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https://www.wikihow.com/Conduct-Research | How to Conduct Research | To conduct research, start by learning basic information about your topic by reading online articles or reference books, like an encyclopedia. Then, visit your library to talk to a research librarian or check out books. Additionally, you can use online research databases through your library, such as JSTOR. As you do your research, look for credible articles, journals, and books by focusing on reliable publishers, such as educational sites, government resources, and nonprofits. As an alternative, you can conduct your own research by doing a survey, questionnaire, or experiment. | Learn about the different kinds of research you can conduct. Research happens any time you actively seek out information about a specific topic. You can research to explore a topic you're unfamiliar with, as well as to provide evidence for claims you're making in a presentation or research essay. Research can be collected by gathering your own data, reading online, or using previous research projects to guide your efforts. Exploratory research is done when you read online, getting the quickest summary of the topic at hand. Say you were researching the general topic of "obesity" in the United States. To explore the topic, you might start with a Google search, read the wikipedia page, and find other web entries to get yourself familiar with the topic. What's the issue with obesity in the US? What arguments are being made about it? What other subjects are related to this topic? Health and fitness? Fast-food? What are you interested in researching further? In this kind of research, you're looking for facts. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Conduct-Research-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Conduct-Research-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Conduct-Research-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/aid2184644-v4-728px-Conduct-Research-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Supportive research occurs when you find those arguments in academic sources. What are academic sources? Anything that has been published, be it magazines, books, or the online database version of academic research journals. In this kind of research, you're looking for more than facts. You're looking for opinions and arguments of different sorts, related to your topic, that you can use to form an opinion and argument of your own. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Conduct-Research-Step-1Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Conduct-Research-Step-1Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Conduct-Research-Step-1Bullet2.jpg\/aid2184644-v4-728px-Conduct-Research-Step-1Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Write down what you don't know. Once you've explored a topic somewhat, there's still a lot you might not know, and this is what you can use to guide your research by forming a research question. Start asking lots of questions and writing them down: When people refer to the "obesity epidemic," what are they referring to exactly? When did it start? Where? What are some possible reasons that it may exist? Find the controversy and the conversation. Within every topic there is an "issue," at stake. There's something debatable, something controversial about the topic, and that's what you want to spend time researching. The smaller, narrower, and more specific the topic, the better. The topic of obesity in the US might be too large. Look at your own community, state, or region. What are the statistics? How does it compare to other regions? What might account for this? Why? If you're asking and answering these questions, you're well on your way to a solid research topic. Issues of fact don't make good research topics, because there's nothing to research, there's just a fact to look up. A good research question, for instance, wouldn't be "How many people have died from obesity?" but "How does obesity kill?" Ask a probing question you hope to explore with research. After you've been exploring your topic online and possibly in print, you need to come up with a solid research question to help guide your supportive research. "What policies and attitudes resulted in the sudden rise in obesity in Indiana during the mid-90s?" would be an excellent research topic. It's specific in terms of location, controversy, and topic. It's something you can prove. Let the research guide your argument, not the other way around. We all have strong opinions about topics, especially controversial ones. It can be tempting to only seek out sources that will validate your opinion, or that will oversimplify the topic, rather than complicate it. As you do your research, seek out a variety of opinions, arguments, and positions, and allow yourself to assemble the strongest possible research, not just the arguments you want to hear. Use the Internet for exploratory research. Depending on your topic, the Internet may be a wealth of information or a swampy region of opinions and comment streams. It's got the most current information available instantly, but it can also be difficult to distinguish between good sources and bad sources. Government websites (ones that end in.gov) are good sources of data and definitions. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention site, for instance, has lots of good data about obesity in the US, how the disease affects specific populations, and a breakdown of obesity by region. Non-profits (websites that end in.org) can also be good sources of opinions. Generally, organizations will have an "agenda" and will present a variety of information that backs up their position. This can be good in aiding your research, but can also feature a fair amount of spin on the issues. Blogs and message boards can be good for getting a sense of people's opinions and are good for coming up with ideas for questions you can ask yourself, but they're not good sources of support. They're not good for quotes, in other words. Use the Internet to define terms quickly. Is obesity a disease? What do we mean by calling it an "epidemic"? These are terms you can and should look up quickly online. By defining your terms and becoming more familiar with the topic--becoming an amateur expert on it, in fact--you'll be more informed when you get to the much more technical kinds of sources you'll need to use for your supportive research. Use Wikipedia as a resource, but not as a source. One of the great things about a wiki (like wikiHow!) is that the sources referenced throughout the article are available at the bottom of the page for you to explore yourself. These are often better sources of information than the wiki itself, and the organization of the page allows for you to use it as a summary of the information in those sources, rather than a source unto itself. Find substantial articles and opinions. When you're reading online, look for a mixture of statistics and data, as well as opinions. It's not necessarily helpful to have a ranting blog full of someone's conspiracies about growth hormones in school lunches being a conspiracy to keep kids obese, but there might be something there to inspire you. What is the deal with school lunches? What research has been done? Do more exploring and find a more substantial page with similar information. Talk to a librarian. The most helpful source of information at libraries isn't books. Often, librarians sit idly by while students struggle on computers not twenty feet away, digging through a difficult swamp of bad information and poor sources. Talk to them! They're here to help. Bring your research question and any research you've done to this point, as well as any particular assignments or project descriptions that you've got with you. If you're doing research for a paper, bring the assignment sheet. Ask at the front desk for research librarians who are on-call for student consultations, or make an appointment yourself with a topic librarian in a specific field. These meetings tend to be very beneficial. You won't waste time trying to negotiate the difficult library databases, and you'll be sure the kind of information you find will be helpful for your project. Research books, magazines, and databases of information. At the library, you've got more information that you'll know what to do with. Try to find only the most directly-related information. If you're struggling to find good sources, try refining your search terms and looking again. Books obviously make for good overviews of topics. If you're researching obesity, you'll be able to find long-range research studies, expert analysis, and opinions on books in the subject. Magazines and research journals will provide more specialized and technical topics, usually at a somewhat shorter length. They're be lighter on opinion and heavier on dry statistics. Most university libraries use JSTOR or some variant of an academic database that houses research articles by topic. It can be a somewhat difficult database to negotiate, so talk to a librarian for help if you're unsure. Try a mixture of search terms. It can be frustrating when you first get started at the library in trying to find information directly related to your searches. Learning to search effectively and be diligent with your efforts will pay off in the end. Vary your searches, using quotations around specific searches you want the engine to look for. If you were looking for information about obesity, specifically related to the school lunch program, you might search for: "obesity" "obesity" "school lunch" "school lunch" "junk food in schools" "Indiana obesity" "Indiana school lunches" "weight epidemic" "obesity epidemic" Don't read every word. Learning to read quickly and skim effectively for important and on-topic information is often the difference between a smooth research project and a frustrating one. If you're getting deep into a really complicated technical topic, a lot of the research can be dry and downright boring. Learning to negotiate the sources quickly will make your job much easier. Read the abstract, if the source has one, or read the introduction to the source to make sure the topic is applicable. If it seems peripheral, put it back and forget about it. You're not doing research to pad your bibliography, you're doing it to support your argument and explore the topic. If you find a good source, skip forward to the end and read the summary. Much of the "meat" of technical research-based sources will be spent presenting their own research, whereas you're mostly concerned with the findings and the argument itself. Often, you can get away with only reading a few paragraphs of a 15 or 20 page research report or book if you read smart. If the source provides excellent support, read the article more closely to get a sense of the argument and the evidence. Use the author's own research to look for more sources. Take good notes so you'll be able to find information later. There's nothing worse than getting to the writing phase of a research project at not being able to find a particular quote or statistic in the pile of research you've collected. Stay organized while you're researching and take careful notes to refer to later. Take note cards to the library and write down specific quotes on one side of the card and the bibliographical information (Title, author, publication info, and URL if applicable) on the other side of the card. Don't overwhelm yourself with sources. A good day at the library doesn't necessarily involve stacking up a mountain of 500-page books you'll never read. Research smart, taking notes on the most important parts of the information, and use a manageable number of sources to make your argument and serve your argument. Some students think more sources makes a research paper better. It doesn't. Ideally, you want a balance of "their" voice--meaning the research--and your voice, your argument. A good research project uses the research to form and support an argument, not to act like a ventriloquist dummy, repeating information you read at length. Perform primary research for local or subjective subjects, if the project calls for it. Some topics and projects will call for primary research, which means that you'll collect the data yourself. If you've got a really localized topic--like the obesity problem at your University, for instance--you might want to consider creating a short questionnaire or other way of analyzing data of concern to your project. Find a sample size that works for you. No surveys or questionnaires get to everyone. How many would be enough to get a good sense of the issue. Will it mean anything to gather opinions about obesity form 20 guys in the locker room? Everyone on your dorm floor? 300 people at the football game? Be conscious of bias. Aim for a somewhat distributed mix of men and women, of different ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and places of birth. Decide how you'll collect your data. If you're after opinions, a questionnaire is the best and most efficient way of collecting data, but it might not be particularly applicable to your topic. If you're interested in food habits and the availability of junk food in cafeterias, consider posting up beside the lunch line a few days a week and counting the number of students who forego the full lunches in favor of deserts, sodas, or candy. Keep a running tally. Interviews might be good if you have access to experts or other parties involved directly in the topic you're researching. If you want to learn about school lunches, talk to the lunch workers, the principal of your school, or other people who may be involved. Let them know what you're researching and explain the project before talking to them. Gather your research. Once you've picked a method of collection, distribute your surveys, observe your behaviors, or conduct your interviews and collect your research. Analyze the research and summarize your findings in a way that you'll be able to use it for your research. If your hypothesis about the research ends up being wrong, don't fret. This in and of itself can be a good source of information to present in a project, displaying your commitment to finding out "the truth" of the topic at hand. Evaluate your sources. When you've collected your research, identify the most persuasive arguments and sources and use them as a jumping off point for your own argument. If you found that districts with schools that feature vending machines experience a 30 percent higher obesity rate, how can you transition that into an argument to support with that research? What does the research say? Form a thesis statement from your research. A thesis statement is the central thing you hope to prove by presenting your research. It should be debatable and specific, giving you a road map for where the research essay or project might go. A good thesis statement helps the writer as much as the reader, because it gives you a tangible thing to prove with the writing. A bad thesis statement might be "Schools need to do more to avoid obesity." This is vague and difficult to prove. What schools? What do they need to do? "Adams High School could significantly drop the obesity rate in the student body and even the region by removing the vending machines and offering a diversity of healthy choices" does a lot more to present an argument and give you something to prove. Learn to paraphrase and quote effectively. How do you present your research in a readable way? Paraphrase to translate a source into your own words. These should always be attributed, but not quoted, and are most effective when you need to briefly summarize a position or argument. You've still given credit to the author, so we know the observation isn't your own. In other words, you might write: According to Adams, schools that feature vending machines in the lunch rooms experience an increase in obesity rates. Quote any language directly sourced from the article. This is effectively used when there's something in the wording of the source that you want to emphasize or highlight as part of your research: According to Adams, "The inclusion of vending machines markedly increases the junk food desires of students in those schools, resulting in a chain reaction that rewards their bad choices." Learn to recognize and avoid plagiarism. It can happen accidentally, so you need to learn to recognize the ways in which it occurs and avoid it. Cite your sources. If you're writing a research essay, you need to learn to effectively provide citation information for each source you reference, be it paraphrase or quotation, throughout the source. Use a parenthetical or footnote citation in the text of your paper, and include a list of references or a Works Cited page at the end of the paper including the publishing information for each source. Your teacher may want you to use a particular style of citation, but the most popular include: MLA APA Chicago Style Turabian | Learn about the different kinds of research you can conduct. Write down what you don't know. Find the controversy and the conversation. Ask a probing question you hope to explore with research. Let the research guide your argument, not the other way around. Use the Internet for exploratory research. Use the Internet to define terms quickly. Use Wikipedia as a resource, but not as a source. Find substantial articles and opinions. Talk to a librarian. Research books, magazines, and databases of information. Try a mixture of search terms. Don't read every word. Take good notes so you'll be able to find information later. Don't overwhelm yourself with sources. Perform primary research for local or subjective subjects, if the project calls for it. Find a sample size that works for you. Decide how you'll collect your data. Gather your research. Evaluate your sources. Form a thesis statement from your research. Learn to paraphrase and quote effectively. Cite your sources. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Caffeine-Out-of-Your-System | How to Get Caffeine Out of Your System | There are several easy ways to get caffeine out of your system quickly. For example, go for a brisk walk or jog to help your body metabolize the caffeine faster. While you're waiting for the caffeine to clear your system, avoid high fiber foods, like whole grains and fruits, since they'll slow the absorption rate of the caffeine. If possible, you can also take a short nap, which can help your body deal with the caffeine more effectively. While drinking an extra glass of water for every cup of coffee you drink won't necessarily help remove caffeine from your body, it can help with the side effects. | Seek emergency medical care if you exhibit symptoms of caffeine overdose. Caffeine overdose is a serious medical condition that requires immediate treatment. If you are having trouble breathing, are vomiting, experiencing hallucinations, or having chest pain, seek professional medical help straight away. Other symptoms of a serious caffeine overdose include confusion, a fast or irregular heartbeat, convulsions, and uncontrollable muscle movements. Drink enough water so that your urine is light yellow. The jittery feeling from too much caffeine can be reduced by not letting yourself get dehydrated. For every cup of coffee that you drink, add in an extra glass of water too. Water won't necessarily help to remove the caffeine from your body, but staying hydrated will make coping with the side effects easier. Exercise to help your body metabolize the caffeine faster. Go for a brisk walk or jog, or pick a different exercise that you enjoy and that gets you moving. It's likely that you will feel jittery and full of energy from the caffeine anyway, and exercise can help release that energy. Avoid foods that are high in fiber. Having a full stomach and eating a meal with lots of fiber can drastically slow the absorption rate of caffeine in your system. Avoid eating whole grains or large quantities of fruit while you are waiting for the caffeine to clear. Foods that are particularly high in fiber include raspberries, pears, apples, spaghetti, barley, lentils, and artichokes. Eat cruciferous vegetables to help your body clear the caffeine. Broccoli, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts are all good options to enhance your metabolism and clear caffeine. This means it will be out of your system in a shorter amount of time. Take a 20-minute nap if possible. Although it may sound counter-intuitive, having a short nap after you consume caffeine can help your body to cope with it more effectively. Provided that you don't sleep for too long, you'll wake up feeling more refreshed and relaxed. Make sure that you nap in a cool, dark place away from bright screens. Wait it out if you have the time. Although it's dependent on the individual, 1 cup of coffee usually takes a 3-5 hours for half of the caffeine to travel through your system. Practice breathing slowly and calmly, and remember that you will feel better again soon. Meditation is also a good option if you are waiting the caffeine out. It will help your mind and body to relax while you feel tense. Know that caffeine will stay in your system for approximately 1.5 days. The amount of time that it takes for caffeine to travel through your system depends on a variety of factors, such as age, body height and weight, food intake, and genetics. Caffeine has a half life of 3-5 hours, which means that it could take up to 5 hours for 50% of the caffeine to go through your system. It takes the average adult 1.5 days to fully eliminate caffeine from their system. Adults can clear caffeine from their system faster than any other age group. It takes children and elderly people much longer. People who are tall and heavy can metabolize caffeine much more quickly than shorter and lighter people. Women that take oral contraceptives will metabolize caffeine at an average rate of 3 hours slower than those who don't. Lower your caffeine consumption to below 400 mg per day. This is the equivalent of 4 cups of coffee, or 2 energy shot drinks per day. Reduce the amount each day to test how your body reacts. Find a balance between enjoying your caffeine, yet not drinking too much that it disrupts your life. If consuming around 400 mg of caffeine per day is still giving you unpleasant side effects, lower your intake to find your limit. Drinking less caffeine can be difficult at first. Take it slowly, and seek help from a medical professional if you are struggling. Sleep for 7-9 hours per night. Practice waking up and going to sleep at the same time each day. Make sure that you get enough sleep every night. This will help to regulate your mind and body, and you won't feel like you require as much caffeine to function. Avoid foods that contain caffeine. Chocolate, coffee-flavored ice cream and frozen yogurt, and some breakfast cereals all contain caffeine. Lower your intake of these foods to help reduce your caffeine consumption. Swap out caffeinated beverages for decaffeinated ones. If you find that having caffeine in your system is bothering you regularly, consider swapping your coffee or energy drink for an alternative beverage. Decaf tea or coffee are good replacements, as you can still get the same taste but without the annoying jitters. Many herbal teas don't contain caffeine. | Seek emergency medical care if you exhibit symptoms of caffeine overdose. Drink enough water so that your urine is light yellow. Exercise to help your body metabolize the caffeine faster. Avoid foods that are high in fiber. Eat cruciferous vegetables to help your body clear the caffeine. Take a 20-minute nap if possible. Wait it out if you have the time. Know that caffeine will stay in your system for approximately 1.5 days. Lower your caffeine consumption to below 400 mg per day. Sleep for 7-9 hours per night. Avoid foods that contain caffeine. Swap out caffeinated beverages for decaffeinated ones. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Rubbing-Alcohol | How to Use Rubbing Alcohol | To use rubbing alcohol as an antiseptic, pour a small amount into your palms and rub your hands together for 30 seconds. Treat wounds by applying a cotton pad soaked in 60%-70% alcohol to the skin around the affected area, which works to kill germs and prevent the spread of bacteria. Additionally, use rubbing alcohol to clean your bathroom by adding some to a towel or rag and wiping down areas that might carry germs, like toilets or faucet handles. | Clean your hands with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is a common ingredient in most commercial hand sanitizers. Hand sanitizer is used to disinfect the hands, and does not require soap or water. Simply rubbing hand sanitizer on the hands for approximately 30 seconds, or until the liquid has evaporated, kills the majority of bacteria present. Hand sanitizer often includes additional components, such as a moisturizing element to prevent the hands from drying out, but these components are not necessary. If you are unable to wash your hands with soap and water, or if you want to ensure that your hands are completely clean, rubbing alcohol may be used to disinfect the hands. Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol into the palm of one hand. Rub the hands together vigorously for approximately 30 seconds, or until the hands are completely covered and the alcohol begins to evaporate. Note that rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer do not remove dirt from the hands. If your hands are visibly soiled, you may need to wash your hands with soap and water to remove the dirt from your skin. Treat wounds with rubbing alcohol. One of the most common uses of rubbing alcohol is treating wounds. This is because rubbing alcohol makes an excellent antiseptic. It kills germs by coagulating each germ's protein. Once a germ's protein is solidified, the germ dies rather quickly. Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the skin surrounding a wound. This may be particularly helpful for puncture wounds, which can introduce foreign germs into the wound. Once the wound is clean, you can bandage the wound, and seek medical attention as needed. Disinfect skin before an injection. Certain medications, like insulin, need to be injected into the body. Prior to administering an injection, it's important to disinfect the skin to prevent bacteria from being introduced into the body. Pour 60% to 70% rubbing alcohol onto a clean cotton swab. Thoroughly wipe the skin where the injection will be administered. Do not go over the same area twice. Wait for the alcohol to completely dry before administering the injection. Disinfect medical tools. Some household medical tools, like tweezers, can harbor bacteria that could be introduced to a wound. For this reason, it's important to disinfect medical tools before use. You can do this with rubbing alcohol. Thoroughly douse the tips of tweezers in rubbing alcohol. Allow the alcohol to dry before use, to ensure that any bacteria on the tweezers have been killed. Remove stains with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol can make a surprisingly effective stain remover. Simply mix one part rubbing alcohol with two parts water. You can use this mixture in a spray bottle, or poured on a rag or towel to spot clean stained fabrics. Rubbing alcohol can be used to treat grass stains before the wash cycle. Apply the rubbing alcohol mixture to a stain, rubbing the fabric thoroughly. Let it sit for ten minutes, then wash the clothing article as you normally would. Clean your bathroom with rubbing alcohol. Because of its antiseptic properties, rubbing alcohol is often used to clean high-germ areas like bathrooms. Apply rubbing alcohol to a paper towel and rub bathroom fixtures like faucets, sinks, and toilets to quickly clean and disinfect these surfaces. Make a window cleaner with rubbing alcohol. In addition to its other cleaning applications, rubbing alcohol can be used to make an effective window cleaner. Just mix one pint of rubbing alcohol with two tablespoons of ammonia and two tablespoons of dish soap. Mix the formula thoroughly, then apply to windows using a spray bottle or sponge. Remove a tick. Some people find that applying rubbing alcohol to a burrowed tick can shock the tick, making it easier to remove. Even if this does not work, experts recommend using rubbing alcohol to kill and preserve a tick after removal. This makes it easier for doctors to determine if the tick was a carrier of Lyme disease. Use a clean cotton swab to apply rubbing alcohol to the area where a tick is attached. If you don't have cotton swabs, you can pour a little rubbing alcohol directly onto the skin. Use clean tweezers (preferably after sterilizing them, which you can do with rubbing alcohol) to grip the tick's body as close to the surface of your skin as possible. Gently pull the tick upward without breaking any part of the tick's body. Drop the tick into a jar or bottle filled with a little rubbing alcohol. Be sure the tick is completely submerged. Use rubbing alcohol to cleanse the skin's surface where the tick was removed. Get rid of sneaker odors. Use a spray bottle to apply rubbing alcohol to the inside of sneakers. The rubbing alcohol will kill the bacteria causing the smells, leaving your sneakers clean and odor-free. Remove nail polish. If you're out of nail polish remover, you can use rubbing alcohol in a pinch. Pour some rubbing alcohol onto a cotton swab, and rub hard on your finger nails to remove old nail polish. Nail polish won't come off as easily as with actual nail polish remover, but it will still strip away the old nail polish. Do not use rubbing alcohol to cool feverish skin. A common folk remedy for fevers is to apply rubbing alcohol to the skin. As the alcohol evaporates, it's thought to offer a cooling sensation. However, pouring rubbing alcohol on the body, especially on children, can be extremely dangerous. A number of children have actually slipped into comas after their parents applied rubbing alcohol to treat a fever. For this reason, using rubbing alcohol to relieve the symptoms of a fever is highly discouraged. | Clean your hands with rubbing alcohol. Treat wounds with rubbing alcohol. Disinfect skin before an injection. Disinfect medical tools. Remove stains with rubbing alcohol. Clean your bathroom with rubbing alcohol. Make a window cleaner with rubbing alcohol. Remove a tick. Get rid of sneaker odors. Remove nail polish. Do not use rubbing alcohol to cool feverish skin. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Childminder | How to Become a Childminder | To become a childminder in the UK, start by working at another daycare to gain crucial experience and skills. Next, contact the Families Information Services at your local council to find out when there's a childminding pre-registration meeting in your area. At the meeting, obtain your pre-registration application pack and submit it to Olfsted. Once you're registered with Olfsted, complete the pre-registration training, prepare your home for inspection, and go through the introductory interview. | Be good with children. Do most children seem to like you instantly? The most basic necessity for childminding is to be good with and enjoy being around children. You should be able to get along quickly and easily with most children that you meet. Patience and a sense of humor are helpful. Do you like to read to or play games with children? A "yes" shows you are going in the right direction. Make sure you have a true interest in helping children learn, grow and develop. Develop child-friendly skills. Learn how to play lots of games and do age-appropriate crafts with children. Practice reading aloud and being an animated narrator. Learn how to be creative and easily join in imaginative play. Be able to remain calm in stressful situations. Develop fast decision-making skills and an upbeat attitude. Have the ability to intervene in small squabbles. Be able to teach basic literacy and explain simple math in a way that makes sense to a small child. Be able to plan, prepare and serve healthy meals. Many parents will have specific requests for the children's diets, which you will need to fulfill. If there aren't specific requests, parents will expect you to provide healthy options and offer a range of foods with full nutritional benefits. Familiarize yourself with the nutrition and types of foods that children of specific ages need to get – for instance, the diet requirements for a two year old child will be much different than for an eight year old. Learn how to make kid-friendly meals for all age groups. Get familiar with the dietary needs of developing children. Know how often they need snacks and be able to provide them. Be sure to inquire about any food allergies. Keep files with important information for each of your charges, including any allergies or other health concerns. Work at another daycare. Working in a daycare or for another childcare provider will help you firm up your child-friendly skills. It will give you experience interacting with children of all ages and help you feel more comfortable around them. Previous experience will teach you how to provide a warm, friendly environment for kids. Observing this procedure in action can help you recreate a similar environment in your own home. Know CPR and basic first aid. Children experience lots of scrapes and bumps during play, so you'll need to know how to treat and dress minor wounds. In the event that something more drastic occurs, it's imperative that you know how to react. Know how to perform CPR, make ice packs, and treat allergic reactions. Get familiar with the signs of basic illnesses, such as colds and flus, which can spread among children very quickly. Be able to spot situations when you can't care for a child, such as when they have chicken pox or head lice, because the contagions will infect your other charges. Create hard and fast policies about such illnesses and stick to them. Make sure the parents know what healthcare you can and can't provide their child in your home setting. Obtain and submit your pre-registration application pack. Contact the Families Information Services at your local council to find out when there is a childminding pre-registration meeting in your area. At this meeting you will receive your application pack and details of the early years foundation stage (EYFS). The EYFS set the learning, development, child safety and well-being standards for childminding in the UK. Complete the application and submit it to your regional Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills) facility. Ofsted will require you to have a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, which will confirm that you are suitable to care for children. Once you pass, you will be given a DBS certificate. Joining the DBS update service is also a required part of your pre-registration. You can register online and the DBS certificate will be good for one year. It will costs £13 annually. Complete pre-registration training. Once you've registered with Ofsted, they will do a home inspection and an interview with you. You will be required to have a medical check. You also must complete an introductory training course and a 12-hour paediatric first-aid course. Both of these are offered through the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY). PACEY's training course, Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare (HBCA), is a level 3 award. This CACHE accredited HBCA course covers everything you need to know about being a registered childminder. The HBCA is an e-learning course that you purchase online for £238.80. The course, which has two units, takes most people three months to complete, but you have up to six months after you buy the course to complete it. An additional part of your pre-registration training is working towards an optional unit taken from the qualification: Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce. Visit the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) website for more details. Register with Ofsted. This information is specific to the UK. If you are looking after children under eight years old for longer than two hours per day, you are required to register with Ofsted or another childminder agency. There are two registers: the Early Years Register (to look after children age five and under) and the Childcare Register (to look after children ages five through seven). If you are looking after children in both age groups, you'll need to register with both. If you don't comply with the registration laws, you can be fined and/or sent to prison. You will have to pay a registration fee and an annual fee. Prepare to be inspected by Ofsted. This information is specific to the UK. When you register, Ofsted will do an initial inspection. The inspection is to ensure a basic level of quality is in place. They will check to make sure you're meeting the requirements for child safety, learning and development. You could be inspected at any time. During the inspection, Ofsted will observe the children at play and observe how you interact with the children. They will speak with the children directly to check their levels of learning and understanding. Ofsted will be speaking to you directly about the children's knowledge, skills and abilities. They will evaluate your knowledge of the early years curriculum. The inspector will provide feedback about their findings. If significant improvements are necessary, they will explain what needs to be done and then you will be inspected again in 6 months. Have the local fire marshal inspect your house. Even if you aren't getting licensed, it's still a good idea to have the local fire marshall come out to inspect your home. You'll need to provide floor plans and escape plans – the standard is having at least 2 exits out of each room in the case of an emergency. Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are required. Most fire marshals will test them on-site to make sure they are in working order. Look into the details for fire inspection in your area – there are usually rules about windows, electrical outlets and even general housekeeping, all of which the fire marshall will be inspecting. You'll be given a certificate upon passing inspection, which you should hang on the wall in a place where parents can review it. Carry appropriate homeowners' insurance that covers accidents. Many homeowners' insurance providers have a home day care coverage policy that you can get. It will cover personal liability and medical expenses for accidents and injuries sustained by children in your home. Accidents happen, especially when small children are involved, so obtaining this insurance is very important. In the event of an accident, this insurance will protect you and the child. It will also enable the injured child to get the medical care they need. Speak to a licensed insurance agent for more information and policy options. | Be good with children. Develop child-friendly skills. Be able to plan, prepare and serve healthy meals. Work at another daycare. Know CPR and basic first aid. Obtain and submit your pre-registration application pack. Complete pre-registration training. Register with Ofsted. Prepare to be inspected by Ofsted. Have the local fire marshal inspect your house. Carry appropriate homeowners' insurance that covers accidents. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Malaria | How to Treat Malaria | If you think you have malaria, see your doctor as soon as possible to get diagnosed and begin treatment. If you are diagnosed with malaria, your doctor will likely prescribe oral medication, which you should take exactly as directed. Additionally, try to get as much rest as you can to help your body recover. During your recovery, stick to a bland diet to soothe your stomach if it's upset. Also, drink lots of liquids to combat dehydration from any vomiting or diarrhea you may have. | Determine if you’re at risk of malaria. Though certain populations are at higher risk, anyone can get malaria. You should be aware of the risk factors to know if there's a possibility you've contracted the disease. In very rare cases, it can be spread through blood transfusions or organ transplants if the medical staff has made a mistake in screening the donor. Sharing needles for injection can also spread the disease. However, because the disease is most often spread by mosquito bites, most people with malaria are found in tropical and subtropical climates. The CDC offers a thorough listing of malaria risk by country. Countries where you're highly likely to contract malaria include Angola, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, and Liberia, among others. The deadliest strains of malaria are found in Africa, south of the Sahara. Note that the risk is posed not just to people who live in these countries, but also those traveling through them. Watch for symptoms after you've been in a high-risk country. Malaria normally has an incubation period of about seven to 30 days before symptoms begin appearing. But if you're a traveller from a low-risk country, you may have taken preventative anti-malarial medication before entering the country. If you contract malaria despite that medication, the medication can still slow down the disease's progression. It might take months for your symptoms to appear. To be safe, you should be vigilant for a full year after traveling to a high-risk area. Remind your doctor of your travels during every check-up during that year. Learn about the different types of malaria. Malaria is commonly seen in one of three manners: as uncomplicated malaria, as severe malaria, or as a malaria relapse. Uncomplicated malaria is the most common type, but it is rarely seen in hospital settings because people mistake it for cold, flu, or a simple infection. Residents of high-risk areas often recognize the symptoms as uncomplicated malaria and treat it on their own. Severe malaria, on the other hand, can cause organ failure and is potentially lethal. It requires immediate medical attention. Relapses after an initial bout of malaria often go unnoticed because they may not always present with noticeable symptoms. Recognize the symptoms of uncomplicated malaria. Uncomplicated malaria can appear in recurring "attacks" that typically last six to 10 hours. During these bouts, patients progress from the cold stage, through the hot stage, then the sweating stage. In the cold stage, they feel cold and shiver. During the hot stage, they experience fever, headaches, and vomiting. Children may experience seizures. In the sweating stage, the patient experiences fatigue and excessive sweating while the body returns to a normal temperature. Other symptoms include yellowed skin from mild jaundice and rapid breathing. Watch carefully for symptoms of severe malaria. Many people have nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, or body aches. If the infection progresses to a stage where it interferes with organ, blood, or metabolism function, symptoms become more dramatic. Severe malaria is potentially lethal, and requires immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor or emergency services if you experience any of the following: Strange behavior changes Loss of consciousness Seizures Anemia (you may look pale, feel very tired or weak, have dizziness, or have a rapid heart rate) Dark or reddish urine (from hemoglobin) Trouble breathing Abnormal blood coagulation Low blood pressure Kidney failure (decreased urine, swollen legs or feet from fluid retention, chest pain or pressure) Low blood sugar (especially in pregnant women) Contact your medical professional. Regardless of whether you're showing symptoms, you should always let your doctor know immediately when you've travelled to a high risk area. While those in high-risk areas sometimes "wait and see" if uncomplicated malaria will progress, people in low-risk areas should not. If you have any suspicion that you have malaria, you should contact your doctor immediately to get tested and treated. Submit to a blood smear. To check your blood for the parasites that cause malaria, your doctor will take a blood sample to be analyzed in the lab. Even if your first blood smear comes back negative for malaria parasites, the doctor will repeat the test every eight to 12 hours for 36 hours. The doctor may also order a rapid blood test to indicate whether there's significant risk of malaria. If the initial rapid blood test is positive, he or she will order blood smears to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor will also test your blood for a CBC and test the function of your liver and possibly other organs. Get early diagnosis and treatment. Although malaria can be dangerous and deadly, it's also a highly treatable disease. While there's not yet a vaccine to prevent contracting the disease, early treatment has proven to be very effective at containing and curing it. The success of your treatment depends on contacting your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Take your prescribed medications. Your doctor has many options to choose from when deciding how to treat your malaria. He or she will choose a regimen for you based on what type of malaria parasite was found in your blood smear, your age, whether you're pregnant, and the severity of your symptoms. Most malaria treatments are taken orally, but patients with complications might need IV medication. Like any living organism, the parasites that cause malaria can adapt to fight off medications, but the following drugs have a high success rate: Chloroquine (Aralen) Quinine sulfate (Qualaquin) Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) Mefloquine Combination of atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone) Stay comfortable during treatment. The best thing you can do is get plenty of rest during the recovery process. Because there are so many options for treating malaria, not everyone will have the same experience. However, common side effects include blurred vision, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain or upset. Some of the drugs also cause heartburn, insomnia, anxiety or mental clouding, and dizziness or coordination problems. Pay attention to your body to pick up on these side effects, and report them to your doctor when you experience them. They may be able to give you additional medications to help combat them. Drink lots of fluids to prevent heartburn. Fluids are especially important if you are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. You lose a lot of water through these side effects, and have to rehydrate yourself to keep your body as healthy as possible. Stick to a bland diet to treat stomach upset. Stay off your feet, and don't over-exert yourself if you're having coordination problems. Your doctor will monitor you for signs of dehydration, anemia, and seizures. She will watch for complications affecting your organs. Wait for the fever to subside. Treatment for malaria is aggressive and fast-acting. If everything goes according to plan and you don't suffer any complications, your fever should be gone within 36-48 hours. In most cases, the bacteria that cause malaria will be completely out of your system within two to three days, and you will be recovered within two weeks. The doctor will continue to test your blood smears while you're being treated for malaria. If the treatment is successful, they will see a decrease in the number of malaria parasites in your blood with every smear. Take primaquine to prevent relapses. Although your initial bout of malaria may be gone, the disease can recur sporadically for years afterward. Though this often happens without noticeable symptoms, you may feel flu-like symptoms during relapses. Either way, you want to prevent the infection from returning as best you can. Primaquine is an anti-malarial taken after other drugs have killed off the malaria parasites in your blood. You will begin taking primaquine two weeks after the malaria has passed. Your dosage and length of treatment will be based on your specific case: what kind of infection you had and how you responded to treatment. Most often, a two-week course is recommended. Follow your doctor's instruction exactly. Do not adjust dosages up or down in any way, and take the medication on the exact schedule prescribed. Avoid further mosquito bites. If you live in a low-risk area, do not travel to high-risk areas while you are recovering from malaria. Additional mosquito bites may prove disastrous. If you live in an area where malaria is common, protect yourself as best as possible. Cover your skin with long pants and sleeves, even in hot weather. Wear mosquito repellent at all times. Look specifically for products containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD, or IR3535. Check the packaging to make sure your products have these effective chemicals in them. Light mosquito-repellent candles to keep mosquitos out of your area. Stay in screened-in, air-conditioned areas where mosquitos are less likely to be. Use bed nets when sleeping in areas infested with mosquitoes. | Determine if you’re at risk of malaria. Watch for symptoms after you've been in a high-risk country. Learn about the different types of malaria. Recognize the symptoms of uncomplicated malaria. Watch carefully for symptoms of severe malaria. Contact your medical professional. Submit to a blood smear. Get early diagnosis and treatment. Take your prescribed medications. Stay comfortable during treatment. Wait for the fever to subside. Take primaquine to prevent relapses. Avoid further mosquito bites. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Paper-Snowflake | How to Make a Paper Snowflake | To make a paper snowflake, cut a piece of paper into a square shape. Fold the paper in half diagonally to form a triangle, then fold it in half twice more. Using scissors, make cuts into the sides of the paper, such as triangles, rectangles, or round shapes. Then, carefully unfold the paper to reveal your paper snowflake! | Fold a piece of paper in half. For a standard snowflake, normal printer paper (8.5 x 11) is just fine. To get fancy, decorate your paper beforehand in colored pencil, crayon, or marker. Or use colored paper! Find the center of the paper on the fold. Then grab the bottom corner and bring it to the center, forming a triangle. Then, fold it again , turning over the folded corner. The paper should end up being folded into thirds, slightly resembling a cone shape. If you found that confusing, fold one side over about 1/3 of the way and then fold the other side over to cover the first side. Any better? When you're handling your soon-to-be snowflake, always keep the point down. This is the center of your snowflake. Fold in half. You have a mini-cone in front of you, right? Just like this? Cut off the top in a very slight arch. You are cutting through all the layers just where the top layer stops. It should be pretty clear to see. You're now ready to create your snowflake! Start cutting. You may want to begin with a very simple pattern and then move on to more complicated patterns. Or dive in. The smaller the cuts (and the more in number), the more detailed your snowflake will be. Unfold the snowflake. Unfolding takes some patience (make sure it doesn't tear!), but you'll have your first six-sided snowflake in seconds. Tada! Onto the next! Get a sheet of 8. 5 x 11, or A4 paper. Create a perfect square by taking the bottom corner and folding it over to the top, at a diagonal. A 3" (7.5 cm) or so piece will be sticking out. Cut off the excess so you're working with just the square. At all steps in this method make sure your creases are firm and straight. If they're not clean and symmetrical, you may end up with a wonky snowflake. Fold the paper in half, in a triangle shape. This is the same fold you made in the first step and is only mentioned in case you unfolded it to cut. Once it's folded once, fold it again , forming an even smaller triangle. At this point, you may fold it again to create a different, much smaller, base for your snowflake. Experiment! However, for kids, folding it again renders it much more difficult to work with. Start making cuts. This is where the snowflake gets really good. If you get creative with it, you'll end up with a pattern that's intricate, delicate, and detailed. Or you could end up with a couple of slits in a piece of paper. Cut in curves, angles, and swirls to get the most out of the paper. You may find it useful to hold on to the center of the snowflake -- the very tip. Though you can cut it off and the snowflake will hold together! The more paper you cut off, the flimsier it will be -- not necessarily a bad thing. Carefully unfold your snowflake. If you've made a lot of cuts, the snowflake may rip, so be careful. And if your cuts were very small, sometimes the layers of paper stick together (think election day 2000). If you're not happy with your pattern, fold it back up and take a few more whacks at the paper. Problem solved. | Fold a piece of paper in half. Find the center of the paper on the fold. Fold in half. Cut off the top in a very slight arch. Start cutting. Unfold the snowflake. Get a sheet of 8. Fold the paper in half, in a triangle shape. Start making cuts. Carefully unfold your snowflake. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Furniture-White | How to Paint Furniture White | If you want to paint your furniture white, start by removing any drawers, shelf slots, hinges, or knobs. Sand the furniture in a circular motion with sandpaper, covering every part of the furniture that you plan to paint, then wipe down the furniture's surface with a wet cloth and let it dry completely. Next, apply a thin coat of primer to the surface of the furniture where you want to paint. Give it 4-6 hours to dry, then apply a coat of latex paint and let it dry. Sand the paint with fine sandpaper and add another layer of paint. Repeat for a total of 3-4 layers. | Work on taking the furniture apart piece by piece (if applicable). Remove any drawers or shelf slots first, if necessary. Use a screwdriver to loosen and take off any hardware from the furniture, such as hinges and knobs. Take off the back of the furniture if you plan to paint the insides. Set the hardware aside in a box or container for safekeeping. Sand your furniture with coarse (30 to 50 grit) sandpaper. Rub the sandpaper in a circular motion along the surface of the furniture. Use the sandpaper on every part of the furniture you plan to paint. Keep sanding until the furniture's varnish is visibly roughened all over. Sand the furniture again with medium (60 to 80 grit) sandpaper. Move the medium sandpaper in the direction that the wood grain moves in. Continue sanding until the furniture looks smooth. Afterwards, use a wet rag to wipe down the furniture and wait around an hour for it to dry. Mold water-based wood filler into any dents or holes you find in the furniture. You can purchase wood filler online or from your local home improvement store. It typically comes in putty form. Shape it so it fills and covers the holes in the wood. Depending on the depth of the hole, wait between 2 and 8 hours (for large holes) or 15 minutes (for small holes) before sanding the area and continuing work. Assemble your workspace. Your workspace should be in a dry, preferably windowless area. Sunlight may harm the quality of your paint job. Make sure your workspace is large enough for you to move comfortably, as well as well ventilated to protect against fumes. Set up a lamp at an angle, so you can more easily see every area of the furniture as you paint. It should provide shadows to make it easier to spot mistakes in your paint job. Sweep and vacuum up any dust left behind from your sanding. Let the area air out for a few hours so it can become clear of any extra dust. Afterwards, wipe off any remaining dust off of the furniture with a clean rag, using smooth, circular strokes. Lay down tarp on the floor if you can. Cover any hinges and inside edges of the furniture with tape. If you were unable to remove any hinges from the furniture beforehand, wrap it with painter's tape. Press tape over the inside edges of the furniture, as well as any other areas you don't want to get paint on. You can also apply tape to the sides and back of the furniture. Be judicious and try to apply the tape as thoughtfully as you can. Apply primer to the furniture with a roller or brush. Rollers are better for applying primer to large surfaces. Brushes are best for getting into tight corners or priming smaller areas. Cover the entire area you intend to paint. Use knot block primer on furniture with knotty and/or dark wood. Try to apply the primer to the furniture in a thin coat. Keeping your primer thin will prevent dripping. Afterwards, give the primer time to dry. The primer will take between 4 and 6 hours to dry. If your primer starts to drip, simply wipe off the dripping and reapply the primer in the affected area. Use latex paint. Latex paint is the standard for home improvement projects. When you choose your bucket of white paint, pay attention to the label. There are two different types of latex paint for furniture: indoor and outdoor. Indoor latex paint is, naturally, for indoor furniture. Outdoor latex furniture is meant for outdoor furniture, and is sturdier against the elements. Apply the first coat of paint with a roller or synthetic brush. Keep your first layer thin, just like when you applied the primer. Try to paint one stroke at a time and make your strokes follow one direction. If you're using a roller, avoid moving it back and forth; this may create uneven areas in your paint layer. Afterwards, let the paint dry for 1 hour. If you're using brand new brushes, wet them with clean water and shake them dry. This will make it easier to use them with latex paint. If you notice drips in your paint job, you can scratch it off with a utility knife. Then add thin strokes of paint to cover the area. Sand the dried paint layer with fine (100 to 180 grit) sandpaper. Doing this will get rid of dust or dripping. Sand each layer of paint after applying it and letting it dry. Work in gentle, circular motions. Paint 3 or 4 layers to ensure an even job. Working in multiple coats will help the paint to be as opaque as possible. It should take around 24 hours for your final paint layer to dry. Don't apply a new layer of paint until the first has dried. Add 2 coats of varnish once the final paint layer has dried. Work thin, just as you did with the primer. Use a soft paint brush to add the varnish, and work in unidirectional, long movements. Use fine sandpaper (100 to 180 grit) on the first layer of varnish before painting on the second. Put your furniture back together. Let the paint and varnish dry for around 72 hours before you start putting the furniture back together. Slide the shelves or drawers back into place. Use a screwdriver to re-attach any hinges and knobs. Now you can use and enjoy your newly painted furniture! Finished! | Work on taking the furniture apart piece by piece (if applicable). Sand your furniture with coarse (30 to 50 grit) sandpaper. Sand the furniture again with medium (60 to 80 grit) sandpaper. Mold water-based wood filler into any dents or holes you find in the furniture. Assemble your workspace. Sweep and vacuum up any dust left behind from your sanding. Cover any hinges and inside edges of the furniture with tape. Apply primer to the furniture with a roller or brush. Try to apply the primer to the furniture in a thin coat. Use latex paint. Apply the first coat of paint with a roller or synthetic brush. Sand the dried paint layer with fine (100 to 180 grit) sandpaper. Paint 3 or 4 layers to ensure an even job. Add 2 coats of varnish once the final paint layer has dried. Put your furniture back together. Finished! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Vitamin-E-Oil | How to Use Vitamin E Oil | Vitamin E is great for your overall skin and hair health and can be used to reduce the size and look of scars. You can also use it as a natural moisturizer and sunscreen to keep your skin protected. To apply vitamin E oil, just dab a little bit onto your skin and rub it in with your fingers until it soaks in. Or, if you want to refresh dry, brittle hair, apply a little oil to your scalp. Use your fingers to work it into your skin and the roots of your hair. It can be difficult to determine exactly how much Vitamin E oil you should use, so consult with a dermatologist and follow the dosage they recommend. A little bit of Vitamin E oil goes a long way, so you can add a few drops of Vitamin E oil to a carrier oil such as sesame oil, coconut oil, or cocoa butter to add it to your skincare routine. | Use Vitamin E on your skin. It acts as an antioxidant, removing damaging substances from the skin. These substances, called free radicals, can arise from normal cellular metabolism. Vitamin E also performs a number of other functions on the skin: Vitamin E also absorbs UV radiation from the sun and can help prevent sunburn, functioning as a natural sunscreen. Vitamin E may also act as an anti-inflammatory agent on the skin surface. Vitamin E has also been implicated in promoting skin wound healing and may be involved in reducing scar formation. Apply Vitamin E to a scar. If you are trying to reduce the size or the look of a scar, use a Q-tip or a cotton ball to apply the oil directly onto the scar. Consult your physician or dermatologist to determine how often you should treat. If the area of scarring is relatively small, it may be simpler to snip the top off of one or two Vitamin E capsules. You can also puncture it and squeeze out the oil directly onto the scar. If you have any skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, or acne, consult with your physician or dermatologist before using Vitamin E. Apply Vitamin E to your scalp and hair. Vitamin E can refresh dry, brittle hair. It is also great for dry scalps. Vitamin E promotes circulation, which is key to a healthy scalp. Pour out some of the oil and dip your fingers in it. Work it into your scalp. Focus on the roots of your hair, where the vitamin can soak into the hair and the scalp. You can also apply it to the length of your hair to moisturize dry hair. Unless otherwise advised by a health professional, treatment once a week should be sufficient. Again, you don't want to over do it. If you have any skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, or acne, consult with your physician or dermatologist before using Vitamin E. Understand the antioxidant function of Vitamin E. Alpha-tocopherol functions as a potent antioxidant and protects cells from the damage that can be caused by high levels of free radicals (substances produced normally in all cells) and other oxidizing agents. Vitamin E also plays an important role in the immune system, cell-to-cell signaling, the regulation of the expression of a number of genes and a variety of biochemical (metabolic) reactions. Alpha-tocopherol also may play a role in stopping or slowing down the growth of certain types of tumors and decreasing the chances of heart disease by possibly slowing down the formation of plaques within the arteries and preventing the aggregation of platelets (slowing the formation of blood clots). Be aware that you might be sensitive to vitamin E. Some people do develop sensitivities to oils that contain Vitamin E; however, it is not certain that the Vitamin E is responsible for the allergy. To lessen the change of a bad reaction, get natural, organic Vitamin E oil. The Vitamin E oil will be mixed with other oils, such as sesame oil, coconut oil or cocoa butter. Make certain that you don't have any sensitivity to those by testing the oil on a small part of your skin. Put just a little bit on your wrists and wait for about 30 minutes to an hour. If you have no reaction, such as itching, blistering, redness, or any other problems, you should be able to use that oil. Some products may also contain vitamin C, in the form of lemon or another citrus oil. This is believed to increase the degree of skin protection. Use the correct dosage. Consult with a dermatologist to figure out the best dosage for your particular needs. Many of the commercial products have over 5,000 IU (an international unit of pharmaceutical measurement) of Vitamin E listed. This is actually a really large dose. There have been few studies to determine what dose is the most useful for skin. In addition, many labels don't give you a good idea of how much Vitamin E is in each dose. Thus, it can be difficult to determine exactly how much to use on your own. The temptation is always to use more but the fact is, we just don't really know. It may be just fine to use as much as you want, but the research just has not been done. Use Vitamin E that is combined with another oil. Unless you are working with a dermatologist, the most prudent approach is to use Vitamin E oil on your skin in a mixture of other oils that can also moisturize and help nourish the skin. Many of the oils contain Vitamin E as well. Choose other oils in the mixture that won't clog your pores, which are called non-comedogenic. The best non-comedogenic oils, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, include: Hemp seed oil is a relative of cannabis and contains sterols, antioxidants and essential fatty acids but very low levels of THC. Shea butter is extracted from the shea nut. It is high in Vitamin E, which acts as an anti-oxidant. Sunflower oil is derived from sunflower seeds and contains polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. Castor oil is derived from the castor bean and is used to treat a number of inflammatory conditions. It contains essential fatty acids and undecylenic acid, which is germicidal for a number of microbes. Calendula oil is derived from the petals of the calendula flower and has been traditionally used for its healing properties. It is especially good at healing scars, including acne scars. Argan oil is rich in Vitamin E, carotenes (precursors of Vitamin A), and essential fatty acids. It is often used to treat skin infections and to moisturize the skin. Almond or Hazelnut oil both contain essential fatty acids, B vitamins, and are anti-inflammatory. Use very little of the oil in your daily skin regime. Rub a very light layer of the oil onto your skin. In fact, no matter what you are using the Vitamin E oil for always use a very small amount. These oils are very effective in moisturizing your skin and providing protection. In other words, a little bit goes a long way. Most of these oils can stain clothing and bedding. Be cautious when applying it and let it absorb thoroughly. If it can't be absorbed into your skin because it has been absorbed by your clothing or bedding, then you aren't getting the benefit. Even if you pick a non-comedogenic oil, it may clog your pores if you use too much. That could cause break-outs and acne. Finished. | Use Vitamin E on your skin. Apply Vitamin E to a scar. Apply Vitamin E to your scalp and hair. Understand the antioxidant function of Vitamin E. Be aware that you might be sensitive to vitamin E. Use the correct dosage. Use Vitamin E that is combined with another oil. Use very little of the oil in your daily skin regime. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Chew-Gum | How to Chew Gum | To chew gum, not only do you need to pick a flavor, but also you need to decide if you want regular or sugar-free gum. Regular gum has sugar, which can lead to an increase in tooth decay, but sugar-free gum uses chemical sweeteners. If you opt for a sugar-free gum, look for one with a seal from the American Dental Association, which means the gum has been proven healthy and safe. Once you're done chewing your gum, spit it out since swallowing gum regularly can lead to minor stomach upsets. | Choose your form of gum. Do you want a stick of gum, a tab of gum, or even a gumball? Different brands come in different shapes and sizes, and you can experiment to find out which one you prefer. Brands like Extra and Wrigley market their gum in sticks, while Orbit, Trident, and Eclipse come in smaller tabs or mini-sticks. Double Bubble makes candy gum balls, and Big League Chew sells their gum shredded in a pouch. There is a kind of chewing gum for everyone! Find the perfect flavor. Does your breath need freshening? If so, you should look for a minty flavor that will leave your mouth feeling sparkling clean. Try something like spearmint or peppermint and you'll feel like you just brushed. If you want something with more of a fruity kick, there are flavors like berry and watermelon that will do the trick. People looking to satisfy a sweet tooth should check out the Extra Dessert Delights- those flavors include treats like rainbow sherbet, mint chocolate chip, and strawberry shortcake! Decide if you want regular or sugar-free gum. Regular gum contains sugar, which can lead to increased tooth decay. Sugar-free gum uses chemical sweeteners, such as aspartame.. There is a caloric difference of about 5 calories between the two types. If you're opting for sugar-free gum, look for gum with a seal from the American Dental Association. The ADA Seal on a package of gum means that gum has been proven to be healthy and safe. Place the gum in your mouth. This step may look different depending on the type of gum you've selected. If you have chosen a stick of gum, you might fold the piece in half as you pop it into your mouth. With smaller tabs, you might even place two in your mouth at once. If you've chosen a giant gumball, you may opt to bite off half. Begin chewing your gum. You may need to chew a bit more vigorously to loosen up a new piece of gum. Use your big teeth in the back of your mouth, called your molars, to chew. Molars are the teeth associated with chewing because of their flatter surfaces. Move the gum from side to side. This will ensure that one side of your mouth doesn't get tired from the repetitive chewing motion. Occasionally, draw the gum to the front of your mouth and exercise your biting teeth. This will give your molars a short break. Have fun with your gum. If you are not in a formal setting, you can try blowing bubbles. Enjoy the flavor that you've chosen. As you chew, the flavoring agents in the gum will gradually dissolve and be swallowed, so eventually the gum loses its flavor completely. Spit your gum out once it has lost its flavor. Urban legend suggests that swallowed gum remains in your stomach for years, but this isn't factual. Gum is passed through your digestive tract into your stool. However, frequently swallowing your gum can lead to constipation and other minor stomach issues, so it isn't recommended. The easiest thing is to just spit it out once you are finished. Wrap your gum in paper. Because the gum is still sticky, it can make a big mess if you don't discard it properly. It's a good idea to save your gum wrapper so that you can wrap your gum in it when you've finished. If you didn't save the wrapper, just wrap it in a tissue or a scrap of paper. Pretend to yawn. Place the unwrapped gum in your hand and casually bring your hand to your mouth, as if to cover your yawn. Pop the gum into your open mouth. This trick is useful if you're in a place where gum is prohibited, such as a classroom. You're probably already yawning in school anyways, so this is an easy cover-up for sticking some chewing gum in your mouth. Soften the gum with your saliva. Chewing gum is typically a little bit harder and tougher when you first put it in your mouth, but you will attract attention if you are vigorously chewing. Let the gum sit on your tongue while it naturally softens from your saliva. You can still enjoy the flavor of the gum by sucking on it. Take very small, slow bites on the gum with your back molars. Make sure that your jaw is not tensing visibly as you do this. It is important to make tiny movements with your teeth with your mouth closed, so that the chewing is extremely discreet. If you have trouble chewing inconspicuously, it can help to cup your face with your hand as you chew. It will appear like you are casually resting your face in your hand, while actually concealing a moving jaw. Be quiet. This should be obvious, but many people chomp and pop their gum loudly without even realizing it. Not only will loud chewing be a dead giveaway if you are somewhere that gum is prohibited, it can also be extremely irritating to the people around you. Be mindful of the noise you make while chewing gum and practice chewing quietly with your mouth closed. | Choose your form of gum. Find the perfect flavor. Decide if you want regular or sugar-free gum. Place the gum in your mouth. Begin chewing your gum. Move the gum from side to side. Have fun with your gum. Spit your gum out once it has lost its flavor. Wrap your gum in paper. Pretend to yawn. Soften the gum with your saliva. Take very small, slow bites on the gum with your back molars. Be quiet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-a-Kitten-Is-Old-Enough-to-Neuter-or-Spay | How to Know if a Kitten Is Old Enough to Neuter or Spay | To know if a kitten is old enough to neuter or spay, wait until it's at least 3 months old so it's developed enough. If you're not sure how old the kitten is, wait until it weighs at least 2 pounds. Additionally, look for other signs that the kitten is old enough to be neutered or spayed, like playing a lot with toys or getting more daring about exploring its environment. Once you spot these signs, make an appointment with your veterinarian, who will examine your kitten and confirm whether it's ready for neutering or spaying. | Wait until your kitten is several months old. There is some debate about when cats should be fixed. Some experts suggest getting a kitten spayed or neutered when the cat is as young as two months old. Others, arguing that cats need more time to develop before removing their sex organs, say that spaying and neutering should occur closer to when the cat is four months old. In general, in an effort to limit pet populations, early spaying and neutering is encouraged. Many veterinarians agree that it is better to spay or neuter your kitten a bit early rather than risking it starting its reproductive cycle and getting impregnated accidentally. Have a female kitten spayed before its first estrus. It is a myth that you should wait until a cat has its first estrus before getting it spayed. Instead, doing it before her first cycle can actually help her health in the future. Having your kitten fixed before her first estrus minimizes the risk of some health conditions that could pop up in the future, for instance mammary tumors. Consult with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will have the best idea about when your kitten is ready to be spayed or neutered. Have a discussion with the vet about when the surgery should occur and why the vet believes your kitten is ready. Feel free to ask the veterinarian any questions that you have about the surgery. You should get enough information so that you are secure in your decision to get your cat spayed or neutered. Consider the benefits to your kitten. There are a variety of health benefits to your kitten if you get it spayed or neutered. These benefits, in spite of the difficulty of surgery, make getting your kitten fixed worth the discomfort it may experience. For example, spayed cats will not suffer from ovarian or uterine cancer, or uterine infections, later in life. Consider the benefits to your household. Getting a kitten spayed or neutered doesn't just affect the cat. It also can have a positive impact on you and your family. For example, spaying and neutering your kitten will eliminate the chances of an accidental pregnancy, which in turn will eliminate the chances of you having to deal with a litter of additional kittens. Spayed and neutered cats are also less likely to fight. This means that in a multi-cat household, female cats that are spayed are more likely to get along and male cats are likely to be less aggressive and less territorial. For male cats, this means they are less likely to spray in your home to mark their territory. Consider the benefits to society. Stopping your kitten from reproducing in the future helps to limit the pet population overall. Fewer cats that are capable of reproduction means that fewer cats can be produced overall. Also, if you are debating whether or not to have your kitten fixed, just remember that any kittens your kitten has in the future will take homes away from cats that live in shelters and that don't have families. In many cases, these cats are even put down due to a lack of space and resources. Weigh your kitten. If you want to get your kitten spayed or neutered when it is two months old, then look for signs that it is that age. In general, a kitten that is two months old should weigh approximately two pounds, as long as it has had proper nutrition and care. Two pounds is the weight that is required for your kitten to get desexing surgery. Any lighter than that and the veterinarian performing the surgery may be worried about the kitten's ability to survive the surgery. Look for physical clues about age. If you are not sure how old your kitten is, you can estimate its age by assessing its physical characteristics. Newborn kittens have closed eyes and ears that are tucked against their heads. These clues signal that you have a kitten that it only a few weeks old. However, if your kitten has open eyes and popped up ears but tiny baby teeth, then it is between one and three months old. A cat that it getting, or already has, its adult teeth is at least four months old. Assess your kitten's development. A two month old kitten should be fully weaned from its mother. If your kitten is still nursing, then it is probably not yet two months old. If you notice the kitten's mother trying to wean the kitten, for example not letting it nurse, then the kitten is probably between one and one and a half months old. Kittens that are two months old are also working on their paw and eye coordination. If a kitten is playing a lot with toys and getting more daring, then it is probably at least two months old. | Wait until your kitten is several months old. Have a female kitten spayed before its first estrus. Consult with your veterinarian. Consider the benefits to your kitten. Consider the benefits to your household. Consider the benefits to society. Weigh your kitten. Look for physical clues about age. Assess your kitten's development. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Sad-Stories | How to Write Sad Stories | To write a sad story, pick a theme for your narrative by brainstorming things that make you sad, like the death of a relative. Next, write a strong opening line that grips the reader's attention by hinting at the story's sad theme, like loss. As you write, show your characters in close relationships, because a reader is more likely to feel sad if they are emotionally involved with the protagonists. When you write the climax, heighten the sadness by focusing on the emotional impact of it instead of just describing what happened. | Free write about sadness. If you want to write sad stories, you'll have to start by seeking inspiration. Consider what makes you sad. For about 10 minutes, free write on the topic of sadness. Talk about the kind of situations that make you sad. There are a lot of changes that come in life that can make people sad. Friendships and other relationships ending can cause sadness. The death of a loved one can also make someone sad. Sadness can also be caused by more minor events. Losing a family pet can be sad. Having to move to another city can be a cause of sadness. Consider what you think sadness is. What thoughts and emotions do you associate with sadness? As you write, talk about your own personal experiences with sadness. For example, when in life did you feel the most sad? Why? You may be able to use experiences from your own life in a short story. Seek inspiration. The best way to become a better writer is to read more. If you want to know how to write sad stories, you'll have to read a lot of stories with unhappy themes and plots. Read sad stories. Ask your friends and teachers for recommendations for sad stories. As you read, do so actively. Pay attention to how writers build their stories and characters. How do the stories start? How do they end? Why do you have an emotional response to these stories? Ask yourself these questions as you read. Pay attention to what works in these stories. When writing a short story, you only have a short period of time to get your reader's attention. As you read short stories, pay attention to opening lines. How does the writer get your attention? Where does the story start? Many short stories may start when some of the important actions or events have already occurred. Authors may recount such events in flashbacks or imply them through means like character dialogue. Learn how to begin a story. If you want to write a story, you'll need to know basic story structure. Stories are made up of exposition, rising action, a climax, falling action, and a resolution. The first parts of the story come with exposition and rising action. Your exposition comes at the beginning of the story. This is where you explain who the main character is and what he or she is doing at the beginning of the story. Exposition should be brief and grab the reader's attention. A story's rising action is the series of conflicts that move the story forward. No story can exist without a problem that needs resolving. In a sad story, there should be an element of tragedy to that problem. For example, maybe your main character is caring for her sick dog. The rising action could include her taking the dog to the vet, finding out the sickness is worse than she thought, and struggling with the setbacks and challenges of her dog's medical needs. Outline your story. Once you've figured out basic story structure, write a short outline for your story. Write out how your story will begin, what rising action you'll include, the climax, and how the story is resolved. An outline can be brief. It's not necessary to use full sentences in an outline. You just need to have some sense of the basic events that will occur. You can separate your outline into the five elements of story structure: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution. An outline should use numbers and letters for structure. Big headings, like "exposition," can be marked with a roman numeral. You can use letters or regular numbers to elaborate on aspects of that heading. For example, "I. Exposition, a. introduce Susan." To help you see how to write an outline, let's return to this article's example. You could begin the outline with something like this: "Exposition, a. Introduce Ada, crying in art class, b. Sad to be reminded of her father's cancer, c. Returns home alone (her mother is at work) to help care for her ailing dog." Find a good opening line. An opening line is a vital part of a short story. A good opening line should grab the reader's attention instantly. Readers should go into the story curious, wanting to continue reading. A good first line should establish a strong voice and offer some hint as to what is to come in the story. If you're writing a story centering around themes of sadness, it's important to hint at this in your opening line. If you're stuck, read a few opening lines from your favorite sad stories. You can also Google search something like, "Most memorable opening lines." Read through a variety of opening lines and examine how they function. Why are they successful? Why do you want to keep reading? Take a look at this article's example. In this story, Ada has to eventually accept her dog's death. Let's say her father died of cancer and it's difficult for her to deal with loss. Write an opening line that conveys a sense of coming loss, while also emphasizing past sorrows. For example, "Ada did not mean to start crying during Mr. Cheny's lecture, but she couldn't help but feel that loss was following her everywhere." Create close relationships within your story. Readers are more inclined to be emotionally moved by strong relationships. This makes sense. Everyone has people in life they are close to. When a story deals heavily with relationships between characters, a reader may experience a stronger emotional reaction. Show how your characters are close. They can finish each other's sentences, help each other without question, and comfort each other during bad times. In this article's example, there are three main characters: Ada, her mother, and her dog. You could write scenes of Ada tenderly caring for her dog, showing how much she loves him. You could also show that's she close to her mother. Ada and her mother could joke lovingly with each other. A brief flashback to Ada's father's funeral could reveal Ada helping her mother cope in the aftermath. Build up to the main sad event. As you progress through your story, engage with rising action. Build up to the sad event. People are unlikely to be moved by sadness without buildup. If you're not emotionally invested in a character or a situation, you're unlikely to feel sad when reading a story. Each scene in a story should move it forward in some way. Refer to your outline when in doubt. What is your climax? How can you get your characters to this climax? In this article's example, the dog could have a seizure and need to be rushed to the vet. Ada learns the dog's cancer has spread to the brain. Do not just focus on the actions. Pay attention to the emotional story at play. Ada will eventually argue with her mother. You can show her mother gently trying to help Ada brace for the worst case scenario and Ada resisting. As you write these scenes, think about the heart of your story. What is the main point or realization for your characters? Each scene should build up to this point. In our example, Ada may have to accept death is part of life. Try to emphasize inevitable death and decay in each scene. Write your climax. Once you've written the falling action, focus on your climax. This is the height of action in your story. Try to write a climax that is intense without feeling forced or melodramatic. Remember the character's hopes and dreams at this point. This can help you see what is at stake here. In this moment, what is the character fighting for? What will happen if he or she fails? The best stories have a moment of discovery. This should be somewhat universal. Your character will discover something about herself or her situation that can point to a universal theme or message. In this article's example, the climax is when Ada and her mother fight about having the dog put to sleep. On the surface, what's at stake is the dog's life. On a deeper level, Ada's sense of purpose is at stake. Helping the dog gives her a sense of control over the inevitability of death. A larger realization here could be that accepting death is part of life. Perhaps Ada's mother could say something along these lines during their fight. Levels can benefit sad stories in many ways. In addition to making sad moments feel more intense, readers crave theme and character development. A reader may be more moved by a sad story if he or she feels they learned something along the way. Choose an appropriate ending. Once you've written your climax, it's time to end your story. A story's ending should offer some kind of resolution to the action. A reader should feel satisfied by the ending, even if it's unhappy. You should not leave your reader with any lingering questions or concerns. You need to build up to your ending with falling action. This is what leads to your conclusion. The main character should make peace with his or her fate. All scenes after the climax should lead to a resolution, serving to lessen the tension rather than build it up. In our example, Ada could have a good cry and then tell her mother she's ready to accept her dog's death. A sad story does not necessarily have to have a sad ending. However, it may feel inauthentic to have things suddenly turn around for your character. If you want to give a sad story a happy ending, make sure you build up to this point. In our example, do not have it suddenly turn out the dog is okay after all. This is not realistic. Instead, maybe it could end a few months in the future. While Ada misses her dog, she has moved on with a new puppy. Avoid melodrama. Melodrama is a common pitfall in sad stories. You do not want your readers to feel like you're trying to force sympathy for your characters. Avoid overwriting tragic descriptions or emotional dialogue. This is often where melodrama creeps in. Melodrama can sometimes be hard to spot, especially if you're invested in a story. In the first draft, you may be desperate to get everything out on the page. It's okay, and even helpful, to overwrite in your first draft. However, when you read your work over for revision, be very strict with yourself. Eliminate any bit of description or dialogue that isn't absolutely vital. Often, less is more when writing a sad scene. If you're describing Ada's dog dying, maybe you could describe this in only one or two sentences. This allows the audience to experience the moment on their own. A certain perspective will not be forced on them. Thinks of your audience's larger perspective, as well. In our modern world, sad stories are all too common. People are at a point where they may be somewhat numb to tragedy that feels generic. There are many stories on the news about death and disease. Zooming in on the emotions of a particular character can help you avoid melodrama. Yes, losing a pet is sad, but why is your character specifically sad? What unique brand of sadness does she feel? Focus on writing a quality story first. People are often resentful of work that's tragic for the sake of tragedy. People appreciate good storytelling, character development, humor, and dialogue. Remember, your story and your characters come first. The tragedies they experience come second. Really get inside your characters' heads. Establish backstories for your characters that are unrelated to the tragic events they face. Give characters believable personality traits, likes, dislikes, and other quirks. A character should not be defined solely by bad events. Make tragedy feel organic to the story. Do not have the protagonist's mother suddenly drop dead, despite having shown no previous signs of illness. This will feel like a cheap ploy to garner sympathy. If you plan on killing off a character, offer some hints first. Maybe that character is nervous after a doctor's appointment, for example. Add some humor. A story that's too heavily invested in tragedy can rub readers the wrong way. Many incredibly sad stories offer a great deal of levity along the way. For example, John Green's bestseller The Fault In Our Stars includes a lot of humor while telling a very sad story. The film Steel Magnolias is famous for its fusion of laughter and tears. Look at these works for inspiration on how to use humor. Remind the reader of the good times during sad moments. As you revise, you'll want to increase the sadness in the story. Comb through your work and look for ways you can increase the emotional intensity. One way to make sad moments sadder is to remind readers of better times. What makes sad moments upsetting is how much they contrast to happier times. This sharp contrast is often jarring. It can strike an emotional chord with readers. When describing a sad scene, add a throwback to a happier moment of your story. For example, say in an earlier scene Ada's dog could make a gurgling noise that sounded like, "Hello." This made Ada and her mother laugh. In a later scene, when the dog is on his deathbed, it could make that noise again. A previous happy noise is now tainted with a sad moment. Make your audience love your characters. Spend some time reviewing a character's good qualities. People will be more moved by tragedies if the characters involved made a positive impact on others. You can add a few sentences as a character is dying, for example, briefly reminding the reader of the positive impact he had. In our example, you could write something like, "Riley wagged his tail at Ada, still the loving and loyal dog he'd always been." Draw connections between tragedies. A good way to help enhance sadness in a story is to link your tragedies. Make connections between different sad and traumatic moments. This adds extra emotional impact. In our example, you could easily draw a parallel between Ada's dog's death and her father's death. Ada could feel sad that, once again, she's failed to stop the inevitable. This will make readers feel for the character. She has gone through a lot. | Free write about sadness. Seek inspiration. Learn how to begin a story. Outline your story. Find a good opening line. Create close relationships within your story. Build up to the main sad event. Write your climax. Choose an appropriate ending. Avoid melodrama. Focus on writing a quality story first. Add some humor. Remind the reader of the good times during sad moments. Make your audience love your characters. Draw connections between tragedies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Give-Yourself-a-Tattoo | How to Give Yourself a Tattoo | Before you can give yourself a tattoo, you'll need to purchase some supplies, like a tattoo gun and tattoo or Indian ink. Once you have the supplies, look online for a stencil, which will help you draw the outline for your tattoo. When you're ready to start tattooing, sterilize your equipment to guard against infection. You should also make sure your working area is clean so it's as safe as possible while you create the tattoo. As you work, wash your needle regularly to remove excess ink, which will help create the clearest possible lines. | Buy a tattoo machine. If you've never tattooed before, it's probably best to start with a tattoo machine, commonly referred to as a "tattoo gun." These operate via electromagnetic coils, which control an armature bar, moving a grouping of needles up and down rapidly. The needles are dipped in tattooing ink, which is applied under the skin. Tattoo starter kits with sterile supplies are available for around a hundred dollars. It's true that tattoo machines and supplies cost about the same as getting a small tattoo professionally done at a parlor, making a shop tattoo a much better option if you don't have any work done yet. But if you do, and you're interested in learning on yourself, it's important to invest in a good-quality tattooing machine. If you want to make your own tattoo gun , you can also save a bit of money. If you want to give yourself a stick 'n poke tattoo, without the use of a tattoo gun, check out Give Yourself a Tattoo Without a Gun to learn to minimize the risks associated with this technique. Use tattoo or India ink. Tattoos should only be made from specialized tattoo ink, or carbon-based India ink. These inks are natural and react gently with your body, making the process safe and sterile. Never use other types of ink for tattoos. Some people have allergies to specific ink ingredients and pigments, but this is usually only true of colored inks. It's generally not a good idea to start messing around with colors anyway, unless you're an experienced tattoo artist. Never use pen ink or other varieties of ink to make a tattoo, unless you want an infection and terrible-looking art on your body. Do it right. Get the other necessary sterilization supplies. Because the risk of blood-borne infection is much higher in tattoos done outside the parlor, it's absolutely essential that you take your tattoo seriously and only use brand-new, just-out-of-the-package, sterilized supplies to give yourself a tattoo. The best way to get everything you'll need is to invest in a starter kit, again, which are available for about a hundred bucks. To get started, you'll need: New tattooing needles A disposable container for the ink Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) Cotton balls or soft batting Rubber gloves Tattoo goo, A&D, or Bacitracin for aftercare Choose a simple design. When you're giving yourself your first tattoo, it's probably not the time to ink that sick panther wearing a camo bandana and slashing through the outline of Uranus across your arm. Go with a simple outline-style tattoo, something that you'll be able to add to later if necessary. A few words, or a simple line drawing? Now you're talking. Good first-tattoo ideas include: Hand-print style lettering Small line-drawings of animals Stars Crosses Anchors Hearts Prepare your body. To make the tattoo process as easy as possible, you need to be clean and prepare the tattoo area. Be sure you haven't drunk any alcohol for several hours, and that you aren't on any blood-thinning painkillers (such as aspirin) or other drugs when you're ready to start inking. Shower, dry yourself, and change into clean clothes, so that you're as clean as possible before you begin. Shave the area that will be tattooed. Using clean strokes with a fresh blade, shave the area you'll be tattooing, plus a decent margin of skin in the surrounding area. Shave even if there doesn't seem to be any hair. The razor is more accurate than your eyes. Prepare your space. Choose a clean, flat surface with plenty of light, where you'll be able to work. Wash the surface thoroughly with soap and water and let it dry for a few minutes, then use a disinfectant to remove any trace amounts of bacteria. Afterward, lay down a thick layer of paper towels all over your work area to prevent staining any furniture or flooring. Ventilate the room by opening a window or turning on a fan. The pain can make it kind of a sweaty process, so it's good to keep the room cool. Apply the design to your skin. Depending on the design that you're trying to tattoo, you might want to go freehand, although this is pretty uncommon, or (more likely) work from a stencil, which is basically like a temporary tattoo. This is the most common way that professional tattoo artists provide a guide from which to work: Draw the design on a sheet of paper or print it out from your computer, then place the design on the stencil paper. Use a stencil liquid, like StencilStuff or StencilPro, and spread the liquid over the area. Place the stencil on the skin with the purple side down, smoothing the stencil out flat. Let it sit before carefully removing the stencil from the skin. Allow the skin to dry completely. Sterilize your equipment. The main risk of a home tattoo is the risk of infection. Take steps to keep everything as clean as possible, only using absolutely new, sterile equipment to complete your tattoo. Sterilize your needle. Just before you plan to give yourself a tattoo, drop your needle in a pot of water and boil it for five minutes. Spoon it out and let it cool on a clean paper towel for a moment, then soak it in rubbing alcohol and carefully wipe it down with a new towel. Pour your ink cleanly. Wipe down the ink container with a rubbing alcohol-soaked paper towel, then pour in a small amount of ink in gently. Lay another towel across it to prevent dust from falling into it. Use less ink than you think you'll need. A little tattoo ink goes a long way, and you can always pour more if you need it. Also keep a clean glass of water handy for cleaning your needle during the process. Put on clean rubber gloves. Have the box on hand and be ready to change them regularly, as your hands get sweaty. Load the needle with ink to get started. When you're ready to start tattooing, dip your needle into the ink and position the stylus so that your hand is steady. Turn on the tattoo gun, line up the needle with the guide line, and get started. You need to start the machine to get the needle moving before you attempt to start the tattoo. Never stick the needle into the skin before turning it on. Using your other hand, keep the skin to be tattooed as tight and flat as possible. It's very important to give yourself a good canvas on which to tattoo. The flatter the better. Some tattoo guns can be auto-loaded with ink by screwing a canister of tattoo ink directly into the gun. If you have access to one of these guns, you don't need to dip the needle, obviously. Push the needle into your skin. It's very difficult to push a tattooing needle in too deeply because of the design of the needle will keep it from happening, but you do need to make sure it goes deep enough, at least a few millimeters. As you do, start moving it along the outline of your design. Your skin should tug just a bit on the needle when you pull it out, but bleeding should be minimal. If your skin doesn't resist when you pull the needle out, it's probably too shallow. If there is a lot of blood, the needle is too deep. Because the needle is difficult to see, it's usually better to tilt the needle at a diagonal to the skin, resting the tube rests on the skin. Outline your design. Move the needle slowly down your stencil line. Don't go farther than a few centimeters along your outline before you remove the needle, wipe the excess ink off, and keep going. Take your time and look closely at the line quality to make sure you're giving an even tattoo. The needle will be moving, so it's sometimes difficult to see exactly where it's going into the skin. Keep it moving along the line, then remove it and wipe away the excess ink to stay on track. It's a slow process. Continue filling in your tattoo. Continue tracing along the lines of your tattoo, wiping the excess ink off as you go, and re-upping the ink on the needle as you work. Keep a close eye on what you're doing and the thickness of the line. High-quality tattoos will have very even line-work, making it important that you use consistent pressure and evenness. Filling in the tattoo is generally done with a slightly larger needle, and instead of moving in straight lines, you move in gentle, tiny circles to fill in the area. For your first tattoo, this may be unnecessary, but feel free to experiment. Keep the stylus clean. Wet the needle periodically, before putting more ink onto it. Cleaning the excess ink off the needle is absolutely essential for cleanliness and a good tattoo job. If you set your needle anywhere other than the ink dish and your skin, stop and sterilize again it with a clean paper towel and rubbing alcohol. Be sure it's dry before you continue. Wipe away the excess ink regularly. Every few repetitions, use a soft paper towel to wipe away excess ink and seeping blood from your tattoo. Use a fresh towel each time. Gently clean the tattoo. As soon as you're done, apply a thin layer of Tattoo ointment, typically called A&D or Tattoo Goo, and cover the tattoo with clean gauze. Fresh tattoo work needs to be protected as soon as you're finished, to minimize the risk of infection. Never put lotion or petroleum jelly on a fresh tattoo. These clog the pores, draw the ink out, and keep the tattoo from healing effectively. It's a common misconception that Vaseline or petroleum jelly is used on new tattoos. The ointment used does resemble the consistency of Vaseline, but it's not the same thing. Don't slather ointment onto the tattoo. You only need a small, pea-sized amount for most tattoos. It's important to let the tattoo heal as quickly and naturally as possible, which it can't do if its constantly covered in goop. Don't immediately wash your tattoo. If you used sterile products, you should let the tattoo alone and let the inflammation calm down a bit before you try to clean it. Cover the tattoo and leave it alone. Bandage up. Use a clean, soft gauze bandage to completely cover the tattoo. Be gentle, as the area will likely be somewhat tender from the tattooing process. Bind it in place with medical tape or stretch wrapping, loosely. Leave the bandage on the tattoo for at least the first two hours, if not the rest of the day. This is a very important part of the process. Don't start messing with it, just because you want to see your work. Wait. Clean your workspace. Throw away the ink in your vessel, the needle from the gun, the gloves, and the rest of the equipment that you used. This stuff cannot be reused, if you want to give yourself sterile, clean, and effective tattoos. Only use new, clean products when you're giving a tattoo. Remove the bandage and gently clean the tattoo with water. The first time you clean your tattoo, use a small amount of cool water to gently clean the surface of the tattoo using your hand. Don't soak the tattoo, or run it under water. This is very important. Avoid soaking the tattoo for the first 48 hours of the job. After the first rinse, use soap and warm water to clean the tattoo gently that night before you go to bed. After two days, you can start cleaning it normally, when you shower. Keep a thin layer of ointment on the tattoo 2-3 times a day for about two weeks. Keep a close eye on things to make sure there are no signs of infection , and visit a medical professional immediately if you think your tattoo may be infected. | Buy a tattoo machine. Use tattoo or India ink. Get the other necessary sterilization supplies. Choose a simple design. Prepare your body. Shave the area that will be tattooed. Prepare your space. Apply the design to your skin. Sterilize your equipment. Load the needle with ink to get started. Push the needle into your skin. Outline your design. Continue filling in your tattoo. Keep the stylus clean. Gently clean the tattoo. Bandage up. Clean your workspace. Remove the bandage and gently clean the tattoo with water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Dream-Job | How to Get Your Dream Job | To get your dream job, start by considering what you enjoy doing, like drawing or interacting with people, and think of careers where you can focus on those things. Additionally, determine what skills you have, like retail experience or a nursing degree, and consider what type of jobs these could be used in. Additionally, join a professional organization, such as a marine mammal trainers association if you want to work with dolphins, to network and continue your education. Then, look for an internship to get more experience in your field and find potential employers. | Think about what makes you feel happy and fulfilled. The first big step to getting your dream job is identifying what roles, positions, or skills make you feel happy and fulfilled. Your dream job should be a position that you truly love to do, day in and day out, despite any challenges or obstacles that you may come across. Think back to any times when you were happiest and the most fulfilled. This could be something you enjoyed doing as a child, such as drawing or writing, which could then lead to a dream job in the arts like graphic design or creative writing. Maybe you loved building structures with legos as a kid, which could lead to a dream career as an architect or a builder. You should also consider activities you do now on your off time that you enjoy, such as a recreational sport or a hobby. If you love playing hockey for example, you may consider getting into the retail sport business or starting your own hockey club. You may be doing certain skills or roles in your current job that you enjoy and may want to leverage as ways to transition into a dream job. If you like the people management side of your current role, for example, you may want to consider a career in human relations or a more people focused role. Identify your personal values and ideals. When you think about your dream role, you should think about your personal values and ideals. Your personal values are the core beliefs or ideas that are the most important to you. Identifying your personal values can allow you to really focus on what you are passionate about in your career. Consider some guiding questions to help you identify your personal values: Identify at least two individuals you respect or admire. Think about why you admire them. What characteristics do they possess that you admire or appreciate? Think about what you would change or shift in your community. This could be a small issue or a larger issue. Consider what issues or problems get you the most riled up when you talk to others. Try to identify any themes or common ideas in your answers to these guiding questions. These could then be your personal values, which can help you identify your priorities in life. You can use these priorities to get a better sense of what your dream job might entail. Write down your personal goals. Personal goals can motivate you to pursue a certain career option or an educational option which could then become your dream job. Writing down your personal goals forces you to be self reflective and consider what activities or moments are meaningful to you. You can then use these goals to focus on what you are passionate about and how you can achieve your passions, or your dream role. Create a schedule for your personal goals so you are motivated to achieve them. Depending on how complex or simple the goals are, you may have different timeframes for each personal goal. Do a best possible self exercise. This exercise can help you to visualize a best possible future self and home in on your dream job or role. Even if you do not have a clear picture of your best possible self, it will help you get better insight into your goals, motivations and passions for the future. It will also require you to be self-reflective and use critical thinking to determine where you see yourself in several years. Use a prompt to do this exercise: “Think about your life in the future. Everything in your life has gone as well as it possibly could. You have achieved your life goals and realized your dreams. Write down what you see.” Write to this prompt three days in a row for 20 minutes a day. On the fourth day, read over your responses. Underline or circle any themes, goals, or ideas that appear multiple times in all three writing responses. These repeating ideas could be useful guides for where your passions might lie and how you can achieve them. Determine your skill set. A big element of achieving your dream job is having the necessary skills to acquire the job. Depending on the skills required for the job, you may be able to learn these skills or work toward learning these skills while you are doing the job. You should consider what skills you already possess as you pursue your dream job, as this can give you the confidence boost you may need to really go for the job. For example, if you already have a background in human resources and have several years experience working closely with others in teams, you may be able to translate these skills into practical skills for a dream job working as an HR representative. If you have extensive knowledge of hockey and strong connections to individuals in the sports community in your area, you may be able to lean on these skills to start your own hockey club. Research the educational requirements for your dream job. To increase your chances of landing your dream job, you will need to show potential employers or investors that you have the educational requirements for the job. Depending on the dream job you are pursuing, you may only need to take a few continuing education classes to understand the key elements of a field of study, or you may need to consider enrolling in a program to get a degree that will allow you to get hired to do your dream job. Do an online search of the educational requirements for a particular role or job and talk to a career advisor at your school. If your dream job is to be a dolphin trainer , for example, you should get a good sense of the educational requirements and the skillset required to qualify for the position. You can then decide if you would like to pursue the career and enroll in the necessary degree program. You can also ease into your new career by keeping your full-time job and taking night classes that will help you get one step closer to your dream. Over time, you may ask your employer for a work schedule that allows you to go to school part time and gain the education you need for your new, dream career. Identify the skills required for your dream job. To get a better sense of the expectations of your dream job, you should research the skill set required to attain the job and do well in the role. You may find you already have some of the skills required for your dream job or have skills that could be useful when transitioning into your dream job. If your dream job is to be a forensic psychologist , for example, you may realize you have several skills or traits that may help you become successful in the role. You may have strong problem solving skills, strong observational skills, and excellent people skills. Having these skills may give you a leg up on others who are also pursuing your dream job. Reach out to mentors, teachers, and other professionals. Get advice and guidance on what it will take to land your dream job by talking to mentors, teachers, and professionals in the field you are pursuing. You should try to find a mentor who is currently doing your dream job or who works closely with individuals who have your dream job. Be willing to listen to their advice and ask them if you can shadow them for a day to learn more about your dream role. You should also ask the mentor, teacher, or professional about the most important thing they have learned in their role and how it has helped them to become successful. Find out more about what you can do to get to where they are and to achieve your dream job. Join a professional association that relates to your dream job. A professional association or organization can be a great way to meet potential mentors, employers, and peers. If your dream job is to be a dolphin trainer, for example, you may join a marine mammal trainers organization in your area. These professional associations can also offer continuing education courses to further your skills and networking sessions where you can get to know potential employers, bringing you one step closer to achieving your dream role. Look for opportunities that offer hands on experience in the role. Hands on experience in your dream job can help you to confirm you would like to pursue the role and to get a better sense of a typical day in your dream job. Internships, fellowships, and volunteer positions can be good ways to get hands on experience and to learn from a more senior individual in the field. You may qualify for internships or fellowships once you complete the education required for your dream job or you may be able to apply for an internship or a fellowship based on your existing skillset and education. Volunteer roles are also good ways of getting some first hand experience and training, especially if you still exploring your dream role and do not yet have the educational requirements for the role. Translate internship positions into full time positions. If you manage to get an internship position, you should try to network and connect to as many individuals in the organization as possible. Make your presence known at the company or organization and show that you are willing to learn from more senior individuals. Being a good intern can show the organization that you may also be a good full time employee and you may be able to use your passion, charisma, and eagerness to learn to your advantage. It may also be useful to talk to your supervisor or boss at the end of your internship about possible part time or full time positions at the organization. Even a small part time role could lead to a more extensive position and help you get one step closer to your dream job. Tailor your resume to your dream job. Before you send out resumes to potential employers, you should tailor your resume to reflect the educational requirements and skillset needed for your dream role. Doing this will show employers that you are aware of the requirements of the dream role and have considered what you as an employee can offer them. If your dream job is to be a dolphin trainer, for example, you should list any educational experience that relates to the role and any hands on experience you have working with animals, even if the animals are not dolphins. If you belong to a marine mammal trainer association, you should also make note of this to show employers that you are part of the community and are actively involved in the field. Demonstrate passion, drive, and an eagerness to learn in your job interviews. While you may not have all the educational requirements or the skills needed for the role, you can use your passion, drive, and eagerness to learn to show employers you are a good candidate for your dream job. Often, employers are looking for employees who will be motivated, self sufficient, and able to think of their feet. Demonstrating that you have these skills may help to make up for your lack of expertise or hands on experience, as passion and drive can often be more enticing to employers. | Think about what makes you feel happy and fulfilled. Identify your personal values and ideals. Write down your personal goals. Do a best possible self exercise. Determine your skill set. Research the educational requirements for your dream job. Identify the skills required for your dream job. Reach out to mentors, teachers, and other professionals. Join a professional association that relates to your dream job. Look for opportunities that offer hands on experience in the role. Translate internship positions into full time positions. Tailor your resume to your dream job. Demonstrate passion, drive, and an eagerness to learn in your job interviews. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Inject-Into-a-Vein | How to Inject Into a Vein | Before you inject medication into a vein, have the patient squeeze a stress ball or rapidly open and close their hand to make the vein easier to see. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol and wrap a tourniquet around the arm, then carefully insert the tip of the needle into the vein at a 45° angle. Pull back the plunger, and if you see blood, take off the patient's tourniquet and slowly push down the plunger until all of the medicine has been delivered. Remove the needle and immediately apply pressure and a bandage to the injection site. | Wash your hands. Before handling the medication or needle, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. Rub the soap between your hands and fingers for 20 seconds. Then, dry your hands completely using a clean towel or clean paper towels when you finish rinsing. To further minimize the risk of infection or contamination, you may also wish to wear sterile, disposable medical gloves. Gloves are not always necessary but may be required in a healthcare setting. If you need a timer while you're washing your hands, hum the happy birthday song to yourself 2 times. This will take about 20 seconds. Insert the needle into the medicine and pull back on the plunger. Take out a clean, unused needle and insert the tip into the medicine vial. Draw the correct dosage into the syringe by pulling back on the plunger of the syringe. Only administer the exact dosage prescribed by the doctor. Do not use any more or less. Follow any additional instructions provided by the doctor concerning the proper preparation of the medication. Always inspect medications to verify that they are safe to use. The medication itself should be free of debris and discoloring, and the bottle should not have any leaks or signs of damage. Hold the syringe with the needle facing up and push out any excess air. After you have drawn the required amount of medication into the syringe, turn the syringe so that the needle is pointed up. Then, gently tap the side of the syringe to knock any air bubbles to the surface. Depress the plunger just enough to press the air out of the syringe. Always make sure that the air is out of the syringe before delivering the injection. Place the syringe on a flat, clean surface. After you finish pushing the air out, place a sterile cap over the tip of the needle to protect it and place it on a sterile surface until you're ready to use it. Do not allow the needle to come into contact with any non-sterile surface. If you drop the needle or accidentally touch it, prepare a new injection. Have the person drink 2 to 3 glasses of water. When the body is properly hydrated, blood pumps through the veins more readily, making those veins larger and easier to see. It's harder to locate a vein on a person who is dehydrated. If you suspect that the person is dehydrated, ask them to drink 2 to 3 glasses of water before you deliver the injection. Juice, tea, or decaf coffee can also help to rehydrate the person. If the person is severely dehydrated, they may require intravenous fluids. Continue to look for a vein if they're unable to drink fluids. Look for a vein on the arm near the inside of the elbow. The veins in this area of the arm are the safest to inject into and they are usually easier to find here as well. Ask the person if they have a preference about which arm you inject into. Then, look at the person's arm to see if you can spot a vein. If not, you may need to bring it to the surface. When delivering frequent injections, alternate arms every other day to prevent the veins from collapsing. Use extreme caution if you're injecting into the hands or feet. The veins here are often easier to find, but they are also more fragile and can collapse easily. Injecting into these areas can also be quite painful. If the person is diabetic, don't inject into their feet because it's too risky. Never inject into the neck, head, groin, or wrist! There are major arteries in the neck and groin, which can increase the risk of overdosing, losing a limb, and even dying from an injection. Wrap a tourniquet around the arm to bring a vein to the surface. Wrap an elastic tourniquet 2 to 4 in (5.1 to 10.2 cm) above the injection site. Use a loose overhand knot or simply tuck the tourniquet ends into the band to secure it. For injections delivered to the inner elbow, make sure that the tourniquet is tied above the mound of the bicep and not over the bicep itself. The tourniquet must be easy to remove. Never use a belt or other stiff piece of fabric as this will distort the shape of the veins. If the vein is difficult to see, consider tying the tourniquet over the shoulder to help squeeze blood into the arm. Instruct the person to open and close their hand. You can also give the person a stress ball and ask them to squeeze it and release it several times. Watch to see if the vein becomes more visible after about 30 to 60 seconds of this. Palpate the vein with your fingers. Once you find a vein, place one finger over it. Use this finger to gently press up and down in a gentle bouncing motion for 20 to 30 seconds. This should cause the vein to expand and become slightly easier to see. Don't press too hard! Use gentle pressure to palpate the vein. Apply a warm compress to the area if the veins still aren’t visible. Warmth causes the vein to dilate and grow, making it easier to find. If you need to warm the injection site, microwave a damp towel for 15 to 30 seconds and place the warm towel over the vein. You could also soak the injection site directly in warm water. Other options for warming up the entire body include drinking a warm beverage, like tea or coffee, or taking a warm bath. Never administer an injection to someone who is in a bathtub! Depending on the effects of the injection, this may put them at risk of drowning. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol once you identify a viable vein. Make sure that the skin at the injection site is clean before delivering the injection. Once you have a vein that is ready to use, wipe the injection site with an isopropyl alcohol pad. If you do not have prepared cleansing pads, soak a sterile cotton ball in isopropyl alcohol and use that to clean the area. Insert the syringe into the vein at a 45 degree angle to the arm. Remove the prepared needle from its sterile resting place and carefully insert the tip into the vein at the injection site. Insert the needle so that the medication will be injected in the same direction as the blood flows. Since veins carry blood to the heart, inject the medication so that it also flows to the heart. Make sure that the syringe's bevel is facing up when you do this. If you have any doubt or question about the proper placement of the needle, check with a qualified doctor or nurse before injecting into a vein. Only begin the injection once you can clearly identify the vein you'll be injecting into. Injecting medication meant for intravenous delivery into another part of the body can be dangerous and may even be fatal. Pull back the plunger to confirm the needle is in the vein. Carefully pull the plunger back by a small amount and watch the syringe to see if blood comes into it when you do this. If there is no blood, you are not in the vein and you will need to remove the needle and try again. If you draw dark red blood, you have successfully hit a vein and can proceed with the rest of the process. If the blood comes out with notable pressure and appears bright red and foamy, you have inserted the needle into an artery. Immediately pull the needle out and apply direct pressure to the site for at least 5 minutes to stop the bleeding. Be especially cautious if you've hit the brachial artery in your inner elbow because excess blood outside the vessel can damage your hand function. Try again with a new needle once the bleeding has stopped. Remove the tourniquet before you deliver the injection. If you applied a tourniquet before inserting the needle, take the tourniquet off at this time. Injecting with a tourniquet still in place may cause the vein to collapse. If the person has also been squeezing their hand into a fist, instruct them to stop at this point. Depress the plunger slowly to inject the medication into the vein. It's important to inject slowly to avoid putting too much pressure on the vein. Push the plunger with slow, steady pressure until all of the medication has been delivered. Remove the needle slowly and apply pressure to the site. After delivering the medication, remove the needle slowly and immediately apply pressure to the injection site. Press a piece of gauze or a cotton ball over the injection site for 30 to 60 seconds to stop the bleeding. If bleeding is excessive and does not stop, call for emergency medical care. Bandage the injection site. Cover the injection site with a fresh piece of sterile gauze, then hold the gauze in place using medical tape or an adhesive bandage. This will help to keep pressure on the site after you remove your finger from the gauze or cotton ball. After bandaging the injection site, the process is complete. Seek medical attention for emergencies. There are several complications to watch for after administering an injection. You might notice the issue right after an injection, or in the days following it. Seek medical attention immediately if: You hit an artery and can't stop the bleeding. There's a hot, red, swollen area at the injection site. You injected into the leg and the leg is painful, swollen, or unusable. An abscess develops at the injection site. The arm or leg you injected into turns white and becomes cold. You accidentally jab yourself with a needle that was used on someone else. | Wash your hands. Insert the needle into the medicine and pull back on the plunger. Hold the syringe with the needle facing up and push out any excess air. Place the syringe on a flat, clean surface. Have the person drink 2 to 3 glasses of water. Look for a vein on the arm near the inside of the elbow. Wrap a tourniquet around the arm to bring a vein to the surface. Instruct the person to open and close their hand. Palpate the vein with your fingers. Apply a warm compress to the area if the veins still aren’t visible. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol once you identify a viable vein. Insert the syringe into the vein at a 45 degree angle to the arm. Pull back the plunger to confirm the needle is in the vein. Remove the tourniquet before you deliver the injection. Depress the plunger slowly to inject the medication into the vein. Remove the needle slowly and apply pressure to the site. Bandage the injection site. Seek medical attention for emergencies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Work-at-an-NGO | How to Work at an NGO | Working at an NGO is likely to be the right move for you if you enjoy helping people and agree with the organization's goals or mission. You'll have a better chance of landing the job if you volunteer for a local charity first, since this will look good on your resume. Try to gain some work experience in the field you want to go into as well, like tutoring if you want to work as an educator abroad. You'll also need to complete a college degree, since most NGOs will only take candidates with a bachelor's degree at a minimum. When you're ready to apply for NGO jobs, visit sites like NGO Job Board or NGO Recruitment to find out what's on offer. | Think about what you want to do. Take some time to think about what, exactly, you want out of a job. NGO salaries are often very low, so if you're looking to make a lot of money, they may not be the best option. However, if you want to travel, provide aid to people, or work toward a specific, moral goal, NGOs may be a perfect fit. Look for an NGO that matches your goals. Seek out an NGO that is concerned with the same issues you are. If you want to travel to foreign countries, look for groups like World Vision or CARE International. If you want to work in a specific field, like education, sports, or animal care, look for an organization with jobs in that arena. Try to find 4 or 5 large NGOs you would enjoy working for, that way you have options when applying for a job. Groups like the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations offer full, searchable NGO databases broken down into areas of interest. Find their mission statement and organization goals. Though most NGOs are dedicated to some sort of activist or humanitarian goal, the specific aims of each group will vary wildly. Using their website and informational handouts, look for a listed mission statement and point-by-point group goals. Make sure any NGOs you're interested in align with your moral and ethical beliefs. Find out what they look for in job applicants. Different NGOs have different needs based on their specific mission. Look closely at what your NGO requires and work toward meeting and exceeding their expectations. This information can typically be found on the group's website under a 'Careers' or 'Get Involved' section. Some groups, like Acumen, look for individuals with general degrees and work experience in similar positions. Some groups, like Doctors without Borders, look for trained, licensed professionals. Volunteer at local charities. Since NGOs specialize in activism and aid, charity work is extremely important. Take time to volunteer at your local food bank, homeless shelter, and similar organizations, taking on leadership roles if at all possible. If given the choice, NGOs will hire those with significant volunteer experience over those with little or none. Groups like VolunteerMatch can help you find local charities and non-profit organizations looking for volunteers. Learn a second language. Though not essential for all NGOs, learning a second language will be a great asset for groups specializing in international travel and aid. Popular languages like Spanish, French, and Chinese, are always good, though you may get further with small languages isolated to specific areas of interest, such as: Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, or Marathi for India. Persian, Farsi, Arabic, or Kurdish for the Middle East. Tagalog or Cebuano for the Philippines. Get real-world experience through local jobs and internships. If possible, take a local job or internship related to the NGO you hope to work for. This could be as simple as working at an animal shelter if you hope to go into animal rights, or serving as a tutor if you hope to do education work overseas. For smaller cities and towns, internships are often available through government boards and services. If you're in school, look for internship opportunities through your degree program. Get a college degree. Though some NGOs recruit high school graduates, most organizations give precedence to those with a bachelor's degree or higher, with some even requiring graduate-level studies. If possible, work toward a degree in a field related to your organization, such as medicine or cultural studies, or something that can translate to many different NGOS, such as accounting, marketing, or computer science. Entry-level NGO jobs will often require a bachelor's degree, though the specific major usually doesn't matter. Upper-level and specialized NGO jobs will often require a particular bachelor or master's degree, such as in education, public health, business management, or urban planning. If you don't have a degree, still apply! In some cases, organizations will wave education requirements if you have significant work or volunteer experience. Look for job openings or internships. As with all professions, NGOs have sporadic job openings, so keep an eye out for what they have listed and when more become available. If no positions are listed, contact the organization's Public Relations team to see if you can leave your resume. In addition to each organization's website, NGO job openings can be found at places like NGO Job Board, NGO Recruitment, and Idealist.org. Prepare your resume. Create a version of your resume that places emphasis on relevant work experience, prior volunteer work, and education, in that order. Include a 2 to 3 sentence Summary at the beginning of the document paraphrasing the resume and stating your commitment to the NGO's goal. Along with listing your general duties at each job and charity, include a brief statement about what you personally achieved, such as: Created and managed 3 fundraisers for the local crisis center. Helped build houses for 12 low-income families. Ran multiple community center seminars on preventing child abuse. Write a specialized cover letter. Just like applying for regular jobs, prepare a short, clear cover letter to send with your resume. In addition to work experience and qualifications, include 2 to 3 sentences about what you can bring to the organization's mission and why you care about this type of work. Small anecdotes are fine, but cover letters are supposed to be brief, so make sure the stories are short and relate to your qualifications and goals. For humanitarian organizations, include something like “Throughout my life, I've always wanted to help people, and I believe now more than ever that this is the best way to do that.” For education organizations, include something like “My dream has always been to teach, and I believe I can have a greater impact through your organization.” For medical organizations, include something like “I love the work I do, and I want to use my skills to help those who truly need it.” Apply for the position. Double check your resume, cover letter, and any additional texts you are required to submit. Then, take a deep breath and send in your application. If you're lucky, they may request an interview or skill test to see if you're right for the organization. If not, it simply means your dream job is located somewhere else, so keep applying! Remember, major organizations receive tons of applications every year, so a rejection is not a statement about your qualifications or character. Have a successful job interview. If you get called back for a job interview, take some steps to make sure it goes well. Dress in business formal attire, make sure you are clean and groomed, and refresh yourself on the specifics of the job you applied for. Arrive early, bring a copy of your resume, and remember your manners. Most interviewers will ask questions about your background, and though many of these are position-specific, some common ones include: “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” “Why do you want to work for our organization?” “Why are you interested in this line of work?” Stay dedicated to the cause. When you do something for a long time, the initial spark of motivation may start to dull. If that happens, take some time to remember why you took this job and how your work is making a difference. Go back over the NGO's mission and goals, talk to coworkers about how you're feeling, and try to remember why this work means so much to you. For short-term work, try to stay in touch with the people or groups you helped via letters, e-mails, or phone calls. For long-term work, take pictures throughout the process, that way you can truly see the impact you've had. Be aware of world news and politics. Activism and humanitarian work often change what they do or how they do it in response to major events and political shifts. Make sure to read the news from a variety of sources, especially those located in countries you work with, and stay up to date with laws, polls, and movements related to your cause. Many NGOs offer internal newsletters or a list of resources so employees and volunteers can stay current. Be flexible with work. Some NGO positions will act like a standard 9 to 5 job where you simply clock in and clock out. Others will place abnormal, potentially taxing demands on where you live, when you work, and what you do. Be flexible with your employer and try to live a lifestyle that can accommodate these expectations. If you travel a lot, try to minimize your belongings or keep them relegated to small, compact digital devices. If you work strange hours, try to find long-distance friends you can stay connected with when nearby friends are not available. Plan a family with your job in mind. Many NGOs, especially those working in third-world countries, war zones, and refugee camps, have practically no work-life balance, a fact that can strain family relationships. If you're looking for a significant other, try to find someone who understands your job and how important it is to you. If you already have a spouse or children, make sure to spend as much time with them as you can and listen to any concerns they have about your job. | Think about what you want to do. Look for an NGO that matches your goals. Find their mission statement and organization goals. Find out what they look for in job applicants. Volunteer at local charities. Learn a second language. Get real-world experience through local jobs and internships. Get a college degree. Look for job openings or internships. Prepare your resume. Write a specialized cover letter. Apply for the position. Have a successful job interview. Stay dedicated to the cause. Be aware of world news and politics. Be flexible with work. Plan a family with your job in mind. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Instant-Coffee | How to Make Instant Coffee | To make instant coffee, start by microwaving1 cup of water for 1 minute. Then, in a separate mug, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of instant coffee and 1 tablespoon of cold water. The cold water will dissolve the coffee so it tastes better. Finally, pour the hot water you microwaved into the mug and stir everything together with a spoon. | Heat up a cup of water. To heat a cup of water quickly and easily, microwave it for 1 minute. You could also heat it on the stovetop using a pot or kettle. Heat it over medium-high heat, then take the water off of the stove just before it starts to boil. For 1 serving, heat 1 cup (240 mL) of water. Use more water if you want to make additional servings. Using a kettle will make it easier to pour the hot water into your mug. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of instant coffee to a mug. Check your instant coffee container's label to see how much you should use to get the best taste. Most companies recommend using 1 to 2 teaspoons for 1 cup (240 mL) of water. Dissolve the coffee with a tablespoon of cold water. Mixing the coffee with a bit of cold water gently dissolves it. Gently dissolving the coffee instead of shocking it with hot water will improve the flavor. Pour the hot water into the mug. Add the water carefully, especially if you're not using a kettle. Remember to leave room for milk or creamer if you don't like your coffee black. Mix in sugar or spices, if desired. For a richer coffee flavor, add sugar or spices after mixing the coffee with hot water. If you'd like, add a teaspoon of sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, or allspice. Add milk or cream if you’re not a fan of black coffee. Spoon dairy milk, almond milk, or another non-dairy option, cream, or flavored creamer into your coffee. The right amount to use depends on how light or dark you like your coffee. You can also skip the milk or creamer and drink your instant coffee black. Stir your coffee and serve it. Give the coffee a good stir before enjoying it or serving it to someone else. Mix it until it's uniform in color to evenly blend the milk and sugar (if you're using them). Mix 2 teaspoons of instant coffee with 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of hot water. Heat the water in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir the coffee and hot water together until the coffee granules are dissolved. Mix your coffee in the glass you want to drink from or in a separate cup. Just make sure the cup you use is microwaveable. If you'll pour the coffee over ice in a separate cup, microwave the water in a measuring cup or other vessel with a spout. Stir sugar or spices into the warm mixture, if desired. If you're using sugar or spices, add them before the ice and cold water or milk. Sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and other ingredients will dissolve better in the warm mixture. Add 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of cold water or milk to the warm mixture. For creamier iced coffee, use cold milk instead of water. Stir until everything is combined and evenly distributed. Pour your cold coffee over some ice. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, and slowly pour your cold coffee over the ice. If you made the coffee in the glass you want to drink from, just add ice to it. Serve the instant iced coffee immediately. Sip your iced coffee straight from the glass or add a straw to it. Serve or drink it before all the ice melts and waters it down. Mix a tablespoon of instant coffee with 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of hot water. Heat the water in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Add the instant coffee, and stir until the coffee granules are completely dissolved. Combine the water and coffee in the mug you plan on using. The mug should fit at least 1 cup (240 mL). Add sugar or spices, if desired. If you like your latte sweet or flavored, add a teaspoon of sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, vanilla extract, or a flavored coffee syrup. Add it to the mug and stir until it's well combined. Shake 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of milk in a sealed jar. Pour the milk into a lidded microwave-safe jar, seal the lid, then shake it hard for 30 to 60 seconds. This will froth the milk for your classic latte. Microwave the milk uncovered for 30 seconds. Remove the jar's lid, then heat the milk. The foam will rise to the top of the warm milk. Pour the hot milk into the mug. Use a large spoon to hold back the froth as you pour the hot milk into the coffee base. Gently stir the mixture until it's uniform in color. Top the latte with the milk foam or whipped cream. Spoon the milk froth from the jar over the latte, or add a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness. Garnish with a sprinkle of spices and serve the latte immediately. Lightly dust the milk foam or whipped cream with cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa, or other spice of your choice. Sip or serve it promptly while it's hot and the milk is still frothy. Set up your blender and plug it in. Take your blender out of storage, make sure it's off, and plug it in. Double check that you have the lid and that it fits tightly. Add the ice, instant coffee, milk, vanilla extract, and sugar to the blender. Combine 6 ice cubes, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, ⁄ 4 cup (180 mL) of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons of sugar. If you'd like, you can also add 2 teaspoons of chocolate syrup. Blend the mixture on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it becomes smooth. Put the lid on the blender and turn it on. Hold your hand on the lid as you blend everything until the ice is completely crushed. The final product should be smooth and thick with a smoothie-like consistency. If the consistency is too thick, add a little bit more milk. If the consistency is too thin, add an ice cube. Pour the coffee shake into a tall glass. Turn the blender off and remove the lid, then slowly pour the shake into the glass. You may have to use a spoon or spatula to scrape the sides. Garnish with a swirl of chocolate syrup or chips. Add final touches like whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or shaved pieces of chocolate. Try topping the shake with whipped cream, then dust it with cocoa or drizzle chocolate or caramel over it. Serve your coffee shake immediately. Start sipping or serve your shake before it has a chance to melt. Drink it straight from the glass or with a large straw. A spoon might come in handy, especially if you've garnished it with chocolate shavings or whipped cream. | Heat up a cup of water. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of instant coffee to a mug. Dissolve the coffee with a tablespoon of cold water. Pour the hot water into the mug. Mix in sugar or spices, if desired. Add milk or cream if you’re not a fan of black coffee. Stir your coffee and serve it. Mix 2 teaspoons of instant coffee with 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of hot water. Stir sugar or spices into the warm mixture, if desired. Add 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of cold water or milk to the warm mixture. Pour your cold coffee over some ice. Serve the instant iced coffee immediately. Mix a tablespoon of instant coffee with 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of hot water. Add sugar or spices, if desired. Shake 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of milk in a sealed jar. Microwave the milk uncovered for 30 seconds. Pour the hot milk into the mug. Top the latte with the milk foam or whipped cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of spices and serve the latte immediately. Set up your blender and plug it in. Add the ice, instant coffee, milk, vanilla extract, and sugar to the blender. Blend the mixture on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it becomes smooth. Pour the coffee shake into a tall glass. Garnish with a swirl of chocolate syrup or chips. Serve your coffee shake immediately. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Clay-Pot | How to Make a Clay Pot | To make a clay pot, start by rolling some moist clay into a ball. Then, use your thumb to press an indent into the center of the clay that's about 1/4 of an inch from the bottom. Next, hold your thumb in the indent you made and rotate the clay as you pinch the sides with your finger to widen the hole. Continue doing this until you're satisfied with the size of the hole and the thickness of the sides. Finally, flatten out the bottom of your pot so it's able to rest on a flat surface. | Knead the clay. Start with about 1/2 pound (.25 kilos) of clay. Slowly warm it and work out the air bubbles by kneading it with your hands. This will even out the clay's consistency, eliminating lumps of soft spots, and make it more pliable and easier to work with. Take care to avoid folding, poking, or other actions that could add air pockets and bubbles to your clay—these could cause your pottery to explode in the oven. Slice your clay in half with a stiff wire, and check for bubbles or gaps. Once your clay is kneaded, try one of the methods below to make your own pot. See the wikiHow article How to Knead Clay Once the clay is warm and pliable, take a fist-sized clump and roll it into a long rope called a coil. The diameter of the coil will determine the thickness of your pot's walls. For your first pots, roll your coils out till they're a little thicker than a pencil, and about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) long, and of uniform thickness. You may get thin or weak spots as you roll your coil out. Try avoiding that section as you work, but if it becomes a problem just break the coil at the weak spot, set one part aside, and finish the other. Create the bottom. Starting from one end, wrap the coil in a spiral until the bottom is the size you have in mind. For example, for a pot using coils about 1/4 inch (.6 cm), your base might be 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter. You can also create the bottom by rolling out some clay to about the same thickness as your coils, and then trim the excess with a knife, using cup or plate as your guide. Prep the clay and start working. Score the outer 1/4 (.6 cm) inch of the bottom, and dampen with water or slurry (a thin mix of clay and water). Do the same with the bottom of the coils as you work. This will improve the clay bond and make your pot stronger. Lay the first coil on top of the base, and wrap it around, building up the wall. Strengthen your pot. To make your work durable, strengthen the clay bond by smoothing down the inside of the pot, forcing down the clay from the upper coil into the joint below it. To maintain the shape of your pot, support the outside of the pot as you smooth the inside. You can smooth both inside and outside if you wish. Shape your pot as you make it. Create your contours by adjusting the placement of the coils, and shaping the clay during the smoothing and strengthening process. Finish your pot. Add any decoration or glazing as desired, and depending on what kind of clay you are using you may air-dry your pot, bake it, or fire it in a kiln. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the correct method. Make a ball. Roll the clay into a ball, and make sure it's moist. Make a hole. Punch your thumb into the middle of the clay ball, to about 1/4 inch (.6cm) from the bottom. Work the sides. With your thumb and forefinger, pinch the clay and press upwards. Work all around the inside, and with each pass, pinch from the bottom and move up, repeating until your vessel has the shape you want. Flatten the bottom. Press from the inside, against the table you're working on, so that the bottom is smooth and flat. Smooth out the inside and outside of the pot, as desired. Decorate, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for curing and finishing your pot. For more detailed information, see How to Make a Pinch Pot. Smack your clay. Throw it firmly from hand to hand, smacking it into a ball shape. Dry your wheel. This will help the ball of clay adhere to the wheel once it starts spinning. The last thing you want is a ball of wet clay flying across the room. Have some water. Place a bucket of water where you can easily reach it to wet your hands while you work. Throw the clay. Throw down the ball of clay as close to the center of the wheel as you can, then press it down into a conical shape. Start spinning. As you build up speed, wet the clay, and with one hand on the side of the clay lump, and the other side on top of it, ease the clump towards the middle. Use the upper hand to keep the clay from flying out of control. You can tell the clay is centered when it no longer looks like it's wobbling, but sitting stationary in the center of the spinning wheel. Don't stop spinning. Wet your hands. Then work the clay into a cone, then press it down into a thick disk. Repeat this step a couple times. This is known as "wheel wedging" and helps to condition the clay. Make sure you keep the clay centered as you work. Push a thumb into the middle of the spinning mass, until it's about 1/2 inch (1.5cm) from the bottom. Push 4 fingers into the hole, and work them around until the hole is as big as you would like. Continue working the hole, using a hand on the outside of the clay to shape your pot. Work slowly. Gradually pull the clay up with even pressure, until it's the desired height. Spread the top. If you want it a bit wider at the neck, just pull back with your inside fingers. Don't do it too hard. Remove the finished pot from the wheel. Wet the wheel (not the pot) and using a stiff wire or fishing line, and holding it with both hands, pull it from the back of the pot towards you until the pot is separate from the wheel. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for finishing and firing your clay pot. | Knead the clay. Slice your clay in half with a stiff wire, and check for bubbles or gaps. Once your clay is kneaded, try one of the methods below to make your own pot. Once the clay is warm and pliable, take a fist-sized clump and roll it into a long rope called a coil. Create the bottom. Prep the clay and start working. Strengthen your pot. Shape your pot as you make it. Finish your pot. Make a ball. Make a hole. Work the sides. Flatten the bottom. Smooth out the inside and outside of the pot, as desired. For more detailed information, see How to Make a Pinch Pot. Smack your clay. Dry your wheel. Have some water. Throw the clay. Start spinning. Wet your hands. Push a thumb into the middle of the spinning mass, until it's about 1/2 inch (1.5cm) from the bottom. Push 4 fingers into the hole, and work them around until the hole is as big as you would like. Work slowly. Spread the top. Remove the finished pot from the wheel. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for finishing and firing your clay pot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Yams-on-the-Stove | How to Cook Yams on the Stove | To cook yams on the stove, try boiling them for a quick and easy option. First, you'll need to wash and peel 1 pound of yams. Then, chop the yams into cubes. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, put the yams in the pot and cover it with a lid. Let the yams cook for roughly 10 to 15 minutes, then drain them. Serve them with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Alternatively, you could roast yams in a skillet. Prepare the yams in the same way and heat 2 teaspoons of coconut oil in the skillet. After the coconut oil has melted, add the yams and stir to coat them in the oil. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of dried parsley, and cinnamon to taste. Let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes. | Clean and peel the yams. For the recipe, you'll need 1 pound (450 g) of yams. Run them under cool water and scrub them gently with a clean produce brush. Rinse the yams again with cool water, and use a vegetable peeler to remove their skin. 1 pound (450 g) usually amounts to 2 medium yams. If you don't have a vegetable peeler, you can use a paring knife to remove the skin. Trim and cut the yams into cubes. When the yams are peeled, use a sharp knife to trim away the ends and any woody bits. Next, chop the yams into bite-size cubes -- aim for cubes that are about ½- to 1-in(1.25- to 2.5-cm) in size. However big or small you cut the yams, make sure that they're roughly the same size so they'll cook at the same rate. Combine the water and salt and bring it to a boil. Fill a medium pot about halfway with water. Sprinkle a pinch of salt into the water, and place it on the stove. Heat the water on high until it comes to a full boil, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. A 2 quart (1.9 l) pot is usually large enough for the yams. Add the yams and cover the pot. Once the water is boiling, drop the yam cubes into the pot. Place the lid on the pot to cover it. Cook the yams until they’re tender. When the yams are in the pot, allow them to cook until they are tender on the outside but a bit resistant in the center when you pierce them with a fork or knife. It should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes. If you want particularly soft yams, cook them for 20 to 25 minutes. Drain the yams in a colander. When the yams are as tender as you'd like, remove the pot from the heat. Place a colander in the sink, and pour the yams into it to fully drain all of the water from them. Mix the yams with the butter, salt, and pepper. Place the boiled yams in a large bowl, and add 1 tablespoon (14 g) of butter and salt and pepper to taste. Toss the mixture well, so the yams are fully coated with the butter and seasonings. You can add whatever spices, herbs, or seasonings that you like to the yams. Cinnamon is a common option, but you may prefer some spices with heat to contrast with the yams' natural sweetness. Cayenne, paprika, and chili powder can be tasty. Serve the yams while still warm. When the yams are coated with the butter and seasonings, transfer them to a dish or platter. Pair them with your favorite main course, such as roast chicken, steak, pork chops, or mild fish. Peel and cut the yams. For the recipe, you'll need 4 medium yams. Use a vegetable peeler to carefully remove the skin. Next, use a sharp knife to chop the yams into large chunks. You can also use a knife to remove the skin. It's easy to cut yourself, though, so take your time. Try your best to make the chunks as uniform in size in possible. This will ensure that they'll cook evenly. Place the yams in a pot and cover them with water. Add the chopped yams to a medium pot, and cover them with water. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon (3 g) of salt into the pot and stir gently. Bring the mixture to a boil. Place the pot on the stove, and heat the yams on high. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Lower the heat and cook the yams until tender. When the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium. Let the yams cook until they are tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork or knife, which should take about 20 minutes. Heat the milk and butter. While the yams are boiling, add ½ cup (118 g) of milk and 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter to a small saucepan. Allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat for about 3 minutes or until the butter melts completely. Drain the yams and return them to the pot. When the yams are fork tender, remove the pot from the heat. Place a colander in the sink, and pour them into it to fully drain the water from them. When the excess moisture is removed, place the yams back in the pot. Mix in the milk mixture and remaining salt and mash the yams. Add the butter and milk mixture and ½ teaspoon (3 g) of salt to the yams. Use a potato masher to mash the yams until they are smooth and the milk and butter are fully incorporated. You can use an electric hand mixer to mash the yams if you want them to be completely lump-free. Garnish the yams with the scallions and enjoy. When the yams are nice and smooth, transfer them to a serving bowl. Sprinkle 3 sliced scallions over the top of the mashed yams, and serve while they're still warm. Adding the scallions is an optional step. You can omit them if you prefer. Peel and chop the yams. For the recipe, you'll need 1 large yam. Use a vegetable peeler to take off all of the skin, and dice the yams into ½-inch (1.25-cm) cubes with a sharp knife. Heat the coconut oil in a skillet. Add 2 teaspoons (9 g) of coconut oil to a large skillet. Place the skillet on the stove, and allow the oil to heat until it melts completely, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. You can substitute olive oil for the coconut if you prefer. Add the yam and stir well. Once the coconut oil is melted, add the chopped yams to the skillet. Mix them well to ensure that they are well coated with the coconut oil. Mix in the salt, parsley, and cinnamon. When the yams are coated with the oil, add ½ teaspoon (3 g) of sea salt, 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) (2 g) of dried parsley, and ground cinnamon to taste to the skillet. Stir well to ensure that all of the seasonings are fully incorporated. You can substitute other seasonings for the cinnamon and parsley if you prefer. For a spicy kick, try smoked paprika, cayenne, or chipotle pepper seasoning. Cook the yams until they’re crispy. Once the yams are seasoned, allow them to cook until they get nice and crispy on the outside, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to stir the yams occasionally so they don't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. Transfer the yams to a dish and serve them while warm. When the yams are as crisp as you'd like, remove them from the stove. Place them in a serving dish, and pair them with your favorite main course, such as roast chicken, pot roast, or pork chops. Finished. | Clean and peel the yams. Trim and cut the yams into cubes. Combine the water and salt and bring it to a boil. Add the yams and cover the pot. Cook the yams until they’re tender. Drain the yams in a colander. Mix the yams with the butter, salt, and pepper. Serve the yams while still warm. Peel and cut the yams. Place the yams in a pot and cover them with water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and cook the yams until tender. Heat the milk and butter. Drain the yams and return them to the pot. Mix in the milk mixture and remaining salt and mash the yams. Garnish the yams with the scallions and enjoy. Peel and chop the yams. Heat the coconut oil in a skillet. Add the yam and stir well. Mix in the salt, parsley, and cinnamon. Cook the yams until they’re crispy. Transfer the yams to a dish and serve them while warm. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Caulk-a-Shower | How to Caulk a Shower | To caulk a shower, start by lining the joints you'll be caulking with painter's tape, which will help keep the caulk straight and uniform. Then, load a caulk gun with caulk designed specifically for use in showers. When you're ready, position the tip of the caulk gun at the beginning of one of the joints, and squeeze the handle so caulk starts coming out. As you're squeezing the handle, move the caulk gun along the joint. Once you're finished filling in the joint, smooth out the caulk with your finger while it's still wet. Repeat the process with the rest of the joints in the shower. Finally, remove the painter's tape while the caulk is still wet, and let the caulk cure for 24 hours before using the shower. | Slice away any old caulk. There are a variety of tools you can use to remove the caulk , but it's most effective to slice it off with a razor scraper, utility knife, or five-in-one painter's tool. Using quick, sharp strokes, slice under the length of all old caulk beads. Go along each edge of the caulk with your blade to get it removed. If you are caulking a new shower, there won't be any caulk for you to remove. Note that metal blades and chemical caulk removers can damage plastic tubs. Use a plastic blade if your tub or shower is made of plastic. Pull out loosened pieces old caulk. Once you have loosened the caulk with a knife, pull it off using your fingers. In most cases, if you sliced along both edges of the caulk thoroughly, you will be able to grab one end and pull a long strip out all in one piece. If you can't get a section out easily, cut along the edges again and try to pry it out with the knife. Clean out any debris and residue in the seams. After you slice off the majority of the caulk, there will likely be some small pieces left on the walls. Scrub the sides of the shower with a dry, nonabrasive pad or sponge to remove as much of the old caulk as you can. Follow that by wiping down the surface with rubbing alcohol or scrubbing it with a multi-surface cleanser to remove any remaining caulk, shower scum, or grease. If your old caulk was made of silicone, use a pad or rag soaked in mineral spirits to break down any remaining bits of caulk. Use a soft rag and not an abrasive one, so that the shower surface is not scarred. Wipe the area down and then let it dry. Use a damp, clean rag to wipe all seams. This will remove any cleaner, caulk dust, and other dirt from the area. Then dry down the area thoroughly with a dry rag, hair dryer, or paper towels. You can also simply let the area sit until you are sure the seams are all completely dry. If you leave debris or dirt on the surface, the new caulk will not stick as well and not last as long. Line the joints with painter's tape. Place a strip of tape on either side of each joint being caulked. The lines of tape should run parallel to each other and be spaced roughly 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) apart from each other. The tape is being used to help keep the bead of caulk straight and uniform. Pick a caulk that is made for use in showers. When selecting a caulk for your shower, use one labeled "Tub and Tile" or "Kitchen and Bath," as these are chemically formulated to resist mildew and to stick to smooth surfaces like your shower. In particular, there are 2 types of caulk usually used for showers: Silicone: This is a very flexible, tough, and waterproof caulk. On the downside, it can also be difficult to smooth and may require the use of mineral spirits to clean up. The color range can also be fairly limited. Acrylic latex: This caulk is easier to apply, clean up, and smooth out. It also comes in a wider range of colors. However, it dries harder and shrinks more than silicone caulk does, so acrylic latex caulk will probably have a shorter lifespan. Pick out a professional-grade caulk gun. Cheaper guns tend to be less predictable and may lead to sloppier application. A professional-grade gun applies more consistent pressure. A cradle caulk gun will produce the best, most even pressure and is a better long-term investment than a frame caulk gun. If using the latter, though, get one that is labeled as being "dripless." A professional level caulk gun typically does not cost a lot. Power caulk guns can be very pricey, but all you need is a professional hand-powered caulking gun, which might fit into your budget better. Trim the nozzle of the caulk container. Trim it near the tip, cutting it off at a 45 degree angle. The hole should be smaller than the joints you are sealing. As a general rule, the hole of the tube should actually be 2/3 the size of the joint you are filling. The measurement for most showers should be about ⁄ 16 inch (0.48 cm). Use a utility knife with a fresh blade or a 1-inch (2.5-cm) wide, razor-sharp chisel to cut the tip off the nozzle. Some tubes of caulk will even have a line on the nozzle to indicate the point at which you should cut. Smooth out the edges of the tip after cutting it off, if necessary. If a piece of plastic remains hanging on the nozzle after being cut, pare it down with your utility knife or a piece of sand paper. Otherwise, this little burr can prevent the bead from being smooth. Puncture the inner seal in the caulk tube. Push a nail or small dowel down inside the tip of the caulk to puncture the seal. The seal is at the back end of the tip where it meets the tube. This releases the caulk into the tip and allows you to apply it. If a nail does not prove long enough, use a thin, stiff wire, such as electrical wire or a coat hanger. Load the tube into the caulk gun. How you insert the tube depends on what type of gun you have. In most cases, you will start by pulling the plunger of the gun out to its fully extended position. Then put the tube in the chamber of the gun and push the plunger down into the core of the tube until it stops. In some cases, once the plunger is in place it will put enough pressure on the tube that caulk will start coming out of the tip right away. Just be prepared for this and catch any caulk coming out with a moist rag. Give the handle a little squeeze. After placing your caulk tube in the caulk gun, give the handle a slight squeeze to begin the flow of the caulk. Release the pressure off the handle once you see the caulk at the tip and clean off any excess with a moist rag. This brings the caulk right up to the tip of the caulk tube, so it will be ready when you bring it up to the shower joint. Position the caulk gun tip at the top of the seam you're starting on. The hole in the tip should be pointed at the center of the joint and should be in contact with the joint. Also, position the tip at a 45-degree angle down the line of the joint so that the tip is pointing slightly in the opposite direction of how you will be moving down the joint. Apply even pressure as you move the caulk gun along the joint. Press the trigger gently to release the caulk bead into the joint. As you move the caulk gun along the length of the joint, continue applying even pressure to create an even line. You can either push or pull the gun. It is entirely a matter of preference, so do whichever option feels most comfortable to you. If you are right-handed, try bracing the nozzle with your left hand and squeezing the handle with your right. For left-handed individuals, try the opposite. Match the speed you move the gun to the speed the caulk is flowing. As the caulk starts to come out, keep moving the gun along the seam you are filling. If the rate at which the caulk is flowing differs too much from the rate at which you move the caulk gun, you could end up with too little or too much caulk along the seam. If you move the caulk gun too fast, the bead will become too thin and will break into chunks along the seam. If you move the caulk gun too slow, you will end up with excess caulk in the seam, wasting caulk and making smoothing out the seam cleanly more difficult. Smooth the caulk while it is still wet. Use a dampened finger or a moist, lint-free cloth rag to smooth out the bead of caulk immediately after applying it. If using a rag, press it into and along the caulk with your finger to apply enough pressure to make the bead smooth. If using your fingertip, clean your finger off periodically with a damp rang to prevent the caulk from smearing beyond the seam. You can also press the bead down with masking tape to create an even line. Just be sure to pull the tape away before the caulk starts to get tacky. Work in a continuous motion to avoid inconsistencies and to create a smooth, concave line. If you can do the caulking and smoothing at once, you will save yourself time. Place the tip of your index finger over the joint as you caulk. By applying a small amount of even and consistent downward pressure, you will be able to apply and smooth the caulk at once. Smoothing is essential for both aesthetic and practical purposes. During the smoothing process, the caulk is forced to adhere more securely to the surface it fills and the finished product looks more neat and professional. Wear a disposable nitrile, latex, or vinyl glove to protect your fingers from wear and tear and to keep them clean. Wearing gloves makes the process much easier to clean up afterward since the glove can simply be removed and thrown away. Clean up with a damp rag or mineral spirits, if necessary. Clean up any areas where caulk has accidentally gotten on the shower surround before it dries. For acrylic caulks, use a damp rag to clean up mistakes. For silicone caulks, wipe down any excess caulk with a soft cloth rag soaked in mineral spirits. Remove the tape before the caulk is dry. Peel the tape off slowly and do not let it touch any of the fresh caulk. If the tape left ridges of caulk behind along the edge, clean these up by smoothing the area out again with a damp rag or damp finger. Pull the tape off at a downward, outward angle. This will keep the removed tape away from the bead, minimizing the chance of messing it up. Let the caulk cure before using the shower. Look at the label on your caulk tube for curing times. In most cases, it's a good idea to wait at least 24 hours before running the water or using the shower. If you run the water over the caulk before it finishes curing, you might rinse some of it away or cause it to smear and run, creating a big mess and weakening its seal on the seam. Some quick-curing caulks only need to cure for about 30 minutes before you can get them wet. | Slice away any old caulk. Pull out loosened pieces old caulk. Clean out any debris and residue in the seams. Wipe the area down and then let it dry. Line the joints with painter's tape. Pick a caulk that is made for use in showers. Pick out a professional-grade caulk gun. Trim the nozzle of the caulk container. Puncture the inner seal in the caulk tube. Load the tube into the caulk gun. Give the handle a little squeeze. Position the caulk gun tip at the top of the seam you're starting on. Apply even pressure as you move the caulk gun along the joint. Match the speed you move the gun to the speed the caulk is flowing. Smooth the caulk while it is still wet. Clean up with a damp rag or mineral spirits, if necessary. Remove the tape before the caulk is dry. Let the caulk cure before using the shower. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Less-Intelligent-People | How to Deal With Less Intelligent People | It can be frustrating when you have to deal with less intelligent people, but with some patience and understanding, it'll be easier to keep your cool. If the person is confused about something, just ask them how you can help them understand. You might say, “I see you're struggling with this project. How can I help?” It may be difficult, but try to recognize the person's strengths as well as their weaknesses. For instance, the person may seem less intelligent, but they might also be more efficient or have other skills you aren't aware of. Keep in mind that it takes some people longer than others to settle into a new environment, and that's okay. If you're patient and let them ask questions, likely they'll adjust and do a better job eventually. | Don't call the person out. One of the worst things you can do when dealing with people who are less intelligent than you is to let them know that you think they are stupid. This will only make them angry, which means they will not be listening to you. If you want to communicate effectively with people, never tell them you think they are stupid (or insult them in any other way). If you get frustrated with someone who just doesn't seem to understand something, try asking them what you can do to help them understand, instead of insulting them for their lack of abilities. For example, you could say, "I see you're struggling to understand this math problem. How can I help?" Look for their strengths. Everyone is good at something, so try to hone in on other people's talents. A person may be less intelligent than you, but have better people skills or be a faster typist. Recognizing that all of these skills are important and valuable will help you appreciate others more. Encourage the person by pointing out their strengths and complimenting them, even if they are struggling with other things. For example, you could say, "I know you're having a hard time getting used to the computer system, but you did a great job interacting with the customers today." Be empathetic. No matter what you think of other people, you should always treat them as you would want to be treated. Being kind and respectful, regardless of how you feel about someone, will make it much easier to get along. If you're having trouble being empathetic, take a moment to try to see the world through the other person's eyes. This may help you recognize their unique talents and appreciate how hard it is to deal with people who are more intelligent. Don't start arguments, even if you truly believe the other person is wrong. This will most likely be futile and will just frustrate you. If you feel the need to express your point of view, consider saying something like, "I think ________, but your idea is interesting too," instead of, "You're wrong. The right way to do this is ________." Think carefully before reporting them at a workplace. Sometimes it's best not to say anything about another person's lack of intelligence, even if you are forced to work with them. Be sure to carefully consider whether reporting the situation will benefit you in any way. If you work with the person, be sure to think about how your boss might react to your comments before you report them. If you determine that any negative reaction is worth the risk, be sure to approach the situation by talking about specific facts, rather than your own opinions of the person. If you go to the school with the person and have to work with him on a project, treat the conversation with your teacher the same way you would if you were an employee talking to your boss — stick to the facts. You could say something like, "I noticed that X is having a lot of trouble operating the computer system, and it's really slowing down the team. The team completes 15 tasks on average while X completes only six or seven. I think they could benefit from more training, or possibly being assigned to a different task." Adapt to the person's learning style. Everyone learns differently, and it may be easy to assume that someone is less intelligent just because they have a different learning style than you. Instead of jumping to these conclusions, try asking people how they learn and tailoring your approach to their preferences. Some questions you might ask to determine the person's learning style include: "How do you find it easiest to keep track of a project? Do you keep lists? A chart? Do you work well with a recorder?"; "If you don't know how to spell a word, how do you figure it out? Do you sound it out, write it down and look to see if it seems right, or do you spell it in the air with your finger?"; "How do you best learn new information? By taking notes, repeating the information back, or by doing things yourself? Do you remember things better when you read them or when someone tells you the information?" You can use your own observations, too. For instance, do you notice the person is fidgety and unfocused when sitting and working, but is focused and happier while doing more tactile tasks and using their hands? Do they like to speak but seem reluctant to read information? For visual learners, use charts, lists, flashcards, checklists, and written notes. For auditory learners, use conversation, recordings, and mnemonic devices. For kinesthetic and tactile learners, use role playing and hands-on experimentation. Encourage questions. If you want to help less intelligent people learn, you need to make them feel comfortable asking questions. If they feel intimidated by your superior intellect, they may be ashamed to show their lack of knowledge by asking questions, which will inhibit them from learning anything new. Make sure this doesn't happen by always showing people that you are willing and able to answer questions and that you do not pass judgement. If you're explaining something at length, consider stopping periodically and asking if there are any questions. It can be easier to ask questions as soon as you stop understanding something than waiting until another person is finished with a lengthy explanation. Give the person some time. It may take some people a little longer to settle into a new environment, especially if they feel that everyone around them is smarter. If you are dealing with less intelligent people at school or work, go easy on them and give them a little extra time to get comfortable. You may just find that they can really contribute once they get acclimated. Being nice can help newcomers get settled quicker. If you see that a newcomer is falling behind, consider saying something like, "I'd be happy to help you with that if you want. It can be confusing for people who aren't used to our system." Help the person find their strengths. Sometimes people are not entirely sure what they are and are not good at. If you're stuck working with someone who seems unintelligent due to their lack of competence in a specific area, see if you can think of a way to give them a different job. For example, if you are working on a research project and they have been doing a terrible job gathering data, try suggesting that you finish collecting the data while they work on analyzing it. You may just find that they are much more competent at this new task. Be as nice as possible when suggesting the switch. It may help to simply express that you would like the opportunity to try the work they have been doing, so you don't have to risk offending them by telling them they are doing a bad job. Recognize that disability doesn't always mean low intelligence. People may speak differently, move differently, or not speak at all while being of average or above-average intelligence. Just because someone speaks very slowly or avoids eye contact does not automatically mean they are less intelligent. Some disabled people have an intellectual disability. Some do not. Instead of making assumptions, get to know them as a person, and accommodate their needs. Recognize the pitfalls of high intelligence. While intelligence is generally a good thing, there are benefits to being less intelligent as well, so don't write off a less intelligent person as useless. For example, less intelligent people tend to be more efficient than highly intelligent people, perhaps because they are able to concentrate on a single task for longer. Less intelligent people can also be very hardworking, because they are used to having to work harder in school. Consider your own shortcomings. Before you jump to the conclusion that someone is less intelligent than you, take a moment to self-reflect. You may find that the problem is you, not the other person. It's a mistake to assume someone is less intelligent simply because they don't seem to understand your request or direction. The problem might be how you communicate. Perhaps you have vast knowledge on a subject that the other person doesn't know much about. You may be talking over their head, assuming they have the same base knowledge as you. While advanced science may come easy to you, the person with whom you are speaking may struggle with scientific concepts, but be a fantastic communicator. Try to simplify how you communicate and don't assume that something that seems obvious to you is clear to everyone else. People who are less intelligent than average tend to rate themselves as average or even above average. This means that it's very likely that you might have an inflated perception of your own intelligence compared to that of your peers. Keep this in mind before you decide that someone else is stupid. Stop trying to prove your intellectual superiority. Even if you are more intelligent than the people around you, constantly showing off your intelligence is not in your best interest. This kind of behavior is not only annoying, but it can also hold you back from success. Try being less in your face about your own intelligence, and you may just find that you are able to get along better with other people and climb the corporate ladder faster. View it as a lesson. If you have to work with people who are less intelligent than you and there's nothing you can do to get out of it, it will be to your benefit to make the best of it. Learning to work well with difficult people is a great skill for anyone to have, so try to see this experience as a beneficial one for you. Keep in mind that complaining about your unintelligent classmates or coworkers will consume a lot of energy and probably make you feel worse about the situation, so it's probably not worth it. Do your best not to let contempt show. If the people you are working with know that you don't like them, they will dislike you as well, which will only make it more difficult to work with them. | Don't call the person out. Look for their strengths. Be empathetic. Think carefully before reporting them at a workplace. Adapt to the person's learning style. Encourage questions. Give the person some time. Help the person find their strengths. Recognize that disability doesn't always mean low intelligence. Recognize the pitfalls of high intelligence. Consider your own shortcomings. Stop trying to prove your intellectual superiority. View it as a lesson. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Raise-the-pH-of-a-Fish-Tank | How to Raise the pH of a Fish Tank | Before raising the pH of your fish tank, use a digital tester or chemical test to check the water and assess how much you need to adjust the pH. When you're ready to treat your tank, measure out 1/2 tsp (~5.4 g) of aquarium buffer for every 5 gallons (19 l) of water. Then, dilute the buffer with water and stir it into the tank. Repeat the process daily if the pH is still too low. | Understand what pH is. When referring to a fish tank, pH reflects the number of hydrogen ions present in the water. You can change the pH by diluting the water to reduce the number of hydrogen ions or by adding hydroxide, carbonate, or bicarbonate molecules. The pH will change as the ratio of the molecules changes. For instance, adding either bicarbonate molecules or hydroxide molecules will increase the pH in most cases. Coral rock and substrate contain bicarbonates, which can affect the pH of the tank. Note that high pH levels can lead to ammonia toxicity and the toxicity of ammonia is greater in higher pH water. Be sure that your water is free of ammonia before you raise the pH. Determine the correct pH for your aquarium. Different fish thrive in different environments, and there is no one pH level that will work for all types of fish. If you are unsure about the correct levels for your aquatic life, consult your aquarium shop or local pet store. You can also do research online or in the library or even seek out a social media group of knowledgable aquarium enthusiasts. Here are some general guidelines: Saltwater fish thrive with a pH of 8.0 to 8.3. Many tropical and saltwater fish will do fine from 7.0-7.8. Avoid keeping fish in a tank with a pH of less than 7.0. (Unless you have adequate buffering to ensure a good stable pH, such as if you have a heavily planted aquarium. However, for the vast majority of aquarists and hobbyists, an acidic pH is neither prudent nor advisable.) Use a digital tester for a fast reading. Depending on the pH and alkalinity of the tank, you may need to test your tank pH once a day, week, or month as well as after any major changes to the tank. Digital testers are fairly easy to use, but they need to be calibrated first. After you've calibrated them, simply place the tip of the tester in the water and take your reading. Digital testers can be purchased online. Be sure to calibrate (zero out) the tester regularly as recommended by the manufacturer and follow the instructions for using the tester, as they vary by type and brand. Use a chemical test for a more cost-effective approach. Performing a chemical test has several steps. Contained in your kit should be a glass tube, color card, and pH test solution. Be sure to always read and follow the instructions contained in your kit, as the details will vary. Test kits can be purchased online. Measure out 1/2 tsp (~5.4 g) of aquarium buffer for every 5 gallons (19 l) of water. Purchase aquarium buffer from an aquarium shop. The buffer contains bicarbonate as well as sodium carbonate, which is more effective than using plain bicarbonate or baking soda. Do not attempt to drastically alter the pH of your tank. Gradual pH changes are safer for your fish. Dissolve the buffer in water and add it to your tank. Mix your pre-measured buffer with a little bit of water to create a solution. Add this to a high-flow area of your tank to ensure it mixes in quickly and give it a gentle stir. Make sure to properly aerate the tank. If your tank has a filter, you can allow it to run during this process. Repeat the process each day if the pH is still too low. After a day or so, test the pH in your tank. If it has not yet reached the desired level, you may repeat this process. Continue adding 1/2 tsp (~5.5 g) of aquarium buffer for every 5 gallons (19 l) of water each day until you reach the proper pH. If the pH doesn't increase even though adding bicarbonates increases the alkalinity, it may be necessary to look into the carbon dioxide concentration of the water. The carbon dioxide concentration is mathematically linked to pH and alkalinity and if it is too high, the pH may be low even though the alkalinity is elevated. Monitor the alkalinity level of the water while you adjust the pH. Perform a water change to dilute the acidity of the water, if necessary. Cover the bottom of your tank with coral, limestone, or Texas holey rock. Certain rocks and minerals can help raise the pH in your tank. Used crushed coral, limestone, or Texas holey rock as your tank's substrate. Add enough of these minerals to create a 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep substrate. These minerals can be purchased at most pet stores. Remove your fish before adding substrate to the tank since it is quite dusty and produces a sediment that can be harmful to your fish's gills. Wait 1 week before retesting your tank's pH. Add 2 seashells for every 1 gallon (3.8 l) of water. Seashells naturally contain carbonates, which will slowly raise the pH of water when they are submerged. Purchase seashells from a craft store or pet stores, and rinse them with warm water. Place 2 clean seashells in your tank for every 1 gallon (3.8 l) of water. Seashells dissolve very slowly, so wait at least a week before testing your pH again. Never use shells that have been painted. There is no need to remove your fish. Remove any decorative driftwood from your tank. Many people use driftwood as a decoration in their tanks. However, driftwood contains tannins (or tannic acid), which can lower the pH and soften the water in the tank. If you have placed driftwood in your tank, remove it right away. There is no need to remove your fish before removing the driftwood. Wait 3-4 days and retest your pH to see if this made a difference. | Understand what pH is. Determine the correct pH for your aquarium. Use a digital tester for a fast reading. Use a chemical test for a more cost-effective approach. Measure out 1/2 tsp (~5.4 g) of aquarium buffer for every 5 gallons (19 l) of water. Dissolve the buffer in water and add it to your tank. Repeat the process each day if the pH is still too low. Cover the bottom of your tank with coral, limestone, or Texas holey rock. Add 2 seashells for every 1 gallon (3.8 l) of water. Remove any decorative driftwood from your tank. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stand-Up-on-a-Surfboard | How to Stand Up on a Surfboard | To stand up on a surf board, start by laying on your board in the water and paddling to catch up with a wave as it approaches. Then, as you come over the edge of the wave, put your hands on both sides of the board and lift your body into a low crouch. When you're balanced in that position, move into a standing position with your feet perpendicular to the board, and your legs slightly wider apart than your shoulders. Make sure you keep your knees bent and your weight on your front leg, and stretch your arms out across the length of the board for balance. | Get in position on land. Before you get into the water, you need to practice your technique. Here's what to do: To start, lay on the board with your toes touching the tail. Make sure your hands are in the right position – don't grip the board at its sides, but instead place them flat on the board very close to your chest. Lift up your chest using your hands. Remember to not look down – instead look straight up and don't move your head. Looking down or behind you can make you scared or unbalanced. Practice your take off. This is when you go from laying on your stomach with your hands on the ground by your chest and elbows bent to pushing up your chest with your hands then popping or jumping into standing position. Standing position on a surfboard is with bent knees, feet wide apart, and feet and body facing either the left or right (your good side or whatever feels comfortable) while looking forward. You have to be good at doing quick take offs on the ground before moving to the water. When you've paddled into the wave and you feel it take you and the wave angles you down, that's when you have to quickly pop up to standing, using this technique. Don't lean forward because you may flip your board over (scary!). A low center of gravity helps that, so bend your knees. Alternatively, use the 3-step method. This is where you kneel in between laying down on the board and standing up. Move up your left foot and place it where your knee used to be. Then bring your other leg up (your right one) to fully stand up. Place them about shoulder length apart and in the center of the board, in a sort of lunging position and twist with your hips until you are standing. Put out your hands like they do in the movies – it actually works for the balance. Once you have caught the wave, go from paddling position to a kneeling position by bringing your knees forward in one swift movement. Do not lean back while kneeling or you will fall off your board. For beginners, use a foam surfboard on the right beach. A foam surfboard will be lightweight and easy to use. Make sure you're on a beach with waves that break far out instead of waves that break right on the beach – these waves are ideal for surfing. Check the weather, too. Bad weather could lead to an unfortunate accident. And as for the shoreline, stick for something that isn't too rocky. That's a recipe for disaster. Take your board and get in the water. If you have a leash, put it around your ankle. This will prevent you from losing your board. Once your board is in the water, lay on your stomach and start paddling – one arm and then the other. Paddle over the forming waves, going far back to where the waves are just mere currents. When you're ready, turn your board around and start paddling forward. You will probably catch a wave. When you do, put your hands on the board and lift your body up onto your feet. Start off crouching low and then slowly stand up with your arms out for balance. Do this until you get to shore. When a wave comes, paddle to catch up with it. You want to be there and ready when it begins to roll over but before it actually does. As you come over it's edge, raise your torso up with your arms on either side of the board. Then, if you are a righty, put your left foot in front of your body and use it to lift up your right foot. Then ride the wave left or right as it crashes behind you. For a while, you're going to be snapped off your surfboard by the water. Don't get discouraged; each time you go out into the water, you're perfecting just what it is you have to do. It's a normal part of the learning curve. Ride the wave. Combine the following factors to form a solid foundation. This will enable you to stay stable and get the maximum ride out of the wave. Place your front foot on the chest line and in a direction that goes across the deck, your back foot is placed so your legs are slightly wider than shoulder width. Keep your knees bent at all times. This will lower your center of gravity and assist you in keeping your balance on the surfboard. Push your hips forward to transfer your weight onto the front leg. Your back leg should dip in slightly to make your stance more comfortable and give you more style. Keep your arms up, especially your front arm. Out stretch your front arm so you are reaching for the nose of the surfboard, your back arm should also be outstretched but don't worry too much about it. Position your head up and looking forward. If your front arm is up, your head should be looking straight along it. Keeping your head up has been mentioned through a lot of my articles and is a major contributor in you achieving the best result from your surfing. Keep your momentum going. Once catching a wave, your hands should be at about half of the board's length and your head should be about 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) away from the front of the board. Keep your arms up in "surfer's position" to establish directionality as you ride the wave and apply pressure or extra needed weight onto your front foot in accordance with your arms in order to steer. Stand with your dominant foot on the middle of the board and your back foot about 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 m) away from the back of the board. Catch a few broken waves closer to shore. You wouldn't bet on a baby to run a marathon, so don't insert yourself in the line up right away if you don't have to. Paddle out to sea and catch a broken wave in shallower, white water nearer to the shore. Take a moment to master sitting on your board, too. While you're doing this, make sure you're always facing the waves – never turn your back on something that could seriously injure you. Anytime you're waiting for a wave, keep facing the horizon. Master the art of duck diving. This is a technique that allows you to go under breaking waves instead of getting pummeled time and time again each time you go out for a surf. There is a different technique for using a short or long board: For short boards, gain speed as you approach the wave. Around 2 feet (0.6 m) before making contact with the water, grab the edges of the surfboard between the nose and middle of your board. Push you weight onto your hands until the nose goes under. Put your head down and your body will follow. Once your body is below the surface, take your front leg and bend it down, using that knee to push the tail under the wave. This momentum will put you in the water for only a second or two. For long boards, push up your chest and let the wave pass under your body and over the board. The "shoot and scoot" method is where you sit on the back of your board and put the tail of it into the water, grabbing the edges of the board at the center so it raises above the wave. Start angling your board. You don't just want to ride a wave to shore, you want to ride it parallel to shore for as long as possible. You want the longest possible ride with the most possible speed. Here's how: Bend your knees to keep a low center of gravity. Lightly lean your weight in the direction you want to go, toward the face of the wave. This will push the rail of your board into the water and elicit a keel effect that cuts into the water, directing your board. On a long board, use the rear section of your board to turn. If you lean too far forward, the rail will dig and you'll be off in no time. Study the waves. It'll take some time, but eventually you be able to predict wave behavior. In addition to being out there and in it, just observe the waves and how they act. Eventually you'll be able to spot the wave that's just right, the one that's in the Goldilocks zone. You'll be able to tell which waves are mushy and which are hollow, determining your course of action. | Get in position on land. Practice your take off. Alternatively, use the 3-step method. For beginners, use a foam surfboard on the right beach. Take your board and get in the water. When a wave comes, paddle to catch up with it. Ride the wave. Keep your momentum going. Catch a few broken waves closer to shore. Master the art of duck diving. Start angling your board. Study the waves. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-Index-Funds | How to Buy Index Funds | To buy index funds, consider buying an ETF index fund if you don't have a lot of capital to start with since they're cheap to buy into and generally have good returns. Or, if you want a higher return on your investment, look into buying mid-size or small-cap index funds. Keep in mind that most index funds require an upfront investment of around $2,000-$3,000. You can buy them from a mutual fund company, or through a broker if you're only looking for a one-time investment. | Choose an ETF index fund if you do not have a lot of start up capital. An exchange-traded fund (ETF) will track the index of major companies on the S&P 500, which includes companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Google. These index funds are often a good bet because the stability of these companies is firm and you will likely get a good return on your investment. They also require a very low investment minimum to buy in to the fund. Going with this type of index fund will also make it easy for you to make the investment without having to pick and choose individual stocks on your own. Pick mid-size or small-cap index funds for a good return on investment. Another option is to look into index funds that focus on mid-size companies and indexes. They are less risky than small-cap index funds. However, small-cap index funds can offer a bigger return on investment in the long run, as long as you keep an eye on them. Spread out your investment by putting a larger percentage into mid-size index funds and a smaller percentage into small-cap index funds. Get index funds as part of a diversified portfolio if you want options. You can also invest in index funds as part of a larger investment portfolio that contains mutual funds and other investments. The index funds can be an addition to the portfolio and help to strengthen your investments overall. The mutual fund company or broker you buy the index funds from can tell you about how to add them to your existing portfolio or how to create a portfolio that includes index funds. Check that the index on the funds match or are close to the returns. Look up the returns for the index funds on the quote page for the funds. The quote page for the specific index fund can be found online or through your mutual fund company or broker. Check that the index funds have returns that are higher, on average, than the fees you will be paying. Only invest in index funds where the index is stable and provides a healthy return that covers the cost of the fees for the fund. Avoid index funds that have a history of not performing well or providing a consistent return. Make sure you can afford the investment minimum for the index funds. Most index funds will require an upfront investment of at least $2,000-$3,000 USD. This is a cover charge that you pay to get the index funds. Once you have paid the investment minimum, you are then cleared to start earning money on the fund in small amounts. The investment minimum can be higher or lower depending on the index fund. The investment firm you buy with or your broker can break down the investment minimums for different funds and try to find one that is within your budget. Buy from mutual fund companies who offer a range of index funds. Many mutual fund companies will have a selection of index funds you can choose from. Vanguard, BlackRock, and State Street Global are all considered market leaders for index funds. Check that the mutual fund company has the type of index fund you want before you buy. Going through a mutual fund company may be ideal if you plan to put in small amounts at a time into the index fund, as you usually will not be charged transaction fees for any deposits. Purchase the funds through a broker if you want a one-time investment. Most brokers charge a transaction fee every time you put money into the fund so you may go with this option if you plan to invest in the fund once or very rarely. This may also be good option if you already have an account with a stockbroker or want to work with a broker rather than a large mutual fund company. Keep in mind most brokers will also charge a small commission to process your purchase. Some brokers will offer free trades, with no commission fee, if you trade with them often or are a loyal client. Provide your banking information. You will need to provide the account and routing number for your bank account so you can collect returns on the index funds. The mutual funds company or broker may also access your bank account to collect the investment minimum for the index fund. Only provide your banking information to a company or individual you trust. If you are submitting this information online, make sure the site is secure and there are protections in place. Pay the fees associated with the index funds. Index funds usually have low fees and are cheaper to run than other funds or stocks. Look into the expense ratio for the index funds before you buy them. The mutual fund company you buy from or your broker should break down all fees associated with the index funds. In general, fees for an index fund attached to a large company are around 0.1-0.2 percent of the investment you make in the fund. This is usually a small fee compared to the return you will make. Pay upfront costs for the funds. You will need to pay the investment minimum for the index funds as well as any commission fees. You will only need to pay the investment minimum once to obtain the index funds so you can start earning a return. Check on the status of the index funds at least once a year. Many index funds can be managed online through an online portal set up by the mutual fund company or through your broker. Index funds are usually pretty stable and should not fluctuate or change too drastically. Get in the habit of checking on them at least once a year so you can ensure they are doing well and you are getting a good return on your investment. You should also look at whether your return on investment could be higher if you try a different index fund. You may switch to a different index fund after several years to increase your returns. Add money in small amounts to the fund to increase your returns. Get into the habit of putting in a small portion of your income into the fund once a month or several times a year to increase your returns. You can also add money to the funds if you find yourself with money to spend or you get a big windfall from your other investments. Keep in mind if you have an index fund through a mutual fund company, they will usually not charge you a transaction fee to put money into the account. A broker may charge you a fee if you go through them, so you may put in larger amounts less often to avoid paying high fees. Trade the index funds if they are not performing well. If you are not happy with the index funds or want to try a different investment, trade them through your mutual fund company or your broker. Most mutual fund companies and brokers will charge a small fee for you to trade the index funds, around $10 per trade. Cash out the index funds if you need income or want to shift your investments. You may decide to pull the money in your index funds if you are short on income and need the money to pay for your expenses. You may also decide to cash out the index funds if you want to shift your investments to another mutual fund or different stocks. Your mutual fund company or broker can help you cash out the funds. They may charge a small fee for the cash out. | Choose an ETF index fund if you do not have a lot of start up capital. Pick mid-size or small-cap index funds for a good return on investment. Get index funds as part of a diversified portfolio if you want options. Check that the index on the funds match or are close to the returns. Make sure you can afford the investment minimum for the index funds. Buy from mutual fund companies who offer a range of index funds. Purchase the funds through a broker if you want a one-time investment. Provide your banking information. Pay the fees associated with the index funds. Pay upfront costs for the funds. Check on the status of the index funds at least once a year. Add money in small amounts to the fund to increase your returns. Trade the index funds if they are not performing well. Cash out the index funds if you need income or want to shift your investments. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Water-a-Christmas-Tree | How to Water a Christmas Tree | To water a Christmas tree, start by getting a tree stand that fits the width of your tree and is deep enough to hold 4 cups of water for every inch of your tree's diameter. Once you have your tree stand, put your tree in it and fill it with water to well above the bottom edge of the trunk. Since water is all your Christmas tree needs, you don't need to put any extra chemicals or additives in the water. Every day, check the water level in the stand and fill it up as necessary so that water is always above the cut portion of the trunk. If your tree has dry needles that easily fall off the branches, check the water level since this is a sign that your tree isn't getting enough water. You may also consider cutting the bottom off the tree so sap doesn't get in the way of absorbing the water. | Place the tree in a bucket of warm water until you’re ready to set it up. If you need to store the tree for a few days, water it by keeping it in a bucket. You don't need to do anything else but keep the cut end of the trunk submerged. Check the water level daily to ensure the tree has what it needs. For the best results, keep the tree in a cool, shaded area like a garage to prevent it from drying out. Cut 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) off of the bottom of the tree to eliminate sap. This only needs to be done if your tree has been out of water for 6 to 8 hours. Saw straight across the cut end of the tree. Taking more off the tree is safe, but cut no less than than ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm). Trees cover their cuts with sap. Your tree can't absorb much water once sap covers the cut. If your tree dries out, this may be the cause. Pre-cut trees need to be cut again to eliminate the sap. If you live within 3 hours of the place, ask the dealer to make the cut when they sell you the tree. Measure your tree stand to get a tree that fits it. If you already have a stand, determine its width before attempting to bring home a tree. Some stands have metal components that prevent wider tree trunks from fitting securely in place, which leaves you with a big problem. If the tree doesn't fit, it may not be able to reach the water inside the stand. Shaving a tree's trunk with a saw to fit a stand isn't recommended since it may damage the tree's ability to absorb water. If you have no other options, it is worth a try, but try to avoid resorting to it. Select a deep stand that holds enough water for the tree’s size. As a rule of thumb, a Christmas tree needs 4 cups (950 mL) of water for every 1 in (2.5 cm) of its diameter. An average tree needs about 16 cups (3,800 mL) of water per day. Check your stand to ensure it's deep enough to hold all the water your tree needs. Many antique stands aren't deep enough to suit a tree's needs, so measure them carefully before using them. Wider trees need more water, so take this into consideration when choosing a tree. Fill the stand with plenty of water. Lift up the tree's branches to access the stand. Add the water directly to the stand with a watering can, bucket, cup, or similar object. The water in the stand is all the tree needs, but check the water level to make sure it is well above the bottom edge of the trunk. The water temperature does not matter. Cold, warm, and hot water are all the same to Christmas trees. Try using a funnel to avoid having to fight through numerous branches. For example, glue a few PVC pipes together, then set a funnel on top. Avoid adding substances to the tree’s water. Some people swear by water additives, but they aren't necessary. Tap water is all a Christmas tree needs. Additives like flame-resistant chemicals and water-holding gels may even prevent the tree from absorbing water. There are many home remedies, from sprinkling a little sugar in the water to adding commercial preservatives. They aren't proven to help, so you don't need to spend extra money on them. With proper care, a good Christmas tree may last a month or longer. Check the water level daily and fill the stand up as needed. The tree will need plenty of water, especially in the first week. Always look into the stand once a day. See where the water level is on the trunk. Fill the stand up to the top with fresh water as needed. Keep the water level above the cut portion of the trunk or else your tree will dry out! Touch the needles to see if they feel dry and fragile. For anyone who has ever been around a dried-out tree, evergreen needles leave a familiar mess. Run your hand against the needles. Dried needles will fall off the branches without resistance. These needles are easily breakable and feel dry to the touch. Dried needles are a sign that your tree isn't absorbing enough water. Check the water level inside the stand and consider cutting the bottom off the tree if sap is an issue. If your tree is very dry and not improving, remove it from the house immediately to eliminate a fire risk. Use a humidifier to provide more moisture to your tree. A room humidifier serves as a compliment to regular watering. Set the humidifier in the same room as the tree, then let it run. It will blow moisture onto the tree's needles, preventing them from drying out. A humidifier isn't a substitute for regular watering. It helps provide water to the tree, but you still need to check the stand and refill it often. Move the tree away from heat sources to prevent water loss. Various heat sources in your home will dry out the tree's branches as well as the water in the stand. Keep the tree out of direct sunlight and away from heaters and fans as much as possible. Dry trees not only die out faster, but they're a fire risk as well. Position your tree with caution and remember to check the water level in the stand on occasion. Turn off the lights in the room to keep the tree cool and dry. Tree decorations are directly on the branches, so they're a bigger concern than most other light sources in a room. Strands of lights tend to distribute lots of heat, causing the tree to use up water and dry out faster. Limit your light usage to preserve water. Get newer LED lights. They use less electricity and emit less heat than older decorations. When you're out of the room or not at home, turn off the lights to prevent the tree from drying out. | Place the tree in a bucket of warm water until you’re ready to set it up. Cut 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) off of the bottom of the tree to eliminate sap. Measure your tree stand to get a tree that fits it. Select a deep stand that holds enough water for the tree’s size. Fill the stand with plenty of water. Avoid adding substances to the tree’s water. Check the water level daily and fill the stand up as needed. Touch the needles to see if they feel dry and fragile. Use a humidifier to provide more moisture to your tree. Move the tree away from heat sources to prevent water loss. Turn off the lights in the room to keep the tree cool and dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-What-You-Want-from-Your-Parents | How to Get What You Want from Your Parents | To get what you want from your parents, ask when they're in a good mood or when you haven't recently been in trouble since they'll be more likely to say yes. Try starting with something like “Mom, you work really hard to support us and treat us to the things we like. I'm so grateful for that. Thank you.” Then, be direct with your request. For example, you could say “Dad, I want to go on a trip to Florida so I can learn to surf at the beach.” Let your parents know that you don't need a response immediately if they want to think about it for a while. This kind of patience could impress your parents and increase your chances of getting what you want. You can also offer to do more chores or get a part-time job to help pay for whatever you're asking for. This will show your parents how serious and invested you truly are. | Wait for the right moment. Take note of your parents' moods. They may be angry with you for misbehavior, frustrated with problems at work, or sad about the troubles of a friend or their partner. If they are upset in any way, now is not the time to ask for a gift or trip anywhere. Wait until they seem happy and relaxed to ask them for anything; this will increase the likelihood you get it. Even if they are happy, if you recently got in trouble, it would be smart to wait at least a few days, or until any tension or awkwardness has faded between you. Don't ask when your parents are extremely busy. Imagine someone asking you to go to the store and pick them up some almond milk, while you're in the middle of doing a huge school project. Their request would seem selfish and frustrating. Use open, positive body language. Smile. Make eye contact. Don't fold your arms. This kind of body language helps create a more friendly environment that will increase the likelihood you get what you want. Smiling lets your parents know that even though you want something, you are still relaxed. This will make you seem more approachable and help your parents relax themselves. Stand or sit with your legs wide. Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Avoid crossing your arms. All of this shows confidence, comfort, and openness. Nod when your parents are talking. Keep your head up and make regular, confident eye contact, but don't stare. This will let your parents know that you are listening and confident. Show gratitude and thanks when you ask. No one likes spoiled, ungrateful behavior. Imagine someone coming up to you and saying, “Gimme the gift I asked for already!” Most likely you will feel unappreciated and maybe insulted. You want to show your parents that the gifts you receive are valued and you appreciate the work they do to earn money and get you what you want. Try opening your request like this, “Mom, you work really hard to support us and treat us to the things we like. I'm really grateful for that, thank you.” This isn't a trick to fool them. Don't fake or force gratitude. Be sincere and it will go a long way in your conversation. Don’t use hints. Making general comments in front of your parent(s) like, “Man, the Samsung Galaxy s6 looks really awesome! It's got all these advanced features…” won't guarantee anything. It's possible your parents won't get the hint. Or they'll get it and not say anything. Either way, you don't get what you want. Be direct with what you want. An example of direct communicating is like this, “Dad, I want to go on a trip to Florida so I can learn to surf by the beach.” Having a more proactive purpose is also helpful. Consider this example, “Mom, I really want to get a laptop so I can spend more time writing and learning to build websites so I can prepare for college.” Use a delayed response. Don't approach your parents expecting an immediate yes or no. Instead say something like this, “Mom, I'm going to ask you something but I don't want an answer really quickly. Please think about it for awhile first.” This will give your parents time to consider whether they are willing to buy this gift or take you where you want to go. Using this strategy shows patience, because you are willing to wait a day or more to get a reply. This could impress your parents and lead to a better outcome for you. Be persistent. If they say no, ask them why. But don't ask them in a pleading or whining way. Be calm, ask them if there's a reason and then see what you can do about it. This way you are not just being annoying, but mature instead. It is reasonable to have a conversation about why we do anything, so long as you ask, speak, and listen with respect. Once you understand why they said no – for example, “you don't help around the house,” or “your grades are too low” – ask them how you could do better. Follow through and try to improve your behavior. Being calm and reasonable might actually impress your parents and help you get what you want in the long run. Organize your argument before approaching them. Think about what you want and why. Is it an object or an experience? Once you know what it is, ask yourself the following questions. They will prepare you for the conversation ahead: Why do you want this? Why should your parents get it for you? If you can't think of a good answer, then don't ask your parents yet. If you don't know why you want something, they're less likely to give it to you. To know what is a "good" reason to your parents, look at what they value. Depending on differences in culture and family this could be many things. Helping with family business and caring for siblings may impress some parents, whereas efforts in school and extracurricular activities may convince other parents more effectively. Figure out when they have praised and appreciated your actions; these are "good" reasons to get you what you want. It's also possible that some parents will be more impressed by logical arguments. Prepare a few good reasons why you want or need this item/trip/experience. It will show your parents you aren't just acting on impulse or cravings, and have given thought before coming to them. Some "good" examples may be that it will help you progress in school, prepare you for adulthood, or help you grow as a person. Other "good" answers may be that it will feed your imagination, bring you relief from the challenges in your life, or benefit the entire family and/or community. Reasons that focus on self-centered, or irrational wants will be less convincing. For example don't say, “because my friend has one.” Parents will often take this to mean you are just following fads, want to be like others, and won't really value the gift. Other not so "good" reasons are that you "just want it," that you “deserve it,” or that you “need to have it.” Also, complaining that they are mean parents if they don't get it for you is also unlikely to work. Look up retail prices. Check eBay, Amazon, and other used goods vendors for lower prices. If it is an experience, look for cheap travel options, as well as inexpensive places to stay. When you go to your parents and present all this information, they will know you care not just about what you want, but also about their resources. Work out how long it would take you to save up half of the cost, as well as the entire cost. If your parents are willing to split it, these numbers will come in handy during your conversation. If you feel certain it's something you won't get, try to accept that possibility. If you succeed, you'll feel much more appreciative. If you end up being right, it will help you let go of any hard feelings towards your parents. Offer to do more chores as a trade. If your parents say no, it may be because they don't think you have earned what you desire. Meet this head on and offer to work for what you want. They will likely respect you showing dedication and effort. Even if they don't agree to the deal, follow through with your suggestion anyway. It's possible over time it will impress them and you'll get what you want in the long run. It's all about showing them you are growing into a responsible person. Examples of work you could offer to do are doing laundry, cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, sweeping/vacuuming floors, taking care of pets, mowing the lawn, pressure washing outdoor surfaces, and organizing cluttered spaces. Pay for half of what you want. It's possible your parents just don't have enough free money to buy what you want. Or maybe they have the money, but just don't feel comfortable buying you something (or paying for a trip) because it is so expensive. Offering to help pay will show them you're invested and willing to work for what you want. Get a part time job to earn money. If you are too young to work legally, ask your parents if you can earn money doing small jobs for them. Save any money you earn until you have enough to pay for half of what you want (or to pay for gas on a trip somewhere). Come to your parents once you have all you need. Showing them you can plan, work, and save on your own may convince them. Improve your grades. Alongside doing chores, this may be one of the best options for improving your parents' attitude towards getting you a gift or taking you somewhere you want. Is there a specific topic you have trouble with in school? Tell your parents you're going to try harder to understand that subject. Follow through by studying and improving your grades. Show your parents the results. Ultimately, your parents want you to succeed in life, grow smarter, and set yourself up to thrive as an adult. Raising your grades is solid proof you're making an effort to do just that. See if you can make a deal with them that for each class you raise one grade level, you will get a certain gift. Or if it is an expensive gift/trip, for each class you raise a grade, they will pay for another portion of the cost. Do what they ask of you the first time. Parents are often frustrated because they feel their children don't listen to them. They wonder why they have to ask many times for children to act. Instead, be obedient as long as their requests are reasonable. Take a shower when they ask, clean up your room when they say. Follow their lead and they will feel respected. As you meet their wants and needs, over time this will make them more likely to fulfill yours. As you figure out all of the things your parents want you to do on a regular basis, start doing them before they ask. Set the table once dinner is almost ready, vacuum the house, or mow the lawn. Acting without having to be told is even more impressive and appreciated. This is a “long game” approach. If you follow this step consistently, your parents may begin to appreciate and respect your efforts more. This will benefit you any time you want something from them. Take on small responsibilities. This is similar to doing chores but the key difference here is that you don't want to act like they are awful duties you just do because you have to. Instead, offer willingly to take charge of small tasks around the house that normally your parents would do. This is another long-term strategy to show your parents that you want to give back to your family and help it grow and sustain itself. It also shows you do not resent your responsibilities. Acting this way is considered more grown-up and will earn your parents' respect. Ultimately it will contribute to getting what you want with less resistance. Any housework your parents normally do that they wouldn't ask you to do is a possible choice. Make sure you feel capable and know how to safely perform any chores before asking to take them on. Typical chores like cleaning, caring for pets, and mowing lawns are also good choices. The key here is an attitude of willingly contributing to the family's greater good. Meet their needs. Just like you, your parents have many needs. The more they are met, the more likely they will be open to giving you what you want. Take time to understand what they need and give it to them in any way you can. Parents need to know that their children are safe, and not in danger when they can't be there with them. Act responsibly when you're in front of them. Chose responsible, trustworthy friends so they do not worry as much. Parents want to feel respected, and heard. Don't insult them or call them names. When they are upset with you, listen to what they are saying and try to understand. Parents need their children to know who they are. It takes most kids until they are grown to see their parents as people. Take time to ask about their lives. Not only will it make them more likely to give you what you want, but it will help build an open, communicative relationship. Make them feel confident as parents. Another way to say this is, “make them look good.” There is no one way to raise kids, and parents sometimes feel insecure or judged about how well they are doing. Help them feel like they're doing a good job by behaving in public. Be friendly and polite around their friends or the parents of your friends. Engage in conversation with their friends, answer all the questions they ask you, and try to be as interested as possible. Show respect and politeness to your elders (not just the elderly, but all people who are older than you). Don’t complain. Even if you feel it's unfair and you deserve what you're asking for, resist the temptation to protest. It's okay to ask questions in a calm, mature manner, but grumbling and whining will confirm to your parents that they shouldn't get you what you want. It looks like you feel entitled to what you want, and this kind of attitude can upset your parents. This step applies to all your interactions with your parents. If you complain, yell, or flip out, you'll get the same in return. It's more likely your parents will get defensive and see you as misbehaving. Be happy with what you have. Take stock of all the things your parents have already provided for you. Spend time enjoying all the gifts and experiences you've already had, instead of enjoying them for a moment and then tossing them aside. Appreciating what you already have will make you happier in the long run and also show your parents that their gifts are not wasted on an ungrateful child. | Wait for the right moment. Use open, positive body language. Show gratitude and thanks when you ask. Don’t use hints. Use a delayed response. Be persistent. Organize your argument before approaching them. Look up retail prices. Offer to do more chores as a trade. Pay for half of what you want. Improve your grades. Do what they ask of you the first time. Take on small responsibilities. Meet their needs. Make them feel confident as parents. Don’t complain. Be happy with what you have. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stand-on-a-Skateboard | How to Stand on a Skateboard | To stand on a skateboard, you should probably stand with your left foot at the front of the board if you're right-handed or your right foot at the front if you're left-handed, but ultimately do whatever is most comfortable for you. Whichever foot you put forward, make sure you keep your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your knees a little bit to center your weight. As you're riding, keep your weight on the balls of your feet to help you balance. | Decide whether you would be more comfortable riding regular or goofy. There are two common stances used in skateboarding: regular and goofy. In a regular stance, the left foot is situated at the front of the board, whereas in a goofy stance the right foot is up front. Determine which stance is more natural for you by considering whether you're right or left handed. Most right handed skaters ride in a regular stance. In the end, you should do what feels most comfortable to you. Give both stances a shot and see which one you prefer. If you're still not sure which stance is best for you, picture yourself on a moving skateboard approaching a ramp, about to bust out a gnarly trick. Which foot do you have forward? Whatever you imagined automatically is likely your most comfortable natural stance. Keep your feet shoulder width apart. Start on flat ground; don't worry about the skateboard at all right now. Place your feet directly under your shoulders and assume a natural stance. In this position, your weight should be evenly distributed over each leg. This will provide you with maximal balance and control over the board. Practice shifting your weight back and forth between each leg while keeping your body aligned and your head centered and upright. This will prepare you to settle into position of stability on the board. Bend your knees and sink your weight. Bring your butt down slightly and bend your knees a little. This will center your weight in your hips rather than higher up on your body the way it is when you're standing normally. With a lower center of gravity, you'll be less likely to come unbalanced once you're on the unstable board. Loosen up. It's harder to make corrections when you're rigid. Don't crouch or sink too deep. You just want to be low enough to create a solid base. Point your head in the direction you’ll be moving. Turn your chin so that you're facing the direction you would be going if the skateboard was in motion. If you favor a regular stance, this means you'll be looking over your left shoulder; goofy riders will look to the right. You'll be able to focus your sight on the ground ahead of you to spot obstacles and ready yourself for tricks, and the position of your feet will also fall within your peripheral vision. There's a natural tendency to look down at your feet while you're trying to keep your balance. Remember, however, that where your head goes, your body follows. Stay lined up and get used to looking a few feet ahead of the board. Step onto the board carefully. Place one foot on the skateboard and make sure you've got solid footing. Then, quickly and cautiously lift the other foot and set it down beside your first foot. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart, the way you practiced. Once you've gotten on the board successfully, the hardest part is over! Don't go too fast or too slow. If you hurry, you might cause the board to shift unintentionally. If you take too much time, you could throw yourself off balance standing on one leg. Aim to step up with an easy 1-2 pattern, with about the same pace that you would walk up stairs. You're most likely going to fall a time or two as a beginner. Don't let this discourage you. After you've taken a spill, your fear of falling will begin to fade and you'll be able to better commit. Position your feet over the trucks. A good rule of thumb when you're first getting comfortable with standing on a skateboard is to stay centered over the trucks. The trucks are the long metal shafts on the underside of the board that attach the wheels to the deck (the wooden platform you stand on). Rest each foot over the bolts on the top of the board that hold the trucks in place. Don't let your feet spread out too far or come together in too narrow a stance. Conveniently, the distance between the trucks is approximately the same as your feet when in a shoulder width stance. Keep your weight on the balls of your feet. Lean your weight forward slightly until you're poised on the broad part of your foot directly behind the toes. When you're skating, you need to be able to shift and reposition to stay balanced and perform different maneuvers. Staying on the balls of your feet makes it easier to lift, slide, and pivot your feet at will, and will also allow you to absorb shock through your lower leg muscles while you're riding. Standing flat footed on a skateboard feels awkward because it essentially takes all agility out of the equation. When you're on the balls of your feet, you're ready to respond to the movements of the board. Raising up on tiptoe or letting your heels come off the board will also compromise your balance. Your entire foot should remain in contact with the top of the board; it's just a matter of where your weight is directed. Make small adjustments. Use delicate movements of the feet, ankles, knees and hips to maintain your balance on the board. Lean, tilt, pump your legs and do whatever else you have to do in order to stay upright. You can even wave your arms to steady yourself, if it helps. You should constantly be making small adjustments to keep the board under control, especially once you're in motion. It will continue to get easier the more you practice. If your feet and body are fixed in place, you will almost always come unbalanced. Try not to sway too far forward or backward. You might fall off or even tip the board over. Balancing on a skateboard is similar to standing on the deck of a boat that is rocking, pitching and swaying. It forces you to stay light on your feet. Start off on a soft surface. Set the board down in a patch of grass or on some thick carpet to make sure it doesn't roll while you're first learning how to stand on it. A softer surface will prevent the wheels from rolling and causing the board to come out from under you. Get comfortable balancing on the board somewhere stationary before graduating to the asphalt. You should ideally be fairly comfortable climbing on and off a skateboard that's resting on carpet or grass before you attempt to move to a harder surface. Not only will soft terrain lock the board in place, it will also hurt less should you happen to fall. Be careful when putting your weight over the wheels. As you step up, do so one foot after the other in a quick, smooth, controlled manner. Beware of rocking the board too far in either direction. Since this is the same action that propels the board, you can easily lose your center of gravity and send the board, and yourself, flying. It can help to remind yourself not to lean too far in any direction when stepping up. Use the grip tape for traction. Try getting the basics down on a skateboard that's covered in a layer of grip tape. Grip tape is a type of adhesive surface similar to high-grit sandpaper that is designed to increase a skater's traction. This added traction offers you greater control over the board. You'll be able to progress at a faster rate if you don't always have to worry about missing your footing. If you don't have the benefit of grip tape, at least make sure you're wearing grippy shoes and be extra aware of what you're doing when you have to move your feet. Avoid the tail and nose of the board. On either end of most types of skateboards there is an upturned edge known as either the “tail” or the “nose.” Leave these alone for now. Putting too much weight on the nose or tail will cause the board to lift up, raising one set of wheels off the ground. Needless to say, this can lead to a lot of accidents if it's your first time on a skateboard. Ensuring that your feet stay over the bolts of the trucks is a good way to keep them from drifting toward either end. The nose and tail will come into play for more advanced tricks, like manuals, ollies and most other “pop” movements, that require you to manipulate the angle of the board. | Decide whether you would be more comfortable riding regular or goofy. Keep your feet shoulder width apart. Bend your knees and sink your weight. Point your head in the direction you’ll be moving. Step onto the board carefully. Position your feet over the trucks. Keep your weight on the balls of your feet. Make small adjustments. Start off on a soft surface. Be careful when putting your weight over the wheels. Use the grip tape for traction. Avoid the tail and nose of the board. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fit-Sliding-Wardrobe-Doors | How to Fit Sliding Wardrobe Doors | To fit sliding wardrobe doors, start by using a hacksaw to cut the tracks that hold the doors in place to size. Next, install the top track, then the bottom track if your doors have one. Once the tracks are in, lift the top of the rear sliding door into the rear track guide at a slight angle, then tilt the bottom in place so the rollers align in the rear bottom track. Repeat the process to fit the front sliding door before making any final adjustments to the height of the rollers, which will keep the doors above any carpeting and let them open and close smoothly. | Remove the old doors. If you want to install completely new sliding doors, then start by removing the old doors and tracks. Lift up on the old doors until the rollers come off the track. Angle them toward you as you lower the top guide away from the top track. Remove the old tracks. Unscrew the old tracks and pry them off if necessary. For wooden tracks coated with paint, use a utility knife at the edge of the track. This will stop the adjacent paint from potentially peeling up with the track. Clean up the area. Remove any leftover debris. Precision measurements are essential for proper installation. Install a floor liner. If the closet space has carpeting or a rug that sits right next to the door, you should install a floor liner. These inexpensive liners fit beneath the bottom track. They keep carpeting or rugs from binding the door rollers. If you decide to install a floor liner beneath the bottom track, set it in place before you measure to ensure accurate measurements. Measure the space for the doors. Before you even buy doors, measure the space because not all doors are created equal. Take a horizontal measurement from the edge of the left wall to the edge of the right wall. Take a vertical measurement from the floor (or liner) up to the top of the space. Since the height from one end of the closet to the other can differ, take the height measurement at the middle and each end of the opening. Use the smallest of the measurements. Measure twice and write the measurements down to take with you. If the top of your closet space has a fascia (a decorative, overhanging accent piece), then make sure you take your measurement behind the fascia where you will install the track. If you have an existing track system that's in good shape, be sure that it will work with the new doors. Buy doors. Using your measurements, buy doors for the space. Most door sets come with corresponding tracks (typically made of aluminum) that you can cut to size. The actual rollers on the doors typically have an adjustable screw to change the lift of the roller. Look at the variance figures on the doors to ensure they'll fit your space. The combined width of the doors should equal the width of the space plus approximately 1”. This will give the doors 1/2” of overlap, ensuring you do not end up with a gap between the doors. If you buy tracks separately from the doors, remember that most tracks come sized for 1-3/8” thick doors. Thicker doors may need special-sized tracks. Cut the tracks to size. You will likely need to trim the tracks that come with the doors down to size. Measure twice and cut once to ensure you don't cut too much off the tracks. The width of the closet opening can vary from top to bottom, so measure the width at both spots to ensure you cut each track to the proper length. Most tracks are aluminum. You can easily make the cut with a hacksaw or any type of electrical saw. If using an electric saw, always wait until the blade is spinning before cutting metal. Install the top track. Since the rollers on the doors do not align perfectly with the guide on the top track, you must install the top track slightly farther back on most doors. This adjustment is tiny—approximately 5/16”. The exact adjustment will vary based on your chosen doors, so follow the instructions with your doors carefully when screwing the top track into place. Install the bottom track, if needed. Most sliding doors don't have a bottom track. If they do, though, first set your bottom track in place. Then use the pre-drilled holes to screw the track down to the floor. If your space has carpeting over a concrete slab, then put a piece of masking tape on the carpet before setting down the track. Mark the tape by poking a pen or pencil through the pre-drilled hole. Then use the marking on the tape to drill your pilot hole through the carpet into the slab before screwing the track down. Be careful if you're drilling through carpet. The drill bit can easily catch and unwind carpet loops. In fact, it's smart to cut out a small section of the carpet slightly bigger than the bit. Fit the rear sliding door. Since the doors will overlap slightly, you will need to fit the rear door before the front door. To install, lift the top of the door into the rear track guide at a slight angle, and then tilt the bottom into place. Ensure that the rollers properly align in the rear bottom track. Fit the front sliding door. Once you have the rear door in place, use the same process as in the previous step to install the front door. Adjust the rollers. The rollers at the bottom of each door typically have an adjustable screw to slightly raise the door. Adjust the door height to raise the door, which will give a bit more clearance for the rollers and keep the wheels from binding with carpet. Some designs will snap the rollers into place along the track as you adjust the height screw. Other sliding door designs may have a small switch on the roller assembly that locks the roller into the bottom track. Follow the directions on your specific doors. | Remove the old doors. Remove the old tracks. Clean up the area. Install a floor liner. Measure the space for the doors. Buy doors. Cut the tracks to size. Install the top track. Install the bottom track, if needed. Fit the rear sliding door. Fit the front sliding door. Adjust the rollers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Yoga-Mudra-for-Thyroid-Conditions | How to Use Yoga Mudra for Thyroid Conditions | To use yoga mudra for thyroid conditions, use prana mudra for hyperthyroidism and prithvi mudra for hypothyroidism. Start by getting into the yoga position of your choice and relaxing your hands. Then, using gentle pressure, touch the correct spot for the mudra you're performing with your thumbs. For the best results, practice each mudra for at least 30 minutes every day. You can also add 10-15 minutes of breathing techniques, like kapal bhati, to your daily routine for even more benefits. | Find a time and place to practice. Mudras can be done anywhere, anytime. However, you'll need to keep your hands still throughout the practice. Watching TV or listening to the radio are great things to do while practicing a mudra. The length of the show can help you keep track of the time you spend in the mudra. Some practitioners believe that meditating while performing a mudra increases its benefits. So you may prefer to limit distractions. 30 minutes per day is recommended for maximum benefits. Choose the right mudra. There are many mudras. Each one corresponds to a different element of the body, and each performs a different function. There are several mudras that people practice for thyroid disorders. Use prana mudra for hyperthyroidism. Use prithvi mudra for hypothyroidism Bring the thumbs to touch the correct place. This is the base of most mudras. Relax the hands and let the thumbs touch the correct spot with gentle pressure. Strong pressure is not important. Let any other fingers relax. Always perform mudras with both hands at the same time. For prithvi mudra the thumb tip touches tip of ring finger. For prana mudra the thumb tip touches tips of ring finger and pinky together. Add other mudras if you desire. There are multiple mudras that can be practiced for thyroid health. You may add them whenever you want for additional benefits. Gyan mudra is also recommended for hypothyroidism. For this mudra, touch the thumb tip to the tip of the index finger. Vayu mudra is also recommended for hyperthyroidism. For this mudra, cross the thumb over the middle digit of your index finger. Continue to practice daily. Add or subtract mudras as needed. You can also increase the amount of time you spend in the mudras. However, always practice each mudra for 30 minutes, if possible. This can enhance the benefits. If you're going to add mudras, do not shorten the amount of time you spend in each one. Set aside a space and time for the practice each day. Then, you can make adjustments based on what your body needs. Choose the right asana (yoga pose) for your condition. Yoga poses are great compliments to mudras. Many yoga poses are designed to encourage a healthy thyroid. Sarvangasana is highly recommended for thyroid health. This pose is also known as shoulder stand. You can practice this pose for one to two minutes per day. Other useful poses are Halasana (plow pose), Bhujangasana (cobra pose), Viparita Karani (Inverted Pose), Janu Sirsasana (One legged forward bend), Matsyasana (Fish Pose), Marjariasana (Cat Stretch), and Ushtrasana ( camel pose ). You can practice each of these poses for one to two minutes per day. Make sure your body is warmed up before attempting to stretch. Take it easy, and do your best. If the pose feels like a strain, do less. Combine asanas if desired. Yoga benefits the entire body. Taking a full yoga class can incorporate these poses with others. Most yoga classes are 60 to 90 minutes long. However, even practicing for a few minutes per day can provide benefits. Add pranayamas breathing techniques. In addition to the yoga postures, you can add various breathing techniques to your practice. Try adding about 10 to 15 minutes of one or more breathing technique to your daily yoga practice, such as: Kapal Bhati also known as skull shining breathing technique, which is when you take in a slow deep breath through your nostrils pulling the breath into your chest and belly. Then, you expel the breath somewhat forcefully through your nostrils again. Nadi Shodhan also known as alternate nostril breathing, which is when you place one finger over your right nostril and breathe in and then switch your finger to the left nostril and breathe out. Practice breathing into your belly. Put one hand on your abdomen over your belly button, and the other hand on the middle of your chest. When you breathe, try to fill your chest and your belly, and push the air out of both areas when you exhale. Track your symptoms. Thyroid disorders can develop gradually, and the symptoms can be subtle.This can make diagnosis difficult. If you suspect you might have a thyroid disorder, keep track of your symptoms. If you have symptoms consistently for a few weeks, you may have a thyroid disorder. Hypothyroidism symptoms include muscular weakness, constant fatigue, a slow heartbeat, sensitivity to cold, and slow mental processing. Hyperthyroidism symptoms include a quick, strong heartbeat, muscular weakness, restlessness, anxiety, and weight loss despite a healthy appetite. Thyroid cancer is not very common but is still a concern. A notable symptom is a nodule (a localized swelling) in the thyroid gland. Take a questionnaire. Medical reference sites often contain questionnaires about symptoms. These questionnaires can help assess the likelihood that you have a thyroid disorder. Once you fill out a questionnaire, you can bring it to your doctor for a consultation. Seek a clinical diagnosis. Laboratory tests can be performed to confirm a thyroid disorder. Ask your doctor to have you tested for any likely disorders. Most patients who develop a lump or nodule in the thyroid actually have normal thyroid function. Laboratory tests can determine if nodules are malignant and need to be removed. Repeated laboratory tests can also help monitor a patient's progress throughout treatment. Consult with your physician. Your doctor can advise you about the need medication or therapy beyond the practice of mudras. They might prescribe oral medication or other kinds therapy. Beta-blockers are commonly used to decrease symptoms of hyperthyroidism. These medications can take several months to take full effect and have possible side effects such as rashes on the skin and lower white blood cell counts. Some patients instead choose to have radioactive iodine-131 treatment. Thyroid cancer may require surgery. This can sometimes involve removal of the thyroid itself. Get advice on proper nutrition. When used in conjunction with your Yoga Mudra and medical treatments, proper nutrition may help to improve thyroid conditions. You can ask your doctor or visit a dietitian for some specific recommendations about what you should and should not eat. For hyperthyroid conditions, include berries, broccoli, foods rich in vitamin D and Omega 3's, and lean meats such as turkey. For hypothyroid conditions , focus on fish, nuts, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, and beans. | Find a time and place to practice. Choose the right mudra. Bring the thumbs to touch the correct place. Add other mudras if you desire. Continue to practice daily. Choose the right asana (yoga pose) for your condition. Make sure your body is warmed up before attempting to stretch. Combine asanas if desired. Add pranayamas breathing techniques. Track your symptoms. Take a questionnaire. Seek a clinical diagnosis. Consult with your physician. Get advice on proper nutrition. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Short-Sell | How to Short Sell | Before you short sell, keep in mind that it involves betting that a stock will decrease in value, which is a risky investment. Therefore, you might want to consult with your financial advisor first. If you decide to go ahead, research stocks to find evidence that their price may soon fall. For example, you could consider market trends, price/earning ratios, and company reports. Then, once you've identified a stock to short, open a margin account with your broker and borrow stock from them. Next, enter a short sell order on the stock of your choice. | Learn some basic terms. The basic terms you need to know when considering short selling are shorting, covering, and margin. Shorting is the process of selling stock short. When you short a stock, you sell stock that you borrowed from your broker at a set price. You are making an informed guess that you will be able to re-buy that same stock later at a lower price, thus making a profit. Covering happens when you close the short sale transaction. Because your broker only loaned you the stocks to short, you must eventually buy back enough shares of the stock to cover the stocks you were loaned. Margin is the way you purchase stocks to be sold short. When you buy on margin, you borrow funds from your broker and use the stocks bought or sold short as collateral for the loan. Talk with your financial adviser. If you have a financial adviser already, consult with him/her to discuss what investment options are right for you. Short selling is an aggressive and risky investment strategy. Depending on your individual circumstances and investment goals, short selling may not be a good strategy for you. Your financial adviser will be able to tell you whether short selling is a good strategy. S/he may also be able to recommend ways to pair short selling with other strategies to reduce your risk. Consider the benefits. Short selling can result in a pretty profit if your research is correct. Consider the following example: you, the investor, want to “short” 100 shares of XYZ Company stock. This stock is currently trading at $20 per share. You contact a broker, open a margin account with a minimum cash deposit of $2000, and borrow 100 shares of XYZ from the broker. You sell these shares short so that the $2000 proceeds are credited to your margin account. After you sell the shares, you wait for the price of the stock to drop. After a disastrous third-quarter earnings report, the stock price of XYZ Company drops to $15 per share. You buy 100 shares of XYZ Company at $15 to “cover” your initial speculation. You now have 100 shares to give back to the broker who lent you the stock in the first place. This is the process known as “covering” your short. Your profit is the difference in the price when you sold the shares and when you bought them back (or "covered" them). In this instance, you sold XYZ Company stock at $2,000 and covered at $1,500. You made a profit of $500 by shorting XYZ Company stock. This profit, added to the $2000 cash deposit you originally made, gives you $2500 in your margin account. Consider the risks. Short selling is much riskier than going long. When you go long, you speculate that the price or value of an investment is going to go up. If you buy 100 shares of JKL Company at $5 per share on a long position, the most you can lose is 100 percent of your investment, or $500. The amount you can gain, on the other hand, is unlimited, because there's no upper limit to how high a stock price can go. That means there's a limited downside and an unlimited upside. With short selling, the opposite is true. There's a limited upside and an unlimited downside. You can profit only in proportion to how low the investment drops, which is finite. However, you lose money in proportion to how high an investment rises. Investments like stocks have potentially unlimited share prices. For example, return to the XYZ Company example from the previous step. Let's say you borrow 100 shares of XYZ from the broker at $20 per share and short sell them immediately, just as before. The proceeds of the sale ($2000) are deposited into your margin account. When added to the cash deposit of $2000 you were required to make when you opened the margin account, the proceeds make a total of $4000 in your margin account. Then, you wait for the price of the stock to drop so you can cover your shares. However, this time, XYZ Company's stock doesn't drop. Somehow, the company turns itself around and its share price jumps to $30. You decide to cut your losses, so you buy 100 shares at $30 to “cover” before the stock rises any more. You return the borrowed stock to the broker and close the margin account. Because you had to pay $3000 to cover your borrowed stock, you wind up with a net loss of $1000 -- one half of your initial $2000 deposit. Research your investments. Selling short, like going long, is an investment strategy. Pay attention to market trends and learn what companies and securities may be vulnerable to falling in price. Don't go into the research phase expecting to short; decide to short after the evidence tells you it's a good idea. Stocks: When looking at stock market vitals, pay special attention to expectations of future earnings. This is the most important factor in determining a company's stock price. Although future earnings are impossible to predict exactly, they can be "guesstimated," based on the proper information. Stocks may become overvalued. This is especially common with trendy and fad-based stocks. For example, ABC Company announces that it has a new drug that will cure cancer. Enthusiastic investors buy and drive the price of stock up from $10 to $40 overnight. Although the company's prospects may be good, many hurdles still remain: drug trials, competitors, etc. Investors who consider these hurdles may see the share as overvalued, and due for a drop in price. Overvalued stocks are good candidates for short selling. Bonds: Because bonds are a security, they can be sold short. When deciding whether to short a bond, look at bond yields, which are closely tied to interest rates. When interest rates go down, bond prices jump; when interest rates go up, bond prices fall. An individual shorting a bond would want interest rates to go up and bond prices to fall. Identify key market indicators. The best stocks to short are those that are likely to decline soon, but haven't yet fallen in price. Several indicators can help you discover potential candidates for short selling: Price/Earning Ratio (P/E). The P/E ratio is calculated by dividing the market price by actual (trailing) or projected (forward) 12-month earnings. The P/E is important relative to the market as a whole, or as compared to other companies. A high P/E ratio may suggest that the stock is overvalued. However, it may also be a sign of a strong-performing company. For example, a company with earnings of $5 per share a market value of $60 per share would have a P/E of 12 (60 ÷ 5 = 12). Relative Strength Index (RSI). The RSI indicates whether there are more buyers or sellers of a stock over a certain period (usually 14 days). RSI is a complex calculation, but in simplest terms, it is calculated using the number of days within a defined time frame where the stock price closed higher than the previous day's price. This number is divided by the number of days in the same time frame where the market closed lower than the previous day's closing price. RSI runs from 0-100. In general, when the RSI is about 70, the stock has seen a strong increase in price for a long period. This may not be sustainable growth. This stock may be “overbought” and due to fall. Neither P/E nor RSI give you enough information on their own. Be sure to take a variety of factors into account when considering short selling. No specific indicator is a fool-proof signal to buy or sell. Research the company's "short interest" before deciding to short. A company's short interest is the percentage of outstanding shares that are short. For example, a stock with 1.5 million "short" shares and 10 million shares outstanding has a "short interest" percentage of 15%. The short interest will let you know who else is betting against a certain stock. Short interest is reported in financial publications such as Barron's and The Wall Street Journal. A high short interest usually indicates that investors think a particular stock or bond will drop in value. Check research and reports to see whether these investors seem likely to be correct. On the other hand, a high short interest also may make the price of the stock or bond more volatile. This may happen when many investors cover their short positions in a small amount of time, driving the market price up. The result can be a larger swing in prices than some investors are used to. Consider the “days to cover" ratio. This refers to the number of short shares outstanding compared to average daily trading volume (for the same security or area). For example, if the short interest was 20 million shares and the average trading volume was 10 million shares, the short interest ratio would be 2 days. Investors usually prefer lower short interest ratios. Consider market liquidity. Do not short a stock that does not have high liquidity. Liquidity means that there are many shares of stock available and there is a high level of trading activity. If the stock is not liquid, you may not be able to liquidate your short fast enough to retain your profit. Stock without liquidity also leaves you open to the threat of “early sale.” If the original owner of the shares you've borrowed decides to sell the shares, you must replace them. You can do this by finding other shares to borrow from your broker or by buying shares on the market. If your stock is not highly liquid, you may find it hard to find shares to borrow so you can replace the originals. Be aware short covering can temporarily boost the price of an investment. This is an unintended consequence of short selling. When you short a stock initially, for example, the stock price goes down because you're effectively selling shares. When you buy the stock back in your cover, the stock price rises. If many people who are shorting a particular stock decide to cover at the same time, the stock price may rise dramatically. This is called a "short squeeze." Be patient. Short sellers usually move in and out of the market rapidly. They may only make an investment when an opportunity for profit presents itself. Be patient, and don't “chase” profits. With online discount brokers and 24/7 access to market news, day trading has become increasingly popular. However, day trading can be very risky, especially if you are not an experienced investor. Proceed slowly and with caution. Find a reputable broker. If you don't already have a broker, you'll need to locate one. There are more than 4,250 securities firms in the United States. With so many options, it can be difficult to figure out what to look for. There are two basic types of firms: full service and discount. Full-service brokers usually offer a wide range of financial advice and services. They usually provide a personalized investing approach. Full-service brokers usually operate on commission, meaning they make money off of the number of trades you make. Their fees may also be higher than discount brokerages. Discount brokerages do not offer the personalized advice and research of full-service firms. Usually, they just conduct your trades. Because they are less involved in your investing process, these firms often charge much lower fees. Discount brokers are usually salaried and don't earn commissions. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is a non-profit regulatory agency, and offers a “Broker Check” feature on its website that will provide you with information on services, employment history, licenses, and any complaints or violations. Interview several brokers. Once you find a few reputable brokers, meet with several candidates and ask them questions. This will help you determine whether the broker is a good fit for your needs. Areas to investigate include: How the brokers are paid. Are they salaried or paid on commission? Are they offered extra bonuses to suggest investments from their own firm to you? Do other firms pay them to suggest investments to you? Are their commissions negotiable? Fees. For example, several brokers charge higher fees for trades of more than 500 or 1,000 shares. Certain types of trades may also be charged at different fee levels. Know what you can expect before making a commitment. What type of advice the brokers offer. The large brokers can offer a wide range of analysis, research and other tools to help you invest. Some can offer access to Standard & Poor's research. Others offer sophisticated Internet tools to help you track markets. Learn exactly what services and advice will be available to you. Open a margin account. If you already have a cash account with a broker, it will be quite simple to open a margin account. Margin accounts act as a kind of escrow when you short sell a stock. In essence, a margin account operates as a type of loan from the broker to you at some point in the future. Just like other loans, the broker will charge interest on the margin account, and will use the securities you buy (in this case, shorted stock) as collateral for the loan. Because you do not own the stock when you short it, you need the margin account to hold your proceeds from a short sell until you “cover,” or replace, the shares you shorted. The proceeds from your short sells are held as collateral until you cover. You may lose some or all of your collateral if the market is unfavorable. You may also need to replace the shares or funds in your margin account under certain circumstances to maintain "equity." Equity in the context of margin trading refers to the value of your securities in a margin account, minus what you have borrowed from your broker. You will need to sign a margin agreement to open a margin account. This agreement will specify the terms of the account, including the terms and conditions of the loan, the interest, your repayment responsibility and how your securities will serve as collateral. Review your agreement carefully before you sign it. If you have any questions, ask your broker to explain. Most brokers will require a minimum of $2,000 cash as a deposit. This is the equity that serves as the “minimum margin.” However, many brokers may require more. Find out your broker's margin requirements. The Federal Reserve Board, along with organizations such as the New York Stock Exchange, create rules that govern how trading operates. In addition, your broker will have specific maintenance margin requirements you must meet. According to Regulation T, short sell trades must have 150 percent of the value of the trade at the time of the short sell. For example, if you shorted 100 shares of stock at $40 each, you would need to have a total of $6,000 in the margin account: $4,000 of this is the proceeds from the short, and the other $2,000 (50 percent of the proceeds) is the equity you deposit to meet the margin. Once you have shorted, you must usually maintain at least 125 percent of the market price in the margin account as a maintenance margin. This amount will vary between brokers. Many larger brokers require 30 percent or more. When the price of a short stock rises, the loan amount rises and your equity falls. When the price of a short stock falls (which is what you hope for), your equity increases. For example, you shorted 100 shares of stock at $40 each. Your initial margin balance is $6,000. If the price of the stock increases to $50, you will need to increase your maintenance margin. The new market value of the stock is $5,000, rather than $4,000. If your broker's maintenance margin is 25 percent, you would need to deposit another $250 into your margin account to cover the “maintenance margin call.” If you can't deposit additional money to cover the margin, your broker may liquidate your position by buying back 100 shares at the current market value. You may have a defined period of time to cover a margin call before your broker liquidates your position. However, the broker can call your loan at any time and cover the short position without notifying you. Borrow stock from the broker. Before you can place a short sell order, you must determine whether the stock to be shorted is available for borrowing. Borrowed stock may be available for a definite, pre-determined period (a term loan). More commonly, it can be recalled any time by the lender. You do not own the stock that you short. Your broker will lend you the shares of the stock you're shorting, but you will have to eventually “cover” or pay them back. Most brokers will have a “hard to borrow indicator” that will let you know whether shares are available for borrowing. If your broker can't find shares to borrow, you will not be able to short the stock. Short sellers pay a fee to the share owners, as well as any dividends or stock splits that occur during the borrowing period. The more difficult the stock is to find, the more expensive it is likely to be. Enter a short sell order. You can choose from a variety of options when entering a sell short order. The options you have available may vary depending on your broker: Sell Short Market Order. A short sell market order will sell the stock at the best price when it's received. In some cases, SEC Rule 201 may apply. This rule was passed to “promote market stability and preserve investor confidence.” It prohibits short selling in cases where the stock price has fallen more than 10 percent from the previous day's closing price unless certain conditions are met. It is sometimes known as the “alternative uptick rule.” Sell Short Limit Order. A limit order will be executed only if the stock meets an amount that you set. This limit can be a minimum amount that you're willing to receive for a sale. Unlike market orders, these orders are not guaranteed to be executed. Sell Short Stop Order. A stop order will become a market order once the stop price is reached. For example, if you believe that ABC Company's share price will plunge once it hits $15, you might enter a price of $14 as your stop order. If the price reaches $14, your order will be executed immediately. Enter a "Buy to Cover Order. " To close a short position, you must enter a buy order to “cover” the borrowed stock. You can choose between a few available options to close a short position. Buy to Cover Market Order. A buy to cover market order is guaranteed to be executed, but the price is not guaranteed. A market order will repurchase the stock at market price when the order is received. These orders are best used when: You are trying to cover the short position as quickly as possible. You have large profits and are concerned that the price will recover fairly quickly. Buy to Cover Limit Order. A buy to cover limit order will be executed at a lower price than the current market price. For example, a Buy to Cover Limit Order at $20 will buy shares to cover at the next available price of $20 or lower. Limit orders may not be executed if the price does not drop. Buy to Cover Stop Order. A Buy to Cover Stop Order is especially important to short sellers. You can use this order to protect yourself from losses or to preserve gains. Once the shares trade at or above the stop price you set, the order immediately becomes a market order. It will be executed as soon as possible. Prices are not guaranteed. Inexperienced short sellers should always use a series of Buy to Cover Stop Orders to prevent large losses. For example, you short ABC Company at $60 per share. You might immediately enter a Buy to Cover Stop Order at $66 per share. Once the price hits $66 per share, your stop-loss order will turn into a market order and will buy enough shares to "cover" before the price rises any higher. This is will limit your potential loss to about 10 percent of the market price. If the price of your stock falls to $50 a share, you might cancel your original Buy to Cover Stop Order at $66 and set a new one at $55. This would protect your gains if the price of the shares began to rise again. This process is known as trailing stop orders. Be prepared to pay interest on your short positions while you wait to cover. Usually you can hold on to a short position for as long as you want. But because you're borrowing the stock from a broker or bank, you're going to have to pay interest on your position. The longer you hold on to the investment, the longer you pay interest on it. There's no such thing as free money. If the shares of the stock you're shorting are hard to find, the interest rate will also be higher. Some interest rates may be up to 20 percent for extremely hard-to-find stocks. Be aware that some short investors are “called away. ” Stocks may be called for a number of reasons. For example, sometimes an investor trying to short a stock is forced to cover sooner than expected because the broker "calls" or requests the borrowed shares back (remember that you don't own the stock you're trying to short; you're merely borrowing it.) If this happens, you may be forced to cover an unfavorable position and thus lose money. Because you do not own the shares of stock you short, you may be required to cover them at any time. Most lenders reserve the right to recall their loaned stocks at any time, without notice. Although being called away doesn't happen often, it's not unheard of. Being called away can happen when a large numbers of investors are all trying to short a particular stock at the same time. Understand that a “margin call” may also force you to act. As an investor, you are required to retain a certain level of equity with your broker. If a margin call is issued because you have fallen below the minimum equity, you must either deposit an additional margin into your account or cover. If you cannot meet the margin call, you may need to cover the stock before you planned to do so. In the United States, the Federal Reserve Board requires short sale accounts to maintain 150 percent of the value of the short sale. Many brokers have additional requirements. If you short 100 shares of stock at $20 each, $2,000 will be deposited into your margin account. However, you will also need to deposit 50 percent of that amount ($1,000), making the total $3,000. If the price of the stock then increases to $30 while you are holding the short, the maintenance margin will also increase. Because the market value of your short sale in this example is now $3,000, you will have to make up the difference. If your broker requires a 25 percent maintenance margin, you will need to deposit another $750 into the account to meet the margin call. Know that corporate actions can also affect your risk. In addition to the market risks of shorting, the actions of the company you have invested in can also affect your risk and profit. You are responsible for paying out dividends, and you must cover any splits that occur while you are short. For example, companies and corporations often pay dividends to their shareholders. If a company decides to pay a dividend to its shareholders and you are short the stock, you will owe the dividend on the shares you've “borrowed.” Consider this example: you buy 100 shares of XYZ Company and short them. While you are waiting for the price to drop so you can cover, XYZ Company decides it will pay a 10 cents per share dividend. You will owe that $10. This may seem insignificant on small trades, but if you shorted large numbers of shares or are financing large dividends, it can add up to a significant loss. If a stock splits, you are responsible for the resulting number of shares. A common split ratio is 2-for-1. In this scenario, XYZ Company might “split” a $20 share into two $10 shares. If you borrowed 100 $20 shares to short, you will return 200 $10 shares. The material position of the investor is not fundamentally changed by a split; just keep in mind that when you cover, you'll buy back more than the original number of shares. Make sure time isn't working against you. Long investors often hold on to their investments for significant periods of time, waiting for the opportune moment to sell. Some investors hold on to stocks for their entire lives. Short sellers may not have the luxury of time. They often need to sell and cover very quickly. Because they borrow their positions from brokers, they're working on borrowed time. If you do decide to short sell, be ready for the price of the stock to fall quickly. Set yourself an artificial deadline with a buffer period. If the stock hasn't fallen significantly after the artificial deadline and the buffer period, re-evaluate your position: How much are you paying in interest? How much have you already lost, if any? Do the same circumstances exist that caused you to believe the stock was going to fall? | Learn some basic terms. Talk with your financial adviser. Consider the benefits. Consider the risks. Research your investments. Identify key market indicators. Research the company's "short interest" before deciding to short. Consider market liquidity. Be patient. Interview several brokers. Open a margin account. Find out your broker's margin requirements. Borrow stock from the broker. Enter a short sell order. Enter a "Buy to Cover Order. Be prepared to pay interest on your short positions while you wait to cover. Be aware that some short investors are “called away. Understand that a “margin call” may also force you to act. Know that corporate actions can also affect your risk. Make sure time isn't working against you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Refinish-Furniture | How to Refinish Furniture | To refinish furniture, start by stripping off the old paint using a chemical paint stripper. Then, use a finish stripper to remove the finish that's on the furniture underneath the paint. Next, sand the surface of the furniture with 100-grit sandpaper until the surface is completely smooth. Finally, stain and seal the furniture, or apply a new coat of paint. | Select the right piece. Not all furniture is a good candidate for refinishing. Valuable antiques, for instance, should be refinished by a professional, since the refinishing process could devalue the piece if you aren't careful. To choose a piece to refinish, look for these qualities: Furniture made from sturdy wood. Furniture made with fine wood that could be easily damaged, particle board, or other non-sturdy wood won't do well during the refinishing process. Furniture without too many coats of paint. Taking off layer after layer of paint may not be worth the time it takes. Furniture with smooth, flat faces. If this is your first time, avoid furniture with intricate carvings or turned legs. Make a refinishing plan. Take a look at the furniture you have chosen to refinish and craft a plan for turning it into the perfect piece for your dining room, front porch or kitchen. You'll need to consider the following questions: What will it take to refinish the piece? If it's painted, you need paint stripper; if it has an old varnish or finish, you need a thinner finish stripper. How do you want your new piece to look? Will it be painted a new color, or do you want the natural wood to be exposed? You may not know the answer to this question until you see what the wood looks like underneath the old paint or finish. Consider going to furniture stores, browsing online, and talking to experts for ideas on how to create the look you want. Buy refinishing supplies. Now that you have a plan, you'll need the following supplies to get the job done: Protective equipment. You'll need a ventilator (especially if you're working indoors), goggles, chemical-resistant gloves and an apron. To protect your floor or yard, get a chemical-resistant drop cloth as well. Paint stripper and/or finish stripper. If the furniture has paint, you need thick paint stripper to remove it. Otherwise, you just need a thinner finish stripper. Brushes for applying the stripper and scraping tools for removing it. 100 grit sandpaper and/or a power sanding machine, plus a finishing sander. Wood stain in the color of your choice. A protective polyurethane topcoat to seal the stain. Remove the furniture's hardware. Take off the knobs, pulls, hinges, and other metal hardware to prepare the furniture to be refinished. These items could be ruined by the chemicals used to strip the furniture. Place the hardware in labeled bags so you remember where everything goes when it's time to place it back on the furniture. Plan to polish the hardware so that it matches your newly refinished piece. Alternatively, you could buy new hardware to spruce up your furniture. Set up a work area. Paint and finish stripping chemicals are highly toxic, so it's essential to set up a well-ventilated work area. Choose your garage, a work shed, or a spot outdoors. Avoid setting up your work area in one of the main rooms of your house. Basements are not well-ventilated enough, either. Unfold the drop cloth over a large surface area and lay out the paint stripper, brushes for applying the stripper, and the scraping tools you need to remove it. Put on your ventilator (if indoors), gloves, apron and goggles. Apply the paint stripper. Dip the brush into the paint stripper and begin applying it to the furniture. If the piece you are refinishing is large, plan to strip the paint in sections, rather than all at once. The stripper bonds with the paint as you apply it, separating it from the wood. Scrub away the paint. Use the steel wool and other scraping tools to scrape off the paint with the stripper. It should come off in large sheets. Give the same amount of care to each part of the furniture. The stripping process affects the look of the wood underneath, so you want to make sure each part gets the same treatment to avoid an uneven finish. If the furniture has multiple coats of paint, you may need to repeat the paint-stripping process more than once. Strip the old finish. Once the paint is gone, the finish underneath also needs to be removed. Use a paintbrush to apply the thinner finish-stripping solution, then sand it away using a clean piece of steel wool. All the furniture to dry completely. Now that the wood has been revealed, be sure to scrub along the grain, rather than against it, so the wood doesn't get damaged. If most of the old finish seems to have come off with the paint stripper, you still need to give the furniture a stripper rinse to make sure all traces of the old finish are gone. Rinse the furniture with denatured alcohol or mineral spirits, then let it dry. Sand the piece. Use a sanding machine or 100-grit sandpaper to thoroughly sand the furniture. Work in even strokes and spend the same amount of time on each part of the furniture to ensure an even finish. Use a finishing sander to go over the surface again and create a completely smooth surface. Wipe the piece with a cloth to remove the dust, and your piece is now ready for its new finish. Stain the furniture. Use a brush to apply an even coat of the wood stain you have chosen. Avoid overlapping brush strokes, since each brush of stain creates a darker hue. You may want to test the stain on the underside of the furniture to practice using the right stroke and pressure to create the color you want. Work with the grain so that stain doesn't build up in the crevices and make them look darker than the rest of the furniture. Follow the directions for wiping off the stain with a soft cloth once it has soaked into the wood for a certain amount of time. Letting the stain stay on the wood for more time will create a darker stain. Apply the topcoat. Use a brush to apply your chosen topcoat to the furniture, taking care to spread it evenly. When you're finished, let it dry completely. Use an old cloth or t-shirt free of lint to further spread the topcoat and rub it evenly into the furniture. Make sure you apply a very thin coat; a thicker coat could look murky, rather than shiny. Sand the furniture. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to sand the furniture evenly after the topcoat has dried. Spend the same amount of time sanding each section with the grain, so that all parts of the furniture look even. If desired, add another layer of topcoat, let it dry, and sand again. Repeat until your furniture's finish looks complete. Replace the hardware. Screw the knobs, hinges, pulls and other hardware back onto the completely dry and finished piece of furniture. | Select the right piece. Make a refinishing plan. Buy refinishing supplies. Remove the furniture's hardware. Set up a work area. Apply the paint stripper. Scrub away the paint. Strip the old finish. Sand the piece. Stain the furniture. Apply the topcoat. Sand the furniture. Replace the hardware. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Clay | How to Make Clay | To make clay, first pour 2 cups (250 g) of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup (230 g) of table salt, and 4 teaspoons (14 g) of cream of tartar into a large non-stick pot. Then, add 2 cups (500 mL) of room-temperature water and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of vegetable oil. Heat the ingredients over medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon to blend everything together. Stop stirring when the ingredients start to stick together and form a thick ball around your spoon. Now, pour the clay onto some wax paper and let it cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Once the clay is room temperature, knead it until it's smooth and soft. To dye your clay a different color, place it in a resealable plastic bag and add 5 to 6 drops of food coloring. Close the bag and knead the clay between your hands. You can store your clay in a resealable plastic bag for up to 3 months. | Combine all-purpose flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large pot. Use measuring cups to add 2 cups (250 g) of all-purpose flour and 3/4 cup (230 g) of table salt to a large non-stick pot. Then, measure out 4 tsp (14 g) of cream of tartar with a spoon and add it to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to stir the ingredients until they're combined. Add 2 cups (470 mL) of water and 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of vegetable oil. Use a measuring cup to pour 2 cups (470 mL) of room temperature water into the pot, then measure out 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of vegetable oil with a spoon. Stir the ingredients with your wooden spoon to combine them. Stir the ingredients until all of the dry ingredients are moist from the wet ingredients. Heat the ingredients over medium heat while stirring with a wooden spoon. Place the pot on your stove and turn burner on medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to stir the ingredients continuously as you heat them. Stop stirring and turn off the burner when the clay is a thick ball. Once the ingredients are well-combined, they'll start to form a lump that sticks to your spoon. When your clay ball forms, turn off the heat and move the pot to a cool burner. Be careful with the clay and the pot, as they are both hot. Don't burn yourself! Place the clay on wax paper so it can cool for 1-2 minutes. Use your wooden spoon to remove the clay ball from the pot. Place the clay ball on a sheet of wax paper so it can cool for about 2 minutes. Then, use your fingertip to see if the ball feels warm to the touch but not hot. Handle the clay when it feels about room temperature. The clay will be hot when you first take it out of the pot. Don't touch it because it will likely burn your hand. Knead the room temperature clay until it's soft and smooth. Use your hands to press and squish the clay to push out air bubbles, improve the consistency, and eliminate clumping. Continue to work the clay until it feels soft and pliable. You can also pick up your clay and throw it down on the counter to work out any air bubbles that might be present. This will help your clay stay moist longer. Dye your clay using 5-6 drops of food coloring if you like. Place the clay into a plastic, resealable bag. Then, add 5-6 drops of food coloring to the bag. Seal the bag and knead the clay between your hands until the color is evenly distributed. If you want your clay to smell good, you can add a few drops of vanilla to it. Store your clay in a resealable plastic bag for up to 3 months. When you're not using your clay, keep it in an airtight container so it won't dry out. If you store it correctly, your clay should last for several months. You can also store your clay in an airtight food storage container. Allow your clay to air dry if you want to create a sculpture or keepsake. If you want to use your clay to create a figurine, keepsake, or project, you can preserve your work by letting it air dry for about 2 days. Leave the clay untouched during this time, then check on it. If it still feels a little moist, it may need more drying time. Mix 4 c (480 g) of flour and 1.5 c (417 g) of salt in a large bowl. Add both dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Then, use a big plastic or wooden spoon to stir the dry ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed. Add 1.5 c (350 mL) of water gradually as you stir the mixture. Pour small amounts of water into the bowl at a time, stirring between pours. Blend the mixture as well as you can before you add more water. By the time all of the water is added to the bowl, your clay should be forming a ball. It should get harder to stir each time you add more water. Knead the clay until it reaches an even consistency. Take your clay out of the bowl and place it on a flat surface, like the kitchen counter. Use your hands to push and pull the clay to work it into a nice consistency. You can also pick up your clay and throw it down on the counter to work out any air bubbles that might be present. This will help your clay stay moist longer. Sculpt the clay as you desire. Now that your clay is ready, you can mold it into a figure, create ornaments, or just play around. Use it as you would use a store-bought clay. This kind of clay can make great keepsakes. For example, press your child's foot or hand into the dough until there is an imprint, then let the mold harden to make a gift. Allow the clay to air dry for 2 days to preserve your model. If you want to create a sculpture or keepsake, you'll need to let your clay dry. This kind of clay dies out pretty quickly, but it's best to leave it untouched for at least 2 days to make sure it's fully dry. Store unused clay in an airtight container. You can preserve your clay for a few weeks by keeping it in an airtight container. Make sure you leave the clay in the container whenever you're not playing with it, as it will dry a little bit whenever it's exposed to the air. For instance, you can use a plastic bag with a zipper or a Tupperware container. For extra longevity, place the clay in the refrigerator. Heat 2⁄3 c (160 mL) of water and 2 c (550 g) of salt for 4 minutes. Pour the water into a saucepan, then stir in the salt to create a lumpy consistency. Place the saucepan on your stove and heat it over medium heat for 4 minutes. Stir the mixture as it heats to prevent it from burning. Use potholders or a towel to handle the pot so you don't accidentally get burned. Move the pot to a cool surface and add 1 c (120 g) of cornstarch and .5 c (120 mL) of cold water. Remove the pot from the heat source, then pour in the cornstarch and cold water. Use a big plastic or wooden spoon to stir the mixture together. It should feel difficult to stir the clay, as it's going to have a thick consistency. Knead the mixture until it feels smooth. Put the clay on a flat surface, such as the countertop. Then, use your hands to push and pull the clay until it reaches an even consistency. It should feel very pliable in your hands. Add a few drops of food coloring if you’d like colored clay. Squeeze a few drops of food coloring over the clay, then knead to mix in the color. Continue to add food coloring until you reach your desired color. If you like, you can also add glitter to your clay to make it sparkly. Heat the mixture until it starts to feel thick, if necessary. Put the clay back into the pot and heat it over medium heat. Stir the clay as it warms to prevent it from sticking to the saucepan and burning. Remove the pot from the heat when your clay reaches the consistency you like. You can skip this step if you're already happy with your clay. Let the clay cool to room temperature before you play with it. Don't touch the clay while it's hot, as you could get burned. Instead, spread the clay out on a baking sheet or the counter to let it cool down. When it feels just slightly warm, it's ready for use. Allow your clay to air dry for 2 days if you want to preserve it. You can play with your clay or sculpt something out of it. If you do make a model or keepsake, you can preserve it by letting it dry. The clay will air dry if you let it sit out. Make sure you leave the clay untouched for at least 2 days so your sculpture doesn't get messed up. Store your clay in an airtight container when you’re not using it. Your clay will dry out in the air, so it's important to put it away between uses. You can expect your clay to last for about 2 weeks if you consistently put it away in an airtight container. The best storage containers for this type of clay are plastic bags with a zipper or Tupperware. Collect soil that contains clay into a bucket. Look for a spot near running water where the sand has washed away from the clay, or dig down until you see white, grey, or red clay. Use your hands or a bucket to dig out the clay and put it into a large bucket. It's likely that some debris will also get into the bucket. That's okay because you'll remove it later. Remove any sticks and debris from the soil. Use your hands to sift through the clay and soil to remove rocks, branches, leaves, and other debris from the clay. Move the clay around to find as much of the debris as you can. Toss the debris away. It's okay if you miss some of the debris because you're going to rinse the clay with water. Stir enough water into the soil to cover it. Use a water hose or bucket to add water to the clay. Then, use your arm or a shovel to stir the water into the clay. Keep mixing until you have muddy water. The water will start to dissolve the clay, which will help remove any trapped debris. Let the water settle for 2 minutes so debris will come out. Set a timer and wait for 2 minutes as the debris settles to the bottom of the bucket. The clay will stay suspended in the water. It's okay if there's a thin layer of water on top of the muddy clay water. Pour the muddy water into a second bucket, but leave the debris in the first. Carefully tip the bucket over and let the muddy clay water slosh into a clean bucket. Pour the muddy water slowly so that none of the debris gets into the bucket. Stop pouring when you reach the debris at the bottom of the first bucket. Use a strainer to make it easier to collect the debris. It's okay if a small amount of clay remains in the first bucket. Similarly, it's normal for there to still be debris in the clay after one rinse. Dump the debris and rinse out the bucket. Empty the contents of the first bucket onto the ground or into a trash can. Then, use a water hose or tap to rinse out the bucket until it's clean. Don't worry about soaping up the bucket. You're just going to use it to rinse the clay again. Repeat the process until there’s no more debris in your muddy water. Continue to add water and let the debris settle until your clay appears relatively free of debris. Dip your hand into the clay and slosh it around to check that it's clear. You'll likely need to rinse the clay at least 2-3 times to get it clean. Leave the bucket of clay-water to dry overnight. At this point, the clay should be very watery. Set the bucket uncovered in a place it won't be disturbed. Then, let it sit for at least 8 hours so that the water can evaporate away. Your clay will still be really runny after it sits out overnight. Pour off the excess water on top of the clay. Once your clay has been drying out for at least 8 hours, check for a thin layer of water at the top. Gently tip the bucket over to drain away the water. At this point, you should see a lumpy clay mixture. Your clay still needs to dry out a lot before you can use it. Put the lumpy clay mixture into a piece of fabric to dry for 2 days. Lay out a big piece of fabric, like an old t-shirt. Then, pour the clay mixture onto the fabric, being careful not to lose any. Quickly wrap the fabric around the clay to trap it inside. Hang the fabric up outside so that the water can drip out of the fabric. Some of the clay will be quite runny, so be careful as you pour. Leave your clay in the sun until it reaches your desired consistency. Open the fabric and lay the clay out on the ground. Use your hand to spread out the clay over the fabric so it suns evenly. Check the clay every 6-8 hours during daylight to see if it feels like it's ready for pottery. Expect it to take about a day to reach the right consistency. It's okay to start using your clay for pottery as soon as you're happy with the consistency. | Combine all-purpose flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large pot. Add 2 cups (470 mL) of water and 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of vegetable oil. Heat the ingredients over medium heat while stirring with a wooden spoon. Stop stirring and turn off the burner when the clay is a thick ball. Place the clay on wax paper so it can cool for 1-2 minutes. Knead the room temperature clay until it's soft and smooth. Dye your clay using 5-6 drops of food coloring if you like. Store your clay in a resealable plastic bag for up to 3 months. Allow your clay to air dry if you want to create a sculpture or keepsake. Mix 4 c (480 g) of flour and 1.5 c (417 g) of salt in a large bowl. Add 1.5 c (350 mL) of water gradually as you stir the mixture. Knead the clay until it reaches an even consistency. Sculpt the clay as you desire. Allow the clay to air dry for 2 days to preserve your model. Store unused clay in an airtight container. Heat 2⁄3 c (160 mL) of water and 2 c (550 g) of salt for 4 minutes. Move the pot to a cool surface and add 1 c (120 g) of cornstarch and .5 c (120 mL) of cold water. Knead the mixture until it feels smooth. Add a few drops of food coloring if you’d like colored clay. Heat the mixture until it starts to feel thick, if necessary. Let the clay cool to room temperature before you play with it. Allow your clay to air dry for 2 days if you want to preserve it. Store your clay in an airtight container when you’re not using it. Collect soil that contains clay into a bucket. Remove any sticks and debris from the soil. Stir enough water into the soil to cover it. Let the water settle for 2 minutes so debris will come out. Pour the muddy water into a second bucket, but leave the debris in the first. Dump the debris and rinse out the bucket. Repeat the process until there’s no more debris in your muddy water. Leave the bucket of clay-water to dry overnight. Pour off the excess water on top of the clay. Put the lumpy clay mixture into a piece of fabric to dry for 2 days. Leave your clay in the sun until it reaches your desired consistency. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Turn-On-Headlights | How to Turn On Headlights | To turn on the headlights in a car, look for the control panel or control arm near the steering wheel. After you've located the headlight control panel, turn the indicator so that it is pointed to a symbol that looks like a sun or upside-down light, which should turn on your headlights. You can test to make sure your headlights on by turning the switch back and forth between the "on" and "off" position to see if you can tell the difference. Alternatively, you could ask a friend to check whether the lights are on. | Locate the headlight controls. Headlight controls are not located in the same place in each vehicle, but there are a few spots that are commonly used. Look for either a control panel or a control arm near the steering wheel. Some manufacturers place a separate headlight control panel just beneath the dashboard, just to the driver's left side. These panels are especially common in larger vehicles with a greater amount of dashboard space. Look for a small panel with a dial on it. The standard headlight indicator symbols should be positioned at various intervals around the dial. Other manufacturers place the headlight controls on a control arm attached to the base of the steering wheel. The arm can be positioned to the left or right of the steering wheel, and a headlight control dial will be located toward the end of the arm. This headlight control dial will be marked with the standard headlight indicator symbols. Look at the “off” position. By default, the headlight controls will be switched to an “off” position. Note which symbol marks that position and where it lies along the dial so that you can turn the headlights off when you are finished. The “off” position is usually located to the far left or underside of the dial. It is typically marked by an open or empty circle. Nowadays, many vehicles are equipped with “running lights” that automatically come on when your vehicle is on and your headlights are off. If your headlights appear to be off but you still see lights shining from the front of your vehicle, those lights are probably running lights. Always make sure that the headlights are off when you turn off your car. Keeping the headlights on while the vehicle is off can drain the automobile's battery, and the car will not turn on later if the battery is drained dry. If you forget and do completely drain the battery, you will need to jump start your car to get it going again. Turn the switch to the correct symbol. Grab the control dial between your thumb and index finger and rotate it until it reaches the appropriate setting. The different settings are indicated by separate symbols, and you should feel the dial “click” into place as it passes into each setting. The parking lights are the first setting on most cars. These lights are orange in color on the front and red on the rear of the vehicle. The "low beam" or "dipped beam" setting is usually the next setting. These headlamps provide forward and lateral light while minimizing glare, so they should be used on crowded roads when other vehicles are less than 65 yards (60 meters) ahead of you. The "fog lights" may also be positioned on this dial, but some car manufacturers place the fog light control on a separate button located directly next to the standard headlight controls. Fog lights use a wide, downward-pointing light to illuminate the road. They should be used during poor visibility conditions, like fog, rain, snow, and dust. The "main beam," "high beam," or "brights" are not found on the low beam control. This setting is usually on a stick on the steering column, sometimes the stick that controls your turn signal, and is always separate from the low beam control. The high beams can be turned on by pushing or pulling on the turn signal lever forwards or backwards. These lights are more intense and create a greater amount of road glare, so you should only use them when other cars are not present or nearby. Consider checking the results. When in doubt, check the way your automobile headlights react when you turn the control dial to each position. If you have someone who can help you, ask that individual to stand outside and in front of your vehicle while it is parked. Roll your window down so that you can communicate with your helper, then rotate the headlight control dial to each position. Pause at each position and ask your helper to identify the setting. If you do not have someone to help you, park your vehicle in front of a garage, wall, or similar structure. Rotate the headlight control dial to each position, pausing long enough after each setting to look at how the light shines on the surface. You should be able to determine which setting is which based on how bright the lights reflect. Know when to use your headlights. You should use your headlights whenever visibility is low. If you are unable to see 500 to 1000 feet (150 to 305 meters) ahead of you, your headlights must go on. Always use your headlights at night. Use the low beams when other vehicles are nearby and your high beams in other conditions. Use your headlights at dawn and dusk, too. Even though some sunlight is present, deep shadows from buildings and other structures can make it difficult to see other vehicles. You should at least use your low beams during these hours of the day. Use your fog lights during bad weather such as rain, snow, fog, or dust storms. Do not use your high beams since the reflection and glare they produce in these conditions can actually make it harder for other drivers to see clearly. Look for the basic headlight indicator symbol. Most headlight controls will be marked by a standard headlamp indicator symbol. Look for this symbol on the side of the control dial. The standard headlamp indicator symbol looks like a sun or upside-down light bulb. On many headlight control dials, there will also be an enclosed circle next to this indicator symbol. The circle marks the side of the dial actually controlling the headlight settings. Align this enclosed circle with the headlight setting you wish to select. Identify the indicator symbol for each setting. Each headlight setting should be labeled by a separate symbol, and these symbols are almost always the same from vehicle to vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with parking lamps, these lights should be indicated by a symbol that looks like the letter "p" with several lines extending out from the rounded front. The "low beam" symbol looks like a rounded triangle or capital letter "D." Downward-slanted lines extend out from the flat side of the shape. The "fog light" symbol utilizes the same shape and has downward slanting lines like the "low beam" symbol. One wavy line should pass directly through the center of these slanted lines, though. The "high beam" symbol also looks like a rounded triangle or capital "D," but the lines extending out from the flat side are perfectly horizontal. Watch for warning symbols on the dashboard. Automobiles with electronic/digital dashboards may display a warning light when certain car lights are not operating correctly. When one of these warning lights flashes, you should have the corresponding headlight changed or otherwise fixed. When your headlights are malfunctioning, your vehicle may display the standard headlight indicator symbol with an exclamation mark (!) or "x" across it. Alternatively, it may display the low beam indicator with an exclamation mark over it. | Locate the headlight controls. Look at the “off” position. Turn the switch to the correct symbol. Consider checking the results. Know when to use your headlights. Look for the basic headlight indicator symbol. Identify the indicator symbol for each setting. Watch for warning symbols on the dashboard. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Steep-Tea | How to Steep Tea | To steep tea, start by measuring out the tea leaves you'll be using. Use 1 teaspoon of loose tea leaves or 1 bag of tea leaves per cup of tea you're making. Once you've got your tea measured out, put it into the cup you'll be drinking your tea out of. Then, boil some water and pour it into the cup over the tea leaves. Let the tea steep for 3-6 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea to be. When you're finished steeping your tea, discard the tea leaves and enjoy! | Select your preferred tea. There's no limit to the types of tea you can buy. Choose from hundreds of types of green, black, white, red, and herbal teas, each with a different flavor profile. You can buy loose tea or purchase it prepackaged in bags. Choose the freshest tea you can find for best flavor and health benefits. Choose tea with the properties you're looking for. Note that green tea is known for its long-term health benefits, black tea provides a small jolt of caffeine, and herbal teas may be used to remedy everything from sleeplessness to poor digestion. Decide how to filter your tea. If your tea is pre-bagged, your filtration system is already set. If you have loose tea, however, you'll need a way to remove it from the water after steeping. You can buy your own empty teabags and fill them with tea for one-time use. Tea balls are another popular choice. These are better to use for black tea than other types of tea that tend to expand more during the brewing process. In order to brew a great cup of tea, the water needs to be able to flow freely through the leaves. Basket filters are a good choice for any type of tea. You can pour water directly over loose tea and filter it out after it steeps using a fine-mesh strainer. Prepare your tea accessories. What type of tea equipment do you have? You can make a whole pot of tea using a teapot, or do a cup at a time using a teacup and strainer, tea ball or tea bag. Use the method that's most convenient for your needs. The tea and water are the two most important components of a good cup of tea; the equipment is secondary. That said, having a nice tea kettle and pretty cups can add to the calming effect of drinking and enjoying tea. Drinking tea has been an important ritual in many cultures for thousands of years. You can keep this tradition alive by creating your own tea-drinking ritual, whether it's brewing a cup at a time in your favorite mug, or using a pretty ceramic teapot with cups and saucers. The material of the accessories are important as well. Heavy metals are better for teas that need to be prepared at high temperatures due to their ability to retain heat, while less conductive materials are recommended for teas with a colder preparation. Use glass for white, green, and herbal tea; porcelain for white, black, and herbal tea; and yixing for oolong and pu-erh. Use purified water if possible. Since tap water contains fluoride and other chemicals, using it to brew tea can negatively impact the flavor. While tap water is always fine in a pinch, if you want the best possible flavor and health benefits, use spring water or another type of filtered, pure water. Measure out your tea. If your tea comes in bags, you're all set. For loose tea, you'll need approximately 1 teaspoon per 6 ounce serving of water. Use a teaspoon to measure out the correct amount into your tea bag, tea ball or basket filter. Place it inside the cup, mug or teapot you're using. Note that a 6-ounce serving is standard teacup size. If you're making enough tea for a large mug, you might want to use a little more. If you're making a heavier, denser tea, such as many types of black tea, you can use a little less than a teaspoon per serving. For lighter, bulkier teas, like green teas and herbal teas, use a little more than a teaspoon. After the first few cups you make, you can start measuring out your tea to taste. Heat your water to boiling. Measure out a bit more than you need for the tea based on your preferred serving size and boil it. No matter what kind of tea you're brewing, you'll need to bring the water to a full, rolling boil as a first step. You can do this quickly using a tea kettle, but it works just as well to fill a small saucepan with water and heat it up on the stove over high heat. You can also use a microwave to heat your water in a microwave-safe dish. Preheat the teapot. Pour some of the boiling water into the empty teapot and swish it around. Let the entire pot get warm to touch. Discard this water and immediately place the correct amount of tea in pot. Immediately placing the tea into the pot can cause the pot to crack, and preheating it prevents this. Pour the water over the tea. If you're making black tea, go ahead and pour the boiling water directly over the tea to begin the steeping process. For green, white or herbal tea, take it off the heat and wait 30 seconds until the boil stops, then pour it over the tea. This prevents the delicate leaves from overcooking, which would result in a bitter taste. If you want to make it an exact science, use a thermometer to take the water's temperature so you can control the flavor of the tea. Black tea is best steeped at a temperature of 203 degrees Fahrenheit (95 degrees Celsius). Green tea is best steeped at a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (74 to 85 degrees Celsius) before you pour it over the tea. White tea should be steeped at a temperature of 185 degrees Fahrenheit (85 degrees Celsius). Oolong tea is best steeped using a temperature of 203 degrees Fahrenheit (95 degrees Celsius). Herbal teas should be steeped using a temperature of 203 degrees Fahrenheit (95 degrees Celsius). Steep the tea. The amount of time you'll steep the tea depends on both the type of tea you're making and your individual taste. Experiment to find the steeping time that is best for your cup of tea. Black tea should be steeped for 3 to 5 minutes. Green tea should be steeped for 2 to 3 minutes. White tea should be steeped for for 2 to 3 minutes. Oolong tea should be steeped for for 2 to 3 minutes. Herbal teas should be steeped for 4 to 6 minutes. Remove the tea leaves and enjoy your tea. After the steeping time is up, remove the tea leaves. Your tea should be cool enough to drink. Enjoy it plain or with honey, milk or sugar. Make iced tea. Iced tea is made by making very concentrated tea, then adding water and ice to chill it. To make it, you'll need to double the amount of tea leaves per serving. Iced tea is a wonderful refreshment on a hot day, and can be made with any type of tea. Herbal teas and fruit teas taste particularly delicious iced. Make sun tea. This is a fun way to make tea using the natural heat from the sun's rays. You set out a container of water and tea in the bright sun for several hours, allowing it to slowly steep. Once the tea is strong enough, you can remove the tea bags and ice the tea. Make Southern sweet tea. You'll find this variation in every Southern restaurant. Black tea is brewed strong, then sweetened with plenty of honey and lemon and poured over ice. Make a tea hot toddy. If you have a sore throat, combining the healing powers of tea with the warming effect of whiskey can help soothe the inflammation. Brew a perfectly steeped cup of your favorite tea, then add a shot of whiskey. Sweeten it with honey and sip slowly. | Select your preferred tea. Decide how to filter your tea. Prepare your tea accessories. Use purified water if possible. Measure out your tea. Heat your water to boiling. Preheat the teapot. Pour the water over the tea. Steep the tea. Remove the tea leaves and enjoy your tea. Make iced tea. Make sun tea. Make Southern sweet tea. Make a tea hot toddy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Groom-an-Affenpinscher | How to Groom an Affenpinscher | When brushing your Affenpinscher, first go over its entire coat with a slicker brush. This will help work out knots, loose hair, and debris that's caught in your dog's fur. Once you're done brushing, go over your dog's hair again with a greyhound comb. Don't forget to comb its face after you're done with the body. If you find any mats in your Affenpinscher's fur while you're brushing or combing it, stop and gently separate them with your fingers, starting with the outside of the mat and working your way in. After breaking the mat into separate pieces, try to gently comb it out. | Use a ‘slicker’ brush on its entire coat. The first step to grooming your Affenpinscher is to remove any knots, debris, and loose hairs with a soft bristle 'slicker' brush. To do so, start brushing under your dog's chest, working upwards to its chin. Next, brush under its belly and down the inside of each leg. Then move up to its spine, brushing vertically down each side and continuing down the outside of each leg. Finally, brush the hair on your dog's head, including its cheeks, whiskers, beard, and the hair on top of its head. Brush your dog's coat in layers, starting with the hair on the outermost layer and working your way in, toward the skin. When you're brushing the hair on your dog's cheeks, whiskers, and beard, brush forward, moving toward the mouth. Brush the hair on its head forward as well, moving your brush from the back of its head toward the nose. Affenpinschers' coats don't need too much maintenance, so brushing it once a week is usually enough. Comb through its fur with a ‘greyhound’ comb. Once you're finished brushing, go over your Affenpinscher's coat with a 'greyhound' comb. A greyhound comb has both fine and medium teeth to allow you to groom both the body and face. Comb your dog in the same order you brushed it, starting with its chest and chin, moving next to its belly and the inside of its legs, and then its back and the outside of its legs. Finish by combing the hair on its face. Break apart mats. If you run into any mats while combing your Affenpinscher, stop and break them apart before continuing. To get rid of the mat, break it apart with your fingers as best as you can, gently pulling small pieces of fur out of it, starting from the outsides of the mat. Then use the teeth on your greyhound comb to go through the mat, combing it out piece by piece. Pluck any long, unruly hairs. Most Affenpinscher's coats need trimmed only every couple months. In general, you'll want your Affenpinscher's coat to stay about one inch in length on the shoulders and body. Its coat should be longest between its shoulders and shortest around its rear end. Brushing and combing your dog's coat will take care of most of the long, unruly hairs, but you'll need to pluck any remaining ones that did not come out. To do so, separate any long hairs by lifting them up with a comb so that you can grab them with your index finger and thumb. With the other hand, pull the skin around the hair you're working with taut. Then, with a quick motion, pull the long hair towards you, removing it. If you have trouble grasping the long hairs, try wearing a pair of latex gloves. This will allow you to get a better grip on the hairs. The long hairs you're pulling out are dead, so plucking them won't hurt your dog. Go through your dog’s coat with a stripping knife. A stripping knife is a grooming tool that helps to remove any loose hairs and trim your dog's coat without making any blunt lines. Once you've plucked any long hairs from your dog, take your stripping knife and work through its coat, starting at the base of its neck and working your way back to the base of its tail. Move your stripping knife along the natural lay of the hair, which is usually vertical down the back, but may vary around your dog's neck and tail. Blend its coat as you go, keeping the hair around its shoulders and rib cage longer and the hair around its rear shorter. Use the stripping knife in a raking motion, moving your arm from the shoulder without flexing your wrist. Position the knife at a 45 degree angle to your dog's coat with the teeth facing in the direction you are raking. Depending how you want your dog's coat to look, you may only need to do this every six months or so. Trim around its tail. Affenpinschers can have either docked or undocked tails. If your dog has a docked tail, take small trimming shears and trim the hair closely around the tail, moving along with its natural curve. If your dog has an undocked tail, hold the tip of its tail between your fingers and gently pull it over its back, toward its head. Using your scissors, trim the hair on the underside of its tail in the shape of a crescent moon. Trim the hair around its legs. Next, brush the hair on the inside of your dog's legs toward the middle of its body. Use trimming shears to trim the hair in this area, making it an even length around the entire leg. Your dog's legs should look rectangular in shape, like small columns. Trim the hair around the anus. Using blunt-nosed scissors, trim the hair around your dog's anus. Make sure you get any areas that are soiled or starting to mat. Trim around its eyes. To trim the hair around your dog's eyes, brush the hair on top of its head forward, toward the nose and over its eyes. Using small trimming shears, make an upside down “U” shape, starting at the outside corner of one eye and moving to the outside corner of the opposite eye. Hold your dog's head still while you're trimming by firmly grasping underneath its mouth with your other hand. Make sure you're not holding too tight, but that your dog isn't able to wiggle its head. The hair on top of an Affenpinscher's head (from the bridge of the nose to the back of the skull) is usually kept to about three-fourths of an inch to an inch-and-a-half long. Clean up any hairs that are touching your dog's eyes as well. This will help prevent eye problems. To do so, simply grab the hairs with your thumb and index finger and pluck them out. Groom your dog’s eyebrows. To trim your dog's eyebrows, comb the hair on them forward with a small comb. Then, using a small pair of scissors, trim the hair so that it is short enough to stay out of your dog's eyes. Cut the hair on top of its nose. The hair on top of an Affenpinscher's nose often grows quite long, which can block its eyes. To keep its eyes exposed, cut the hair on top of its nose when you groom your dog. To do so, smooth the hair above its eyes back, holding it on top if its head, and out of your way, with your non-dominant hand. Then, using small trimming shears, trim the hair on top of its nose like a fan, starting at one end and making a half circle to the other side. Trim around its ears. Using blunt scissors, trim the hair around your dog's ears. This hair should be trimmed close to the actual ear, taking care not to cut your dog's ear in the process. Sandwich your dog's ear in between the index and middle finger on your non-dominant hand (keeping both fingers straight so they run along the edge of the ear) to ensure you don't cut the skin. Trim hair from the inside of your dog's ears with forceps or blunt scissors. Using the forceps or scissors, grab a small patch of hair, twist it, and pull it out. Repeat these steps until all the excess hair inside your dog's ears has been removed. Apply ear powder to your dog's ears first to help provide added traction for you to get a hold of the hairs. Wrap your dog in a towel or blanket. Most dogs don't like getting their nails trimmed, so you'll need to take extra precautions to ensure your dog stays still during the process. To do so, swaddle it in a blanket or towel so it cannot wriggle around while you are trimming its nails. To swaddle your dog, first lay it on its back on top of the blanket. Wrap each side of the blanket up and over your dog's belly, tucking it securely underneath your dog on the opposite side of its body. Leave only one leg exposed at a time. If your dog is really uncomfortable with you touching its nails, spend time getting it used to having its nails handled before you try to trim them. You can do this by stroking your dog's paws when it's relaxed and giving it lots of treats. Cut the nail in small snips. Using a small nail grinder or nail trimmer, take small snips out of your dog's nail until you have cut them back to just before the quick, or the small white or pink vein that runs between your dog's toes. Repeat this on each nail until you've trimmed them all. Accidentally cutting the quick can cause quite a bit of bleeding. If you do cut it, apply styptic powder to stop the bleeding. Trim the hair on your dog’s feet. When you are finished trimming its nails, cut the hair around your dog's feet. Using small scissors, cut the hair on the bottom of its feet so that it is even with the pad. Then, trim the hair around the outside of its foot so that your dog's foot looks round. Place your dog in a basin or tub. In general, dogs only need bathed once every few months. When you do bathe your dog, place it in a basin, laundry tub, or the bath tub. Make sure whatever you decide to use has a slip-resistant bottom so your dog is not sliding around. If it does not already, you can get a slip-resistant mat to put down. Wet your dog’s coat. Use a hose attachment to wet your dog's entire coat with lukewarm water. You can also use a bucket to pour water over it if you do not have a hose attachment. Make sure that its entire coat, including the layers closest to the skin are saturated with water. When wetting your dog's face, place the sprayer close to the skin so you are spraying just the areas you need to wet, not in its eyes, nose, or ears. Apply shampoo. Once your dog's coat is saturated, apply an all-purpose dog shampoo all over its body. Use your hands to work the shampoo into a lather, making sure to get the underlying layers of the coat. When shampooing its head, be careful you don't get shampoo in its eyes, ears, or nose. It is a good idea to use a tearless shampoo on your dog's face, just in case. Rinse your dog. Finally, rinse your dog's coat using the hose attachment or buckets of water. Work your hands through its coat to help work the shampoo out. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. When rinsing around your dog's face, hold the sprayer or bucket close to its skin so you can better control where the water is going. Dry your dog’s coat. Once all the shampoo is rinsed out, use a towel to squeeze as much excess moisture from the coat as possible. Then use a hair dryer to finish drying your dog's coat. Put the hair dryer on a medium heat setting and hold it at least six inches away from the dog at all times. Brush your dog's hair in the direction it naturally lays while you blow dry it. | Use a ‘slicker’ brush on its entire coat. Comb through its fur with a ‘greyhound’ comb. Break apart mats. Pluck any long, unruly hairs. Go through your dog’s coat with a stripping knife. Trim around its tail. Trim the hair around its legs. Trim the hair around the anus. Trim around its eyes. Groom your dog’s eyebrows. Cut the hair on top of its nose. Trim around its ears. Wrap your dog in a towel or blanket. Cut the nail in small snips. Trim the hair on your dog’s feet. Place your dog in a basin or tub. Wet your dog’s coat. Apply shampoo. Rinse your dog. Dry your dog’s coat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Duck-Leg | How to Cook Duck Leg | To cook duck leg, start by removing the skin from one side of the leg, then laying the leg skin-side down in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 15 minutes, or until the skin is brown and crispy. While the duck leg is braising, peel and dice onions, carrots, and celery. Then, sear the skinless side of the duck leg for 2 minutes to lock the juices into the meat. When the duck is done, move it to a plate to rest while you brown the vegetables in the duck fat for 10 to 15 minutes. Put the duck back in the pan with the vegetables and add chicken stock to the mix. Bring the skillet to a boil over high heat, then move it to an oven set at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Finally, reduce the heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook it for another 30 minutes. | Preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Make sure one of the racks inside the oven is in the center position before preheating your oven. Don't cook anything in the oven until it's completely heated or else your food will not cook evenly. Remove the skin from one side of the duck legs. Use a thin chef's knife to slice into the skin on each duck leg. Slide the knife underneath the skin to separate it from the meat. Only remove the skin from one side so you can enjoy the crispy skin once it's cooked. Crisp the skin on the duck legs in a skillet over medium heat for 15 minutes. Lay the duck legs so the skin side is down. Leave the legs in the pan until the skin gets brown and crispy, which should take around 15 minutes at medium heat. You don't need to add any additional cooking oils since the legs will cook in the duck fat. Use a large skillet that can hold all of the ingredients and is safe to use in the oven. Peel and dice the onion, carrots, and celery while the duck legs cook. Remove the outer skin from the onion with your hands and use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin from your carrots. Use a chef's knife and a cutting board to dice the veggies so they are ⁄ 2 by ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 by 1.3 cm) cubes. This ensures that they cook evenly. Use any root vegetables you want, such as parsnips or scallions, for different flavors. Sear the skinless side of the duck leg for 2 minutes and move them to a plate. Flip the duck legs using a spatula and let the exposed meat sear. This will help further lock the juices in the meat. After they're finished, transfer them to plate skin-side up and let them rest. Brown the vegetables in the duck fat for 10 to 15 minutes. Place all of the vegetables into the skillet along with the duck fat. Stir them occasionally with a wooden spoon so all of the veggies cook through and soften evenly. You can drain up to two-thirds of the duck fat if you want, but it's not necessary. Put the duck back in the pan and add the chicken stock. Set the duck on top of the vegetables so the crispy skin is facing up. Pour in 2 cups (470 ml) of chicken stock into the skillet so half of the duck is submerged. Don't get the skin wet or else it will turn soggy and rubbery. You can purchase chicken stock at your grocery store or make your own ! Bring the skillet to a boil over high heat. Turn up the heat and let the stock boil for 1 minute. Once it's been boiling, turn your stove off completely. Place the skillet in the oven for 30 minutes. Use an oven mitt to hold the skillet handle and set the skillet on the center rack of the oven. Set a timer for 30 minutes and avoid opening the door so heat doesn't escape. Reduce the heat to 350 °F (177 °C) and cook for another 30 minutes. Once your timer goes off, lower the heat and set another 30-minute timer. When the duck is finished, it should easily be pierced with a knife. Serve the duck legs and vegetables while they're still hot. The duck will stay warm in the oven for 1 hour after it's finished cooking. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the duck is 165 °F (74 °C) in the thickest part of the leg. Refrigerate the duck for 3-4 days. Place the duck in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to put the leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours after cooking it. Otherwise, harmful bacteria could form on the meat. Duck can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Set one of the racks to the center position in your oven before you turn it on. Make sure the oven is fully heated before cooking in it. Poke holes in the duck legs with a wooden skewer. Stab into the skin side of the meat with a skewer, making sure you don't go all the way through it. Aim to have 15-20 holes on the duck leg. The holes allow for the duck fat to release while it is cooking. Use a fork to poke multiple holes at the same time. Brush the legs with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper. Spread 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil across the entire surface of the meat with a kitchen brush. Sprinkle on salt and pepper until you have the level of seasoning you desire, but be careful of over salting the meat. Use other spices like thyme or red pepper flake to add more aromatic flavors to your duck. Place the duck legs on a baking sheet with a wire rack. Spray the cooking sheet and wire rack with cooking oil so your duck doesn't stick. Put the baking tray with the duck legs on the center rack of the oven. Cook the legs for 90 minutes. Keep the door closed while the duck is cooking so you don't let any of the heat out. After 75 minutes, check the internal temperature of the duck legs with a meat thermometer. If it isn't at 165 °F (74 °C), let it cook for the last 15 minutes. Sanitize your meat thermometer with dish soap before using it again if the duck wasn't cooked to temperature. Cover the duck with foil and allow it to rest for 10 minutes after cooking. Remove the duck legs from the oven and immediately wrap the tray in aluminum foil to keep the duck warm. Let the legs rest for 10 minutes before serving them. Roast duck pairs well with wild rice. Store the duck in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the duck legs in an airtight plastic container or a plastic storage bag. Put your leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours so harmful bacteria doesn't form. Keep duck in the freezer for up to 3 months. | Preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Remove the skin from one side of the duck legs. Crisp the skin on the duck legs in a skillet over medium heat for 15 minutes. Peel and dice the onion, carrots, and celery while the duck legs cook. Sear the skinless side of the duck leg for 2 minutes and move them to a plate. Brown the vegetables in the duck fat for 10 to 15 minutes. Put the duck back in the pan and add the chicken stock. Bring the skillet to a boil over high heat. Place the skillet in the oven for 30 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 °F (177 °C) and cook for another 30 minutes. Refrigerate the duck for 3-4 days. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Poke holes in the duck legs with a wooden skewer. Brush the legs with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper. Place the duck legs on a baking sheet with a wire rack. Cook the legs for 90 minutes. Cover the duck with foil and allow it to rest for 10 minutes after cooking. Store the duck in the fridge for up to 4 days. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Focused | How to Stay Focused | To stay focused, schedule yourself a 5-minute break after every 30 minutes of work and then spend those 30 minutes doing nothing but working on the task you need to complete. Make sure you're only working on one specific task at a time since multitasking can actually distract you. If you start to feel your mind wandering, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to refocus your attention. You can also try chewing on some gum, which can improve the flow of oxygen to your brain and help you focus. | Organize your workspace. Whether you're doing work in your office or studying at home, having a clean space can help you focus and get your work done with much more concentration. Remove anything that can distract you from your work and isn't relevant to the task. Clean off your desk to include only the things you need to work, leaving just a few photos or mementos to help you relax a bit. If you spend just ten minutes cleaning your space at the end of every day, you'll be able to maintain your new organized lifestyle. If you don't need your phone to do your work, put it away for a few hours. Don't let it clutter your space and distract you. Make a to-do list. Making a to-do list at the beginning of every day or week can make you feel more focused and motivated to continue your work. If you make a list of all the things you have to do, no matter how small, you will feel more accomplished when you check those items off your list and move on to the next task. This will also keep you focused on one task at a time. Prioritize your tasks. Put the most important or hardest tasks first. It's better to save the easier or more manageable tasks for the end of the day, when you're more tired and less compelled to complete the hardest tasks. If you put off the hard tasks until the last minute, you'll be dreading getting them done all day. For example, a to-do list could contain: “Call mom. Order cake for kid's birthday. Call the doctor back. Post office @ 2 pm.” Give yourself a time limit for each task. Managing your time goes hand in hand with making a to-do list. Next to each item on the list, write about how long it'll take you to accomplish each task. Be realistic about this estimate. Then, try to complete each task within the confines of each time limit. This will make you less likely to slack off or text your friend for an hour instead of actually getting anything done. You can break up more time-consuming tasks with shorter, easier tasks. That way you won't be overwhelming by too many tough tasks in a row. You can think of the shorter tasks as a mini-reward. For example, you could write: “Make coffee: 5 minutes. Answer emails: 15 minutes. Staff meeting: 1 hour. Type meeting notes: 30 minutes. Edit reports: 2 hours.” Make time for breaks during the day. Though it may sound counter-intuitive to plug relaxation into your daily schedule, this form of organization will actually help you stay focused. You should take at least a 5-10 minute break for every hour of work, or a 3-5 minute break for every half hour of work. This will help you get more motivated to finish the task, give you a break to rest your eyes, and will give you some time to transition your mind to the next task ahead. You can even set a timer to go off after every half hour or hour of work, signaling that you should take a break. If you're really “in the zone” you can skip one of the breaks, but don't make it a habit. If you have a smartphone, you can also use an app like Pomodoro to schedule your workday with built-in breaks. Take breaks in a place where you won't be distracted. The break won't help relax your mind if you're still checking work emails, for example. So, get up during some of your breaks. Look out the window, take a short walk outside, or just walk up five flights of stairs to get your blood pumping. These short breaks will make you more invigorated to return to work. For example, you can set a goal to read for thirty minutes over the course of three hours. Taking a break to rest your eyes from the screen and finish the chapter of a book will make you more motivated to finish your tasks. Improve your focus stamina. Though you may think that you'll always be easily distracted, anyone can improve his or her focus with a little motivation. All you have to do is pick a given task, and give yourself 30 minutes to work on only that task without any distractions—without even getting up. Keep going and see how long you can build up your focus stamina. After a couple weeks, once you've become adept at focusing for 30 minutes, see if you can extend that focus time by 5, or even by 10 minutes. Though you should take a break at least every hour, learning to focus for longer will make it easier for you to complete the tasks ahead and to focus for even a shorter period of time. Don't procrastinate on tasks that you need to complete. Avoid delaying any of your activities by leaving things to be done for tomorrow, next week, or next month. Rather, have them done now and move on to the next project. For example, if you know you need to call a particularly difficult client this week, don't put it off until Friday afternoon. Make the call on Monday or Tuesday morning, and it won't be hanging over your head for the rest of the week. Regularly giving in to procrastination will ruin your focus and severely decrease your productivity. Multi-task less to enhance your focus. Many people incorrectly think that multi-tasking is great because it allows you to accomplish a variety of tasks at once. To the contrary, multi-tasking actually confuses your brain and slows you down, keeping you from being fully engaged in any one task. Every time you switch back and forth between two tasks, you'll have to slightly reset your mind, which will slow you down. This is where the to-do list comes in handy: it will make you more motivated to finish your tasks one at a time. Avoid online distractions. Distractions are the enemies of focus and make concentration all but impossible. If you want to be able to focus fully, then you have to know how to avoid a variety of distractions. There are several types of distractions you'll need to train yourself to avoid. To avoid online distractions, aim to have as few Internet tabs open as possible. The more tabs you have open, the more you'll be multi-tasking and the more likely you'll be to get distracted. Give yourself five minutes every 2 hours to check your email, Facebook, or any other social networking sites that you can't live without. Then, stay off the sites until the next 2 hours have passed. Avoid physical distractions. Whether you're working in an office, a library, or at your own home, try not to get distracted by other people. Don't let others throw you off task, whether they're people in your study group, your colleagues, or a friend who is always asking for favors. Put the personal stuff off until after you get your work done, and you'll get your work done faster and will be able to enjoy personal engagements more. Also don't get distracted by your surroundings. If you're in a loud environment, listen to calming music or invest in some noise-cancelling headphones. Though you may be tempted to look around and see what everyone else is up to, allow yourself to only look up every 10 minutes or so to stay focused. Work in a productive environment like a coffee shop or library. Seeing others being productive can help you focus on your own productivity. Listen to classical music or nature sounds through headphones to help improve your focus. Avoid music with lyrics since they may be distracting. Take a few deep breaths to settle your mind and help you focus. If you feel stressed, irritable, or over-stimulated while working, sit back and shut your eyes. Take 3 to 5 deep, full breaths. The increase in oxygen will stimulate your brain, making it easier to focus on whatever task is in front of you. If you have time, you can turn the 3 to 5 breaths into a longer breathing session. Over your lunch break, for example, sit or lay down and focus on deep breathing for 15 minutes. Accept the task that you need to get done. Resisting a task will make it more difficult. Chew a piece of gum. Studies have shown that chewing a piece of gum can temporarily increase your focus. Chewing gum increases the amount of oxygen that your brain receives, which in turn helps you focus. If you don't like gum, try eating a healthy snack, which can have the same effect as gum. Eat a handful of nuts or a few carrot sticks. Avoid too much caffeine. Though one cup of coffee or one cup of tea a day can help you feel a bit more energized and ready to start your work day, if you have too much caffeine, it can make you too hyped up to focus, or even jittery or shaky after a few hours. Resist the urge to pour yourself a full cup of coffee each time you need help focusing. It's better to stay hydrated and drink just one cup of tea a day than to fill your system with so much caffeine that you feel too jumpy to get anything done. Look at a faraway object for 20 seconds. Most of us work on a computer or at a desk, and typically look at objects from a distance of 1–2 feet (30–61 cm). This can strain your eyes, causing some discomfort and reducing your focus. So, give your eyes a break by looking at a faraway object for a few seconds. Your eyes—and your mindset—should be able to focus better when you return to your computer screen. Try following the 20-20-20 rule: each time 20 minutes passes, devote 20 seconds to looking at something that's about 20 feet (6.1 m) away. Remind yourself of what you're working towards. Having a goal in mind will give you motivation to finish your work, and you'll be more successful at staying focused. Part of the reason we lose focus is because we can't see the point of whatever task we have to get done and would rather be doing something else. For example, if you're studying, remind yourself why it's important. It may not be important for you to ace 1 quiz or test, but it is important for you to succeed in the course that will factor in your quiz or test grade, and it is important for you to get good grades so you can graduate. Or, if you're doing work, remind yourself why your work is important. If the work is a means to an end, remind yourself of all the things you can buy because of the work, or about all of the fun things you can do once your work day is over. Pinpoint a specific goal you can work towards. It's easy to get bogged down in a distracting series of small tasks if you're not working towards a single, large goal. When you have a goal to work towards, it can be the carrot at the end of the stick that makes the task worth doing. So, what is your goal for completing your task? Is it to simply get done with the work or school day, to save up enough money to buy a boat, or to advance your career? For example, your goal could also be just to clean your whole house so you can throw a fun party, or to run for 40 minutes without giving up so you can be in better shape. Repeat or write down a “focus mantra. ” When you know exactly what your purpose and goal are, you can create a focus mantra that you repeat to yourself whenever you get distracted. It can be just a simple phrase that you repeat when you're getting sidetracked that helps get you back in order. If repeating this out loud would be make you feel awkward, try writing your mantra down on a sticky note and sticking it on your desk. Your mantra could be something like, “No more Facebook and no more texting until I get my work done. When I get my work done, I'll be ready to ace the chemistry test, and when I ace the chemistry test, I'll get an A in the class!” | Organize your workspace. Make a to-do list. Give yourself a time limit for each task. Make time for breaks during the day. Take breaks in a place where you won't be distracted. Improve your focus stamina. Don't procrastinate on tasks that you need to complete. Multi-task less to enhance your focus. Avoid online distractions. Avoid physical distractions. Take a few deep breaths to settle your mind and help you focus. Chew a piece of gum. Avoid too much caffeine. Look at a faraway object for 20 seconds. Remind yourself of what you're working towards. Pinpoint a specific goal you can work towards. Repeat or write down a “focus mantra. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Cake-Pops | How to Make Cake Pops | To make cake pops, start by baking your favorite cake and allowing it to cool. Put the cooled cake in a bowl and use an electric mixer or your hands to break it into fine crumbs. Then, mix half a container of frosting into the crumbs. Once the texture is doughy, scoop out balls, round them with your hands, and place them on a cookie sheet to go into the freezer for 10 minutes. Next, dip a lollipop stick into melted chocolate, insert it into the cake ball, and dip the ball in the chocolate. Once cool, dip the pop once more before adding toppings and refrigerating. | Bake a cake. It doesn't matter what type. Make the flavor that you enjoy most! Allow the cake to cool completely. After taking the cake out of the oven, be sure it is totally cool before you start transforming it into cake pops. Using either your hands or a spoon, take the cooled cake out of the pan and place it into a large bowl. Mix to break down the cake into fine crumbs. You can either mix it with an electric mixer, or use your hands. Make sure that all there is left is crumbs! This is messy fun. If you have kids, they will probably adore doing this step for you. However, be sure their hands are clean! You don't want to eat cake pops that have been touched by dirty fingers. Choose a flavor of frosting that you like. Add about half of it into the crumbs. Basically what you want is to form a doughy texture again. If you need to add more frosting, feel free to do so. Make sure it is all mixed and ensure that there is no part of the cake crumb mixture without frosting. Use a cookie scooper to scoop out little balls. Round them out with your hands; this is so they aren't as sticky. Make sure that each forms a perfect little ball. You need them to be even when you are dipping them into chocolate. Put each cake ball onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. if you don't have parchment paper you can also use oiled aluminum foil.Then place in the freezer for 10 minutes or so to firm up. Melt some chocolate in a double boiler. The chocolate that you use to cover strawberries is recommended. You can also use crushed-up white chocolate wafers if you prefer, as the outer layer. Dip the lollipop stick into melted chocolate then insert into the cake ball. Insert the stick into the little round balls a little less than halfway; just as far as it feels sturdy to hold is adequate. Dip the cake ball into the melted chocolate. Set aside to cool so that the chocolate hardens. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate one more time once they have cooled down. This is to ensure that they are fully covered. Be very careful at this point––you don't want the balls to break and fall into the chocolate. Gently tap them above the chocolate to remove any excess chocolate. Decorate the cake pops with sprinkles, frosting, or toppings as desired. Use the Styrofoam block to stick the cake pops into and for display. Keep on with this process until you are all the way finished. Then (if you want) melt some white chocolate. Put it into a plastic bag and cut a hole at the corner. Decorate each cake pop using the melted white chocolate in the way you want. This step is optional but provides a great opportunity to write a person's name, the name of a sports team and to draw images, patterns or symbols. Refrigerate the cake pops. This is to make them stay firm and to keep them fresh until serving time Enjoy! . Make coconut cream cake pops These cake pops are simple, unique, creamy, and tasty too! The nice taste of coconut will make taste buds die for more. Make s'more cake pops. These divine cake pops are the perfect treat for family desserts and camping trips. Chocolate fans in your house will love these a ton! Make blueberry muffin cake pops. What a treat these are! These pops have the perfect blend of blueberry which causes them to taste so good. . Make hot cocoa cake pops Sometimes, cake pops just need a little bit of chocolate to make them mouth watering. Serve these on a cold day, along with some hot chocolate. . Make butterfinger cake pops These cake pops or balls are a great and a unique way to indulge cakes without having to modify a recipe at all, and to switch some ingredients around. Make apple cinnamon cake pops. We've all heard of an apple cinnamon cake, but how about molding them into little balls for cake pops? These sweet treats are great for autumn and for guest. . Make french toast cake pops They are simple and special, whoever could of that of recreating cake pops with a blend of french toast? Be prepared for a tasty mix! | Bake a cake. Allow the cake to cool completely. Using either your hands or a spoon, take the cooled cake out of the pan and place it into a large bowl. Choose a flavor of frosting that you like. Use a cookie scooper to scoop out little balls. Put each cake ball onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Melt some chocolate in a double boiler. Dip the lollipop stick into melted chocolate then insert into the cake ball. Dip the cake ball into the melted chocolate. Set aside to cool so that the chocolate hardens. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate one more time once they have cooled down. Decorate the cake pops with sprinkles, frosting, or toppings as desired. Use the Styrofoam block to stick the cake pops into and for display. Keep on with this process until you are all the way finished. Refrigerate the cake pops. Enjoy! . Make s'more cake pops. Make blueberry muffin cake pops. . . Make apple cinnamon cake pops. . |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-12-Pounds-in-One-Month | How to Lose 12 Pounds in One Month | To lose 12 pounds in 1 month, make sure to eat 3 regular meals a day to keep your energy and metabolism humming. For snacks, replace simple carbohydrates, such as cookies and breads, will fruits and yogurts to keep you from getting hungry again too quickly. You'll also want to cut out sugary drinks, such as juices and sodas, and limit alcohol. Finally, add exercise to your routine by doing 30-60 minutes of cardio daily to burn fat and 2-3 strength training sessions a week to raise your metabolism. | Understand how weight loss works. In order to lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you consume each day. You can achieve this by cutting calories from your diet and burning calories through exercise. A single pound of weight (.45 kg) has 3,500 calories in it. So in order to lose 3 lbs. (1.36 kg) a week, you'll need to reduce your calorie consumption by 10,500 calories each week, or 1,500 calories a day. Get a realistic picture of the number of calories you eat each day. In order to figure out how many calories you can realistically cut from your diet, it is a good idea to calculate how many calories you currently consume. You may think you're only eating 2,000 calories when in fact you're eating 2,200 each day. So if you want to lose weight quickly, it's important to have an accurate idea of how many calories you need to cut from your diet. You can calculate your daily calorie intake by eating as normal, but making a note of exactly what you ate. In addition, you will need to specify exactly how much you ate. For example: half a cup of salted peanuts or 8 oz. full fat latte. Then you can use an online calorie chart to calculate your total daily calorie intake. Use the Web MD Body and BMI Calculator. Although many fitness websites will give you the option to calculate weight loss goals by signing up for their newsletter, this site will give you some solid advice about the steps you need to take, considering your weight, height and waist size. Type your body measurements and your weight loss goal into the calculator. Scroll through the BMI and Weight tabs until you get to “Calories.” This tab will tell you how many calories you should eat per day to meet your weight loss goal in a healthy way. Never eat less than 1200 calories per day. Depending upon your weight and height, you may want to set this restriction at 1500 until you lose some weight, so that your body doesn't store fat instead of burning it. This calculator is based on the premise that you should lose no more than one to two pounds per week. Never skip breakfast. This meal restarts your metabolism. Avoiding breakfast will tell your body to store calories, rather than burn them, during the day. Tailor your weight loss plan to your individual situation. Every person is different, so it stands to reason that the same diet plan won't work for everyone. In particular, it is important to consider your starting weight/calorie intake in order to develop a realistic (and safe) weight loss plan. For example: If you are significantly overweight and eat over 3,000 calories per day, it should be relatively easy to cut 1500 calories or more from your daily diet. However, if you generally only eat about 2,000 calories per day, it might be difficult to cut 1500 calories from your meals without feeling tired or out of energy. If this is the case, aim to reduce your calorie consumption to about 1,050 to 1,200 calories per day, as this is the minimum amount necessary to keep energy levels up. Then you can just lose any additional calories through exercise. Keep a food journal. As you begin your weight loss plan, it's a good idea to keep a journal in order to track the amount of food you eat each day. Make sure to list every single morsel that passes your lips - don't forget to count that sneaky square of chocolate or extra handful of nuts. When you fail to accurately track your eating habits, you are only fooling yourself. By writing down what you eat, you are holding yourself accountable. In fact, studies have shown that people are less likely to eat something in the first place if they know they'll have to write it down afterwards. In addition to writing down what you ate, also try to make a note of how you felt when you ate. Were you angry, upset, bored, tired? Making a note of your feelings will help you to recognize patterns in your eating behaviors, which is the first step towards changing them. Weigh yourself once a week. In order to stay on track with your weight loss plan, it's important to monitor your progress. You can do this by weighing yourself weekly. It is recommended that you avoid weighing yourself daily, as your weight can fluctuate from day to day and seeing your weight stay the same on the scales (or worse: go up) can lead you to feel disheartened and cause you to lose motivation. Weigh yourself on the same day each week. Try to do it first thing in the morning, before breakfast. This is when your body is at its lowest weight. It might help to have someone else as a witness. This could motivate you to work harder during the week, as you know there is another person to hold you accountable if you haven't reached your goal. Eat three meals a day. One of the biggest mistakes many dieters make is skipping meals in order to cut calories. This is a bad idea for several reasons: Firstly, skipping meals will leave you feeling constantly hungry and deprived, making you much more likely to binge later in the day, or just give up on your diet completely. Secondly, skipping meals will leave you feeling tired with no energy, which is bad for your work productivity, your stress-levels and your motivation to exercise. It's important to eat frequently throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels even and your energy up. It's especially important to eat breakfast (the most commonly skipped meal) as it kickstarts your metabolism and sets you up for the day. To stick within your 1,200 calorie limit, eat three 400-calorie meals every day. In terms of quantity, you should have a large breakfast, a medium-size lunch and a small dinner - this simple change alone can help you to lose weight. Stick to lean proteins and greens. As much as possible you should try to stick to lean proteins (chicken, turkey, fish, lean red meat) and greens (broccoli, spinach, kale, asparagus and lettuce) when attempting to lose weight. Avoid simple carbohydrates (which are found in items like bread, pasta and white rice) as these tend to trigger your appetite, causing you to eat more. According to weight loss experts, if you stick to eating green vegetables and lean protein at most meals, you can lose up to three pounds a week. Cut out calorie-laden drinks. Skip sugary drinks, such as juice or soda, and drink plain water instead if you want to lose weight quickly. You may not realize it, but you may be consuming up to 250 extra calories in sugary drinks daily. If plain water bores you, try seltzer or unsweetened ice tea. Herbal teas are the best option if you feel like sipping a hot drink, but black tea and coffee are also acceptable. Avoid lattes, cappuccinos and blended coffee drinks, as these also contain a ton of calories. You should also cut back on the amount of alcohol you consume - a single 6 oz. glass of red wine contains 150 calories. Plus, drinking impairs your judgement, making you more likely to binge on that bag of potato chips you've been avoiding all week. Think replacement instead of elimination. You don't need to starve in order to lose weight, you just need to make better choices. Trade a regular potato for a sweet potato, which has more fiber and vitamins. Eat chicken or fish instead of fatty red meat. Eat lentils or quinoa instead of rice and pasta. Instead of a cookie or slice of cake for dessert, have a handful of berries or a sliced apple. Fruit contains natural sugars, which will satisfy your sweet tooth without piling on the calories. Use weight loss tricks. There are several weight loss tricks that can come in handy when you're trying to cut back on food: Drink a glass of water before every meal. Sometimes when you think you're hungry, you're actually just thirsty instead. Drinking a full glass of water before every meal will make you less hungry and also help to keep you hydrated! Eat your meals from a smaller plate. Though it would look full of food the plate will actually have considerably less on it than if you were using a large dinner plate. Put everything you eat on a plate or a bowl. When you eat chips or other snacks right out of the package, it's easy to overeat, as you have no way of tracking how much you've consumed. Don't eat after 6pm. Eating a late dinner or snacking before bed is a major culprit behind weight gain, as your metabolism tends to slow down later in the day. Eating an early dinner, then not eating after 6pm (or at least four hours before bed) can help you to achieve your weight-loss goal. Add exercise or physical activity to your daily routine. Although changing your diet is the most important aspect of losing weight, exercise also plays a significant role. As you are attempting to lose quite a lot of weight in a limited amount of time, you will not be able to reduce your total calorie intake through diet alone (without starving yourself). You will need to use exercise to make up the rest. The actual number of extra calories you'll need to burn each day to for weight loss depends on how many calories you cut from your diet. If you went down to 1,200 from 2,200 calories, you'll have to burn an extra 500 calories. The number of calories you burn from exercise depends on your weight and metabolism. On average, a person can burn 731 calories an hour running a 10-minute mile. Do cardio at least four times a week. Cardio is the best type of exercise for fat loss, as it burns the most calories and helps to get your heart rate up. To lose 12 pounds in a month, you'll need to be doing 30 minutes to an hour of moderate to intense cardio exercise a day. What counts as "moderate to intense" will vary depending on your current fitness level, but a good rule of thumb is that you should break into a sweat within the first few minutes of exercising and keep sweating for the duration of your workout. Some good cardio activities include walking/jogging/running (depending on your fitness), swimming, rowing and cycling. However, an hour-long dance class or an afternoon playing ultimate Frisbee will also provide a good cardio workout and can be a lot more fun! Try interval training. Interval training is an exercise technique which involves alternating between periods of high-intensity and moderate activity. This allows you to work out harder and burn more calories than you normally would. For example, alternating between a minute of running at your maximum pace, then doing two minutes of a slower jog is much more effective for burning calories than running at a steady pace for the duration of your workout. You can use interval training in almost any kind of cardio exercise. To read more about interval training, take a look at this article. Do strength training. Strength or weight training is not as effective at burning calories as aerobic exercise, but it is still hugely beneficial. Strength training helps you to build muscle and raise your metabolism. This allows you to burn more calories naturally, even at rest. Strength training also helps you to tone up and trim down, making you look slimmer, even if your weight remains the same. Strength training exercises like squats, lunges and deadlifts are great total body exercise for both men and women. If you're not familiar with these exercises, it's a good idea to book a session with a personal trainer who can show you how to perform the safely and effectively. Try to include two to three strength training sessions into your weekly workouts. It will give you a break from cardio, while still helping you to lose weight. Exercise early in the day. The later you leave your exercise, the less you'll feel like doing it. It may sound like a great idea to hit the gym straight after work, but in reality you'll feel tired and hungry and going to the gym will be the last thing you feel like doing. If possible, hit the gym in the morning when you feel fresh and motivated. You'll get your workout over and done with early, and have the benefit of the post-exercise feel-good endorphins buoying you up throughout the day. If you're not a morning person, try doing your workout at lunchtime instead. It will help you to clear your head after a busy morning and leave you feeling re-energized when you go back to work. Make choices that involve more activity. In addition to your workouts, try to come up with some small adjustments to your everyday routine that will increase your overall activity levels. Some examples include: Walk up the stairs instead of using the elevator. Park farther away from a store's entrance so you have to walk that extra distance. Cycle to work instead of taking the car. Even these small adjustments can significantly increase the amount of calories you burn per week, as long as you do them consistently. | Understand how weight loss works. Get a realistic picture of the number of calories you eat each day. Use the Web MD Body and BMI Calculator. Type your body measurements and your weight loss goal into the calculator. Never eat less than 1200 calories per day. Tailor your weight loss plan to your individual situation. Keep a food journal. Weigh yourself once a week. Eat three meals a day. Stick to lean proteins and greens. Cut out calorie-laden drinks. Think replacement instead of elimination. Use weight loss tricks. Add exercise or physical activity to your daily routine. Do cardio at least four times a week. Try interval training. Do strength training. Exercise early in the day. Make choices that involve more activity. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Poker | How to Play Poker | Before you get started playing any type of 5-card poker, you'll need to learn the 10 basic ways to win. In order from lowest to highest, they are: 1. High card. 2. Pair of cards, like two 2s. 3. Two pairs of cards, like two 5s and two 9s. 4. Three of a kind, like three 4s. 5. Straight, which is five cards in sequential order. For example, a player might have a 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of any suit. 6. Flush, which is when a player has five cards of the same suit in any order. For example, a player might have a 2, 7, 10, Jack, and Queen of spades. 7. Full house, which is when a player has a pair and a three of a kind. 8. Four of a kind, like all four Aces. 9. Straight flush, which is when you have five cards in sequential order of the same suit. For example, a player might have a 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of clubs. 10. Royal Flush, which is a straight flush containing a 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace. If two people have the same hand, the person with the higher cards wins. So for example, if Daniel has a pair of 3s and Maggie has a pair of 10s, Maggie wins because her pair is higher. To play Texas Hold'Em, which is the most common type of poker, you'll first need to bet your “ante,” which is your “buy in bet” to play the round. The ante is usually a small bet, like $1 or $5, and it's decided by the table. Once everyone has their ante, the dealer will deal two cards to each player. Keep these cards secret from everyone else. Now, every player will take a look at their cards and choose whether or not to bet. Whenever there's a betting round, you can choose to “fold,” which means not playing this round, “check,” which means matching their bet, or “raise,” which means adding more money to the betting pool. Players that are unwilling to “check” a bet have to fold; and if everyone but one player “folds,” that player wins! Once everyone has bet, the dealer will reveal three cards. These cards are known as the “flop.” When you see the flop, start planning what hand you want to make, keeping in mind that there are still two more cards to be revealed. For example, you might want to aim for a flush, which is when you have five cards of the same suit. After the flop, everyone has the chance to bet again, before the dealer reveals the next card, which is the “turn.” Bet again if you want to, then the dealer will reveal the “river,” which is the last card. At this point, you'll see a total of 7 cards: two in your hands, and five on the table. Now, players will bet once last time, then everyone will reveal their hand. Your goal is to create the highest hand possible out of those seven cards, even if it means only using one card from your hand and four cards from the table. The player with the best hand wins! | Learn the 10 basic 5-card hands and their ranking. No matter what type of poker you play, the hands will always be the same. To start familiarizing yourself with the different hands, print out a "cheat sheet" and study it. Then, memorize the different hands so you can easily recognize them. Here are the winning poker hands, from highest to lowest: The highest-ranking hand is a royal flush (the royal straight flush). This hand includes a 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of the same suit, one kind (all clubs, diamonds, hearts or spades). It can only be tied but not beaten by the royal flush of another suit. A straight flush is made up of 5 consecutive cards of the same suit. 4 of a kind means you have 4 cards of the same rank (but different suits, of course) and a fifth card of any rank (such as 4 aces and a 9). If you have 4 aces, then no one can have any hand with an ace, so that no royal flush is available. A full house contains 3 matching cards of 1 rank and 2 matching cards of another rank. A flush contains any 5 cards of the same suit. These skip around in rank or sequence, but are from the same suit. A straight contains 5 cards of consecutive rank but from more than one suit. 3 of a kind means you have 3 cards of the same rank, plus two unmatched cards. 2 pair is made up of two cards of one rank, plus two cards of another rank (different from the first pair), plus one unmatched card. Pair means you have 2 cards of the same rank, plus 3 other unmatched cards. High card is the lowest-ranking (called a "nothing") hand, when no two cards have the same rank, the five cards are not consecutive, and they are not all from the same suit. Place the blinds (starting bets) or "ante up. " In poker, bets are placed at the beginning of the game in one of 2 ways. In Texas Hold'em, the player next to the dealer typically places a small blind bet that's half of the usual minimum bet, while the player to that person's left places a big blind that's at least the minimum bet. As another option, each player can “ante up” the minimum starting bet, which means placing a minimum starting bet into the pool. Aside from Texas Hold'em, most poker variants use an “ante up” system. Look at the 2 cards the dealer gives you, which is your hand. The dealer will "burn" the first card on the deck, which means placing it out of play. Then, they'll pass out 2 cards to each player. Check your cards to see what you're holding. In poker, the dealer will burn a card every round of dealing. That way, it's harder for players to anticipate what card is coming up and the game becomes more of a gamble. The dealer will always pass out the cards in a clockwise direction, starting on the left. Bet, call, or raise after each round is dealt if you want to. Every time the dealer puts out new cards, you'll make a bet, with the first bet being made solely based on the two cards the players have in their hands. Betting happens in a circle – when it's your turn to bet, you have a few options. At this point you can: Place an initial bet if no one else has yet. Say "check" to avoid betting. Say "call" to match the bet someone else has made. Say "raise" to add more money to the betting pool. If you "raise," the other players will go around in a circle and choose to either "call" your new bet or fold. Say "fold" if someone else has bet and you don't want to match their bet. If you fold, turn your cards into the dealer face-down to avoid giving the other players any advantages! Look at the “flop” to see if you have a good hand. After the first round of betting, the dealer will "burn" the top card on the deck. Then, they'll put 3 cards face-up on the table, which is called the "flop." These are the community cards that every player can use to build their hand. Compare these cards and the cards in your hand, then place a bet, call a bet, or fold. In total, the dealer will reveal 5 cards. You will have 7 cards total to use to create your best hand of 5: your two personal cards in your hands, and the five community cards on the table. While your luck can turn later on in a game, take some time to analyze the table after the "flop" – are you well-positioned to end the game with a good hand? Depending on the rules where you're playing, you can also draw replacement cards for the cards in your hand. This is usually done during or just after the betting round. Check the “turn” card after the second round of betting. The dealer will "burn" the top card, then they'll place 1 card face up next to the flop. This is called the “turn” card or the “fourth street” card. Check all of the cards on the table and the cards in your hand to see if you want to bet, call, or raise. Your game may also allow a card exchange at this point, but this isn't typical in professional games. As you look at the cards, think about the possible hands other players might have. For instance, if all 4 cards on the table are spades, then any player who has a spade in their hand will have a flush, which means they have 5 cards from the same house. Similarly, if the cards on the table are 5,6,7, and 8, then anyone with a 4 or 9 will have a straight. If you have nothing good in your hand but the cards on the table make for an easy winning hand, then you may want to fold, as it's likely another player has a winning card. Examine the "river" card and decide on the hand you'll play. After the dealer "burns" the top card on the deck, they'll put 1 last card face up next to the “turn” card. This final card is called the “river.” Check your hand and the community cards to decide on your best 5-card hand. Then, bet, call, or fold. If the rules allow it, you may be able to exchange your hand 1 final time before or after betting. However, this isn't common in professional games. Reveal each player’s hand clockwise in the final “showdown. ” After each player calls, folds, or bets in the last round, each remaining player will participate in the “showdown.” Starting to the left of the dealer, all players involved will reveal their cards face up. Then, everyone looks at the turned over hands to see who has the highest value hand to win the entire pot. If there is a tie, the tied players split the pot. If you fold your hand, then you don't have to show your cards. In Texas Hold'em, there are 5 cards on the table and 2 cards in your hand. You can create any 5-card combination using these 7 cards. The remaining cards aren't counted. If you want to play the cards on the table only, this is called “playing the board.” However, it's an option that everyone has, so it may not be the best strategy. Guesstimate the risks on your starting hand. Look at your cards to see what you're holding. Check for a pair, 2 consecutive numbers, cards that are from the same house, or face cards, which may be good cards. Then, decide if it's worth placing a bet to see what the community cards will be. You should almost always raise when your hand is a pair, face cards, or aces. An ace and a king or an ace and a queen are strong hands as well. If you have these hands, bet before the flop to raise the value of the pot. If the card you need doesn't turn up, you can either bluff or fold. Sometimes, with good bluffing skills and some luck, a bad hand can win the whole game. Start the bidding with the player to the left of the big blind or dealer. On the first round, bidding starts to the left of the big blind. In later rounds, the bidding starts to the left of the dealer. From there, the bidding goes clockwise. If you're playing a game with an ante instead of a blind, always start betting with the player to the left of the dealer. Call the bet if you want to stay in but don’t have great cards. This means you want to stay in the game but don't want to raise the bet. When you call, match the bet of the person before you by adding your chips or money to the pot. Your turn is now over. If the flop comes and you're holding a hand that doesn't play, check and fold. You don't want to keep betting money at a hand that won't win. If the flop comes and you have a strong hand, bet at it. This will force weaker hands out and raise the value of your pot. Raise the bet if you have a good hand. When the bet comes to you, tell the other players you want to raise. Then, say how much you are betting and place your money or chips into the pot. This ends your turn. Say, “I raise the bet to $30.” You can't raise the bet above the maximum for your game. Fold if the current bet is too high or you have a bad hand. This means quitting the round of poker. To fold, place your cards face down on the table and say, “I fold.” Then, add your cards to the discard pile. Don't show your cards when you fold during a game, as this can spoil which cards are out of play. That may give certain players an upper hand. The key to being successful at poker is knowing when to fold your hand and accept a smaller loss or when to hold onto it and risk a larger loss for a chance to win the pot. Decide if you want to draw any cards (if the game allows it). Look at your cards and decide if you want to play this hand. If you'd like to try for better cards, discard the cards you don't want. Then, draw replacement cards from the draw pile at the center of the table. You can discard as many cards as you'd like. You may not be allowed to draw new cards when playing Texas Hold'em, so check the rules for your game before you start playing. Play only with money you’re willing to lose. When you are learning, you should never gamble more than you would consider acceptable to lose. During the game, don't add to your bankroll or dive back in after losing everything you planned to gamble. Wait until you're comfortable losing that amount again before you play another game. The general rule of thumb is you should be able to easily afford to lose 200 bets at the highest limit. So if the limit is $5 bets, then your bankroll should be $1000, and stop there. Track your wins and losses if you start getting more serious about poker. This will help you figure out whether you are winning or losing in the long run. Remember that you must keep records and pay taxes on your gambling income to avoid legal trouble. Learn to read basic tells. Playing your opponents is arguably even more important than playing your cards in poker. This is a more advanced aspect of the game, but it's always good to be aware of players' tells—especially your own. Watch for betting patterns such as betting early, very often (probably with weak hands), or late in a hand (as intimidation). Physical tells can also give you an estimation of your opponent's strength of hand and help you keep your own strategy secret by avoiding such patterns. Some classic tells include shallow breathing, sighing, nostrils flaring, flushing red, eyes watering, blinking, swallowing excessively, or an increasing pulse seen in the neck or temple. A hand over the mouth is usually to conceal a smile, while shaking hands usually reveal nerves. If a player glances at his or her chips when the flop comes, they probably have a strong hand. If a mediocre player tries to impress you by staring you down, they are likely bluffing. Identify conservative players from aggressive players. This will help you determine players' betting patterns and read them more easily. You can tell if players are more conservative by noticing those folding early—evidently only staying in a hand when their cards are good. Very conservative players won't lose as much money, but they're easily spotted by more experienced players. Because they tend to avoid high betting, they can often be bluffed into folding. Aggressive players are risk-takers that often bet high early in a hand before seeing how the other players are acting on their cards. Practice and watch others play to develop quick instincts. The more you play and watch, the faster and better you'll get. Since every poker game is different, it's important to develop good instincts rather than try to memorize and apply tricky systems. Observe experienced players and imagine how you'd react in their position. Then, watch how the experienced players react to build your own instincts. While you do this, consider how successful you'd have been if you were playing and reacted as you did. Would you have won, or would you have lost? Then, decide how you can improve your strategy going forward. Shuffle the cards and cut the deck before they’re dealt. Shuffling the cards mixes them up to make the game fairer. To do a basic shuffle, split the deck into 2 stacks. Next, hold a stack in each hand close together and facing each other. Use your thumbs to flip through the cards, combining the deck into one. After the cards are shuffled, get someone who isn't the dealer to cut the deck by separating it into 2 stacks and placing the bottom stack on top. Do several shuffles to make sure the cards are mixed up. You can cut the deck more than once if you'd like. The dealer typically does the shuffling and bets last, which is called the “button” position. After each hand, you'll pass the dealer/button position to the next player on the left. If the dealer is always the same person, like in a casino, the button position will still pass clockwise around the table. Say “check" to skip placing a bet or simply tap the table twice with two fingers. You can say this if you are the first better or if all those already betting have checked. If you say "check" when it's your turn at the beginning of a new hand, that means you are choosing not to place a bet at that point. Instead, you pass the chance to open to the next player. In the following rounds, if you say “check,” that means you're staying with the bets you already paid into the pot during this hand, and you won't pay more until someone else raises during their turn. If another player does raise on that hand, then you nor anyone else can say "check" or maintain your “check”—so when the play comes around to you again you have to either match or raise the latest bet or fold your hand. Say "I open" if a bet hasn’t been placed yet and you want to open too betting. For example, you could raise the ante $1 or at least the agreed minimum raise. If you choose not to open, take turns in clockwise order, until someone else has opened or every player checked. If everyone checks, then it is time to choose to discard and draw 1 to 3 cards, or "hold pat" on the cards you have. When there are fewer than 3 cards available to draw, replacements will be drawn. The dealer will have to shuffle the discards and add them to the bottom of the draw stack. Say “call” if you want to bet the same as the last person. Calling means making a bet equal to the last bet or raise. For example, if the person right of you just bet $10 and it's now your turn, you would say "call" or “I call” to match that bet. Then you would place $10 in chips or cash in the pot. “Raise” to increase the current betting amount. This is also known as “sweetening the pot.” Raise or re-raise requires finishing this round and making another round to now allow any others to "call" or "raise" the amount of that last bet to stay in the game, or else "fold". The ones who already called can check on this turn and the hand is finished unless someone re-raises. If someone before you bets $20 and you think you have a winning hand or you want to bluff , you can raise when it's your turn by saying “raise to $30.” However, do not say “I see your 20, and I'll raise you 10…” Despite being popular in movies, this is actually frowned upon as sloppy table talk. Say “I fold” when you're ready to quit a hand. Folding means forfeiting your cards and giving up that pot with any bets you've made into it. Wait to be dealt into the next hand if you have chips or have not reached your limit of losses. To fold when it's your turn, put your cards face down on the table and place them onto the discard pile. You can fold at any point in a hand when it's your turn. “Cash-in” when you’re ready to quit the game. This means exchanging your poker chips for money. If you still have chips but don't want to play anymore, take your chips to the bank and tell them you're ready to cash in. The bank will determine how much money your chips represent, then they'll hand you cash. You can usually return and watch the game after you cash in. Master the basics of five-card draw. This variation has optional rules that can be agreed on before the game begins, such as whether or not to use jokers and wildcards, or which cards are high and low. The object of the game is similar to Texas Hold 'Em: to get the best 5-card hand, but within the bounds of your own 5-card hand, without common cards. Determine the betting structure by deciding if you'll play fixed-limit, pot-limit, or no-limit. Decide on the dealer by asking "Who deals first?". Depending on the group you're with and where you're playing, a dealer may be elected or each player could draw for the position. The organizer or host may also choose to deal first. Learn 3-card draw. In this game, the players start by making an ante bet. The dealer and each of the players then get 3 cards, and the players must decide whether to make a play bet or fold. Finally, the dealer reveals their cards for a showdown and whoever has the best hand wins. Like with a 5-card draw, you can choose to vary the rules if you're playing at home. For instance, jokers can be wild, meaning they can be used in represent any card value. Study some of the more obscure variations. If you really get into the game or just want to impress others with your knowledge of poker, learn the rules of the other variations. These include Straight Poker, 5-Card Stud, 7-Card Stud , Lowball, Omaha, Pineapple, Crazy Pineapple, Cincinnati, and Dr. Pepper. You can learn more about these games online. | Learn the 10 basic 5-card hands and their ranking. Place the blinds (starting bets) or "ante up. Look at the 2 cards the dealer gives you, which is your hand. Bet, call, or raise after each round is dealt if you want to. Look at the “flop” to see if you have a good hand. Check the “turn” card after the second round of betting. Examine the "river" card and decide on the hand you'll play. Reveal each player’s hand clockwise in the final “showdown. Guesstimate the risks on your starting hand. Start the bidding with the player to the left of the big blind or dealer. Call the bet if you want to stay in but don’t have great cards. Raise the bet if you have a good hand. Fold if the current bet is too high or you have a bad hand. Decide if you want to draw any cards (if the game allows it). Play only with money you’re willing to lose. Learn to read basic tells. Identify conservative players from aggressive players. Practice and watch others play to develop quick instincts. Shuffle the cards and cut the deck before they’re dealt. Say “check" to skip placing a bet or simply tap the table twice with two fingers. Say "I open" if a bet hasn’t been placed yet and you want to open too betting. Say “call” if you want to bet the same as the last person. “Raise” to increase the current betting amount. Say “I fold” when you're ready to quit a hand. “Cash-in” when you’re ready to quit the game. Master the basics of five-card draw. Learn 3-card draw. Study some of the more obscure variations. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Raise-Money-for-a-Good-Cause | How to Raise Money for a Good Cause | If you want to raise money for a good cause, try hosting a classic fundraiser like a bake sale, party, or car wash. They tend to be easy and relatively successful, making them good choices. But if you are targeting a younger demographic, you may do better starting a crowdfunding campaign. Once you've decided on a fundraiser, get it approved by the organization you're fundraising for and start advertising. | Review your state's regulations. Most states have specific rules and regulations regarding fundraising. Different forms must be filed from state to state and there may be taxes you need to pay depending on your cause or location. Before you begin planning a fundraiser, review your state's fundraising guidelines on your government website. If you have any questions, reach out to a local non-profit and ask for advice and insight. Get to know your audience. Knowing your audience is key to running a successful fundraiser. Try to get a sense of what types of donors flock to what types of fundraisers. This will give you a better sense of what kind of fundraiser to run. Review attendance records and donation records for the cause you're supporting. Look at demographics. Is the crowd older, younger, liberal, conservative? You can get a sense of what kind of fundraiser would be most successful based on this data. If you're working with an older crowd, you might want to fall back on more traditional fundraisers. Things like bake sales and charity auctions might work best. A younger crowd might be more drawn to something light and fun like a karaoke contest. Younger people also tend to be more tech savvy, so online crowd-funding campaigns may be more appealing. Research the best charities, if applicable. Some charities are more effective than others, and you want to make sure that your money will be spent as well as possible. Consider charity rating websites, and testimonials from the community. Some charities are considered unhelpful by the community they claim to support. For example, many breast cancer awareness campaigns spend more money on hypersexualized awareness ads than on helping survivors, and Autism Speaks exploits and dehumanizes autistic people. Do your research, and look for charities that aren't torn with controversy. Gather like minded people. If you want to run a fundraiser, it's a tough job to do alone. Get a team together of like-minded individuals who believe in the same cause. Work together to put on a successful fundraiser. In most areas, there are groups dedicated to a variety of causes. See if you can find a relevant group in your area, attend a meeting, and see if anyone is interested in helping with a fundraiser. Churches are also big on fundraisers. If you attend church, try seeking out help there. You can advertise on websites like Facebook and Craig's List that you're looking for volunteers to help with a fundraiser. Stick to the classics. If you're catering to a more traditional audience, consider sticking to the classics. Fundraisers like bake sales and gift wrapping have existed for a long time for a reason. They work. Have a bake or craft sale. Bake sales and craft sales allow the community to participate by contribute homemade goods. If planned around a holiday, attendance is generally higher as people are looking for Christmas presents. Host a party. This is great if you're trying to raise funds locally, or want to target your friends but not pressure them into a donation. Host a party with clear message and inform guests about the opportunity for donating. Give a short presentation on the cause during the gathering if possible. Hold a car wash. Another classic fundraiser, the car wash is still an effective fundraiser, especially in the summer months. Set up a dinner fundraiser. If you're running a fundraiser for a larger organization, you can try a fundraising dinner. You'll need to find a venue and prepare the menu, but you'll be able to charge per plate, which can lead to a lot of donations. Hold a raffle. If you can come up with some good prizes, you may be able to hold a raffle. Be sure to check the local regulations on holding raffles, as they may be considered gambling and require a permit. Consider gift wrapping if you're fundraising around Christmas. You can charge patrons a small fee to have their items custom gift wrapped for a cause. Network with others. If you're interested in a bigger fundraiser, consider networking with local businesses. This can be a fun way to entice people to participate. Check with local businesses to see if any are willing to donate prizes. This can often be accomplished by agreeing to advertise the store that donated when discussing the prizes. You can also see if a local business would be willing to host a fundraiser and put a portion of their profits towards your cause. Hold an auction. Auctions can be an effective way to raise a lot of money, especially if you can get local businesses to contribute desirable prizes. A silent auction is a great way to supplement another event, as guests can take a look during a lull in the activity. Set up a booth at an event. Fairs, carnivals, sporting events, and other public gatherings can be great places to set up a booth to raise awareness for your cause and solicit donations. It will require gathering materials, but you can reuse the booth whenever you need to fundraise at another event. Start a crowdfunding campaign. In recent years, crowdfunding has taken off as a potential way to run a personal fundraiser. There are a variety of websites online that allow you to create a fundraising campaign for virtually any personal cause. Anyone that visits the page can donate any amount they'd like. Many crowdfunding sites allow you to set up different tiers of donations, with the expectation that higher tiers will be rewarded in some way. A successful crowdfunding campaign requires a very catchy or compelling statement and description in order to stand out from the thousands of active campaigns. You'll have to advertise on social media heavily. Due to the newer nature of crowdfunding campaigns, it might be best to crowdfund if you're targeting a younger demographic. Host a competition. People get excited at the opportunity to compete. Consider having some kind of contest, with entry fees or entrance fees going towards your cause. Try a cooking or baking contest. Allow people to compete for best dish and show off their cooking and baking skills. Events like this can be a lot of fun and tend to draw in a crowd. Try some kind of sporting event. Marathon charities tend to be very popular events. Try having a hockey or basketball tournament and donations can be made in the form of tickets purchased. You can also consider selling concession items at the game and putting that money towards your cause. Consider a karaoke contest. Karaoke is a lot of fun and tends to draw in a big crowd. Talk to a local bar that offers karaoke and see if they'd be willing to host. Contact the organization you're fundraising for. If you're fundraising for a specific organization, contact that organization beforehand. Many organizations have specific regulations that must be followed in regards to fundraising. They may also have specific ways funds are transferred to their organization. Contact the HR department of the organization you want to work with and make sure your in accordance with their policy. Advertise. Once you've settled on a campaign, you'll need to advertise. Make sure you do so appropriately and effectively. The way you advertise depends on your audience. Older demographics tend to prefer traditional forms of advertisement, like flyers and radio ads. Younger demographics are most likely to make plans via social media. Send out invitations if you're doing something like a dinner. A classy invitation can entice people to want to come to your event. If invitations stretch your budget, consider evites. Consider setting up a bank account for the fundraiser. Many local banks will work with you to set up a fund that your donors can contribute to. This is especially useful if you are trying to collect funds for a family in the area or for a renovation project. Stop by your local bank and ask them about creating a bank account for your event. Figure out the logistics. One of the hardest parts of fundraising is the planning stage. Make sure you figure out all the logistics of planning the event. Assign different tasks to different people. It can help to separate duties into categories and build teams from there. One group can responsible for managing money, another responsible for booking venues, and so on. Double check all your information. Make sure you're following all regulations regarding fundraisers before engaging in the event. You do not want to host a successful event only to be slapped with a fine later on. Build a strong social media presence. A strong social media presence is key for successful fundraising. Get on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, and other social media outlets. Ask a social media savvy friend to help if you're not familiar with these outlets yourself. A strong Facebook fan page, as well as a Twitter presence, can be a great means to spread the word of an event to many people at once. Reach out to the right people. Blindly inviting your entire Facebook friend's list is a big no-no. You're likely to annoy people who do not live in the area or who are not interested in the cause. Stick to inviting people who you know have similar views and live near enough to attend. Itemize expenses. People are more likely to donate if they know where their money is going. Know exactly where your money will be going and be upfront with people about this. If people know that, say, $5 buys one vaccination for a child in need in a third world country they'll be motivated to give. Keep records. As you'll likely have to go through some auditing process for tax purposes, keep thorough records. Keep records of who donated, how much they donated, and what the money went towards. Believe in your cause. The key to getting people to donate is genuinely believing in your cause yourself. Know as much as you can about your cause so you sincerely believe it's worth it. If you know a lot about your cause, you're likely to feel more passionate about it. When you send out an e-mail or letter asking for donations, you'll sound more convicted. This can motivate people to donate. People enjoy contributing to worthy causes. It makes them feel positive about themselves and involved in their community. The stronger you believe in your cause, the more others will want to help you out. Make donating as easy as possible. The easier it is for passersby to donate to your cause, the more money you'll be likely to raise. Make it easy for potential donors to make a contribution. If you have a website set up to collect donations, ensure that it is easy to navigate. If you've set up an account at the local bank, make sure the instructions for making a deposit are clear. Low minimums for donations are more likely to make people feel like they can afford it. Thank each of your donors. Each person that donates should receive a message from you or your organization, thanking them for their contribution and outlining what the money will be used for. Make the donor feel good about the money that they contributed. Thanking your donor also makes it easier to get in contact again when you run another fundraiser. For large organizations, its expected that a thank-you message be sent out within 48 hours of the donation. For personal fundraisers, you should be working to thank people as soon as they make their donation, and again after the fundraiser is complete. | Review your state's regulations. Get to know your audience. Research the best charities, if applicable. Gather like minded people. Stick to the classics. Network with others. Start a crowdfunding campaign. Host a competition. Contact the organization you're fundraising for. Advertise. Consider setting up a bank account for the fundraiser. Figure out the logistics. Build a strong social media presence. Itemize expenses. Keep records. Believe in your cause. Make donating as easy as possible. Thank each of your donors. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Go-to-the-Maldives | How to Go to the Maldives | To go to the Maldives, book a flight to the capital city, Male, between November and April if you want to visit during peak travel time, which is also the dry season. If you llike surfing or don't mind some rain, travel between May and October, which will also cost less. After you've booked your travel, decide whether you want to relax at a resort or book accommodation in a guest house for a cheaper alternative. Before you go to the airport, pack a carry-on bag with a change of clothes and some entertainment, like a book or electronic device, since flight times to the Maldives from the US can be over 20 hours. | Visit the Maldives from November to April for the best weather. These months make up the dry season in the Maldives, which means the chance for rain interrupting your afternoon at the beach is much lower than during the wet season. Expect to pay more for accommodations and be around more people, as these are the most popular months to travel here. Regardless of what time of year you travel to the Maldives, you can expect temperatures in the 80 °F (27 °C) range. Arrange to go from May to October for less expensive lodgings. If you are looking for accommodations that are a little more wallet-friendly and don't mind a little rain, book your trip during the wet season months. This is also a great time to travel if you'd prefer a less crowded vacation, as the peak travel time to the Maldives is from November to April. If you like to surf , this is the time to go to the Maldives. In addition to more rain, there will also be more wind, which means the waves and swells will be bigger. During the rainy season, there is generally about 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 cm) of precipitation on a monthly basis. The mornings are normally clear, followed by cloudy afternoons. Obtain a valid passport. If you don't already have one, fill out a passport application several months before your trip. When you book your flight to the Maldives, you'll be issued a 30-day visa automatically. If you want, you can extend that to a 90-day visa, depending on your travel plans. If you have a passport that will be expiring within 6 months of your travel dates, you'll need to get it renewed before you travel. Research and book your flight several months in advance. Flying directly from the United States to Malé (the capital of the Maldives) is really expensive, with tickets ranging anywhere from $1300 to $2000 per ticket (with some airlines pricing tickets as high as $6000). It's generally less expensive to fly to Europe or the Middle East and then fly directly to Malé from there. Most travelers fly into the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, located in Malé. British Airways is the only European airway to offer a direct flight to the Maldives. Depending on your credit card programs , you may be able to use miles and points to decrease the cost of your flight to the Maldives. Prepare for a long flight and pack a carry-on bag. It's a great idea to pack a bag with some kind of entertainment, like a book, magazine, or electronic device with movies or television episodes downloaded. You also may want to pack a change of clothes, deodorant, and a toothbrush to help yourself feel fresh for the duration of your flight. If you're flying from the United States, your flight time will take anywhere from 18 to 23 hours, depending on layovers. Flying from the UK will take about 10 hours. Pack for your trip several days before you leave for the airport. If you'll primarily be on a resort island, you'll need to bring clothes for the beach and for hanging out at the resort. If you'll be traveling off of resort islands, you'll need to wear clothes that adhere to the Islamic code of ethics (women need to keep their legs and arms covered, and men shouldn't be bare-chested). Because the Maldives is a Muslim country, pork products, alcohol, and religious texts are banned, so make sure to leave these items at home. Even on resorts, the dress code is fairly casual and relaxed. Don't forget to refill any prescriptions you might need while you're away, and bring chargers for all your electronics. Choose a resort island for a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere. If you just want a place to relax and enjoy your beautiful surroundings, there are about 105 resorts you can choose from, each located on its own island. Many of these resorts include breakfast, and many of them offer deals which include dinner, too. Because the Maldives is a fully Muslim country, you won't be able to find alcohol on non-resort islands. Also, beaches on non-resort islands often won't allow bikinis and those islands also don't allow public displays of affection or homosexuality. Book your lodging ahead of time if you’re going to stay at a resort. Several months before your trip, take some time to review the different resorts to find one that caters to your likes and wants. There are resorts with golf courses, private villas, lagoons, extensive beaches, and lots of other luxury accommodations. Resorts fill up quickly, especially during the dry season, so book your lodging as soon as you know your travel dates. Because the Maldives is such a popular and beautiful location, there really aren't very many budget hotels available. You can expect to pay about $200 per night for a room at most resorts, but depending on what you're looking for, you could end up spending closer to $600 or $800 a night. Book an over-the-water villa for a picturesque experience. If you're staying at a resort, you'll probably have the option to book an over-water villa for some extra privacy and miraculous views. They're generally a bit more secluded from the rest of the resort, which can be nice if you're interested in a romantic getaway. If you're staying in the Maldives for several days, you could spend several nights in a villa for the experience, and then relocate to another resort to enjoy the beauty of a new location. Check out B&Bs and Couchsurfing if you’re traveling on a budget. Couchsurfing is a network of individuals who allow travelers to stay with them for free. B&Bs or budget guesthouses provide accommodations for $30 to $60 per night. You'll generally get a room, shower, breakfast, and free WiFi, though many guesthouses offer additional accommodations, like bottles of water and air conditioning. The site https://www.hotelscombined.com is recommended for finding guesthouses in the Maldives. But take some time and search online through different sites to find an option that fits your budget. Airbnb is also becoming much more popular in the Maldives, and those houses generally range from $50 to $100 a night. You can also pay about $80 for a day pass to most of the resorts. Take a seaplane for a quick, yet expensive, trip to your island. Once you fly in to Malé, you need to get to your resort or guesthouse, which is most likely on a separate island. One option is to take a seaplane for an additional charge. This is a more expensive option, running about $250 to $500 per person for a flight that will take 30 to 60 minutes. Some resorts include transportation to their island from Malé, so check out those options when making your reservations. There are no predictable schedules for seaplanes, so you might have to wait several hours after your main flight lands to get on a seaplane to go to the resort. Book a speedboat to quickly get from one resort island to another. Ferries generally don't stop at resort islands, so speedboats are a quick way to get to and from your destinations. While less expensive than taking a seaplane, speedboat trips are also expensive, sometimes charging $200 per person for a 30 to 40-minute trip. Unfortunately, there aren't many other options to get to the resort islands. Check your resort to see if they offer a discount on speedboat rides to the island. Some will include the speedboat fee in your room fee. Ride a ferry for an inexpensive way to travel around non-resort islands. You'll just pay several dollars per trip to get from one island to another, as long as they don't house a resort. This is a great way to explore the different islands, especially if you're staying at guesthouses in the Maldives. Ferries run on unpredictable schedules, so you may have to wait several hours for a ride. Walk around the islands to explore the beautiful beaches. Most islands are very small, and you can walk from one end to the other within a few miles. When you're on an island, you don't need to worry about renting a car or motorcycle, though some islands rent bicycles for you to enjoy. It's generally very safe to walk around any island in the Maldives. If you're walking around local islands, native Maldivians may approach you to offer you bits of Maldivian chocolate. Go fishing at sunset to enjoy the beautiful views. Whether you're staying at a resort or at a guesthouse, you can arrange a fishing trip for about $50 per person. You'll get to go out on a 60-foot dhoni, which is a wooden boat traditionally used by Maldivians. Sunset fishing is super popular because of the views, but you can also go fishing during the day. Just ask your host or resort for details. Book a snorkeling excursion to swim with marine wildlife. If you're interested in snorkeling, choose a resort that offers that excursion. You can also book a Liveaboard boat (like a large yacht), which will take you to different reefs and areas for you to explore. You can even snorkel underneath some of the islands because of the way they're formed. You can expect to see many different kinds of fish, clams, sharks, turtles, and octopus. You may even get to see and swim alongside a whale shark, which is one of the largest fish in the ocean. Hop from island to island to explore the different beaches. Book an excursion for about $50 per person for a day of island hopping. You'll get to relax on a large boat and explore the different beaches in the Maldives. Even though the islands are relatively close together, each one boasts its own special beaches, water features, and beauty. Many local islands have beaches designated for tourists, which means once you're on them, you can wear your bathing suits and bikinis. Topless sunbathing is illegal, so keep your suit on at all times! For “long-term” hopping, book rooms at several different resorts over the course of your trip to spend time on multiple islands, rather than doing all your hopping in one day. Reserve a private island for a romantic picnic. When booking your accommodations, search for resorts that offer private island stays. Apart from a resort, you can also search for “private islands for rent” in the Maldives for options to rent directly from an individual who owns an island. You can expect to pay upwards of $1600 per day for a private stay on an island. Uninhabited islands are also often rented to resort guests for private excursions. Dine underwater at Ithaa, an undersea restaurant. As of 2018, this option is only available for guests staying at the Hurawalhi Island Resort, and reservations are needed months ahead of time. You can join 14 other guests in a dining room completely surrounded by water and watch the vibrant marine life swim around you as you enjoy your meal. Make a reservation for lunch for a less expensive dining option and to enjoy the water while the sunlight is still streaming through. | Visit the Maldives from November to April for the best weather. Arrange to go from May to October for less expensive lodgings. Obtain a valid passport. Research and book your flight several months in advance. Prepare for a long flight and pack a carry-on bag. Pack for your trip several days before you leave for the airport. Choose a resort island for a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere. Book your lodging ahead of time if you’re going to stay at a resort. Book an over-the-water villa for a picturesque experience. Check out B&Bs and Couchsurfing if you’re traveling on a budget. Take a seaplane for a quick, yet expensive, trip to your island. Book a speedboat to quickly get from one resort island to another. Ride a ferry for an inexpensive way to travel around non-resort islands. Walk around the islands to explore the beautiful beaches. Go fishing at sunset to enjoy the beautiful views. Book a snorkeling excursion to swim with marine wildlife. Hop from island to island to explore the different beaches. Reserve a private island for a romantic picnic. Dine underwater at Ithaa, an undersea restaurant. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Summarize-an-Article | How to Summarize an Article | To summarize an article, start by introducing the article title and the author's full name so the reader knows what you're referring to. Then, give a brief overview and explanation of the topic of the article, which will either be the author's argument or the main premise of their research. Next, outline the points they use to back up their research, but avoid direct quotations to keep your summary brief. Finally, state the author's conclusions before going back to make sure everything you stated in your summary matches up with the original article. | Review your assignment sheet to understand the expectations. Read the assignment sheet twice to make sure you understand the assignment requirements. Highlight the expectations and what you need to do to get full credit. As you complete your assignment, make sure that you do everything your instructor asks. If you have any questions, ask your instructor to get clarification. Scan the article to identify the main points. Before you read the article, scan it to get an idea of what's contained in the article and how it's structured. Look for section headings or subheadings. Additionally, try to find the thesis, main points, and conclusions. Highlight or underline the thesis, research question, or purpose. Mark the supporting points. Highlight the section headings. Note the method of study, if there is one. Highlight the findings, conclusions, or results. Read the article 2-3 times to ensure you understand it. Go slowly as you read the article so you can absorb the information. If you have any questions, stop and write them down in the margins. On your second reading, try to find the answers to your questions to deepen your understanding. Finally, read the article a third time so you can write notes and summaries. If possible, read it aloud to help you process the information. Reading the article several times will help you get a better understanding of the ideas. It's difficult to fully understand an article on a first reading. Write notes in the margins in your own words. Think about what the passage is saying or what you think the author means. Then, write out your thoughts and interpretation of the text in the margins of the article. Make sure you use your own words. Don't just rearrange the words in the text or paraphrase the article. It's okay to write short phrases and fragments rather than full sentences. Write 1-sentence summaries of each section of the article. Read each section of the article, then stop and think about what the author is saying. Identify the main point and the supporting points for that section. Summarize the points in 1 sentence. Write your short summary in the margins near the section. You might write, “Lopez asserts that homework helps students retain more knowledge based on exam scores and self-reporting.” Begin the introduction with an overview of the author and the article. Tell the reader who wrote the article, their credentials, and the title of the article. Then, briefly explain what the article is about and why it's important. You might say, “Inez Lopez is a former high school educator who now teaches curriculum planning as a researching professor. Her article entitled “Homework Smarts: Why Kids Need Homework” discusses why students benefit from regular homework assignments. Lopez also differentiates between effective homework and busywork, which helps educators change their lessons for the better.” End the introduction with your thesis about the article’s main ideas. Write your thesis as the last sentence in your introduction. Focus your thesis on the original author's thesis, hypothesis, or research question. State their core ideas in your own words, but don't include any of your own ideas. For instance, you'd write, “Lopez argues homework is necessary to support in-class instruction because students retain more information, the class covers more curriculum, and students get more one-on-one attention in class.” Summarize each main point in a sentence for a short summary. Re-read the 1-sentence summary you wrote in the article margins. Pull out the main point from that section, then write a sentence that summarizes what the author is saying. Do this for each section of the article. A short summary is 1 page or shorter. For a short summary, you'll write either 1 long paragraph or an introduction, a body paragraph, and a conclusion. Write, “According to Lopez, students who complete homework assignments for their core classes perform better academically.” Discuss each point in a body paragraph for a longer summary. For a long article, you'll typically write a summary that's longer than a page. In this case, you'll write a separate 4-6 sentence body paragraph for each main point. State your summary of the main point in the first 1-2 sentences of the paragraph. If your summary is longer than 1 page, it's considered a longer summary. You might write, “In her study, Lopez compared 2 different classrooms at the same high school, one that had homework and one that didn't. Lopez asserts that students who completed homework assignments performed better academically.” Provide 2-3 supporting examples for each of the main points. The supporting details are the examples that the author gave to back up their ideas. Identify 2-3 supporting examples for each main idea. Then, present them in 1-2 sentences for a short summary or 2-4 sentences for a longer summary. You might write, “To support her claims, Lopez explains that students who did their homework scored 40% higher on exams, participated in class at a higher rate than students who weren't assigned homework, and completed academic units 30% faster than classes that didn't do homework.” Explain the research methods if the author used any. The research methods are the steps the author used to conduct their study. Describe the research design, the process, and how the results were measured. If the research involved subjects, identify the subjects and what they had to do. Be specific about how the author attained their data. For instance, you'd write, “In her research, Lopez studied two classes at the same high school. Both classes had a similar demographic and socioeconomic makeup and were provided the same academic supports. The control classroom did not receive homework, while the experimental classroom did. Lopez tracked the students' homework completion rate, assignment scores, class participation, and progress through the curricula. Additionally, she conducted short student surveys after each exam.” Describe the results and conclusions if the article is about research. The results include the data or information the author learned through their research, and their conclusions include the ideas they took from their research. Explain the results of the research, the analysis the author provided, and the conclusions they drew. Additionally, explain the author's call to action, if there is one. You could write, “Lopez collected data such as student scores, number of incidences of class participation, and rate of lesson progression. Additionally, she asked students to rate their confidence, understanding of the material, and readiness to move on to the next unit on a survey after each exam. Based on her data, Lopez concluded that students progress as much as 30% faster if they complete daily homework assignments. To improve academic performance, Lopez recommends that teachers in core subjects assign homework every night.” Conclude your summary by restating the thesis and its significance. Write a short 2-3 sentence conclusion for your summary. In the first sentence, restate the thesis you provided at the end of your introduction. Then, briefly state what the author's ideas are important or meaningful in their field. Write something like, “According to Lopez, students are able to retain information and progress rapidly if they're required to do homework. Her work provides teachers with a tool to promote academic success and advice on how to use homework effectively to help students.” Make sure your summary is about 1/3 of the length of the article. You want your summary to be short and concise while still conveying the ideas in the article. Compare your summary to the length of the original article. If it's longer than 1/3 of the article's length, revise the summary to cut it down. Similarly, add more detail if your summary is too short. Your summary doesn't need to be exact in length. As long as it's about 1/3 of the article's length, it should be sufficient. Use author tags to attribute the ideas to the original author. Author tags remind the reader that the ideas you're presenting belong to the original author. This helps you avoid accidentally plagiarizing the author's ideas. Each time you state an idea or supporting detail from the article, use an author tag to show that the idea belongs to the original author. You'd write, "Lopez believes," "Lopez finds that," and "Lopez argues." It's also okay to use pronouns. You might write, “She goes on to say,” “She further asserts,” or “She refutes this idea.” Avoid using direct quotations because they aren’t in your words. The purpose of a summary is to present the article ideas in your own words. If you use direct quotes, you aren't summarizing. Rewrite all of the ideas in your own words. Ask someone to read your paper and provide feedback. Give your paper to someone you trust to give you honest advice. Ask them to look for passages that need improvements and to mark errors. Use this feedback to improve your paper. For instance, ask your classmate, a writing tutor, or your teacher to give you feedback. Compare your summary to the assignment requirements. Go back over your assignment sheet and make sure you did everything your instructor asked you to do. If you didn't, go back and make revisions to your paper so that it matches your instructor's expectations. This will help you get full credit. Revise your summary to improve passages and correct errors. Make changes based on the feedback you received and your assignment sheet review. Rewrite sections of your paper that you want to improve. Additionally, correct any grammatical errors, typos, or misspellings that you found during review. You may want to do several rounds of revisions depending on the purpose of your assignment. If you're writing this summary for a grade, make sure your final product is your best work. Proofread your summary to make sure it’s free of errors. Once your paper is finished, read over it carefully to check for errors. Correct any problems that you find so that you won't lose credit for them. Ask someone else to proofread your paper for you if you can. Then, make changes if they spot any errors. Check the summary against the article to make sure it’s accurate. Re-read the article, then read over your summary of it. Make sure your summary accurately reflects what the author says in the original article. Additionally, check that your summary discusses the thesis, each main point, and the main supports. Finally, delete any statements that reflect your own analysis or opinions. Don't include any of your own ideas, analysis, or opinions in a summary. Focus solely on the original author's ideas. | Review your assignment sheet to understand the expectations. Scan the article to identify the main points. Read the article 2-3 times to ensure you understand it. Write notes in the margins in your own words. Write 1-sentence summaries of each section of the article. Begin the introduction with an overview of the author and the article. End the introduction with your thesis about the article’s main ideas. Summarize each main point in a sentence for a short summary. Discuss each point in a body paragraph for a longer summary. Provide 2-3 supporting examples for each of the main points. Explain the research methods if the author used any. Describe the results and conclusions if the article is about research. Conclude your summary by restating the thesis and its significance. Make sure your summary is about 1/3 of the length of the article. Use author tags to attribute the ideas to the original author. Avoid using direct quotations because they aren’t in your words. Ask someone to read your paper and provide feedback. Compare your summary to the assignment requirements. Revise your summary to improve passages and correct errors. Proofread your summary to make sure it’s free of errors. Check the summary against the article to make sure it’s accurate. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-to-a-Dog | How to Talk to a Dog | If you want to talk to a dog, you'll need to train it to listen and look at you. To get your dog's attention, say your dog's name and look into its eyes when it looks at you. Make sure to praise your dog and give it a treat if you have one, so it learns to look at you whenever you call its name. Once your dog knows its name, you can start teaching it commands by first saying its name, then following with the command. Stay consistent and keep your commands short and simple, so your dog doesn't get confused. | Keep calm and stay relaxed. If you seem tense or agitated, your dog will take notice and will be much more likely to ignore your commands. Don't stomp around or seem mad when you're around your pet or it may get stressed out. You should also refrain from being anxious or overly energetic or it may be hard for your dog to calm down and listen. If you need to calm down, you can do deep breathing exercises or meditate. Take a big, deep yawn to help calm your dog down if it's excited or nervous. Train your dog to look at you. Say your dog's name and look into its eyes when it looks at you. If your dog doesn't instinctively look at you when you call out its name, trace a line between its eyes and your eyes using your finger. The point of this exercise is to get your dog to pay attention to you when you call its name. Don't stare into your dog's eyes for too long because it could be interpreted as a sign of aggression. You can draw the dog's attention by holding a treat in the hand you're using to signal the looking behavior. Show the dog the treat, then move it from in front of the dog's nose up to the bridge of your own nose. You may have to repeat this process 5-10 times until your dog understands. Stay consistent and don't repeat the dog's name more than once or it will get used to ignoring you. Praise the dog in an upbeat voice once it makes eye contact. Immediately give your dog a treat and praise after it makes eye contact with you. This will train it to look at you when you call out its name, which will make it much easier to issue commands. Once your dog learns to look at you, you can stop giving it treats every time. If a dog doesn't pay attention to you while you're talking, it won't pay attention to the commands that you give it. Teach your dog how to sit. Teaching your dog to sit is one of the most important commands to teach it because it forces the dog to stop and pay attention to you. Say "sit" and wait for your dog to sit. If it does, reward it with a treat. If your dog isn't naturally sitting, hold a treat behind the dog's head. This will force the dog to look behind itself and it will naturally sit down. Immediately after the dog sits, make sure to reward it with praise or treats to reinforce the command. Once your dog learns to sit, you can train it to perform other commands. Say your dog’s name before vocalizing a command. Saying your dog's name will get its attention and will cause it to look in your direction. Start off all commands with its name to establish a pattern that they can follow in the future. Stay consistent with your commands and don’t repeat yourself. Using different words for the same command will be confusing for your pooch. Use the same command every time when you want your dog to do something. For instance, if you use the command “ come ” to have your dog come to you, don't switch up your phrase and say “get over here,” or the dog may not understand. If you say “down” to command your dog to lie down , don't use “down” when you want the dog to get off the furniture. Keep your commands short and simple. Your commands should be small, one-word increments that your dog can learn and understand. Use words like “stay,” “come,” and “sit.” These words have a distinct sound and won't be confusing for your dog. On average, dogs can learn up to 150 words but won't be able to understand sentences or phrases. For instance, if you tell your dog to “come and sit down” they may get confused and will not know what to do. Other commands include “ heel ” and “give.” Pat the ground to tell your dog it’s time to play. Get down on all fours and hit the ground with your palms to let your dog know it's time to play. This will get it into a fun mood and is a great way you can communicate with your dog using your body language. If your dog doesn't understand that it's playtime, you can grab a toy to reinforce the message. Listen to the pitch of your dog’s bark. If your dog does a long, low-pitched bark, it likely means that they feel threatened or nervous. If the dog makes a short, high-pitched barking noise, it means that they are excited and happy to see you. Pay attention to your dog's bark to determine what mood it's in. Pay attention to the dog's eyes. A dog will open its eyes wide when its feeling stressed or fearful. On the other hand, relaxed dogs will often squint and show little if any white in their eyes. Dilated pupils may also be a sign that the dog feels threatened or stressed. Examine the dog's body language and tail. When a dog is in a playful mood it will bounce around and have exaggerated movements and facial expressions. An excited dog will typically wag its tail in a back and forth motion. On the other hand, an aggressive dog will stand up tall and look tense, with most of its weight distributed on all 4 legs or leaning slightly on its front legs. A fearful dog will put its tail in between its legs and will often lean back, tremble, or roll on its side. Aggressive dogs may also wrinkle their muzzle or growl. | Keep calm and stay relaxed. Train your dog to look at you. Praise the dog in an upbeat voice once it makes eye contact. Teach your dog how to sit. Say your dog’s name before vocalizing a command. Stay consistent with your commands and don’t repeat yourself. Keep your commands short and simple. Pat the ground to tell your dog it’s time to play. Listen to the pitch of your dog’s bark. Pay attention to the dog's eyes. Examine the dog's body language and tail. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-an-iPhone | How to Get an iPhone | To get an iPhone, visit your nearest Apple store to ask questions and have the sales rep set up your phone. Alternatively, go online to the Apple website, where you can browse and purchase different models. If you' rather buy from another retailer, check for offers on Amazon, which sells iPhones as old as the iPhone 3G. You'll also find iPhones on offer in stores like Best Buy or WalMart. | Consider your minimum criteria for an iPhone. If you're simply using it for business, for example, you probably don't need 128 gigabytes of storage space or a huge screen; on the other hand, you might want to take advantage of some of the nicer features on newer models if you're planning on holding onto your iPhone for the next few years. Some other aspects to consider are: Locked or unlocked - If you travel internationally, purchasing a carrier unlocked phone will allow you to buy international SIM cards for cheap use as you go. Unlocked phones are more expensive than the phones you'll buy from a carrier, however. Screen size - The iPhone 5 has a 4-inch screen, as does the newer iPhone SE. By comparison, the iPhone 6, 6S, and 7 have 4.7-inch screens, and the iPhone "Plus" models have 5.5-inch screens. If you have trouble seeing items on an iPhone 5's screen, consider buying a phone with a 4.7- or 5.5-inch screen. Performance - As a general rule, the more RAM an iPhone has, the faster it will respond. The same goes for the iPhone's processing chip--an iPhone with an A9 chip will react to input faster than one with an A8 chip and so on. Features - While additional features don't matter for business-only phones, you may care about your personal iPhone's camera resolution or storage space. Have your ideal features in mind before researching your iPhone options. Determine your budget. You'll likely need to budget for a minimum of $400 if you plan on purchasing one of the three models listed on Apple's site, though you can probably shoot for around $300 if you want to buy a used or older iPhone. Most carriers will let you purchase an iPhone from them for a fixed monthly fee in addition to your monthly contractual fees. This is a good way to purchase an iPhone if you can't afford the total cost of one up-front. Compare the current iPhone models. As of March 2017, you can purchase the iPhone SE, 6S, and 7 from Apple's website. In order to acquire a phone that can use the current operating system and take advantage of features provided by Apple, you'll want to buy one of the following models. If you want an older model that will comfortably run the latest software, consider the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus: Pricing - As low as $340 (6) or $445 (6 Plus) Memory - 1 GB RAM Storage Space - 16, 64, or 128 GB Screen Size - 4.7 inches (6) or 5.5 inches (6 Plus) Resolution - 1334 x 750 pixels (6) or 1920 x 1080 pixels (6 Plus) Processor - A8 64-bit For a compact phone with a higher processing speed than the iPhone 6, look at the iPhone SE : Pricing - As low as $399 Memory - 2 GB RAM Storage Space - 32 or 128 GB Screen Size - 4 inches Resolution - 1136 x 640 pixels Processor - A9 64-bit If you want a high-end phone with a fast, motion-sensitive processor, consider the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus : Pricing - As low as $549 (6S) or $649 (6S Plus) Memory - 2 GB RAM Storage Space - 32 or 128 GB Screen Size - 4.7 inches (6S) or 5.5 inches (6S Plus) Resolution - 1334 x 750 pixels (6S) or 1920 x 1080 pixels (6S Plus) Processor - A9 64-bit For an iPhone built for iOS 10 that is up to forty percent faster than the previous model, learn about the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Pricing - As low as $649 (7) or $769 (7 Plus) Memory - 2 GB RAM Storage Space - 32, 128, or 256 GB Screen Size - 4.7 inches (7) or 5.5 inches (7 Plus) Resolution - 1334 x 750 pixels (7) or 1920 x 1080 (7 Plus) Processor - A10 64-bit Look into purchasing a second-hand iPhone. You can usually buy second-hand or surplus iPhone 5 handsets on Amazon or eBay. iPhone models that are several generations old are often heavily discounted, especially if they have been used before; however, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering an older iPhone model: iPhones older than the iPhone 5 won't support iOS 10, which is the current operating system. This isn't an issue if you simply need an iPhone for casual browsing or texting, but any features outside of basic phone functionality will be severely limited on phones that aren't capable of supporting iOS 10 due to app developers focusing on the latest version of the software. The iPhone 5 line (iPhone 5, 5S, and 5C) will soon become obsolete because they won't be able to keep up with subsequent renditions of iOS. Even though iOS 10 is technically supported on the iPhone 5, the phone will suffer from performance issues due to outdated hardware. Visit the Apple website for more advanced information. If you're on the fence about buying one of two comparable iPhone models, viewing their specific software and hardware attributes may help you decide. To do so, go to the Apple website and do the following: Click the iPhones tab at the top of the page. Click the name of the model in which you're interested. Click Tech Specs to the left of the "Buy" button in the top-right corner of the page. Write down a couple of alternative options. Before you embark on a quest to purchase your ideal iPhone, understand that it may not be available from your selected retailer. If you need to buy your iPhone immediately, having a back-up plan will make the experience much less stressful. Locate your nearest Apple retail store. Once you know where the closest Apple store is, you can consider visiting the store itself to purchase an iPhone in-person. You can also order your phone online from the Apple store website and have it shipped to you. Go to an Apple retail store. You can buy the newest versions of the iPhone at any Apple retail store while supplies last. Sales associates at Apple stores can typically answer your questions in a satisfying and unbiased manner. When you go into the store to get your iPhone, the sales associate should be able to help you choose a rate plan and carrier that fits your needs. The employees at the Apple store can also help you set your phone up by transferring contacts, setting up your email, and getting you started on iCloud. When you go to an Apple store to pick out a phone, make sure you have your current mobile phone, your carrier information, and two forms of identification. Buy an iPhone from the Apple online store. Shopping online gives you a wide variety of accessories to choose from, and if you have any questions, you can search the Apple online store's help pages. When you order online, you can have your iPhone ship directly to your home address or you can pick it up at the nearest Apple retail store. While having it shipped to your house will save you the effort of going to the store, picking it up at the store will give you the option of having an Apple store employee help you choose a carrier and rate plan. If you have additional questions during the shopping process, you can call for help at 1-800-MY-APPLE or use the online chat feature provided on the website. Consider using Amazon. You can purchase a carrier-locked or unlocked iPhone from Amazon and have it delivered to your doorstep; additionally, Amazon still stocks older models of iPhone (all the way down to the iPhone 3G for $24) from certified Apple sellers. You may end up paying more for a newer phone on Amazon than you would in-store. Go to Best Buy. When you shop at Best Buy for your iPhone, you can buy any version of the iPhone still being produced. Shop in store or online, and buy an iPhone with a carrier contract or from a no-contract carrier. Best Buy has an upgrade checker that allows you to determine if you are eligible for a new iPhone based on your current carrier plan. You can also trade in your iPhone and get store rewards, and the store staff will set up your iPhone for you so that it will be in working condition when you walk out of the store. Shop at Walmart. You can purchase iPhone versions still in production, along with both contract and no-contract mobile plans through Walmart. Walmart allows you to trade in an old phone for store rewards, and you are also given options in regards to warranty and installation plans. Visit RadioShack. RadioShack offers both contract and no-contract plans when you buy your iPhone, and you can also have your pick of any iPhone currently in production. You can shop in store or online. RadioShack will also help you check to see if you are eligible for an upgrade, and the store has it's own "trade and save" program that allows you to earn store credit toward certain products. | Consider your minimum criteria for an iPhone. Determine your budget. Compare the current iPhone models. Look into purchasing a second-hand iPhone. Visit the Apple website for more advanced information. Write down a couple of alternative options. Locate your nearest Apple retail store. Go to an Apple retail store. Buy an iPhone from the Apple online store. Consider using Amazon. Go to Best Buy. Shop at Walmart. Visit RadioShack. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Excited-About-Life | How to Get Excited About Life | If you find yourself bored or uninterested, you can get yourself excited about life again by trying something new. Find a new hobby to engage your mind and body. You could pick up a new sport or physical activity like rock climbing or signing up for a basketball team. You could also learn to play a new instrument like the guitar. Who knows, your new hobby could even connect you with new friends, which can also get you excited about life. Another way to get inspired is to read new passages from people who have said beautiful things about life. Look up inspirational books or quotes you can read to get a new perspective about why life is exciting and worth living. | Talk to strangers. Get connected with other people. In a world in which we can easily connect with others via technology, it can paradoxically also feel like a very isolating place. Break away from the routine of sitting quietly on the bus with your headphones and spark up a conversation with someone. Who knows where it could lead! You may think that you won't enjoy this but studies show that people often get unexpected enjoyment from talking with strangers. Get a new hobby. Engage your mind with a mentally stimulating hobby. Learn how to play a musical instrument or pick up a new sport. To make it interesting, seek out others who engage in the same hobby. You can learn from them and make new friends. Help others. Studies show that when we help out or spend money on other people, it actually makes us feel good - more so even than spending money on ourselves. Use the positive feelings you get from helping others to become excited about life. Think about the implications: you can be a force for positive change in the world, and feel great about it. There are a number of things you could do to help others: Donate your time to a charitable cause you care about. Pay it forward by buying the movie tickets for the people behind you in line. Buy a meal or a warm blanket for a homeless person. Fall in love. We are deeply social animals. Love is one of the best feelings around; it changes your perception; it is exciting, exhilarating. Although you can't just choose to fall in love, you can do things that help increase your odds: Date. If you aren't putting yourself out into the world, you're unlikely to fall in love. Try to be more accepting of people. Read exciting passages or quotes about life. There are countless people who have written or said beautiful things about life and the nature of living. Get inspired and excited about life through their words. Try the following to start: A passage by Richard Dawkins from his book Unweaving the Rainbow: Science, Delusion, and the Appetite for Wonder: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/83303-we-are-going-to-die-and-that-makes-us-the A quote by Robert Brault: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/1017924-why-be-saddled-with-this-thing-called-life-expectancy-of Get outside help. Sometimes, a lack of excitement about life can reflect an underlying mental health condition. It is possible that you are suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder that is getting in the way of your happiness. There are a number of ways to get help for this. Start by seeking out a mental health professional who can help to identify whether you might be suffering from a mental health disorder such as depression. You can find a mental health profession here: http://locator.apa.org/ Remember how rare your life is. We live and then we die. That is a thought with many implications. One exciting implication is that your life is a rare thing; it is an opportunity to make the most of it; life is a thing that should not be wasted. Make a list of the possibilities. Imagine all the things you can do with the time you have. Put down on paper 5 things you want to accomplish in life. Imagining all the ways you might live your life can be an exciting thought. Change something about your life. If you're feeling bored because you're stuck in the same routine, then change it up! There are a number of changes you can make that range from big to small. Small changes include things like ordering something different off the menu rather than getting the same thing all the time when you go out to eat. Large changes include taking a new job, moving to a new city, doing an exchange program for a year to immerse yourself in another culture. Remind yourself how random life can be. There are so many interacting parts, almost anything could happen theoretically. Who knows, you may run into a celebrity whose movies you enjoy, find a ten dollar bill on the ground, or bump into an old friend. The possibilities are endless! Allow yourself to have fun. Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to get ahead in life that we forget to give ourselves breaks. Remind yourself that taking breaks to play and have fun is a very healthy thing to do. There are a number of ways to play; find the one that is funnest for you: Play a video game; don't worry about whether it seems childish or dorky, just enjoy the experience - get immersed in it. Play a board game with friends. Invite some pals over and Play sports. Join a friendly sports league and foster some friendly competition. | Talk to strangers. Get a new hobby. Help others. Fall in love. Read exciting passages or quotes about life. Get outside help. Remember how rare your life is. Make a list of the possibilities. Change something about your life. Remind yourself how random life can be. Allow yourself to have fun. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Introduce-a-New-Cat-to-the-Family | How to Introduce a New Cat to the Family | To introduce a new cat to the family, start by keeping it in one room for a few days after bringing it home so it doesn't become overwhelmed by the new environment. After a few days, let any kids in the house come in for short visits with the cat and encourage them to be calm and quiet so they don't frighten it. If you have other pets, let the new cat and your established pets lay on old t-shirts before swapping them so they get used to each other's smells. Once the cat seems more comfortable, let it gradually explore more rooms. | Make preparations before bringing the cat home. Cats learn about their environment via scent. Before you bring your cat home, give her a scent introduction. Swap scents by taking a t-shirt with your smell on it to her for her to use as bedding. Likewise, take a blanket she already uses at the shelter and put it in the bed of your established cat. This allows him to get used to the idea of another cat on his patch but without her physical presence challenging him. Consider a Feliway diffuser. This machine gives off a synthetic version of a feline pheromone, which helps the cats feel secure and decreases stress levels. This helps to chill the established cats so they are more relaxed with any changes. There is a canine equivalent called Adaptil, containing canine pheromones. If you have a dog and are introducing a new cat, the Adaptil will help him feel safe and calm. Prepare a cat room. To introduce a new cat, create a safe room for her. She will be overwhelmed by the sights, smells, and sounds of her new environment, make your new cat feel at ease with one room of the house that is just hers. This way, she can feel safe and take time to adjust to her new environment. Here's what you should put in the safe room: Ample food and water. A litter box. Position the litter box as far away from the food and water as possible so the cat has a distinction between the eating and bathroom areas of the home. Toys. Put in toy mice, dangly toys, little balls, feathered toys, and any other toys that can keep the cat active and entertained. A scratching post. Cats naturally love to scratch things to mark their territory, so it will help her feel more comfortable in her new environment and will keep her from scratching your furniture. An old blanket, bed, or toy from her previous home. This will make the cat feel at home and give her a designated sleeping area. Plenty of hiding places. She will want to hide to help her feel safe, which builds her confidence and will help her feel bold enough to explore. Get the right litter. Cats tend to like thinly granulated litter, so make sure to bring home litter that doesn't overwhelm your cat with its scent or texture. Place her litter box in a quiet but accessible part of the safe room. This way, she will feel safe using it. If she is an older cat, she may have a preference for a certain litter. Ask her previous owner what litter she uses. Otherwise, she may reject your new litter. If the cat obviously dislikes the litter and spends time batting it out of the box, or if she circles the box nervously and shows an obvious distaste for it, you should try a different litter. Don't punish the cat for not using the box. If your new cat thinks the carpet is a new bathroom, don't put her face in the litter box or punish her by putting her in the box. This may make your cat even more reluctant to use the new box. Don't let the cat out to roam. The wrong way to introduce a new cat is to let her roam right when you get her. Do not let her into the main house and let her explore. Not only will she feel overwhelmed and stressed, but your established pets will view her as invading their territory and are likely to chase her. This will compound and legitimize her distress and fear. When you bring her home, put her directly into the safe room to get acclimated before letting her roam the rest of the house. Give the cat lots of love. If you want to make your new cat feel at home, give her lots of love. Don't constantly pet the cat, especially if she doesn't like it. Instead, spend as much time in the safe room as possible. This will make her more comfortable and less anxious. Also let her explore you. Lie down on the floor to reduce your height, which makes you less intimidating. Hang out around her and let her smell you, walk around you, brush up against you, or even climb on you. Getting to know you will help transition her to the rest of her environment. Do this before you start hugging her or picking her up. Have cat treats on you. When she approaches, offer some treats either by tossing them on the floor to land near her, or offering them out on a flat hand. Play with her as much as you can, whether you're playing with a dangly toy or moving a laser pointer around the room. Just wait a few days before you start using interactive toys or she may be overwhelmed. Avoid looking directly at the cat because staring is a sign of aggression to her. Watch her from the corner of your eye and be sure to blink regularly, which will help to put her at ease. Judge how confident your new cat is. If she is hides often, give her plenty of time before offering to let her explore beyond the cat room. If she seems bold and is regularly waiting at the door, consider leaving the door ajar after a week so she can explore further. This time period can vary. If your cat is rambunctious and clawing at the door after just a few days, you shouldn't make her feel trapped in the one room and let her explore. On the other hand, if she still seems frightened by the new environment and has made no attempts to leave the room in over a week, give her more time to get adjusted. Avoid introductions during stressful times. If you introduce your new cat to the family in the middle of a hectic time, such as the holiday season, she will be overwhelmed by the sounds and smells of the people and events. If you bring your new cat home when you're too stressed out or too busy to spend time with her, she'll feel very lonely. Help children understand the new cat. When you first get a new cat, explain to your children that she needs time and space to settle in. Let them visit the new cat under supervision and for short periods of time. Give the children treats to place on the floor to offer her or else let them take in her food bowls. This will help the children feel part of the situation. Encourage them to be quiet and still in the cat's room, sit on the floor, and be patient to see if the cat comes to them. Do not allow the children to pull the cat's tail, ears, legs, or whiskers or mistreat her at all. Do not allow children to stare at the cat in her hiding place because she will feel threatened. Also, teach the children to respect the cat's body language. If she hisses, hunches up, or her eyes go big and black, she is afraid. If any child sees her do this, he should back off and make sure the cat has a clear, unblocked route to her hiding place. Get your cat acclimated to your family. First, bring in things from the rest of the house so she can get used to different smells and sights. Let her smell a pillow from the couch or a blanket from your guest room. Next, open the door and wait for cat to venture out on her own as she explores the sights and smells of the rest of the house. You should be around for this, but don't distract her. The first few times you leave the door open, do so at night when the house is quiet and she can get her bearings. If she leaves the room of her own, she can find her way back if she feels threatened. If you're not at home, put the new cat back into the safe room. Wait for her to feel completely comfortable with the rest of the house before you let her roam when you're not around. Relocate her food and litter box. Once she gets used to the rest of the house, slowly move her food and litter box to the place you want to keep them permanently. Just make sure the cat knows where you move them, or she will be very anxious. All of these methods will work for introducing a new cat to your family whether you have other pets or not. Separate the cats. For the first week, you should keep your new cat in her safe room and keep your other cat or cats in the rest of the house. Make sure the safe room isn't a favorite room of your other cat, or he will try to go in the room and feel anxious when not allowed inside. Let the cats stay in their separate environments. They will slowly become accustomed to one another's sounds and presences. Introduce the cats to each other's smells. Let the cats get accustomed to each other's smells before they officially meet. Start brushing them with the same brush, petting one cat and then petting another, or introducing one cat to the other cat's favorite blanket or toy. At first, the cats may feel threatened by the new smell, but they should get used to it. Start leaving the door to the safe room open a crack, so the cats can start smelling each other. Rub a towel against the new cat's scent glands on the cheek and give it to the old cats to investigate. Do the opposite thing with the old cat's scent glands as well. This will help your cats learn each other's scent in concentrated form. Let the cats meet. Put the new cat in her carrier and take her to another room in the house. She will still need her room, so keep it as her territory for the time being. Place the carrier containing the new cat on a safe chair so the cats can sniff and explore the each other without them chasing each other or fighting. Raise the cat carrier off the floor to elevate the new cat and helps her to feel less vulnerable. The old cats will approach your new cat with curiosity, to smell and get to know each other. If the new cat or old cats are acting very aggressively, end the meeting. Don't rush this process. Just separate the cats and try again the next day. If things didn't go well, make sure to play with each cat separately prior to each meeting so that they are physically tired and less likely to look for a fight. Feed your cats near each other. Consider feeding your cats on either side of a barrier where they can see but not reach each other. A mesh child gate is a good option. You want to engineer meetings without tension so they accept each other's company without stress. You should always be around for their interactions, because things could get violent or aggressive. If the behavior remains violent, feed them in opposite parts of the house. Then, slowly bring their food closer together, until they get used to eating side by side. Let the cats spend more time together. Start giving the cats more time to be together each day as your new cat gets used to the rest of the house. Each day, make sure that the cats like each other more and spend more time together. If things seem to be getting worse, bring your new cat back to the safe room. At first, maintain separate litter boxes for each cat. They need their own resources, which includes litter trays, feeding and water bowls, and beds. To force a cat to share instantly creates friction between the cats. Make sure that the cats' time together is happy and calm. When the cats are together, you should feed them, give them treats, play with them, and give them lots of love and attention. They should associate their time together with happiness and fun. Take it one pet at a time. If you have other pets, introduce the new cat to each of the cats first. Take it one pet at a time, and have the new cat adjust to your cats before you bring in the dog. The cat will hear the dog and will know that there's another pet in the house, but if you introduce the dog first, the cat will be confused and overwhelmed. If you have multiple cats, introduce the cat to the alpha cat first. Know when it's not working. If you've tried these techniques for over a month and your cats are not getting along, it's time to find a new home for your new cat. If the cats are constantly fighting, hissing, and growling, and they can't be alone together, they never will. Though this will be very disappointing, remember it's better than living in a home with warring pets, or leaving two cats in a violent environment. You want your new cat to be safe and happy, whether it's in your home or not. Refresh your dog's training. For the weeks leading up to the introduction, work on the dog's basic training. You want him to instantly obey commands such as "Sit" and "Stay". This way, you have control over the dog if he starts chasing the cat. Separate the cat and dog for at least a week. Give the cat time to get used to her new environment before she meets your dog. Once she's comfortable in her safe room, let your cat and dog get to know each other. Introduce your cat to your dog. Take the dog for a long walk prior to the meeting so that he is tired when he meets the cat. Keep your dog on a leash when the two pets meet so he is less likely to be aggressive and so your new cat feels less threatened. Try and make the introductions when a friend or family member is around so there can be one person per animal. Make sure the cat has a clear escape route so she can leave if it gets too much. When the dog and cat are in the same room, reward the dog when he ignores the cat. Tell him what a clever boy he is and keep his attention with treats. Let him turn to look at the cat but if he starts to growl or show signs chasing such as his hackles rising, tell him to "Sit", and reward the sit. Distract the dog. Consider giving the dog an ultra tasty distraction, such as a stuffed Kong, when the cat is in the room. The tasty treat may override his interest in chasing the cat. Also, it teaches the dog to associate the cat with pleasant things such as a treat rather than triggering his predatory behavior. Let the cat approach the dog on her own terms. You can open the safe room and let the cat venture into the environment where the dog is. Let them sniff and circle each other, but always be prepared to act if it gets aggressive. This can take weeks, so be patient and let the cat move at the pace that is right for her. Let them spend more time with each other off leash. Once they get more comfortable and show no aggression, stop using the leash on your dog. However, still monitor their interactions carefully and don't leave them alone together. If there is any biting, chasing, or aggressive behavior from either pet, break him or her up and call an end to the daily interaction session. Keep monitoring them until you are satisfied that they are used to each other. Don't leave the dog and cat alone in the same room until you are completely comfortable with their interactions. Be extra careful if you're introducing a big dog to a tiny kitten. | Make preparations before bringing the cat home. Consider a Feliway diffuser. Prepare a cat room. Get the right litter. Don't let the cat out to roam. Give the cat lots of love. Judge how confident your new cat is. Avoid introductions during stressful times. Help children understand the new cat. Get your cat acclimated to your family. Relocate her food and litter box. Separate the cats. Introduce the cats to each other's smells. Let the cats meet. Feed your cats near each other. Let the cats spend more time together. Take it one pet at a time. Know when it's not working. Refresh your dog's training. Separate the cat and dog for at least a week. Introduce your cat to your dog. Distract the dog. Let the cat approach the dog on her own terms. Let them spend more time with each other off leash. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dye-Curtains | How to Dye Curtains | Dying your curtains is a great way to change a room's décor without spending much money. All you'll need is a dye of your choice, a bath tub, and salt or white vinegar. If your curtains are dark colored, you'll also need to wash them in the machine with a dye remover before they can be recolored. Keep in mind that curtains made primarily of synthetic fabrics, like polyester, acrylic, and spandex can't be dyed at home. However, curtains made of natural fabrics, rayon, or nylon will be fine. You'll want to soak your curtains in a bath tub filled with hot water and dye for a couple of hours. After the first 5 minutes, add 1 cup of salt or white vinegar to help boost the dye. After they've soaked, wash the curtains on a warm cycle to get rid of the excess dye. | Make sure that your curtains can be dyed. Most natural fabrics can be dyed without a problem, but many synthetic fabrics do not accept dye quite as easily. Before you begin this project, you should make sure that your curtains are made with a material capable of being dyed. Note that some dyes may or may not be capable of coloring different types of materials, but most of them have the same abilities and limitations. Nonetheless, you should check the label of the dye you plan to use to verify that it can handle your fabric type. Most dyes will color cotton, linen, wool, silk, and ramie. Certain synthetic fibers, like rayon and nylon, are usually dyeable, as well. Most dyes will not color fabrics primarily composed of polyester, acrylic, acetate, fiberglass, spandex, or metallic fibers. Bleached fabrics, waterproof fabrics, stain resistant fabrics, and "dry clean only" fabrics are usually off limits, as well. Pre-wash the curtains. Regardless of whether the curtains are new or old, you should run them through a standard washing cycle before you dye them. Allow the curtains to partially dry by air drying them or using a dryer. You should use laundry detergent, but do not use fabric softeners. This pre-washing step helps remove any finishes or grime that could otherwise interfere with the way the fabric absorbs dye. As a result, pre-washed curtains will absorb dye more evenly and more accurately. The curtains do not need to be completely dry, but you should not allow them to remain soaked, either, since the moisture in the curtains can turn cold and negatively affect the way the dye interacts with the material later on. Pick out your color. Determine what color you want to dye your curtains. For the most part, all you really need to do is figure out what hue you want and find the color concentrate that best matches it. You can alter the shade—or, how dark or light the color becomes—by leaving the curtains in your dye for a longer or shorter period of time. Do a little research before buying your dye. Read reviews for each color under consideration and look at pictures. Figuring out the exact right choice can be difficult, but you can minimize the risk of choosing an unsatisfactory color by taking the time to check into each option. Consider removing any existing color from the curtains. If your curtains are white, off white, or a very light color, you should be able to dye them without any problem. If your curtains are a darker or brighter color, though, you should use dye remover beforehand. Use dye remover instead of bleach since bleach can make it difficult for fabrics to absorb dye. A dark fabric cannot be dyed a lighter color. You might be able to dye a colored fabric if your dye is a darker hue, but the results will be a blend of the dye and the color already on your curtains. Since the results can be unpredictable, completely removing the original color is a safer approach. To use color remover: Fill your washing machine with hot water and add three to four packets of dye remover as the tub fills. Place your still-wet, pre-washed curtains in the washer once the agitation cycle begins. Allow them to soak in the washer for 10 to 30 minutes, or until the color washes out. Drain the washer. Rewash the curtains with detergent. Use a full wash and rinse cycle. Clean the washer with hot water and detergent before using it again to wash out all traces of the color remover. Determine how much dye you need. Dye amounts can vary by brand, so you should always check brand specifics before making your decision. The amounts are often comparable, though, and based on weight. Weigh your curtains on a scale to determine how heavy they are. The easiest way to do this is to weight yourself, then weight yourself while holding the curtains. Subtract the difference to figure out the weight of the curtains. As a general rule, you will need one box of powder dye or 1/2 cup (125 ml) liquid dye for every 1 lb (450 g) of weight. You can use less dye if you want a lighter shade. For a darker color, double this amount. Fill a large tub with hot water. As a general rule, you should use 3 gallons (12 L) of water for every 1 lb (450 g) of fabric. The water should be simmering hot when you pour it into the tub. Glass and stainless steel will not be stained by the dye, but most plastics will become stained. If you are worried about staining the tub, consider lining it with plastic sheets before filling it with water. This works best if you are using a single tub. If you need to split the process up between two tubs, though, make sure that the amount of water and the amount of dye you add to each tub is exactly equal. Alternatively, you could use your washing machine to dye the curtains. To do so, begin by filling the washing machine basin with the hottest water possible. The rest of the process will essentially follow the same steps. Prepare the dye. There are differences between liquid and powder dyes, and there may even be further differences between dye brands. Check the instructions on your dye to determine the best way to prepare it. Usually, you will need to prepare a bottle of liquid dye by vigorously shaking it for a minute or so. To prepare powder dye, fully dissolve one packet in 2 cups (500 ml) of very hot water. Mix in the dye. Dump your prepared dye into the filled basin or filled washing machine (whichever you decided to use). Use a paint stick or board to stir the dye in until you are certain that it has fully spread throughout the water. Soak the curtains. If the curtains are dry or cool to the touch, quickly soak them in a sink or separate tub filled with clean hot water. Hot water helps activate the dye. Your results will be as pure and even as possible if both the dye bath and the curtains are hot when you transfer the material to the dye. Place the curtains in the dye bath. Place the curtains in the dye bath, submerging them completely beneath the water's surface. Allow them to sit in the hot dye for 5 minutes. Do not stir or agitate the curtains during this time. If you are using a washing machine, do not start any sort of washing cycle yet. Add salt or vinegar. After the first 5 minutes pass, add 1 cup (250 ml) of salt or white vinegar to the dye bath for every 3 gallons (12 L) of water. You should also add 1 Tbsp (15 ml) of liquid washing detergent. Salt and vinegar help intensify the dye color. Use salt with cotton, linen, ramie, and rayon. Use vinegar with silk, wool, and nylon. Liquid detergent allows the dye to move more freely throughout the water and into the fabric fibers. Soak for several hours. Once the additives are in the water, allow the curtains to soak in the dye bath for about two hours. This amount of time is standard if you want to produce the intended shade; however, you can leave the curtains in for a shorter or longer time if you want a lighter or darker shade, respectively. Check the curtains periodically until you achieve the shade you want. Note, though, that the final shade will usually be a bit lighter than it appears when wet. Agitate the curtains continuously. If you are machine dyeing the curtains, set the machine on an agitate cycle and continue agitating the fabric the entire time. If you are dyeing the curtains in a tub, stir the fabric every few minutes using a large painting stick or board. Run the curtains through a warm wash cycle. Take the curtains out of the dye bath and transfer them to your washing machine (if they are not already inside the machine). Run the machine through a full hot water cycle and set the rinse cycle to warm water. If you can set the soil level of your washing machine, set it to "heavy soil." Do not drain the dye bath if you dyed the curtains in your washing machine. Simply run the machine using the water already inside. Run them through a warm/cold cycle. Add 1 to 2 Tbsp (15 to 30 ml) liquid laundry detergent to the washing machine and run it on a normal to warm wash cycle with a cool rinse. The first wash cycle should have washed away most of the excess dye. This second cycle should help set the dye. Make sure that the water runs clear by the end of your cycle. When the water runs clear, the dye is set and should no longer bleed off the material. Dry the curtains. As long as the curtains are made from a material that can go through a dryer, the simplest and quickest way to dry them will be to toss them into your drying machine and tumble dry them on low until they are dry to the touch. Alternatively, you can hang dry the curtains on a clothesline. They should air dry completely after a day or two, as long as the day is dry and the sun is bright. Clean the washer. Most of the dye should be out of your washing machine by this point, but to avoid potential laundry mishaps, it is still a good idea to clean the washing machine by running it through another cycle. Add half a capful of liquid detergent and run the machine through a warm wash cycle with a cool water rinse. Consider putting a little bleach in the washing machine for this step, as well. Hang the curtains up. At this point, your curtains should be dyed and ready to hang in place. | Make sure that your curtains can be dyed. Pre-wash the curtains. Pick out your color. Consider removing any existing color from the curtains. Determine how much dye you need. Fill a large tub with hot water. Prepare the dye. Mix in the dye. Soak the curtains. Place the curtains in the dye bath. Add salt or vinegar. Soak for several hours. Run the curtains through a warm wash cycle. Run them through a warm/cold cycle. Dry the curtains. Clean the washer. Hang the curtains up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Rent-an-Apartment | How to Rent an Apartment | If you've found an apartment you'd like to rent, let the landlord know you're interested right away because apartments can go quickly. Then, gather pay stubs and your employment contract to prove you can afford the apartment. Before you sign the lease, read it through in full and ask for clarification if anything is unclear. Additionally, ask to walk through the apartment immediately prior to signing to check for any damages so the landlord can note them in the contract. When you're happy with everything, sign the lease and arrange your move. | Search online. Before you can rent an apartment, you will need to find one that is within your budget and that suits your needs in terms of the number of rooms, amenities, proximity to school and work, etc. The internet is a good place to start to see what is out there. You can do a search with the name of your town or city along with “apartments for rent” to find websites that list offers. Try searching social media sites as well. In larger cities, there may be a group for people renting out apartments. Look in the local paper. Although it is not so commonly used, you can sometimes find great ads for apartments being offered by private landlords who don't have the know-how or resources to post ads online. Post an ad in the local paper. Many people have the best luck when they post an ad in the local paper. Include your budget, the amenities you are looking for, when you want to move in, and your preferred location. Be sure to include a way to get in touch. If you are not comfortable posting your private email or phone number, then create a free email account just for this purpose. This way, you won't have to worry about strangers having a lot of personal information. Post an ad on the internet. This works in just the same way, but on the internet. Post an ad on your social media, and ask friends to share it. Sites such as craigslist can be used to post the same ad that you post in the local paper. Again, be cautious about sharing too much personal information in the ad! Be cautious of scams. There are many scams out there where someone says they have the perfect apartment at the perfect price, but that you will have to transfer them a sum of money right away. Don't believe it! These are very likely to be scams! Drive or walk around your town or city. Simply driving or walking around in your city offers a good way to find apartment complexes. Most complexes will have a phone number posted to call if you are interested in looking at what they have to offer. If you're really lucky, they may have an on-site office, where you can talk to someone, and maybe even see an apartment on the spot. Be prepared to make an appointment, though. Apartment offices can be very busy, so it is not very likely that they will be able to help you without one. Bring a pen and paper with you to every apartment you visit. Sometimes it can be hard to keep all the different apartments you visit straight in your memory. Bring along a pen and paper to make notes about the pros and cons of each apartment, the deposit, the monthly rent, and anything else that seems important to remember. You could also consider bringing along a camera to take pictures, but be sure and ask the landlord if it is OK to take pictures first. Do not procrastinate. Apartments can go very quickly, especially in larger cities. If you find the apartment you want, contact the landlord to begin the paperwork right away! Gather documents that evidence your ability to pay for an apartment. Nearly all landlords will require that you provide evidence such as pay stubs and verification of employment (e.g. a contract). If there is a reason why you can't provide a paycheck stub, then you may also be able to provide bank statements. Some landlords may even ask for complete employment history. Prepare one ahead of time and bring it with you to demonstrate your responsibility. Be aware that many landlords will only accept you as a tenant if the rental price is 30% or less of your total income. If this will be difficult for you to manage, consider finding a roommate. This way, the landlord will consider the total of your two incomes together. Check your credit report. This can be done once per year for free at annualcreditreport.com. This website will provide you with information from each of the three credit reporting agencies. Most landlords will check your credit to make sure that you are responsible with your money and making payments. If you have less than stellar credit, bring proof of on-time payments from at least one company you do business with. Utility companies are a good option. If you don't have any positive credit references, ask the property owner if you can pay a higher deposit in lieu of a good credit score. For those just starting out, who have little credit history (e.g. many college students), landlords may be willing to let you have a co-signer. This is someone, such as a parent or other relative, who signs an agreement stating they can afford to, and are willing to, cover your rent in the event that you cannot. Be aware of websites that claim to offer free credit reports. There are many, many websites posing as the one posted above, but this is the only website that does so. Bring identification. Even if you are only going to visit an apartment, you will very likely need identification. A state identification card, driver's license, or passport should suffice. Prepare your rental history. The landlord may ask for the names and contact information of your last three to five property owners. They may also ask for letters of recommendation from previous renters. If this is your first time renting, provide three to four references that can vouch for your dependability and character. Avoid letters from parents. Instead, try to ask for letters from employers, teachers, counselors, etc. Bring your checkbook or money order. Many landlords will have an application fee. If you don't have a checkbook, try to find out beforehand how much the application fee will be, and purchase one. Many landlords will not accept cash because they want to have a record of your payment. This is also good practice, as you will likely have to pay your rent with a check or money order. Memorize your social security number. While you should protect your social security number, your potential landlord will likely need it to perform a credit check. If you can't memorize it, bring your card along. Bring your vehicle registration and proof of car insurance. If you have a car, and if your desired apartment has on-site parking, the landlord may ask for these. Some apartments come with an assigned parking spot, and this information is used to make sure no one is taking your space and that you are parking where you are supposed to. Read the entire lease before you sign it. Make sure that all terms and conditions are exactly what you were told when you initially inquired about the apartment. If you are unsure about anything, ask for clarification or take the lease to an attorney or trusted friend to review. Walk through the apartment immediately before signing the lease. The landlord should be willing to let you walk through the apartment you will be renting just before signing. You should do this to check for any damages or defects. If you notice any, ask the landlord to note these in the contract before signing. Otherwise, the landlord may try to make you pay for these damages later on. The landlord may want to accompany you on this walk through. Arrange for your move. In some apartments, particularly in big cities with narrow streets and lots of cars, you may have to coordinate the use of parking spaces or service elevators to get your belongings into the apartment. Clarify these with your landlord at least a week or two before your scheduled move-in date. | Search online. Look in the local paper. Post an ad in the local paper. Post an ad on the internet. Drive or walk around your town or city. Bring a pen and paper with you to every apartment you visit. Do not procrastinate. Gather documents that evidence your ability to pay for an apartment. Check your credit report. Bring identification. Prepare your rental history. Bring your checkbook or money order. Memorize your social security number. Bring your vehicle registration and proof of car insurance. Read the entire lease before you sign it. Walk through the apartment immediately before signing the lease. Arrange for your move. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Raita | How to Make Raita | To make raita, mix plain yogurt with milk or buttermilk until it has the consistency of pancake batter. Next, grate or finely chop a cucumber and squeeze as much of the water out as you can, then stir it into the yogurt mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir in cumin seeds or cumin powder. Stir well, then sprinkle a little red chili powder or cilantro on top as a garnish, and refrigerate until you're ready to serve! | Thin out the yoghurt with 1/2-3/4 cup of water or buttermilk. It should have the consistency of pancake batter. Don't worry if you made it too thin, add more yoghurt. Grate the cucumber. You may choose to peel it or not, it is a personal preference. Squeeze as much as the water from the cucumber as you can. Alternatively, you could also chop the cucumber into small pieces. Add it to the yoghurt mixture. Stir well. Add a generous pinch of salt, black pepper to taste. You can also add a generous pinch of garam masala and/or a small handful of mint finely chopped or generous pinch of dried mint. Add cumin seeds or powder. About 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds will add texture. If you want a stronger flavor, you can slightly dry toast the seeds before you add them. Stir well for the final time. Add a touch of spice. For an enhanced visual appeal, you can sprinkle a small pinch of ground red chillies or some cilantro. Refrigerate until serving time. Raita tastes best when served chilled. Cut onions, tomatoes, cucumber (optional) and green chillies into small pieces. Add them to 1/2 cup of yoghurt. Add 1/2 tsp of ground cumin and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly. Take a pan and heat oil. Add 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds. Fry the seeds for a few seconds until they start popping. Take off from heat and add immediately to the prepared yogurt. Mix well until all ingredients are uniformly distributed. Refrigerate for at least 1/2 an hour before serving. | Thin out the yoghurt with 1/2-3/4 cup of water or buttermilk. Grate the cucumber. Add a generous pinch of salt, black pepper to taste. Add cumin seeds or powder. Stir well for the final time. Add a touch of spice. Refrigerate until serving time. Cut onions, tomatoes, cucumber (optional) and green chillies into small pieces. Add them to 1/2 cup of yoghurt. Add 1/2 tsp of ground cumin and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly. Take a pan and heat oil. Add 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds. Fry the seeds for a few seconds until they start popping. Take off from heat and add immediately to the prepared yogurt. Mix well until all ingredients are uniformly distributed. Refrigerate for at least 1/2 an hour before serving. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hang-Decorations-from-a-Ceiling | How to Hang Decorations from a Ceiling | Hanging decorations from your ceiling is a great way to add color to your room. For lightweight objects, like posters, streamers, and paper decorations, use sticky tape, self-adhesive Velcro, or mounting putty, also known as sticky tack. Just stand on a chair or ladder and stick each corner of your decoration to the ceiling. For heavier objects, like tapestries, fairy lights, and hanging ornaments, use thumbtacks, hooks, or nails. Alternatively, attach a thin piece of rope to the corners of 2 walls. Then, you can hang photos and other objects from the rope. | Use adhesives to stick your decorations to the ceiling with ease. As long as the items you have are lightweight, such as streamers, using sticky tack or tape is probably the best bet, and is something that you'll typically have lying around the house. Place tape or mounting putty on the end of your decoration, and attach it to the ceiling. Smooth it over and apply pressure to ensure it doesn't fall off. Tape is especially useful if you are using one that isn't going to chip the paint off the ceiling when you pull down your decorations – Gaffer's Tape is a great option to ensure this. Mounting putty, also known as sticky tack, is also great for lightweight items and can be re-used. Similar to tape and mounting putty, you can also try adhesive hooks for lightweight objects. You can also use self-adhesive Velcro for your decorations. Attach one side of the Velcro to the ceiling and one side of the Velcro to your decoration, then stick the Velcro back together! Add thumbtacks, hooks, or nails to the ceiling for heavier objects. If your objects are heavy, securing them with tape just won't do. If you are looking for a more permanent solution and don't mind puncturing your ceiling, you can attach thumbtacks, hooks, or nails to your ceiling which will allow for a more sturdy mount, and will also last longer over time. Thumbtacks are the simplest of the three, which you can easily pop right through your decoration and onto the ceiling. These are best for lighter objects. You can also use a hammer for nails and hooks, or a drill for screws in your ceiling, which you will be able to tie your objects to or hang them from. This option is excellent for heavy decorations as the hooks, nails and screws are able to support more weight. Attach string, twine, or fishing wire to the ceiling. This can be done, for example, by wrapping it around a hook on the ceiling. Then, once those are hung, you can add the decorations to the end of each hanging line. String or yarn is beneficial because you will be able to find different colors and thickness to add to your décor and theme. Twine is a good option if you are going for a more rustic feel. Fishing wire serves two very useful purposes when hanging décor: it is extremely strong, and since it is thin and clear, can easily be hidden from sight. Use clothespins to hang items along a rope. If you are hanging objects like photos or bulbs from the ceiling, secure two ends of a rope on either end of the room and let the rope drop a little bit in the middle. Use clothespins to hang your items along the line. Secure your decorations to ceiling rafters or exposed beams. For rooms that give you a little more leeway than just a typical flat ceiling, you can attach your decorations directly to the ceiling rafters or exposed beams, which are likely lower to the floor and easier to access. Use zip ties to securely wrap your decorations around the rafters or beams, so you can easily cut them down when you are finished with them. You should be able to tie string, fishing wire, twine, or even the object itself directly around the beams or rafters in a tight knot. Wrap your decorations around a light fixture instead of the ceiling. If you have a chandelier or hanging light fixture on your ceiling, you can easily tie your decorations like balloons or streamers to the light fixture itself. Be sure to keep the decoration away from the actual light itself, or keep the light turned off to avoid the decoration from heating or catching fire. Slip the end of your décor between your ceiling tiles. If you're hanging items from a ceiling that has ceiling tiles, like in a classroom, for instance, you'll be able to slip one end of your decoration under a lifted ceiling tile. Then, when you put the ceiling tile back down to its original resting place, it will automatically secure your decoration. Make sure the decoration is lightweight like ribbons or streamers so that it doesn't slip through the ceiling tiles. | Use adhesives to stick your decorations to the ceiling with ease. Add thumbtacks, hooks, or nails to the ceiling for heavier objects. Attach string, twine, or fishing wire to the ceiling. Use clothespins to hang items along a rope. Secure your decorations to ceiling rafters or exposed beams. Wrap your decorations around a light fixture instead of the ceiling. Slip the end of your décor between your ceiling tiles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Bruising | How to Reduce Bruising | To reduce bruising, start by putting a cold compress on the injured site for 10 minutes to bring down the swelling. Then, remove the compress for at least 20 minutes before reapplying it. Alternatively, put crushed kale or parsley, which are high in vitamin K, on the injury, since vitamin K is believed to reduce bruises. You should also rest right after the injury if you can, and elevate the bruised body part above your heart to reduce blood flow and discoloration. Additionally, you can take acetaminophen or NSAIDs to help with pain and tenderness. | Use a cold compress to bring down swelling. Apply a cold compress when an accident occurs. This will help to bring down any swelling, minimize discoloration, and help with pain. The dark color of bruises is caused by blood leaking out of burst blood vessels. Applying a cold compress helps to constrict the blood vessel and minimize the amount of blood that leaks out, which reduces discoloration. To make a cold compress, use an ice pack, a couple of ice cubes wrapped in a towel or rag, or even a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a clean towel. Do not apply the cold compress directly to your skin; you should always wrap it in a towel or cloth to protect your skin from damage. Hold the compress against the bruised area for 10 minutes, then give your skin a break for 20 minutes before reapplying. Do this several times a day, up to 60 minutes of cold compress application daily. Rest and elevate the bruised body part. As soon after your injury as possible, take a seat and try to elevate the bruised body part above heart level. Elevating the injured body part helps to reduce blood flow to the bruise, which minimizes discoloration. If the bruise is on your leg, try propping it up on the back of a chair or rest it on a stack of pillows. If the bruise is on your arm, try resting it on an arm rest or the back of the sofa. Try arnica. Arnica is a plant belonging to the sunflower family whose extract is used to reduce the inflammation and swelling associated with bruises and sprains. There is some evidence that it may help reduce the appearance of bruising, however the evidence is inconclusive. Arnica is available in gel, ointment, and cream form at most health food stores. Just rub a little on the bruise according to the instructions on the packaging. It is also available in pill form, which can be taken by mouth daily to help with bruising. Other natural products you can use include calendula, turmeric root, and aloe. Take medication to relieve pain. Severe bruising can be painful, especially when the bruise is fresh. You can relieve the pain and tenderness by taking certain pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or NSAIDs, which can help with swelling. Be aware, however, that NSAIDs like Motrin can actually cause you to bruise easily. Although ibuprofen-based pain medications can thin the blood and cause an increased flow of blood to the bruise, they can be taken as well. However, if you have other issues such as stomach ulcers, heart disease, or are on blood thinning medication, do not take NSAIDs without talking to your doctor. Apply a warm compress to promote healing. After the initial swelling has gone down, which should be 48 to 72 hours after the injury, you can switch from cold compresses to warm compresses. Warm compresses increase blood flow to the area, which helps to clear away any pooled blood and promote healing. To make a warm compress, you can use a heating pad, a hot water bottle, or a clean washcloth soaked in warm water. Use the warm compress for 20 minutes, two to three times a day. Make sure the hot water bottle isn't too hot. You don't want to burn your skin. Use home remedies. There are many home remedies which claim to reduce the appearance of bruises, however not all are proven to be effective. Although there is no scientific evidence this is effective, topical vitamin K has been studied in relation to bruising, and the application of crushed, leafy greens (such as kale or parsley) may reduce your bruise. Since these greens have a high content of vitamin K, they may be effective. Blend up a handful of parsley leaves (or kale, etc.) with witch hazel and apply the mixture to the bruised skin. The parsley is believed to reduce inflammation and discoloration. While it may not help in the moment, consuming vitamin K, rather than applying it to your bruise, can help reduce future bruising. There is insufficient evidence for St. John's wort oil, but it has been used for bruises and inflammation. Rub a little St. John's wort oil directly onto the bruise several times a day. You can use a net bag or nylon sticking to hold the parsley before you dip it in the witch hazel. This can make the process less messy. Remember RICE. Although some of these methods have been outlined, there is a great acronym to help you to remember what to do to reduce bruising. The acronym RICE stands for Rest , Ice , Compression , and Elevation. Here is how each one should be followed: Rest: Rest your injured body part for at least one to two days. Ice: Apply a cold ice pack to help with pain and inflammation. Apply an ice pack to the area 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Compression: Compression can help limit swelling. Tie an elastic bandage or clothing to the injured area. Elevation: Elevation can help reduce swelling using gravity. Try keeping the injured limb above the level of your heart. Adjust your diet. Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals will help your body to heal itself faster and prevent bruising in the first place. In particular, vitamins C and K are important for preventing bruises. Vitamin C lessens bruising by strengthening capillary walls, making them less likely to leak blood when bumped or knocked against. Severe deficiency of vitamin C (scurvy) can result in bruising. It often occurs in the chronically institutionalized, severely malnourished, and alcoholics. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, pepper, and multivitamin tablets. Vitamin K promotes blood clotting, which helps bruises to heal faster. People with low levels of vitamin K have a higher rate of bruising. People with a vitamin K deficiency may have a bacterial overgrowth of the intestines, celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or abuse alcohol. Good sources of vitamin K include broccoli, spinach, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. Monitor children to be sure they are playing safely. Children often fall, have bicycle wrecks, hit each other, run into objects, and have accidents that cause a bump to the skin. With children, the best way to reduce bruising is to prevent them from playing too roughly. Always check your child's protective gear. Make sure it fits and is comfortable so it can protect them from bruises in sports or during outdoor activities. Put foam pads on sharp edges of counters and coffee tables. You can remove the tables when your child is playing, if possible. Make sure your child wears shoes to protect their feet. High cut sneakers provide ankle support to prevent bruises on their feet. Stay out of the sun for extended periods of time. Sun damage to the skin can cause bruising to occur more easily. This is especially true for older people, whose skin is naturally thinner and therefore more prone to damage and bruising. This makes it important to always wear sunscreen, especially on the face, and to wear hats and long-sleeved t-shirts to minimize sun exposure. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever possible, which provides an extra layer of protection and padding for the skin when you receive a bump or a knock or protection from the sun. Learn about bruises. A bruise is a mark on your skin caused by injury to small blood vessels under the skin. When the skin is not broken and the small vessels leaks blood, it creates a bruise. Bruises are usually painful, tender, and swollen. In addition, there are different types of bruises, those that occur on the skin, to muscles, and on bones. Skin bruises are very common while bone bruises are the most serious. Bruises can last weeks to months and change color as they heal starting as red, purple/blue then yellow. If there is family history of bruising then, then your doctor may look for a hereditary clotting factor deficiency. Understand medicine-triggered bruising. There are some medications that can cause you to bruise easier. These medications cause the blood to thin, which makes any little bump to the skin produce a bruise. In addition, blood thinners can cause easy bruising. Unexplained bruising while on a blood thinner may be a serious sign that your dosage is too high. Your doctor may be able to adjust your medication or offer some advice on how to reduce the bruising. Blood thinners such as Coumadin, Xarelto, aspirin, Warfarin, Heparin, or Pradaxa may cause you to bruise easier than typical for you. While on these medications, bruises may also look worse than before. This is because bruising need blood to clot as it leaks from the broken vessels. Blood thinners prevents clotting and makes it take longer for the blood to start leaking. Other medication such as NSAIDS, corticosteroids, and antineoplastics can lead to platelet dysfunction and easy bruising. Nutritional supplements such as Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Garlic, and Gingko have been connected to easy bruising. Use any of the methods suggested even while on these medications, but talk to your doctor if any bruise spreads or if there is significant swelling or pain. Know when to contact a doctor. Although most bruises will heal by themselves and will disappear within a couple of weeks, in some cases bruising can be a symptom of a more serious injury or condition. These can range from blood clotting issues to a number of diseases. Therefore, you should consult your doctor if: The bruise is extremely painful and surrounded by swollen skin. Bruises appear suddenly or unexpectedly, for no apparent reason. You are currently taking blood-thinning medication. You are unable to move a joint near the location of the bruise. This may be an indication of a broken bone. You have continued, significant bruising, such as five or more spots without significant trauma. Personal or family history of abnormal bleeding. The bruise is located on the skull or face. You have abnormal bleeding other places, such as nose, gums, or in excrement. Vomit that resembles coffee grounds or black, tarry stools can also indicate GI bleeding. | Use a cold compress to bring down swelling. Rest and elevate the bruised body part. Try arnica. Take medication to relieve pain. Apply a warm compress to promote healing. Use home remedies. Remember RICE. Adjust your diet. Monitor children to be sure they are playing safely. Stay out of the sun for extended periods of time. Learn about bruises. Understand medicine-triggered bruising. Know when to contact a doctor. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Choose-an-Orthopedic-Dog-Bed | How to Choose an Orthopedic Dog Bed | To choose an orthopedic dog bed, compare your dog's weight to the size charts provided with dog beds to determine which size you should get. Avoid getting a bed that's too big or too small since it could be uncomfortable for your furry friend. Similarly, make sure the bed isn't so high that your dog will struggle to get on and off of it, especially if your dog has legs problems. When it comes to special features, look for a bed that has a removable cover if you want to be able to easily clean it. You can also look for one that has a hood over it if your dog enjoys burrowing when it sleeps. | Determine what size bed you need. The first factor to consider when selecting an orthopedic dog bed is size. A bed too small will not provide your dog enough space to spread out, while a bed too large can actually make your dog feel insecure. Consult the size charts of various beds to select the right size for your dog. Here is a guide: dog's weight = size of bed 1-10 lbs. = 18”L x 13”W 11-25 lbs. = 24”L x 18”W 26-30 lbs. = 30”L x 20”W 41-70 lbs. = 36”L x 23”W 71-90 lbs. = 42”L x 28”W 91-110 lbs. = 48”L x 30”W 1 lb. =.45 kg; 1 in. = 2.54 cm Decide if you need a “bolster. ” Some orthopedic dog beds will have a “bolster,” or narrow cushion that runs along the edge of the bed. Some beds will not. A bolster is perfect for dogs who like to elevate their heads. If your dog prefers to spread out with their head flat, or allow their head to hand off the edge of their bed, select a bed without a bolster. Consider a “nesting” bed. If you have small or hairless dogs, you can keep them warm inside a “nesting” or “tented” orthopedic bed. These dog beds have warm hoods that allow dogs to burrow into a cozy cave. Select a bed that is the right height. Some dog beds will elevated off the floor more than others. A bed that's too high (or too low) may not work for a dog with leg problems, joint problems, or other injuries. Consider the height of various orthopedic dog beds, and select one that is right for your dog. Avoid low-quality materials. Some dog beds will be advertised as “orthopedic,” but will not be constructed out of good, enduring materials. Stay away from beds made from egg crate foam, high memory fiber fill, convoluted foam, medical grade hospital foam, high density foam, batting, cedar, recycled fiber, or polyester fiber. Try memory foam. Memory foam is a superior type of foam that conforms to the shape of the body lying upon it. This means the dog's weight is evenly distributed with no pressure points, while it's fully supported and lying in a natural position. Look for a dog bed made from slow recovery visco-elastic memory foam. This material provides the most support, and is also known for being long-lasting. Memory foam is rated from 3 to 5lbs., with 3 being the lowest quality memory foam, and 5 being the highest. Look for a memory foam mattress with a minimum depth of 5 centimetres (2.0 in). Selecting a higher quality memory foam will provide more support for your dog. If you can't afford a bed that contains a flat sheet of memory foam, consider getting a bed made of foam chips. These don't provide quite as much support as flat sheets do, but they're the next best thing and they also help to prevent overheating. Look for a washable cover. Some orthopedic dog beds will offer a washable covers, while others will not. A washable cover is an excellent feature that helps you provide your dog with a clean place to sleep. If your dog experiences bladder leakage, look for a cover that is also waterproof. Determine your budget. A high-quality orthopedic dog bed will cost a bit more than your run of the mill stuffing-filled dog bed. Determine the amount of money you are able to spend, and let this guide your search for the best bed. You might also consider purchasing a used bed through Ebay or Craigslist. Therapeutic dog bed's from L.L. Bean range from $89-$130. FurFighter Orthopedic Bolster beds range from $159-$249. The Ruffwear's Urban Sprawl bed costs around $149. Ask for recommendations. Your veterinarian will be able to help you choose the best orthopedic dog bed to suit your dog's particular needs. Additionally, your vet may know local orthopedic bed distributors they can share with you. Visit local pet stores. Take a trip to any local pet stores in your area to browse their dog bed options. Be sure to speak to an agent and/or read all labels to find a bed that is the correct size, style, and material. Many beds that are advertised as memory foam beds are made of memory foam crumbs or chips. Read the label to find out exactly how the bed was constructed. If it contains a memory foam sheet, read the label to see how thick it is. Search online. The largest selection of dog beds will be found online. If you already know the specific brand and/or type of bed you need, simply search for that product. Otherwise, be sure to read reviews and compare products before ordering an orthopedic dog bed. | Determine what size bed you need. Decide if you need a “bolster. Consider a “nesting” bed. Select a bed that is the right height. Avoid low-quality materials. Try memory foam. Look for a washable cover. Determine your budget. Ask for recommendations. Visit local pet stores. Search online. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Wishing-Well | How to Make a Wishing Well | If you want to make your own wishing well, build a large box or repurpose a wooden container to make the base. Once you have the base of your well, build a small, peaked roof, with a secure frame that attaches to the sides of the well. Generally, you don't want the roof to extend past the sides of the well. If you like, you can paint your wishing well to help protect it from the elements and make it more decorative. Hang a bucket from a rod placed about halfway between the well and the roof to make it look like a real well! | Consider using a barrel or box as the base. The easiest way to create a base for the wishing well is to use an existing, wooden container. A barrel or wooden planter roughly 2–4 feet (0.6 – 1.2 meters) tall will make a small garden ornament, while larger containers can be used to make something closer in size to an actual well. If you do decide to use one of these options, skip ahead to the next section, on attaching a roof. If you'd like to make your own circular well base, use the instructions below. If you prefer a square container, build a planter box , then skip ahead to attaching the roof. Gather lumber. If you have access to a table saw, you can make your own wooden ring out of lumber. Here are some guidelines for the raw materials: Sixteen pieces of 1 x 4 (25 x 100 millimeter) lumber will make a wishing well that looks quite circular, and measures about 2 feet (0.6 meters) across. Use eight pieces of 2 x 4 (50 x 100 millimeter) instead to save time and money, making an octagonal well. Cut all pieces to the same length, which will be the height of your wishing well. If you want the well to be portable, or usable by children, choose a height of 4 ft (1.2 m) or less. If you plan to build a roof, cut two of the pieces at least 2.5 ft (0.75 m) longer than the others to serve as roof supports. Cut one end of these pieces to a fencepost-like point, using 45º angles. Use a table saw to angle the edges of the lumber. Bevel each long edge of each piece of lumber, to ensure that they fit together tightly when arranged in a circle. For a sixteen-sided barrel, cut each edge to an 11.25º angle. For an eight-sided barrel, use a 22.5º angle instead. Use a protractor, rafter square, or angle gauge to set the angle of your saw. For a barrel with n sides, use an angle equal to 360 ÷ ( n x 2). See the tips section for an alternate method of finishing you barrel, that does not require beveling. Lay out the lumber. Lay out the lumber flat on the ground, touching each other along the long edges. Push them against a straight edge to make sure the bases line up. If you are using extra-long roof supports, place exactly half of the short pieces in between them, to make sure the roof supports end up opposite each other. For example, if you are using sixteen pieces, lay out a long roof support, seven short pieces, then a long roof support, then the other seven short pieces. If you are using eight pieces, lay out a long roof support, three short pieces, a long roof support, then the other three short pieces. Roll the lumber into a barrel shape. Once you have beveled the lumber and laid it out, rotate one slat of lumber onto the next, so the angled edges fit perfectly. Repeat until the barrel shape is formed, with the help of an assistant if possible. If you cannot roll the barrel together, use wood glue to fasten each slat to the next in turn. Add a bottom (optional). If you would like the barrel to have a bottom, trace out the dimensions of the bottom piece while the barrel is rolled together. Cut out the bottom from a single piece of lumber and wedge it into the barrel, then continue on to the next step. If you leave your wishing well without a base, you can use it as a decoration around existing features, such as fountain pipes or flower planters. Clamp the barrel together. Whether or not you used glue, clamp the final barrel shape together by tightening two hose clamps around it, one near each end. Use a third clamp near the middle if the barrel seems loose. Add roof supports if they are not yet present. If you made your own barrel as described above, there should already be two longer slats that can be used as roof supports. If you are using an existing barrel, select two long 2 x 4s (50 x 100 mm), and cut one end to a fencepost-like point, using 45º angles. The lumber should extend at least 2ft (0.6 m) above the lip of the well base, and may be significantly taller if you are using a heavy or tall barrel. Nail these roof supports at the base of the barrel and again near the lip, with the two supports at exactly opposite sides of the barrel. Add the roof frame. To make a small, peaked roof for your wishing well, begin by cutting four pieces of lumber to serve as the frame for the roof, using the same size lumber as formed the roof support. Cut one end of each piece to form a 45º slant, so two pieces can fit over each peaked roof support and slope downward. Drill holes and attach wood screws down through the frame and onto the support, from above. The length of the roof frame is up to you. Typically, a small roof is used, that does not extend past the edge of the well. Construct the rafters. Lay out 1 x 2 (25 x 50 mm) lumber rafters from one side of the frame to the other, using wood screws to attach them on each side. Choose between two styles of roof: Flat roof: Work from the top downward. Place each rafter flush with the one above it. Overlapping roof: Work from the bottom upward, overlapping each rafter over the one beneath it. Plan the rafter placement in advance so the uppermost rafter meets the peak of the roof without having to be cut. Add a trim. Strengthen the roof and make it more attractive by adding a trim. Start by attaching a 1 x 4 (25 x 100 mm) across the open, triangular frame, at its lowest point. Use finishing nails and wood glue to make a strong bond, both to the roof support and to each end of the frame. Repeat on the opposite end, then connect them with another 1 x 4 (25 x 100 mm) just beneath the lowest rafter. Paint the wishing well. If you are keeping your wishing well outdoors, giving it a coat of paint will protect the wood from the weather. Use a clear finish instead if you'd prefer to keep the natural wood color. If you plan to use the wishing well for water, use a wood stain that protects the base from water damage. If you are painting the well in your garden, keep in mind that the products you use may harm nearby plants if they reach the soil. Create a spindle. The spindle will run over the mouth of the well, and can support a small bucket to make your wishing well look more like a real one. You may use a strong, 1" (25 mm) thick dowel, but since these are difficult to find, consider using a length of 1 x 1 (25 x 25 mm) lumber instead. Cut this to a length that can extend across the full outer diameter of the well, plus at least an additional 6 inches (15 cm). The spindle will need to fit through holes in the roof supports. If you are building an extra-small wishing well, you may need to use a smaller spindle. You'll need a similar piece about 6 inches (15 cm) long for the handle, so save the scraps from cutting. Fit the spindle through the roof supports. Drill holes large enough to fit the spindle. Choose a location high up on the roof support, but below the roof, and measure from the well edge to make sure the two holes are at the same height. Push the spindle through the holes. Attach the spindle using homemade washers. Using the scraps of lumber from this project, cut out two washers a bit larger than the spindle. For most wells, square or round washers 1.5" (38 mm) across (and any thickness) will work. Drill a hole 1" (25 mm) in diameter through each washer. Push a washer onto each end of the spindle, until it is flat against the frame. Use wood glue to attach the washers and frame. Create a handle. Cut a rectangle of lumber about 2" x 3" (5 x 7.5 cm), and drill two 1" (25 mm) holes into it. Place one hole onto the spindle and attach it using wood glue. Cut a piece of dowel or lumber about 6 inches (15 cm) long, using the same size of lumber you used for the spindle. Stick this handle through the remaining hole on the rectangle, and attach with wood glue. You can now turn the spindle by rotating this handle. Tie a cup onto the spindle. Select a mug, cup, or small bucket that you don't mind exposing to an outdoor environment. Tie a short length of rope onto the handle, and tie the other end onto the spindle. Use a strong glue to fasten the rope permanently to the spindle, allowing you to raise or lower the bucket. Add water (optional). A tightly made barrel wit a bottom can hold water, but keep in mind that standing water can become a breeding ground for mosquito larvae. Place a small, dark-colored trash can or bucket at the base of the well instead so you can easily lift it out and empty it. Better yet, place an open-bottomed well over a small fountain pipe attached to your irrigation system for a burbling well. Alternatively, fill the well with soil instead, and plant flowers. | Consider using a barrel or box as the base. Gather lumber. Use a table saw to angle the edges of the lumber. Lay out the lumber. Roll the lumber into a barrel shape. Add a bottom (optional). Add roof supports if they are not yet present. Add the roof frame. Construct the rafters. Add a trim. Paint the wishing well. Create a spindle. Fit the spindle through the roof supports. Attach the spindle using homemade washers. Create a handle. Tie a cup onto the spindle. Add water (optional). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hunt-Turkeys | How to Hunt Turkeys | Before you hunt turkeys, you first need to get a license from your local Department of Environmental Conservation. If you're unsure where to locate turkeys, look for open areas, such as corn or wheat fields, or wooded areas. Keep an eye out for feathers, V-shaped scratches in tree trunks, and droppings at the base of trees, which will help you track them. Once you've found a flock, setup a decoy to lure the turkeys, and hide about 40 yards away. You can also set up blinds to make you harder to spot. When you have a good shot on a turkey, aim for its neck or head, to kill it quickly. | Obtain your hunting license. Contact your local Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) or Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for licensing requirements and rules. Licenses may be purchased from State-approved license agents (such as some sporting goods stores), or, depending on your State, through an online application. Pay close attention to your State's hunting license requirements. You will likely need to provide a hunter education course completion certificate. Your hunting license will contain information regarding the length of the season, season dates, the hunting area, how many males and females you may hunt per day, and how many males and females you may hunt per season. Practice with your weapon. Because turkeys startle so easily, hunting them requires precision shooting. Practice shooting from different positions (standing, sitting, lying down) and from different distances. If you are using a shotgun, you will need to pattern it. Patterning your shotgun allows you to make informed choices about which gun, ammo, and choke (the constricted end of a shotgun muzzle that shapes the spread of the shot) combination to use. To pattern a shotgun, follow these instructions: Position a 48” square piece of blank paper approximately 40 yards (36.6 m) from the muzzle of the gun. Shoot at the center of the paper. Draw a 30” circle around the center of the shot pattern enclosing the greatest number of holes. Count the pellets in the circle. Open an identical, unfired shotgun shell and count the number of pellets. Calculate the percentage of pellets in the 30” circle by dividing the number of holes by the number of pellets in the shell. Repeat this process 10 times and calculate the average of all 10 results. If your pattern is small and clustered together, you have a good gun/ammo/choke combination. If the pattern is spread out across the paper, consider changing one element at a time: begin experimenting with different pellet (shot) sizes, then different shell sizes. If that does not work, consider purchasing a tighter choke, which will focus the shot in a much smaller radius. Gather your hunting gear. In addition to your camouflage clothing, you will need a few reliable supplies to be well prepped. Following are basics—you may include additional extras as you see fit: Your weapon of choice. If you decide you want to carry a firearm, opt for a 12-gauge shotgun or smaller. A smaller shotgun means less bulk, making shots from a crouched position less cumbersome. In terms of ammo, autumn turkeys (younger, smaller turkeys) require a smaller load than spring turkeys (mature turkeys). Choose a smaller sized shot (1¾ ounces of size 6 shot) for youths (poults) or hens who have smaller, weaker bones. Turkey calls are invaluable as they draw the turkeys closer to the hunter and make for clearer kill shots. Having three or so different calls—high-pitched gobble yelps, low-pitched gobble yelps, and high and low hen yelps—allows you to use calls appropriate for the situation. Decide on some decoys. Decoys are another means of drawing turkeys closer to the hunter. This allows the hunter to be freed up to lie in wait. Purchase blinds. Blinds are helpful concealment tools while hunting famously skittish prey. Pop-up blinds are lightweight, easy to transport, and quickly create a place for a hunter to hide. Refine your turkey calling skills by listening and imitating turkey clucking, yelping and purring. Sometimes it takes different combinations to lure out toms. In the fall, make hen sounds to hens and tom sounds to males. Do the opposite in springtime. Following are four effective types of calls: The Kee Kee Run is the high-pitched whistle made by a poult. It sounds like “hurry-hurry-hurry” or “boy-boy-boy.” A lost yelp is made by a hen and sounds like a series of 10-15 sorrowful yelps. A gobbler yelp is a low, hoarse yelp delivered slowly. At times, these yelps are followed by purrs indicating aggression. A gobble is a low, guttural sound made by a male turkey. A long series of these may sound like a challenge to nearby turkeys. Be sure you are alone when using this call as it may attract other hunters. Scout out your hunting territory. Locating turkeys in the fall is more difficult than in the spring because gobblers aren't as vocal in autumn months. Still, there are typical locations to spot large flocks: Open areas, such as fields with long grass, house cow pies (a source of corn for turkeys!) and grasshoppers. Fields of corn, wheat, and berries provide rich sources of food and are frequented by turkeys. Wooded areas provide turkeys with places to roost. Look for feathers, v-shaped scratches in tree trunks, and droppings at the base of trees. Male (tom) turkey droppings are approximately 2” long and are shaped like the letter “J”. Female (hen) droppings are round and circular in shape. If you wish to hunt on private land, you should contact the landowner and request permission well ahead of your planned hunt. Following up with a small gift is a common courtesy. Track and lure your turkeys. After you've scouted out the terrain and have a good sense of the lay of the land, follow the flocks closely. Stage decoys close to roosts and employ various calls. Set up blinds in close range (40 yards or so) of your decoys. Put your back against a tree. This helps to obscure you from the turkey's vision and allows you to position firearms without being seen. Load your gun with the safety on and keep the muzzle pointed down. Only aim the gun when you're sure you have a clear shot of the turkey. You may need to employ alternate tactics to isolate turkeys to gain those clear shots: Pick off loners. You can gain a prime shot of a lone turkey by attracting it over with soft, alluring purrs. Scatter and recall. If you are unable to tease a stray turkey out of a flock, try creeping in close to a group of poults and hens and begin waving your arms wildly and making loud sounds to scatter the birds. Once they scatter (and hopefully not just fly away altogether), begin to lure them back with soft kee kee runs or lost yelps. Block the route to their food. If you've successfully tracked the flock and know where they feed in the morning, set up between their roost and their food. Place a hen decoy near your blind and make a series of yelps to attract the toms. Once you’ve gotten the turkey in your sights, aim for the bird’s neck. Shooting the neck and head area raises the odds that you will kill the bird immediately. If you fail to kill the bird and only wound it, track the bird quickly and kill it humanely. Gear up with the right bow. Short axle-to-axle bows (33 inches or less) are good for hunting turkeys because they are made for easy maneuverability while seated or crouched low to the ground. Axle-to-axle length is a measure of the distance between a bow's cam/wheel center. The axle-to-axle length does not affect the accuracy of the shot as much as brace height—the perpendicular distance from the strong to the pivot point of the bow's handle. Make decisions on your axle-to-axle length based on your hunting needs. For example, if you are hunting from a blind, you would select a shorter axle-to-axle bow to make shooting easier. Adjust the poundage of your bow. Poundage is the amount of force (measured in pounds) required to draw the bow to a set difference in order to shoot. The poundage to shoot big game (like deer) is typically around 70 pounds (meaning you must pull 70 pounds in order to shoot and kill). When shooting turkeys, set your poundage to 60 so you are able to hold your bow at full draw for as long as possible. This allows you to shoot quickly and without being detected. Use expandable broadheads. Broadheads are flat pointed steel arrowheads with sharp edges. Expandable broadheads open on impact and cut bigger holes. This is important as turkeys have small vital areas. Get as close to the turkey as possible. Place decoys 15 yards (13.7 m) out from your set up and shoot 20–25 yards (18.3–22.9 m) out. Decoys both draw the bird closer and serve as markers to indicate how far away the bird is as he approaches them. Hide yourself as best you can. Whether behind a big tree or in a pop-up blind, hide well as turkeys can easily spot the smallest motions. If you are concerned about the motion of drawing your bow, consider using a crossbow as they are always cocked. Aim wisely. In order to ensure a kill, aim for the turkey's head (popular with those using expandable broadheads because they take the head clean off the bird), the butt of the wing, the rear end (where a severed spine paralyzes the bird), or between the legs, halfway up the body of the bird (severing the leg tendons making it difficult for the bird to walk or fly away). Humanely dispatch of the turkey in the event you do not kill it right away. | Obtain your hunting license. Practice with your weapon. Gather your hunting gear. Decide on some decoys. Purchase blinds. Refine your turkey calling skills by listening and imitating turkey clucking, yelping and purring. Scout out your hunting territory. Track and lure your turkeys. Load your gun with the safety on and keep the muzzle pointed down. Once you’ve gotten the turkey in your sights, aim for the bird’s neck. Gear up with the right bow. Get as close to the turkey as possible. Hide yourself as best you can. Aim wisely. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Succulents | How to Care for Succulents | To take care of your succulent, make sure you plant it in a wide pot because succulent roots spread out. Use cactus soil for planting, then place your succulent in a sunny place and water it at least once per week during the growing season. When it gets cold, water succulents less often and try taking them inside if it freezes. To deal with pests like mealy bugs, aphids, and scale, mix a few drops of insecticidal soap with water and apply it to the affected areas with a cotton swab. | Purchase a sturdy wide pot. This is necessary for all varieties of succulents. They have thick roots that spread out and require a wide diameter for proper growth. If your variety grows large and top-heavy, aim for a sturdy pot that won't tip over. Terra cotta is a good choice. Make sure the pot has drainage holes at or near the bottom. If you're repurposing a container, avoid glass or other materials that you can't add holes to. Varieties with roots that remain close to the soil surface will thrive in a shallow pot. Those with taproots that penetrate deeply into the soil require a taller pot. Read the care instructions that come with your plant (usually on a plastic tab that sticks in the soil) for details. Fill the pot with cactus soil mix. Look for cactus soil mix at your local garden center. Read the label to make sure it contains equal parts compost, horticultural sand, and grit. Double check that all ingredients are horticultural-grade. Pot the succulent. Invert the original pot and tap it gently to loosen the plant. Carefully clear the soil away from the roots using a chopstick or toothpick. Then, place the plant in the new pot. Use soil mix to cover the bottom of the plant to the same point that it was covered in the original pot. If the succulent outgrows its current pot, repot it. The new pot should be slightly larger than the old one to allow for new growth. Put the plant in a sunny place. If you live in a hot climate, put your plant in a location that gets 6-8 hours of filtered sunlight each day. In colder climates, 6 hours of full sun is acceptable. For indoor plants, choose a window where the plant can get full sun. Don't put your plant in a south-facing window if you live in a hot climate. If you live in a cooler climate, test any south-facing windows for too much heat in the afternoon. The plant can become sunburned with too much sunlight. If you have a “-veria” succulent, keep it out of the direct afternoon sun to avoid sunburn. Water at least weekly during the growing season. The frequency of waterings depends on the variety of the succulent. Make sure the soil is moist at all times during the spring and summer months. Follow the care instructions for details specific to your variety. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot. Reduce waterings during the dormant season. Like deciduous trees, succulents enter a dormancy phase during the fall and winter months. Allow the soil to dry completely before rewatering during this time. Depending on the variety, this can be as little as once a month. Some flowering varieties need more water than ones that don't produce flowers. Read the care instructions for details. Bring the succulents inside during freezing weather. You can overwinter the plants inside by putting them in a warm, sunny windowsill. Wait until the last frost has passed before putting them back outside. Identify common pests. Mealy bugs, aphids, and vine weevils are the most common pests that succulents attract. Check for mealy bugs at the point where the leaf attaches to the stem. Look for aphids on leaves, stems, and flower buds. Watch for impaired growth or limpness, which is evidence of vine weevils or root mealy bugs. Mealy bugs are usually about 2 millimetres (0.079 in) to 3 millimetres (0.12 in) long and resemble lice. When they first attack, they'll leave balls of white fluff on the plant. When squashed, they leave a red stain. Aphids are about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) long. Their bodies are pear-shaped and can be black, green, yellow, pink, gray, or brown. Scale are small gray bugs. They may look like a cluster of small, cottony pinheads. Fight mealy bugs, scale, and aphids with insecticidal soap. Mix a few drops of soap in tepid water. If you have severe infestation, add a few drops of cooking oil to the mixture. Apply it to the affected areas with a cotton swab or spray bottle. You can buy insecticidal soap at your local nursery. For root mealy bugs, remove and discard of the soil. Replant the succulent in fresh, clean soil. Quarantine new plants. Pests can “hitchhike” on plants fresh from the nursery. If you're already growing succulents, isolate the new arrivals for about two weeks. Check for pests and signs of disease daily. After you plant your succulent in its permanent location, continue to monitor for problems at least once a week. Purchase zone-appropriate varieties. Succulents are available in varieties that can grow in agricultural zones as cold as Zone 4 and as hot as Zone 9. If you live anywhere between Zones 4 and 7, go for the sempervivum or similar variety. For Zones 8 and 9, opt for more heat- and drought-tolerant varieties. Before you make the final purchase, read the label on the plant or speak to an expert at your local nursery. If you're not certain which zone you live in, visit the website for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or non-U.S. equivalent for assistance. Check the drainage of your soil. Succulents need soil with good drainage. Avoid low spots in the garden where water can pool. If your garden soil stays soggy for a long period of time, read up on how to improve the drainage. Buy native varieties, if possible. You'll have this advantage if you live in a dry climate. Native succulents have their own built-in defenses against pests in your area. They also invite local beneficial insects that could help in the growth and propagation of other plant varieties in your garden. Visit your state or provincial government website, university websites, or local botanical societies for assistance. | Purchase a sturdy wide pot. Fill the pot with cactus soil mix. Pot the succulent. Put the plant in a sunny place. Water at least weekly during the growing season. Reduce waterings during the dormant season. Bring the succulents inside during freezing weather. Identify common pests. Fight mealy bugs, scale, and aphids with insecticidal soap. Quarantine new plants. Purchase zone-appropriate varieties. Check the drainage of your soil. Buy native varieties, if possible. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Stuffed-Chicken-Breast | How to Make Stuffed Chicken Breast | To make stuffed chicken breasts, start by cutting a slit 2/3 of the way into the side of each breast to create a pocket for the filling. Then, place the filling, such as flavored butter or cheese, into the pocket. Next, stick 2 toothpicks through the top and bottom layers of the chicken and place the breasts onto a baking sheet. Finally, bake the chicken in a 400° Fahrenheit oven for 20 minutes, or until it's cooked through. | Buy thick boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You'll need a relatively thick cut of meat, and regular boneless, skinless chicken breasts are usually sufficient. Avoid anything labeled tenders, filets, or thin-cut. You'll also need a sharp, smooth paring knife with a 3 to 4 inch (7.6 to 10 cm) blade. Avoid serrated knives since these won't be able to pierce through the side of the chicken without sawing it. Lay the chicken breast on the cutting board. Place one chicken breast in the center of the cutting board, aligning it vertically. Hold it steady with your non-dominant hand. Press gently. If you apply too much pressure, the knife might have difficulty sliding through the chicken. Keep your fingers centered and slightly offset to your non-dominant side to keep them out of the way of the knife. Pierce into the side of the chicken breast. Using your dominant hand, hold the knife at a perpendicular angle to the chicken breast. Slid it into the side of the chicken breast at the approximate midpoint. If one side is thicker than the other, pierce the chicken closer to the thicker side. The knife should be halfway between the top and bottom of the chicken breast. Only slide the knife about two-thirds of the way through the side of the chicken. Do not cut through to the other side. Slice across the entire side. Glide the knife up the side of the chicken, expanding the initial cut upwards. Remove the knife, insert it back into your starting position, and slice the same side open downward. The entire time, keep the knife centered between the top and bottom of the chicken breast. Do not pierce through to the other side. Note that the easiest way to stuff chicken breast is to cut this side completely so that it can open like a book—a culinary technique known as "butterflying." If you'd like to minimize the cut space along the side and keep more of the stuffing in the chicken, however, try the advanced pocket technique: From your starting cut, carefully saw the tip of the knife up and toward the outside edge of the chicken breast without cutting back through the original side or expanding the opening. Flip the knife around and repeat the same motion toward the bottom side of your original pocket. Again, you'll need to avoid expanding the opening. Expand the cut using your fingers. If you cut one side completely open, use your fingers to pry the chicken breast open like a book, continuing until it can lie with the "spine" flat on the cutting board. Depending on how deep the original cut runs, you may need to cut the opening a little wider using the knife before the chicken breast will lie flat enough. If you used the pocket method instead of the butterflying technique, place your finger inside the pocket opening and work it into the inner cavity, breaking any loose fibers and expanding the opening as much as possible. Prepare chicken kiev. Chicken kiev is a classic type of stuffed chicken breast. The stuffing itself only consists of butter, garlic, salt, and parsley. Grind the salt and minced garlic into a paste using a mortar and pestle or the back side of a spoon. Mix the parsley into the garlic paste. Work the softened butter into the paste, as well, mashing until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Wrap the entire mixture in plastic wrap and chill it for 15 minutes before using it to stuff the chicken. Try a cheesy pepperoni stuffing. This is a layered stuffing that hardly requires any preparation before you add it to the chicken, making it one of the simplest you can use. You can opt to use marinara sauce to add another dimension of taste to this stuffing, but it isn't necessary; the cheese and pepperoni are flavorful enough. If you do use the sauce, however, note that you should only spread a thin coating over the bottom of the open chicken breast to prevent the dish from getting too messy. Add the sauce first, followed by the solid ingredients. Use the flavors of the Mediterranean. For this version, you'll mix together several ingredients commonly found in Mediterranean cuisine, including red bell pepper, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and basil. Consider broiling the bell pepper before chopping it. Slice the bell pepper in half, remove the seeds and inner membranes, and broil it for 15 minutes, or until it becomes charred. Peel away the skin and finely chop the flesh. Combine the chopped bell pepper with the feta cheese, olives, and basil. Use this mixed stuffing to fill the prepared chicken breasts. Create a savory apple filling. This is a mixed stuffing that only requires minimal preparation before you use it to fill the chicken. Toss the chopped apple with lemon juice in a medium mixing bowl. This should help prevent the apples from browning prematurely. Add the cheese, bread crumbs, and thyme to the coated apples, tossing until evenly mixed. This completes the mixed portion of the stuffing. When stuffing the chicken breasts, spread the Dijon mustard over the open bottom first. Follow the mustard with the prepared mixed stuffing. Fill the chicken breast with your chosen stuffing. Mixed stuffings should be spread evenly across the open chicken breast, while stuffings consisting of separate ingredients should be layered over the open chicken breast. If there are any sauces or other spreadable items involved, spread them over the chicken breast first. Follow this with any cheese, meat, vegetables, fruits, and seasonings, in that order. Note that if you used the pocket technique instead of the stuffing technique, you'll need to stuff all of the ingredients through the narrow opening you created in the side of the chicken. It can be difficult to layer ingredients through such a small opening, so that technique works best for mixed stuffings. Close the opening. Fold the open chicken back into its original form, sandwiching the stuffing in between the top and bottom halves. Depending on how loose the ingredients are, you may need to use your fingers to hold them in place as you fold the chicken breast over. Don't be afraid to reposition the stuffing once the chicken is back in form, too. Secure the sides together. Stick two toothpicks through the top and bottom layers of the chicken breast. Position both near the open edge, and place one near the upper edge and the other near the bottom edge. If preferred, you could tie the chicken breast together using clean kitchen twine instead of using toothpicks. Note that this is usually only necessary if you follow the butterfly technique. You probably won't need to do this if you used the pocket technique. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Meanwhile, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Coating it with nonstick cooking spray would also work. Note that it might be in your best interest to preheat the oven before you begin preparing the chicken and stuffing depending on how long it takes your oven to preheat. Season the top of the chicken as desired. The simplest way to dress up the top of the chicken breast is to brush it with a little butter, which will help it brown, before sprinkling it with some salt and ground black pepper. Another option would be to coat the chicken breast in breadcrumbs. This can create an elegant appearance and an interesting texture. Dredge both sides of the chicken breast with flour. Dunk the chicken breast into a bowl of lightly beaten eggs. Allow the excess to drip off. Toss the chicken breast into a dish of dry bread crumbs, coating both sides. You could also try brushing the chicken with a sauce or glaze. For instance, if you decided to skip the marinara sauce inside the cheesy pepperoni stuffed chicken, you could still spread a thin layer on top of the closed chicken breast before baking it. Bake for 20 minutes. Place the chicken breasts into the preheated oven and cook them for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked. The most accurate way to test for doneness is with an instant read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. If the dish is done, the thermometer should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). If you don't have a cooking thermometer, pierce the chicken with a knife. The juices should run clear if the chicken is done. Enjoy. Remove the stuffed chicken breast from the oven and remove any toothpicks or kitchen twine. Serve the dish immediately to enjoy the best taste. | Buy thick boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Lay the chicken breast on the cutting board. Pierce into the side of the chicken breast. Slice across the entire side. Expand the cut using your fingers. Prepare chicken kiev. Try a cheesy pepperoni stuffing. Use the flavors of the Mediterranean. Create a savory apple filling. Fill the chicken breast with your chosen stuffing. Close the opening. Secure the sides together. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Season the top of the chicken as desired. Bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Tea-Tree-Oil-for-Acne | How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne | To use tea tree oil for acne, put a few drops of concentrated tea tree oil onto a cotton swab or tissue and gently dab it onto your acne. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight, then rinse it off. If pure tea tree oil is too harsh or drying for your skin, try diluting it with water or aloe vera gel first. You can also add tea tree oil to your skin care products, like face masks, skin scrubs, and moisturizers. | Purchase pure tea tree oil. Getting pure oil will ensure that you don't end up applying unknown chemicals or ingredients on your skin. Look at that label and make sure it say 100% pure tea tree oil, as products and their concentrations can vary. Even if you plan on diluting the tea tree oil, purchase 100% tea tree oil. This will allow you to control what you use to dilute or mix into your oil. Wash your skin. Use a mild soap or cleanser to clean the area that has acne. Then dry the skin, as the tea tree oil should be applied to a dry surface. It's important to apply tea tree oil to clean skin, as it's easier for the tea tree oil to clean pimples and acne when the skin on top is already clean. Test the tea tree oil on your skin. Before applying tea tree oil to your acne, you should test it on a healthy spot of skin. Dab a drop of the oil on your hand or other easily accessible spot of skin and let it sit there for a few minutes. If it does not irritate your skin at all, then it is appropriate to use on your acne. If the tea tree oil does irritate your skin, you can either decide not to use it at all or dilute it down enough so it doesn't irritate your skin. Common side effects of tea tree oil include irritation, redness, or dried skin. Make a homemade spot treatment, if necessary. If you find that pure, undiluted tea tree oil is a little too harsh, irritating, or drying on your skin, try using it in a homemade spot treatment. Simply mix a couple of drops of tea tree oil into 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel, water, or a neutral oil, such as coconut or olive oil. Tea tree oil can be very helpful for treating acne even when it is only 5% of the spot treatment solution. You can also try mixing tea tree oil with raw, organic honey. Honey also contains antibacterial properties and promotes skin healing. Tea tree oil combined with honey can make a nice mask or paste. Store your spot treatment in a small glass container so it is available for easy application. Apply the tea tree oil onto your pimples. Pour a few drops the tea tree oil or solution onto a cotton bud, cotton pad, tissue, or your fingertip. Then gently dab it directly to your pimples. Just a small amount of oil will penetrate the skin to unblock the sebaceous glands, disinfect pores, and dry out whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Leave the tea tree oil on the acne for a few hours, or overnight. Leaving it on will give it time to absorb into the acne and do its job. The redness and swelling should decrease and the pores will be cleaned out. Then rinse your face with warm water and gently dry it after the tea tree oil has done its job. You can rinse the tea tree oil off with plain warm water or you can use a gentle cleanser, if necessary. Repeat this treatment daily. Using tea tree oil to eliminate bacteria and clean out your pores will be most effective if done on a regular basis. However, you can apply the tea tree oil whenever you like, either in the morning or evening. This treatment should help reduce active pimples and any redness that remains due to continuing infection under the surface of the skin. Use tea tree oil in a homemade face mask. A few drops of tea tree oil can be added to homemade face masks to kill bacteria and dry out pimples. Make a face mask using natural ingredients. Mix 3-4 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of green clay powder, which can be found at most health food stores. Stir in enough water to turn your clay into a spreadable paste. Apply the mask evenly, leave the mask on for at least 20 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Blend together 3 drops of tea tree oil, 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil, and half of a very finely chopped tomato. Apply this face mask directly to clean skin and leave on for 10 minutes, before rinsing off with warm water and patting dry. Add 5 drops of tea tree oil to 1/4 cup of plain yogurt (either traditional or Greek style) and apply as a mask. Rinse off with warm water after 15-20 minutes. Add tea tree oil to a homemade face scrub. For an effective, acne-fighting face scrub, try mixing tea tree oil with some other natural ingredients from your kitchen cupboard. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of sesame or olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, and approximately 10 drops of tea tree oil. Gently massage the mixture onto your damp face, using circular motions, for 2-5 minutes. Wash off with warm water and then pat your face dry. This scrub may be a little rough for people suffering from cystic acne but is perfect for mild to medium breakouts. As both tea tree oil and honey are natural preservatives, you can make this scrub in bulk and store in a jar in your medicine cabinet. Add tea tree oil to your cleanser or moisturizer. A few drops of tea tree oil can be added to your daily moisturizer and cleanser to help combat stubborn pimples. Apply 2 - 6 drops, depending on how strong you want it. Be careful not to get it in your eyes. It could cause stinging or burning if the tea tree oil comes into contact with your eyes. Put tea tree oil in your bath. Add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to your bath to help clear acne on your chest, back, and other parts of your body. Additionally, the oil will add a fragrant scent to your bath. Breathing in the tea tree-infused steam can also help to alleviate congestion, so you should also try this when you have a cold or allergies. Purchase tea tree skincare products. Many brands have started using tea tree oil in their skin products because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. If you feel that the pure, essential oil is a little too strong for your tastes or you don't have time to make your own tea tree skin products, buying a tea tree based product may be a good option. Tea tree cleansers, moisturizers, and spot gels are particularly popular. | Purchase pure tea tree oil. Wash your skin. Test the tea tree oil on your skin. Make a homemade spot treatment, if necessary. Apply the tea tree oil onto your pimples. Leave the tea tree oil on the acne for a few hours, or overnight. Repeat this treatment daily. Use tea tree oil in a homemade face mask. Add tea tree oil to a homemade face scrub. Add tea tree oil to your cleanser or moisturizer. Put tea tree oil in your bath. Purchase tea tree skincare products. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Give-Steroids-to-Cats-with-Inflammation | How to Give Steroids to Cats with Inflammation | If your cat has inflammation, take it to the vet, who will either give you a prescription for steroids or inject them in the cat themselves. While it can be difficult to get a cat to take medication, there are tricks you can use, such as hiding the steroid in its food. However, if that doesn't work, you may need to wrap your cat in a towel to restrain it, then force it to swallow the medication. Whatever you end up doing, make sure to only give your cat steroids during or after meals, or it could develop an ulcer. | Have your cat seen by a veterinarian. If your cat has any of the symptoms of inflammatory disease, you should have it seen by a veterinarian. Tell the veterinarian about your cat's symptoms and allow them to do a thorough examination of your cat. They will give you a diagnosis and they will discuss treatment options. If your veterinarian suspects that your cat has inflammation that needs treatment, they may suggest a round of steroids to reduce it. Get a prescription for steroids. Once you and your veterinarian agree on a treatment plan for your cat, they will prescribe your cat steroids or they will inject steroids in the cat themselves. The steroids that are most often prescribed for cats are in pill form and include: Prednisolone Dexamethasone Triamcinolone Budesonide Give your cat the medication. Getting a cat to take medication can be difficult. You can try to hide it in their food and hope that they will eat it when they are eating. If that doesn't work, you may need to restrain the cat and force it to swallow the medication. Always give steroids with food or after a meal. If you give a cat steroids on an empty stomach, it could develop ulcers. Restraint may be uncomfortable for the cat but it should never injure the cat or cause pain. Using a towel to wrap up the cat is usually the easiest, and least traumatic, way of restraining a cat. If your cat is on other medications, talk to your vet before giving it steroids. Steroids could interact with other medications, such as meloxicam, and cause dangerous side effects. Follow the directions when giving the medication. When you give your cat medication you should be sure to read and follow the directions included. This will include how often the medication should be given, whether is should be given with food, what the daily dosage should be, and how long the medication should be given. If you are unsure about any of the directions on the packaging, as your veterinarian to clarify. It is very important to give your cat the right amount of medication for the right amount of time. Giving a cat too many steroids can cause health problems. Treat underlying conditions. While steroids can help to alleviate inflammation temporarily, they will not cure underlying conditions that cause inflammation. Because of this, you should put some effort into figuring out what is causing your cat's inflammation. Some common causes of inflammation in cats include osteoarthritis, soft tissue injuries, allergies, and gingivitis. These medical issues are typically diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian after the general symptoms of pain and discomfort or skin irritation are spotted by a cat's owner. Because long-term steroid use can cause a variety of health problems, finding the cause of your cat's inflammation, and treating that, will help your cat avoid these problems in addition to solving the underlying problem. Manage short-term side effects. Steroids can cause a variety side effects that can negatively impact your cat's life. If your cat has any of these short-term side effects you should discuss solutions with your veterinarian: Increased hunger Increased thirst Increased urination Lethargy Gastrointestinal problems Hair loss Assess any developing long-term side effects. It is important to keep an eye out for the development of long-term side effects due to steroid treatments. If your cat begins to develop any of these problems, you should seek out veterinary care right away: A pot belly (which often signals the presence of Cushing's disease) Blood clots Diabetes Pancreatitis Secondary infections Identify signs of chronic pain. Inflammation in the bones and joints that goes untreated can often lead to chronic pain. Your cat may become listless, unable to move easily, sensitive to touch, or ill-tempered if it is dealing with chronic pain. If your cat has these symptoms, you should have it looked at by a veterinarian. Steroids can reduce the inflammation associated with several conditions, including osteoarthritis and soft tissue injuries. This may reduce the cat's discomfort. If the cat is still in pain, your vet may prescribe a separate painkiller for your cat. Make sure that this painkiller is safe to use with steroids. Pay attention to signs of other inflammatory diseases. There are a variety of other inflammatory diseases that your veterinarian may want to treat with steroids. For example, the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease are commonly treated with steroids. Signs that your cat has inflammatory bowel disease include: Vomiting Diarrhea Lethargy Weight loss Look for areas of external inflammation. In addition to treating internal inflammation, steroids can help with areas of inflammation on the outside of your cat's body. Inflammation of the skin, called dermatitis, inflammation of the eyes, and inflammation of the gums can all usually be treated with steroids. Allergies are a common cause of inflammation on the outside of the body. Steroids can minimize this type of inflammation, although they do not solve the problem permanently. | Have your cat seen by a veterinarian. Get a prescription for steroids. Give your cat the medication. Follow the directions when giving the medication. Treat underlying conditions. Manage short-term side effects. Assess any developing long-term side effects. Identify signs of chronic pain. Pay attention to signs of other inflammatory diseases. Look for areas of external inflammation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Froth-Milk-for-Cappuccino-Without-Fancy-Tools | How to Froth Milk for Cappuccino Without Fancy Tools | To froth milk for cappuccino without fancy tools, pour ½ cup of milk into a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Make sure the milk doesn't rise above the halfway point to ensure there's enough room for the froth to expand. Next, tightly replace the lid and shake the jar for about 30 seconds, until the milk becomes frothy and has almost doubled in size. Then, remove the lid and microwave the milk for 30 seconds, or until steam begins to rise from the milk. | Pour milk into a cup or saucepan. Pour the required amount of milk into a microwavable cup or metal saucepan, depending on whether you plan on heating your milk in the microwave or on the stove. You will need about 1/2 cup of milk for every cappuccino. Heat the milk. If microwaving, place the cup of milk into the microwave and heat on high for approximately 30 seconds, or until steam begins to rise from the milk. If using the stove, place the saucepan on a preheated burner, set to medium. Heat until steam rise from the milk. Use the wire whisk to create foam. Once the milk is heated, place the wire whisk into the milk and twirl the handle between your palms to create foam. Keep twirling the whisk until you achieve the desired amount of foam. Pour the milk into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Pour a 1/2 cup of milk into a glass jar. The milk should not rise above the halfway point, as you need to leave enough room for the froth to expand. Shake the jar for 30 seconds. Tightly replace the lid, then vigorously shake the jar until the milk becomes frothy and has almost doubled in size. This should take about 30 seconds. Remove the lid and microwave the milk. Take the lid off the jar and place it in the microwave. Heat on high for approximately 30 seconds, or until steam begins to rise from the milk. The foam should begin to stabilize in the microwave, rising to the top of the milk. Use fresh, cold milk. The fresher and colder your milk is, the better. You will produce nicer foam and the cappuccino will taste better. Use milk with a higher fat percentage. Whole milk, or half-and-half tend to foam better than milk with a lower fat percentage, such as 2% or skim. Whole milk also tends to produce a sweeter tasting foam than low-fat milk. However, the type of milk you use is largely a matter of preference, and you can still produce good results with low-fat milk. Make strong, good-quality coffee. Of course, the quality of your cappuccino doesn't just depend on the foam, it will also depend on how good you coffee is. Use strong, good-quality coffee and make sure it's nice and hot. You should prepare the coffee before you prepare the milk. Tap the bottom of the cup, saucepan or jar to remove any large bubbles. Once the foam is heated, give the cup, saucepan or jar a quick swirl followed by a light tap on the kitchen counter. This causes any large bubbles to pop, compressing the foam. Use a spoon to hold back the foam. When adding the milk to the coffee, you should use a spoon to hold back the foam until the cup is 2/3 full. Then use the spoon to scoop the foam on top of the milky coffee. Finish with some chocolate powder. To make the perfect cappuccino, sprinkle a little cocoa powder or even grated chocolate on top of the foamed milk. The heat should cause the chocolate to melt slightly. Enjoy! | Pour milk into a cup or saucepan. Heat the milk. Use the wire whisk to create foam. Pour the milk into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake the jar for 30 seconds. Remove the lid and microwave the milk. Use fresh, cold milk. Use milk with a higher fat percentage. Make strong, good-quality coffee. Tap the bottom of the cup, saucepan or jar to remove any large bubbles. Use a spoon to hold back the foam. Finish with some chocolate powder. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Promote-Your-Blog | How to Promote Your Blog | To promote your blog, post links to your blog posts on social media sites, like Twitter and Facebook. In order to grab the user's attention, use interesting lead-ins, like “Wondering what to wear to the club tonight?” instead of “New blog!” Additionally, link your posts in popular aggregate sites, like Digg and Reddit, where active users can promote your work by voting up your site and commenting on it. You can also promote yourself through comments on other blogs that are similar to yours. However, make sure your comments are thoughtful and informative, and avoid spamming the site with links to your blog. | Tweet your posts. Twitter is one of the more acceptable places to broadcast all of your blog posts, as it is designed for quick posts with links. Tweeting new posts is an easy task at face value, but you'll need to spend some time planning it out. This is especially important as your global audience grows. Write an attention-grabbing lead-in tweet. Avoid just writing “New blog!” and linking to your blog. The majority of users will not click on these links, because they don't speak to them at all. Cover an aspect of your post in the lead-in; if you're writing about fashion tips, write something like “Wondering what to wear to the club tonight? <link to blog>”. Keep it short and sweet, but make sure that you are directing readers to your content. Write the lead-in as a question to the reader. “Need to lose a few pounds before swimsuit season?” Offer advice and create the feeling that the reader needs your wisdom. “10 tips for managing your money.” Write a fact from your post that will wow the reader. “30 million people can't be wrong!” Schedule your tweets. As your audience grows, you will find that readers are coming to your blog from all different time zones. Your blog tweets can be easily lost when someone checks their Twitter 8 hours after you post. Use a social media management tool such as HootSuite to plan out a schedule of tweets. Try to post when your readers will be most active. Try to post the blog in the morning, and then support it with tweets later in the day. These tweets will bring in new users who are just getting on the internet for the first time that day. When tweeting the same article out again, use a different lead-in to keep your tweets from become canned and spammy. Break up your blog update tweets. Use Twitter for more than linking your blog. If your followers only ever see blog posts in your Twitter feed, they will grow fatigued of the links. Add insights and respond to other Twitter users throughout the day. Post to Facebook. When you publish a blog article, link to it from your Facebook account to keep your friends and family in the loop. These people may not seem as important for your long-term readership, but who they share it with can have a large impact on your readership. As your blog grows in popularity, you will most likely see an increase in your Facebook activity, as readers and other bloggers add you as a Facebook friend. Post your images to Pinterest. If you have an image-oriented blog, post the images to PInterest in order to drive your traffic up. Pinterest is very focused on images, so this won't be as useful if you have text only. Use StumbleUpon. Submit your blog posts to StumbleUpon to add them to the bookmark service. Make sure that you tag your article with appropriate tags so that it appears for the right viewers. Use Google+. This service may not be as popular as Facebook or Twitter, but because it is run by Google you will get bonuses to your Google search engine ratings when you are linked through Google+. Blog posts on Google+ can also be rapidly shared with a wide variety of people. Link your posts in popular aggregate sites. Websites such as Digg and Reddit have millions of active users, and are a great way to spread the word about your blog. If the users like your work, they will do the promotion work for you by voting up your site and commenting on it. Create an RSS feed. An RSS feed will automatically push your blog posts to subscribers, and they can access your posts through reader programs. This is a great way to make sure that your subscribers stay as up-to-date as possible. Find similar blogs. Look for blogs in your niche that have a high readership. Post thoughtful and informative responses to other authors and commenters. Avoid spamming links to your blog, and don't just fill the comment box with search engine keywords. Instead, interact and be genuine; this will drive like-minded readers to find your blog. Comment often. Become a part of the community. The more you make a name for yourself on others' blogs, the more traffic you will drive to your site. You can also catch the eye of other, more successful bloggers who may link to your posts and even collaborate on projects. Avoid overuse of keywords. A simple trap that many bloggers fall into is overloading their writing with keywords. This will lead to fake-sounding content and will actually provide little in the way of extra traffic. This is because as soon as a reader clicks your link and sees a jumbled mess of keywords, they'll most likely leave immediately. Review your Google Analytics. This tool will show you what search words are driving people to your site, as well as popular searches on the web. You can also see how long users stay on your page, which is an essential tool for determining how worthy they find your content. Design content around what your readers are searching for. Use Analytics to see what your readers are searching for on the web. Use these results to tailor articles specifically towards your readers' interests. Use SEO smartly. Instead of placing keywords all over your article, focus them in the places where they matter most. Make sure that your Title tag has relevant keywords, as this is the part of your blog that is given the most weight in search engine results. Write a powerful title. The title of your blog post is the second-most important aspect of your blog when determining search engine placement. Anything in the "H1" heading is given more weight in search engine results. Optimize your content, but don't overdo it. Good content will be much more valuable than a collection of keywords. Make sure that your post is well thought out and informative first, and then optimize it for the keywords that suit your content best. Create a mailing list. Email is often overlooked with the advent of social media, but the fact of the matter is that almost everyone still uses email on a daily basis. Creating a mailing list will help you connect with your most passionate readers. Send out a newsletter. Use a newsletter to keep your subscribers up to date with happenings on your blog. Include quick summaries of your posts with links to the full article. A newsletter is a great way to keep less active readers engaged in your articles. Pitch your blog. Use email to send a blog post you're particularly proud of to friends, other bloggers, and the mainstream press. Avoid sending email updates for every post you make, but do this occasionally to increase your reach. If the post is especially good, other bloggers may link it in their posts, which can drive lots of traffic to your blog. Network daily. Even if you aren't posting a blog update, you should be actively involved in your blogging community. Every minute that you're not promoting yourself is another minute without new readers. Write a daily plan. Come up with a plan of action for each day. Make sure you have attainable goals, such as write two pages of content and find three blogs in your niche. You may not always meet your goals for the day, but striving towards them will keep you active in the blogging community and ensure that your blog is always growing. Make personal contact. Try to make direct contact with other bloggers and readers. Shoot for making 100 connections per day. This will keep you focused on networking and building your community. You may not actually achieve 100 connections, but trying every day will dramatically increase your network. | Tweet your posts. Write an attention-grabbing lead-in tweet. Schedule your tweets. Break up your blog update tweets. Post to Facebook. Post your images to Pinterest. Use StumbleUpon. Use Google+. Link your posts in popular aggregate sites. Create an RSS feed. Find similar blogs. Comment often. Avoid overuse of keywords. Review your Google Analytics. Design content around what your readers are searching for. Use SEO smartly. Create a mailing list. Send out a newsletter. Pitch your blog. Network daily. Write a daily plan. Make personal contact. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fold-a-Paper-Into-Thirds | How to Fold a Paper Into Thirds | To fold a paper into thirds, try using the simple cylinder method. Start with your paper flat on a surface, then roll it into a loose cylinder. Push down on the cylinder to flatten it out while making sure the edges of the paper are as closely aligned as possible. When it looks like the edges are as close to these points as you can get them, push down firmly to fold the paper into thirds. Alternatively, use the eyeball method. Simply fold 1 edge over the top of the sheet, but don't crease it yet. Line up the edge so it covers half of the paper that remains, then make a crease. Finally, fold the other edge underneath the piece you just folded so the edge touches the first crease you made. | Start with your paper flat on your work area. Believe it or not, there are many ways to fold a paper into thirds, but some give more precise results than others. Try this method if you don't need to be exact — it's quick and it works well, but rarely will your results be perfect. On the plus side, you won't need any tools for this method. Note that a standard 8 1/2 × 11 inch (27.9 cm) sheet of paper doesn't have to be folded perfectly into thirds to fit in an envelope, making this a good choice for correspondence. Roll the paper into a loose cylinder. Your goal is to make a fat, loose roll from your paper — about the dimensions of a rolled-up newspaper. Don't make any folds yet. Align the edges, then gently flatten the middle. Look at your cylinder from the side — you want one edge of the rolled-up paper to be on the left and the other to be directly across from it on the right. Start to compress the cylinder, adjusting as you go to keep the edges lined up. You want the three layers of paper created this way to be approximately the same size. For this, you'll want one edge of the paper snug against the inside of the fold of the cylinder and the other edge lying over the top, lined up with the other fold. This is more intuitive than it sounds. Flatten the cylinder completely when you have a near-fit. When you see that your paper is as near to perfect thirds as you can realistically get it, press down on the edges of the paper to get smooth, clean creases. Congratulations! Your paper should be in (nearly) perfect thirds. At this point, you can make last-minute adjustments, but avoid making more than one crease unless your thirds are very uneven — this can look unprofessional. Fold a "scratch" piece of paper into rough thirds. This method sacrifices one piece of paper to help you get another piece just right. You'll need two pieces of paper for this method — one that you want to fold well and one that you don't mind ruining. Your two pieces of paper should be the same size. Get your "scratch" paper into rough thirds any way you wish — you may want to use the "intuitive" method above or one of the others in this article. You can even use trial-and-error to get your folds right. Refold until the thirds are as precise as possible. Now, make adjustments to your scratch paper until you have it folded into near-perfect thirds. Do not worry about how many times this takes or how many unsightly creases you make — this paper doesn't "count." Use your scratch paper as a folding guide for the "good" paper. Once you are satisfied with the folds in your scratch paper, take the now-folded blank sheet and line it up with the edge of the paper you want to fold well. Use the scratch paper as a blueprint for the folds you make in your "good" sheet of paper. You can do this by marking the positions of the folds on the "good" paper or using your eyes to visually compare the two sheets. If desired, use a straight edge to assist. If you want, you can take a straight edge (even something as simple as your envelope) and lay it over the two sheets to help you mark the folds from your scratch paper on your "good" paper. If you're using a sturdy straight edge, you can even fold your "good" paper over it for precision. When you're done, save your "scratch" paper for note-taking or recycle it. Don't send perfectly good paper to a landfill. Fold one edge of the paper over the top of the sheet. This method of folding perfect thirds uses nothing more than the measuring power of the human eye to find the spots where your paper folds into thirds. Despite this, it's surprisingly effective. In fact, once you've practiced it a few times, you can probably get away with using it for important correspondence. To begin, you want to take one edge of the paper and double it up, bringing it across the top of the rest of the page. Don't make any creases yet — the edge you are about to fold should be gently rounded. Line the edge up so that it covers half of the space. Try to line up the edge of the paper that you're holding so that it covers half of the paper that remains. The human eye is much better at judging halves than thirds, so it will be much easier to line up the paper correctly here than it would have been if you had attempted fold the paper into thirds from the beginning. When you have the edge of the page lined up just right , crease the paper, making sure not to let the free edge move as you're making your crease. Tuck the remaining edge into the crease and fold in half. The hard part of this method is already done. Now, all that you need to do is make the final one-third fold. Do this by taking the other edge of the paper and tucking it under the top edge so that it is snug against the inside of the crease. Make a second crease. If you've made accurate folds, all of the edges of your paper should line up at this point. If they don't, feel free to make minor adjustments as needed. Fold the paper in half. This method uses techniques derived from origami, the Japanese art of paper-folding, to get perfect third folds. Though origami is usually done with square sheets of paper, this method should also work with standard 8 1/2 × 11 inch (27.9 cm) paper like you'd find in an office. Start by folding your paper in half in the same direction you'd like to fold it into thirds. Note: If you don't want to make extra folds in your paper, you can find the midpoint of the paper and carefully mark a line across to divide the paper in half. If you do this, however, your line will need to be extremely straight to match the accuracy of a simple half-fold. Draw a line from the bottom left to the right side of the half-fold. Position your paper so that the half fold you just made goes from left to right. Use a straight edge to carefully draw a line from the bottom left to the point where the fold in the middle meets the right edge of the paper. You can also do this method with a line that extends from the bottom right corner if you reverse all of the directions after this, but for convenience's sake we've decided to just give a single set of directions. Draw a line from the top left to the bottom right. Use your straight edge to carefully draw a line from the very top left corner of the paper to the bottom right. This line should intersect your middle fold at its center and your first line somewhere on the right side of the page. Make one fold at the intersection of your two lines. The spot where your two lines intersect marks one of the third folds you need to make. Use a straight edge to draw a line that passes through this point and also intersects both edges of the paper at 90 degree angles. Carefully fold and crease along this edge. The folded edge should divide the rest of the paper into halves — if it doesn't, you may need to make minor adjustments at this point so that it does. Make the second fold by tucking the other side of the paper in. Finally, take the non-folded edge of the paper and tuck it underneath the folded edge. Make a second crease when it is snug against the inside of your first crease. Your paper should now be divided into thirds. Measure the length of one side. Have the methods above left you unsatisfied by the preciseness of your folds? Try following the steps in this section, which should give you folds that are as close to exact as you can reasonably hope to be. You'll need a measuring tool (like a ruler) and a calculator or some scratch paper for this method. Start by measuring the length of the side you want to make folds in. Divide this length by three. Doing this will give you the width of each of your thirds. For instance, if you're using a standard 8 1/2 × 11 inch (27.9 cm) piece of paper and you want to divide it into thirds along the 11 inch (27.9 cm) side, simply divide 11 by 3. 11/3 = 3 2/3 or 3.667. This means the folds should be 3 2/3 inches apart. Mark this distance, measuring from the edge of the paper. Using your measuring tool, mark the spot that is the distance you determined above from the edge of the paper. Again, you should be measuring along the side of the paper that you plan to fold. In our example above with the 8 1/2 × 11 inch (27.9 cm) paper, we would measure 3 ⁄ 3 inches (9.3 cm) along the 11 inch (27.9 cm) side and mark this distance. Make a crease at this point, then fold the remaining flap of paper over. Make a fold through your marking that is perpendicular to both edges of the paper. This is one of your third folds. The second is easy — just tuck the other edge of paper under so that it is snug against the inside of the first crease (exactly as in the sections above.) | Start with your paper flat on your work area. Roll the paper into a loose cylinder. Align the edges, then gently flatten the middle. Flatten the cylinder completely when you have a near-fit. Fold a "scratch" piece of paper into rough thirds. Refold until the thirds are as precise as possible. Use your scratch paper as a folding guide for the "good" paper. If desired, use a straight edge to assist. Fold one edge of the paper over the top of the sheet. Line the edge up so that it covers half of the space. Tuck the remaining edge into the crease and fold in half. Fold the paper in half. Draw a line from the bottom left to the right side of the half-fold. Draw a line from the top left to the bottom right. Make one fold at the intersection of your two lines. Make the second fold by tucking the other side of the paper in. Measure the length of one side. Divide this length by three. Mark this distance, measuring from the edge of the paper. Make a crease at this point, then fold the remaining flap of paper over. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Leftover-Turkey-and-Stuffing-Casserole | How to Make Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole | To make leftover turkey and stuffing casserole, start by beating together mashed potatoes and raw eggs in a large bowl. Then, spread out half of the mixture in a greased baking dish, and add bite-sized pieces of turkey over it. Next, add the rest of the potato mixture to the baking dish, as well as some leftover stuffing. Finally, cover the dish with foil and bake it for 30 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. | Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and grease a baking dish. Get out a 2 to 3 US qt (1.9 to 2.8 l) baking dish and spread 1 tablespoon (14 g) of butter along the bottom and sides. Then sprinkle a few spoonfuls of breadcrumbs across the bottom and shake the dish. The breadcrumbs should stick to the bottom and sides of the dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the pan. Stir the eggs into the mashed potatoes in a separate bowl. Put 4 cups (1.3 kg) of leftover mashed potatoes into a mixing bowl and add 1 of the eggs. Beat the mixture until the egg is combined. Then beat in the remaining egg until it's completely combined. The eggs will bind the casserole together. Spread half of the potatoes into the dish and cover them with the turkey. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to level the potato mixture so it's even. Then scatter 3 cups (375 g) of turkey in bite-sized pieces over the potatoes. Spoon the remaining potatoes and all of the stuffing into the dish. The potatoes should cover the pieces of leftover turkey. Then arrange 2 cups (112 g) of leftover stuffing that you've broken up over the potatoes. If your stuffing is crumbly enough to scatter, there's no need to break it up. If your stuffing has solidified into a solid mass, use a fork to pull it apart into 1 inch (2.5 cm) pieces. You can press down on the casserole with the tines of a fork so the stuffing stays in place. Cover the dish and bake the casserole for 30 minutes. Tear off a piece of aluminum foil and cover the baking dish. Then put the dish in the preheated oven and bake the casserole until it's hot. Bake the uncovered casserole for 10 to 15 minutes. Carefully peel off the aluminum foil and continue to bake the casserole until the stuffing becomes slightly crisp. Then take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Serve the leftover turkey and stuffing casserole. If you like, warm up leftover gravy to pour over the casserole and serve it along with leftover cranberry sauce or brussels sprouts. Cover the leftovers in the dish and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Combine the turkey and gravy in a bowl. Shred enough leftover turkey to get 2 to 3 cups (250 to 375 g) and put it in a bowl. Pour in 1 to 2 cups (238 to 476 g) of turkey gravy and stir until the turkey is coated. If you don't have leftover gravy, leave it out. The gravy will prevent the turkey from drying out as it reheats. Spread the corn kernels or green bean casserole in the slow cooker. Spoon about 2 cups (350 g) of corn kernels or green bean casserole across the bottom of your slow cooker. It's alright if you have a little less than this or want to leave it out altogether. If you're using canned corn, drain it before putting the corn in the slow cooker. Arrange leftover stuffing in the slow cooker. Get out 4 to 5 cups (800 to 1000 g) of leftover stuffing and break it up into pieces that are no larger than 1 inch (2.5 cm). Scatter the stuffing over the corn or green bean casserole in the bottom of the slow cooker so it's in an even layer. Spoon the turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes into the slow cooker. Scoop the shredded turkey in gravy over the stuffing. Then spread 3 to 4 cups (975 to 1300 g) of leftover mashed potatoes over the turkey mixture. If the mashed potatoes are clumped together, you may need to break them up a little so you can arrange them over the turkey. Slow cook the casserole on high for 45 to 60 minutes . Put the lid on the cooker and turn it on to high. Let the casserole cook until it's completely hot throughout. Then turn off the slow cooker. If you prefer, set the cooker to low and cook the casserole for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Serve the casserole with cranberry sauce. Scoop the casserole out of the slow cooker directly onto serving plates. Set out about 1 1/2 cups (415 g) of cranberry sauce to serve with the casserole. Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days. | Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and grease a baking dish. Stir the eggs into the mashed potatoes in a separate bowl. Spread half of the potatoes into the dish and cover them with the turkey. Spoon the remaining potatoes and all of the stuffing into the dish. Cover the dish and bake the casserole for 30 minutes. Bake the uncovered casserole for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve the leftover turkey and stuffing casserole. Combine the turkey and gravy in a bowl. Spread the corn kernels or green bean casserole in the slow cooker. Arrange leftover stuffing in the slow cooker. Spoon the turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes into the slow cooker. Slow cook the casserole on high for 45 to 60 minutes . Serve the casserole with cranberry sauce. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Multiply-Matrices | How to Multiply Matrices | To multiply matrices, count the number of rows and columns in each matrix to make sure the the number of columns in matrix A is equal to the number of rows in matrix B. Then, draw a new matrix that has the same number of rows as matrix A and the same number of columns as matrix B. Find the dot products of the two matrices to fill in your new matrix by multiplying and adding the various numbers in the rows and columns. Continue finding dot products until your new matrix is completely filled. | Confirm that the matrices can be multiplied. You can only multiply matrices if the number of columns of the first matrix is equal to the number of rows in the second matrix. These matrices can be multiplied because the first matrix, Matrix A, has 3 columns, while the second matrix, Matrix B, has 3 rows. Mark the dimensions of the matrix product. Create a new blank matrix that will mark the dimensions of the matrix product, the product of the two matrices. The matrix that represents the product of Matrix A and Matrix B will have the same number of rows as the first matrix and the same number of columns as the second matrix. You can draw blank boxes to indicate the number of rows and columns in this matrix. Matrix A has 2 rows, so the matrix product will have 2 rows. Matrix B has 2 columns, so the matrix product will have 2 columns. The matrix product will have 2 rows and 2 columns. Find the first dot product. To find a dot product, you need to multiply the first element in the first row by the first element of the first column, the second element of the first row by the second element of the first column, and the third element in the first row by the third element in the first column. Then, add their products to find the dot product. Let's say you've decided to solve for the element in the 2 row and 2 column (bottom right) of the matrix product first. Here's how you do it: 6 x -5 = -30 1 x 0 = 0 -2 x 2 = -4 -30 + 0 + (-4) = -34 The dot product is -34 and it belongs on the bottom right of the matrix product. When you multiply matrices, the dot product will go in the position of the row of the first Matrix and the column of the second matrix. For example, when you found the dot product of the bottom row of Matrix A and the right column of Matrix B, the answer, -34, went in the bottom row and right column of the matrix product. Find the second dot product. Let's say you want to find the term on the bottom left of the matrix product. To find this term, you simply have to multiply the elements on the bottom row of the first matrix with the elements in the first column of the second matrix and then add them up. Use the same method you used to multiply the first row and column -- find the dot product again. 6 x 4 = 24 1 x (-3) = -3 (-2) x 1 = -2 24 + (-3) + (-2) = 19 The dot product is -19 and it belongs on the bottom left of the matrix product. Find the remaining two dot products. To find the term on the top left of the matrix product, start by finding the dot product of the top row of Matrix A and the left column of Matrix B. Here's how you do it: 2 x 4 = 8 3 x (-3) = -9 (-1) x 1 = -1 8 + (-9) + (-1) = -2 The dot product is -2 and it belongs on the top left of the matrix product. To find the term on the top right of the matrix product, just find the dot product of the top row of Matrix A and the right column of Matrix B. Here's how you do it: 2 x (-5) = -10 3 x 0 = 0 (-1) x 2 = -2 -10 + 0 + (-2) = -12 The dot product is -12 and it belongs on the top right of the matrix product. Confirm that all four of the dot-products are in the correct location in the matrix product. 19 should be in the bottom left, -34 should be on the bottom right, -2 should be on the top left, and -12 should be on the top right. | Confirm that the matrices can be multiplied. Mark the dimensions of the matrix product. Find the first dot product. Find the second dot product. Find the remaining two dot products. Confirm that all four of the dot-products are in the correct location in the matrix product. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-Cats-Become-Friends | How to Help Cats Become Friends | To help cats become friends that aren't currently getting along, try separating them in your home for several days or weeks to give them a break from each other. Then, start feeding your cats on opposite sides of a door, moving their food bowls closer to the door every day, so they start associating being in close proximity to each other with enjoyable activities. Finally, after a few days of doing this, reintroduce your cats and see if they're calmer around each other. | Choose the best companion. You need to carefully consider things like the age, size, and personality of the new cat before deciding to bring it home. Ideally, choose a spayed or neutered new cat of the opposite sex that is younger and smaller than your existing cat. In addition, select a new cat who has a similar personality as your current cat. Consider the new cat’s background. Take your time in getting to know the new cat before making any final adoption decisions. A cat's background matters; stray cats tend to be territorial, competitive and aggressive, while an orphaned cat raised in a household is oftentimes appears more fearful and awkward, typically requires more time to adjust to their new life. T Give the relationship time to grow. The normal adjustment period ranges from six to 12 weeks, but it can be longer when the matchup is less than ideal. If there are too many conflicting factors in the matchup, you risk the chance of the cats never forging a friendship, but becoming enemies instead. Take your time in finding the right match to lessen the potential for future problems. Introduce the new cat from a distance. Cats naturally prefer to be alone and are not dependent on each other for things like hunting and socialization. Keep the new cat in a separate room for about one week so she can get used to her new environment and so both cats can become familiar with the other cat's scent and sounds. Be sure the new cat has plenty of food and water. You'll also want to surround him with other things to help him feel at home, such as a litter box, a place to hide, a scratching post, and toys to play with. Make sure you are spending this time to bond with the new cat. You can bond with him by playing games, feeding him treats by hand, and cuddling and grooming him. During this period of isolation, be sure to have the newcomer vaccinated and tested for parasites and diseases by a veterinarian. Allow the new cat to explore the house. Once the initial one week period of isolation is over, the new cat is successfully using the litter box, and appears comfortable in his new environment, allow him to explore the rest of the house. However, only do so after placing your existing cat in another room; it is still too soon to bring the two cats together. This exploring opportunity will allow the new cat to become familiar with the existing cat's smell. If you prefer, you can exchange the two cats' bedding overnight. This too will allow the cats to become acquainted with each other's smell. Allow each cat to see each other without physical contact. You've finally reached the step where the two cats see each other in the flesh! This is an exciting turning point, however, this initial introduction must be done slowly and carefully. Introduce the cats together by placing a barrier between the two of them so there is no way they can come in full body contact. You can place the cat inside a crate and place the crate in the same room as your existing crate. Another option is to stack two 36” high tension gates in the doorway that separates two rooms and placing each cat in their own room. A third option is to jam the door separating both rooms with two rubber door stops. Crack the door two to three inches, and make sure that neither cats' head can fit through the opening. This method will allow for greater physical contact. Be sure that you are home to monitor the two cats' interaction regardless of which barrier method you choose. Do not let the cats interact until they both appear fairly calm around each other. Mild aggressive behavior, such as hissing and then walking away, can be normal behavior for cats who have been apart for several weeks. Aggression is one way that cats communicate with one another, and mild aggression is usually okay as long as they are not fighting. Let the cats meet face-to-face. It is now time to remove all physical barriers and allow the cats to have their first face-to-face meeting. Remove the new cat from her cage, or remove the gate or door barrier that was used to separate them. Stand close by as the two cats come towards each other. Be aware that the existing cat may stalk and chase the new cat, or the newcomer may do the same if the existing comes and enters the isolation room. Don't worry; this is normal. Just be sure to supervise both cats throughout the interaction. Avoid holding either cat in your arms during this introduction. You could end up scratched or bitten if one or both of them becomes aggressive towards each other. If your cats do get into a fight, do not try to reach in and break it up with your bare hands. Instead, grab a nearby squirt bottle, water gun, water hose, or water bottle. Then proceed to dose the cats with water; this will probably end the fight within a few seconds. Remember that this process may take quite some time. It could just a few days if you're introducing two kittens to each other and potentially several months when introducing two adult cats. Watch for signs of stress. Cats can become stressed during the introductory period. Make sure you pay attention for behavior that could indicate that either cat is street. Stress signs include whimpering, hiding, vomiting, excessive grooming/eating/drinking, spraying, and urinating/defecating in inappropriate places. Keep them separate. Like people, cats sometimes need an extended break from each other. Keep the cats separate for several days or weeks. Make sure you provide them with the necessary things to keep them comfortable like their bed, food bowl and litter boxes. Have the cats switch rooms every day so they have the opportunity to smell the other's scent. Reestablish limited proximity. Use your cats' feeding time as a way of getting them in close proximity to each other. While the two cats are separated, place their food bowls on opposite sides of the closed door. Determine how far away from the door to place the bowls based on how responsive the cats are to continuing to eat in close proximity to each other. Continue to move their food bowls closer to the door as the separation period progresses. This way, they will associate being in close proximity to each other with enjoyable activities. If possible, have one person on each side of the door to praise the two cat as it eats. This is done as a way of using food to reward the cats for being so close to the scent of another cat. In addition, you are rewarding the cat with praise for eating near another cat. Make the full acquaintance once again. Once several days have passed, crack the door open about one inch to see how they both respond. If the response is calm, open the door a little more, continuing this process until they are back in each other's presence. However, if they react by showing aggressive, return them back to separation and repeat the reestablishing friendship routine over again. You might find that rubbing a little tuna juice on the cats' body and head helpful, as this will likely cause them to become distracted with grooming themselves, which will lessen their focus on each other. Provide isolation. You'll need to isolate the cats as described above but for a longer time frame. You'll also need to reintroduce them to each other at a more gradual pace, which can range from several days to a few weeks. Reintroduce the cats to each other. You'll want to do a daily reintroduction to cats with an already established history of not getting along. Complete this by slowly moving the cats closer to another each day while you provide close supervision. It might be helpful to have both cats on a harness or lease throughout the sessions, or keep one or both cats confined inside a crate. Keep both cats distracted with food or toys can always help the transition. Keep the sessions brief, and keep them separate between the reintroduction sessions to improve chances of success. If the reintroduction sessions prove to be ineffective, consult a veterinarian to determine if behavioral medication should be considered. Behavioral medication such as benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, and selective serotonin inhibitors can be helpful in modifying aggressive behavior in cats. Be patient with relinquishing supervision. You've been a patient and attentive cat parent throughout this entire process. However, you must keep the new cat in the isolated room for the first few weeks of the reintroduction process. After that, start off by providing the cats with short periods of unsupervised access, then gradually increase their alone time together. Do not leave the cats alone until you are confident that neither cat will display aggressive behavior toward the other. In addition, you can leave the cats alone once they are peacefully eating and playing within a couple of feet away from each other. | Choose the best companion. Consider the new cat’s background. Give the relationship time to grow. Introduce the new cat from a distance. Allow the new cat to explore the house. Allow each cat to see each other without physical contact. Let the cats meet face-to-face. Watch for signs of stress. Keep them separate. Reestablish limited proximity. Make the full acquaintance once again. Provide isolation. Reintroduce the cats to each other. Be patient with relinquishing supervision. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Understand-How-Bail-Bonds-Work | How to Understand How Bail Bonds Work | To understand how bail bonds work, understand that bail is money or property given to a court in exchange for the release of a defendant from jail before their trial date. If the defendant doesn't show up for their trial, the money or property is forfeited, which creates an incentive for the defendant to not disappear before their trial date. Bail can be posted by the defendant themselves, or it can be posted by someone else, like a friend or family member. | Learning the basic terms. Bail is money or other property deposited with or promised to a court to persuade the judge to release a defendant from jail, with the understanding that the defendant will return to court for the trial. A "bail bond" refers to the promise made by the defendant or a "surety" (someone who promises to pay for the defendant) to the court to forfeit the bail money if the defendant does not return. A surety can be a professional bail bond agent, or a friend or family member. Wait for the judge to set bail. The purpose of setting bail is to ensure that the defendant appears at trial without necessarily having to keep the defendant in custody. The bail amount needs to be significantly high enough so that the defendant will not simply forfeit the bail amount and disappear. Many courts have preset bail amounts for each offense, though a judge can deviate from those guidelines for good cause. For example, this Los Angeles County Felony Bail Schedule recommends bail of $50,000 for campaign violations, and $100,000 for kidnapping. A judge can decide not to allow the defendant to be released on bail if the defendant is a flight risk (not likely to return to court for trial), or a danger to the community. Defendants are less likely to be considered a flight risk when they have family and community ties to the area, employment, minimal criminal history, or a record of appearing as required in the past. Post bail at the court or jail. After the judge has set a bail amount during a court hearing, defendants and sureties can post bail with the court clerk during regular business hours, or at the jail after hours. The court or jail will issue a receipt for the bail bond, proving that bail was posted. Don't miss your court date. If the defendant does not return to return to court as required, the court will schedule a forfeiture hearing and issue an arrest warrant. The defendant will have an opportunity to explain why he or she missed the court date, such as a misunderstanding or unavoidable delay. If the defendant fails to appear for the forfeiture hearing or does not have a valid excuse, the court will keep the bond amount. Consider signing with a professional bail agent. Bail agents, sometimes called bail bondsmen, act as sureties and post bail on behalf of defendants. A bail agent makes a profit by charging the defendant a non-refundable fee (usually 10% of the bail amount). If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bail agent forfeits the bond amount. The agent is also authorized to arrest the defendant for the purposes of bringing him or her to court. In some states, the agent can hire a bounty hunter to apprehend the defendant. The agent may also bring a civil suit against the defendant or anyone else obligated under the bail agent's contract to recover the bail money the agent paid to the court. Posting bail for profit is prohibited in Oregon, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, and Maine, which makes it illegal for professional bail agents to operate. These states are more likely to allow a defendant or surety to post a percentage of the total bail amount instead of the entire total. In these states, if you fail to appear in court when required to do so, you will be arrested by the police or the sheriff's department as opposed to being seized by a bounty hunter. Post a cash bond. With a cash bond, the judge requires that the defendant or a surety deposit the entire bail amount in cash. The money is held until the case is concluded, and is refunded to the person who posted it. If the defendant posts his or her own cash bond, the court may deduct any fines and costs before returning the money. Cash bonds requiring that the entire bail amount be posted up front are more stringent than percentage bonds, which only require a percentage of the bail amount. The full amount is typically required where the defendant is a flight risk, has outstanding unpaid fines, or has failed to return to court before. Percentage bonds are common in states where professional bail agents cannot operate. Post a percentage bond. With a percentage bond, the judge sets a bail amount, then requires that the defendant or surety deposit only a percentage (typically 10%) of the total bail amount up front, and agrees to pay the remainder if the defendant fails to appear in court. Get an immigration bond. Immigration bonds operate through federal law, rather than state law. A surety may be able to post a bond for a defendant who is an undocumented immigrant detained within the United States. If the defendant misses his or her court date, the surety has the opportunity to deliver the defendant to court to regain a percentage of the bond. If the defendant is returned within 10 days of the missed court date, the surety can recover 66.67% of the bond. 50% is returned within 20 days, and 30% is returned within 30 days. After 30 days, the surety cannot recover any percentage of the bond. Post a property bond. In some jurisdictions, the defendant or surety can post bail by pledging real property (such as a house) worth at least the value of the bail amount. If the defendant fails to appear, the court can levy or foreclose on the property. If the property has multiple owners on title, all owners must sign the bail bond. The court may also require proof of ownership and proof of the value of the property, such as an appraisal by a local real estate agent. Get "released on own recognizance" (ROR). For an ROR, the judge can release the defendant upon the condition that the defendant continue to appear in court. The judge may also impose other conditions, such as requiring the defendant to stay in the local geographic area or contact the court regularly to check in. Sign an unsecured appearance bond. With an unsecured appearance bond, the defendant is released upon his or her promise to appear in court. The defendant can be ordered to pay a specific sum of money to the court if he or she fails to appear. Get a citation release. For some minor offenses, an arresting officer will issue a citation to an arrested person which requires him or her to appear in court. The arrested person is not taken into custody, and no bail amount is collected. Failing to appear can result in additional fines, charges, and an arrest warrant. Agree to other conditions. A judge can impose conditions in addition to bail arrangement, such as giving a DNA sample, phone or in-person check-ins, drug testing, court date reminders, etc. Make your first appearance in court. In federal court, your first court appearance will be with a federal magistrate who will inform you of the charges against you and who will decide if you should be released pending trial. Prior to your first hearing, a Pretrial Services Officer will speak with you and as many of your family members as possible. Their job is to gather information about your background and personal circumstances and file a report to the court. The report will make recommendations to the judge and prosecutor about whether you should be released pending trial and if so, if any conditions should be attached to your release. Know how bail is decided. Unlike state court, federal courts do not have fixed bail amounts. In federal court, the magistrate will release you with conditions sufficient to ensure you continue to come to court when required. Bail bondsmen are rarely used in federal court, and for low income defendants, there is usually no cash component to your federal bail. In federal court, you are basically entering into a contract between yourself, any co-signers, and the government. If you do not show up, you will have breached the contract and consequences will follow. Your co-signer is a financially stable and trustworthy individual who will become responsible for your release. If you do not show up for court, your co-signer may become financially responsible for your failure to appear. Understand the types of conditions often imposed. Each case will differ and the types of conditions that are placed on your release will depend on the seriousness of the crime you are alleged to have committed, your criminal history, your ties to the community, and your financial circumstances. In general the following types of conditions are common: Pretrial supervision; Drug testing; Mental health evaluations; Travel restrictions; Surrender of travel documents (e.g., passports); Electronic monitoring; and Curfews. Know what happens if you violate the conditions of you pretrial release. If you fail to appear at a required hearing, the court may rescind your bail and may issue a warrant for your arrest. At that point, federal marshals will be responsible for finding and returning you to jail. | Learning the basic terms. Wait for the judge to set bail. Post bail at the court or jail. Don't miss your court date. Consider signing with a professional bail agent. Post a cash bond. Post a percentage bond. Get an immigration bond. Post a property bond. Get "released on own recognizance" (ROR). Sign an unsecured appearance bond. Get a citation release. Agree to other conditions. Make your first appearance in court. Know how bail is decided. Understand the types of conditions often imposed. Know what happens if you violate the conditions of you pretrial release. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Endocrine-Disorders-in-Older-Dogs | How to Treat Endocrine Disorders in Older Dogs | To treat an endocrine disorder in your older dog, make sure to follow your vet's instructions for any medications they prescribe, such as insulin or pills. You should also talk to your vet to see if surgery may be a good treatment option for your dog, especially if your dog has Cushing's disease or hyperthyroidism. Alternatively, you might ask your vet if radiation therapy could work for your dog. | Decide which medication to use. Common endocrine disorders in older dogs are diabetes , hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid glands), and Cushing's Disease (overactive adrenal or pituitary glands). Medication can be used to manage, but not cure, endocrine disorders. Your vet will recommend a medication for your dog's specific endocrine disorder: Insulin for diabetes. Soloxine for hypothyroidism. Mitotane or trilostane for Cushing's disease. Follow prescription instructions. To effectively manage your dog's endocrine disorder, you will need to follow your vet's prescription instructions. If you are unsure how to administer the medication, ask your vet to show you how. For example, if your dog has diabetes, learn how to inject insulin under your dog's skin. To administer insulin , create a skin tent with the skin just behind your dog's neck and inject the insulin just under the skin. Pills can be a challenge to administer if your dog doesn't like taking pills. Tasty pill pockets are available at your local pet store if hiding the pill in your dog's food doesn't work, or you don't feel comfortable placing the pill directly in your dog's mouth. Realize that medical treatment for endocrine disorders in dogs is usually lifelong. Watch for bad side effects. Medications that treat endocrine disorders in dogs can sometimes make a dog feel bad. Soloxine, which treats hypothyroidism, can cause drowsiness, rash, and dry mouth. Trilostane, which treats Cushing's disease, can cause nausea and vomiting. If your dog doesn't seem to be doing well on the medication, contact your vet. They may need to lower the medication's dosage or try a different medication with fewer bad side effects. Wait for symptom improvement. With medication, your dog's endocrine disorder will improve. However, the improvements may not be immediate because it can take time to make hormone levels normal again. For example, soloxine can take up to six weeks to restore normal thyroid hormone levels. Contact your vet if your dog doesn't seem to be getting any better. It may be that the medication's dosage is too low. Schedule follow-up visits. Your vet will want to test your dog's blood regularly to check hormone levels. These levels will indicate if the medication is working properly. If your dog has Cushing's disease, your vet will want to perform an ACTH stimulation test, which will indicate if the adrenal glands are working normally. Do not miss any follow-up appointments. These appointments are an important part of treating your dog's endocrine disorder. Determine if surgery is right for your dog. Surgery is the treatment of choice for some endocrine disorders. For Cushing's disease caused by an adrenal gland tumor, surgery is the preferred treatment method. Surgery is also recommended for primary hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands). The parathyroid glands are located next to the thyroid glands and release parathyroid hormone. Primary hyperparathyroidism, which is fairly rare in dogs, is usually caused a parathyroid tumor. Your vet will consider different factors (age, overall health status, spread of the tumor) to determine if surgery is right for your dog. Have your vet perform surgery. Surgical treatment for endocrine disorders involves removal of the tumor and the diseased endocrine gland. If surgery is right for your dog, allow your vet to perform surgery. Soon after the surgery, your dog's symptoms should start to improve. Adrenal gland removal can be challenging, especially since the right adrenal gland is located close to a major vein called the vena cava. Your vet may refer you to a veterinary surgeon if your dog's right adrenal gland has a tumor. Care for your dog after surgery. Proper at-home care is always important after surgery to help a dog recover. When you pick up your dog after surgery, your vet will give you instructions for at-home care. They will also give you a few days' worth of pain medication to relieve your dog's pain. Proper at-home care includes: Putting an Elizabethan collar around your dog's neck to keep it from licking or bothering the incision site. Your vet will probably give you an E-collar. Making sure the incision looks healthy (clean, pink skin, incision edges are touching each other). Contact your vet if the incision doesn't look healthy (discharge, swelling, blood seepage for more than one day). Limiting your dog's physical activity for up to two weeks to allow the incision to heal. Not bathing your dog. Let your vet reexamine your dog. After surgery, your vet will want to see your dog again to take a blood sample and see how its symptoms are improving. Also, if your dog has stitches, your vet may need to remove them one to two weeks after surgery. Primary hyperparathyroidism causes calcium levels to increase in a dog's body. After surgery, your vet will measure your dog's calcium levels. If they are too low, your vet will prescribe a calcium supplement for your dog. Discuss radiotherapy with your vet. Radiation therapy is a treatment option for thyroid cancer, an endocrine disorder in older dogs. This type of therapy uses radiation to kill cancer cells by damaging DNA inside the cells. Radiation therapy is recommended for thyroid cancers because they are hard to remove surgically. Ask your vet questions about radiation therapy: How long will my dog need radiation therapy? How much will radiation therapy cost? Can I touch my dog after treatment sessions? When will my dog start feeling better after radiation therapy? Is the radiation dangerous to my dog? Consider palliative radiation therapy. Palliation is the relief of pain and discomfort, without the goal of a cure. As opposed to radiation therapy for long-term cancer control, palliative radiation therapy is less intense and is recommended for dogs that are not healthy enough to undergo full-course radiation therapy. Palliative radiation therapy treatment sessions are usually once a week for several weeks. Talk with your vet to decide if treating the cancer or relieving your dog's discomfort is your main goal. Take your dog to a specialty center. If radiation therapy is right for your dog, your vet will refer you to a specialty center or veterinary teaching hospital for the treatment. To perform the therapy, the staff will anesthetize your dog, position it on a table, and use a machine to direct a beam of radiation at the cancer. The treatment will take only a few minutes. Radiation therapy usually involves a series of treatments. Care for your dog after treatment sessions. Fortunately, your dog will not feel any discomfort during radiation treatment sessions. Radiation therapy can cause side effects, though, such as hair loss at the site of irradiation. It can also cause uncomfortable side effects, like skin peeling. Uncomfortable side effects may require pain medication so your dog can feel a little better. Your vet will discuss potential side effects and how to care for them. | Decide which medication to use. Follow prescription instructions. Watch for bad side effects. Wait for symptom improvement. Schedule follow-up visits. Determine if surgery is right for your dog. Have your vet perform surgery. Care for your dog after surgery. Let your vet reexamine your dog. Discuss radiotherapy with your vet. Consider palliative radiation therapy. Take your dog to a specialty center. Care for your dog after treatment sessions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-Contacts-With-Dry-Eyes | How to Wear Contacts With Dry Eyes | If you have dry eyes and wear contacts, see your optometrist to get advice on which type of lens and fit will help reduce dryness for you. Since adding moisture is one useful way to prevent dry eyes, ask your optometrist if you could wear a watery contact lens, as this type of contact lens is lightweight and adds moisture to your eyes when worn. Where this isn't an option, see if it's possible to wear disposable contact lenses, which may reduce dryness because they don't have any build-up from regular use. One other great option if you'd rather stick to your existing contacts is to use a high moisture solution for storing lenses overnight, to add moisture. Just be sure to get your optometrist to recommend one so it doesn't harm the lenses. | Visit your eye doctor. Make an appointment with your eye doctor to get fitted for the correct contacts. Be sure to mention you have dry eyes. Talk to your optometrist about any concerns you have regarding contact wearing and any symptoms you have for dry eyes or any other contact lens-related problems. During your appointment, discuss your lifestyle briefly so you can choose what kind of contacts make the most sense for you – daily, weekly, monthly, etc. Your eye specialist will also be able to help you uncover any other possible reasons for your dry eyes. Choose a lightweight contact lens. Be sure to get a watery contact lens, which means that the lens has high moisture levels. This will suit your eyes better than regular ones and help prevent the symptoms of dry eyes. The material that the contacts are made of matters greatly in this issue. The thicker the material, the more likely you'll have problems with dry eyes (especially if you already suffer from dry eye symptoms). So choosing a thinner, more breathable material will help reduce your discomfort from dry eyes significantly. Get the right fit. Work with your optometrist to ensure that your contacts are fitted properly to the shape of your eye. An ill-fitting contact will move around more than it should, often causing dryness and discomfort. If you think your contacts might not fit properly (they feel like they move around or don't go in perfectly), consult with your optometrist about changing the prescription size. Change to daily disposable contacts. Optometrists believe that one of the leading causes of dry eye among contact wearers is lens soilage. This means that contact lenses accumulate dirt and residue each time you handle them, so the more times you do that the worse the problem will be. Transitioning to daily disposable contacts means that you only handle them once before using them, which minimizes the amount of irritants that come into contact with the eye. Switch to a new brand of contacts. Just as changing shampoo brands can improve your hair's luster and shine, switching to a new brand/type of contact lenses can eliminate (though perhaps only temporarily) the symptoms of dry eyes. This is often attributed to a change in the material the contact lenses are made of. A material change means your eyes must adjust to wearing the new kind of contacts after the switch. Make sure you confer with your optometrist before you make any decisions about switching bands. And be sure to get new contact lenses that are also meant for dry eyes. Use the right solution to soak your contact lenses. If you suffer from dry eyes, be sure to get a high moisture solution that you can use to store your contacts in each night. Make sure you use the brand recommended by your doctor, because using contact solutions that aren't compatible with your lenses can degrade the lens quality over time. People can develop sensitivities over time, so even if you have just recently developed dry eye symptoms don't discount changing your contact care regimen simply because it has worked in the past. Use wetting moisture drops. If you choose to wear your contact lenses all day and are worried about your dry eyes, carry eye drops with you. In case your eyes feel dry, use artificial eye drops to keep them moist. This can reduce the discomfort you feel from dry eyes. These drops are available without a prescription. If you find yourself using the drops more than every two hours, make sure you purchase the kind that is preservative-free. Consider your diet. If you have trouble with dry eyes, you might think about adding an omega-3 or omega-6 supplement to your diet. These fatty acids have been proven to improve comfort and reduce eye dryness for contact wearers. Additionally, you could try fish oil, flaxseed oil, or krill oil, as all three have also been shown to have positive effects on reversing dry eye symptoms. Drink plenty of water. This will help keep your eyes moist. Cut back on salt and caffeine because both can contribute to dry mucus membranes of the mouth and eyes. Understand orthokeratology. Orthokeratology is a non-surgical procedure that uses specially designed contact lenses to reshape the eye and its curvature over time. This involves wearing specialized contacts at night while you sleep that work to change the shape of your eye. Then, in the daytime, you don't have to wear any contact lenses. This is a temporary procedure – meaning if you discontinue your use of the overnight lenses, you will lose any vision benefits you might have gained while undergoing treatment. Decide if orthokeratology is right for you. This type of treatment is great for people who have an active lifestyle, for those who are irritated by traditional contact lens use (like excessive dry eye), or for those may not want to deal with the hassle of regular daytime contact and glasses wearing. This is a particularly good option for people with low to moderate amounts of nearsightedness. However, if you have significant problems with your eyesight – like corneal diseases, lazy eye, or irregularly shaped corneas – this may not be the best course of treatment for you. Consult with your doctor. Make an appointment with your optometrist to discuss the benefits of orthokeratology and determine if this might be a good fit with your situation. Talk about your dry eye problems and all of the related factors so that you can make the best decision for you. Consider laser eye surgery. For a more permanent solution to dry eyes from contacts, you might want to consider getting corrective laser eye surgery. This process uses laser technology to permanently improve your vision. After you are done healing from the surgery, you shouldn't require glasses or contacts at all, which means your dry eyes won't be bothered as much. Laser eye surgery can be quite costly (usually in the thousands of dollars) and often isn't covered by insurance companies, as it is usually considered an elective procedure. | Visit your eye doctor. Choose a lightweight contact lens. Get the right fit. Change to daily disposable contacts. Switch to a new brand of contacts. Use the right solution to soak your contact lenses. Use wetting moisture drops. Consider your diet. Understand orthokeratology. Decide if orthokeratology is right for you. Consult with your doctor. Consider laser eye surgery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Hardwood-Floors | How to Clean Hardwood Floors | To clean hardwood floors, start by sweeping them with a soft-bristled broom or vacuuming them with the bare floor setting on your vacuum. Then, mop the floors using diluted white vinegar, diluted lemon juice, or a commercial hardwood floor cleaner. When you're done mopping, go over tough stains with a cloth and your cleaning solution. Finally, buff the hardwood floors with a terry cloth to get rid of any streak marks. | Determine your kind of hardwood finish. Prefinished floors are the easiest to spot, as every board has beveled (slightly raised) edges. If the surface isn't glossy, you have a stained or unfinished floor. Shiny floors are the most difficult to tell apart. To test your floor for wax, moisten extra-fine steel wool and rub it on an inconspicuous area; if a light gray smudge appears on the wool, you have a wax finish. To test whether you have an old or a modern surface seal, place a few drops of water on the most worn area of floor; if it remains beaded after several minutes, you probably have a modern seal, but if it seems to soak or darken the wood, you either have an older seal or a poorly-finished one that needs to be handled gently. Most new floors are surface-sealed with polyurethane , urethane , or a polyacrylic coating, all of which are water- and stain-resistant and therefore easy to clean. Older floors that haven't been refinished usually have a shellac , lacquer , or varnish finish, and while these are technically also “surface-seals,” they aren't nearly as durable as the more modern finishes; for the purposes of this article, they will, therefore, be placed under the “other” category alongside unfinished and waxed floors. Although prefinished floors are coated with a durable surface seal, the fact that each board is coated separately (as opposed to pressed up against one another on-site) means that the unsealed cracks between the boards are prone to water damage; for this reason, pre-finished floors also belong in the “other” category. When in doubt, choose the gentler method ; a hardwood floor isn't something you want to take chances with. Sweep the floor with a soft-bristled broom. This will remove large particles like sand or grit that may scratch the floor if caught beneath a mop. Alternatively, you can vacuum the floor, provided that the bristles are extended to prevent scratching and there is only dust on the floor. Also use the "bare floor" setting on your vacuum to prevent scratching the floor. Most vacuums have attached bristles to kick up dust, but these can ruin hardwood floors. Stick to sweeping and mopping each week, only deep cleaning the floor as needed. While you should sweep and/or vacuum regularly to keep the floor free of dust and scratching agents, you should only clean your hardwood when it really needs it. This will prolong the life of your floor. Hardwood floors are generally easy to keep clean, as there is nothing to trap dirt or dust. A simple sweep or vacuum should cover most messes. Immediately wipe up any wet spills on hardwood floors. No matter what your finish, you should never leave moisture to sit around on hardwood floors. It can damage the seal and the wood permanently if you're not careful. Wipe it up with a damp cloth, then dry the surface completely. Choose the right cleaning agent. For general cleaning, choose a pH-neutral ,water-based cleaner, like those designed for vinyl floors or hardwood-specific cleaners. To dissolve grease and dirt, choose an alkaline, water-based cleaner: soaps, detergents, or a bit of baking soda dissolved in water will do, though should be used sparingly. To dissolve hard water or mineral deposits, choose an acidic water-based cleaner; white vinegar or lemon juice in water would make a good rinsing agent to this effect. Specific hardwood floor cleaners, of course, are your safest bet. Don't use bleach, ammonia, abrasive cleaners, or anything that will leave a residue (ex. oil, furniture spray, wax). Not only will they damage the hardwood, but a few will even void the warranty on your floor. Dilute your chosen cleaning agent in a bucket of water. To avoid hard-water streaking, you may want to buy distilled water, which can be purchased cheaply at your local supermarket. However, a quick wipe down with a lemon juice and water mixture after cleaning will also prevent streaks, if hand dried afterwards. Mop your floor with the chosen cleaning solution. Dip a mop into a bucket of your cleaning agent diluted in water. Run it over the floor along with the grain of the wood, starting in the farthest corner and working towards a door so you never have to step on wet floors. Refill the bucket if the solution gets too dirty. Remove your shoes. This will prevent you from marking or dirtying the floor while it's wet. Spot-clean tough areas with a cloth. Dip the cloth in the cleaning solution and scrub it over stains with your hands to apply a more directed pressure. Use the mop to soak excess liquid off the floor. Replace the dirty water with fresh, clean water. Rinse and squeegee out the mop so that it is damp, and use it to pick up the dirty water left on the floor. Squeegee it into your clean bucket and repeat. Wring the mop dry, rub it over the wet floor until it's saturated, and repeat until the floor is fairly dry. Do not postpone this step : though modern surface seals are water-resistant, they will not tolerate being wet for long periods. When you're done, rinse the mop and refill the bucket with plain water. Rinse the floor with the clean mop. This will remove any streaky or dulling traces of your cleaning solution. Buff the floor dry with terry cloth (optional). You can also use the wrung-mop method to dry the floor. This will prevent streaking and protect the life of your floor. Fill a bucket with water. To avoid hard-water streaking, you may want to buy distilled water, which can be purchased cheaply at your local supermarket. Remove your shoes. This will prevent you from marking or dirtying the floor while you clean. Dust the floor with a lightly dampened mop. Dip a mop into a bucket of water, wring it out completely and run it over the floor with the grain of the wood. As long as you can still wring water from the mop with your hands, it's too damp to use. Wash the mop often during cleaning and refill the bucket if the water gets too dirty. Spot-clean tough areas with a cloth and a touch of odorless mineral spirits. Though they are too strong for regular use, mineral spirits can be a great way to remove stains like white water spots. Be sure to spot-test the mineral spirits on an inconspicuous area first. To do so, rub a small dot into the floor in an inconspicuous area (like under a couch). