apply water repellent before you wear your shoes for the first time. Water repellent will help protect your shoes from moisture in the environment or unexpected water on the ground, which can make your shoes more susceptible to creasing. You can buy water repellent wherever you purchase fine shoes. Water repellent will not make your shoes waterproof, so if you can, you should always avoid situations where your dress shoes will get wet. You may want to reapply the water repellent about once a year. Wear your shoes in dry conditions for the first few outings. Most leather shoes need about 24 hours of wear before they are fully broken in. You should always avoid getting your dress shoes wet, but getting your shoes wet while you are breaking them in will make them more likely to form creases at the place where your toes bend. Even after your shoes are broken in, avoid getting them wet as it may discolor the leather. Use a shoe horn when you put on your dress shoes. A shoe horn is a long, flat object that helps you slip the heel of your shoe over your foot. Using a shoe horn will help keep the back of your shoe from breaking down and creasing. You can buy a shoe horn at almost any shoe store. Put your dress shoes on a shoe tree as soon as you take them off. Shoe trees are inserted into your shoe to absorb moisture and help them hold their shape. Keeping your shoes on the shoe tree when you're not wearing them is the most important thing you can do to keep your shoes from creasing. You can find shoe trees at most find shoe stores. If you don't have a shoe tree, stuff your shoes with balled-up tissue paper or newspaper to help them hold their shape. Don’t wear the same pair of dress shoes 2 days in a row. Give your shoes a whole day to dry out after you wear them. When you wear them on consecutive days, moisture from your feet can settle into the leather, causing creases to form. Add toe taps if your dress shoes have a pointed toe. Toe taps are small discs which are attached to the very end of the sole on a pointed-toe shoe. They help prevent wear on the tip of the sole, which is where these shoes tend to wear out first. Damage to the sole can cause the upper part of the shoe to become deformed and creased. Toe taps are usually nailed to the sole of the shoe. To ensure your toe taps are affixed correctly, have them put on by a professional cobbler. Stuff the inside of your shoes with rolled-up socks before you pack them. If you're going to be traveling, stuffing your dress shoes with socks will help them hold their shape while they're in your suitcase. Condition the leather every 3-6 months. Leather conditioner is used to keep the upper portion of your shoe soft and supple, allowing to bend without leaving a permanent crease. The conditioner is similar to a lotion which you gently rub into the leather. Although every 3-6 months is adequate for most people, if you live in an area with a very dry climate, you may want to condition your shoes more often. Moisten the crease with a special leather oil. Make sure to really saturate the wrinkle with the oil so the leather around it will become supple. The oil will help protect your shoe from damage when you apply heat to the leather. You can buy leather oil, such as mink oil or neatsfoot oil, at a specialty leather shop or wherever leather shoes are sold. Use a heat gun or blow dryer to soften the leather on the top of your shoe. Move the nozzle of the heat gun around, never staying in one place for more than 2-3 seconds. The whole process will probably take about a minute. Lighter leathers are susceptible to discoloration when they're exposed to heat, so test a small area on the heel of the shoe before applying heat to more visible areas. Massage the leather until the crease disappears. The combination of oil and heat should make the leather pliable. Use your hands to stretch and smooth the crease until it starts to fade. Leave the shoe on a shoe tree as it cools. Insert the shoe tree as tightly into the shoe as you can. As your shoe cools, the smooth texture will become permanent. Be sure not to tighten the shoe tree too much. Since the leather is hot, it will be prone to stretching. | Choose shoes that fit you well. Apply water repellent before you wear your shoes for the first time. Wear your shoes in dry conditions for the first few outings. Use a shoe horn when you put on your dress shoes. Put your dress shoes on a shoe tree as soon as you take them off. Don’t wear the same pair of dress shoes 2 days in a row. Add toe taps if your dress shoes have a pointed toe. Stuff the inside of your shoes with rolled-up socks before you pack them. Condition the leather every 3-6 months. Moisten the crease with a special leather oil. Use a heat gun or blow dryer to soften the leather on the top of your shoe. Massage the leather until the crease disappears. Leave the shoe on a shoe tree as it cools. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-up-a-Vegan-Kitchen | How to Set up a Vegan Kitchen | To set up a vegan kitchen, purchase vegan cookbooks and read vegan cooking blogs to learn about popular vegan recipes and cooking techniques. Invest in high quality knives and cutting boards, and consider buying appliances that many vegan cooks find helpful, such as a food processor. Organize your pantry by grouping together and labeling important vegan ingredients like grains and beans, canned goods, and nut and seed oils and butters. | Browse for vegan cooking inspiration. As a beginner, it might be difficult to find replacements for eggs in your baked goods or to find substitutes for popular meat products. A good vegan cookbook can help to expand your knowledge of vegan cooking and provide you with suggestions for vegan meals tailored to your tastes. You can also browse the internet for popular vegan blogs and vegan cooking apps. Invest in high-quality cookware and kitchen appliances. The type and quality of gadgets you have in your kitchen will encourage you to experiment with recipes at home and help speed up your cooking time. When preparing meals, a lot of your time will be devoted to chopping, prepping, and cooking, so having the right tools will support your efforts. Cookware should be stainless or cast iron. At minimum, make sure to have a soup pot, a stir-fry pan, and a saucepan. A food processor and/or high-powered blender are necessities for soups, purees, and smoothies. A Vitamix is a common blender found in many vegan kitchens. It is pricey, but extremely durable. A slow-cooker is a time-saver. For those that are busy, this tool allows you to put your ingredients, leave it unattended for several hours, and return home to an aromatic, warm meal. Have high-quality cooking knives. Your knives will undergo heavy usage, so make sure they are light and durable. Dull or poor quality knives can make it more difficult to cut vegetables properly. Have paring knives, chef knives, and medium slicers on hand. Have a strong wooden cutting board (or two)These are just as essential as having good knives. You will need to wash these by hand. Avoid plastic cutting boards, as cutting on these leaves grooves which can become breeding grounds for bacteria. Set apart all your grains and beans. Legumes, pasta and rice, and whole grains are all essential for a healthy and balanced vegan diet. To keep them organized, store them in clear jars with labels. That way, you can easily see when you need to stock up. Beans, lentils, and peas are extremely nutritious and provide necessary nutrients like iron, fiber, and protein. They are also extremely versatile. Use black beans to make vegetable burgers or make a warm lentil soup. [1] Whole grains such as quinoa and oats are a great source of protein and can thicken stews and soups. Pasta, rice, and noodles make for a quick and easy vegan meal. Vegan pasta dishes are rich and hearty, and they provide an alternative low-fiber option to whole grains or legumes. Group your canned goods together. They have long shelf lives and are very convenient. Canned vegetables usually come already sliced-- canned tomatoes, in particular, are loaded with healthy vitamins and antioxidants and will allow you to make quick sauces, soups and stews. Canned beans are also very handy, as you cut down on bean soaking time. Have a separate section for your baking needs. Whole grain flour, vegan shortening, baking soda, and baking powder can be grouped together. High-quality flour can be milled by hand or purchased already milled and used to create vegan desserts and baked goods. Keep a stash of nut and seed butter and oils. Vegans consume less total and saturated fat than other diets. However, there is also an absence of healthy fatty acids. To achieve the recommended fat intake, consume oils, nuts, and seeds. Sprinkling nut and seed oils on your salads, such as sesame seed oil or coconut oil, makes for a healthy and tasty dressing. Having a variety of nut butter like peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter should easily supplement your fat intake. Use olive and canola oil for traditional butter in baking recipes. Set up a spice rack for interesting flavors. To quickly reach them when you're cooking, have a separate section for your savory spices, like turmeric, curry, oregano, and cayenne. Keep a separate section for your sweeter spices, including rose water, cardamom, and cinnamon. Visit your farmer's market for local produce. Stock up on the week's fruits and vegetables at the market, which often features live music and artisanal products, like homemade jams. This way, you can support your local organic farmers, enjoy the environment, and eat seasonal produce. Label and organize your fruits and vegetable for easy access and to limit spoiling. Have a variety of alternative proteins on hand. Tofu is an essential for vegan kitchens, and it can be fun to experiment using it in different dishes. Use extra-firm tofu for baking and frying, silken tofu for dressings and puddings, and dried tofu for soups and dressings. Tempeh takes a little longer to learn to prepare but can last a few weeks in the fridge and several months in the freezer. Find dairy replacements. Almond milk makes a delicious addition to your morning breakfast, as does non-dairy yogurt. There's also vegan cheese out there, so you'll have a delicious topping in your hands in no time! | Browse for vegan cooking inspiration. Invest in high-quality cookware and kitchen appliances. Have high-quality cooking knives. Have a strong wooden cutting board (or two)These are just as essential as having good knives. Set apart all your grains and beans. Group your canned goods together. Have a separate section for your baking needs. Keep a stash of nut and seed butter and oils. Set up a spice rack for interesting flavors. Visit your farmer's market for local produce. Have a variety of alternative proteins on hand. Find dairy replacements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-a-Li-Hua-Cat | How to Identify a Li Hua Cat | To tell if a cat is a Li Hua cat, look for distinctive black marks on the upper corners of its mouth that make it look like it's smiling. If it's a Li Hua cat, it will also have a large, diamond-shaped head with a wide gap between its ears. On its coat, look for flecked hairs that are black at the root, light golden in the middle and brown at the top. Its tail should have black rings around it with a black tip and it should look very strong. In addition to having a strong tail, the cat should have a large and sturdy physique. | See if it is smiling. This breed looks like it is smiling all the time because it has a distinctive black mark on the upper corners of its mouth. Regardless of whether it is actually smiling, the black marks make it look like it is happy and content. Take a look at the wide, diamond shaped head. You will notice that the space between the ears is wide while the head grows narrower towards the chin, giving the head a diamond shape. This relatively large head sits atop a seemingly small but very strong neck. The face is round and it has nice long whiskers. The ears are round and have a unique tipping. They are medium sized. Gaze into the almond shaped eyes. The big, beautiful eyes of this breed come in green, which is preferred by breeders, as well as yellow and brown. Look at the flecked hairs on a short golden-brown coat. This breed has a beautiful golden-brown coat, with flecked hairs that are black at the root, light golden in the middle and brown at the top. You may notice a lighter coloration on the stomach and darker stripes on its tabby coat. The lower belly has a leopard pattern and a brownish yellow color. Take note of the black rings on the tail and the legs. This breed looks like it is wearing bracelets, since it has black rings encircling its legs and tail. Watch the strong tail with a black tip. The strength of this breed is very evident in the tail, which is strong and muscular. It looks like it could be used for hunting. Typically, it is striped and has a black spot on the end. The tail is medium length. Check out the large and sturdy physique. This breed has a large and sturdy body. The strength of its stance and physique may remind you of its wild origins. It will reach a height of ten to fourteen inches. It may attain a weight of between nine and twelve pounds. Observe the active and social temperament of this cat. This breed is very active and playful, with a tendency to invent games and a passion for hunting. It is also very social and, in particular, really enjoys interacting with other cats, children and family members. Above all else, this is a very loyal cat. This cat likes to greet people at the door. If you give this cat the option of sitting on your lap or playing a game, it will choose the game. This breed gets along with other pets, including dogs. See if it is a family caretaker. This breed likes to take on the role of family caretaker. It shows a lot of care and responsibility towards both children and other cats in the house. If you properly introduce this breed to dogs, it will usually get along fine with them. Observe the memory and analytic ability of this breed. This breed is well regarded for its mind, including a strong memory and analytic skills. As such, you should make sure it has something to keep its mind occupied, such as puzzle toys or games. You may even be able to train this cat to perform routine tasks, such as bringing you the morning newspaper. They have a wonderful ability to learn new tricks, which is a testament to their strong minds. Watch them hunt. The Li Hua cat is highly renowned for its hunting abilities, which include hunting rats and mice. This breed uses its agility, sharp claws and sturdy neck to hunt rats. It can also catch mice with great dependability. Observe the agility and athletic prowess of this breed. The agility and athleticism of this breed are highly regarded. If you see them jump high in the air with ease, you may have a Li Hua cat. According to the breed standard, this cat can jump so high that it is able to make two turns before landing. Due to their athletic ability, this breed needs space to run and stretch its legs. Make sure your home is large enough for a Li Hua cat to roam, and play with it daily using cat toys. | See if it is smiling. Take a look at the wide, diamond shaped head. Gaze into the almond shaped eyes. Look at the flecked hairs on a short golden-brown coat. Take note of the black rings on the tail and the legs. Watch the strong tail with a black tip. Check out the large and sturdy physique. Observe the active and social temperament of this cat. See if it is a family caretaker. Observe the memory and analytic ability of this breed. Watch them hunt. Observe the agility and athletic prowess of this breed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-After-Getting-Your-Wisdom-Teeth-Removed | How to Eat After Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed | To eat after getting your wisdom teeth removed, stick with soft, room-temperature foods on the first day after your surgery, like yogurt, pudding, applesauce, or soup that's cooled down. Then, after the first day, you can try eating some cold soft foods to help numb and soothe your mouth. Once it's been a few days since your surgery, try eating regular food again, starting with small bites. If you experience any pain, continue eating soft foods until you're able to start chewing again. | Plan ahead. Go shopping and stock up on soft, easy-to-chew foods before the surgery. Ideally, make them drinkable like yogurt and soups that don't have big chunks. Remember, your back teeth may hurt and you won't want to be chewing very much with your molars for the first few days and up to a week. Buy food like soup, yogurt, ice cream, applesauce, jello, and mashed potatoes. Don't buy anything that could leave residual food pieces in your mouth like cookies, nuts, rice, or pasta. Drink water and juice, but avoid drinks like soda and alcohol. Start with soft, room temperature foods. Eat room temperature, very soft foods the first day after surgery. Try soup that's cooled down, yogurt, or puddings. Applesauce can be good too, just make sure there are no big chunks of apple. Try boiling vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, potatoes, onion and peppers and then smash them all together. Add a little vegetable stock to create a soup. Allow it to cool before you eat it. You can expect to not be able to open your mouth very wide soon after the surgery, so big spoons can cause problems. Make sure to have spoons that are the right size for you. Keep eating soft foods for the first three days or so. It's important to maintain an exclusively soft diet for the first three days after surgery. Your mouth needs time to heal, so you need to help this process by avoiding foods that require chewing. After the first few days, you will likely be ready for foods that require a little chewing and don't have to be room temperature, like ice cream. An advantage to eating cold foods is that it can help numb your mouth, causing you to not feel any pain for a short while. The cool temperatures can also work to soothe your mouth after the surgery. Avoid hard and crunchy foods, like corn chips, as well as anything spicy, which could irritate your gums. Keep in mind that even some soft foods, like rice, could get stuck in the hole in your gums, which can lead to irritation. Begin with small bites. When you're ready to start chewing food again, start with really small bites. Work your way up to normal-sized bites. It can take a while to get back to eating normally, but it will improve soon enough. You don't want to rush into eating regular foods again because it could cause your wounds to re-open, which can lead to pain and bleeding. Then you'll have to start the healing process all over again. Most people start eating normally again after five to seven days post-surgery. Don't chew on the same side where your tooth was extracted. Follow your oral surgeon’s instructions. After any kind of surgery, it is crucial to follow your doctor's advice. But with oral surgery it is especially important because you can't simply leave the wound untouched. You must eat food during the recovery period. Make sure that you listen to everything your doctor tells you and follow their instructions to the letter. Don’t use straws. When drinking after your surgery, don't use a straw in your beverage. Sucking through a straw can remove the clot that forms over the wound while it is healing. This can cause excess bleeding and increase the amount of time it takes for your wounds to heal. Instead of using a straw, just drink any liquids as you normally would from a glass. Use extra caution not to drink too much at one time. Take small sips. Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing. After your surgery, you may feel the need to rinse your mouth — usually because you'll have dry mouth or because you can taste blood in your mouth, or because you feel like you have food stuck in the hole in your gums. However, rinsing your mouth too much or with too much force can dislodge the blood clot that's necessary for your gum and bone to heal, leading to a painful condition called dry socket. To avoid that, swish and spit as gently as possible. Make sure you follow your doctor's orders regarding mouth rinsing. Try not to chew directly on the wound. Once you have upgraded from liquid foods to semi-solid foods, you'll need to be mindful about your chewing. Avoid biting down on food over the wound where your wisdom teeth used to be. Try to chew your foods closer to the front of your mouth if possible. Chew more slowly and gently than normal so that you can be extra careful about where the food lands in your mouth as you are chewing and you don't put any pressure on areas that are swollen. Avoid smoking. Smoking can be very dangerous for people who have just had oral surgery, especially an extraction like getting your wisdom teeth removed. Smoking transfers all kinds of chemicals inside your mouth and will compromise your healing process. It also greatly increases your risk of infection. If you must smoke, wait at least 48 hours after the surgery and then be sure to rinse your mouth out after every single cigarette. Don’t rush your hunger. Wait until you feel ready to eat something. Right after the surgery you probably won't feel like eating. You don't want to put something in your mouth until you're absolutely ready so that your wounds have a little time to heal first. The anesthetic can suppress your appetite for a few hours. Even if your surgery is in the morning you may not end up eating all day. Don't be afraid of not eating for a day — your body will tell you when it's ready to eat. Make sure you are staying hydrated and drinking an adequate amount of water. By the second day, you should have a bit of your normal hunger returned. But even if you aren't hungry, you should at least eat a little something from the second day on. Brush your teeth. Avoid brushing your teeth on the day of the surgery, but resume brushing from the second day on. Brush gently, especially around the surgical areas. And be careful not to scrape the wound. Brushing will help keep your mouth clean and assist with the healing process, even if it is a bit uncomfortable. Rinse your mouth. Beginning the second day after surgery, you should gently rinse your mouth every four to six hours with a warm salt water mixture. This can be made by adding ½ teaspoon of salt with ½ cup of warm water. Swish it around in your mouth for at least 30 seconds and then spit it out. Make sure you rinse your mouth immediately after you eat something. You should continue with regular salt water rinses for one week after the surgery. | Plan ahead. Start with soft, room temperature foods. Keep eating soft foods for the first three days or so. Begin with small bites. Follow your oral surgeon’s instructions. Don’t use straws. Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing. Try not to chew directly on the wound. Avoid smoking. Don’t rush your hunger. Brush your teeth. Rinse your mouth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Fable | How to Write a Fable | Before you write a fable, decide what the moral of your story will be, for example "like will draw like" or "fine feathers don't make fine birds." Next, come up with a problem your characters have to deal with that is easy for people to relate to. When deciding on where to set your fable, choose a place that is easily recognizable so you don't have to spend time explaining it, such as a road through a forest. To conclude your story, think about how your characters can resolve the problem in a way that supports the moral. | Choose the moral. Because the moral is the center of a fable, it's often helpful to begin outlining your fable by determining the moral. The moral of a fable should relate to or reflect on a culturally pertinent issue that will resonate with many people. Some examples of famous fable morals to help inspire you include: "Like will draw like." "The greatest kindness will not bind the ungrateful." "Advice prompted by selfishness should not be heeded." "Fine feathers don't make fine birds." "Strangers should avoid those who quarrel among themselves." For a complete listing of the morals of Aesop's Fables and links to the stories in which they appear, go here. Decide the problem. The problem is what will drive the action of the fable, and it will be the primary source for the lesson to be learned. Because the nature of fable is to convey culturally-relevant lessons and ideas, the central problem works best when it's something to which many people can relate. For example, in "The Tortoise and the Hare," we are are quickly introduced to what will be the central problem or conflict of the story when two characters decide to hold a race. Decide on the cast of characters. Determine who or what the characters in your fable will be and what traits will define them. Because fables are meant to be simple and concise, don't aim for complex or multi-faceted characters. Rather, aim to have each character embody a single human trait and keep the characters within those specific limits. As the characters will be the primary vehicle for the fable's moral, choose characters that will most clearly relate to that moral. In "The Tortoise and the Hare" the characters are, as the title indicates, a tortoise and a hare. Because a tortoise is easily associated with things that are slow-moving and the hare with things that are swift, the characters already have what will be their key traits in the story built-in. Determine the characters' archetypes. Though the kind of animal or object you choose for your character will have objective traits built-in, as above, you'll also need to craft the subjective qualities attached to those traits. In "The Tortoise and the Hare," the tortoise's slowness is associated with level-headedness and persistence, while the hare's swiftness is associated with rashness and over-confidence. There are a number of classic archetypal characters used in fables that are broadly recognized and associated with particular human traits. Choosing two characters with opposing traits is often useful in setting up a clear conflict for the story. Some of the most common archetypes and their characteristics include: The lion: strength, pride The wolf: dishonesty, greed, rapaciousness The donkey: ignorance The fly: wisdom The fox: cleverness, trickiness, cunning The hawk: bossiness, absolutism The hen: conceitedness The lamb: innocence, shyness Choose the setting. Where will the events of the story take place? As when choosing the moral and the problem, choose a setting that will be simple and recognizable to most people. The setting should also lend itself to the characters and their particular relationships. Try to make the setting simple but vivid--it should be a place readers can easily recognize and understand, which will save you having to explicitly lay out the details of the surroundings. For example, in the well known fable of the tortoise and the hare, the setting is simply a road through a forest, which sets the stage for the action (a race down the road) and lends itself to the kinds of characters in the story (woodland creatures). Decide the resolution to the problem. The resolution should be satisfying as well as relevant to the other components of the story, including the characters, their relationships, and the setting. Consider how the characters will resolve the conflict and how that resolution will support the lesson and moral to be taken from the story. For example, in "The Tortoise and the Hare" the resolution is simple--the hare, in his rashness, loses the race through the forest to the persevering tortoise. Fill out your outline. Once you've sketched out the main components of the story, begin fleshing them out. Establish the setting and the relationship of the characters to the setting, which should be an easily recognizable place that's directly tied to the events of the story. Set the plot in action. Present the conflict between the characters in enough detail that the conflict or problem is clear and begs for resolution. Be sure to move efficiently from a causal event to its effect. Don't meander away from the point of the story. Everything that happens in the story should be directly and clearly related to the problem and its resolution/moral. Work on making the pacing of the fable quick and concise. Don't waste time with unnecessarily elaborate descriptive passages or meditations on the characters and their surroundings. For example, in "The Tortoise and the Hare," the plot moves quickly from the initial challenge to the race to the hare's mistake and then to the tortoise's victory. Develop dialog. Dialog is a key component in conveying a character's personality and perspective, so rather than explicitly describe a character's traits, use dialog to illustrate those characteristics. Be sure to include enough dialog among the characters to illustrate the relationships between them and the nature of the conflict they face. For example, the two characteristics of the tortoise and the hare are established as level-headed and calm on the one hand, and boastful and rash on the other, as we can see through the tone of their dialog: "I have never yet been beaten," said he [the hare], "when I put forth my full speed. I challenge any one here to race with me." The Tortoise said quietly, "I accept your challenge." "That is a good joke," said the Hare; "I could dance round you all the way." "Keep your boasting till you're beaten," answered the Tortoise. "Shall we race?" Set out the resolution. After showing the nature and details of the conflict, begin moving the story towards its resolution. There should be a clear and direct relationship between the characters' actions, the development of the problem, and the illustration of the moral/resolution. Make sure there is a resolution to every aspect of the problem previously established and that there are no loose ends. Referring again to the fable of the tortoise and the hare, the resolution comes when the boastful hare races ahead and then stops to take a nap, while the level-headed tortoise simply plods along, eventually passing the sleeping hare and beating him to the finish line. Articulate the lesson. When the plot of the fable has resolved itself, set out the moral or lesson of the story. In fables, the moral of the story is typically stated in a single, pithy sentence. Aim to state the moral in a way that summarizes both the problem, the resolution, and what should be learned from that resolution. The simple moral of the tortoise and the hare, for example, is, "After that, Hare always reminded himself, "Don't brag about your lightning pace, for slow and steady won the race!" It encapsulates both the mistake--being lazy and arrogant from over-confidence--and the lesson to be learned--that slow and persistent will win over quick and careless. Choose a creative and relevant title. The title should capture the spirit of the overall story and should also be enticing enough to catch the reader's attention. It's usually best to save this step until you've written or at least outlined your story so you can ensure that the title you choose will reflect the story overall. You might choose something basic and descriptive, in the tradition of Aesop's Fables (eg, "The Tortoise and the Hare"), or choose a slightly more creative or irreverent title like "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" or "The Eyebrow Story." Review and revise. Read back through your fable in its entirety and verify that all the pieces are in place and work in harmony. Watch out for places where the fable may be overly wordy or complicated. The nature of fable is a simple, concise story that doesn't mince words or lapse into purple prose. Verify that each piece--setting, character, conflict, resolution, and moral--is clearly established and easily understandable. Edit for grammar and style. After you have nailed down the story's content, go back through your fable again, this time focusing on sentence-level issues of grammar and clarity. For a guide to making sentence-level edits, go here. Recruit a friend or colleague to read over your text. A second set of eyes is often key to catching errors. Share your work! Once all the finishing touches are in place, it's time to get your work out to an audience. The easiest and most logical place to start is with family and friends: post your fable on Facebook, post it to a blog and share the link through social media, and/or submit to sites that publish creative writing. For an extensive listing of online literary magazines that accept submissions, go here. | Choose the moral. Decide the problem. Decide on the cast of characters. Determine the characters' archetypes. Choose the setting. Decide the resolution to the problem. Fill out your outline. Set the plot in action. Develop dialog. Set out the resolution. Articulate the lesson. Choose a creative and relevant title. Review and revise. Edit for grammar and style. Share your work! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Good-Selfies | How to Take Good Selfies | To take good selfies, start by finding a room with plenty of natural light for the most flattering results. You can experiment with different angles to show off your features, or if you're taking a close-up, consider playing up a single feature. Remember to smile or create another interesting expression! Consider experimenting with filters to create different looks or atmospheres -- your smartphone's camera probably has a few you can try out, or you can download a filter app with a wide variety to choose from. | Capture a good angle. Instead of taking the picture head-on, experiment with different angles to show off your features. If you turn your head a few degrees to the right or left, your features will appear less flat. Holding the camera slightly higher than your head so that it's pointing down on you will make your eyes look bigger and help you avoid "pig nose." Here are a few other ideas for finding a good angle: Know your "good side" and take the photo from that side of your face. It's the side of your face that looks the most balanced and symmetrical. Angling the camera slightly above yourself and taking a snapshot of your face and chest will highlight your cleavage. Since this position is fairly unnatural, odds are, you already know what the camera will focus on when you take a selfie like this. Show off something new. If you decide to take a selfie to show off a new haircut or a new pair of earrings, make sure that you frame the photo in a way that highlights the new feature that has you so excited. Be sure to smile or do something cheerful. A sad face or a frown will not help. A selfie showing off your new hairstyle, for example, should show your hair from the most flattering angle. On a similar note, a selfie showing off a mustache should show the mustache straight-on, and the same goes for a selfie showing off a new pair of glasses. You could also take a selfie holding a new item you just bought, or even a food item you're about to eat. Focus on one feature. If you're planning on doing a closeup of your face, consider glamming up one feature while downplaying the others. This works especially well if there is one feature that you are especially pleased with. For instance, if you love your eyes, play them up with mascara and complementary eye shadow while keeping your complexion and lips fairly natural. Likewise, if your smile is your most charming feature, keep your cheeks and eyes looking natural while donning a stunningly beautiful lipstick. Have an interesting expression. You can't go wrong with smiling! Maybe smiling for the camera—or camera phone, as the case might be—makes you feel a little silly, but taking a random photo of yourself with your phone is a silly enough action in itself. If you're on the serious side, a cool, collected expression could also go over well. You can play around with different smiles, of course. A closed-mouth coy smile can be just as appropriate and just as flattering as a wide, laughing grin. No matter what, a smile is one of the most appreciated and charming expressions you can wear. It can be hard to make sure your expression looks authentic. One way to make it look more real is to try to capture yourself when you're feeling an emotion. Try taking a selfie while you're watching a movie that's making you genuinely laugh, or right after you find out some shocking news. Take a full-length photo. If you want to show off a great new outfit or a fabulous figure after a diet, you will need to stand in front of a full-length mirror to capture your body from head to toe. In this instance, your face is no longer the focus of the photo. Take full body shots in a clutter-free space. The photo should focus completely on your figure, not on random objects in the background. You can appear more slender by slightly cocking your hip to the same side you are holding your camera in. Your opposite shoulder should come forward a bit, and your free arm should either dangle to your side or your free hand can rest on your hip. The chest should lean forward naturally, and the legs should be crossed at the ankle. Try a natural look. Do not add too many filters at a time. You can take a good picture of yourself as the outside world always sees you, but taking a snapshot of yourself with bedhead or minimal makeup can give the illusion that you're giving your social media followers a glimpse at the “real you.” This can be both interesting and sexy. If your just-out-of-bed look is more of a nightmare than a dream, however, you can straighten up a little. Even light makeup can give the impression that you are showing your “natural” face, especially if you tend to wear much more makeup than what you put on for your selfie. Snap a photo of your shoes. If you decide to take a selfie of your feet after you slip on a great new pair of shoes, angle the camera so that your leg appears slender as it leads up to your foot. Aim the camera straight down. The edge of the frame should land somewhere on your thighs, fairly close to your hips. This angle makes your legs look as long as possible. Know which poses are considered passé. There are certain selfie poses that became wildly popular and are now well past their prime. You can still contribute your own examples to the mix, but do it with a little self-awareness so people know you're in on the joke. Notable choices include the infamous "duck face," muscle flexing, pretending to be asleep, or pretending to be caught off guard by someone else. The duck face is a combination of puckered lips and wide eyes, originally made famous by Snookie and friends. Do it at your own risk! Taking a selfie and pretending that someone else took it is hard to pull off. There will be some clue in your posture or actions that will give you away and open you up to criticism. If you do it with a slight smile or a wink, people will realize it's an intentional setup. Pay attention to good lighting. Having a solid light source is an essential part of taking any kind of photograph, and selfies are no different. If you try to take a selfie in a dimly-lit room or one with harsh fluorescent lighting, it won't turn out the way you want it to. Natural light is the most flattering kind, so try to take your selfie near a window or outdoors. Keep these factors in mind when you shoot: Keep the sun or other light source in front of you, a bit above eye level, for the most flattering shot. The light will brighten and soften your features, rather than casting harsh shadows across your face. If it's off to the side or behind you, your features could appear shadowy or distorted. Consider using a thin curtain to diffuse sunlight or a single light source. It makes the light softer and more flattering. It will give the impression of smoother, softer facial lines so that your smile appears more attractive. Natural light renders colors more faithfully than artificial light, but you can use artificial light to fill shadows. If you don't have the best lighting, most modern digital cameras have some automatic color correction to make up for it. Don't use your flash if you can help it. It'll create a forehead glare, distort your appearance and possibly give your selfie the redeye effect. Use your phone's back camera. Many cell phones have two cameras: one in the back, and one in the front. Instead of using the camera in the front to take selfies, use the one in the back. The back camera takes higher-resolution pictures than the front camera, which will end up taking a blurrier selfie. You'll have to turn the phone around, and you won't be able to see your face as you take the picture, but it's worth the trouble to use the back camera. Don't use a mirror unless there's no other way to get the shot you want. The picture will appear in reverse, your camera will be visible, and you're likely to end up with a strange glare. Plus, your selfie could appear distorted, since mirror glass doesn't always reflect back a perfectly accurate image. Stretch out your arm, use your wrist to point the camera toward your face, and snap away. It might take some practice to get it right, but eventually you'll know exactly where to position the camera to make sure it captures your whole face (and never cuts off the top of your head). The exception would be if you want to take a full-body selfie, since it can be hard to capture more than your head and shoulders without using a mirror. Practice using both your right and left hand to take selfies. See which one allows you to get the angles you want. Consider the background of your picture. The best selfies have more than just a face. There's something interesting to look at in the background, too. Whether you take your selfie inside or outdoors, check around you first to see what's going on in the background. Position yourself so that you're in front of the background you want people to see. Nature always makes a great background. In the spring and summer, you can pose in a small wooded area or near a blossoming bush of flowers if you need a quick and easy backdrop. For fall, capture the color of the changing leaves in the background, and in winter, capture the majesty of ice and snow. If nature is not your thing, you could stay indoors and take a selfie in your room. Tidy things up first, though. You could also display something interesting in the background as long as it is not distracting. For instance, if you love to read, then a bookcase or stack of books would be a good backdrop. A movie poster with a lot of different people on it could be distracting, however. Watch out for photo-bombers. The standard culprits include younger siblings, crying children, and dogs taking a bathroom break on the lawn behind you. Before you snap your selfie, take a quick look around to make sure that no one and nothing is lurking in the shadows, waiting to ruin your moment. Of course, if a photo-bomber still manages to sneak into your selfie, you can always retake the photo after the intrusion leaves. Just make sure to check the background thoroughly before you upload your newest selfie. Sometimes photo-bombers actually add to the selfie! Don't discount a picture just because it has your little sister in it. Her goofy face juxtaposed with your serious one could make it that much more interesting a picture. If you do not want to re-take your selfie, you can always remove the photo-bomber using an image manipulation program , or just crop your image using your smartphone's built-in image editing features. Grab a few more people to be in the photo. The first requirement of a selfie is that you have be in it, but there's no rule that says you have to be alone! Grab some friends, siblings, your dog, and other people to take a picture with you. The picture won't be as controlled, but it'll be visually interesting and fun for other people to look at and share. This is a good way to take a selfie in public if you're self-conscious about taking a picture of just yourself. The more people in the picture, the better when it comes to sharing! If you have a group of friends instead of just one or two, the picture is likely to get passed around and liked by more people. Experiment with filters. Most people who take selfies also happen to have an app on their phones that can add interesting dimension through the use of color and light filters. Not every filter is right for every selfie, so play around with different options before settling on the best one. The simplest filters are “black and white” and “sepia." Even if you don't have an app installed on your phone, you probably have these features. Other popular filters include those that make the photo look vintage, creepy, romantic, or darker. Feel free to test them all out and see which ones go best with your photo. Edit the photo. If you have photo editing software, you can also touch up any blemishes or flaws on the selfie before uploading it to a social media account. You can cut out parts of the background, resize the photo so it frames your face differently, change the way the light looks, and so on. Many of these edits can be made on your phone without using an app, but you might want to look into the dozens of apps available for this purpose. That said, you should use photo editing sparingly. If you cannot make your edits look completely natural, err on the side of caution and delete the changes rather than posting an obvious fake. Upload it to all your feeds. Share your selfie on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram for all your friends to see. In most cases you can add a caption to describe what's happening in the picture, but you might want to just let it speak for itself. When you upload a selfie, own it! Pretending that you were taking a picture of something else and your face just happened to be there, won't fool anyone, so be proud to show off your lovely face. Be aware that some people find selfies annoying, and you might draw some negative comments. If your online albums end up full of selfies, you might want to consider diversifying. Be sure to leave the types of comments you want to see on other people's selfies. The more "likes" and shares you give others, the more you'll get. Get in on trends. Selfies have really taken off in the past few years, and it's fun to participate in selfie-related trends. What selfie trends are filling up your feed? Don't be shy about uploading some pictures of your own, too. Here are a few popular ones: Throwback Thursdays: Every Thursday, people post pictures of themselves from an earlier time. See if you can dig up a selfie from childhood, or simply post one from last week! From Where I Stand: This hashtag was created by people who wanted to share poignant shots from their own perspectives. Take a picture of your feet as you stand in a country you're visiting for the first time, on the beach, on a cracked city sidewalk or anywhere else you want to share. Feminist Selfie: This hashtag started trending on Twitter and really took off. It's about being proud to post your picture even if you aren't stereotypically gorgeous. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Hair Smile: This one's all about showing off your hair. If you consider it to be your greatest asset, take a selfie featuring your hair instead of your smile. Make sure the setting is appropriate. There are some places that should be completely off-limits to selfies, like funerals or the scene of an accident. Most situations like this are pretty common sense, but as a general rule, ask yourself if taking a selfie in a given situation could upset or offend people who see it. If the answer is “yes," save your selfie for another time. Funerals, weddings, and other major occasions are off limits. If you are at an event meant to focus on or celebrate another human being, put down your smart phone and step out of the limelight. Similarly, if you are at a memorial site, keep the phone in your pocket. Don't take selfies at a memorial or statue, especially if a tragic event took place there once before. | Capture a good angle. Show off something new. Be sure to smile or do something cheerful. Focus on one feature. Have an interesting expression. Take a full-length photo. Try a natural look. Snap a photo of your shoes. Know which poses are considered passé. Pay attention to good lighting. Use your phone's back camera. Don't use a mirror unless there's no other way to get the shot you want. Consider the background of your picture. Watch out for photo-bombers. Grab a few more people to be in the photo. Experiment with filters. Edit the photo. Upload it to all your feeds. Get in on trends. Make sure the setting is appropriate. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cite-the-Bible | How to Cite the Bible | If you want to cite the Bible using MLA format, start with the title of the specific version of the Bible you used in italics. Then, include the editor's name, if listed, the name of the publisher, and the year it was published. You will also want to list the URL and the date you accessed the site, if you are citing an online Bible. To write your first in-text citation in MLA format, follow the quote with the italicized title of the Bible that you used, followed by a comma, then the book, chapter, and verse. After the first citation, your subsequent citations won't need to include the title. | Start your Works Cited entry with the version you used. Type the title of the specific version of the Bible that you used in italics. Use title case, capitalizing the first word and all nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, and verbs. Place a period at the end of the title. Example: The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Include the editor's name if listed. If the version you used has a named editor, you will likely find their name on the title page of the Bible. Type the words "Edited by" in regular font, followed by the editor's name in first name-last name format. Place a comma after the editor's name. Example: The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Edited by Michael D. Coogan, Close with publication information. Provide the name of the publisher of the version followed by a comma. Then type the year that version was published. Place a period after the year to end your Works Cited entry. Example: The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Edited by Michael D. Coogan, Oxford University Press, 2007. List the URL and your date of access for online Bibles. If you accessed an online version of the Bible, your Works Cited entry includes the name of the website as the publisher along with the URL for the website. Leave the "http://" part off of the URL. Place a period at the end of the URL, then type the word "Accessed" followed by the date you last accessed the source in day-month-year format. Abbreviate the names of months with more than 4 letters. Place a period at the end of the year. Example: New International Version. Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com. Accessed 29 Jan. 2019. List the version in your first in-text citation. The first time you reference the Bible in your paper, add a parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence, inside the closing punctuation. Type the name of the version of the Bible you used in italics, followed by a comma. Then provide the book, chapter, and verse in regular font. Abbreviate the names of books as shown in the MLA handbook. Separate chapter and verse with a period. Example: ( New International Version , Rom. 12.2). Provide only book, chapter, and verse for subsequent citations. As long as you only used one version of the Bible, you don't need to include the version in your parenthetical citations after listing it once. Simply provide the name of the book, chapter, and verse. In-text citations are designed to point your readers to the full citation listed in your Works Cited. If you used several different versions of the Bible as sources, let your readers know when you've switched to a different version by adding the name of the version to the parenthetical citation. Identify the version you used in your first parenthetical citation. APA doesn't require a full citation in your reference list at the end of your paper. At the end of any sentence in which you've referenced the Bible, place a parenthetical citation with the book, chapter, and verse followed by the name of the version in regular font. Separate chapter and verse with a colon. Abbreviate the names of the books of the Bible following the abbreviations listed in the APA publication manual. For example: "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father" (Matt. 5:16 New Living Translation). Include only the book, chapter, and verse in subsequent in-text citations. As long as you're using the same version of the Bible, you don't have to continue to list the name of the version in your parenthetical citations. Simply list the book, chapter, and verse. For example: "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father" (Matt. 5:16). If you switch to a different version, for example, if you were comparing translations, then you would list the different version in the parenthetical citation. Include a reference list entry if required by your editor or instructor. Although the APA doesn't require a full citation in your reference list, your editor or instructor may want one. Ask what they prefer, or when in doubt include reference list entries, particularly if you are comparing several versions. Follow the format for citing a book. For example, your reference list entry might look like this: The New Oxford Annotated Bible. (2007). M. D. Coogan (Ed.). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. List the book, chapter, and verse in a footnote. Start your footnote with the name of the book, abbreviated using the Chicago abbreviation tables. Add the chapter, followed by a colon, then the verse or range of verses. Example: 1 Cor. 13:4 If you're citing several books or chapters of the same book in the same footnote, separate those citations with a semi-colon. For example: 1 Cor. 13:4; 15:12-29. A list of abbreviations used in Chicago or Turabian style can be found at http://hbl.gcc.libguides.com/BibleAbbrevChicago if you don't have a copy of the manual handy. Close your footnote citation with the name of the version you used. In the first footnote you use to cite to the Bible, include the name of the version you used. You can either spell out the full name of the version or use an abbreviation. No period is necessary at the end of your citation. Example: 1 Cor. 13:4 Revised Standard Version After your first footnote, there's no need to add the name of the version unless you switch to a different version, such as if you were comparing translations. Include an entry in your bibliography if requested by your editor or instructor. Chicago and Turabian don't require a bibliography entry for the Bible. If you do provide a bibliography entry, format it the same way you would for any other book. For example, your bibliography entry might be formatted like this: Coogan, Michael D., ed. The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007. | Start your Works Cited entry with the version you used. Include the editor's name if listed. Close with publication information. List the URL and your date of access for online Bibles. List the version in your first in-text citation. Provide only book, chapter, and verse for subsequent citations. Identify the version you used in your first parenthetical citation. Include only the book, chapter, and verse in subsequent in-text citations. Include a reference list entry if required by your editor or instructor. List the book, chapter, and verse in a footnote. Close your footnote citation with the name of the version you used. Include an entry in your bibliography if requested by your editor or instructor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diamond-Paint | How to Diamond Paint | To diamond paint, start by pouring out your first diamond color into the tray that came with your set. Then, dip your pen tool into your gel or wax, which you need to stick the diamonds to your picture. Then, pick up a diamond with your pen and press it into a square that matches the color's number. Fill in the squares one color at a time until you've finished the whole picture. When you're done, cover your picture with the sheet it came with and use a rolling pin or jar to go over it, which will help secure any loose diamonds. | Purchase a diamond painting kit. You can find these online although some well-stocked craft stores may also carry them. Each brand will be a little different, but most kits will contain the following: a pre-printed canvas, flat-backed diamonds also known as drills, a tray, a pen-like tool, and a packet of gel or wax. Understand how to read the canvas. The canvas is composed of tiny boxes that are colored and labeled with numbers, letters and/or symbols, much like a cross-stitch canvas. Each symbol corresponds to a diamond color. The symbols are written on a chart, with the corresponding bag and drill color written below or next to it. The chart is typically printed on the side of the canvas. Unroll the canvas and tape it down onto a flat surface. If the canvas won't lay flat, roll it back the other way, then unroll it. Spread it down onto a flat surface, then secure the edges with masking tape. This project can be time consuming. Consider taping the canvas to a board, which you can move out of the way easily. Peel back part of the plastic covering on the canvas. Do not peel all of the plastic away; 1 to 2 inches(2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) will be plenty. Run your fingernail along the plastic to crease it so that it doesn't roll forwards. Some kits come with pre-cut plastic strips. In this case, simply peel off a short section of the first strip. Pour out your first drill color into the tray. Shake the tray gently to distribute the diamonds and set them in the right direction. Look at the part of canvas you just exposed. Choose a box to start with and note the symbol in it. Match the symbol on the canvas with the chart, then find the bag with the same symbol. Open up the bag, and pour out some of the diamonds onto the tray that came with your kit. Gently shake the tray to settle the drills and set them upright. Some kits come with multiple trays. You can use the other trays for the other colors in that section. Dip your pen tool into the gel or wax that came with your kit. Open up the packet of gel/wax that came with your kit and dip the metal end of the pen into the gel/wax to pick some up. This will make it possible for the pen to pick up the drills. Some kits come with a special wax pencil that you have to sharpen instead. In this case, sharpen the pencil using a pencil sharpener. Some pens will have a wide end too, which you can use to pick up to three drills at one time. This will also need to be dipped in the gel/wax first. Use the pen to pick up a diamond. Gently press the tip of the pen against the top, faceted part of the drill. Lift the pen away from the tray; the drill should be stuck to it. Keep the tray just below the edge of your canvas; this will make it easier to access. Gently press the drill onto the corresponding square. Pull the pen away; the crystal should be stuck against the canvas. If you are just starting out, it might be a good idea to press lightly at first. This way, if the drill is off-set, you can nudge it back into place, then press down on it to secure it. This is exactly like painting by number, except that you are using drills instead. Fill the rest of the squares in that section. Work one color at a time and refill the pen with wax as needed. When you finish filling in all the squares with the same symbols, move onto the next color. This will help you work faster and stay organized. Avoid resting your hand against the canvas; the more you touch the sticky surface, the less tacky it will become. Peel away more of the plastic covering, and fill in more squares. Continue filling in the canvas using the same technique as before. Work in 1 to 2-inch (2.54 to 5.08-centimeter) wide sections, one color at a time. When you completely fill in a section, move on to the next one. Do not peel the entire plastic covering away, or the adhesive on the canvas will get dirty and lose its tack. Always replace the covering when you've finished for the day to protect the still open sections. Cover the canvas with the plastic sheet that it came with. If you discarded the sheet, you can cover it with a piece of parchment paper; avoid using any kind of paper especially wax paper on the open canvas. Go over the canvas with a rolling pin. This will press down any loose diamonds and secure them. If you don't have a rolling pin, you can use a can or jar instead. You can also gently rub the canvas with your hands instead. Stack some heavy books on top of the canvas overnight. This will help further adhere the diamonds to the canvas and ensure that they bond properly. If you don't have any books large enough to cover the canvas, you can use another flat, heavy object, such as a box or cutting board. Peel the tape away. Lift the books off first, then peel the plastic covering off. Peel the tape from the corners of the canvas. Frame the canvas. Remove the glass from the frame first, then insert the canvas into the frame. Fold the excess edges down, then place the backing into place. For a fancier touch, place the canvas behind a mat first; this will give the canvas an additional border within the frame. Choose a color that complements the diamonds. | Purchase a diamond painting kit. Understand how to read the canvas. Unroll the canvas and tape it down onto a flat surface. Peel back part of the plastic covering on the canvas. Pour out your first drill color into the tray. Look at the part of canvas you just exposed. Open up the bag, and pour out some of the diamonds onto the tray that came with your kit. Dip your pen tool into the gel or wax that came with your kit. Use the pen to pick up a diamond. Gently press the drill onto the corresponding square. Fill the rest of the squares in that section. Peel away more of the plastic covering, and fill in more squares. Cover the canvas with the plastic sheet that it came with. Go over the canvas with a rolling pin. Stack some heavy books on top of the canvas overnight. Peel the tape away. Frame the canvas. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Loosen-Tight-Braids | How to Loosen Tight Braids | If your braids are too tight and you need to loosen them, slip the thin handle of a fine-tooth comb beneath your braids near your scalp. Wiggle the comb back and forth to try to get some relief from the discomfort, but take your time so you don't ruin your braids. You can also spray a leave-in conditioner, cold water, or braid spray onto your scalp to help loosen the braids and soothe your scalp. Apply this as needed throughout the day. | Use the thin handle of a comb to decrease tension at the scalp. Slip the thin end of a long-handled fine-tooth comb underneath cornrows or tight braids to get some relief. You could also use the blunt end of a skewer or the eraser end of a pencil. Gently wiggle the eraser, skewer, or handle to loosen the braid at the scalp. Be careful and take your time so as not to ruin your braids. Keep in mind that the braids will loosen up on their own over time. Spray a leave-in conditioner at the base of the braids. Adding a leave-in conditioner to your dry braids can reduce their tension and tightness. Lightly mist your scalp with leave-in conditioner and use your fingers to gently work the conditioner into your scalp and braids. Alternatively, you could spray cold water onto your scalp for instant relief. Use a braid spray to soften and loosen your hair. If you get your hair braided often, invest in a specially formulated braid spray to soften your hair and soothe your scalp. You can pick up these sprays at salons and stores that sell specialty beauty products. Spritz the braid spray on your scalp to prevent itching and lubricate your braids, which will soften and loosen them. Look for soothing sprays made with aloe vera, tea tree oil, sulfur, or lavender oil. Use this spray when you're getting ready in the morning and throughout the day as needed to reduce tension caused by tight braids. Massage your scalp with oil every day for 1 to 2 minutes. While you have braids in, it's important to do daily scalp massages with oil. Use 1 tbsp (14.8 mL) of a pure, natural oil like avocado, castor, coconut, jojoba, or almond oil. Apply the oil to your scalp, then massage it in with your fingers using gentle, circular motions. Do this for 1 to 2 minutes each day. Try adding a few drops of essential oil to the oil you choose to scent and refresh your scalp. Peppermint essential oil can help with scalp itchiness, so consider using that for your daily scalp massages. Take a warm shower to increase your hair's elasticity. Warm water will open up your hair shafts, making your braids looser and more elastic. Jump into a warm shower and allow the water to run over your scalp and through your braids. Rub your scalp gently at the base of the braids as the warm water falls over them to encourage loosening. Avoid being rough with your braids. After getting out of the shower, use a towel to remove excess water from your hair by gently patting your braids. If your hair is naturally curly, wetting the braids may cause frizziness. Use a hair steamer to loosen your braids. You can pick up a hair steamer at your local beauty shop, or visit the salon and use theirs. Set up the hair steamer, then sit under it. Direct the steam at your braids, concentrating on the places you are feeling the most tension. Sit under the hair steamer in 10-minute sessions, with short breaks in between, until your braids feel better. You can apply a deep-conditioner to your scalp before sitting under the steamer to increase the relief. Wrap a warm, damp towel around your head for an hour. Applying moist heat directly to your braids will increase their elasticity and relieve tension. First, wet a towel with warm water. Wring out the excess moisture, then gently wrap the towel around your head like a turban. Leave your hair under the towel for an hour before removing it. Communicate your feelings to your stylist immediately. Don't be afraid to tell your stylist that your braids are too tight! As a paying customer, you should be comfortable with your style, so speak up as soon as you notice the braids are too tight. Don't wait until the stylist completes all of your braids -- inform them right away so they can correct the problem. Avoid returning to a stylist that consistently braids too tightly. One comment to a stylist is all it should take to get them to loosen up their braiding style. If you inform your stylist that the braids are too tight but it continues to be a problem, don't return to that person for future braids. Research other stylists in the area and book an appointment with someone new. Look for customer reviews of the stylist you have in mind to see what others are saying about their techniques. Avoid updos for several days after getting new braids. Putting your braids up on top of your head in a bun or other updos can increase tightness, especially right after you've had them done. After getting your hair braided, wear it down for a couple of days to avoid added tension on your scalp. Try letting your braids hang loosely around your shoulders. If you want them out of your face, tie your braids back gently in a low ponytail. Use a loose hair tie made of fabric and avoid rubber bands. Remove the braids as a last resort if they keep hurting. Though you may have spent a hefty chunk of change getting your hair braided, if they are way too tight and are causing you pain, the best solution is to remove them. You can take them out yourself or go back to the hair salon and ask your stylist to take them out. Let your stylist know that they are too tight and are causing you pain. | Use the thin handle of a comb to decrease tension at the scalp. Spray a leave-in conditioner at the base of the braids. Use a braid spray to soften and loosen your hair. Massage your scalp with oil every day for 1 to 2 minutes. Take a warm shower to increase your hair's elasticity. Use a hair steamer to loosen your braids. Wrap a warm, damp towel around your head for an hour. Communicate your feelings to your stylist immediately. Avoid returning to a stylist that consistently braids too tightly. Avoid updos for several days after getting new braids. Remove the braids as a last resort if they keep hurting. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Cats-from-Urinating-on-Carpet | How to Prevent Cats from Urinating on Carpet | To prevent your cat from urinating on carpets, flip area rugs upside down to change their texture, which your cat may not like. Try putting double-sided sticky tape around the edges of the rug where your cat is urinating, since cats don't like that sensation, either. You can also put a litter box on the carpet where your cat likes to urinate. Then, give your cat 1 month to get used to going there before moving the litter box a little bit each day to where you want the cat using it. | Take your cat to see a veterinarian. A medical issue, such as a urinary tract infection, may be causing your cat to urinate on the carpet instead of in a litter box. Before you try any other intervention to remedy the situation, you should take your cat to see a veterinarian to treat any medical issues that may be causing the behavior. Getting your cat checked out right away is important to protect the health and well-being of your pet and to prevent a long-lasting litter box aversion. Squatting for long periods of time, blood in the urine, frequent urination and meowing while trying to urinate are all signs that your pet might have a bladder or urinary tract issue or infection. These health problems can cause litter box avoidance. Inappropriate urinations can be a medical condition and with male cats can actually be an early sign of a life-threatening blockage. Clean accidents with an enzymatic cleaner. Cleaning up accidents right after they happen will also help deter your cat from using the same spot again. Use an enzymatic cleaner rather than an ammonia based one. Ammonia-based cleaners may cause your cat to urinate more often on the spot because she may interpret the ammonia as another cat's urine that she must cover up with her own urine. Consider having your carpets cleaned professionally if they are heavily soiled. Some rugs may be beyond cleaning if the messes were not taken care of right away. Get rid of rugs that have been soiled repeatedly by your cat. Place a litter box over the spot on the rug where your cat likes to urinate. If your cat has started going to the bathroom on a rug or carpet, place a litter box over that spot to encourage her to use the box instead. After she has used the box for one month, move it an inch per day until it is back where you want it to be. Flip carpet runners and area rugs upside down. Cats may develop a preference for a specific rug and begin using it as a bathroom. Turning over rugs and carpet runners may discourage your cat by changing the texture of the surface. Try flipping over your rugs and carpets for a few days to see if that stops your cat from urinating on them. Apply double sided sticky tape to edges of rugs. Sticky tape can discourage a cat from urinating on a rug because the sensation of the tape on its paws is unpleasant. Try applying double sided sticky tape to the edges of area rugs as well as over the spot where your cat likes to urinate. Play with your cat around her box. Your cat may be urinating on the carpet because she has developed a negative association with using the litter box. Negative associations with the litter box may be improved by doing things like playing with your cat around the litter box. Try playing with your cat a few feet away from her box a few times per day to help her generate more positive feelings about the litter box. Do not try to reward your cat for using the litter box by giving her treats. Cats don't like to be disturbed while they use the litter box. You can leave treats and toys near your cat's litter box, but do not keep your cat's food and water dish next to her box. Cats don't like to eat too close to where they use the bathroom. Talk to your veterinarian again if things don’t improve. Encouraging your cat to use the litter box takes time and effort, but it may not always be successful. Some veterinarians undergo special training to help people deal with problems such as urinating outside of the box. If your cat does not improve over time, consider speaking to a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Consider how often you clean the litter box. Cats do not like to use a dirty litter box and they may begin going to the bathroom elsewhere if their litter box is dirty when they need to go. If you are not cleaning your cat's litter box every day, this may be the reason that your cat is urinating on the carpet. In addition to scooping out your cat's litter box every day, once per week you should also remove all the litter and clean the box with warm water and unscented soap or baking soda. When you are finished, dry the box and add fresh litter. Try a self-cleaning litter box to make it easier to keep your cat's litter box clean. Make sure that you have enough litter boxes in your house. It is important to have one more box than the number of cats in your household. For example, if you have three cats, then you should have four litter boxes. If you only have two litter boxes and you have three cats, then the number of litter boxes may be the reason why your cat is urinating on the carpet. Determine if your cat can access the litter box with ease. If your cat has to make a long trip to get to her litter box or if the litter box itself is difficult for your cat to get into and out of, that might be the reason why your cat is urinating on the carpet. Place your cat's litter boxes where it is easy for her to get to them in a hurry, such as one upstairs and one downstairs. Make sure that your cat will be able to see approaching humans or animals and easily get away. Cats don't like to feel cornered Attend to the needs of older cats by providing boxes with lower sides, for easier entrance and exit to the litter box. Place litter boxes near or over where your cat tends to urinate on the carpet. Find out if the litter you use is causing the problem. Cats may avoid using the litter box because they dislike the smell or texture of the litter, or because the litter is too deep. A shallow bed of medium to fine grain clumping litter is best, but you can also try offering your cat different types of litter to see what she prefers. Give your cat a choice of litter types by placing two litter boxes with two different types of litter right next to each other. At the end of the day, check to see which one your cat used. Provide a shallow bed of litter. Most cats prefer a litter box that has about 1-2 inches of litter. Determine if the style of the litter box may be causing your cat discomfort. Some cats avoid using a litter box because they don't like the size or shape of it. Often, cats prefer open litter boxes instead of hooded ones. Liners on a litter box may also be causing discomfort, so you can try removing those as well. Consider the size of your cat's litter box as well. If it is too small for her, then she may avoid using it. Cats likely feel about hooded litter boxes the same way we feel about porta potties—they're serviceable, but less than ideal. Decide if stress is causing your cat to urinate on the carpet. Other pets, children, or a noisy environment can all cause your cat to feel stressed and avoid the litter box. Make sure that your cat's litter box is kept in a place that is semi-dark, quiet, and secluded. If your cat's box is in a high traffic area, she will be less likely to use it. Try using Feliway diffusers to help your cat feel more relaxed. This product releases a scent that some cats find comforting. Consider your cat’s current or past medical conditions. Your cat's medical history may provide an explanation for why your cat has not been using the litter box. If you suspect that your cat is sick, take her to see a vet as soon as possible. Early treatment of an illness by help stop litter box problems as well as save your cat from pain and discomfort. Urinary tract infections and feline interstitial cystitis are common conditions that may cause your cat to urinate on the carpet. Urinary tract infections may cause a cat to avoid the litter box, even after the infection has been treated. Your cat may still associate the litter box with pain and want to avoid it. Feline interstitial cystitis is another common cause of litter box aversion. Cats with feline interstitial cystitis may urinate in the litter box because they feel the need to urinate more often. Kidney stones or a blockage of your cat's urinary tract may also result in a litter box aversion. Your cat may meow or howl while using the box and the fear of pain may continue even after treatment. Keep in mind that prompt treatment of these conditions is essential so that your cat does not develop a long lasting litter box aversion. Figure out if urine marking is the cause of your cat’s litter box problems. Urine marking is when your cat sprays a bit of urine on a piece of furniture or other surface to mark her territory. The amount of urine is much less than a cat will eliminate when urinating. If your cat is displaying this type of behavior, many of the suggestions in this article will be helpful, but there are additional things that you will need to do to help stop your cat from urine marking. Urine marking is most common in unneutered male cats but unspayed female cats may also exhibit this behavior, so it is important to have your cats spayed and neutered. Urine marking is also common in households with more than ten cats, so keeping the number of cats in your home below ten can also help with this problem. | Take your cat to see a veterinarian. Clean accidents with an enzymatic cleaner. Place a litter box over the spot on the rug where your cat likes to urinate. Flip carpet runners and area rugs upside down. Apply double sided sticky tape to edges of rugs. Play with your cat around her box. Talk to your veterinarian again if things don’t improve. Consider how often you clean the litter box. Make sure that you have enough litter boxes in your house. Determine if your cat can access the litter box with ease. Find out if the litter you use is causing the problem. Determine if the style of the litter box may be causing your cat discomfort. Decide if stress is causing your cat to urinate on the carpet. Consider your cat’s current or past medical conditions. Figure out if urine marking is the cause of your cat’s litter box problems. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Memorise-the-Periodic-Table | How to Memorise the Periodic Table | To memorize the periodic table, print a copy of the periodic table and take it with you so you can study on the go. You can also make flashcards for each element by writing the symbol on one side and listing the full name of the element on the other. If rote memorization isn't for you, try associating each element with an image or putting the entire table to song! Additionally, spell a word or phrase with the letters of the element, like "Zebras Need Zinc" to remember that Zn is the symbol for zinc. | Identify the different parts of each element. Generally, to learn the periodic table, you will need to know the element's name, symbol, atomic number, and occasionally the atomic weight. These are all contained within the element's square on the table. The element name is the word associated with the element. It usually appears in small letters under the symbol. Silver, for example, is the name of an element. The symbol is formed by one or two letters that represent the element. These are the big letters in the box. Ag is the symbol for silver. The atomic number is the number above the symbol. It tells you how many protons the element has. The periodic table is arranged numerically according to atomic number. The atomic number of silver is 47. The atomic weight or mass shows the average size of an atom. This is the number below the symbol. Silver's atomic weight, for example, is 107.868. Learn a few elements a day. Start with the first ten. Once you have mastered those, add in another ten. Keep reviewing the old elements even as you learn new ones. Start studying early so that you have time to memorize all 118 elements. The first ten elements of the periodic table have the atomic numbers 1-10. Print out a copy of the periodic table. Wherever you go, it will go with you. It's advisable to print out more than one copy. Keep one on your desk, one in your backpack or purse, and one wherever else you might go. You can also use a digital version on a phone or tablet, but these may be more difficult to use during school or work. Make flashcards for each element. On one side, put the element symbol, such as Ag, S, or Cu, as well as the atomic number. On the other side, put the full name of the element, such as Silver, Sulphur, or Copper. Use the cards to test yourself. If you need to know the group that each element belongs to, you may want to add that to the flashcard as well. For example, you may write “Ne” on one side and “Neon, a noble gas” on the other. Break down the table into smaller sections. You could go by row, column, atomic weight, groups, or blocks. Find patterns that stick out to you and use those to break up the table into manageable parts. The rows of the table are called periods. These run from one to seven. You might break it up by group, such as halogens, noble gases, or alkaline earth metals. Groups are organized vertically by the numbers running along the top of the table from one to fourteen. The colored portions of the table are called blocks. This may help you remember where the element is located on the table. The f-block, for example, contains the middle portion of the table. Quiz yourself during your breaks and free time. Instead of cramming for several hours, try studying whenever you have a few minutes to spare. This may be on the bus, during lunch, or while you're in line. You can: Go through note cards while you eat breakfast. Glance over the chart during a commercial break on TV. Chant the elements in order while running or exercising. Write out the elements while waiting for dinner to cook. Write a phrase to help you remember each element. Come up with a short slogan, story, or fact related to the sound or symbol of the element. These should be short phrases that help you remember the element's name and symbol. For example, Argentina was named after the metal silver (Argentum or Ag) because when the Spanish landed there, they thought that the country had lots of silver. Sometimes, you might make something funny to remember the element -- for example," 'EY! YOU! Give me back my GOLD!" can help you remember that the symbol for gold is Au. Darmstadtium is Ds, just like a Nintendo DS. If you want a mnemonic for this, try "DARN! STATS for my game were all lost on my Ds!" Spell a word or phrase with the letters of the element. Use the letters in an element symbol to create a phrase that will help you remember the element itself. You can also string together a sequence of elements to help you remember their order. These phrases don't have to make much sense. They just have to help you remember the element. For example, you might say “ Z ebras n eed zinc” to remember that Zn is the symbol for zinc. To remember the order of elements, create a sentence where the elements spell a word. For example, to learn Al Si P S Cl Ar, you might say, “Al SiPS CleAr water.” Associate each element with an image. An image will help you recall the element and its symbol more quickly than just memorizing the letters. Assign each element a picture. Use any image that makes sense to you. Use pictures that are associated with the element. For example, for aluminum, you might use a picture of aluminum foil. For helium, you might think of a balloon. You can also use pictures that sound like the element. For example, you might picture a pirate for Argon (Ar). Memorize the periodic table song. You can either create your own song or find one on the internet. Try to find a recently updated version, as new elements have been added. ASAPScience has a recent version of the song with the new elements added. One famous periodic table song is the “The Elements” by Tom Lehrer. Fill in a blank table from memory. Once you have studied for a few days, find a blank periodic table online. From memory, draw the elements in their proper place. Afterwards, compare it with a normal table to see how many you got right. Download periodic table apps onto your phone. There are several apps that can help you study the elements, symbols, atomic numbers, and atomic weights. These can be downloaded onto a smartphone or tablet. Some good apps include: Memorize the Periodic Table NOVA Elements Periodic Table app by Socratica The Elements Play online games to help you recall the elements. Several websites have online games that let you match elements to their symbol or fill in the gaps. These games can test your memory and improve your score before a big test. Some good ones include: Scratch: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/138809684/ Elemental Flash Cards Quiz: http://education.jlab.org/elementflashcards/ FunBrain: https://www.funbrain.com/games/periodic-table-game | Identify the different parts of each element. Learn a few elements a day. Print out a copy of the periodic table. Make flashcards for each element. Break down the table into smaller sections. Quiz yourself during your breaks and free time. Write a phrase to help you remember each element. Spell a word or phrase with the letters of the element. Associate each element with an image. Memorize the periodic table song. Fill in a blank table from memory. Download periodic table apps onto your phone. Play online games to help you recall the elements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Convince-Your-Parents-to-Let-You-Have-an-Instagram-Account | How to Convince Your Parents to Let You Have an Instagram Account | Your parents might not want you to have an Instagram account until you're older, but you can convince them to change their minds by being patient and responsible. While you might want to ask your parents for an Instagram account right away, wait until a time when you know they'll be in a good mood. If they're busy with work or angry at one of your siblings, then they'll be less likely to listen to you. Try starting a conversation with them after dinner or right after you ace a test. As you talk to them, explain how an Instagram account will benefit your life. For example, it can help you practice photography or share special moments with friends and family who live far away. If they say no, be respectful of their decision and offer to discuss it again at a later time. | Know that you must be 13 or older to have Instagram. In some places in Europe, the requirement is 18. Unfortunately, if you are under the age of 13 (or 18 depending on where you live) it is a violation of the Instagram Terms of Service to be on the app. It will not only be harder to get online, it will be difficult to convince your parents that an account is a good idea. Find a time to talk to them when they are in a good mood. Don't talk to them whenever they're busy, or worried, or when dealing with one of your siblings. If you catch them in a good mood they will be much more likely to let you on Instagram. Some good times to consider are: After dinner During a relaxing weekend. Shortly after an accomplishment, like a good report card. Explain the basics of Instagram to your parents. Many parents are uncomfortable with Instagram because they don't understand it. But Instagram is relatively simple when compared to sites like Facebook or Twitter. Users share photos with their friends, who can like or comment on them and post their own photos. There is an emphasis on photography instead of "status updates." The basics of Instagram are: Users post and edit pictures on Instagram with built-in photo-editing software. Users can follow their friends to see their pictures on a photo reel. While you can like and comment on photos, there is no "chat-room" function on Instagram. You do not need to provide any personal information, other than a private email address, to join. Tell your parents why you want to be on Instagram. Think of a reason why you want to get on Instagram. If you can show your parents how Instagram will benefit your life and creativity then they will be much more likely to let you get an account. Luckily, because Instagram is a photography site, it is easy to show your parents the benefits of the site: You want to practice photography. You want to explore famous photographers and locations. You and your friends capture and share special moments together online. Emphasize the creative aspects of Instagram. Instagram is an inherently creative app -- you get to take photos and edit the brightness, contrast, saturation, cropping, filter effects, and much more. This makes it different from other, more gossipy social media sites, and you should remind your parents of these differences. Show them professional accounts, like National Geographic or the Food Network, that match up to your interests. There is incredible art and photography on Instagram that your parents may not be aware of. Share and discuss Instagram's Parental Guide. Knowing that this conversation is taking place in living rooms across the world, Instagram has put together a helpful guide for parents to help them and their children navigate the service. The guide discusses what Instagram is, ways to fight common concerns, and the potential pros and cons of the app. You can find the guide in multiple languages through the Instagram Help Center → Privacy & Safety Center → Tips for Parents. Help your parents start their own account. Help them set up an account and let them follow you, which lets them feel like they can be a part of your Instagram and eases their concerns. Many parents won't want to be on Instagram anyway, but this step shows them that you are willing to compromise and have nothing to conceal. This is also a great way to show parents how simple Instagram is to use, which may help them feel more comfortable with the app. Have a discussion, not an argument. Coming into this talk prepared for a fight will just make your parents less likely to see your side of things. Look them in the eyes and invite them to ask you questions. If they feel like you are reasonable and responsible then Instagram will seem reasonable and responsible as a result. Make eye contact, if you feel comfortable with doing so. Keep your voice calm and collected. Agree with them on certain points, even if you have a "counter-point." Focus on you and your trustworthiness, not the shadow of "evil" online lurkers. Be respectful of their answer. If they say yes, thank them and give them a quick hug. Stay true to any promises you made about the account and start enjoying Instagram. If they say no, let them know that you understand their decision, but would love to talk to them a little more about Instagram later. Assure them that the site is safe and ask them if they would be willing to do a little more research -- the Instagram Help Center, for example, has an entire section on "Tips for Parents." Yelling or getting angry now will only hurt your chances of getting an account later. Ask your parents again 1-2 weeks after the first no. Be respectful and courteous when you bring it up again. "Have you had any time to think about my Instagram account?" is a great way to broach the subject without coming outright and asking. Allow this to be a conversation, not an argument, but still come ready to explain the site and the measures you'll take to stay safe. Ask your parents why they are concerned about Instagram. Some parents have viable concerns about Instagram, but you can never convince them to let you on if you don't know what is holding them back. Avoid getting angry or picking a fight with them. Listen to their concerns with an open mind -- starting an argument now will only make them less likely to let you online the next time you ask. Common issues with Instagram include: You aren't mature enough yet. There are bad people on the internet. Public photos will follow you for the rest of your life. Let them know that you understand internet dangers and how to avoid them. This can be one of the most persuasive arguments you have because it shows you know how to be responsible online. It also addresses their concerns before they have a chance to talk about them. Tell them that you are aware of cyberbullying and internet scamming and assure them that you know that photos can last online for a long time. However, you should focus on what you are doing to prevent problems: Private accounts allow you to manually choose who you let follow you. Anyone can anonymously flag rude, offensive, or explicit content for removal. You do not need to give your real name or contact information on Instagram. Geotagging, which attaches your location to your photos, can be turned off in "Settings." Show your responsibility around the house. Let your parents see that you are mature enough to handle the responsibility of an Instagram account. This includes doing your chores and homework on time, listening to their requests, treating your siblings with respect every day. Remember, however, that if you are only doing this to "trick" them into letting you on Instagram you'll likely lose your account the minute you stop being responsible. To get their blessing you need to be respectful every day Promise that you'll keep your account private. Private accounts have a lot of benefits that keep you off of search engines and let you control who sees your photos. This is often enough to convince your parents that Instagram is a safe place for you online. As opposed to public accounts, private accounts: Allow you to accept or deny any new followers. Removes you from search engine results. Hides your information and photos from anyone you have not cleared already. Offer to share your password with your parents, as long as they agree not to post anything. This assures your parents that there is nothing lewd or explicit going on behind their backs. While it may feel weird to "share" your account with your parents, this is a great way to compromise if they still won't let you on. Set up your account together, which lets them see the app first-hand. Follow through on your promises. If there were some conditions to get your account, make sure you do what you say you would. Keep your account private, don't change the password if you share it with them, and don't post explicit or offensive photos. This is especially important if your parents were hesitant to let you on in the first place. Show them that you deserve the responsibility and can handle it maturely. Answer any questions they have. If they want to know what kinds of accounts you follow, be open and let them know. Even if you've done nothing wrong, being defensive or secretive can lead them to the wrong conclusions, which may end in you losing your Instagram account. Make them feel like a part of your account. This lets them feel included and validates their decision to let you on the site. There are a lot of simple, easy ways to do this that don't have to involve allowing them onto your account: Show them pictures you've taken. Ask them to help pick a filter every now and then. Take a "family selfie" with them on vacation or at a cool location. Let your parents know when you are making changes to your account. If you've shown that you can be responsible with an account for 3-6 months, politely let you parents know that you are making your account public to gain more followers. If your parents find out about these changes before you tell them, they may feel like their trust has been violated and will overreact, potentially cutting your account. Avoid making Instagram the center of your life. Instagram is an extension of your social life, not your entire life, so don't give your parents the impression that all you do is look at your phone. This is not only important for them, but for you. After all, it is hard to take great photos if you are looking at a screen all day. Effective Instagram accounts post 1-3 pictures a day, not 100. | Know that you must be 13 or older to have Instagram. Find a time to talk to them when they are in a good mood. Explain the basics of Instagram to your parents. Tell your parents why you want to be on Instagram. Emphasize the creative aspects of Instagram. Share and discuss Instagram's Parental Guide. Help your parents start their own account. Have a discussion, not an argument. Be respectful of their answer. Ask your parents again 1-2 weeks after the first no. Ask your parents why they are concerned about Instagram. Let them know that you understand internet dangers and how to avoid them. Show your responsibility around the house. Promise that you'll keep your account private. Offer to share your password with your parents, as long as they agree not to post anything. Follow through on your promises. Answer any questions they have. Make them feel like a part of your account. Let your parents know when you are making changes to your account. Avoid making Instagram the center of your life. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Perform-CPR-on-a-Dog | How to Perform CPR on a Dog | To perform CPR on a dog, open its mouth and remove anything blocking its airway. Next, pull the dog's tongue forward and slightly tilt the head back to open the airway. Then, place your mouth over the airway and hold one hand under the lower jaw to close the mouth. Blow firmly enough into the dog's snout to lift the dog's chest wall, then release your lips to allow the air to escape. Aim for 20-30 breaths a minute, or 1 breath every 2-3 seconds. If there's no heartbeat, perform 10-12 chest compressions after each artificial breath. | Call the vet or an emergency animal hospital. The first thing you need to do when you find a dog that appears to be in serious distress is to call for help. Get a passerby or friend to phone the emergency vet so that you can immediately begin administering first aid if you determine that the dog isn't breathing. Because it will take time for emergency assistance to arrive, you'll need to begin care as soon as possible and continue until help arrives. Determine if the dog is breathing. A collapsed dog that is unconscious may still be breathing, and if the dog's still breathing, CPR is not required. So it's imperative that you first determine whether CPR is necessary before beginning. To determine if the dog is breathing, watch for a subtle rise and fall of the chest. A dog normally takes between 20 - 30 breaths a minute, which means its chest will move every 2 - 3 seconds. If you can't see the chest moving, place your cheek close to the dog's nose to feel for air flow against your skin. If his chest does not move and you can't feel air movement, the dog is not breathing. Check for a heartbeat. To locate the heart, lay the dog on its side, swing its front elbow back to the point where it meets the chest wall. That point is the third to fifth intercostal space, which is where the heart lies. Watch the chest wall at this point on the chest and look for signs of the dog's hairs moving in time with a heartbeat. If you don't see any movement, place your fingers over that same point on the chest and apply gentle pressure, feeling for the bump of a heartbeat against your fingertips. If you can't feel a heartbeat, check for a pulse on the dog's wrist. Run your fingertip along and under the main stop pad (the pad that doesn't touch the ground) on the back of the front foot and press gently to feel for a pulse. Check that the dog’s airway is clear. Open its mouth and check the back of its throat for blockages. An obstruction at the back of the throat can block the dog's air supply and interfere with resuscitation, so if you discover any blockages, remove them before starting CPR. Remove anything blocking the dog's airway. If the dog has a heartbeat, you'll want to concentrate on breathing for the dog. Before beginning, remove any blockages from the dog's mouth, including any vomit, blood, mucus, or foreign material. Position the dog for artificial respiration. Pull the dog's tongue forward. Align the head with the back, and tilt it back a little to help open the airway. Place your mouth over the airway. If it's a small dog, place your mouth over the dog's nose and mouth. If it's a large dog, place your mouth over the dog's nostrils. Hold one hand under the lower jaw to close it. Place the thumb of the same hand on top of the nose the hold the mouth shut. Alternately, you can cup both hands around the mouth (and lips if it's a large dog). It's important that you prevent air from escaping through the mouth. Administer artificial respiration. Blow firmly enough into the dog's snout to lift the dog's chest wall. If the chest rises easily (as is likely in a small dog), stop blowing once it has gently lifted. If you continue blowing, you may damage the dog's lungs. Then release your lips to allow the air to escape. Aim for 20 - 30 breaths a minute, or one breath every 2 - 3 seconds. Get ready to begin chest compressions. The heart pumps oxygenated blood to the organs, so if you're giving artificial respiration but there's no heartbeat, the oxygen can't get where it's needed and you'll need to provide chest compressions as well as artificial respiration. The goal is to perform chest compressions and artificial respiration in a pattern of 1 artificial breath for 10- 12 chest compressions. Find the dog's heart. Locate the heart by laying the dog on its side and swinging its front elbow back to the point where it meets the chest wall, which is where the heart lies. Perform chest compressions. Lay your palm over the heart and press down gently but firmly--use enough pressure to compress the chest to one-third or one-half of its depth. The compression is a quick, rapid movement: compress-release, compress-release, repeated 10 - 12 times around every 5 seconds. Give one artificial respiration breath and then repeat the cycle. Stop periodically to assess the situation. Stop every 2 minutes and check if the dog has resumed breathing for itself. If not, continue artificial respiration until help arrives. Perform abdominal compressions if the dog is a very large breed. A large or giant breed may benefit from abdominal compressions, which can help return blood to the heart, but these should not be done at the expense of cardiac compression. To give a dog abdominal compressions, gently squash or compress the front part of the belly, where large organs such as the spleen and liver are located. You can also add an “abdominal squeeze,” which can assist recirculation of blood to the heart, by slipping your left hand under the dog's abdomen and using your right hand to "squeeze" the abdomen between your two hands. Repeat this movement once every two minutes or so--but if you have your hands full with chest compressions and artificial respiration, leave this element out. | Call the vet or an emergency animal hospital. Determine if the dog is breathing. Check for a heartbeat. Check that the dog’s airway is clear. Remove anything blocking the dog's airway. Position the dog for artificial respiration. Place your mouth over the airway. Administer artificial respiration. Get ready to begin chest compressions. Find the dog's heart. Perform chest compressions. Stop periodically to assess the situation. Perform abdominal compressions if the dog is a very large breed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Career-Objective | How to Write a Career Objective | To write a career objective for a resume, think about your current level of experience. If you're in high school, focus on general traits or values you possess, like being hardworking or organized. If you're in college, include information about your degree and your strongest traits, along with your level of experience. If you're already a professional, you might include a career objective if you're changing careers, so include your years of experience, relevant qualifications, and the qualities you have that would make you a good candidate for the position. | Include different facts depending on your level of experience. What you should include in a career objective depends on your level of experience. If you're a high school or college student looking for entry level work, your career objective would be much different than someone with much experience in a given field. If you're a high school student, a career objective should focus on general traits or values you possess. You should include a self introduction, measuring your strongest qualities, information about what role in a company you're hoping to fill, and an emphasis on your reliability as a job candidate. For example, something like, "Dedicated student with a strong GPA and high work ethic. Seeking to use my abilities as student intern. I am very dedicated and goal-oriented and can help benefit the goals of your company." If you're a college student, you're likely looking for entry level of internship experience. Your objective should include your degree, level of experience, your strongest traits, and an emphasis that you're hardworking and reliable. Something like, "Recent college graduate with a marketing degree and two years of social media marketing experience. Seeking further experience in the field of online marketing. A dedicated, detail-oriented worker with experience in SEO, web copy, and social media management." If you're a professional in the field already, you usually include a career objective if you're changing careers. Mention how many years experience you have, the qualities that would make you a strong candidate for a position, and any relevant education or certifications. For example, "Grant writer with 6+ years in the nonprofit sector. Aiming to use my written communication and fundraising skills to help your organization increase awareness of world poverty. Possess an MA in nonprofit management." Focus on how you would benefit the company. While a career objective should focus on your skills and accomplishments, it should not be all about you. Try to focus on how your specific skill set would benefit a company. Hiring managers are looking for someone with impressive skills that are applicable to the job advertised. Highlight relevant experience. If you're a recent college grade applying for a marketing position and you've done promotional work as an intern, talk about this. Throw something in your objective like, "Extensive experience promoting company events to the general public during my college internship experience." Talk about your general skills that benefit that specific company as well. If you're applying for a position as an auditor, talk about your organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong written communication skills. Bring up relevant accomplishments. If you were salesperson of the year at your last job and are applying for a similar position, include something like, "Macy's saleswoman of the year 2 years running at the Lancaster, PA location." Use the right words. Resume buzzwords are great for highlighting your experience in an impressive manner. However, do not simply choose impress sounding words without thought. Make sure the words you pick adequately reflect your accomplishments. Focus on words that reflect your skill set. If you primarily worked behind the scenes alone, don't call yourself "people-oriented" or boast of "high verbal communication skills." Instead, talk up your "great attention to detail and high capacity for self-motivation." Do not pack too many buzzwords into your objective. This can be overwhelming for readers. Strive to make yourself sound impressive, but do not awkwardly force in multiple 3 or 4 syllable words into each sentence. Proofread. While it may seem unlikely that a two to three sentence statement would have errors, you would be surprised. Rewording something over and over again can increase the risk of typos. Make sure you proofread your objective before sending out your resume. Have a friend or family look it over to make sure it's typo free. Know when to include a career objective. Career objectives are not usually included in resumes. However, in some cases it can be beneficial for you to include an objective. If you're changing fields, like going from marketing to accounting, an objective can help employees see how your marketing specific skill sets could be applicable to accounting. If you're very young and have limited experience, an objective might help you sell yourself to an employee even if your experience is small. If you're applying for a specific position, always include an objective. Learn common mistakes people make when writing objectives. Watch out for certain pitfalls people encounter when writing a career objective. Make sure your objective is free of any of the following common errors: Being too vague Longer than 3 sentences Focusing on your skill set without explaining how its applicable to the advertised position You should also avoid cliches. Phrases like "dynamic self starter with an entrepreneurial spirit" are both incredibly vague and overused. Avoid phrasing that sounds too familiar. An employer is likely to toss out a career objective that's laden with cliches. Write several career objectives. You should never send out the same objective for multiple jobs. Always cater your objective based on the skills a job posting is asking for. | Include different facts depending on your level of experience. Focus on how you would benefit the company. Use the right words. Proofread. Know when to include a career objective. Learn common mistakes people make when writing objectives. Write several career objectives. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Private-Island | How to Buy a Private Island | Before you start buying a private island, determine what location you want. Decide what your ideal climate is, how far away from civilization you want your island to be, and how you plan on getting there. Once you have a location, think about existing infrastructure or ease of accessibility. Then, set a budget, and make sure you factor in any building costs in your budget. With this in mind, contact a broker to start the private island search. | Think about your needs. Before you start looking for your ideal island, it's a good idea to have at least a general idea of what it is you're looking for. Consider making a list of all of the features you absolutely need, and a separate list of features you would like, but are willing to compromise on. Think about how large of an island you need. If you just want a simple cottage and a private beach, you may be comfortable with a few acres, but if you are planning to develop a resort, you will need a much larger island. Think about what kind of buildings you need. If the buildings do not already exist on the property, be sure to look into building regulations before you purchase the island. Think about the kind of landscape you are looking for. Some islands may have white sandy beaches, while others may have cliffs and dense jungles. It's also important to think about the type of beaches the island has to offer. For example, you may prefer sandy beaches to rocky beaches, or you may prefer a beach that faces the west if you want to watch the sun set. You may also want to think about whether the water immediately surrounding the island is good for recreational hobbies that you enjoy, like scuba diving or fishing. Choose a location. Location is probably the most crucial factor you will need to consider when buying a private island. Be sure to do plenty of research and choose a location that truly meets all of your needs.. Climate is a huge consideration, so make sure you understand what the weather is like year-round. Find out if the area is prone to extreme weather like monsoons or hurricanes. Determine how far away from civilization you really want to be, keeping in mind that being completely isolated may make it difficult to get supplies and get help in the case of an emergency. Also think about the towns or cities that are closest to your island. If you think you might need or want to leave the isolation of your island from time to time, it's best if you enjoy the cultural amenities that the local area has to offer. Set a budget. Think carefully about how much you can reasonably afford to spend on your own private island, and do your best to stick to your budget. If you can't afford what you really want just yet, consider waiting until you can rather than settling for a less expensive island that doesn't meet your needs. When deciding on a budget, keep in mind that you might have a very hard time getting financing for a private island. Banks are often wary about lending money for these purchases because islands are extremely difficult to appraise. If you choose an island that is close to a well-developed area, you will have more luck getting financing than if you choose a remote island. If you plan on building on your island, it's a good idea to start working with an architect and contractor right away so you have a good understanding of what the costs will be. Building on remote islands is much more expensive than building in a developed area because it's difficult to get all of the materials to your build site. When setting your budget, be sure to consider the costs of traveling to and from your island, maintaining your island, and making any necessary improvements. Decide if you will rent out your island. You may just be looking for your own personal escape, but if you are thinking about renting your island out to guests, you may have a great way of earning extra income. If this is your plan, there are some additional considerations to take into account, so be sure to do your research and ensure that the island you are looking at will indeed work as a rental property. Work with your lawyer to ensure that you will be legally permitted to rent out your island for short periods of time. Think about how guests will get to your island. If it is very remote, you may need to offer to arrange for transportation. Consider what kind of services you will need to offer for your guests. For example, if the island is remote, you will probably have to offer a cook to prepare meals. You may also want to offer recreational activities. Consider basic infrastructure. If you're looking at undeveloped islands, they will most likely not have any utilities. When developing your island, you will need to invest in systems that allow you to bring the comforts of modern living to a remote area, which can be very expensive. If the island doesn't have electricity, you will need to invest in a solar system and maybe a backup generator. If the island doesn't have a source of fresh water, you will probably need a special purification system to make seawater or rainwater potable. These systems can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, so be sure to do your research before you finalize your purchase. Creature comforts like cable and cell reception may be very hard to come by if you are far from civilization. Consider accessibility. When choosing the perfect island, it's important to consider how you will get there. Consider whether you will need to take a commercial flight to get near your island or if you can drive. Once you are in the general vicinity of your island, think about whether you will be able to take your own boat to the island or if you will need to charter a plane. Think carefully about how much it will cost to get from your primary residence to your island and back. If it is too expensive, you may not end up spending as much time there as you would have liked. Be sure to consider how long you will be able to spend on your island during each visit as well. If you want to go for the weekend, it's best to choose an island closer to home, but if you plan on spending months at a time on your island, a 14-hour flight might be no big deal. Remember that water depth is very important. If the water around the island is too shallow, you may not be able to get there in certain vessels unless you dredge the area or build a large dock. It's important to see the island at high and low tides so you understand the true accessibility. Analyze the existing infrastructure. If you are buying an island with existing infrastructure, it's important to have a thorough inspection to make sure everything is in good working order. It's always best to have a good idea of what repairs will be needed before you purchase any property. In addition to assessing the structures, your inspector should take a close look at the existing utilities. Repairs to these systems can be extremely expensive. It's also a good idea to confirm that the buildings have all necessary government permits. Investigate environmental restrictions. Some islands have very delicate ecosystems that can be disturbed by construction. For this reason, there may be some restrictions on what you are allowed to build and where. To be safe, it is a good idea to have the seller obtain the necessary governmental approvals for the kind of development you are interested in. You should also consider hiring a professional to conduct an environmental impact study. Some islands may have protected areas if, for example, endangered species inhabit the area. This would prevent you from building any structures on that part of the island. Be sure to consider non-legal restrictions as well. For example, you should find out how high the water has been known to rise in order to avoid building your house in an area that is likely to flood. Find out what permits you will need. Depending on what you plan on doing with your island and where it is located, you may need to obtain permits from the government. It is a good idea to find out about what permits are required and what the process is for applying before you purchase the island. You may need a building permit if you want to construct a new building on the island or modify an existing building. There may be certain restrictions regarding the size of the buildings you are allowed to construct or the manner in which they must be constructed. You may need additional permits or licenses if you plan on running any kind of business from your island. Decide if you will need a caretaker. Depending on the location of your island and the amount of maintenance it requires, you may need to hire a caretaker to look after it when you are not there. Since an island is isolated, it is hard to protect against unwanted visitors and squatters without one. A caretaker can also look after buildings and equipment, making sure they're all in good order and condition. Find a trusted broker. In order to start shopping for a private island, you will need to work with a real estate broker. Choose a broker who has a lot of experience in buying and selling private islands, as these properties pose unique challenges to buyers. If you don't know of any brokers, you can search for one and read reviews online. You can search listings for private islands online, just like you can for other types of real estate, but not everything is listed online. Your broker will have access to all of the listings, both public and private. Get a lawyer to help guide you. If you are thinking about buying a private island outside of your country of residence, it's a good idea to consult with an experienced attorney. Laws regarding property ownership and residency vary dramatically from country to country. In some countries, non-citizens are not permitted to buy land outright, but are permitted to purchase long-term leaseholds for periods of up to 99 years. Some islands may also have strict environmental codes that restrict you from developing on them. Start searching for an island. You will probably need to devote a lot of time to viewing different properties when you are shopping for an island. Your broker will take you to see islands that meet your criteria, and you will need to choose the one that works best for you. Don't be too surprised if you are unable to fly to a property when you planned to due to bad weather. These kinds of delays are par for the course when you're dealing with remote islands. Consider bringing along a trusted friend or relative to help you evaluate your options. Never buy an island without seeing it first! There are all sorts of surprises that may not be evident in the listing pictures. Evaluate the asking price. It can be tricky to determine whether the price of an island is fair or not because not many are bought and sold, so you may not have much to compare the price to. Work with your broker to evaluate comparable properties as much as possible. At the end of the day, it's most important that the island is worth the price to you, so don't pay more than you are comfortable with. Try not to get too emotional about this decision. If the island is over your budget or doesn't have the features you are looking for, keep looking. Make an offer. Once you find the island of your dreams, it's time to make an offer. The exact process for conducting a real estate transaction will depend on the island's location, but your broker will guide you through the process. If you think the island is over-priced, you can offer a lesser amount. The seller has the option to accept your offer, decline it, or counter your offer with a new one. | Think about your needs. Choose a location. Set a budget. Decide if you will rent out your island. Consider basic infrastructure. Consider accessibility. Analyze the existing infrastructure. Investigate environmental restrictions. Find out what permits you will need. Decide if you will need a caretaker. Find a trusted broker. Get a lawyer to help guide you. Start searching for an island. Evaluate the asking price. Make an offer. |
https://www.wikihow.fitness/Predict-Your-Maximum-Heart-Rate | How to Predict Your Maximum Heart Rate | If you need to predict your maximum heart rate, multiply your age by 0.67, then subtract that number from 206.9. If you need a more precise measurement, visit a cardiologist to have a maximum effort test performed in a lab. In this test, you'll be hooked up to a heart monitor while you run on a treadmill or cycle on a stationary bike. | Check your pulse as soon as you wake up. When you wake up, your body has been at rest for several hours. This is when you can measure your resting heart rate, which is when your heart rate will be the lowest. Take your pulse before getting out of bed in the morning for several days, and then average the results together if they tend to differ very much. Use your index and third fingers. To take your pulse, you'll want to place your index and third fingers on either the carotid artery on your neck or the radial artery on your inner wrist. Press down firmly until you feel the artery pulse. Find the radial artery between the bone and tendon on the thumb-side of your wrist. If you want to use your carotid artery, place your fingers beside your windpipe on your neck. Set a timer for 30 seconds. Before you start counting the pulses, set a timer to go off after 30 seconds. When the timer starts, start counting the pulses. Stop when the timer goes off and write down the number. Multiply your count by two. When you double the result of your pulse counting after 30 seconds, you can find out how many times your heart beats per minute (bpm). The main reason you only took your pulse for 30 seconds is that it's just easier to keep track of your count for 30 seconds than for a full minute. If you find 30 seconds too long to keep count, you can take your pulse for a shorter period of time as well. For example, you could take your pulse for 15 seconds and then multiply it by four to get your beats per minute. The resting heart rate for an average adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. If you are a well-trained athlete, your heart rate may be between 40 and 60 beats per minute. If you ended up with a number that was way outside that range, you may want to take your pulse again. If your result is consistently either well above or well below the average, see your doctor. Subtract your age from 220. The easiest way to calculate your maximum heart rate is to simply take your age and subtract that number from 220. However, this is also the least accurate method. The results from this basic formula are fine to use to predict your maximum heart rate if you're just trying to find your target heart rate for moderate-intensity exercise. However, if you plan on engaging in more strenuous activity, you may want a more accurate estimate. Compare a more complex calculation. While the simple calculation works for most people, you can get a slightly more accurate result if you multiply your age by 0.67 and then subtract that number from 206.9. For example, if you're 20 years old, your maximum heart rate under this calculation would be 206.9 – (0.67x 20) = 193.5. In contrast, the other equation would predict your maximum heart rate to be 200. If you're going to be engaging in extremely vigorous physical activity, that difference could be significant. Take a laboratory test. While subtracting your age from 220 will give you a rough estimate of your maximum heart rate, sometimes a rough estimate isn't good enough. Taking a maximum effort test in a lab will get you more accurate results. These tests normally involve hooking you up to a heart monitor and having you run on a treadmill or cycle on a stationary cycle until you're approaching close to maximum effort. A cardiologist may supervise the test. Find your heart rate reserve (HRR). The difference between your maximum heart rate and your resting heart rate is called your HRR. This represents the range within which you can safely exercise. Subtract your resting heart rate from your maximum heart rate. For example, if you have a maximum heart rate of 200 bpm and a resting heart rate of 70 bpm, your HRR is 130. You'll need to know your HRR to define your target heart rate, based on the intensity of exercise you want to do. Choose the intensity level of your exercise. Your target heart rate will vary based on how intense you want your exercise to be. Most people want exercise of moderate-intensity, such as walking at a brisk pace. If you want to engage in high-intensity exercises, your target heart rate is going to be higher than it would be for moderate-intensity exercise. If you plan to do high-intensity exercise on a regular basis, try to get as accurate an estimate of your maximum heart rate as you can. Calculate your moderate-intensity range. If you want to exercise at moderate intensity, you'll want a target heart rate between 50 and 70 percent of your maximum heart rate. You'll find these numbers using your HRR. To find the low end of the target range, multiply your HRR by 50 percent (0.5), then add that number to your resting heart rate. Multiply your HRR by 70 percent (0.7) and add that number to your resting heart rate to find the high end of the range. For example, if you have a resting heart rate of 70 bpm and an HRR of 130, your target heart range for moderate-intensity exercise would be between 135 (130 x 0.5 = 65; 65 + 70 = 135) and 161 (130 x 0.7 = 91; 91 + 70 = 161). Find your vigorous-intensity range. For vigorous exercise, you'll be working out at between 70 and 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. If you intend to work out at the higher end of this range, make sure your maximum heart rate prediction is as accurate as possible. Calculate the vigorous-intensity range the same way you calculated moderate intensity, but multiplying your HRR by 70 and 85 percent. Take your pulse after 10 minutes of exercise. After you've been exercising at what you believe is a moderate intensity for about 10 minutes, stop and check your pulse. Set a timer and keep count for 15 seconds, then multiply the number you get by four to get your bpm. Compare your heart rate to your target zone. Once you've taken your pulse, check your target rate for the level of intensity you want. If your heart rate is within that range, you're exercising at the intensity you want. Adjust the intensity of your activity to stay in the zone. If your heart rate was outside of your target range, you'll need to increase or decrease what you're doing to push your heart rate into the target range. To figure out the intensity of your exercise without having to stop and check your pulse every ten minutes, you might try the talk test. If you can carry on a conversation while doing the activity, the activity qualifies as moderate-intensity exercise. For example, if you were going on a brisk walk with a friend and chatting, that would be moderate-intensity exercise. | Check your pulse as soon as you wake up. Use your index and third fingers. Set a timer for 30 seconds. Multiply your count by two. Subtract your age from 220. Compare a more complex calculation. Take a laboratory test. Find your heart rate reserve (HRR). Choose the intensity level of your exercise. Calculate your moderate-intensity range. Find your vigorous-intensity range. Take your pulse after 10 minutes of exercise. Compare your heart rate to your target zone. Adjust the intensity of your activity to stay in the zone. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Own-Ringtone | How to Make Your Own Ringtone | To make your own android ringtone, start by downloading and installing Audacity and its extension, LAME, on your computer. Next, open Audacity, click “File,” then “Open,” and pick the song you want. Afterwards, click on “Open,” then click and drag your mouse to select the part of the song you want to use. Once it's selected, click “File,” then “Export Selected Audio,” and go to the “Save As Type” drop-down menu to select “MP3 files” before you save it. Finally, copy the ringtone, connect your device to the computer, and paste the ringtone into your Android's ring folder. | Open iTunes. Its app icon resembles a multicolored note on a white background. If prompted to update, click Download iTunes and then let iTunes install the update. You may have to restart your computer after updating. Select a song. Find the song that you want to use for your ringtone and double-click on it. Listen to the song. Make sure you note the time at which you would like your ringtone to start (e.g., one minute and ten seconds in). Open the song's Info window. Make sure the song is selected, click Edit in the upper-left side of iTunes, and click Get Info. A window will appear. Click the Options tab. This tab is at the top of the Get Info window. Check the "start" and "stop" boxes. These are near the top of the window. Doing so will open a text field to the right of each option, allowing you to select a different start and stop time for the song. Set your ringtone's start and stop time. Type the time you want the ringtone to begin into the "start" field, then type the end time into the "stop" box. Then click OK at the bottom of the window. For example, if you want your ringtone to start at a minute into the song and end at a minute and fifteen seconds in, you'd type 1:00 into the "start" field and 1:15 into the "stop" field. You can add tenths of a second to the end of the timestamp to fine-tune the ringtone's start or stop time (e.g., type in 1:00.15 instead of 1:00 ). Convert the song into a ringtone. Select the song, click File in the top-left corner, select Convert at the bottom of the drop-down menu, and click Create AAC Version. This will create and import an AAC version of the song; you should see it pop up below the original song. If you don't see the AAC option in the Convert menu, you'll first need to enable it by doing the following: click Edit (Windows) or iTunes (Mac), click Preferences... , click the General tab, click Import Settings... , click the "Import Using" drop-down box, click AAC Encoder , and click OK twice. Go to the AAC file's location on your computer. Select the AAC version of the song (the shorter version), click File , and click either Show in File Explorer (Windows) or Show in Finder (Mac). If you want to place the ringtone that you just created on an Android phone, skip ahead to adding the ringtone to your Android after this step. Make sure file extensions are showing. To do so: Windows - Click the View tab, then check the File name extensions box in the "Show/Hide" section of the toolbar. Mac - Click File , click Get Info , click the Name & Extension triangle, and uncheck the "Hide Extension" box. Change the file extension to M4R. To do so: Windows - Make sure the file is selected, click the Home tab, click Properties , replace the.m4a extension next to the song's name with.m4r , click OK , and click Yes when prompted. Mac - Replace the.m4a section of the song's name at the top of the Get Info window with.m4r , then check the "Hide Extension" box and close the Get Info window. Copy the ringtone file. While the file is selected, press Ctrl + C (Windows) or ⌘ Command + C (Mac). On a Mac, you can also click Edit and then click Copy in the drop-down menu. Attach your iPhone to your computer. Plug the iPhone charger cable's USB end into your computer, then plug the charging end into your iPhone. If you're adding an Audacity file from the next method, copy the ringtone and then open iTunes before continuing. Click your iPhone's name. You'll find it below the "Devices" heading on the left side of the window once the iPhone finishes connecting. A drop-down group of options will appear below it. Paste your ringtone into the "Tones" menu. Click Tones in the "Devices" list of options, then press Ctrl + V (Windows) or ⌘ Command + V. You should see the ringtone's name appear in the "Tones" list of songs. Enable manual song management. Click the iPhone-shaped button in the upper-left section of iTunes to open your iPhone's page, then scroll down and check the "Manually manage music and videos" box in the "Options" section if it isn't checked. Click the Tones tab again, then check your ringtone's name. Click the checkbox to the left of the ringtone's name to ensure that it gets uploaded to your iPhone. Add the ringtone to your iPhone. Click Apply , then click Sync in the bottom-right corner of the window. When the syncing completes, your ringtone will be on your iPhone. You can set the ringtone as your iPhone's main tone, or as a specific contact's ringtone. In some cases, clicking Apply will cause the iPhone to begin syncing automatically. You'll find your tone at the top of the ringtones menu in your iPhone's Sounds settings. Download and install Audacity. You can do this on a Windows or Mac computer. To do so: Go to http://www.audacityteam.org/download/ Click the link for your operating system. Click the installer link (Windows) or the dmg link (Mac). Double-click the Audacity setup file. Follow the instructions (Windows) or verify and install the application (Mac). Download and install LAME. LAME is an extension for Audacity that will allow you to save your ringtone as an MP3 file, which is preferable for Android phones. To do so: Windows - Go to http://lame.buanzo.org/#lamewindl and click the Lame v3.99.3 for Windows.exe link. Double-click the setup file, click Yes when prompted, and follow the on-screen steps. Mac - Go to http://lame.buanzo.org/#lameosxdl and click the Lame Library v3.99.5 for Audacity on macOS.dmg link. Double-click the DMG file, then verify and install LAME. Open Audacity. Its app icon resembles a blue pair of headphones with an orange sound wave between them. If Audacity opened automatically after installing it, close it and re-open it to ensure that the LAME extension is incorporated. Click File. It's in the top-left side of the window. A drop-down menu will appear. Click Open…. You'll find this near the top of the drop-down menu. Select a song. Find and click on a song that you want to use as your Android's ringtone, then click Open in the bottom-right corner of the window. Select a section of the song. Click and drag your mouse from the part of the song at which you want to start the ringtone to the part of the song at which you want to stop the ringtone. You may want to listen to the song beforehand to get a rough idea of where you should start and stop. Save the selection as a ringtone. Click File , click Export Selected Audio... , click the "Save as type" drop-down box, click MP3 files in the drop-down menu, click a save location on the left side of the window, and click Save in the bottom-right corner. If you want to use your selected audio as an iPhone ringtone, add.m4r to the end of the file's name in the "File name" box, then go to the adding a ringtone to an iPhone section of this article. Copy your ringtone. Go to the folder in which you saved the ringtone, click the ringtone file to select it, and then press Ctrl + C (Windows) or ⌘ Command + C (Mac). Connect your Android to your computer. Attach the USB end of your Android's charger to your computer, then attach the charger end to your Android. If you're on a Mac, you'll need to download Android File Transfer to view the Android's folders. To do so, go to http://www.android.com/filetransfer/ , click DOWNLOAD NOW , double-click the downloaded DMG file, and install Android File Transfer. Open your Android's ringtone folder. To do so: Windows - Open Start , open the 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 Android's name on the left side of the window, and double-click the Ringtones folder. Mac - Open Android File Transfer , then double-click the Ringtones folder. Some Androids store the Ringtones folder deep inside of the internal storage. If you can't find Ringtones in the main window, try opening the media folder, double-clicking audio , and then looking for ringtones there. Paste in your ringtone. Click a blank space in the Ringtones folder, then press Ctrl + V (Windows) or ⌘ Command + V. Your ringtone file should appear in the Ringtones folder, meaning that it is now on your Android's hard drive. You should be able to find and select the ringtone in your Android's Settings. | Open iTunes. Select a song. Listen to the song. Open the song's Info window. Click the Options tab. Check the "start" and "stop" boxes. Set your ringtone's start and stop time. Convert the song into a ringtone. Go to the AAC file's location on your computer. Make sure file extensions are showing. Change the file extension to M4R. Copy the ringtone file. Attach your iPhone to your computer. Click your iPhone's name. Paste your ringtone into the "Tones" menu. Enable manual song management. Click the Tones tab again, then check your ringtone's name. Add the ringtone to your iPhone. Download and install Audacity. Download and install LAME. Open Audacity. Click File. Click Open…. Select a song. Select a section of the song. Save the selection as a ringtone. Copy your ringtone. Connect your Android to your computer. Open your Android's ringtone folder. Paste in your ringtone. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-Diamond-Stud-Earrings | How to Buy Diamond Stud Earrings | If you want to buy a pair of diamond stud earrings, set a budget before you begin to shop, and decide on a general stone shape and cut that you like, such as round, pear, princess, or emerald. When you're looking at diamonds, ask to see the certification of quality for the diamonds, which should come from the Gemological Society of America or American Gem Society. If you want a larger, more visible diamond, choose one with a high carat weight and a medium color quality and low clarity, since the diamonds will be viewed from afar. | Set a budget before you shop. Diamond studs can range from a few hundred to thousands of US dollars. Before you begin, figure out how much you're willing to spend and stick to that as you shop. It'll keep you from getting swept up in the beauty on display. Retailers and salespeople usually can help you find earrings that offer the best quality for your budget. Earrings are the easiest jewelry to lose, so you might want to avoid taking home those top-quality diamonds. Don't rush into deals. Cheap earrings can be fake or low-quality. Look for certification on diamond quality. You're aware of how popular and expensive diamonds are. You probably realize that when you buy that deal you found online, you might be getting ripped off. Companies often mislabel diamond quality, which means that cheap diamond you ordered looks dirty when it's in your hand. Inspect the diamonds for yourself and demand official certification. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and American Gem Society (AGS) are some organizations that provide rating scales and certification. A GIA rating is based on the 4 C's—color, cut, clarity, and carat. Pick the diamond shape you want. Diamond studs are highly customizable, including their shape. The most popular cut of diamond is a round cut, and a pillow-shaped cut called the cushion cut is very popular as well. There are also other options, such as heart, princess, pear, oval, and emerald-shaped. Jewelers are more than happy to get you a custom shape. The shape of the diamond is different from the cut rating given by the GIA and AGS, even though the word cut is used. Square and rounded cuts are more common because two diamonds are needed to make the earrings. It's very difficult to find two diamonds that can be cut pear-shaped without being noticeably uneven. Try to match the cut to your facial structure. Rectangular diamonds balance out wider faces, whereas rounded diamonds take up less space on shorter faces. Select a diamond color. White diamonds are the most common option for stud earrings. They're recognizable and look clear even when they're not the highest quality. Black and yellow diamonds are common, as well. Yellow diamonds are popular because they're close in price to white diamonds. Rare colors, such as pink, red, purple, and blue, are not commonly used in earrings. These diamonds are extremely expensive, so a simple pair of studs could cost more than a new home. Because of this, jewelers often save these gems for rings and pendants. Be sure to examine the diamonds in person before you buy then. Even the highest-rated diamonds can have cloudiness or other imperfections. Pick diamonds cut to look full and shiny. Diamonds are measured by the four Cs, one of which is cut. The rating scale goes from Excellent to Poor and you want diamonds rated Good. When you look at the diamond, it should seem full and radiant. A dull cut won't look appealing on your ear, and a deep cut makes the diamond look too small. The rating should be posted in the official certification, which you may need to ask for. The shape the diamond is cut into isn't as important here as the cuts the jeweler made, although round diamonds generally look more brilliant. Choose larger carat weights for more visibility. Carat refers to weight, not size, although heavier diamonds are typically larger. Earrings of 0.5 ct or less make nice everyday earrings, while heavier ones stand out more in formal wear. Lower carat earrings are lighter and smaller, but they hide flaws better. In a larger diamond, you may spot flaws or dullness right away. Target the size of diamond that's right for your look. Diamonds equal in weight can look very different in style. The carat rating is the total of all diamonds in the set. For example, a one ct set means each earring is.5 ct. Look for a medium color quality. Diamonds are rated on a scale where D is colorless and Z is yellow or brown. You don't need to spend extra on pure-colored diamonds. Look for diamonds rated between H-J. Because studs are small and seen at a distance, the quality downgrade won't make a difference except in your wallet. For example, lower-rated white diamonds are tinged yellow or brown. You can still get great earrings out of diamonds with a slight tinge. Pick stones that aren’t rated high on clarity. Clarity indicates flaws in the diamond, such as cloudiness or scratches. Top diamonds are flawless, marked F or IF. Near the lower end of the scale are slightly included diamonds, marked SI. Like with color quality, you can save money by forgoing perfection in favor of diamonds rated SI. Stud earrings are small and not seen up close like rings are, so no one will know the difference. Many diamonds should be rated I (included), which is lower than SI. These diamonds have noticeable flaws. They can still make for good earrings, but be wary of retailers mislabeling clarity and overcharging you. Select a metal for the settings. Settings hold the diamond in place. Gold and white gold are popular settings and stand out against darker skin and hair. Silver and platinum settings pair well with lighter skin tones and hair colors. Try on the earrings and compare them to your features so you find the one that looks best on you. If you're allergic to nickel, look out for the gold settings. Some may have this metal in them, so it's best to ask the salesperson. Select platinum for durability. White gold is actually harder than platinum. Though white gold resists scratches better, any scratches it obtains are permanent. Scratches on platinum cause a patina to form, which can be reversed by polishing, making platinum the winner in terms of durability. However, platinum is heavier and more expensive, so factor that in when making a decision. White gold is mixed with another metal which makes it harder than yellow gold. Silver, while inexpensive, is as easy to scratch as pure gold and is prone to tarnishing. Like white gold, silver is often mixed with another metal to make it a little stronger. Pick smaller settings to make diamonds more visible. Metal settings also come in many different styles. The most common style is prongs, which are basically little metal arms that hold the diamond in place. Prongs generally reveal more of the diamond than bezel settings. Settings with more prongs provide more security, but those with fewer prongs show off the diamond better. In addition to prongs, there are martini-style and basket-style settings that show off the diamond without full support. Stud earrings and very small hoops are the most secure earring style because they're the least likely to get caught on anything. Choose larger settings for diamond security. Bezels are the other common setting type. The metal surrounds the edge of the diamond, keeping it secure. The drawback is that the metal covers more of the diamond, so that expensive beauty you purchased might be hidden behind a less appealing chunk of metal. The crown-style setting is similar but more ornate because it is shaped like a crown. Select push backs for ease of use. All that's left for you to do is find a way to hold your studs in your ears. Push backs are the most popular choice for this. Push them into your earlobes and you'll be ready for a night out. They're simple and easy on sensitive skin. Pick clip or lever backs for comfort and security. These backs have small bars that secure the earring behind your ear. They're much safer than push backs for pieces you don't want to lose. Clips can pinch your skin, causing pain when you keep the earrings in too long. Lever backs are flatter and typically more comfortable than clips. Get screw backs for the most security. Screw backs are far more difficult to get in and that's why they can hurt your poor earlobes. The backings are thick and require effort to get into place. If your ears can handle it, the extra security is valuable for saving your new earrings. | Set a budget before you shop. Look for certification on diamond quality. Pick the diamond shape you want. Select a diamond color. Pick diamonds cut to look full and shiny. Choose larger carat weights for more visibility. Look for a medium color quality. Pick stones that aren’t rated high on clarity. Select a metal for the settings. Select platinum for durability. Pick smaller settings to make diamonds more visible. Choose larger settings for diamond security. Select push backs for ease of use. Pick clip or lever backs for comfort and security. Get screw backs for the most security. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stretch-Your-Ears-Pain-Free | How to Stretch Your Ears Pain Free | The best way to stretch your ears without pain is to use a taper rod set, which comes with small cone-shaped rods you put in your pierced ears to gradually stretch them without tearing your skin. To use the tapers properly, wait at least a month before moving up to a new size, and only move up in 1-millimeter increments to avoid causing damage to your ears. If you do start to feel pain when sizing up, or if your ears starts to bleed, stop and wait a week before trying again. As you stretch, make sure to rinse your earlobes with a saline solution regularly to keep them clean and alleviate pain. | Tug gently on your ears. Before you make any decisions regarding the method you'll use to stretch your ears, consider how much you want to stretch them. If you're only moving up a size, the most pain-free option would be gently pulling your ears until they stretched out enough to accommodate new earrings. If you're looking to stretch your ears considerably, however, explore other options. Consider tapers. Tapering is the most common method to stretch out your ears. If done correctly, this method is relatively painless. Tapers are sets of rods that gradually increase in diameter. To stretch your ears, you would get a set of tapers, push the taper all the way through the hole, and replace it with a gauge the same size as the end of the taper. By the time you complete the set, your ears should be stretched as large as you want. Never wear tapers as jewelry. This will make your ears heal unevenly because of uneven weight distribution. Some people use spiral gauges as tapers, they can be work for long periods of time and allow for longer stretching periods Try taping for gradual adjustments. If you want to stretch your ears slowly, consider taping. This allows you to gradually stretch your ears, which can reduce pain, but in smaller increments than you would use with tapers. To tape, use non-adhesive tape. Wrap this tape around the parts of your earrings entering your ear. Increase by one or two layers at a time until you've stretched your ears to your desired diameter. Wash your earrings after taping to prevent infection. Avoid silicone and double flared jewelry. You should not wear silicone plugs until your ears are fully stretched and healed. If used when stretching, silicone can tear the lining of the ears and potentially cause infection. Double flared jewelry as flares are sometimes large enough to cause pain and possible permanent damage to your ear. Don't stretch too fast. Moving too fast through the stretching process is one of the biggest causes of pain. Regardless of your chosen method, wait until your ears have healed before stretching them further. Stretching too quickly can have serious consequences, such as a “blowout”, in which the inside of a stretched hole is forced out the back of the piercing as a result of too much pressure. This can result in permanent disfigurement and damage of the ear lobe. Another complication from advancing size too quickly or enlarging ear lobe beyond the remaining blood supply rim is that the skin edges will separate or tear. Surgery would be required to correct this. Advancing size too quickly increases risk of infections. How long you should wait between tapers or sizes varies. People heal at different rates, for one, and it also depends on how much you're stretching; however, it's recommended to give your ears at least a month to get used to one size before moving up. Only increase size in 1-millimeter increments (for example, from 1 mm to 2 mm). Never skip a size when stretching. If you don't feel a lot of pain, you may feel overeager and want to skip up to a higher size to speed up the process; however, this increases the chance of causing permanent damage to your ears. Even if you feel confident, skipping sizes is a bad idea. Stop if you feel pain. Pain when sizing up is a sign something is wrong. If you have intense pain, resistance, or bleeding when inserting a new taper or adding another layer of tape, you should stop. Your ear is not fully healed and sizing up now could cause damage. Stay at your current size and wait a week before attempting to size up. Stretch your ears at different speeds, if necessary. While it may look and feel awkward, your ears may heal at different rates. If one ear is taking slightly longer, there's no medical reason why you can't stretch your ears at different rates. In fact, if one ear is more tender than the other it's better to slow down for the sake of avoiding damage. Massage with oil regularly. Once your ears are stretched to your desired diameter, some tingling and soreness is common. You can help lessen pain by massaging your ears regularly. Wait a few days after the initial stretching before massaging to avoid infection. Use a small amount of your chosen massage oil, which you can buy online or at a local beauty shop, and gently rub into your ears. Do this on a regular basis, a few times a day, until discomfort passes. This helps increase blood flow which can promote healing. Use saline solution. Saline solution, which can be purchased at most drug stores, can also help soothe ears after stretching. Use such foams or sprays sparingly, and only once or twice daily. If you notice any side effects, like increased soreness, cease use. You can make your own saline solution by combining 1/8 teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide should be avoided on a healing ear. Downsize immediately in the event of bleeding or significant pain. If you have pain or bleeding after sizing up, downsize immediately. Pain or bleeding in your ears is a sign something is wrong. It will not, like soreness or tingling, pass over on its own. You should move down a size in tapers or taping. If the soreness and bleeding persists, contact a doctor for evaluation. Resume wearing jewelry a few weeks after stretching. After you've stretched your ears to the desired diameter, wait a few weeks. If you do not have any trouble like soreness or bleeding, you can resume wearing jewelry. For the first few weeks, stick to jewelry made from silicone or organic materials. If you don't have any trouble with such materials, you can move on to double flared jewelry. | Tug gently on your ears. Consider tapers. Try taping for gradual adjustments. Avoid silicone and double flared jewelry. Don't stretch too fast. Stop if you feel pain. Stretch your ears at different speeds, if necessary. Massage with oil regularly. Use saline solution. Downsize immediately in the event of bleeding or significant pain. Resume wearing jewelry a few weeks after stretching. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Poetry-for-Kids | How to Write Poetry for Kids | To write poetry for young kids, stick to short poems with rhymes, silly sounds, or funny ideas to hold their interest. Additionally, brainstorm ideas to get started, such as picking a word with a specific vowel sound, and writing down all the words that share that sound. Alternatively, pick a familiar object and describe it with as many details as possible. Then, create lines that are fun to read out loud, like the ones in books by Dr. Seuss. | Consider your audience. Young children tend to gravitate toward short poetry that rhymes. Funny and silly poems are usually popular, as are nursery rhymes. You don't have to write rhyming poetry, but rhymes actually develop valuable pre-reading skills for young children. Poems that are about everyday and ordinary experiences can be a good way for young children to learn to think about those things in different lights. Having familiar subject matter can also allow young children to focus on detail such as word sounds and syntax without being too distracted. Mary Ann Hoberman writes wonderful poems for young children. Her book A House Is a House for Me is very popular with young readers because of its use of rhyme, song-like rhythms, and creative descriptions of familiar things: "A hill is a house for an ant, an ant. / A hive is a house for a bee. / A hole is a house for a mole or a mouse. / And a house is a house for me!" (Slash marks, /, indicate line breaks.) Read a variety of children's poems. There are many collections of poetry and reading suggestions online, and you can check out books of poems at your local library. This will give you a sense of what is appropriate for the age range you want to write for. Reading poems aloud is particularly helpful to get a sense of how language works in poems for young children, as many children's poems are meant to be read aloud. Short narrative poems that tell a simple story are ideal for young children, who usually have short attention spans. The Cat in the Hat and other books by Dr. Seuss are good examples of how to tell a short, funny narrative story in rhyme. Limericks are short, 5-line poems that have a particular rhyme scheme, where the first two lines and the last line rhyme, with a different rhyme sound for the middle two lines: AABBA. For example: "A talkative man from Seattle / would spend his days speaking to cattle. / When asked what he said, / one old cow shook her head, / and replied, “Why it's nothing but prattle!” Because of their strong beat and heavy use of rhyming sounds, limericks are a lot of fun for young children to read or recite aloud. "Mother Goose" books are excellent collections of nursery rhymes. Many of these, such as "Humpty Dumpty" and "Hickory, Dickory, Dock" have been popular for several hundred years. Brainstorm. There are a variety of brainstorming activities you can do to help generate ideas for poems. Try to keep your audience in mind when brainstorming; for example, very young children may not enjoy scary poems or poems that talk about unfamiliar things or experiences. Find a particular word that sounds fun to you. It can be any word, but silly ones are often popular with young children. Write down all the words you can think of that rhyme with it. For example, you could try to rhyme something with "banana" or even "hippopotamus." (If you're stuck, there are many online rhyming dictionaries that can help.) Choose a word with a specific vowel sound. Then, write down all the words you can think of that share that vowel sound, even if they don't rhyme. For example, you could put together words like "cat," "crab," "map," "apple," and "shaggy." This shared vowel sound is called "assonance," and understanding it will help young readers learn to read. Choose a word with a specific consonant sound at the beginning of the word. Then, write down all the words you can think of that share that sound. They don't have to rhyme, but they can. For example, you could put together words like "shaggy" and "sharp" and "shark" and "shake." This shared sound is called "alliteration", and it is another helpful literacy element for young readers. Pick a familiar object and describe it. Go into as much concrete, specific detail as you can, using all of your senses. Imagine you're describing your object to someone who's never seen one before. What will you tell them? This can be a great way to introduce young readers to thinking about familiar things in new ways. Pick an adjective and write it down. Then, write down as many synonyms for that word as you can think of. Online dictionaries and thesauruses can help you. You may even discover words that are new to you! Expanding children's vocabularies is one of the best things about children's poetry. Think about a relationship that is important to you. This could be with anyone: a grandparent, a sibling, a child, a spouse, a teacher, a friend, a neighbor. Think about how you feel about that person, and write down as much as you can that describes your relationship. Poetry can help young children learn about relationships and empathy. Think about an experience you had as a child. It could be a very common experience, such as playing outside or meeting a new friend. It could even be an experience that might be intimidating for young readers, such as the first day of school or visiting the doctor. Try to remember how you felt when you experienced it. Write down all the feelings and thoughts you can remember. You could also try talking to children about what experiences they think about most often. Write your poem. Writing the poem is the hardest part! The key is to draft frequently and consistently. Don't worry about achieving perfection on your first draft. Instead, try to put down the bones of your poem. You can (and should) improve it with revision. If you're stuck, you can use a formula to get you started. Children's author Hannah Lowe suggests a three-step process for coming up with poems: 1) pick a number between 1 and 20; 2) pick a (different) number between 1 and 100; 3) pick a color, a mood, a type of weather, a place, and an animal. The first number represents the number of lines your poem will have, while the second number should make an appearance somewhere within the poem's content. The keywords from step 3 will form the basis of your poem's story. Play a round of "mad libs." You can find collections of mad lib formulas in bookstores and online. They work by asking you to write down a list of words (nouns, adjectives, verbs, etc.) without seeing the story template, and then having you fill in the words in blanks in the story. Doing this may help spark your imagination for a poem, but be careful not to plagiarize the actual story template. There are various online sources that can give you some "building blocks" if you're having trouble getting your poem started. Writers Digest and Scholastic Publishing online are good places to start, but you can also try searching the internet for ideas that appeal to you. Revise your poem. Your poem will probably not be exactly the way you want it on your first draft. It may take many drafts to reach your goal, but don't give up! Some professional authors take months, even years, to revise their work. If you don't know where to start revising, read your poem aloud. Mark any places that don't sound "right" to you. Then, think about what you found odd or didn't like. Consider ways to change those elements. Revision works best if you take it piece by piece. Approaching your poem as though you have to revise the whole poem at once may feel overwhelming to you. Revise a little bit at a time, and your poem will gradually become what you want it to be. Share your work. If you have children of your own, read your poems to them! You can also ask neighbors and friends with children if you can share your poems with them. While you can also get good writing advice from adults, seeing how children respond to your work will probably be the most helpful to you. Consider your audience. Just like with young children, older children have particular interests and needs as readers of poetry. Think about what age range you want to write for. Find poems and collections for that age group and read extensively. Lewis Carroll's poems are excellent for older child readers. Poems like "Jabberwocky" play with language, use made-up words, and employ puns and other wordplay. For example, the poem begins "'Twas brillig, and the slithy Toves / Did gyre and gimble in the wabe." Even though they're made-up words, their grammatical position helps readers imagine what they might mean (and fosters literacy skills in children). Read some of Carroll's poetry for inspiration on the many ways to use language in your poem. Brainstorm your ideas. The brainstorming techniques in Method 1 will also work for poems geared toward a slightly older audience. The experiences or things you write about may be different depending on the age of the children you're writing for -- for example, older children won't respond to a poem about the first day of school the same way as young children -- but the brainstorming methods will still help you discover things to write about. Write your poem. The basic process for writing poems for older children is the same as writing for young children. However, you can get more elaborate and complicated with poetry for older children, as they are better equipped to handle complex and abstract ideas. Older children may enjoy short but vivid poems such as haiku, a three-line poem of Japanese origin. The first and final lines have five syllables each, while the second line has seven. Often they describe a concrete object or image, such as this one about a cat: "Tired cat sleeps all night. / He needs lots of rest for a / Long day of napping." The very short format requires you to consider your word choices very carefully but can create a lot of impact. Concrete poems may also be enjoyable for older readers. These poems form a shape on the page that has something to do with the subject of the poem; for example, a poem about nighttime might take the shape of a crescent moon, or a poem about bravery might take the form of a lion. These poems often don't rhyme, but the connection between the topic and the shape will interest older children. You can find many examples of these online. Explore figures of speech in your poem. Older children have the linguistic sophistication to better understand figures of speech like metaphors and similes. Try looking at an ordinary object, such as a hat or a toy, and thinking of other ways you could describe it using words such as "like": for example, "The hat was like a mountain." Metaphors and similes encourage creative exploration in young readers. Naomi Shihab Nye's poem "How to Paint a Donkey" explores with metaphor the feelings of a child painting a donkey: "I could clean my paintbrush / but I couldn't get rid of that voice. / While they watched / I crumpled him, / let his blue body / stain my hand." Describe a familiar object in unfamiliar language. Pick an object and describe it without using any of the words traditionally associated with that object. For example, try to describe a cat without using the words "fur" or "whiskers." This type of re-envisioning works quite well with older children. Carl Sandburg's poem "Fog" describes a common occurrence with uncommon language: "The fog comes / on little cat feet. / It sits looking / over harbor and city / on silent haunches / and then moves on." Use all your senses when writing. Writers often focus most heavily on sight, but your other senses also provide the type of vivid detail that young readers enjoy. Think about taste, smell, hearing, and touch as well. "April Rain Song" by Langston Hughes is a good example. It begins: "Let the rain kiss you / Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops / Let the rain sing you a lullaby." Write about feelings. Poetry that deals with emotions and feelings works very well with slightly older children, who are often curious about how to express themselves. Poetry can help older children explore their own feelings and learn about those of others. Gwendolyn Brooks' "The Tiger Who Wore White Gloves, or What You Are You Are" is a poem that deals with what it's like to be different from others in a funny, accessible way. Share your poem. If you have children, have them read the poem. Ask them questions about what they liked and didn't like. You can also share your poem with friends and family, but since your main audience is children, you'll want to know how they respond to your work. Read with your child. Reading poems together is an excellent way to build your child's literacy skills and develop their love of language. As you read poems, ask your child what interests him or her about what you've read, and explain any elements they have questions about. Talking about rhyme and rhythm works well with young readers. Ask your child to think of another word that rhymes with one in the poem, or have them clap along with the beats of the words as you read. Sing a funny song together. Nursery rhymes are excellent for this because they have very familiar melodies. Write down the lyrics, then help your child come up with a poem that they could sing to the same tune. You can use the original song lyrics as a template if you get stuck. Write an acrostic poem together. If your child can write their name, have them spell it out on a piece of paper, leaving space between the letters. (If they can't write yet, write the letters for them.) Then, encourage your child to think of a poem where each line starts with one of the letters. This personalized poem will develop your child's language skills and make him or her feel special. You can also help your child write acrostic poems for other words. An acrostic poem for "dog" could look like this: "Devoted furry buddy / On my bed is sleeping / Greatest of pets." Try an "I Spy" game. This game begins with the same line each time: "I spy with my little eye / something beginning with..." The rhyming sounds are a natural way to get your child thinking about rhyme. "I Spy" encourages your child to pay attention to details and learn how to describe them. Create a "found poem. " This exercise works best with older children. Have your child go through a magazine, newspaper, or book and highlight several dozen words they find interesting or appealing. They don't have to have a particular reason for why they like those words. Once they've found between 20-50 words, help your child arrange the words into a poem. You can add in new words where needed. Take a nature walk. As you explore, ask your child to note things that interest them, such as the weather or scenery. If they can write, have them write down their ideas in a notebook; if not, you can take notes for them. When you get back home, help your child decide on what notes to use in the poem. The poem can tell a story or just describe a scene or a feeling. Encourage your child to use specific, concrete words to describe what they see. For example, rather than saying "the weather is nice outside," you could encourage your child to use specific sensory details such as "the sun shining makes my skin feel warm" or "the blue of the sky looks just like my sweater." | Consider your audience. Read a variety of children's poems. Brainstorm. Write your poem. Revise your poem. Share your work. Consider your audience. Brainstorm your ideas. Write your poem. Explore figures of speech in your poem. Describe a familiar object in unfamiliar language. Use all your senses when writing. Write about feelings. Share your poem. Read with your child. Sing a funny song together. Write an acrostic poem together. Try an "I Spy" game. Create a "found poem. Take a nature walk. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Flower-Costume | How to Make a Flower Costume | To make a flower costume, measure around the face of the person who will be wearing the costume and add 2 inches. Then, cut a strip of ribbon to that length and cut out petals that are 3 inches wide and as tall as you'd like. Crease the petals in half lengthwise, and then fold 1/2 inch of the bottom of the petals under the ribbon and sew them in place along the ribbon. You can tie the ribbon around your face, or attach velcro to make the ribbon easier to close. | Measure the face. Measure around the face of the person who will wear the flower costume. If you are making a homemade daisy costume or other flower costume for a dog, measure around the dog's neck. Cut and crease the base loop. Cut a 2-inch (5.08 cm) wide strip of fabric (thin felt is best) that measures the distance around the person's face or the dog's neck plus 2 inches (5.08 cm) long. This fabric will look best if it is green. Next, crease the fabric by folding in half lengthwise and then pressing along the fold with an iron to make a sharp crease. Make your petals. Draw petals on the white or yellow felt. Make the petals 3-inches (7.62 cm) wide at the bottom and have them taper to a point at the top. The length of the petals is up to you. You may want to make each petal measure as long as the person's face. Make enough petals to go all the way around the fabric strip on the daisy or sunflower costume. Leave 2 inches (5.08 cm) on one side for the hook and loop closure. Cut and crease the petals. Cut out each petal, and fold each petal in half lengthwise. Press with the iron to make a crease. Lay out the petals. Stretch the strip of fabric out on your work surface. The folded, creased side should face toward you. Now, fold the bottom.5 inch (1.27 cm) of each flower petal under, and place the petals in a row in the center of the fabric strip, nesting the creases. The pointed tip of the petals should point away from you. Attach the petals. Thread a hand sewing needle with an 18-inch (45.72 cm) length of matching thread. Tie a knot in 1 end of the thread. Push the needle through the backside of the strip of fabric, up through the folded portion of the first petal. Don't pull the needle and thread through the main body of the petal as you want it to stick out when the flower costume is worn. Hand sew all the petals on in this way, attaching the folded portion of each petal to the fabric strip using a running stitch. Try to use longer lengths of thread but break the sewing up into sections if you have to. Add a closure. Cut a 2-inch (5.08 cm) long strip of velcro. Separate the rough and the fuzzy sides and then pin the rough side of the velcro to the top side of the fabric strip, at the point where there are 2 inches of extra fabric. Then, pin the fuzzy side of the velcro to the underside of the fabric strip, on the opposite side, under a petal. Hand sew the velcro in place. Put on the costume piece. Wrap the petal headband around the person's face or around the dog's neck. You may need to slide bobby pins under the fabric strip to hold it in place, if it is worn around the face. If the petals won't stand straight, you can glue white plastic straws on the back side to make them stand up. Make your pattern. Draw the shape of a leaf onto some large pieces of green felt. Instead of leaving a vertical strip for the stem, make an attached horizontal strip instead. This will be used to make a cuff for attaching to the arm. Cut out and complete your leaf. Cut out the pattern that you made. You may also want to paint some veins onto the leaf or add other touches, like a painted or plush ladybug. Add some velcro. You'll need to cut out a square of velcro and glue or sew it onto the cuff. Make sure it is at a size that it fits where you want it to go. Around the elbow is best. Put on your leaves. Make one or two for each arm and put them on when you're done. Get a flower pot. This should be a large, planter type pot (wider at its base than your hips). It should also be made out of plastic, instead of terra cotta or similar materials. Cut some holes. You'll need to use a utility knife or melting technique to cut the entire bottom out of the pot. Then, you'll also want to punch four equally spaced holes in the side of the pot, underneath the lip. Create your shoulder straps. Make some shoulder straps using lengths of bungee or paracord, with hooks on the end. You can also use thick twine, if you need more adjustable length. You can paint these straps green if you want to. Attach the shoulder straps. Tie the straps onto the flower pot at the holes you made in the sides. Put on the pot. Put the pot on your body, resting the straps on your shoulders to hold the pot up. Add finishing touches. You can add some finishing touches, like having a stuffed worm hanging out of the top, or gluing craft grass around the inside of the lip. | Measure the face. Cut and crease the base loop. Make your petals. Cut and crease the petals. Lay out the petals. Attach the petals. Add a closure. Put on the costume piece. Make your pattern. Cut out and complete your leaf. Add some velcro. Put on your leaves. Get a flower pot. Cut some holes. Create your shoulder straps. Attach the shoulder straps. Put on the pot. Add finishing touches. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Test-an-Ignition-Coil | How to Test an Ignition Coil | The ignition coil in your vehicle sends electricity to the spark plugs, and you might need to test the coil if your vehicle isn't starting or frequently stalls. You can usually test your ignition coils by plugging a diagnostic machine, like an ODB2 scanner, into the port underneath the dashboard and turning it on. On most scanners, a code P0352 indicates that your coils aren't working correctly. If you don't have a diagnostic tool, you can remove the coils to test them instead. The ignition coils in your vehicle should be located on the right side of the engine, next to the spark plugs. Remove the cables from each spark plug, then unscrew the first ignition coil carefully and lift it out of the engine block. To test the primary resistance on the coil, grab a multimeter and attach the positive probe to the positive terminal on the coil. Then, attach the negative probe to the negative terminal. Set the multimeter to 200 ohms in the resistance category and take the reading. Typically, the primary resistance should be somewhere between 0.4-2 ohms. Next, check the secondary resistance by moving the negative probe to the metal piece that connects the coil to the spark plug. Generally, the secondary resistance should be between 6,000-8,000 ohms. If either reading is off, that means your coils likely aren't working properly. Look up your vehicle's ignition coil requirements online since the ideal level of resistance for each reading can vary by vehicle. | Turn the vehicle off and open the hood. As with most types of vehicular maintenance, you'll want to begin the test with the vehicle in park and with the engine off. Open the hood to locate the ignition coil. Though its precise location may vary from vehicle to vehicle, generally, it is located near the fender or bolted to a bracket fairly close to the distributor. Note that in vehicles without a distributor, the spark plugs will be connected directly to the coil. One sure-fire way to find the ignition coil is to locate the distributor and follow the wire that does not connect to any spark plug. Before beginning, it's very wise to ensure you're wearing safety goggles or other eye protection and that you have access to insulated tools (especially pliers) to protect from electric shock. Remove one spark plug wire from its plug. Next, remove one of the spark plugs' wires from the plug itself. Usually, these wires run from the distributor cap to each of the spark plugs individually. To prevent injury, be very careful when working with your vehicle's electrical system - use gloves and insulated tools at all times. If your vehicle has been running for a while, its internal components are likely to be very hot. A car that has been driven for as little as 15 minutes can heat the engine to around 200 degrees. Allow the car to sit and cool for an hour to prevent significant injury. To save time and avoid potentially damaging your spark plug, consider using a spark plug tester instead. Instead of attaching the spark plug back to the wire, attach the spark plug tester to the wire. Ground the alligator clip. Then skip ahead and have your friend crank the engine, watching for sparks in the tester's gap. Using a spark plug tester also means you won't expose your combustion chamber to debris. Remove the spark plug using a spark plug socket. Once you've removed the spark plug wire, remove the spark plug itself. This is easiest with a specialized socket wrench called a spark plug socket. From this point forward, be careful not to let anything drop into the empty hole left where your spark plug was. Leaving debris in this hole can cause damage to the engine as the vehicle runs and, since removing anything from this hole can be a big pain, it's best to take preventative care to ensure nothing of the sort happens. Cover the cavity with a clean rag or towel to prevent debris from entering the combustion chamber. Attach the spark plug back to the spark plug wire. Now, carefully reattach the spark plug to its wire. You should be left with a spark plug that's connected to the distributor but not seated in its "hole." Handle the spark plug with insulated pliers to avoid the possibility of electric shock. Touch the threaded portion of the spark plug to any exposed metal in the engine. Next, maneuver your spark plug (wire still attached) so that the threaded "head" of the plug is touching some metal part of the engine. This can be virtually any sturdy metal part of the engine block - even the engine itself. Again, hold the spark plug carefully with insulated pliers (and, if possible, gloves). Don't risk electric shock in the next few steps by neglecting this simple safety measure. Remove the fuel pump relay or fuse. Before you crank the engine to test the spark plug, you must disable the fuel pump. When this is done, the engine will not start, allowing you to test the coil for spark. Failing to remove the fuel pump relay means cylinder being tested will not fire because there is no spark plug. It will, however, still be flooded with fuel, which may cause serious damage. Check your manual to locate the fuel pump relay. Have a friend "crank" the engine. Get a friend or assistant to turn the key in the vehicle's ignition. This will provide power to the car's electrical system and, thus, to the spark plug you're holding (assuming your ignition coil is working) Look for blue sparks. If your ignition coil is working properly, when your friend cranks the engine, you should see a bright blue spark jump across the spark plug gap. This spark will be clearly visible in the daylight. If you don't see a blue spark, your ignition coil is probably malfunctioning and needs replacement. Orange sparks are a bad sign. These mean that the ignition coil is supplying insufficient electricity to the spark plug (this can be for any number of reasons, including cracked coil casings, "weak" current, faulty connections, etc.). The final possibility you may observe is that no spark occurs. This is usually a sign that either the ignition coil is completely "dead," that one or more electrical connections are faulty, or that you've done something wrong in your test. Carefully re-install the spark plug and re-connect its wire. When you've concluded your test, ensure the vehicle is turned off before essentially repeating the preparatory steps above in reverse order. Disconnect the spark plug from its wire, re-insert it into its hole, and re-connect the wire. Congratulations! You've completed your ignition coil test! Remove the ignition coil from the vehicle. The test above isn't the only way to determine whether the ignition coil in your vehicle is functioning as it should. If you have access to a piece of electrical equipment called an ohmmeter , which measures electrical resistance, you can measure the effectiveness of your ignition coil in a definitive, quantifiable way, rather than in the somewhat subjective way described above. However, to begin this test, you'll need to remove the vehicle's ignition coil so that you can easily access its electrical terminals. Refer to your service manual for precise instructions on removing your ignition coil. Usually, you'll need to disconnect it from the distributor wire, then unscrew it from its mounting with a wrench. Ensure your vehicle is turned off and has had a chance to cool before beginning this process. Find the resistance specifications for your ignition coil. Every vehicle's ignition coil has its own unique specifications in terms of the electrical resistance within the coil. If your coil's actual resistance levels fall outside of these specifications, you'll know that your coil is damaged. Usually, you'll be able to find the resistance specifications unique to your vehicle by consulting your service manual. However, if you can't find it here, you may find success by contacting your dealership or by searching online vehicular resources. Generally speaking, most automotive coils will have a resistance reading of about.7 - 1.7 ohms for the primary winding and 7,500 - 10,500 ohms for the secondary winding. Position the leads of the ohmmeter on the poles of the primary coil. The distributor will have three electrical contacts - two on either side and one in the middle. These may be either external (jutting out) or internal (sunken in) - it makes no difference. Turn on your ohmmeter and touch one lead to each of the outer electrical contacts. Record the resistance reading - this is the resistance of the coil's primary winding. Note that some newer models of ignition coil have contact configurations that differ from this traditional arrangement. Consult your vehicle's manual for information if you are unsure which contacts correspond to the primary winding. Position the leads of the ohmmeter on the poles of the secondary coil. Next, keep one lead on one of the outer contacts and touch the other to the central, inner contact of the ignition coil (where the main wire to the distributor connects). Record the resistance reading - this is the resistance of the coil's secondary winding. Determine whether the readings you recorded fall within your vehicle's specifications. Ignition coils are delicate components of a vehicle's electrical system. If either the primary or secondary windings are even a little outside of your vehicle's specifications, you'll want to replace your ignition coil, as your current one is likely damaged or malfunctioning. | Turn the vehicle off and open the hood. Remove one spark plug wire from its plug. Remove the spark plug using a spark plug socket. Attach the spark plug back to the spark plug wire. Touch the threaded portion of the spark plug to any exposed metal in the engine. Remove the fuel pump relay or fuse. Have a friend "crank" the engine. Look for blue sparks. Carefully re-install the spark plug and re-connect its wire. Remove the ignition coil from the vehicle. Find the resistance specifications for your ignition coil. Position the leads of the ohmmeter on the poles of the primary coil. Position the leads of the ohmmeter on the poles of the secondary coil. Determine whether the readings you recorded fall within your vehicle's specifications. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Enjoy-Progressive-Rock | How to Enjoy Progressive Rock | To enjoy progressive rock, try listening to some mainstream progressive rock bands, like Pink Floyd and Genesis. You can also check out artists from the golden era of progressive rock, like King Crimson and Yes. If you want to experience the origins of progressive rock, check out the Beatles' album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" or Jethro Tull's "Aqualung." Once you're familiar with the genre, visit online music forums or magazines to meet other fans and get updates on new music. | Listen to mainstream albums by Pink Floyd and Genesis first. The best introduction to prog rock is through the most popular bands. Start with “The Dark Side of the Moon” by Pink Floyd, which is easily accessible and contains a lot of popular songs. Then, move onto “Selling England by the Pound” by Genesis, which is one of their most popular albums. If you're more interested in live music, there are plenty of Genesis and Pink Floyd cover bands that you can see in person. This is a great way to introduce yourself to the music at a live show, rather than just by listening at home. Appreciate the “golden era” of prog rock artists, like King Crimson and Yes. Pick up King Crimson's “In The Court Of The Crimson King” to listen to one of the most masterful and critically acclaimed works of progressive rock. Once you've listened to that, try listening to “Close to the Edge” by Yes, which is a more emotional style of prog rock. If you like these albums, you can branch out into more albums by these bands. Each band has around 20 studio-length albums for the prog rock enthusiast to appreciate. Enjoy early progressive rock, such as the Beatles and Jethro Tull. To understand the beginning of the prog movement, listen to the Beatles' “Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,” which is often considered the first real progressive rock album. Then, listen to Jethro Tull's “Aqualung” to hear a sampling of symphonic music blended with rock instruments. If you enjoy the Beatles album, you can also watch the movie, which has the same title as the album, by looking it up online or purchasing it in DVD form. This provides a visual depiction for all of the songs and can help you to understand the narrative of the music. Sample punk and pub rock music to understand the decline of prog rock. Progressive rock experienced a steep decline in the late 1970s due to the emergence of punk rock, which captured the attention of prog's fanbase. Listen to songs by The Ramones and The Sex Pistols to understand the similarities and differences between the genres. You might find that these bands frequently make music about topics covered by prog rock bands. The two genres are very similar, but the punk movement ultimately brought about the end of the golden era of prog. Join online music forums to discuss progressive rock with fellow listeners. Most online forums have a large discussion boards for a variety of different bands. Post your opinions and reviews of various albums, and ask others for recommendations for new bands and albums that you can listen to. Don't be afraid to jump in on discussions and share your viewpoints about the various albums! Remember, music is a form of art that is meant to be analyzed and criticized, but it's okay to have different opinions. If someone on the forum doesn't agree with you, be respectful of their viewpoint. If you're looking for online forums, try websites like ProgressiveEars, ClassicRockForums, and ProgForums. Subscribe to music magazines for updates on the genre and emerging music. Invest in a subscription to Prog or Rolling Stone since both frequently interview members of progressive rock bands. Read online magazines, like Ultimate Classic Rock, for reviews and opinion articles about the genre from avid listeners. Some magazines might also announce reunion tours or new albums from bands that have previously broken up. Keep an eye out for this information in print magazines and online. Listen to music from “spinoff” genres that are inspired by progressive rock. Prog rock had a short but influential run in the music industry. If you listen to albums on a music subscription service, visit the artist page and scroll to the bottom for “similar artists” recommendations. Don't be afraid to branch into new genres, like folk or punk, to better understand prog. Find prog rock playlists on streaming services. For an easy way to introduce yourself to new progressive rock music, search for "progressive rock playlists" on a streaming service like Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora. Listen to a sampling of songs from different eras, and be sure to add the songs that you like to your library. Sometimes, you can add entire playlists to your library, which will allow you to listen to the songs even when you're not connected to the internet. This is a great way to expose yourself to a variety of different types of prog rock from many sub-genres. Listen to entire albums to get a better understanding of the musical theme. Progressive rock albums are normally arranged purposefully to take the listener on a journey. Make time to sit down and listen to the album all the way through, which may take up to an hour for longer albums. Try not to skip any tracks, and pay attention to the musical changes throughout the songs. If you don't have a lot of free time, try listening to full albums while you drive in the car or do other activities. Listening to prog rock as background music is a great way to introduce yourself to the genre. Pay close attention to the lyrics to discern the “plot” of the songs. Some progressive rock albums, like Genesis' “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway,” Camel's “The Snow Goose,” and The Moody Blues' “Days Of Future Passed,” tell complete stories from the first track to the last. As you listen, close your eyes and pay attention to the singer's words to hear the plot of the story. Although not all progressive rock albums tell a complete story, most individual songs will tell their own mini-story. Find instrumental versions of songs to appreciate the artists' musical skills. Spend some time listening to the music without paying attention to the lyrics or listening to versions without singing in them. Focus on one instrument at a time, or listen to them altogether as a whole unit. Listen closely for difficult guitar riffs, complex drum solos, and impressive vocal feats. Albums like Genesis' “Selling England By The Pound,” Yes's “Close To The Edge,” and Pink Floyd's “Dark Side Of The Moon” are considered landmarks in recorded music because of the amazing skills that were required to make them. Give albums a second listen to hear new aspects of the music. Once you've listened to an album all the way through, take a small break and then listen to it again. During your second listen, focus on hearing new facets of the music that you didn't pay attention to the first time. Clarify any lyrics that you're not sure of, and enjoy some of you favorite parts from your first listen. If you're not sure what to listen for, read some online reviews of the album and pay attention to the parts that the reviewer points out. Normally, these will be especially complex musical portions or important lyrics. Ask friends and other music lovers for recommendations. Talking about music is one of the best ways to really appreciate it, and this is especially true for prog rock. If you know someone who likes the genre, you can tell them a little about what albums you like, and ask them if they have any albums or bands in mind that you might enjoy. Once you and your friend have listened to the same albums, you can discuss your favorite tracks, your opinions of the album overall, and your thoughts about how the album fits into the genre. | Listen to mainstream albums by Pink Floyd and Genesis first. Appreciate the “golden era” of prog rock artists, like King Crimson and Yes. Enjoy early progressive rock, such as the Beatles and Jethro Tull. Sample punk and pub rock music to understand the decline of prog rock. Join online music forums to discuss progressive rock with fellow listeners. Subscribe to music magazines for updates on the genre and emerging music. Listen to music from “spinoff” genres that are inspired by progressive rock. Find prog rock playlists on streaming services. Listen to entire albums to get a better understanding of the musical theme. Pay close attention to the lyrics to discern the “plot” of the songs. Find instrumental versions of songs to appreciate the artists' musical skills. Give albums a second listen to hear new aspects of the music. Ask friends and other music lovers for recommendations. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Join-Yarn-in-Crocheting | How to Join Yarn in Crocheting | If you want to join yarn while crocheting, begin by tying a loose knot around the tail of the old yarn, then moving the old yarn strand to the side. To ensure the yarn is seamlessly secured, work the next stitch into your pattern with the new strand of yarn. After you have crocheted 1 row past where you joined the yarn strands, cut the old yarn, and untie the knot. Then, thread the ends of your new yarn through a yarn needle, insert the yarn needle into the stitch closest to its base, and sew completely through. Once you've repeated this until you cannot sew any further, cut the excess yarn about 0.25 inches from the surface of your crocheted item. | Tie a loose knot around the old yarn with a 6 in (15 cm) tail. You can do this anywhere in the row, such as at the beginning, middle, or end. Make the knot tight enough to hold the yarn in place, but also loose enough so that you can easily untie it later. Move the old yarn strand to the side, but do not cut it yet. Crochet with the new yarn leaving the knot in place. To ensure that the yarn is secured seamlessly into your work, begin working the next stitch in your pattern using the new strand of yarn. Do not untie the knot after you work the stitch. For example, if you are doing a single crochet stitch, insert the hook into the next stitch, and yarn over. However, instead of yarning over with your old yarn, yarn over with the new strand. Then, pull this yarn through the stitch, yarn over again, and pull through 2 to complete the stitch. Cut the old yarn and untie the knot after working a row. After you have crocheted 1 row past where you joined the yarn, untie the knot connecting the new strand to the old strand. Then, cut the old yarn to the same length as the new yarn, if needed. If the old yarn is already the same length as the new yarn, then don't cut it. Weave in the ends with a yarn needle. Thread the end of the new yarn through a yarn needle. Then, insert the yarn needle into the stitch nearest its base. Sew all the way through the stitch, and bring the needle back through the next stitch on the other side of the item. Repeat this until you cannot sew any further, then cut the excess yarn about 0.25 in (0.64 cm) from the surface of the crocheted item. Repeat the same process to weave in the other strand of yarn. Cross the old and new yarn about 3 in (7.6 cm) from their ends. Match up the ends of the new and old yarn. Then, pinch the 2 pieces about 3 in (7.6 cm) from their ends. Twist the pieces around each other 1 time so that they are crossed. Make sure to crochet until you have 6 in (15 cm) left on your current ball of yarn. This will provide enough slack to join the yarn strands. Cross the strands and hold onto the end of the old strand. Grasp the end of the strand of old yarn and bring it towards the stitch that is currently on the hook. Hold it in place with your thumb. Then, grasp the end of the new yarn and pull it in the opposite direction so that it is doubled over and laying flat. This will allow you to crochet to the very end of the old yarn and pick up the new yarn without any loose ends to weave in later. Crochet with the doubled over yarn strands. Continue crocheting according to your pattern or stitch. Work the doubled over strands of yarn as you would work a single strand of yarn. Hold the end of the new yarn with your thumb until you have crocheted over this section. Be careful not to pull too hard on either strand of yarn as you crochet this section, or the strand might get disconnected and you will have to start over. Pinch the new and old yarn 0.25 in (0.64 cm) from the ends. Take the end of your old yarn and the end of your new yarn and line up the ends so that they are even. Then, pinch the ends between your non-dominant thumb and forefinger to hold them in place. Make sure that the ends of the yarn strands are poking out past your fingertips. Wrap the new yarn around your thumb 2 times. Use your other hand to grasp the new yarn extending from your forefinger and thumb and wrap it around your thumb and the pinched yarn ends. Make sure that the yarn goes in between your forefinger and thumb as well, but on the outside of the pinched yarn ends. Leave the old yarn alone as you do this. Just let it hang loose and don't wrap it around anything! Bring the new yarn back between your thumb and the ends of yarn. After wrapping the yarn around your thumb for the second time, bring the strand back in the opposite direction. Pull it so it goes between your thumb and the 2 ends of yarn instead of around them. Make sure to keep pinching the ends of the yarn as you do this! Tuck the ends of the yarn down towards your thumb. Use the index finger on your dominant hand to tuck the ends of the 2 strands down over the new yarn. This is the strand that you just pulled between your thumb and the ends. Push the ends down so that they are completely folded over. If you find it hard to tuck the yarn down with your finger, use your crochet hook to tuck it down. Pull gently on the new yarn and allow the loops to slip off your thumb. Continue to pinch the yarn between your finger and thumb, and use your other hand to start tugging gently on the new yarn. Tug until the first loop tightens and slips off your thumb, and then keep pulling to tighten the other 2 loops into a knot around the end of the old yarn. The ends of the yarn should be joined in a tight knot after you pull off the last loop. You can continue crocheting as you normally would once the ends are joined! | Tie a loose knot around the old yarn with a 6 in (15 cm) tail. Crochet with the new yarn leaving the knot in place. Cut the old yarn and untie the knot after working a row. Weave in the ends with a yarn needle. Cross the old and new yarn about 3 in (7.6 cm) from their ends. Cross the strands and hold onto the end of the old strand. Crochet with the doubled over yarn strands. Pinch the new and old yarn 0.25 in (0.64 cm) from the ends. Wrap the new yarn around your thumb 2 times. Bring the new yarn back between your thumb and the ends of yarn. Tuck the ends of the yarn down towards your thumb. Pull gently on the new yarn and allow the loops to slip off your thumb. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-Fun-at-a-Sleepover-(for-Teen-Girls) | How to Have Fun at a Sleepover (for Teen Girls) | To have fun at a sleepover when you're a teen girl, plan out fun activities that everyone will like. Try having a spa night by painting each others' nails, doing each others' makeup, and putting on facemasks. Afterward, watch a movie, spread out blankets and pillows, and serve popcorn and candy. If you and your friends aren't too tired after the movie, play games, like hide-and-go-seek or Truth or Dare, and tell scary stories. | Provide lots of snacks. One of the best parts of sleepovers is the snacks. You can provide typical sleepover snacks like chips, popcorn, cookies, ice cream, and candy. It's also a good idea to have some healthier options like fruit or fresh veggies. Be mindful of food restrictions because of allergies, religion, or even if your friends have braces. Try some new drinks. You should have plenty to drink at your sleepover. This can include pop, water, and things like iced tea or lemonade. You can also ask your parents about mixing alcohol-free versions of alcoholic drinks – like strawberry daiquiris. These are lots of fun to make and can make your sleepover feel extra special. Make sure that if you are going to have some fun drinks, that you also have some pop or iced tea as well. This is just in case your guests prefer these to your fancy alcohol-free drinks. Consider the main course. If you're having your friends over around dinnertime, you'll need to feed them something more than just snacks. What you have is up to you, and you can ask your friends what they like, too. You can order pizza, or set up a taco bar in the kitchen. Listen to your favorite music. One of the easiest ways to get your party started is by listening to some music. You can listen on an iPod, CD player, MP3 player, or a radio. Take turns with your friends acting as DJ and let everyone pick their own music. Try karaoke. If you or your friend(s) have an electronic device that has the internet, try doing karaoke. YouTube has a lot of karaoke tracks that you can use. It's a fun and free way to do karaoke at home. Set up a mini movie theatre. One of the best parts of sleepovers is staying up late watching movies. Set up a mini movie theatre by stacking the movies you want to watch next to the biggest screen in your house. Set out snacks that you'd normally get in a movie theatre – like popcorn and candy – and spread cushions or blankets on the floor for somewhere comfy to sit with your friends. Have a spa night. Ask your friends to bring their favorite spa stuff. This can include nail polish, facial products, and makeup. You can also ask them to bring their own favorite robes and slippers. Then set up an area with small mirrors for each of your friends. Give each other facials, paint each other's nails, and do each other's hair and makeup. Having some relaxing spa music playing in the background makes it feel even more like spa. Make jewelry. Craft stores often have small jewelry-making kits for not a lot of money. Get one for each of your friends and spend some time making your own jewelry. You can make bracelets, necklaces, and earrings with most jewelry kit. Suggest to your friends that you make something that matches. . Play games You could play video games, board games, or card games; any game will do. You could also play kiddie games like hide-and-go-seek, if you and your friend(s) want to. You can make it even more exciting by using flashlights to play in the dark (as long as it's okay with your parents). Truth or Dare is a fun game to play, and you don't need anything special for the game. You can also try Twister! It's a fun game that's sure to make everyone laugh. Tell scary stories. It can be a lot of fun to sit in a dark room and tell scary stories. If you're going to do this, make sure that your friend(s) like scary stories. You don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they want to go home. Ask your friends for ideas. Leave some time in your sleepover plan for suggestions from your friends. Write up a list of things that everyone suggests and then pick one or two places to go. Make sure your parents are okay with this plan. They might want a more settled plan for the night and might not want to add something new after everyone arrives. Go outside. You don't have to go anywhere special during your sleepover. Just going outside – to the backyard or maybe a nearby park – can make your sleepover more fun and special. If you think you might go outside, make sure you tell your friends to bring appropriate clothes and shoes with them. If it's warm outside, you can all bring towels outside and lay in the sun - just make sure you wear sunscreen first! If it's cold and snowy, bundle up and have a snowball fight or build snowmen! You can also use the outdoors as a backdrop for a fun photoshoot with your friends. Have a camp out. You can have a camp out right in your backyard during your sleepover. Get a tent and ask your friends to bring sleeping bags. You can start a camp-fire if you have a fire pit, and use it to roast hot dogs or make s'mores. If you're having a sleepover in the winter, or if the weather isn't nice, you can still have a camp-out. Put your tent in the living room and make smores in the microwave. | Provide lots of snacks. Try some new drinks. Consider the main course. Listen to your favorite music. Try karaoke. Set up a mini movie theatre. Have a spa night. Make jewelry. . Tell scary stories. Ask your friends for ideas. Go outside. Have a camp out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Bamboo-from-Seed | How to Grow Bamboo from Seed | To grow bamboo from seed, start by soaking the seeds in bowl of water for 12 to 24 hours to help them germinate. Next, place peat pellets into a holding tray and add water so that each pellet is about halfway submerged. Once they have expanded, use your finger to push a seed into the center of each pellet. After planting, cover the tray with a greenhouse cover and place it in an area with indirect sunlight, like a window sill. Then, water the pellets daily to keep them moist, and transplant the seedlings into a larger planter after 30 days to give them room to grow. | Buy a miniature indoor greenhouse. You can purchase a greenhouse kit from gardening companies that will contain almost everything you'll need to plant bamboo seeds. The kit will have a holding tray, a number of peat pellets, labels, and a lid to create the greenhouse effect. This is a great way to grow bamboo seedlings all year round and in an indoor setting. The greenhouse that you purchase does not need to be specifically made for bamboo growing. Kits come in a variety of sizes from 6 plants up to over 70. A 50-plant greenhouse measures approximately 11 by 11 inches (28 by 28 cm). Your odds of success will improve if you choose a greenhouse with space for 50+ plants. After you buy your greenhouse, you'll notice that each pellet is already positioned in its own indention. This means that the greenhouse is ready for planting with almost no setup required. Submerge the pellets halfway under a layer of water. Get a pitcher and pour water into the holding tray until each pellet is halfway saturated. You'll need to adjust the amount of water that you use depending on how many pellets you need to cover. It's okay if the tops of the pellets get wet during the pouring process, as long as they are halfway covered. Check any diagrams and instructions on the greenhouse package before watering or planting. Some greenhouse kits even come with self-watering setups. You might need to fill a large basin with water. Then, the basin will feed into a watering mat under the pellets, reducing your watering intervals. Another option is to remove the pellets and place them into a rectangular metal cake pan. Then, pour boiling water over the pellets until it reaches the halfway point. The high temperature of the water is supposed to help sterilize the pellets. The ideal water temperature for watering your pellets is 10 to 15 °C (50 to 59 °F). You can also use distilled water for your seedlings to minimize any contaminants. Let the pellets soak up the water for 5-10 minutes. Watch as the pellets begin to absorb the water almost immediately. Make sure that they are fully expanded within the containers and add a bit more water if any of the pellets seem to lag behind. Once the pellets are finished expanding, carry the tray over to a sink and drain away the remaining standing water. Your goal is to get the pellets to a state of dampness, but not sogginess, or they might lose their structure. Purchase bamboo seeds from a reputable seller. Talk with your local gardening center about ordering bamboo seeds. Getting bamboo seeds can sometimes be a challenge because they must be quarantined for a period if they come from outside the United States. If you get a crop of seeds, make sure to plant them as soon as possible to increase their viability. It's also a good idea to order more seeds than you actually intend to plant. This will increase your odds of growing mature plants, even if some seeds fail. Only buy seeds from a seller who can provide documentation showing that they follow all quarantine procedures established by the government. Soak your bamboo seeds in water for 1 full day. Fill up a shallow glass container up with water that is right around 85° F (30° C). Place your seeds into the water and let them sit undisturbed for between 12-24 hours. This kickstarts the germination process for your seeds and increases the odds of planting success. Use a food thermometer to verify that the temperature doesn't get too hot or it could cook your seeds and ruin the possibility of planting. If you don't have a container handy, you can also place the seeds in a bag and fill it with water. Place the container in a warm spot to keep the temperature from dropping too quickly. It also helps to cover the container to keep the heat trapped longer. Plant a single seed in the center of each peat pellet. Use a wooden skewer to create a small hole in the top of each pellet. Then, place 1 seed in the center of the pellet. Use your finger to push the pellet down into the peat enough so that it is fully covered. Position the greenhouse in a spot with 12-16 hours of indirect sunlight. This is the minimum amount of sunlight that the seeds will require to grow into seedlings. Avoid placing your greenhouse in direct sunlight or you'll risk burning the seeds. Keep your greenhouse covered with the lid in order to trap the warmth. A grow light can also provide warmth for your seedlings. Position an incandescent light at least 24 inches (61 cm) away from your plants to keep them from burning. A florescent light can be placed just 6 inches (15 cm) away from your greenhouse. Water the pellets each day until they are moist. If you see water accumulating on the surface of the pellet, stop and water a bit less next time. Be aware that each pellet may require varying amounts of water daily. You should see sprouts start to pop out of the soil after around 10 days post-planting. Remove the greenhouse lid when the sprouts start to touch it. If the tops of the sprouts reach the lid when closed, then you'll need to start leaving the lid off. The heat generated by the lid can actually burn the sprouts and damage them. Transplant the seedlings to larger planting containers after 30 days. Get a single 2 US gal (7.6 L) planting pot for every 3 pellets. Add potting soil into each pot until it is halfway full. Then, fill up the rest of the pots with bark mulch. Dig a hole for each pellet that is just slightly larger than the pellet's actual size. Gently lift each planting pellet and place it within a hole in the pot. It's fine to place multiple pellets in a single pot, as long as they are not directly touching. If a pellet doesn't have a visible sprout, you can still transplant it and hope that it will produce a plant in time. Cover each pellet with about 0.39 inches (0.99 cm) of potting soil, so that the top of the pellet is no longer visible. Place the pots in a location with at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight. Extended direct sun will continue to burn your bamboo seedlings, so make sure that your plants get about half sun, half shade. You might even need to move your pots around to ensure that they get at least 6 hours of light. The seedlings should stay a bright green color. If they turn yellow or brown, then they are getting too much sun. Transplant the plants from pots to open soil in the fall or winter. Use a spade to dig a hole that is roughly twice the diameter and just as deep as the current pot. Then, mix that removed soil in with potting soil to create roughly a 50-50 mixture. Gently dig around the edges of the plant in the pot and turn it upside down until it loosens. Position this plant in the newly dug out hole in the soil. Look for a potting soil that is specifically made for plants in an open-soil garden. This type of soil will have a higher dirt density, as compared to standard potting soil. Water your new bamboo plants 2-3 times a week. Bamboo does best in soil that is moist, but well drained. If water is sitting on the surface of the dirt, then your bamboo may begin to rot. You can test the drainage of the soil beforehand by observing how it looks after a rain shower. If the water doesn't fully drain off and stays on the soil's surface, then it's probably not the best place to plant. Remove pests by hand or treat the plant with a pesticide. Some pests, such as aphids, are easily visible on bamboo. Simply pluck these tiny, green insects off the plant with your fingers and apply a pesticide to keep them from coming back. Other pests, such as mealybugs, are resistant to pesticides. In these situations, it's often best to simply spray the pests off the plants with a steady stream of water. Keep the area around your plant's stem free of debris to prevent disease. Before you water your bamboo, use your hand to gently brush away any dead sticks or leaves on the top of the soil. These pieces of debris can spread dangerous fungi to your plant, which can cause root rot. Also, avoid over-watering your plants, as fungi grow best in saturated soil. If your plant begins to bend at the stem and feels overly moist to the touch, then it may be suffering from rot. Dig up this plant in order to prevent the spread of the fungi. | Buy a miniature indoor greenhouse. Submerge the pellets halfway under a layer of water. Let the pellets soak up the water for 5-10 minutes. Purchase bamboo seeds from a reputable seller. Soak your bamboo seeds in water for 1 full day. Plant a single seed in the center of each peat pellet. Position the greenhouse in a spot with 12-16 hours of indirect sunlight. Water the pellets each day until they are moist. Remove the greenhouse lid when the sprouts start to touch it. Transplant the seedlings to larger planting containers after 30 days. Place the pots in a location with at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight. Transplant the plants from pots to open soil in the fall or winter. Water your new bamboo plants 2-3 times a week. Remove pests by hand or treat the plant with a pesticide. Keep the area around your plant's stem free of debris to prevent disease. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Adventurer | How to Become an Adventurer | To become an adventurer, try doing new activities that are outside of your comfort zone. For example, you could go skydiving or plan a camping trip. Alternatively if you're interested in travelling, you could sign up to the Peace Corps or work as an au pair in Europe. If you thrive on independence, find a couch-surfing organisation or a job on an organic farm and immerse yourself in new cultures. | Define adventure for yourself. An adventurer is typically someone who seeks out unusual and uncommon situations. If you want to make a career out of adventuring, how you choose to define "adventure" will shape the plans, methods, destinations, meanings and purpose of your career. Wanting to be an adventurer doesn't necessarily mean you have to embrace rock climbing if you're interested in the toads of the Amazon. Channel your interests into an adventurous career, and choose something personally fulfilling and meaningful. Consider the outdoors. Were you the kind of kid who had to be dragged inside for dinner? Who picked handfuls of dandelions and daisies? Who loved the poetry of nature? Did you escape to the woods every chance you got? Maybe you love taking early morning swims in the cool chill of a lake. If the idea of hiking in the mountains among clear streams fills you with tranquility and not a panicky desire for antihistamine, adventure for you might consist of wildlife conservation, eco-tourism, or scenic recreation. Count up your scars. Were you a tree-climber and a daredevil? A skinner-of-knees? The first to volunteer in gym and the last to back down? Always on the move, maybe you feel cooped up while sitting in class. Maybe the idea of working at a computer in a drab office fills you with nameless dread. Maybe you have no fear of riding your bicycle fast in heavy traffic and think scuba diving sounds like a relaxing weekend activity. White water? Bring it on. For you, adventure might consist of extreme sports, outdoor endurance activities, or exploration. Consider cultural exploration. Does discovering new music, trying new food, and being lost in an unfamiliar land seem exciting to you? Maybe the history of a place interests you. Maybe you've always wanted to learn Japanese, see what Siberia looks like from a train, or spend the day sipping red wine and sampling goat cheeses. For you, adventure might be archaeological research or journalism. It might be culinary, historical, or artistic. Also consider anthropology and sociology, if you've an aptitude for research. Think about helping people. If there was an injured rabbit in your backyard when you were a kid, you took it in a shoebox and cared for it. Do you always keep up with the news abroad? Does poverty fill you will a sense of injustice and a desire to create change? Do you want to give back to the world and contribute your talents in a way that makes it a better place than you found it? Humanitarian and philanthropic adventures are right up your alley. Consider legal or medical fields. Dig out your bug collection. Are you fascinated by animals--their names, their classifications, their different peculiarities? Have you always kept pets? Maybe you've always had an unexplainable fascination with rocks? Volcanoes set your mind awhirl. You could name all the dinosaurs when you were a kid. Never afraid to pick up frogs or touch snakes, maybe you always felt at home with other species. Scientific research adventures are for you. Consider biology, zoology, paleontology, or geology as potential fields. Study. The life of an archaeologist seems glamorous in Indiana Jones, but that's because there are no scenes of him revising 30-page research articles about tertiary religious ceremonies in ancient Sumeria for an editing review with an academic journal so he can get tenure. Before you go off digging African velociraptors, you have to lay the ground work for success. There's no way to "major in Adventure," but you can study something that will allow you to travel and give you the foundations for doing what you want. If you're interested in scientific adventures, study biology or other related life sciences. Chemistry will keep you in the lab and on the computer, while marine biology will get you into the field. If you're interested in travel, hospitality and tourism programs would be a smart investment. Study a foreign language as an added bonus in marketing yourself down the road. If you're interested in outdoor sports or other activities that involve being in nature, ecology programs with all sorts of specialities are available all over the country. Talk to an academic advisor to find out what's right for you. After graduating, you can apply for Fulbright Fellowship or other grant program to fund a research or teaching experience in another country. They field all manner of different project ideas, from teaching music forms in Russia to poetry in South America. If college isn't in the cards for you, never fear. Keeping yourself informed about your intended adventurous field doesn't necessarily need to be any more complicated than getting a library card and doing the work yourself. Developing a good set of skills, like videography or photography can likewise be a particularly useful skill. Someone needs to know how to operate those high-definition video cameras in the arctic. Why not you? Sign up for the Peace Corps. One great way to have a guaranteed and semi-organized experience abroad for up to two years is to sign up for the Peace Corps. This can be a good way to pay back student loans, develop the skills necessary to travel, and build connections in other places. It's also an extremely satisfying way to give back, as you'll be participating in humanitarian aid of the most necessary sort. Combine Peace Corps work with your own side travels over the course of your time there to make the most of it. Take a weekend to jaunt up to the Mediterranean and explore the cuisine, or to check out the scenic Scandinavian hiking trails. It'll leave you rejuvenated and ready to get back to the hard work you'll be doing. Look for an au pair or nanny job abroad. In Europe, it's common for young and unemployed women to work abroad in the childcare industry. It can be a fairly lucrative short-term opportunity, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in a new culture and make some money. Staying in close quarters with a family is a great way to learn the culture and language, too, as well as building a long-term relationship with a family that you can follow up on later in your adventuring career. If you work in Germany with a family for a year, that's one friendly group of folks you'll always know when you're passing through with a backpack and need a warm place to sleep. Teach English. English skills are in demand worldwide. In Southeast Asia, especially, the demand for English teachers is on the rise. Most programs that facilitate your teaching experience, hooking you up with a job and the necessary qualifications, will require a BA in any field, but not all. You might be able to find a gig teaching private lessons yourself, but an organization that specializes in placing American teachers in positions abroad is the safest and easiest way to go about getting a gig. Sign up for a mission trip or a study abroad program. If you've got the time and the resources, your church or you school may organize yearly trips abroad that will give you some of the flavor of the kind of adventure you seek. Even if it's only for a couple weeks and even if the work is hard, building houses in Guatemala or Peru, you're earning your way and building the necessary skills. Any adventurous job you'll apply for down the road will look on this kind of experience warmly. This can be especially great for anyone with an interest in humanitarian work, though you'll be at the mercy of a travel group, which may end up on the touristy side of things. Plan side trips and create your own fun. Take a "gap year" and plan an adventure yourself. Just go. Couch surfing organizations and opportunities on organic farms are available for anyone who has the time to invest. This will give you experience traveling, living in another culture, and the support net available might develop into a long term opportunity you'd never have known about otherwise. Even if it's a couple of weeks to take a bike trip from Minnesota to New Orleans, you're laying the foundation for future stories and successes by just getting out and going. When you get back from your adventure, use the experience as an "in" for getting a job. now that you've got DIY experience, you're a much more marketable adventurer. Get a job doing what you want. Recreation workers, trail guides, scuba instructors all have salaried positions you can get with the proper experience and certifications. The experience you've gleaned from traveling abroad, adventuring on your own, or studying in your desired field should open up a variety of options doing the type of thing you want to do. Get a job with the state at your favorite park, or start your own business teaching kayaking lessons. If you're getting paid to teach other people about what you love, every day can be an adventure. Get a job at a ski resort teaching snowboarding lessons, or work your way up at an aquarium. You don't necessarily have to be a marine biologist to work with animals. Seek funding for your expeditions. Your ultimate goal is to do something you love and get paid for it. If adventures are what you love, getting someone else to pay for your mushroom-gathering expedition to France or your next snowboarding trip to Switzerland is the dream. National Geographic provides a variety of funding for research proposals, from the media-driven to the hypothesis-driven. Explore your funding options on a trip-by-trip basis and work on publishing or selling the results when you return. If you write a best-selling book about your cross-country train journey that was paid for in the first place, you're in great shape. Document your adventures. Write about your adventures. Consider updating people about your adventurous experiences via a blog , websites, or other social media networks. Film your exploits. The best way to get other people interested in your adventures and to get your name out there as an adventurer in need of funding is to market yourself and your particular set of talents. Selling freelance photography or your videos is one of the best ways to get a foot in the door for a full-time job with a publication or media service. Got great pictures of the great horned owls you saw on a hike? Try sending them to magazines. If you've got a great story about your time in Istanbul that needs to be told, try to get it published. If it's marketable, you may get a job offer. Get a job where the adventure is. If being in Australia is an adventure for you, then whatever you're doing when you're there is adventurous, and will allow you to explore on your own in your own neighborhood. Get a job leading sightseeing tours or doing manual labor in a place you love and work for the weekend. Many agricultural areas will hire seasonal labor, picking fruit, pruning grape vines, or doing other outdoor work. It can be challenging and low-paying, but if it allows you to move around, pack up, and leave on a regular basis, it may satisfy those adventurers with wanderlust. Get a job that requires travel. Jobs that require travel, like salesmen, activity coordinators, musicians, or migrant laborers will ensure that you're constantly on the move and that every new day of work will yield and exciting and new experience. Alternatively, try getting a job that you can do from anywhere. Telecommuting work, like copy editing, programming, and other online jobs will allow you the ability to work from home, from abroad, or from wherever you like. Gather together as many opportunities as possible and make your own hours. Stay in academia. While a large portion of the year will be devoted to on campus and in-class work, there are a variety of research positions available that will provide you with ample opportunity to get into the field on salary, the opportunity for sabbatical trips, and the necessary support to do the work that you want to do, whatever it is. If you need to be at the Tower of London to do research for your next historical novel, the support of a university is one of the best chances you're going to get. | Define adventure for yourself. Consider the outdoors. Count up your scars. Consider cultural exploration. Think about helping people. Dig out your bug collection. Study. Sign up for the Peace Corps. Look for an au pair or nanny job abroad. Teach English. Sign up for a mission trip or a study abroad program. Take a "gap year" and plan an adventure yourself. Get a job doing what you want. Seek funding for your expeditions. Document your adventures. Get a job where the adventure is. Get a job that requires travel. Stay in academia. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Check-for-Bedbugs | How to Check for Bedbugs | To check a bed for bedbugs, start by removing all of the bedding down to the bottom sheet. Examine the sheet closely for telltale signs like tiny spots of black excrement, bloodstains, shed skins, and eggs. Then, remove the bottom sheet and examine the surface of the mattress. Remember to check buttons, straps, and tags on the mattress before you flip it over to inspect the other side. Finally, check the wall behind the bed and underneath the bed frame. | Put on gloves to protect your hands. Wear vinyl or latex gloves when you check for bedbugs. This can protect your hands from being bitten by live bed bugs and the gloves will prevent you from coming into contact with blood from smashed bed bugs. If you don't have any gloves around, wrap a plastic bag over your hand before looking for the bed bugs. Identify small bed bugs that are red or brown. Adult bed bugs are around ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) long and they have 6 legs. A bed bug that's recently fed on blood will be bright red and round. Once it digests the blood, it will turn a darker brown color and become flat. If the bed bug hasn't fed in a while, it will be a pale brown color. Look for red stains from crushed bed bugs. Since bed bugs feed on blood, they can leave behind red or rusty stains if they get smashed. The color may be bright red if the bed bug was recently crushed or the stain may be dark if the bed bug was smashed a while ago. The stains might look like single drops of blood or there will be smears and streaks. Check for bed bug eggs and excrement. Bed bug excrement will look like very small black spots (about this size: •). The excrement can stain the fabric that's underneath it, so you may see dark streaks as well. You should also look for small pale white eggs that are around 1 millimetre (0.10 cm) in size. You may also see pale skins that the bed bug nymphs shed as they grow larger. Strip the sheets and check the linen. Remove the bedspread, comforter, or duvet and shake it out before you look for signs of bed bugs. Then carefully pull off the sheets and mattress protector. Go slowly so any bed bugs don't fly off of the sheets into the room. If you have a mattress protector that's designed to stop bed bug infestations, check the protector near any seams, zippers, or gaps. Look closely at the mattress and bed frame. Get help to pull the bed away from the wall. Inspect the seams of the mattress and then flip the mattress over. You might see bed bugs crawling away as you do this. Try to lift the mattress up so you can also check the bed frame and its joints. Check the wall that the bed is usually up against. Pay attention to excrement or blood stains from bed bugs. Check between the cushions and underneath furniture. Since bed bugs like to live where people rest for extended periods of time, look at recliners, chairs, and couches. Pay attention to the folds between cushions and remove any large cushions so you can look at the furniture's frame. You'll also need to tip the furniture over so you can examine underneath it. Move the furniture so you can look along the perimeter of the room. If you have large furniture, such as a bed or couch, push them to the middle of the room. Then get down to the floor and run a credit card along the baseboards. Bed bugs can squeeze into the gap between the baseboards and walls so the card will help push them out. If you have molding near the top of the walls or windows, get up on a ladder and check it for bed bugs too. Inspect the folds of fabric curtains. Bed bugs are more likely to be near the bottom of the curtains, but they can also crawl up to the top. Pull open the curtains so you can look into the folds where they may be hiding. Remember to look behind the curtains as well. They might be behind the curtains where the fabric brushes the baseboards. Check underneath desks and bedside tables. Empty out the table or desk drawers and remove them. Turn the drawers upside down and look underneath them near the joints. Then crouch down and shine the flashlight up at the bottom of the desk, table, or dresser. If the desk or bedside table has hollow legs, unscrew them and inspect the inside of the legs. Inspect hiding places in electrical items. If the room is heavily infested with bed bugs, they may hide in the crevices around electrical items. Remove electrical outlet covers and look behind them. You should also check near lamp or computer cords and inside wall-mounted lamps. Bed bugs can actually use electrical outlets to travel to other rooms. If you find bed bugs in 1 outlet, you must check the other rooms in your house or hotel. Look under lamps, toys, or clocks in the room. Although bed bugs usually prefer to hide where people rest for long periods of time, they'll also hide around objects in your room. Check under lamps, clocks, laptops, toys, cushions, and pillows. Lift up rugs to look for bed bugs underneath. Move furniture to the edge of the room so you can peel back rugs. Look for signs of bed bugs on the underside of the rug and on the floor itself. If the rug is covering a wooden floor, check the tiny gaps between the floor planks for bed bugs. Peel back loose wallpaper and look behind it. Gently pull loose wallpaper or peeling paint away from the wall and look for bed bugs. You should also remove any picture frames or mirrors and check behind them. Bed bugs can hide in the joints of mirrors or frames. Check cracks in the plaster or walls since bed bugs can also hide in these small spaces. Investigate piles of clothes. Look at the clothes in your closet or laundry room and look at the fabric for signs of bed bugs. If you suspect a severe infestation, lay a white sheet on the floor. Then take clothes out of baskets or the closet and shake them over the sheet. Check the sheet for bed bugs, excrement, or eggs. Look closely at the seams of heavy clothes, such as coats, and under collars. | Put on gloves to protect your hands. Identify small bed bugs that are red or brown. Look for red stains from crushed bed bugs. Check for bed bug eggs and excrement. Strip the sheets and check the linen. Look closely at the mattress and bed frame. Check between the cushions and underneath furniture. Move the furniture so you can look along the perimeter of the room. Inspect the folds of fabric curtains. Check underneath desks and bedside tables. Inspect hiding places in electrical items. Look under lamps, toys, or clocks in the room. Lift up rugs to look for bed bugs underneath. Peel back loose wallpaper and look behind it. Investigate piles of clothes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Looks-and-Personality-(Teen-Girls) | How to Improve Your Looks and Personality (Teen Girls) | If you're a teen girl, then you know how hard adolescence can be, but you can improve your looks and personality to help you feel better every day. While figuring out what to wear might feel daunting, focus on dressing in ways that make you feel confident and comfortable. Go through your wardrobe and donate the items that no longer fit you properly or suit your style. Then, focus on wearing clothes that express your unique sense of style. Similarly, pick hairstyles that suit your face and express your personality. Try some elegant pins, a bold hat, or fancy braids. When it comes to your personality, the key is to relax and do things that are calming and fun. Between all of the things that you have to do during the day, take some breaks to do the things you want to do, like drawing, listening to music, taking a walk, or baking. Being busy with your hobbies can help you feel relaxed and fulfilled. | Take care of your face. You have probably heard this tip a gazillion times, but it's more important than you think. When you meet someone new, you look at their face first, don't you? Your face tells a lot of things about you, and if you take good care of it, it would show everyone that you respect yourself and your looks. You can easily take care of your face at home. First of all, you should find out what kind of skin you have. Search for tips about finding your type of skin on the Internet and in magazines. The way you take care of your face depends on how your skin is. Do you have pimples? Then, you have oily skin. Is your skin coarse, dehydrated? Then, you have dry skin. Clean your face twice per day, in the morning and before you go to bed. Use a cleanser suitable for your type of skin. Don't rub your face too harshly. When you apply the cleanser, use warm water, but not hot, to open your pores. When you rinse your face, use chilly water to close your pores. Then, buff your face gently with a towel. Apply a moisturizer suitable for your type of skin: a gentle one for oily skin, a stronger one for dry skin. You should apply it rightly after you clean your face, when the skin is slightly wet, as it would be better absorbed. Use a scrub twice per week, right between the cleanser and the moisturizer, to remove dead cells. Use a face mask once per week. You can prepare a mask with things from your refrigerator, or buy a mask special for your type of skin. You can ask a dermatologist about this, or search for recipes on the Internet. The mask should be applied after the cleanser and the scrub. If you are suffering of acne, you should talk to a dermatologist, who can give you the best advice to cure it. Take care of your hair. Your hair is also really important, in fact, you always study people's hair, even if you don't realise it. Taking good care of your hair is easier than you might believe. You can do it cheaply with a few basic products. Again, you should study your hair and the way it presents itself during the week. The hair can be oily or dry, too. If your hair gets dirty and stiff really fast, and it glows in the light, then it is oily. If your hair is wiry, then it is dry. Figuring out what type of hair you have helps you pick the best care schedule. Wash your hair. Don't wash it every day, it can get wiry, or oily even faster. The best choice ( and the one that particularly works for the author of the article ) is washing it twice a week. Choose a shampoo that suits your hair type; you can pick it according to the ingredient list, or to the advice you might receive from other people with similar hair type or specialists. Shampoo your hair, rinse, then shampoo again, and then rinse again. The second shampoo-rinse sequence has to be longer and more careful. Be sure to completely rinse your hair, so it won't be any more shampoo. Apply conditioner only if necessary (so if you have dry hair). Conditioner might make your hair more oily. Pick a good conditioner, and apply it at the ends. Dry your hair properly. Blow-drying is not quite recommended, but you can do it once per week, or slightly twice per week. Don't over-blow-dry your hair, as it can grow more sensitive, and it can have the tendency to be easier destroyed. Brush your hair properly. Don't brush it too harshly. Be careful especially when your hair is wet, and it is more fragile. Tie your hair up properly. If you have oily hair, you should tie your hair up more, as it can become oily if it touches your face. Tie your hair up when you are doing sport. Don't tie it too strongly, as it can affect your hair, or make it even oily. Don't use too much products on your hair. Embrace your natural straight hair or your curls. Sometimes, a natural look is the key to success. Hair masks are a solution, too, but search for professional advice if you decide to have periodical hair masks ( they are recommended for more serious hair problems, like hair loss ). Take care of your teeth. A beautiful person always flashes a smile to the people around. Having healthy teeth is extremely important. As with face and hair, you have to take good care of your teeth, too. Brush your teeth daily, at least two or three times a day. Use a good toothpaste and a good toothbrush (change your toothbrush once at three months). When your are brushing your teeth, your should pay attention to the cleaning of the tongue, the gums and the inside of the cheeks, too. Brush your teeth for around one to three minutes, and don't forget to rinse. You can use other special dental products like mouthwash or dental floss. Chewing gum is not ideal, but it can be useful from time to time. You shouldn't make a habit from chewing gum, as it can become unhealthy if excessive. Still, you should have a packet of gum in your bag, just in case. If you suspect your breath of smelling badly from some reason, chew some gum and the problem is solved until you arrive home to brush your teeth. If you don't have any problems with your teeth, still have a dentist appointment once at six months. Take care of your nails. We use our hands and legs a lot, so our nails are subdued to a lot of things during the day. That's why we should take good care of our nails, and give them attention periodically. There a few basic things to know about treating your nails right. Clip your nails and give them a beautiful shape. For this, you might want to talk to someone specialised in this domain. The ideal shape for your nails depends on the fingers' length, hand shape and other stuff. You can keep them short and natural by clipping them periodically. If you want long nails, clip them less. Paint your nails. You can choose bold colours for short nails, and suave pastels with drawings for long nails. You can paint your nails at home, or go for a mani-pedi session at the beauty parlour, after all, it's your choice. You can find catching tutorials all over the Internet, that teach you how to give your nails a beautiful look. You should take care of your mani-pedi at least once a week. Don't apply coloured nail polish too often; give your nails a break of 2-5 days after wiping the nail polish off. Be careful with losing weight. A lot of teenage girls are concerned about their weight, and they think it's not normal for their age. They see their friends looking skinnier, and they also see unbelievably thin models on the catwalks. This is just a misconception. If you think you are fat, then there are 90% chances that you're wrong. Fat means an abnormal state, when your weight is much bigger than the normal one. Fat doesn't mean a little thicker thighs, which appear huge to you. Instead, having curves is much more attractive than looking like a walking stick. If you really want to change something about your weight, you can do a few healthy things. Don't start diets. Diets mostly mean self-harm at your age, and they recommended if you're older than 20, when the growing process is finished. If you really think you need a diet, talk to one of your parents and ask them for an appointment with a nutritionist. Internet diets are not a good idea. A specialist can help you properly. Don't cut off food. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can do. Skipping meals can only cause harm to you; also, it's not important how much you eat, but what you eat. Try eating more fruit and vegetables. It really helps. Also, try to have a diversity of products in your meals: diary products, meat, carbohydrates. Avoid junk food. Still, if you would like to eat an ice cream, don't refuse this to yourself. A little chocolate will never harm. It's also really important to drink lots of water. Pick up a sport that you enjoy. It's one of the best decisions you can make, no matter what your opinion on your weight is. Physical exercise is essential for leading a healthy life. The activity can even be a hobby, like dancing or gardening, that involves physical exertion. For a professional piece of advice, talk to a specialist. Drink lots of water. This is another really popular, but extremely useful tip. Water is really good to your entire body. It's said that there isn't a certain recommended quantity of water, and it actually depends on age, height and weight. You can approximately drink 8 glasses of water per day (or four bottle of 0.5 litres). Drink a few sips from time to time, so you would keep yourself hydrated during the day. Still mineral water is preferred, but you can also drink sparkling water. Processed juices can't replace water. After all, always pick water. Do sports. Sports are a good thing to add to your daily schedule. It doesn't matter if you are a sporty person or not. You should have a workout session of 30 minutes once per day. A workout session can even be walking around your neighbourhood. As long as it involves moving around, it can be included in your daily schedule. Don't run away from the PE class; instead, enjoy moving with your friends. Start going to gym, or take dance, yoga, fitness or zumba classes. You can even start doing a certain sports, like football, volleyball, badminton or whatever. You can even add music to your sport session. And most importantly, enjoy the sport(s). Sleep enough. Sleep is really important, as it helps our body rest and our cells to regenerate. One of the keys of natural beauty is a good sleep. You should sleep around eight hours a night, and plan the going to bed hour to fulfill this amount. Don't sleep with your TV turned on, as it may affect your sleep. Also, don't drink caffeine in the afternoon or evening, because it can keep you awake. Prepare a comfy bed, tuck yourself in and relax. You should fall asleep quite soon. Dress the way you would like to. Clothes say a lot of things about us. Think about it! If you see a girl wearing ripped up jeans and a black T-shirt with a rock band, you would say she's a rocker, wouldn't you? Clothes express our style and our personality. You should apply this idea to your own outfits, too. Check your wardrobe. Donate all the things that no longer suit you, someone may need them. If you know the content of your wardrobe, there are bigger chances to make stunning fashion combinations. If you have the possibility, go shopping with your mum, sister or best friend. This way, someone who knows you well may suggest you a few pieces of clothing you have never expected yourself to wear. Express your own unique style. Wear clothes that suit your body and your special personality. Don't copy anyone, just inspire yourself. Try to diversify your fashion choices, if you can. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. You'd better wear a horrible outfit today, at school, then go for it for a date, for example! Add accessories. It can be a cute necklace, or a bold bracelet. It just has to say something about you. Accessories are a final, sweet touch for a perfect outfit. A plain white T-shirt, for example, can be completed by a silver chain with a funny pendant and ta-daaa! your outfit is ready! Never think only clothes from popular brands are looking good. This is a huge misconception. You can find beautiful things even in second-hand shops and thrift shops. Don't be ashamed if your clothes don't belong to a brand. Nobody will check the label, but everyone will admire your beautiful pieces of clothing. Experience different hairstyles. Depending on your hair length, texture and type, you can choose various hairstyles which suit your face and express your personality. There are plenty of tutorials on the Internet about how to wear your hair, and you can choose something from there. Again, choose diversity. Even going for a wrong hairstyle teaches you not to do the same mistake again. There are a lot of choices available for girls with short hair, too: try a few elegant pins or a bold hat. You'll see that everyone will appreciate your outstanding looks. Apply make-up. Make-up makes you look girlier, and it can emphasize your most beautiful face features. There a few secrets about the applying of the make-up, which every girl has to know. Apply make-up carefully and sparingly. If you put too much product on, it would look all caked up, and ridiculous. You are young, and the best make-up for an everyday school look is natural, but slightly obvious. This means the basis, then a little eye-shadow, mascara and a pink gloss. Don't forget to wipe the make-up off at the end of the day. If you sleep with your make-up one, you will get your pores all clogged up. Also, a lot of unwiped make-up can lead to future wrinkles. Not all types of make-up can suit your face shape, eyes shape, lips shape. For doing the best choices, talk to a specialist who can recommend you effective tricks. After you learn what you need to learn, search for tutorials online or articles about make-up in magazines. Then, start to exercise. It won't be perfect at the beginning but, you know, practice makes perfect. Apply perfume. Perfume is the final touch you can add at your daily look. Choose a perfume that represents you and, of course, that you like. Spray a medium quantity (not too much, as it would be irritating) on your neck, wrists and behind your ear (your pulse points). You'll see that you'll turn heads wherever you go! Get rid of beauty bad habits. Everyone has bad habits, but some of them are not that obvious. Bad habits include biting nails, touching your face and hair constantly, popping pimples and others. They are all enemies of your ascent to being a natural beauty, so we must eliminate them from our lives. Sometimes it may seem to be really hard, but it all depends on you wanting to do this change. You can talk to one of your parents, or a specialist about this. You have no reason to feel shame. Everyone has a bad habit. Maybe someone doesn't bit their nails, but they shake their knee constantly or something similar. It's admirable that you want to make a change, when others are caught in their own bad habits and deny that. Instead of acting like nothing happens, take action. You should identify when you have the bad habit. Maybe when you're nervous or concentrated, or when you're influenced by a powerful emotion. After you decide what causes the burst of your bad habit, try to avoid such situations. Sometimes you can't, like when you're at school and you're concentrated at the lesson, and you start biting your nails. You need to have the power of reaction. As soon as you realise your bad habit is in process, hide your hands under your thighs, in your pockets or under the desk. It all depends on you. If you bite your nails, you can paint them, although you might have the temptation to bite the dried polish. Get a cute drawing on your nails. Probably the sight of your beautiful manicure would convince you not to bite your nails. If you have the tendency to pop your pimples, stay away from mirrors as much as you can, as the sight of the acne would make you lose yourself to your bad habit. If you're looking in the mirror, though, focus on your eyes. Agree that you can have bad look days, too. You can't look outstanding all the time. After all, this is kind of ridiculous and artificial. Sometimes you won't be in the mood of pimping yourself up. This is okay and completely normal. If you understand this, then it's alright. Don't aspire to perfection, because nobody's perfect. Still, try to look your best all the time. You don't have to step inside your class in a dress and high heels every day. A pair of jeans and a large anorak is acceptable for bad look days, too. Think about the message you're trying to send: it isn't "Today I don't feel in the mood of looking good." , but "Today I look good even in comfortable clothes." Figure out what doesn't work. If you read this article, then you have a reason for your desire to make a change at yourself. Think about this reason. Write it down, if you want. This reason would be the basis for your inner change. Maybe you're shy, and you don't talk too much to people. Maybe someone has made you suffer, and pushed your self-respect and love down, in the puddle mentioned at the beginning. No matter what it is, now it's the past. The fact that you read this article is only the first step to change. Of course, it all depends on you and on the decisions you make. As soon as you develop the answer for this question, plan your next step. If you're shy, what do you plan to do? Talk to more people, of course! Try to develop your own solutions, before reading the rest of the tips. Mostly important, don't forget that you are special in your own way, and no one can prove you contrary. Start a journal. It may look like a cliché taken from teenager movies, but it can help you more than you can think. You don't have to write daily or to write everything that happens to you during a day. Instead, the journal has to be your support during your ascent. If you're concerned about something, put it down, then start doing something else, not related to your worries. You can write about your feelings or emotions, about your thoughts and opinions. Put down your successes and your achievements, and remember yourself constantly that you're special. Work on your posture. Think about it: why is a certain girl beautiful, apart from her stylish outfits and her beautiful make-up? The posture is important, too! In fact, nobody will glance twice at someone who hides their face and acts like they would like to be anywhere else. Keep your back straight and your chin up, walk relaxed, arms swinging on your sides. Don't hide your hands, as it may look like a sign of insecurity. Don't be afraid to walk in a sassy way: you have all the reasons, in fact, you're amazing! To be sure that you'll always remember about keeping up your posture, draw a little star on your writing hand. At school or work, you'll most probably write, you'll see the star, and remember about the posture. Smile. Smiling always brings the others close to you. You would most probably talk to someone smiling, instead of someone who wears a permanent frown on their face. From the personal experience of the article's author, forcing a smile is quite hard, especially if you're that type of person who smiles only when there's a reason to. Still, you have to try to fake it. For example, you run into a friend on the street. As you walk towards them, think about the experiences of your friendship, the inside jokes, the funny bloopers and everything else that's amusing. You'll see that a smile would unconsciously appear on your lips! You'll gradually learn how to smile friendly in all types of situations. Work on the inner-talking. Everyone talks to themselves, even if they don't admit it. Inner-talking is something common and logical for anyone, and you may not believe it, but it has a major impact on your opinions and feelings. If you continuously tell yourself things like "I am ugly." , "Nobody likes me." or "I'm dumb." constantly, you will start to actually believe them. Instead, you should do exactly the opposite. Compliment and praise yourself, offer you a kind reply every day. You can do it in your mind or out loud, it doesn't matter. Do this periodically, and you'll see that it will work better than you have imagined. Relax. A relaxed person is a happy person. Sometimes we're too stuck in the affairs of the day, that we forgot to take a break and do something calming or fun. You're young, and this is the time to enjoy yourself in every way possible. Stop studying for around one quarter of hour, and do something else: read a magazine, take a walk, eat something, listen to some music, or whatever relaxes you. Enjoy everything that surrounds you, let yourself daydream or do crazy things. Maybe you would like to dance in the middle of the supermarket. Just do that. People will probably judge you, but who cares? I don't. Enjoy the pleasure of hobbies. Hobbies are great. When you go to university, then work, and then you start a family, you won't probably have time for your hobbies. So, you have to enjoy your favorite things to do now. In other words, read, listen to music, watch movies, go out with friends. Develop your own daily activities that relax you and get you concentrated. Don't be afraid to try something new. It can be anything, from being a drummer in a rock band to study a difficult language. Being busy with your hobbies makes you feel fulfilled, relaxed, calm, you. Spend time with your family, friends and people that care about you. This is like a puzzle piece which can't be replaced by anything. They are the people that love you and accept you, no matter what. Give love and care back to them, constantly showing them that you care. Planning common activities is an idea worth to try. A picnic in family, or a chick-lit movies night with your best friends can bring a smile on everyone's face. Realise that, if you weren't so special, these people would not love you so much! | Take care of your face. Take care of your hair. Take care of your teeth. Take care of your nails. Be careful with losing weight. Drink lots of water. Do sports. Sleep enough. Dress the way you would like to. Experience different hairstyles. Apply make-up. Apply perfume. Get rid of beauty bad habits. Agree that you can have bad look days, too. Figure out what doesn't work. Start a journal. Work on your posture. Smile. Work on the inner-talking. Relax. Enjoy the pleasure of hobbies. Spend time with your family, friends and people that care about you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Your-Rabbit-to-Go-Back-to-His-Hutch | How to Teach Your Rabbit to Go Back to His Hutch | If you want to teach your rabbit to go back to its hutch, start by choosing a short, simple verbal command like "home" or "bed" and use the same command consistently to prevent any confusion. Next, say the command in a clear, confident, and emotionless tone of voice. Then, hold out treats, like small pieces of fresh apples, carrots, or melons, to guide your rabbit back to its hutch. If your rabbit won't follow you, try creating a trail of treats instead. Continue repeating the verbal command as you guide your rabbit and be sure to put some tasty treats inside the hutch as a reward! | Choose a verbal command. You can teach your rabbit to go back into his hutch with or without a clicker. With either method, a verbal cue will be helpful. Choose a short, simple cue like 'home' or 'bed.' You will need to say this cue each time you want your rabbit to go back into his hutch. Whenever you say the cue, say it in a quiet yet clear and confident voice. Say the cue without emotion. Even if you are frustrated with your rabbit, that frustration should not be apparent when you say the cue. Guide your rabbit back into his hutch with treats. Small pieces of fresh apple, carrots, or melons make great treats for rabbits. Place a small handful of treats in your rabbit's hutch, making sure he can see you do it. The treats serve as an incentive for your rabbit to return to his hutch. If your rabbit does not want to walk all the way to the hutch to get the treats, make a trail of treats leading to the hutch. This way, he can munch on something on tasty when he walks toward and into the hutch. Say your verbal cue as your rabbit walks towards and into the hutch. This will allow him to associate the cue with returning to the hutch, and learn that the cue is followed by a tasty treat. Build a chute towards your rabbit’s hutch. With a chute, you are giving your rabbit only one way of getting back to his hutch without the opportunity to escape. Fortunately, you do not have to spend a lot of money (or any money) to make the chute. Place a series of cardboard boxes on two sides to create an enclosed pathway through which your rabbit will walk to reach his hutch. Place some tasty treats in his hutch so your rabbit will be rewarded when he goes inside of it. Consider placing treats along the chute's pathway as well. When your rabbit is in the chute, block the entryway so he cannot escape. As your rabbit walks through the chute, stay a few feet behind him and repeat your verbal cue until he reaches his hutch. You may need to place your rabbit inside of the chute—he may not go in there willingly. If your rabbit is showing signs of distress or fear (e.g., stomping feet, grunting), break down the chute and try again later on. Do not chase your rabbit or move quickly. If your rabbit is already reluctant to go back into his hutch, chasing him or trying to get him back into the hutch quickly will not work. In fact, either of those activities may frighten your rabbit and make it even harder for your rabbit to do what you want him to do. Even if your rabbit is testing your patience, do your best to move slowly and calmly, and keep a small distance away from your rabbit. Introduce your rabbit to the sound of the clicker. Clicker training is another effective way to teach your rabbit to go back into his hutch. First, your rabbit will need to get comfortable with the clicker's sound and learn what the sound means. In a quiet, distraction-free area of your home, press down on the clicker. Wait for a second or two, then give your rabbit a treat. Clickers are available at your local pet store. You can also use a writing pen or mechanical pencil as a clicker. The time gap between using the clicker and giving your rabbit a treat allows him to hear and pay attention to the clicker. Continue using the clicker with a pause until your rabbit looks to you expectantly for a treat when he hears the click. Rabbits learn at different paces, so it may take a lot of repetition before your rabbit associates the click with a treat. You can challenge your rabbit by using the clicker when he is busy doing something else, like playing with a toy. If he turns to you looking for a treat when he hears the click, you will know that he understands what the click means. Reward him with a treat. The sound of a click may be frightening to a timid rabbit. To avoid frightening your rabbit, place your clicker in a pocket or gloved hand to muffle the sound. Place a bowl of treats in your rabbit’s exercise area. When your rabbit can associate the click with a treat, use the clicker to teach him to go back into his hutch. Put a few tasty treats in a small bowl and position the bowl where he exercises and plays. Immediately click and give him a treat if he looks at the bowl or makes any movement towards the bowl. If he moves toward the bowl, click and give him a treat just before he reaches the bowl. Start by placing your rabbit near the bowl, then slowly place him further and further away from it. The goal is to teach him to move towards the bowl from any direction (and any distance) in his exercise area. Continue to use the clicker and give him a treat as before. Move the bowl of treats into your rabbit’s hutch. When your rabbit is comfortable moving towards the bowl, place it inside of his hutch, near its entrance. Place your rabbit near the bowl as you did before, and slowly increase the distance between your rabbit and the bowl. Immediately click and give your rabbit a treat as you did previously. The goal for this step is to encourage your rabbit to go into the hutch from any direction and distance within his exercise area. Add in the verbal cue. Verbal cues are important during clicker training. Watching your rabbit's movements closely, say the verbal cue right before your rabbit begins to walk toward the bowl in his hutch. Saying the cue before your rabbit moves helps him understand why you are saying the cue in the first place. You may have to repeat the cue many times before he reaches this understanding. Challenge your rabbit. Now that you have added in the verbal cue, remove the food bowl from your rabbit's hutch. This will challenge him to go back into his hutch even when there is no bowl of treats waiting for him. When he goes inside his hutch after you give your verbal cue, immediately click and give him a treat from your hand. Stop using the clicker. In addition to removing the food bowl from your rabbit's hutch, you should also stop using the clicker. By the end of your training, your rabbit should be able to respond to only your verbal cue to return to his hutch. Let your rabbit think it was his idea to go in the hutch. It may be tempting to teach your rabbit to go back into his hutch by forcing him into it. However, using force indicates that going back into the hutch is your idea. He will be more likely to return to his hutch if you let him think it was his idea to do so. Creating a trail of treats and leaving a bowl of treats in the hutch will help your rabbit think that it's his idea to return to his hutch. Learn how training a rabbit is different from training a dog. Like dogs, rabbits enjoy receiving rewards. However, rabbits do not aim to please as dogs do. In the wild, rabbits did not evolve to be very cooperative with each other unless there was an outside threat. Since wild rabbits do not necessarily look up to their leaders, it is not surprising that your own rabbit does not have much incentive to look up to you and please you. To train your rabbit, keep in mind that he is not trying to please you. Rather, he is primarily looking for his reward. Do not punish your rabbit. As with other pets, punishment is not effective with rabbits. Verbal and/or physical abuse will cause your rabbit to see you as the bad guy. In addition, punishment can lead to negative behavioral changes in your rabbit—he may become afraid, withdrawn, or even aggressive. If you sense yourself become frustrated with your rabbit, it may be time to end your training session and try again later. | Choose a verbal command. Guide your rabbit back into his hutch with treats. Build a chute towards your rabbit’s hutch. Do not chase your rabbit or move quickly. Introduce your rabbit to the sound of the clicker. Place a bowl of treats in your rabbit’s exercise area. Move the bowl of treats into your rabbit’s hutch. Add in the verbal cue. Challenge your rabbit. Stop using the clicker. Let your rabbit think it was his idea to go in the hutch. Learn how training a rabbit is different from training a dog. Do not punish your rabbit. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-Wearing-Makeup | How to Start Wearing Makeup | Wearing makeup may seem intimidating, but it's actually really easy to get the hang of it. Before you put any makeup on, wash and moisturize your face to remove any oils for best results. Apply BB cream or concealer to problem areas or blemishes to help create a natural look. You can also apply a touch of eye shadow to your eyes or blush to your cheeks to add a little color to your look. If you want to make your eyes stands out, apply mascara to your eyelashes. To complete a nutural look, add a clear lip balm or gloss to your lips so they stay hydrated and shiny throughout the day. If you decide to attempt more complex makeup looks, buy a set of brushes to make applying your makeup easier. | Select a foundation shade that is very close to your natural skin color. It can be difficult to tell if the foundation shade is the right color while it's in the bottle. Most beauty supply stores have testers in different shades so you can compare them. To test, apply a little of 2 or 3 shades to different areas of your neck and then take a selfie with the flash on. Whichever one blends the best is the ones you want. Liquid foundations are best for dry skin, while powder or cream foundations are better for oily or combination skin. Buy a blush in a color that will make you look like you just ran a mile. Blush should give a natural glow to your face, just like you have when you are exercising. Choose a shade that looks like the natural color your cheeks turn when you are flushed. Have a concealer on hand for covering blemishes or dark undereye circles. If you don't have a problem with blemishes or dark circles under your eyes, you probably don't need to worry about concealer. However, if you want to be able to cover up little spots and adjust uneven colors in your skin, buy a little bottle of concealer matches your skin tone or that is a shade lighter. You can wear concealer with a foundation for a lot of coverage and evenness or you can wear either one without the other. Many people will just cover blemishes with concealer and go—without bothering with foundation. It really depends on your skin and your preferences. Choose a nude or neutral-colored eyeshadow palette when you are new to makeup. Light, natural eyeshadows will brighten up your eyes without making it obvious you are wearing any makeup at all. For the most natural look as you ease into wearing makeup, go with shadows in shades of beige, tan, and brown. If you want a little more color, choose really pale shades of purple, green, or pink. The key is to use colors that don't stand out too much. Go with waterproof mascara so it doesn’t smudge throughout the day. Mascara is one of the most difficult cosmetics to keep neat all day long. If you sweat, get wet, cry, or rub your eyes because they are itchy, you'll likely mess up your mascara. To avoid the mess, go with the waterproof kind. For a natural look, chose brown mascara. You can go with lighter or darker shades of brown based on your hair color and skin tone, but you should avoid black and blue mascara when you are still learning how to create your personalized look. Use a moisture-rich lip gloss or lip balm. When you first starting wearing makeup, don't go for bright lip colors right away because they can easily look unnatural until you get the hang of it. Instead, keep your lips from drying out or getting chapped by using a simple lip balm, like ChapStick, or a shiny lip gloss. If you decide you want to use lipstick with color, there are several natural color options. Try to find something that is close to your real lip color. Splurge on a set of makeup brushes, if you are able. Inexpensive beauty products usually come with disposable applicators. However, you may want to invest in some good quality brushes so that you can become comfortable with using your own tools to apply your makeup. Prevent breakouts by buying non-comedogenic products. Check the labels of all your products to ensure they won't damage your skin. Before you buy any product, look for words like “oil-free,” “won't clog pores,” or “non-comedogenic” on the label. As you get older, breakouts may not be as much of a concern, but when you are a teen, you have to be vigilant about not putting anything on your skin that may clog your pores or irritate your skin. Expand your kit as you get more comfortable wearing makeup. You can have fun experimenting with products like contouring makeup, eyeliners , lipsticks , and eyebrow kits. Search video tutorials, website, or wikiHow articles for information about applying more advanced kinds of makeup. You'll find helpful tips and instructions for every kind of skin tone, skin type, and beauty product. Wear natural-looking makeup every day for school or work. During the daylight hours, you want to go with really natural-looking makeup. Your goal is to create a look that looks effortless and subtle—like you aren't wearing any makeup at all. Wash and moisturize your face before applying makeup. The best base for your makeup is usually a clean, oil-free face. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face and follow it with a moisturizer or toner. If you have dry skin and you washed your face before you went to bed the night before, you probably don't want to wash it again in the morning. Overwashing dry skin can irritate it and cause breakouts. Hide blemishes or uneven skin tone spots with BB cream or concealer. You don't need to cover your face in the foundation if you just have a few problem areas that you want to hide. Instead, just dab on and blend in a little BB cream or concealer on dark undereye circles and blemishes. Add color with blush and eyeshadow. The basic techniques of applying blush and eyeshadow are very similar. Just put a little color on the brush, tap off the excess onto a paper towel, and sweep the brush over your skin to apply the color. Make sure to blend the edges of where you applied the blush and eyeshadow with your fingertips so that it looks natural. Make your eyes stand out with a little bit of mascara. Begin by placing the mascara wand at the base of your eyelashes closest to your eyeball. Then, drag the wand up to the ends of your lashes, wiggling it left and right as you sweep upward. The wiggling helps to separate your lashes and keep them from clumping together. Finish your natural look with a clear lip gloss or lip balm. Apply the lip gloss or balm all over your lips, making sure to cover them completely. Then, close your lips together tightly to evenly distribute the product and press it into place. Keep your lip gloss with you in your pocket or your purse so you can reapply it throughout the day. It will wear off naturally throughout the day and also whenever you eat or drink anything. Wear bolder-looking makeup for parties, dates, or just for fun around the house. Try glamming up your look at night by wearing more of it and wearing bolder colors. Or, have fun makeover parties with friends (or by yourself) where you try out bolder and more vivid colors that you might be too timid to wear during the day. Apply foundation all over your face to mask any problem areas and even out color. All-over foundation can look very caked-on and unnatural in the sun's harsh light. At night, under artificial lights, you can feel a little more free to apply foundation all over for more complete coverage. Apply it the same as you would concealer or BB cream. Dab it all over your face, and blend it gently with your fingers or a blending sponge. If you put on too much at this point, don't worry. Just wash your face and start again. Experiment with highlighting and contouring. Highlight your face by applying a highlighting powder on the areas of your face that light from above would naturally illuminate—your forehead, your nose, the tops of your cheekbones, and your chin. To [Apply Contour Makeup|Contour]], on the other hand, apply dark makeup under your cheekbones or jawline to create shadows that add definition to these areas. It takes some practice to get really good at highlighting and contouring, but once you have it down, you will be able to create some dramatic looks. Make your eyes pop with a bright-colored eyeshadow. Instead of the neutral and nude eyeshadows that you'd use for a natural look, try out some bright colors or sparkly shadows. Try out some bright blues , purples , or even rainbow-colored. Or, apply a glittery shadow to your eyelid for a really fun look. Create show-stopping eyes with dark eyeliner. Use a dark eyeliner pencil to make your eyes really stand out. To apply basic eyeliner, draw a line from the inner part of your top eyelid, just above your lashes, all the way to the outer edge of your eye. You can stop there, or you can apply it to your lower lid as well, just below the lashes. Or, practice creating a dramatic look like a cat's eye style or winged style. Be bold with a deep-colored lipstick. Instead of your clear lip gloss, experiment with bold and dark colors. Try on some reds , purples , or even bolder shades like black or orange. Clean all your makeup off your face every night before you go to bed. Make it part of your daily routine to remove all your makeup every night. This will not only save your sheets and pillowcases, but it's better for your skin. Leaving makeup on overnight can discolor your skin and clog your pores. Use a cream or liquid makeup remover on your eyes and lips. Eye makeup and lip color are designed to last and are often difficult to remove. To make it easier, soak a cotton pad with a good-quality remover, hold it on your eyelids or lips for about 10 seconds, and gently wipe the makeup away. Holding the remover on the makeup gives it time to work at breaking down the product so it's easier to remove. The skin around your eyes is thin and fragile. Always be very gentle when applying and removing makeup from your eyes. For long-lasting lip color and lip stains, choose an oil-based makeup remover to break down and remove the color. Wash your face with a mild cleanser to remove most of your makeup. Any foundation, blush, contouring makeup, or bronzer that you put on should wash off easily using just a mild face cleanser. Just be sure to choose a cleanser that is right for your skin type so you don't irritate your skin. Pay attention to how the skin cleanser is marketed. If you have oily skin, choose a cleanser specially made for oily skin. For dry skin, choose one with extra moisturizing additives. | Select a foundation shade that is very close to your natural skin color. Buy a blush in a color that will make you look like you just ran a mile. Have a concealer on hand for covering blemishes or dark undereye circles. Choose a nude or neutral-colored eyeshadow palette when you are new to makeup. Go with waterproof mascara so it doesn’t smudge throughout the day. Use a moisture-rich lip gloss or lip balm. Splurge on a set of makeup brushes, if you are able. Prevent breakouts by buying non-comedogenic products. Expand your kit as you get more comfortable wearing makeup. Wear natural-looking makeup every day for school or work. Wash and moisturize your face before applying makeup. Hide blemishes or uneven skin tone spots with BB cream or concealer. Add color with blush and eyeshadow. Make your eyes stand out with a little bit of mascara. Finish your natural look with a clear lip gloss or lip balm. Wear bolder-looking makeup for parties, dates, or just for fun around the house. Apply foundation all over your face to mask any problem areas and even out color. Experiment with highlighting and contouring. Make your eyes pop with a bright-colored eyeshadow. Create show-stopping eyes with dark eyeliner. Be bold with a deep-colored lipstick. Clean all your makeup off your face every night before you go to bed. Use a cream or liquid makeup remover on your eyes and lips. Wash your face with a mild cleanser to remove most of your makeup. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Money-Without-Working | How to Get Money Without Working | To get money without working, sell some of your old stuff that you don't use anymore online through websites like eBay and Craigslist. You can also take out a loan from the bank if you think you'll be able to pay it off in the future. Also, search online for free contests you can sign up for that have cash prizes and sign up for as many as possible to increase your chances of winning. | Rent out a room in your house. If you have a room (or rooms) that are going unused in your house, consider furnishing them and renting them out to tenants. If you do so, be sure to abide by the laws that govern landlords in your local area with regards to rent levels, amenities, and the like. Doing this allows you to collect a sizable check every month without any work beyond preparing the room for occupancy. The more private the room, the more you will be able to charge for rent. If you have a separate basement apartment with a kitchen and a bathroom, you will be able to charge much more than you would if you only have a spare bedroom. Only rent rooms to responsible, trustworthy tenants who will pay you on time and respect your property. It's a good idea to screen your tenants by performing background and credit checks, as well as asking them to provide a reference from a previous landlord and a copy of a recent pay stub. Services such as Airbnb can help connect you with travelers and others looking for short-term rentals. This can enable you to charge a significantly higher rate per night than if you rent the room by the month. Make money online. There are tons of ways to make money on the internet nowadays, but most of them require at least a little bit of work. If you commit yourself to developing your brand, you might really hit it big. Start a website or blog. If your site becomes popular and gains a lot of traffic, you can make a lot of money by selling advertising space. If writing isn't your thing, you can also create video content. If you are knowledgeable about any topic whatsoever, you can try selling informative content, like ebooks, webinars, or instructional videos. Whether you can teach people about mathematics, juggling, or a foreign language, chances are you can think of something useful to share! If you're willing to do more traditional work, you can also make money online by freelance writing or becoming a virtual assistant. Try searching online for job boards that are devoted to freelance and/or telecommuting work. Earn royalties. If you're willing to do a lot of work upfront for long-term payments, you might consider applying yourself to writing a book or a song or inventing a product. Your chances of hitting it big are small, but if your creation becomes popular, you can keep earning income from your work without having to do anything else. It's also possible to buy the rights to existing royalties at auction, but you should make sure to do thorough research to make sure it will be worth the investment. Get paid for short-term jobs. If you don't like the idea of a regular job, but you are willing to spend a few hours a day working online or visiting different locations around town, you might be able to make a fair amount of money. Before signing up for any job, make sure you understand exactly how you will be paid. Participate in mock juries or focus groups. Some of these might require you to appear in person, but others can be done online. You'll get paid for listening to a presentation and sharing your thoughts. Online surveys are quick and easy ways to make a few bucks. There are plenty of companies that offer paid surveys, including SurveySavvy and SurveySpot. If you like surfing the web, you might enjoy getting paid to test new websites and share your opinions. Sites like UserTesting.com provide lots of opportunities. Mystery shopping is a great option for you if you love to shop and eat out at restaurants. All you have to do is frequent a business, act like a normal customer, and then share some details about your experience with the company. Depending on the job, you might be paid and/or you might receive free goods or services from the business. You can look for opportunities through individual business or search for listings through organizations such as the Mystery Shopping Providers Association. Sell stuff. If you have unused items, you can try selling them on sites like eBay , Amazon , or Craigslist. If you're crafty, you might want to consider selling your homemade items on Etsy or a similar platform. If you're willing to put some effort into procuring items for sale, you may be able to make quite a bit of money buying and selling. The secret is to look for bargains at places like flea markets, garage sales, and second-hand stores, and then sell the items for more online. This works well for items like books, which are relatively easy to store and ship. If selling online isn't for you, hold a garage sale or look into selling at flea markets and craft fairs in your area. Beg or panhandle. When all else fails, you always have the option of simply asking for money. If you do this, you'll probably want to do it on a busy street or some other safe public place that receives plenty of pedestrian or car traffic. You might actually be able to make a decent living by panhandling, although it will require many hours of your time in potentially unfavorable weather conditions. If you're going to panhandle, your image is everything. You should look like you are in need so that people will want to help you, but you should not look dangerous or threatening in any way. You might be more successful if you can entertain passersby by playing an instrument, singing, performing magic tricks, or putting on a performance in some other way, but you should be aware that money earned in this manner is taxable by the US government, while money earned by begging is not. Become a moneylender. If you already have some extra cash on hand, you can earn even more by lending it out and charging interest on your loans. There are many companies, the largest of which are Prosper and Lending Club, that match prospective lenders with prospective borrowers. Although the industry has been shifting away from private investors, there are still opportunities to be had. If you wish to become a money lender, be sure to abide by any and all applicable laws in your area. Earn interest. Instead of letting the money you have languish in checking account (or under your mattress), put it into an interest-earning account, like a money-market account, a certificate of deposit (CD) account, or a 401k. These types of accounts pay a higher rate of interest than normal savings accounts. Ask a professional at your local bank for help placing money in these types of accounts. Note that these types of accounts may require a minimum balance to start generating interest. They also may require a long-term investment, during which time you will not be able to access your money without paying a penalty. Invest in the stock market. One way to make money without working is to play the stock market to your advantage. Stock trading is by no means risk-free, but if you're smart, careful, and a little lucky, you can stand to make lots of money on the stock market. Whatever investments you choose to make, never invest any money in the stock market that you can't stand to lose. Low-cost e-trading platforms are ideal for investors who don't want to pay to have their investments managed for them. There are tons of different investment strategies out there, so do your research and find one that works for you. No matter what your strategy, it's important to keep a diverse portfolio and hold onto stocks once you have them instead of constantly trading. Invest in a business. Investing in a successful business is a surefire way to become wealthy, although finding such a company is more challenging. If you are lucky enough to find a business that you really believe in, make sure to do your research before investing. It's very important that you have faith in the leadership of the company. Even if the concept is great, a bad CEO can destroy the business. You should have a very good understanding of the company's expenses and potential profits, as well as of their brand and image, before you invest. Make sure there is a clear contract that outlines your rights. You should also understand what your options are for exiting the agreement. Don't invest all of your money in one business. If it goes south, you could be left with nothing. Flip real estate. " House flipping " refers to the process of buying cheap, run-down property, increasing its value (either by adding improvements or simply by waiting for the market to perk up), and then re-selling it for a profit. With smart choices and practical know-how with regards to home repair, you can stand to make thousands of dollars per flip, although unexpected expenses and a bad real estate market can leave you in the red. Make sure you really understand the local market before investing in real estate, or you may lose money when you try to sell. Unless you have enough money to hire contractors to do all of the work for you, flipping real estate will require a tremendous amount of work. Even if you do hire others, you will likely need to supervise them. If you don't have the money to invest in real estate, there are lots of other things you can flip, including furniture and cars. Anything you can buy cheap, fix up yourself, and sell for a profit, can be flipped. Get a payday loan. If you already have a job, but you need some extra cash before your next payday, you may benefit from a payday loan. These are short-term loans that are offered for relatively small sums of money, either online or at brick and mortar locations. Be cautious with these kinds of loans, as they carry extremely high interest rates. They are best used for absolute emergencies only. Take a cash advance on your credit card. Many credit card companies will send you checks in the mail that you can write for cash or give you the option of withdrawing money from an ATM using your credit card. Like payday loans, cash advances typically come with high interest rates, which makes them a costly option. Be sure to read the fine print carefully so that you understand exactly how much this kind of lending will cost you. Get a bank loan. Banks and credit unions offer a wide variety of loan products. Some loans, like home equity loans, require you to offer your personal assets as collateral if you are not able to repay the loan. If you do not have a home or other assets, you may still be able to qualify for a personal loan, depending on your financial circumstances. Be sure to compare rates terms at multiple institutions before you commit to a loan. Credit unions often offer lower interest rates than banks. Borrow from friends or family. Borrowing money from people you care about can be complicated because your relationship may be at risk if you can't pay the money back. If you choose to borrow from friends or family, be sure to be honest with them about how long it will take you to pay them back. Inherit money. If you have a wealthy, elderly relative, you may receive money when the time comes to read his or her will. Of course, if your relative regards you fondly, s/he is more likely to write you into the will, so try to stay on your elderly relatives' good sides. Hopefully, this goes without saying, as treating the elderly with love and respect solely in an attempt to get their money is obviously incredibly cruel and cynical. Win the lottery. Lottery tickets generally cost just a few dollars and are available at most grocery and convenience stores, so this is one of the cheapest, least work-intensive ways of making money. However, you're much more likely to lose money by playing the lottery than to win a big prize. Always expect to lose the money you spend on lottery tickets. While it's true that it's impossible to win the lottery without playing, you should never count on it as a means of supporting yourself. To put things in perspective, your odds of winning a Powerball jackpot in the United States are about 1 in 200 million. Many people use this method of earning money by setting aside a few dollars every week or month. For example, instead of buying coffee everyday for a week, buy it six days a week or brew coffee at home. This way, the extra money can go to lottery tickets and even if you do not "win it big" your life is still perfectly normal.Another way to save is to give less money to decorating a room, or sell the decorations when you're done with them. Win a contest. Much like the lottery, a contest or sweepstakes can completely change your life overnight. Your chances for winning are not very high, but it does happen. The more contests you enter, the more likely you are to win money and other valuable prizes. The advantage of contests over the lottery is that it is often free to sign up. Try searching online and on social media for free contests and sweepstakes that you can enter. You can also learn about contests by paying attention to advertisements for them on products while you're out shopping. Many of them don't even require a purchase for entry. If you're serious about entering as many sweepstakes as possible, try searching online for a sweepstakes newsletter, like SweepingAmerica.com or SweepSheet.com. This might help you keep on top of the newest contests out there, so you don't have to spend hours of your time searching. There are lots of sweepstakes scams out there, so proceed with caution. You should never be required to pay a fee or give a credit card number to collect winnings from a legitimate contest. You should also be very cautious about how much personal information you provide when signing up for sweepstakes. | Rent out a room in your house. Make money online. Earn royalties. Get paid for short-term jobs. Sell stuff. Beg or panhandle. Become a moneylender. Earn interest. Invest in the stock market. Invest in a business. Flip real estate. Get a payday loan. Take a cash advance on your credit card. Get a bank loan. Borrow from friends or family. Inherit money. Win the lottery. Win a contest. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Wavy-Hair | How to Care for Wavy Hair | To care for wavy hair, wash it only every few days with a sulfate-free shampoo to keep it from becoming dry and frizzy. After shampooing, apply a conditioner to the tips to moisturize the ends without weighing down the roots. Next, rinse your hair with cold water to seal the cuticles and keep in moisture. Then, scrunch in a styling product to control frizz, and let your waves air dry to keep them intact. Finally, rub a small amount of a lightweight oil, like Argan oil, into the ends of your hair for some shine. | Buy a good shampoo. Use a shampoo that is made for wavy to curly hair. Choosing a shampoo that is made for another hair type, like straight hair, won't give your hair the proper care it needs. Look for shampoos that specifically say they are made for a wavy hair texture and will add bounce and/or definition to the waves. Do not use too much shampoo or shampoo too often. While shampooing, focus on your scalp and use a quarter-sized amount. Depending on how oily or dry your hair is, wash once every other day or once every few days. Consider any problems you've had with your hair before buying a shampoo. Look for a sulfate-free shampoo if you have trouble with frizz, as sulfates tend to cause frizz. Pick the right conditioner. Along with buying a shampoo made for wavy hair, you should use a conditioner based on your hair type as well. If you find a shampoo you like, try to find the conditioner that is paired with it. If there isn't a conditioner that is meant to be bought with the shampoo, then look for a product that says it is for wavy hair. Make sure to use conditioner every time you wash. Only apply the conditioner to the mid-shaft through the ends of your hair. Conditioners made for curly hair can work for wavy hair as well. If you are concerned about the ingredients in your conditioner, like alcohol that can dry hair out, look for an organic conditioner. Rinse with cold water. Hot showers feel great, but they are not good for your hair. Warm water is good to use to allow the shampoo and conditioner to work into the hair, but finishing your shower with warm or hot water can dry it out. Even if you start with a warm shower, end with a cold one. A cold shower will close the cuticles and help seal in the moisture from the shampoo and conditioner. If you really can't take or end with a cold shower, use one cup of apple cider vinegar mixed with two cups of water and pour it over your wet hair. This will remove build-up from products and dandruff from your scalp. Put your hair in buns before bed. If you do not plan to style your hair after washing it, then put in buns before bed to help maintain waves. Towel dry your hair, apply a styling mousse, and then put your hair in four twisted buns. This will help you maintain soft curls for the morning. Let your hair dry naturally. Don't use a hairdryer to dry hair if possible. Instead, let it dry naturally. The heat from a hair dryer can cause damage to hair and leave the waves looking poofy. If using a hair dryer is unavoidable, make sure to apply a heat protectant product to your hair beforehand, use a diffuser, and put the dryer on a low heat setting. Use a comb as little as possible. A comb can cause breakage to your hair, especially if it is used too soon in the styling product. First, use your fingers to detangle hair. Then, you can use a wide-tooth comb to tackle any knots that you were not able to untangle with your fingers. Start combing at the ends of your hair and work up to your roots, rather than starting at the roots. Do not use a brush. A brush can cause breakage and ruin the shape of your waves. Comb your hair while you are still in the shower if you can't avoid combing it altogether. Scrunch product into your hair. Use a mousse or other styling product to control frizz and maintain waves. Divide your hair into at least four sections before applying product. The smaller sections allow you to coat every strand of hair. While applying the product, scrunch your hair, squeeze it for a few seconds, and then let it go. Avoid heat styling tools. Hair straighteners, flat irons, and curling irons can damage your hair and cause the waves to look frizzy, so it's best to use them sparingly. Your hair will be healthier if you allow it to dry on its own and stay wavy. If you do use a heat styling tool, then use a heat protectant product before straightening or curling your hair. Finish styling with an oil. Complete your styling routine with an oil to seal in moisture and add shine. Look for a lightweight oil that won't weigh your hair down, like Argan oil. Only use a small amount. The size of dime should be enough, depending on the length of your hair. Apply the product from mid-shaft through the ends of your hair. Invest in a deep conditioner. Use a deep conditioner once a week to give your hair extra moisture and protection. Deep conditioning gives your hair more a more intense conditioning than your usual, everyday conditioner, and it should not be used as often. A deep conditioner can repair damage, add shine, and protect your hair from pollutants and harsh UV Rays. Apply the product from the mid-shaft to the end of your hair, leave in for five to thirty minutes, and rinse thoroughly. The product should say that it's a deep conditioner or mask that is not meant for daily use. The amount of time you leave the conditioner on your hair depends on the instructions on the label of the product, and the amount of damage to your hair. If possible, apply heat by sitting under a hooded dryer while the deep conditioner sits on your hair. This may help your hair to benefit even more from the conditioner. If you have really wavy, thick hair, and are still having troubles managing it, one possible solution is a keratin treatment. These are straightening services that can minimize some of the frizziness. Use a clarifying shampoo. Using a lot of product can cause build-up in your hair, which can leave hair looking dull and limp. Buy and clarifying shampoo and use it once a week to get rid of dirt and oil in the hair. The instructions for use depends on the product, but typically you should massage and lather into hair and then rinse thoroughly. Consider following up your clarifying shampoo with a moisturizing shampoo. Clarifying shampoo can have a drying effect on hair, so a moisturizing shampoo can help to return moisture back to your hair. Try to stay away from chemical processes. Avoid chemical processes, like dyeing hair and using chemical relaxers. Chemical processes damage the hair, and it can be hard to recover from that kind of damage. Use an organic hair dye if you do decide to dye your hair. And if chemicals can't be avoided completely, make sure to deep condition before and after the process. Henna is an example of a natural hair dye. Trim hair regularly. Heat usage, combing, and brushing causes split ends. Not getting rid of these split ends can cause the ends to split ends even more, which leads to unhealthy hair that will probably need a dramatic hair cut later on to fix. Trim your hair every six to eight weeks to keep your hair healthy and long. To envision what broken hair is like, imagine breaking a pencil. The ends split (hence the word split ends) into two, sometimes three strands. If you cut your hair frequently, it's not going to keep splitting all the way out. | Buy a good shampoo. Pick the right conditioner. Rinse with cold water. Put your hair in buns before bed. Let your hair dry naturally. Use a comb as little as possible. Scrunch product into your hair. Avoid heat styling tools. Finish styling with an oil. Invest in a deep conditioner. Use a clarifying shampoo. Try to stay away from chemical processes. Trim hair regularly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Potatoes-in-Pots | How to Plant Potatoes in Pots | Planting potatoes in pots is a great way to save space and reduce the risk of pest infestation and disease. To get started, buy seed potatoes at your gardening store. Put them in an open container in a cool, dark place and watch them daily to see if their “eyes” or sprouts are growing. When the eyes are 1/4 to 1/2 an inch long, the potatoes are ready to plant. Find the 3 thickest sprouts on each potato, then rub the rest off with your finger. Fill your pots with 4 to 6 inches of soil, mix in organic fertilizer, and put your seed potatoes in the soil with their eyes facing up. Cover your potatoes with soil, and water them until the pot begins to drain. Keep your pots in a partially sunny spot. | Buy seed potatoes. Unlike the potatoes you purchase at the grocery store, seed potatoes, also known as "tubers," are grown for the purpose of replanting and are not meant for consumption. Some “table stock” potatoes can also be used for planting purposes, but they do not usually produce a strong crop. You can buy seed potatoes at your local gardening store. Purchase them 2-4 weeks in advance of when you'd like to plant them. This is the standard amount of time that it'll take for the potatoes to sprout. Avoid using the potatoes you buy at the grocery store as seed potatoes. These potatoes are often treated to prevent producing shoots so that they last longer on shelves. Take your seed potatoes out of their bag as soon as possible after you've purchased them. Leaving them in the bag can prompt fungal growth. Place your seed potatoes in an open container in cool, dark place. Position your tubers with any “eyes” facing upwards in an egg carton or other similar container. Then, set the container in a spot with cooler temperatures, such as a kitchen cupboard. Check back each day to see how the “eyes” have grown. A potato “eye” is essentially a sprout. You'll see a tiny green or whitish growth coming out of the potato's skin. Once your potatoes begin to sprout, don't rotate them. You want the majority of the sprouts to develop on the upward facing side. The ideal temperature for sprouting seed potatoes is around 50 °F (10 °C). Trim off all but the 3 largest eyes of each potato. The more eyes you have, the more spuds you can grow. However, the more potatoes you grow off a single tuber, the smaller the potatoes will be. When you are ready to plant, identify the 3 strongest eyes and rub the rest off with your finger or dig them out with a sharp knife. If you choose to remove the sprouts with a knife, try to keep the cut as shallow as possible. Just cut away the sprout itself and a thin layer of the potato's skin. The eyes should be between.25 to.5 in (0.64 to 1.27 cm) when you begin the trimming and planting process. Select a 10 US gal (38 L) pot to plant 4-6 seed potatoes. At a minimum, each of your pots will need to be at least 16 inches (41 cm) high and 16 inches (41 cm) in diameter. If you chose to plant more than 6 potatoes per pot, then you'll need to go even larger. The ample space gives your potatoes room to grow and develop roots and tubers. If you choose a pot that is too small, your potatoes may not fully sprout. Taller pots or grow bags will give you enough room to repeatedly fill the pot with soil as your potato shoots grow. In general, each seed potato will need between 1.5 to 2 US gal (5.7 to 7.6 L) to grow in a container. Consider this if you decide to plant additional potatoes. Go with plastic pots for easier movement and reusability. The sturdy plastic pots readily available at any garden store are a great option for growing potatoes. They come in black, which holds in the warmth, and usually have built-in drainage holes. You can also consider fabric growing bags, but they may not be as aesthetically pleasing. If you go with a heavier plastic pot, make sure to put it on a dolly. The dolly will make it possible for you to move your potatoes around as needed for watering. If you live in a warm area, avoid using black or dark colored pots. These can attract too much sunlight and overheat your crop. Wash out your pots using warm water and soap before you plant in them. This helps to kill off any harmful bacteria. Only select a pot that has drainage holes in the bottom. Otherwise, you can use a drill to create 2-3 holes for drainage. Position a fiberglass screen at the bottom of each pot. Use heavy-duty scissors or a utility knife to cut out a piece of screen. Make sure that the screen matches the shape of the bottom of the pot, but is just slightly larger in size. Before planting, set the screen inside the pot, where it will be covered with soil. A sheet or small roll of fiberglass can be purchased at your local gardening center or hardware store. Plastic window screening also works as a substitute material. The screen slows down the drainage process, allowing your potatoes to fully absorb all of the nutrients from the water and soil. Be sure to replace your screens every year to prevent clogging the drainage holes. Fill each pot's saucer with small pebbles or stones. Keeping pouring them in until you've created an even.25 in (0.64 cm) layer covering the bottom of the saucer. Then, place your pot on the pebbles in the center of the saucer. Jiggle your pot a bit to make sure that it is balanced. The air gaps between the pot and saucer created by the pebbles allow water to drain more efficiently. Purchase or create your own container growing medium. The standard container potting soil mix that is available at gardening stores will work fine for growing potatoes. However, you can also create a custom mix by stirring together 1/3 compost, 1/3 perlite, and 1/3 peat moss or coco coir in a large bag or barrel. All of these ingredients can be purchased at gardening centers or, in the case of compost , created at home. Avoid using soil that was previously used to grow potatoes or any other nightshade crop. Pathogens that could destroy your crop can persist in such soils. Create a planting schedule based upon the variety of potato. There is a wide range of potato varieties to choose from, but they generally fall under five basic categories: first early, second early, early main crop, main crop, and late main crop. Knowing what category your selected potato variety falls under will tell you when to plant and harvest it. Plant early varieties as early as March or April. They'll take between 75-90 days to mature for harvest. However, if you plant them too early, they could be damaged by frost. Plant mid-season potatoes from May to July. They'll take between 85-110 days to mature for harvest. Mid-season potatoes grow best in warmer climates and temperatures. Plant late season potatoes from July to August. They'll take between 120-135 days to mature for harvest. These potatoes usually tolerate winter temperatures and frost better than early varieties. Fill your pot with 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) of your growing medium. The entire bottom of the pot should be covered. Lightly pat the soil down with your hands to make sure that it is firmly packed. If the soil is not solid enough, the potatoes will sink to the very bottom of the pot. Both the fiberglass screen and the pebble/stone layer should be fully covered and no longer visible after you add the soil. Mix in organic fertilizer, as directed on the package. Use a scoop or spade to lightly sprinkle granular organic fertilizer on top of the first soil layer in the pot. The amount that you use will depend on the type of fertilizer that you buy and the size of your pot. Read the instructions on the fertilizer's package carefully and follow them directly. Choose a fertilizer that is explicitly for container planting. An organic or vegetable-specific blend is even better. Once your potatoes are established, you'll want to feed them liquid fertilizer as often as every 2 weeks. Again, reference the fertilizer's package for instructions. Place your seed potatoes in the soil with the eyes facing upward. Space the tubers at least 6 inches (15 cm) apart. Ensure that they are not touching one another or the edge of the pot. Do not overcrowd each pot by planting more than the recommended amount of seed potatoes. When the potatoes are in position, press them gently into the soil and fertilizer mix. It's likely that your seed potatoes will have eyes all over their skin, so just position the side with the most eyes facing upwards. Cover your tubers with 6 inches (15 cm) of growing medium. Use a spade to gently add more soil into the pot, creating an even layer. When you are finished, your seed potatoes will be completely hidden. Use your hands to gently pat down the soil, being careful not to crush your tubers by pressing too hard. Depending on the size of your pot, you may need to add even more growing medium. Use your best judgment and fill it up most of the way, but not all the way to the rim. You will add more soil as the potatoes grow, so account for this as you fill. Water the soil in the pot until it begins to drain. Use a watering can or hose to slowly add water to the freshly planted pot. Try to cover all of the soil's exposed surface as you are watering. When water starts to flow out of the pot's bottom drainage holes, stop watering. Potatoes do best with soil that is moist, but not soggy. Water-logged soil can actually lead to the growth of fungus. You can add a layer of straw to the top of your soil to keep it moist and shaded throughout the day. Add more growing medium as the plant shoots up. As a general rule, you only want a maximum of 1 inch (2.5 cm) of each potato shoot exposed. Check your shoots daily to see if they are starting to emerge too far out of the soil. Then, simply add more growing medium to the pot. You'll likely need to repeat this process multiple times during the growing cycle. The process is similar to mounding potatoes that were planted in the ground. Water your potatoes when the top 2 inches (5.1 cm) of soil is dry. There is a quick and simple way to determine when/if you need to water. Stick a single finger into the soil. If the soil feels dry, then it is time to water again. Add water to the pot until it begins to drain out the bottom. If your potatoes do not get enough water, then they will be undersized or more susceptible to diseases and pests. In warmer temperatures, this may mean that you'll need to water your potato pots twice a day. Tailor your watering schedule to the needs of your particular potatoes. Expose your potatoes to a maximum of 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. Position your potato pots so that they receive direct sun either in the morning or afternoon. While potatoes need the sunlight, they do not do well in temperatures over 80 °F (27 °C). This is why it is important that they get ample shade as well. Your potatoes may be receiving too much sun if the sprouts turn yellow or dry out shortly after shooting out of the dirt. Harvest your potatoes when their foliage turns yellow. This is the best sign that your potatoes are ready to dig up. You can either sift through the container's dirt by hand or dump it out and dig for the potatoes. Set aside each potato and make sure to wash them carefully before eating or storing. It's also a good idea to inspect each potato for fungus or mold. The outer skin should be firm and uniform in color without any white or mushy spots. | Buy seed potatoes. Place your seed potatoes in an open container in cool, dark place. Trim off all but the 3 largest eyes of each potato. Select a 10 US gal (38 L) pot to plant 4-6 seed potatoes. Go with plastic pots for easier movement and reusability. Position a fiberglass screen at the bottom of each pot. Fill each pot's saucer with small pebbles or stones. Purchase or create your own container growing medium. Create a planting schedule based upon the variety of potato. Fill your pot with 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) of your growing medium. Mix in organic fertilizer, as directed on the package. Place your seed potatoes in the soil with the eyes facing upward. Cover your tubers with 6 inches (15 cm) of growing medium. Water the soil in the pot until it begins to drain. Add more growing medium as the plant shoots up. Water your potatoes when the top 2 inches (5.1 cm) of soil is dry. Expose your potatoes to a maximum of 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. Harvest your potatoes when their foliage turns yellow. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Formal-Invitation | How to Write a Formal Invitation | To write a formal invitation, start with the full, formal names of the hosts on the first line, such as “Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Smith,” followed by “requests your presence” or something similar. Next, include the reason for the occasion for celebration. Then, on the next lines, include the date, time, and location of the event. Make sure to write out any words or dates that are usually abbreviated, such as “the nineteenth of November” instead of “November 19th,” or “Street” instead of “St.” in an address. | Write out dates. Regardless of the type of event you're inviting your guests to, you should use a formal writing style on a formal invitation. This means spelling out dates and other words that are usually abbreviated. For example, you should write “Saturday, the nineteenth of November” instead of “Saturday, November 19th.” You should also write “253212 Boston Street” instead of “253212 Boston St.” Write out guests' full names. Don't use the shortened versions of guests' names. Write “Stephanie Smith” instead of “Steph Smith" and always use last names. Include the hosts. One of the most important parts of the formal invitation is the inclusion of the event's host(s). Listing the hosts tells your guests who is inviting them to the event. How you write the hosts' names and the order in which you should list them varies depending on who is hosting. These rules are particularly important if you are writing a formal wedding invitation. For example, you should start a dinner invitation by saying "Sam and Ellen Smith invite you to a dinner celebrating the graduation of their daughter Leslie from graduate school." List the hosts in the correct order. Who is hosting the wedding – usually defined by who is paying for the wedding – will affect the order of names listed on the invitation. The bride's parents always go on the first line, followed by the groom's on the third line. "And" should get its own line in between The bride's name should always come before the groom's. If you are writing an invitation for a same-sex wedding, you can list the parents' names in whatever order makes sense to you. This might be alphabetical order or you might just want to flip a coin to see who goes first. Write the host(s)' names correctly. There are a lot of rules regarding how you should write out the hosts' names, depending on who the hosts are. Generally, the hosts related to the bride go first, followed by the groom's relatives. If the parents of the bride or groom are still married write “Mr. and Mrs." followed by the bride's father's name. So Tiffany Smith's parents should be written as "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith” or “Mr. and Mrs. James Carter” on the first line of the invitation. The groom's parents should be written the same way, on the third line (with "and" on its own on the second line). If both families – including the bride and groom – are hosting, you should write “Together with their families," on the first line, then the name of the bride, "and," and the name of the groom on the second, third, and fourth lines respectively. If the bride's parents are divorced and remarried but hosting together, you should write list the mother's new name first, followed by the father's name. So for example, you might write “Mr. and Mrs. Jill Willby and Mr. and Mrs. Greg Smith." Again, each couple gets their own line with “and” on the second line. If someone other than parents or stepparents are hosting, write the host(s) name(s) and their relationship to the bride or groom. So, for example, if the bride's brother is hosting, you should write “Mr. Stanley Smith requests the honor of your presence of the marriage of his sister Stephanie Smith.” Invite your guests to the wedding. Once you've established the hosts of the event (in the right order), you need to actually invite the guest(s) to the wedding. Regardless of who hosts, the next line after the hosts' names should be either “requests the honor of your presence” or “requests the pleasure of your company.” That should be followed by either “at the marriage of” if someone other than the bride(s) and/or groom(s) are hosting or “at their marriage” if the bride(s) and/or groom(s) are hosting as well. For example, you might say “ [Hosts' names] request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Tiffany Smith to Adam Jones” (if the bride's parents are hosting) or “[Hosts' names] request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of Tiffany Smith to their son Adam Jones” (if the groom's parents are hosting. Include the rest of the information. Once you've established who's hosting and invited your guest(s) to the event, include the rest of the information for the wedding. In order, you should list the date, time, and venue of the wedding, each on their own line. Include information about the reception. If the wedding ceremony will be followed by a reception that everyone is invited to, you can add that information to the invitation itself. If not everyone is invited, you can write the reception information on a separate card to be included with the invitation. If you include the reception information on the invitation itself, it should come last on the invitation and include the time and place. So, for example, you could say “Reception to follow at 5 pm at The Country Club 3000 Country Club Lane Minneapolis, Minnesota.” “Reception to follow” and “at 5 pm” should get their own lines, as should the street address, venue name, and venue city. If you include a separate reception card, write it as you would on the bottom of the invitation. Tell your guests how they should respond. If you want your guests to respond whether they'll be coming or not (and most hosts do because venues will require a final guest count), include information on how they should do that. This usually means including an RSVP card that lists the response date, along with a pre-addressed and stamped envelope. Leave space for their name and how many guests they're bringing. For example, a standard RSVP card will say “M.______________ __ will attend __ will not attend.” The “M.” at the beginning allows them to write “Ms.,” “Mr.,” “Mr. and Ms.,” or “Mr. and Mrs.” and lets you know how many people are attending. If you are asking your guests to make a meal selection, this should be listed on the RSVP card as well. List their meal options and leave a space underneath each for the names of the guests requesting that particular meal. Invite guests to a formal dinner. When inviting guests to a formal dinner, be sure to word it so they are invited “at a dinner” or “to a dinner,” never “for dinner.” Your invitation should read “We request the pleasure of your company at a dinner” or “You are cordially invited to a dinner” before listing what the dinner is for. You may or may not have hosts to lists for a formal dinner, but if you do, their names should go at the top of the invitation. Invite guests to an anniversary celebration. Writing an invitation to an anniversary celebration is similar to writing one for a wedding. You should include the hosts' names, the date, and the venue, but you should also note that it is an anniversary celebration. For example, you could write “Dan and Carol Smith are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Their children invite you to join them for a reception at The Country Club.” If you do not wish guests to bring gifts for the couple, you can simply note “No gifts please” at the bottom of the invitation. Invite guests to a bridal or baby shower. These types of invitations are usually less formal than wedding invitations. You may or may not list a host, but you should include the name of the bride and/or couple and the information regarding the shower. The spacing of a shower invitation should follow the spacing of a wedding invitation. For example, you could write “You are cordially invited to a bridal shower in honor of Tiffany Smith on November 5th at 6 pm. The Country Club Minneapolis, Minnesota.” Ask guests to RSVP. The RSVP etiquette for events other than weddings varies widely. You should ask your guests to let you know if they're attending or not, but it's up to you how you'd like them to respond. Formal dinner invitations should include an RSVP card similar to the kind you would send for wedding, but anniversary parties and bridal or baby showers can simply ask guests to call the host with their response. Address a married couple’s invitation. If you are inviting a married couple, tradition dictates that you write “Mr. and Mrs.” followed by the husband's name. However, if the couple does not have the same last name, you should include both of their names. If you are addressing an invitation to a married same-sex couple, you should include both of their names as well. For example, you could write “Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Smith,” “Mr. Stanley Smith and Mrs. Emma Stone,” or “Mrs. Julia Gould and Mrs. Elizabeth Gould.” Address the invitation of a couple with one or more distinguished titles. If any of your guests have distinguished titles - like “Dr." - you should be sure to use them. If one member of a couple has a distinguished title, use that title and then "Mr." or "Mrs." or "Ms." for the other member of the couple. For example, you could write “Dr. Stephanie and Mr. James Smith” if they have the same last name, “Dr. Stephanie Jones and Mr. James Smith” if they have different last names or “Dr. Stephanie Jones and Dr. James Smith” if they have different last names but both have distinguished titles. Address invitations to adults 18 and over. Unless they live with their parents, any adult over the age of 18 should receive their own invitation. You can use “Ms.” or “Mr.” in the addresses if they are single. Address invitations to whole families. If you wish to invite an entire family to your event, whether the children are over 18 or not, you can simply write “The Smith Family” and include their address. This lets the recipient know that everyone in the household is invited. | Write out dates. Write out guests' full names. Include the hosts. List the hosts in the correct order. Write the host(s)' names correctly. Invite your guests to the wedding. Include the rest of the information. Include information about the reception. Tell your guests how they should respond. Invite guests to a formal dinner. Invite guests to an anniversary celebration. Invite guests to a bridal or baby shower. Ask guests to RSVP. Address a married couple’s invitation. Address the invitation of a couple with one or more distinguished titles. Address invitations to adults 18 and over. Address invitations to whole families. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Rope | How to Make Rope | If you want to make rope, gather 6 pieces of straw, twine, or grass that are roughly the same length and thickness. Next, tie your threads together at 1 end before dividing them into 2 even bunches. To start forming the rope, grip 1 section in each hand and twist them in the same direction. As you get to the end, extend the length of your rope by grabbing 2 more sections of thread, then overlap the tails of the old sections with the ends of the new ones, and continue twisting so the sections wrap together. To finish, tie a knot in the end of your rope so it doesn't unravel. | Choose your material. Rope can be made from a large number of materials, many of which you may have lying around the house, yard, or campsite. Depending on what you have available to you, you can make rope from: Plant fibers like grass, hemp, flax, straw, bark, nettles, yucca, and any other fibrous or vine-like plant. Twine, string, thread, or even dental floss. Plastic bags or paper, shredded into strips. Cut or gather your threads. Your thread could be a blade of grass, or a piece of string, or a strip of bark, depending on what you're making rope from. Make sure that all the threads are roughly the same length and thickness. For a thicker rope, you will need more threads; for a thinner rope, start with about six pieces of thread. If you are working with a material like string, where you are cutting lengths, remember that your rope will get shorter as you twist it together. With materials like grass and other plant fibers, you can easily splice in more lengths of thread later to make your rope longer. Tie your threads together. Lay your threads together so they are all lined up, and tie a knot at one end to keep them secured together. Then, divide the bunch into two even sections. Once you divide the sections, the bundle will be in a V-shape that's attached at the knot. Twist the two sections. Grab one section in each hand and begin tightly and evenly twisting all the threads in the same direction. It doesn't matter if you go clockwise or counter-clockwise, as long as it's always the same direction. As you continue twisting, the two strands will begin to wrap around one another, forming a rope. Splice in additional threads to make a longer rope. For ropes made of plant fibers or grasses, it's especially easy to splice in more lengths of fiber to create a longer rope. As you near the end of your first bundle, grab two more sections of thread that are the same thickness as the original two. Overlap the tails of the original thread sections with the heads of the new sections, making sure the tops of the heads actually extend beyond the tails, so that the new threads are anchored into place. Continue twisting. Eventually, the twisting will wrap the new and the old sections together, giving you an additional length of rope. Tie the rope off. When you have finished twisting your threads together and have a rope of a suitable length, tie another knot in the end to prevent the rope from unraveling. If you are working with nylon or something similar, you can also burn the ends to melt them together and keep them from coming apart. Trim the excess. Especially with grasses and plant fibers, trim off any excess that's sticking out from the rope, particularly where splices occurred. To make an even stronger rope, repeat this process, and then twist those two ropes together using the same method to make an even thicker rope. Choose your material and gather your threads. The reverse wrap is another way to twist the threads of your rope together, but this method is otherwise very similar to the basic twist process, and begins with the same material choosing and gathering. Tie a knot and divide the threads into two sections. Just like before, you want your threads tied together into a single bundle and then divided into two sections that are joined at the knot. Twist and wrap the sections. To do the reverse wrap, hold the top of the threads (near the knot) in your non-dominant hand. With your dominant hand, grab the section that's farthest away from you. Twist the section away from you once. Then, bring it over top of the other section back toward you, grabbing it with your non-dominant hand and securing it in place (as though you were braiding with only two sections). Grab the new section in your dominant hand, and repeat the twisting and wrapping process. Knot the ends together. Alternate between the two sections all the way to the end of your threads, twisting away from you and then crossing the sections, securing the cord in place with your non-dominant hand as you go. When you reach the end, knot the ends to secure the rope together. Prepare grass. Ideally, you want tall, hardy grasses for a stronger rope, and the taller the grass, the less splicing you'll have to do to make longer rope. Collect the grass and divide it into two piles. Flip one pile around so the roots are at the opposite end, and lay it down on top of the other pile so that half the tips are at one end and half the tips are at the other end. You turn the grass in opposite directions so that there is thicker grass stalk distributed evenly throughout the rope. Once you've made your pile, grab either a thick or thin handful of grass, depending on the diameter you want your rope to be. Tie a knot in one end and proceed with your rope making. Process yucca. To turn yucca leaves into fiber for threads, cut the leaf from the base of the plant, and snip off the pointy tip. Lay the leaf on a flat surface and gently beat it with a stick or rock. As you beat the leaf, the fiber from the plant will begin to separate. Work your way up the entire length of the leaf until all the fiber separates. Use nettles. Find nettles that are tall and dry. Cut down a few and let them dry out over the course of a couple days. Then, use a rock or stick to press against the stalks and open them up. As the stalks open up, begin peeling off strips of green fiber from the stalk's woody interior. Set the strips aside, and when you are finished you can use them for rope. This method will also work for other woody plants that are tough but break open easily. | Choose your material. Cut or gather your threads. Tie your threads together. Twist the two sections. Splice in additional threads to make a longer rope. Tie the rope off. Trim the excess. Choose your material and gather your threads. Tie a knot and divide the threads into two sections. Twist and wrap the sections. Knot the ends together. Prepare grass. Process yucca. Use nettles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-Africanized-Honey-Bees | How to Identify Africanized Honey Bees | Before you try to identify an Africanized honey bee, keep in mind that, to the naked eye, they look almost identical to European honey bees. Since Africanized honey bees are highly aggressive, never attempt to get up close and measure or observe one. However, there are some traits specific to Africanized honey bees that you can look out for from afar. For example, Africanized honey bees tend to forage in small groups or alone, and they usually come out very early in the morning or late in the evening. Also, Africanized honey bees are more likely to swarm and attack. | Look for a difference in size. Africanized honey bees look virtually identical to European honey bees (EHB) except for a slight difference in size. AHB are typically about 10% smaller than their counterparts, however, this is subtle and cannot be noticed with the naked eye. The size difference can usually only be noted using professional measuring instruments found in a laboratory. Not even experienced bee keepers can tell the difference simply on sight. Note the bee in the image on the left is a bumble bee. AHB are aggressive. You should not approach a hive intending to extract a bee to measure its size. Leave this to professionals. Look for differences in aggression. European honey bees and AHB respond differently to provocation. While all bees will respond aggressively to perceived dangers to their hive, AHB much more so. Whereas a EHB may send out as few as 10-20 guard bees to respond to a threat within 20 yards (18.3 m) of the hive, AHB may send several hundred with a range of 120 yards (110 m) from the hive. This is also seen in how many stings you can expect to receive if you encounter the hive. An AHB hive can administer as many as a thousand stings if disturbed whereas 10-20 strings is typical for a disturbed EHB hive. Notice how long it takes them to become calm after agitation. A normal EHB hive will calm back down after around 20 minutes, resuming their normal activities and no longer buzzing with aggression. AHB on the other hand can remain aggressive for hours afterward. Look for bees that forage for pollen in small groups or alone. Africanized honey bees are more solitary foragers than European honey bees and are typically considered opportunistic. AHB also tend to forage at different times than EHB. AHB forage very early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is disappearing, unlike EHB. They also seem to be less prone to be discouraged by overcast, cold weather and even light rain whereas EHB tend to stick to sunny days and are more sensitive to poor temperatures and rain. Observe different swarm patterns in AHB. Swarming is when a queen leaves a hive and tens of thousands of worker bees follow in order to find and form a new hive. EHB tend to do this about once a year. AHB have smaller nests that they more readily abandon and thus will swarm 6-12 times a year. This is why AHB are typically less sought after by beekeepers. This constant swarming can really reduce the population left behind in their hive and require them to introduce new queens regularly. Because of their frequency, AHB swarms tend to be much smaller than those of EHB. Use DNA testing for certainty. While the common person will not have access to this sort of test, it is virtually the only way to tell with certainty whether an individual bee is a AHB. Scientist use DNA tests to confirm an African bloodline in the specimen. Look where AHB frequently nest. EHB typically nest in dry, aboveground cavities. If you see an underground cavity brimming with bees, it is likely an AHB hive as they can tolerate the conditions better. Furthermore, EHB rarely nest in exposed areas whereas an AHB nest may be out in the open, such as hanging from an exposed tree branch. AHB usually nest in much smaller places than EHB. For example, a typical EHB hive is a cavity around 10 gallons (38 L) large. For AHB the cavities are 1 to 5 gallons (3.8 to 19 L) in size. This also makes it more difficult to see AHB nests and they are usually only seen once they are provoked. Check chimneys or crawlspaces for nests. AHB will nest in many places regular European honey bees won't. Other possible nesting sites include empty containers, water meters, abandoned vehicles, old tires, lumber piles, outbuildings and sheds. Look for swarms of bees. The best chance of identifying AHB is during their swarming season, which is March through July. Bees swarm as a means to reproduce their colonies. Worker bees will follow the queen from the hive during a swarm. Prepare your home to be bee-proofed. One way to avoid a run-in with AHB is to make sure they're not in or around your home. Make sure there are no gaps larger than ⁄ 8 inch (0.3 cm) around chimneys or plumbing, as this is a favorite spot for bees. Install screens fine enough to prevent a bee from fitting through. Inspect any openings for bees coming and leaving your home regularly. Monitor nearby water sources. If you have drains, tubs, or evaporative water coolers, this can attract bees as a water source. Add a few ounces of pine-scented cleaner in the water, as long as its not a water source. If it is a bird-bath add 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of vinegar to deter bees in a way safe to the birds. Never attempt to remove a nest yourself. With the sheer aggressiveness of AHB, you should never try to remove a nest on your own, especially by hitting it, throwing rocks at it, or burning it. Look in your local yellow pages for a pest control company to call. You can also call a local beekeeper who may want the bees for their own purposes or have a more humane way to remove the colony without killing the hive. Run away quickly if AHB become aggressive. Run away as fast as you can. Pull your shirt over your face to protect your head from stings. Do not run toward water as they will likely wait above the water for you. Run toward a well-lit area that may disorient the bees or shelter that can shut them out. Do not swat or flail your arms as you run. This movement will attract the bees further and possibly cause them to become more aggressive. If you see someone else being attacked, encourage them to run and find shelter but do not physically intervene. This will only increase the risk of you being dangerously hurt and do little to help the person running. Scrape, don't pull stingers. If you do get stung, do not pull the stinger out as this will release more venom. You should scrape the stingers to the side with a finger nail, dull knife, or credit card. Seek medical attention after being stung. Since AHB swarm and sting so aggressively, you may not be aware of how many times you were stung. If you begin to feel ill, or know you were stung more than 15 times, seek help immediately. Other signs of when to seek help: itching, trouble breathing, dizziness, vomiting, and the swelling of your face, tongue or throat. These are all life threatening and you should not wait to see if the symptoms subside before getting help. Treat minor stings. If you were only stung a few times and do not require emergency medical care, you can help alleviate the symptoms of the venom. Take an antihistamine immediately and apply hydrocortisone cream to the sting to help reduce swelling and itching. Use a cool, moist towel or ice to help alleviate sting site symptoms. Do not apply ice directly to the sting and do not use heat. | Look for a difference in size. Look for differences in aggression. Notice how long it takes them to become calm after agitation. Look for bees that forage for pollen in small groups or alone. Observe different swarm patterns in AHB. Use DNA testing for certainty. Look where AHB frequently nest. Check chimneys or crawlspaces for nests. Look for swarms of bees. Prepare your home to be bee-proofed. Monitor nearby water sources. Never attempt to remove a nest yourself. Run away quickly if AHB become aggressive. Scrape, don't pull stingers. Seek medical attention after being stung. Treat minor stings. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Manage-Your-Time | How to Manage Your Time | To manage your time, start by listing your tasks in order of importance so you know what needs to be done first. Next, use your downtime to get work done, like returning work emails while in line at the grocery store or reading for work or school while on the bus. However, try to avoid multitasking work tasks as this can lead to less productivity since your focus will be scattered. Indeed, when possible, minimize distractions by turning off your phone, closing unnecessary browsers, and blocking social media. | Create the right environment to work. The environment you work in can help with your overall productivity. There are no strict rules about a work environment, so pick what feels right for you. Surround yourself with inspiring decorations that help you feel enthusiastic and passionate. These feelings will help you stay on task and be productive. For example, maybe a particular artist inspires you. Invest in a few prints of their paintings and hang these up on your walls. If you can choose a particular space to work, choose a space free of distractions. Working in front of your television may be a bad idea, but maybe you can push a desk into the corner of your bedroom and work there. List your tasks in terms of importance. Before you begin your work load for the day, prioritize. To-do lists are a great tool, but organize them a little rather than just writing down everything that needs to get done. Group tasks in terms of importance. Before making your list, write down categories in terms of important. For example, tasks labeled "urgent" must be done today. Tasks labeled "important, but not urgent" are important to do, but can wait. Tasks with labels like "low-priority" can be put off if necessary. List tasks under each category. For example, if you need to finish a report for work, that would be an urgent task. If you need to begin another work project, but the deadline is not for another two weeks, that would be an "important, but not urgent" task. If you would like to go for a run after work, but it's not vital, that would be a "low-priority" task. Do important tasks first. Finishing crucial tasks first thing in the morning will leave you with a sense of accomplishment. The day will already feel like a success and a great deal of your stress will be eliminated. Start off each day by knocking out the most important tasks on your list. For example, if you have five e-mails you need to respond to and a report that must be proofread, do that as soon as you get into the office. Stop any unnecessary socializing before you start your priority tasks. Keep some work with you at all times. Take advantage of your downtime by keeping work with you at all times. If you have a few stray minutes on the bus, use that to read something for school or work. If you're waiting in line at the grocery store, return some work e-mails on your phone. If you always have work on you, you can always be making the most of your time. If you're a student, think about investing in some audiobooks or recording your lectures. While waiting in line or walking to class, you can listen to material for your courses. Do not multitask. Many people assume multitasking is a great way to get more done each day and manage time wisely. However, focusing on multiple tasks at once actually makes you less productive. Things will take longer to do, as you're not giving anything your full attention. Focus completely on one task at a time instead. You will get your work done quicker this way, allowing you to make the most of your time. For example, return all your emails. Then, log out of your email account and move on to another task. Do not worry about your email for now. If you need to return more emails later in the day, you can do that after you complete the task at hand. Shut off your phone. When possible, turn your phone off. Phones can take up a lot of time throughout the day that you could be using more productively. When it's easy to log on to Facebook or take a peek at your email, you're more likely to do it. Do yourself a favor and turn your phone off while you're trying to do other things. If you find yourself impulsively reaching for the phone to procrastinate, you'll be met with a blank screen instead. If it's necessary for you to have your phone on for work, place it across the room. If it's not as easy to access your phone, you're less likely to do it. You can also turn off any notifications on your phone that are not necessary to work. Close unnecessary browsers. These days, many people rely on their computers or the internet to get work done. Working with Facebook, Twitter, or other distracting sites in the background will adversely affect your time management skills. You also may become distracted if tabs are opened from old projects or irrelevant internet searches. Make a habit of closing tabs as soon as you're done on the site. Place all your focus on the sites that are necessary for your work. Challenge yourself to only have one or two tabs opened at a time. Block social media. Sometimes, the temptation to log onto Facebook or Twitter is too great to avoid. If you have a problem with social media, there are many applications and websites you can use to temporarily block distracting sites. SelfControl is an app for Mac users that blocks access to any sites you choose for a set period of time. It is free to download. If you need to get offline altogether, the app Freedom allows you to block your access to the internet for up to eight hours at a time. The Firefox add-on Leechblock allows you to limit your use of certain sites to a set period per day. Avoid interruptions as much as possible. Interruptions disrupt your workflow. If you're in the middle of a task and stop to do something else, it can be hard to get back into work mode. When you're working on a task, try to complete it before getting up to do something else. Other things can wait while you strive to complete something. For example, if you realize you need to return an e-mail while you're in the middle of something else, do not stop to return the e-mail. Instead, jot down somewhere that you need to send the e-mail and get to it after you finish the task at hand. Keep in mind, sometimes disruptions are inevitable. If you receive an urgent phone call during a task, for example, you should definitely take the call. Do your best to avoid interruptions, but do not beat yourself up over the occasional distraction during your work. Use a digital calendar. Technology is a great way to manage your time and keep track of deadlines, appointments, and more. Make use of calendars in your phone and computer. Write down daily tasks, like appointments and your work or school schedule. Set reminders for yourself. For example, have your phone send you a reminder a week before a paper is due. Schedule in time for things like studying and working on projects. In addition to a digital calendar, it can help to have a physical calendar as a backup. You can keep this at your desk or carry it with you in a planner. Sometimes, physically jotting things down can help you remember them. Identify times when you're most productive. Different people are productive at different points during the day. It can help to know when you're most able to use your time wisely and plan to work during those times. For example, if you find yourself energetic during the mornings, try to get the bulk of your work done then. During the night, you can wind down and do relaxing things you enjoy. It can take awhile to identify your energy peaks. Try tracking your energy level and overall focus throughout the day for a week or so. This should help you figure out when you would be the most productive. Spend the first 30 minutes of the morning planning your day. It can help to make a game plan for the day in the morning. As soon as you get up, think about what you need to do and sketch a rough outline of when to do it. Keep work obligations as well as social obligations and errands in mind. For example, say you work from eight to four and need to call your grandmother for her birthday and pick up your dry cleaning after work. In the morning, figure out what order you should do those activities. If your grandmother is in a later timezone, plan to call her after work so it's not too late where she is. Then, plan on picking up your dry cleaning. Schedule breaks and interruptions. No one can work continuously without a break or an interruption. It's okay to invite interruptions and distractions into your day on occasion. It can help to schedule these kinds of deviations from necessary tasks. This way, interruptions are less likely to take over and derail your day. Schedule large breaks or interruptions in addition to tiny deviations from your work throughout the day. For example, plan to have an hour long lunch at one in the afternoon each day and to watch half an hour of television to unwind after returning from work. You can also plan tiny interruptions during daily tasks. For example, say you're writing a paper. Allow yourself five minutes to check Facebook per 500 words you write. Get some work done on the weekends. Weekends are important for unwinding, relaxing, and having fun, so don't go overboard. However, it can help to do a little work on the weekend. Think about the kind of small tasks that pile up over the weekend, making Mondays difficult. For example, you could briefly check and review e-mails during the weekend and then send out a few so that you'll have fewer e-mails piled up by Monday. Alternatively, you can just flag those that will require immediate attention on Monday morning. Stick to a sleep schedule. If you want to manage your time, a solid sleep schedule is vital. A good sleep schedule ensures you'll wake up early in the morning and be ready for the day. To maintain a sleep schedule, go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time each day, even on the weekends. Your body will adapt to your sleep/wake cycle, and you'll begin to feel tired at your bedtime and energetic in the mornings. | Create the right environment to work. List your tasks in terms of importance. Do important tasks first. Keep some work with you at all times. Do not multitask. Shut off your phone. Close unnecessary browsers. Block social media. Avoid interruptions as much as possible. Use a digital calendar. Identify times when you're most productive. Spend the first 30 minutes of the morning planning your day. Schedule breaks and interruptions. Get some work done on the weekends. Stick to a sleep schedule. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Resume-for-a-Banking-Job | How to Write a Resume for a Banking Job | To write a resume for a bank teller job, start by putting together your name and contact information, an executive summary, and your education, work experience, and skills. Try to write up your work experience and skills so that they focus on mathematical ability, computer literacy, and attention to detail, since these are critical to being a teller. Additionally, work on conveying good social skills, which are essential when working with the public. Then, use details to support your claims, and provide evidence of your success in these areas. | Begin with name and contact information. Your full name should be centered, at the top of the resume, in large, bold print. Below it, probably in much smaller type, you should include any pertinent contact information, including phone number, email address, and home address. Next include an executive summary. An executive summary is a four to six sentence statement at the top of your resume. It summarizes your relevant experience and the skills that you can bring to the job. Avoid generic phrases like “detail oriented.” Instead be specific: “Experience with recording transactions and managing the accounts of over a hundred subscribing customers.” It used to be customary to begin with a two sentence “objective statement” that explained your career goals. This is no longer advisable, unless you have no workplace experience in the field in which you are seeking employment. Even then, you should consider whether you can write an executive summary that highlights general, transferable skills, like management experience and interpersonal skills. Follow with education. The section labeled education should list the institutions you attended, the degrees you received, your GPA, and any awards you won. It is not typically necessary to include high school education, unless you are just beginning your career or it was the only degree you received. If your college GPA is not as high as you would like, you can include with it your major specific GPA or junior and senior year GPA. If these are much higher, it will indicate either that you improved considerably over time or that your general GPA does not adequately convey how adept you are at your specific career. Move on to work and leadership experience. Here you should list relevant jobs that you have held along with internships or other unpaid work. You do not need to include every job you have ever performed. Focus on the most relevant experience. Include the name of your employer, when you worked for them and the location of the job. After providing this information about the job, describe your experience in bullet points. When doing so, focus on particular accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to meet the qualifications of the job you are applying for. Use active verbs that convey specific tasks you performed. Words like “Wrote, organized, managed, supervised, and designed” are better than others like “obtained,” “achieved,” or “accomplished” that don't indicate what skills you employed to reach your goals. List skills. This can include a combination of “hard” skills like specific quantitative techniques and computer programming abilities and “soft” skills, which typically refer to your ability to deal with people. Include explanations that demonstrate that you have been able to exercise these skills in the past. Stick to standard formatting. Although it might be tempting to decrease the font size or page margins to fit more onto your resume, you should avoid the temptation. Never reduce the margins below.5 inches and stick to the standard 1 inch margins, if possible. Try to use size 11 font, but it is better to reduce the font size than the margins. Proofread. Because banking is a detail oriented occupation, analysts will quickly recognize formatting or typing errors and judge you harshly for them. After completing your resume, you should take a day or two before returning to edit it with fresh eyes. Print it out and find a trusted third party to review it and look for errors. Emphasize social abilities and salesmanship. Much of the job of a bank teller consists in interacting with customers in a way that makes them comfortable. You will also need to sell services, like loans and mortgages. For the latter, you will need to be able to recognize which customers might require specific services and interact with them so as to encourage them to secure their business. To accomplish this you should focus on describing service sector jobs that required extensive customer interaction, sales jobs, or leadership roles in clubs and organizations. Emphasize attention to detail and mathematical ability. One of the principal jobs of a teller is to count money. You will need to demonstrate your capacity to perform basic mathematical processes. Also you should make it clear that you are attentive enough not to make small errors of calculation. Tellers are only expected to have a high school degree. However, you should highlight any academic awards that are suggestive of mathematical ability. If any of your prior jobs required the counting of money or other mathematical skills, describe these in detail. Telling your employer that you pay attention to detail will probably not be enough to convince them that it is true. Instead, list instances in which you followed stringent workplace rules precisely, proofread text, managed large databases, or in any other way reviewed the work of a coworker to verify accuracy. Emphasize computer literacy. As a teller you will need to make extensive use of a computer to record transactions. Your employer should teach you how to use these programs, but it is important to prove that you have been able to master other programs in the past. To demonstrate computer literacy, list any formal credentials you might have earned for specific software programs. Discuss any programs that you have had to use for other jobs, even if they might not seem particularly relevant, including word processors and database programs. Be precise: name the specific programs you used and how you used them. Recognize basic qualifications. To break into investment banking you will usually need to demonstrate advanced abilities in some sort of quantitative field of study. There are, however, some exceptions. If you have a strong background in public policy or law, then an investment bank might find you a useful asset for establishing compliance with government regulation. It is preferable that you have a degree in one of the following fields: accounting, banking, business administration, business law, computer science, economics, finance, human resources, information technology, or tax law. Alternatively, you might be able to capitalize on past experience in public policy or international relations. Prove commitment. Investment bankers spend most of their time and energy working. You will need to demonstrate that you have been able to submit yourself to such a rigorous work schedule in the past. Academics are one of the most important ways to demonstrate commitment. Most recruits will have at least a 3.5 GPA from a top tier university. Emphasize major academic achievements and awards. Having held a leadership role in a campus finance society can also be an important selling point. Emphasize quantitative results. Your prospective employer will want to know not only that you have experience in the sector, but also that you have accomplished something. Be specific and list precise numbers as frequently as possible. Investment banking is detail oriented and mathematical. Giving exact figures will demonstrate that you are both of those things and prove that you have produced results. How many accounts did you manage and what was the volume of the exchanges you made? What sort of revenue did you produce? Stay true to format. Don't be too creative. You should demonstrate that you pay attention to detail and can follow routine format. Keep your resume to a manageable length with precise and succinct writing. Your resume should be no more than two pages long. To keep it short and attract the reader's eye, use bullet points to highlight relevant experience. Use white paper and conventional fonts. Be particularly attentive to errors. Two typos will likely you eliminate your application. | Begin with name and contact information. Next include an executive summary. Follow with education. Move on to work and leadership experience. List skills. Stick to standard formatting. Proofread. Emphasize social abilities and salesmanship. Emphasize attention to detail and mathematical ability. Emphasize computer literacy. Recognize basic qualifications. Prove commitment. Emphasize quantitative results. Stay true to format. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Parents-to-Calm-Down-when-You-Get-a-Bad-Grade | How to Get Your Parents to Calm Down when You Get a Bad Grade | While telling your parents about a bad grade is hard, you can try keeping things calm by making a plan. Think about why you didn't do well, like not studying early enough, then plan out how you'd prepare next time, like making a revision timetable and doing practice tests. During your talk about the bad grade, explain what went wrong, then tell your parents about your plan to do better next time. If they get angry, try to stay calm and hear them out. It might also help to ask for their ideas because this shows you're willing to improve and works better than making excuses! | Give your parents a heads up, if possible. It's always a good idea to avoid suddenly springing the issue of bad grades on your parents. If they're surprised or caught off guard, they may become angrier when they see your grades. If you know you're going to receive a bad grade, let your parents know before they see the report card, test, or assignment. A day or two before the grade arrives, try saying something like, "I don't think I did very well this semester in chemistry and my grade might be low." Plan ahead. Decide what you want to say – and how you want to say it – before starting the conversation. Talks like this usually go smoother if you think carefully before you open your mouth. You can even take some notes or jot down key points on a piece of paper. Thinking about the talk and how to explain your bad grade will help you calm your nerves. Not only that, it should let you organize your thoughts, leading to a more productive and successful discussion. Start the conversation in a mature fashion. When the conversation about your grades starts, be calm, mature, and upfront. Your parents may calm down more easily if you're not being hostile going into the conversation. Even if your parents seem angry, try to keep your cool. Start off with something like, "I know you guys aren't happy with my report card and I wanted to talk to you about bringing my grades up." If your parents ask you questions in anger (i.e., "Do you have any idea how much we sacrifice for you to get an education?") respond in a calm fashion on your end (i.e., "I know you guys want me to do well and I'm sorry I let you down.") Remain calm yourself. Your parents may be angry or frustrated with a bad grade. If they get angry or upset, try to remain calm on your end. Arguing back or doing things like crying and yelling will only escalate the situation. Take a deep breath and try to respond calmly to any anger you receive. It can help to pause and take deep breaths during the conversation. If things get heated, ask your parents if you can take a break for a second to regroup. It's OK to express discomfort to your parents or to ask for help with school. In fact, your parents will probably be more open and willing to help you if you are honest about how you feel. You can then work together to improve. Avoid making excuses. Parents often get angrier if they feel you're making excuses or simply not trying. Avoid saying things like, "It wasn't my fault." Even if there were extenuating circumstances regarding your bad grades, your parents may not be receptive to hearing them when they're angry. Admit to your mistakes. Let your parents know you understand you made a mistake. If they see you're sincerely trying to own up to your mistakes, their anger will fade. Admit to any reasons your grades may have fallen. For example, say, "I know I was on my phone too much this semester and I shouldn't have brought it into class. That's probably why my grades aren't great." Let your parents talk. Your parents will only get angrier if you interrupt them while they talk. No one likes being lectured, but it's important to let your parents' get their word in. As they talk, try to sincerely consider their perspective. You parents want you to do well, and it's understandable poor grades may upset them. Take the initiative. Before you've even talked things over with your parents, start making changes to show you're sincere. Talk to your teacher about your grades, form a study plan, or get information about tutors at your school. Your parents are less likely to stay mad if you prove that you're serious about doing better. Tell your parents you will try harder. Your parents will be less angry if they see you're accepted that things need to change. After listening to their side and discussing the reasons for your grades, promise to do better. Say something like, "I know you're mad, but I'm going to try to bring my grades up." Brainstorm ideas for improvement. Your parents want to hear more than a vague promise you'll do better. After letting them know you want to try harder, give them some concrete details. Together, you can talk about why your grades were low and how you can work to improve them. Try sitting down with your parents to outline goals for improvement, too. Set benchmarks together and ask your parents for help in meeting these – including your parents will make them a part of the process and keep you accountable. For example, say your grades were down because you were spending more time talking to friends online than studying. Offer to cut back on your computer time or stay off the internet until you've completed your homework. Let your parents know how they can help. Your parents are invested in helping you. Their anger will be diffused if you let them know more productive ways to deal with your grades. Instead of getting angry, this is an opportunity for them to figure out where you may need help. For example, say something like, "I'm trying really hard in chemistry, but I'm really struggling to understand it. Can we look into a private tutor to help?" Offer your own punishments. Taking responsibility is a great way to calm down your parents. Do not wait for them to offer a punishment. Instead, offer a productive punishment that will help you bring your grades up. For example, "How about you guys take my phone away every day until I'm done with school and homework?" Accept your parents' plans without arguing. Once your parents have decided how to proceed, do not argue. Arguing or complaining about your parents' plans will only make them angry. Even if you feel frustrated by new rules, accept them with maturity to avoid making your parents angrier. Remember the big picture. To keep your own emotions in check, remember why your parents are angry. Grades are important for your future. They can help you get into a good college and eventually get a good job. It can be stressful to deal with your parents' anger, but they want what's best for you. Work on bringing your grades up. Immediately start trying harder to bring your grades up. This will prevent your parents from becoming angry in the future. Pay attention during class by taking notes, avoiding electronics, and not sitting near friends. Ask questions if anything confuses you and schedule a private meeting with your teacher. Avoid procrastinating on your homework and study for tests and quizzes well in advance. Maintain communication with your parents. Keep talking to your parents about school, even when things are going well. Let them know how you did on a quiz, any subjects you're struggling with, and other details of your academic life. Open communication helps your parents know when you may need help. This can prevent bad grades in the future. | Give your parents a heads up, if possible. Plan ahead. Start the conversation in a mature fashion. Remain calm yourself. Avoid making excuses. Admit to your mistakes. Let your parents talk. Take the initiative. Tell your parents you will try harder. Brainstorm ideas for improvement. Let your parents know how they can help. Offer your own punishments. Accept your parents' plans without arguing. Remember the big picture. Work on bringing your grades up. Maintain communication with your parents. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Shave-Your-Genitals-(Male) | How to Shave Your Genitals (Male) | Before you shave your pubic hair, trim it using the lowest setting on your grooming clippers, which will make it easier to shave later. Then, soak in warm water for 5 minutes to soften your hair and skin, which will help the blade cut your hair. Once you've finished soaking, massage shaving cream into your pubic hair. When you've covered the entire area, shave the hair off in smooth, even strokes. After 2 or 3 strokes, rinse the razor to remove any hair. Finish by rinsing and drying the area, and applying a soothing lotion to calm any skin irritation. | Place the lowest guard setting on your electric grooming clippers. It's possible to use hair clippers here, but grooming clippers are smaller and more maneuverable in such a sensitive area. When you use the lowest guard setting, the clippers should trim your hair to 0.125 in (3.2 mm) or less in length. Never shave your pubic hair without trimming it first—the coarse, curly hairs will get caught in the razor and be painfully yanked out! If you only intend to trim (and not shave) your pubic hair, you can use a higher guard setting, if desired. You could remove the guard altogether for an even closer trim, but this increases the chances of nicks, cuts, irritation, and infection. Glide the clippers through the hair surrounding your genitals. Stand upright, hold the clippers in your dominant hand, and use your other hand to maneuver your penis and scrotum out of the way as needed. Cut through the pubic hair in the direction of growth—which is typically downward above your penis, for example. You can also use your free hand to pull your skin taut as you work—this may make trimming the hair easier. You may find it easier to work if you put one leg at a time on a chair, the toilet lid, or the side of the tub. Work carefully to trim any hair on your scrotum and penis. After you've trimmed down the pubic hair surrounding your genitals, very slowly glide the clippers over the shaft of your penis (if necessary) to trim any hairs there. Then, use your free hand to provide clear access to one area of your scrotum at a time, and carefully trim the hair in those spots. When trimming your scrotum, try to create fairly flat, taut areas of skin with your free hand. Otherwise, it's possible that your scrotum's loose skin might get caught in (and be cut by) the clipper blades—ouch! You may find it easier to trim the hair on an erect penis. Use a comb and scissors if you don’t have clippers. Starting at the outer edge of your pubic hair, slide the teeth of the comb into a small section of hair. Work against the direction of hair growth and keep the comb flat against your skin. Use sharp scissors to snip off the hair that extends above the teeth of the comb, then move onto another section and continue. Follow the same procedure to trim any hair on your scrotum and penis. Sharp scissors do a much better job here, but you have to be very careful not to cut into the skin—doing so can easily lead to an infection. Don't use this comb and scissors for anything else, and clean them thoroughly with rubbing alcohol afterward. This reduces the risk of spreading an STI or other infection. Soak in a warm tub for 5 minutes. The warm water will soften your skin and hair, making it easier for the blade of the razor to glide over your skin and cut off the individual hairs near the base. A warm shower will also help, though soaking in a tub provides the best results. Soaking for longer than 10 minutes may, in some cases, cause your skin to puff up and make it more difficult to shave. Soak in the tub after you have trimmed your pubic hair with electric grooming clippers. Massage shaving cream into your pubic hair. You can use a shaving cream or gel intended specifically for body hair, or just rely on a standard shaving cream. Use your hands to work it into the hair for 1-2 minutes. Massaging it in will further soften the hair and lubricate your skin. You can also use a shaving cream applicator brush to work the shaving cream in. However, to reduce the risk of spreading an STI or other infection, don't use the same brush on your face. Shave around your genitals with smooth, even strokes. Stand in the tub or another spot where you can prop up one leg at a time to help access your groin area. Hold a sharp, clean razor in your dominant hand, and use your free hand to position your genitals as needed to access the pubic hair that surrounds your penis and scrotum. Use even pressure to glide the razor over the hair in the direction of hair growth. Rinse the razor in clean water after every 2-3 strokes, and make sure the blade is clear of hair and shaving cream. Using a dull razor means you have to apply more pressure, which is more likely to lead to cuts and irritation. Stick with a sharp, fresh razor. Also, don't use this razor on your face or any other area of your body. Pull the skin taut for a closer shave, but beware of cuts and irritation. Using your free hand to pull the skin around your genitals taut will result in less stubble and a closer shave. However, shaving this closely also increases the likelihood of skin irritation, nicks, and cuts. These, in turn, can lead to infections. Close shaving on and around your genitals may also increase the chances of spreading STIs—you may, for instance, cut open sores that you don't even realize you have. Basically, if you don't mind having a bit of a “5 o'clock shadow” in your groin area, don't try to shave as closely as possible. Shave your scrotum and penis very carefully and only if necessary. These areas are very sensitive and difficult to shave without causing nicks and cuts. If you do shave them, use your free hand to flatten out small sections and glide the razor over them with smooth, even strokes—apply as little pressure as necessary. Unless you're absolutely determined to be completely smooth “down there,” stick with just using the clippers to trim any hair on your penis and scrotum. Rinse and dry the area, then add a soothing lotion or balm. Once you've finished shaving, rinse your groin area with a generous amount of clean, warm water. Then, pat it dry with a clean, soft towel. After that, apply an alcohol-free, fragrance-free, gentle aftershave lotion or balm. Doing so will help reduce your chances of irritation or infection. You can also try using aloe vera or baby oil as aftershave. If you do develop a rash or itching, soak in a warm tub for 5-10 minutes at least once daily, pat the area dry, and reapply your aftershave after each soak. If needed, contact your doctor for recommendations on OTC topical treatments (like hydrocortisone creams), or schedule a visit. See your doctor right away if you develop a severe rash, oozing, bleeding sores, and/or a fever. Use an OTC depilatory only if it’s listed for use on genitals. Depilatories use chemicals to essentially dissolve hair away, and not all types are safe to use on sensitive areas like your genitals. If the product is listed as safe for use on genitals, apply the cream and rinse it away as per the product instructions. The depilatory may leave you with smoother skin than you can get by shaving, but the hair will begin to grow back within a similar time frame—usually a few days. If you notice a great deal of redness or swelling, you may be allergic to the depilatory. Stop using it and contact your doctor. Have the area professionally waxed for longer lasting results. Waxing rips out each hair root and all, meaning it will take longer for new hairs to appear in your groin area—maybe 1-2 weeks or more. However, waxing is mildly to moderately painful, and it's particularly difficult to wax your own groin area at home. Instead, go to a salon that offers waxing services for private areas of the body. To reduce your risk of infection, make sure the salon uses fresh wax and clean equipment for each customer. Rely on laser hair removal for even slower regrowth. Laser hair removal destroys individual hair follicles, which means you may have smooth skin for weeks or months afterward. However, laser treatments usually require multiple sessions (up to 5) lasting up to an hour, done at the office of a dermatologist or similar professional. Although laser treatments work well for most people, they may prove ineffective in removing your pubic hair. The procedure may be mildly painful, but likely less so than waxing. You may notice some redness and swelling after each session. If needed, ask for recommendations on soothing the area, possibly by soaking in the tub or applying a soothing balm or lotion. Use electrolysis treatments to permanently prevent hair growth. If you're sure you never want to have pubic hair again, electrolysis may be worth your time and money. For this procedure, a professional uses a needle-like device to destroy the roots of each hair. It can take up to 25 sessions to complete the procedure, but the roots will be completely destroyed and not regenerate afterward. You may experience mild pain during each session. You might also have temporary redness or irritation, which may require the application of a soothing balm or lotion. This is likely to be the most expensive option, especially since it requires so many visits to a dermatologist (or similar professional) office. | Place the lowest guard setting on your electric grooming clippers. Glide the clippers through the hair surrounding your genitals. Work carefully to trim any hair on your scrotum and penis. Use a comb and scissors if you don’t have clippers. Soak in a warm tub for 5 minutes. Massage shaving cream into your pubic hair. Shave around your genitals with smooth, even strokes. Pull the skin taut for a closer shave, but beware of cuts and irritation. Shave your scrotum and penis very carefully and only if necessary. Rinse and dry the area, then add a soothing lotion or balm. Use an OTC depilatory only if it’s listed for use on genitals. Have the area professionally waxed for longer lasting results. Rely on laser hair removal for even slower regrowth. Use electrolysis treatments to permanently prevent hair growth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Calm-when-Your-Parents-Are-Scolding-You-Badly | How to Stay Calm when Your Parents Are Scolding You Badly | If your parents get mad and scold you badly, there are a few things you can do to stay calm. It's natural for your emotions to run high when your parents scold you, but try taking some slow, deep breaths to help you relax. Apologize to your parents for whatever you did wrong and tell them you'll try not to do it again. Speak in a soft tone of voice, which can often help your parents calm down too. If you feel like you're about to lose your temper, ask them for a short timeout to calm down. There's a difference between your parents scolding you for something you did wrong and emotionally abusing you. Yelling at you for things that aren't your fault, calling you names, and threatening you with violence are never okay. If you think your parents are abusing you, tell an adult you trust, like a teacher, family friend, or school counselor. | Listen to your parents. Listen to what your parents are scolding you about. Make sure that you truly understand why they are upset. Do not interrupt them or yell back, but show that you are listening to what they have to say. As you listen to your parents, make sure that you are giving them your full attention. Put away your phone or anything else that might distract you. Make eye contact with your parents and face towards them to show you are paying attention. Do not interrupt your parents. If they say something that confuses you, make a mental note of it and ask questions when they give you a chance to speak. Stay as calm as possible. It is important to stay as calm as possible when your parents are scolding you. Otherwise, your parents may feel like you are being defiant. Try your best to avoid yelling, even if your parents are yelling. Instead, speak in a low, calm voice. This will show your parents that you are trying to have a serious discussion with them instead of just arguing with them. Try taking a few slow, deep breaths to calm yourself down before you start talking. Seek to understand why your parents are scolding you. It would help you to know why you are being scolded. If that isn't clear to you, you should ask them to explain it. If you ask calmly and under control, they may also respond in a calm way. Try saying something like, “I am not totally sure about what I did to make you upset, but I would like to know. Can you please explain it to me so that I can try to correct the problem?” Admit it if you have broken the rules. There is a good chance that you have some fault in the situation. Do not make excuses for any part you played, instead own up to it honestly. If own up to your mischief and make an effort to fix it, your parents are likely to be more pleasant to deal with. Try saying something like, “I know that I broke the rules. I will do what I can to make things right.” Apologize for any wrongdoing. Aside from owning up to any mistake you may have made, it is also helpful to say that you are sorry. Express to your parents that you are sorry that you have broken the rules. Remember that a real apology also includes fixing the problem and making a serious effort not to repeat it. Try saying, “I am sorry for breaking the rules. I will do my best not to break the rules again.” Tell them your side of the story. Your parents might not know your side of the story, so it is important to share it with them. Make sure that you give all of the details that are needed to understand why the event happened. This is not about making excuses, it is about making the case that you had a reason for your actions. For example, if you were out past your curfew because your best friend got a flat tire, then share this with your parents. You might even offer to call your friend so that she can confirm that what you say is true. Ask to be excused for a few minutes. If the conversation does not seem to be going anywhere, then you might ask to be excused for a few minutes. Taking a five minute break in your room might be enough to help you collect your thoughts and calm yourself down. Try saying something like, “I want to talk about this, but I am feeling a little overwhelmed. Is it okay if I take a few minutes to myself?” Expect that you might have consequences beyond the scolding. Sometimes parents feel that a good scolding is enough to get their point across. Other times they resort to longer lasting methods such as grounding. If you are being scolded for something that your parents take very seriously, keep in mind that there may be an additional punishment. For example, if you came home way past your normal curfew, then your parents might ground you for a week and also reduce your curfew to an earlier time. React calmly to any consequences. Try not to get upset or complain about the consequences that your parents decide on. The angrier you get, the more likely you are to make things worse for yourself. Remember to take deep breaths if you feel like yelling or showing your anger in another way. If you truly think that the punishment is unfair, then try saying something like, “I understand that you want me to learn from this experience. However, this punishment will cause me to miss out on some of my best friend's birthday party. Is there any way that we can compromise so that I can still attend?” Ask your parents how to handle similar situations in the future. Allowing your parents to discuss better choices with you will help tremendously. If they feel that you have made a bad choice, they will want to stop you from doing it again. The more receptive you are to talking it out and hearing their point of view, the less they feel the need to scold you. Try saying something like, “I want to make sure that this never happens again. What do you suggest that I do to avoid a similar situation?” Do not make excuses for physical abuse. Physical abuse is not discipline. It is a way for a parent to assert their dominance over a child or teen and instill fear. This is usually done out of anger and frustration. You can recognize physical abuse easily because it is any physical contact (e.g., hitting, biting, pushing, etc.) that causes physical injury or pain. Keep in mind that certain physical punishments are not considered abuse. For example, some parents spank their children as a way to punish them. Know the difference between scolding and emotional abuse. Scolding is a form of discipline that can be used to verbally point out when a child does something wrong. This can be taken to an abusive extreme in some cases. Emotional abuse is present when a parent constantly belittles or shames a child. This impacts the child's self-esteem and can damage future relationships and create lasting psychological problems for the child. For example, it would be reasonable for your parents to scold you if you ran up a huge bill on your cell phone. However, it would not be appropriate for them to call you names or to accuse you of being the source of their financial problems. Learn to identify sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is any sexual contact between a person under eighteen and a person over eighteen, or between a much younger child and much older child. If there is any sexual aspect to the “scolding” or “punishment” this is sexual abuse. You should seek help right away. For example, if your parent touches you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, then this might be considered sexual abuse. | Listen to your parents. Stay as calm as possible. Seek to understand why your parents are scolding you. Admit it if you have broken the rules. Apologize for any wrongdoing. Tell them your side of the story. Ask to be excused for a few minutes. Expect that you might have consequences beyond the scolding. React calmly to any consequences. Ask your parents how to handle similar situations in the future. Do not make excuses for physical abuse. Know the difference between scolding and emotional abuse. Learn to identify sexual abuse. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Relieve-Infant-Hiccups | How to Relieve Infant Hiccups | If your baby starts getting the hiccups during feeding, stop feeding until the hiccups subside. When you resume feeding, keep your baby in a semi-upright position to relieve pressure on the baby's diaphragm, which can cause hiccups. The hiccups could also be caused by excess gas in your baby's stomach, so try rubbing or gently patting the baby's back to help any gas bubbles move. Additionally, tilt the bottle to 45 degrees when bottle-feeding to allow air to rise and prevent your baby from gulping air as he or she swallows. | Stop feeding if an infant is experiencing persistent hiccups that interfere with nursing or bottle-feeding. Resume feeding when the infant has ceased to hiccup, or, if he or she is still hiccuping after 10 minutes, try feeding again. Calm a flustered baby by rubbing or patting the baby's back. Babies who are hungry and upset are more likely to gulp air, which causes hiccups. Check the baby's position before you continue. Keep the baby in a semi-upright position during feedings and for up to 30 minutes after. Staying upright can relieve pressure on the baby's diaphragm. Burp the baby while you wait. Burping the baby can release some of the hiccup-causing gas in his or her stomach. Place the baby upright across your chest so the baby's head is on or a little above your shoulder. Rub or gently pat the baby's back. This helps the bubbles of gas to move. Resume feeding after the baby burps, or wait a few minutes if the baby does not burp. Listen to the infant during feedings. If you hear gulping noises, the baby may be eating too quickly and swallowing air. Swallowing excess air can cause an infant's stomach to distend, leading to hiccups. Take frequent breaks to slow the feeding session. Check that the baby is latched on correctly if you are breastfeeding. The infant's lips should cover the areola, not just the nipple. An insecure latch can cause the baby to swallow air. Tilt the bottle to 45 degrees when bottle-feeding. This allows air in the bottle to rise to the bottom and away from the nipple. You may also want to consider using collapsible bag inserts for the bottle that are designed to reduce air swallowing. Check the hole in the bottle's nipple when bottle-feeding. If the hole is too big, the formula will flow too quickly, and if it is too small your baby will grow frustrated and gulp air. If the hole is the proper size, a few drops should come out when you tip the bottle. Adjust the infant's feeding schedule. Doctors often advise feeding the infant more frequently, but for shorter lengths or for smaller amounts at time. When a baby is fed too much in one sitting, the stomach distends too quickly, which can cause the diaphragm muscle to spasm. Pause and burp often during feedings. Burp before you switch breasts if you are breastfeeding. Burp after the baby eats 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 ml) if you are bottle-feeding. Pause to burp or stop feeding if the infant stops nursing or turns his or her head away. Burp more frequently if you are feeding a newborn, as newborn infants will eat less in one sitting. Newborns usually feed eight to 12 times a day. Learn the baby's hunger signals. Feed your infant as soon as they seem hungry. A calm baby will eat more slowly than a hungry, worked up baby. A baby may also swallow excess air during a crying fit. Signs of hunger might include crying, mouth movements such as sucking motions, or restlessness. Note when the infant suffers from hiccups. Write down the time and duration of each hiccup episode. Keeping track of when the baby experiences hiccups can help you determine if there is a common pattern and help you focus your efforts to relieve the hiccups. Note whether the hiccups occurred during or shortly after feeding. Scan your notes and look for triggers. Give it time. Most hiccups will go away on their own. Hiccups are often less disturbing to infants than they are to adults. If your baby seems bothered by the hiccups, is not feeding normally, or is not growing normally, see a doctor. Talk to a pediatrician if the baby's hiccups are abnormal. If an infant is regularly hiccuping for over twenty minutes, this can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Other symptoms of GERD include spitting up and fussiness. A pediatrician may be able to prescribe medicine or provide recommendations on how you can help your baby cope with GERD. Talk to a pediatrician if the hiccups seem to be interfering with the baby's breathing. If you hear wheezing or the baby's breathing seems to be otherwise obstructed, take the infant to a doctor right away. | Stop feeding if an infant is experiencing persistent hiccups that interfere with nursing or bottle-feeding. Check the baby's position before you continue. Burp the baby while you wait. Listen to the infant during feedings. Check that the baby is latched on correctly if you are breastfeeding. Tilt the bottle to 45 degrees when bottle-feeding. Check the hole in the bottle's nipple when bottle-feeding. Adjust the infant's feeding schedule. Pause and burp often during feedings. Learn the baby's hunger signals. Note when the infant suffers from hiccups. Give it time. Talk to a pediatrician if the baby's hiccups are abnormal. Talk to a pediatrician if the hiccups seem to be interfering with the baby's breathing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Baptismal-Record | How to Find a Baptismal Record | Finding a baptismal record can often be difficult, but by collecting relevant information and contacting the right church, you'll have a better chance of finding the record you're looking for. First, contact the church where the baptism was conducted, since they may still have a record of it. If they don't, a church official may be able to direct you to a centralized record keeping place where you can find the information. Alternatively, ask to be directed to your church's parent parish, since parent parishes often publish baptism records in large volumes on behalf of smaller churches. If the church has closed down, contact the diocese, since they should still have the baptism records. If you're looking for someone else's baptismal record, try using a genealogy website. | Ensure you are eligible to receive a copy of the baptismal record. Churches will only provide copies of baptismal records to the person baptized or their parents or guardians of that person. If you are not one of these parties, you will likely not be able to receive a copy of a baptismal record. Be sure you or your child actually was baptized. Some people simply assume that they were because they were too young to remember the event. You will need to provide proof of your identity and your relationship to the baptized person in order to receive a copy of the baptismal record. Note the specific religion that conducted the baptism. While baptism is a common practice among most sects of Christianity, each branch of the larger religion has specific baptism practices. The common branches of Christianity that practice baptism are: Anabaptist Baptist Church of Christ Reformed Protestantism Roman Catholic Jehovah's Witness Latter-Day Saints Gather all pertinent information about your or your child. The identification the church or higher office may require can vary significantly depending on the policies they follow. Obtain any forms of identification you may need to verify you or your child's identify as well to justify any name changes. You will need to provide evidence of a name change such as a marriage certificate or a name change certificate from the social security office if you or your child's name do not match the name listed on the baptismal record. If your child is adopted you will need to provide proof of the adoption in the form of adoption papers. Try a genealogy website. If you are trying to find a baptismal record for a family member that passed away some time ago, you may be able to find it on a website that specializes in genealogy and documentation. Websites like Ancestry.com or Genealogy.com may contain copies of the baptismal record if they have been uploaded by other members of your extended family or someone that knew that family member personally. If the baptism took place in a country outside the United States, they may have uploaded their baptismal records to an online database. Locate the church the baptism was conducted at. Many churches retain records of the baptisms that were conducted within their walls. You may be able to have them provide you a copy of your or your child's baptismal record directly. Some churches may no longer retain copies of baptismal records from many years ago due to space restrictions. Some churches submit their records to a centralized record keeping location. Church officials may be able to direct you to the correct place to request a copy of your or your child's certificate. Identify the parent parish to the church. In many cases, churches submit their documents to a parent parish to be printed in large volumes called Baptism Registers. If your church was a small “branch” church, the parent parish probably retains records on their behalf. Some churches retain their own records as well as submitting them to a parent parish for inclusion in the Baptismal Register. Churches do not usually maintain baptism databases so you will need to know the exact date of the baptism in order to make finding it possible. Contact the Diocese the church was located in if it has since closed. You may find that the church the baptism was conducted at has since closed. In these cases, records are transferred from the church to the next highest authority for that religion in the area. Use the internet to find out what Diocese or alternate authority the church fell under before it closed. Contact that authority to request a copy of the baptismal record. Gather witnesses. If there is no record of the baptism being performed but you are certain that it was, some churches may provide you with a replacement document if you can successful prove that the baptism took place. Many churches will accept witness testimonies in the form of legal affidavits testifying that the witnesses were physically present at the baptism. You usually need to provide affidavits from at least two witnesses in order to be considered valid. Submit a formal request. Variances in how you can request a replacement copy of a baptismal record are as numerous as the governing bodies that may issue one. Policies vary based on religion, region, and even from church to church. You may be required to fill out documentation justifying the need for a replacement document to be produced. You may need to provide evidence that you are a member of the church you are requesting the document from. Make changes to the baptismal record. Many churches will not permit you to make any changes to the information recorded on the baptismal record, but some permit alterations based on the situation and necessity. Godparents cannot usually be changed after the baptism. Name changes may be permitted on the form if the name was changed for a reason the church deems legitimate for the purposes of recreating a baptismal record. | Ensure you are eligible to receive a copy of the baptismal record. Note the specific religion that conducted the baptism. Gather all pertinent information about your or your child. Try a genealogy website. Locate the church the baptism was conducted at. Identify the parent parish to the church. Contact the Diocese the church was located in if it has since closed. Gather witnesses. Submit a formal request. Make changes to the baptismal record. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-With-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards | How to Play With Pokémon Cards | To play with Pokémon cards, draw your hand and Prize cards, and set up your active and benched Pokémon. When you're ready to play, draw a card and determine if you can use it on your playing field based on the description written on the card. When you gather enough energy, use your Pokémon to attack your opponent. If the damage is greater than the Pokémon's HP, that card must be discarded. You can then take a Prize card. Whoever gathers all of their Prize cards first is the winner. | Shuffle your deck. Your deck should have exactly 60 cards and it should be shuffled well. One-fourth to one-third of the cards in your deck should be energy cards for a well-balanced deck, but whatever suits you is fine. If you don't have 60 cards to play with and you're playing casually, ask your opponent if it's OK to play with less than 60 cards in a deck. Make sure you and your opponent have the same amount of cards in your decks! Determine who goes first. Flip a coin to see who starts. The first player cannot attack on their first turn. Draw 7 cards. Take 7 cards from the top of the deck and put them aside, face down. Find your Basic Pokémon. Look for a Basic Pokémon in your hand of 7 cards. Basic Pokémon are represented by a box that says "BASIC" at the top of the card. If there aren't any Basics, shuffle your hand into your deck and draw another 7 cards. This is called a mulligan. Each time you perform a mulligan, your opponent has the choice of drawing an extra card. Pick your active Pokémon. If you have at least one basic Pokémon in your hand, put the one you want to use for attack first face down onto the playing area a few inches in front of you. If you have more basic Pokémon cards in your hand, you can put them face down beneath your active Pokémon as your bench. You may have no more than 5 Pokémon on your bench at one time. Draw your six prize cards. You can look at your hand, but don't look at your prizes yet! Place these cards in a pile on the side face-down. Each time you knock one of your opponent's Pokémon out, take a prize card. When you run out of prize cards, you win. Fewer prize cards can be used for a faster game. There is a special rule for EX and GX Pokémon. If you knock out an EX or GX Pokémon, you get to take two instead of one Prize Card. Contrary to popular belief, you do not take or keep your opponent's Prize Cards. Once you knock out a Pokémon, you take Prize Cards from your own pile, and put them into your hand. Put the remainder of your deck to the side. Typically these should be on your right side, opposite to the prize cards. Your Discard Pile will be below your deck. Face your cards in the right direction. When you are ready to begin, make sure your active and benched Pokémon cards are all turned face up. The rest of your hand, prizes, and the rest of your deck should all be face down. You can look at your hand, but not your deck or prize cards. Play until someone wins. You win if you take all your prize cards, if your opponent has to draw but can't because they've run out of cards in their deck, or if you knock out all Pokémon on your opponent's field. At the beginning of your turn, draw a card. Contrary to popular belief, this step is mandatory. You do not have the option to choose whether you want to draw a card. Bench basic Pokémon. If you have a basic Pokémon in your hand, you can place that Pokémon in your bench. This can be done as many times as you want. There can be up to five Pokémon on your bench, unless a card on the field says otherwise. Use Energy cards. You can attach one Energy card per turn (unless a card on the field says otherwise) by placing it underneath one of your Pokémon, below all pre-evolved forms. Use Trainer cards. These cards have descriptions of their effects on the card itself, and let you do lots of helpful things. Different types of Trainer cards are Items, Supporters, Tools, and Stadiums. You can activate any number of Item and Tool cards during your turn, but only one Supporter and Stadium. After they are used, they go to the discard pile. A Pokémon Tool can be attached to one of your Pokémon that doesn't already have a tool attached to it. They stay there with the Pokémon until the Pokémon gets knocked out, at which point they both get discarded. When you play a stadium, it is placed horizontally between both player's fields. It is discarded when a new stadium from your opponent comes into play. There are also special energy cards used to provide energy and do something else special that is said on the card. Evolve your Pokémon. If you have evolution cards for a Pokémon that is active or on your bench, you can evolve the Pokémon by placing that card on top of it. A Basic evolves into a Stage 1, and a Stage 1 into a Stage 2. You can't evolve a Pokémon on the first turn it is played, either by benching them or evolving them, unless using an effect. You also can't evolve Pokémon on your first turn. Use an ability. Some Pokémon have abilities which can be used for special effects.These are listed on their cards. Retreat your Pokémon. To retreat a Pokémon is to switch it out for another Pokémon on your bench. Usually, you will have to pay a retreat cost by discarding energy attached to that Pokémon. The retreat cost will be listed on the bottom of the card. You can only retreat once per turn. Attack your opponent. The last thing you can do in your turn is to attack your opponent's active Pokémon using yours. After you attack, your turn ends. You cannot attack on your first turn if you go first. This action is expanded upon in the following section. Attack. You have to have the right amount and type of Energy needed for the attack cost (listed on the card to the left of the attack name) attached to that Pokémon in order to attack. Some attacks require colorless energy. There are indicated by white stars, and can be any type of energy. Other attacks will require specific energy types. Note your opponent's weakness. Most cards have a Weakness to a particular type. It will receive additional damage if your Pokémon is of the type it has weakness to. Check the defending Pokémon's resistance. It will receive less damage if your Pokémon is of the type it has resistance to. Inflict damage. The damage an attack inflicts will be to the right of the attack name. There are also some effects that are listed beneath some attacks that can increase the damage output, so watch out for those! This damage is placed on the defending Pokémon (your opponent's Active Pokémon). In game, damage will be referred to as damage counters, with each one representing 10 damage. You can keep track of these damage counters by using official counters, any sort of small flat objects, or with dice. Discard knocked out Pokémon. Pokémon with 0 HP (the amount of damage is greater than or equal to the HP of the Pokémon) are knocked out. Place them in their owner's discard pile, along with any Energies or items that may be attached, and any or all evolutions. Then, you can take a Prize card. Special conditions are detrimental status effects that can be applied to your active Pokémon. These include Burned, Poisoned, Asleep, Confused, and Paralyzed. Poisoned, Burned, Asleep, and Paralyzed have effects that occur in-between turns, in that order. Deal with a Poisoned Pokémon. Put a Poison marker on the Pokémon that is poisoned. It takes 1 damage counter between each turn. Deal with a Burned Pokémon. Place a Burned marker on the Pokémon if it is Burned. Flip a coin in-between turns. If heads, the Pokémon takes no burn damage. If tails, put 2 damage counters on the Burned Pokémon. The Sun and Moon rule for Burned is a little different. For the Sun and Moon Burned rule, put a Burned marker on it (the bandage marker), if your Pokémon is Burned. Between turns, put two damage counters on the Burned Pokémon. Then, that Burned Pokémon's owner flips a coin. If heads, the Pokémon is no longer Burned, and you can remove the Burned marker. If tails, it stays Burned. Deal with Asleep Pokémon. If a Pokémon is Asleep, its card is turned counterclockwise. Flip a coin in-between turns; if heads, the Pokémon wakes up. If tails, stays asleep. Asleep Pokémon cannot retreat or attack. Deal with Paralyzed Pokémon. Paralyzed Pokémon are turned clockwise, and can't retreat or attack. Paralysis is cured between turns if the Pokémon was Paralyzed since the beginning of your last turn. Deal with a Confused Pokémon. The card of a Confused Pokémon is turned upside down. Flip a coin before you attack with a Confused Pokémon; if tails, put three damage counters on that Pokémon and the attack does nothing. If heads, your Pokémon attacks successfully. If the attack involves a coin flip, flip for the Confusion first. Heal your affected Pokémon. The easiest way to heal an affected Pokémon is by returning it to the bench. It cannot be retreated if it is asleep or paralyzed, but can still be switched by using effects. You can also use trainer cards that heal status conditions. If a Pokémon would be affected by multiple conditions that rotate the card, only the most recent one applies. | Shuffle your deck. Determine who goes first. Draw 7 cards. Find your Basic Pokémon. Pick your active Pokémon. Draw your six prize cards. Put the remainder of your deck to the side. Face your cards in the right direction. Play until someone wins. At the beginning of your turn, draw a card. Bench basic Pokémon. Use Energy cards. Use Trainer cards. Evolve your Pokémon. Use an ability. Retreat your Pokémon. Attack your opponent. Attack. Note your opponent's weakness. Check the defending Pokémon's resistance. Inflict damage. Discard knocked out Pokémon. Special conditions are detrimental status effects that can be applied to your active Pokémon. Deal with a Poisoned Pokémon. Deal with a Burned Pokémon. Deal with Asleep Pokémon. Deal with Paralyzed Pokémon. Deal with a Confused Pokémon. Heal your affected Pokémon. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Accepted-by-Your-Boyfriend%27s-Friends | How to Be Accepted by Your Boyfriend's Friends | It's important to make the right impression on your boyfriend's friends, since they're probably a big part of his life. When you meet your boyfriend's friends, try to remember their names and a bit about each of them. Ask them what they do, if they have any hobbies, and how they met your boyfriend. This will show that you want to get to know his friends and make a good impression. Remember to be yourself instead of trying too hard to impress his friends. That way, they'll get to know the real you. Once you've met all your boyfriend's friends, make an effort to hang out with them regularly to show you care. You should also encourage your boyfriend to spend time with his friends when you're not there so they won't feel like you're stealing their friend away. | Greet his friends by name. People generally find people more likable when they use their names. This shows that you're attentive and caring of other people. Strive to remember your boyfriend's friends names, and always use their names when greeting them. For example, when talking to a friend of your boyfriend, don't say, "How are you doing?" Instead, say, "How are you doing, Josh?" This makes the greeting a little more personal, which will make you a little more likable. If you struggle to remember names, it can help to repeat someone's name a few times in your head after you first meet them. You can also try relating the name to something familiar, such as by saying to yourself, "Joshua, like my nephew Joshua." Accept you won't be the center of attention. When you're out with your boyfriend's friends, remember they have a group dynamic at play. As you're new to the group, you won't understand everything. There will be inside jokes you will not understand and certain group traditions that do not involve you. Do not get offended if you're pushed slightly to the sidelines during group outings. Instead, embrace the fact the night does not revolve around you. Try to keep a low profile if there is a conversation or joke occurring that you can't follow. Your boyfriend may, for example, talk about drama in the friends group that you don't fully understand. He may also reminisce about memories that do not involve you. During these times, take a back seat. Smile and nod without trying to follow everything. It's okay to, at times, give your boyfriend some space in a social setting. In fact, this is likely to make your boyfriend's friends like you more. They will appreciate you allowing your boyfriend to have his own social life. Make an effort to get to know his friends. During social outings, see your boyfriend's friends as new potential friends for you. Try to get to know them a little. Remember, these are important people in your boyfriend's life. You should make a sincere effort to get to know them. Ask questions. People love talking about themselves, so ask your boyfriend's friends about their interests and hobbies. Try questions like, "So, what do you do for a living?", "What's your favorite subject in school?", and, "What kind of movies do you like?" You should also allow them to get to know you. Share information about yourself in return if they ask. Keep your phone away. No one likes to talk to someone who's constantly on their phone. While it's okay to occasionally return a text or check your Facebook, refrain from being on your phone all night. This is especially important if someone is talking to you directly. If you want to check your phone, do so when no one's talking to you or when you're in the bathroom. Do not seek out attention. People tend to dislike those who seek out attention. Many people strive to be the center of attention, especially when trying to make an impression. However, this can easily backfire. Instead of trying to get your boyfriend's friends to notice you, try to allow people to come to you organically. If you're friendly and confident in conversation, people will be drawn to you. It will not be necessary to seek out excessive attention. When you're with your boyfriend's friends, simply be yourself and stay calm. This will endear you to them far more than trying to impress them. Invite his friends out on occasion. You want to make sure you're not forming a wall between your boyfriend and his friends. If you're serious about the relationship, it's a good idea to try to make yourself part of the group. Try to include your boyfriend's friends in outings with your boyfriend on occasion. Respecting and embracing the group dynamic will make you more likable to them. For example, say you're all hanging out together watching TV and you get hungry. Instead of going out for food with your boyfriend, propose everyone go get something to eat together. Allow your boyfriend to have time alone with his friends. If you don't let your boyfriend have his own space, his friends may come to resent you. You need to strive to respect his right to have his own social group. Avoid giving him a hard time when he's out with his friends. Accept the fact he will sometimes want alone time with his friends and you may not be included. When your boyfriend is out with his friends, avoid texting or calling him excessively. It's okay to send a quick text here and there, but don't expect him to be on the phone with you all night. Accept the friends he has. You may not get along with all your boyfriend's friends. Some may rub you the wrong way. You may not have a lot in common with others. However, you should never try to dictate someone's friends group. If you want to be with someone, you need to accept the people they've chosen to have in their life. Avoid overanalyzing his friends. You may find some people from his friends group seem odd or out of place. However, remember that people make friends during different parts of their life. Your boyfriend probably has friends from different eras of his life. While he may not have a lot in common with them now, their past may bond them together. You probably have friends who you share very little common traits with, but you are close nevertheless. Make nice gestures towards his friends. You don't want to bribe your boyfriend's friends into liking you. However, basic kindness can go a long way. On occasion, go a little above and beyond. Bring cookies to a party or buy a round of drinks at the bar. You can also bring board games over for game night or bring snacks to social gatherings. Small gestures here and there can make you more likable. Use positive body language in social settings. Watch your body language when interacting with your boyfriend's friends. Something as simple as a tweak in body language can make you more likable to others. Keep your arms uncrossed, as this will make you look more open. Use an enthusiastic tone when talking. Maintain eye contact and lean slightly towards the person you're talking to. Be genuine around your boyfriend's friends. Do not try to be something you're not to endear your boyfriend's friends. People don't need you to be exactly like them to like you. People are drawn to those who are genuine, even if they're different from them. Never pretend to like something you don't. If you don't know anything about, say, a certain genre of movie, don't follow along as if you do. If you don't care for a certain type of music, it's okay to say so. Remember, be genuine without being argumentative. You can state your opinions or interests without presenting them as superior to other people's opinions and interests. If you feel nervous and this affects your behavior, then try doing some deep breathing or give yourself a pep talk before you see your boyfriend's friends. Try telling yourself something like, "You're great! Your friends love you and so will his friends. Just try to relax and be yourself." Have fun with his friends. Stay relaxed when hanging out with your boyfriend's friends. If you get too nervous, you may forget to have fun. Your boyfriend's friends will like you more if you're fun to be around. It's normal to be nervous when meeting your boyfriend's friends. However, remind yourself you're going to a social event. This should be enjoyable. Do not get too in your head about whether or not people like you. Instead, take a few deep breaths and embrace the fun. Plan events for everyone's friends. If you want to be accepted into the friends group, try to merge you and your boyfriend's groups together slightly. When you make plans with your own friends, encourage your boyfriend to bring his friends along. If you encourage everyone to get together, your boyfriend's friends will grow to see you as part of the group. It will also make navigating social situations easier. If everyone is friendly with one another, you and your boyfriend can easily hang out with one another's friends in large social settings without anyone feeling awkward. | Greet his friends by name. Accept you won't be the center of attention. Make an effort to get to know his friends. Keep your phone away. Do not seek out attention. Invite his friends out on occasion. Allow your boyfriend to have time alone with his friends. Accept the friends he has. Make nice gestures towards his friends. Use positive body language in social settings. Be genuine around your boyfriend's friends. Have fun with his friends. Plan events for everyone's friends. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Comfortable-Gerbil-Home | How to Make a Comfortable Gerbil Home | To make a comfortable home for your gerbil, buy a large fish tank to keep it in, which will allow it to burrow in the bedding without scattering it everywhere. Since gerbils don't do well in direct sunlight, keep its home in a shaded area in a room that's between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which is its ideal temperature range. In order to make your gerbil comfortable, provide it with bedding made out of recycled paper or wood chips. You should also keep food and water away from deep sections of bedding to cut down on the risk of contamination. On a daily basis, remove bedding covered in waste or any uneaten fruit and vegetables to keep the environment healthy. | Consider getting a large fish tank. The most highly-recommended homes for gerbils are large fish tanks. A fish tank allows you put in plenty of bedding for them to bulldoze and burrow into without worry that they'll kick it out like they would with a wire cage. Wire cages can work in a pinch, but are not recommended for the long term. A gerbil will chew the wires of a wire cage and this can hurt their noses and muzzles. The most important part of your gerbil's environment is room to dig, a minimum of 6 inches (15.2 cm) of substrate. So never go solely with a wire cage, as this can limit the gerbil's ability to dig and tunnel. Avoid plastic cages. Plastic "hamster homes", or any cages with plastic trays or components, are highly discouraged. A gerbil will easily chew through the plastic and escape. Modular systems, such as Rotastak and Habitrail, are also not recommended for any rodent. As well as causing serious health and enrichment issues, in the case of gerbils you run the risk that one of your gerbils will 'claim' a section of the tubes and this can lead to major fighting and even death. Consider a wire topper to allow for ventilation. Adding a topper to your large glass tank means your gerbil will be secure in its home but the tank will still get the ventilation that it needs. If you are buying a wire topper that is not made specifically for the tank you have, just make sure that it will fit the tank securely. Make sure the top is tight, as gerbils can jump! If you only have a topper that is a bit loose, you can make sure your cage topper is secure by placing heavy objects on the edge of the topper. Buy or build a divider if you are planning on introducing two gerbils that were not raised together. Remember gerbils must be kept in pairs but you cannot introduce an adult to an adult without a split cage. A divided cage allows the gerbils to slowly acclimate to each other, otherwise they may fight and once can kill the other. Instead of dealing with a slow introduction, consider getting several gerbils at the same time that were raised as pups and litter mates. Designate sections in the tank. Place food and water away from really deep sections of bedding. Also keep spinners, hammocks and rope toys away from water and food. In addition, the area where your gerbil takes a dust bath should be far enough away from food and water that it doesn't contaminate them. Keeping food and water away from areas of heavy bedding and activity will make your life easier. It will make cleaning up food and water spills much easier. Provide your gerbils with appropriate bedding. This can consist of recycled paper bedding, plain shredded paper or corncob, or various kinds of wood shavings. However, avoid pine or cedar wood shavings, as they have harmful wood oils that can hurt your pet's respiratory system. Gerbils must have a minimum of 6 inches (15.2 cm) of a decent substrate to burrow in. Add hay for support and essential chewing and you'll soon see your gerbils construct an impressive array of tunnels. Use aspen shavings if you feel the need for wood shavings. Avoid using sawdust. This should not be used as bedding for any rodents. Place food and water in the cage. Buy a healthful, nutritious food formulated for gerbils. Some pellet foods provide the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals your gerbil may need. However, pellets may not provide your rodent with enough variety to keep them eating an appropriate volume of food. If you buy this kind of feed, be sure to combine it with another food mix that contains more diverse flavors. Give your gerbil little bits of vegetables daily and bits of fruit every other day. Vegetables can include peas, broccoli, and carrots. Fruits can include apples and bananas. Gerbils eat a lot of small meals throughout the day. This means that they should always have access to food in order to keep a healthy eating schedule. Gerbils need access to clean water at all times. This is best provided with a water bottle that attaches to the cage, so that water is not spilled all over the cage. Give the gerbil stuff to chew on. Your gerbils need plenty to chew. They should always have hay and thin cardboard available. A gerbil's teeth will grow continuously for the entirety of their lives. If you don't get your gerbil something to chew on and wear down their teeth, they can grow too long and inhibit their ability to eat, causing your pet to starve and die. Empty paper towel rolls, tissue, and cereal boxes can be put in their cage. They will have fun shredding the boxes up into little pieces. It's fun to also watch them stuff their cheeks with tissue paper to bed out their bedroom. Remember that gerbils need toys to keep them engaged and entertained. These busy creatures need exercise and fun, so don't let them be bored for the entirety of their lives. A bored gerbil can become antisocial and aggressive. If you can't afford more costly toys engineered specifically for gerbils or rodents in general, try a few toy balls, like those you might buy for a cat. If you need something cheaper, try toilet paper rolls. Be aware, however, that you will need to replace most toys you buy for your gerbil on a regular basis, as they are avid chewers and will eat their way through plastic and wood. Place your gerbil's home in a place that gets the right amount of light. Your gerbil should not be placed in a window where it will get too much sun during periods of the day. Instead, give the gerbil a shade if you need to put it in an area that gets a lot of light. Keep your gerbil at the right temperature. Gerbils do well when kept in a room that is between 65 degrees and 85 degrees. This temperature range will assure that the gerbil does not get too hot or too cold. It should also be put in a place where it is not exposed to drafts. This can cause the gerbil to get sick. Clean your gerbil's cage regularly. Gerbils cages should be lightly cleaned daily. This light cleaning should include removing bedding covered in waste, and removing old fruits and vegetables. A more thorough cleaning, in which all bedding in replaced, should be done weekly. During this cleaning, the cage should be cleaned with soap and water, left to dry, and then filled with new bedding, items to chew, and food and water. | Consider getting a large fish tank. Avoid plastic cages. Consider a wire topper to allow for ventilation. Buy or build a divider if you are planning on introducing two gerbils that were not raised together. Designate sections in the tank. Provide your gerbils with appropriate bedding. Place food and water in the cage. Give the gerbil stuff to chew on. Remember that gerbils need toys to keep them engaged and entertained. Place your gerbil's home in a place that gets the right amount of light. Keep your gerbil at the right temperature. Clean your gerbil's cage regularly. |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.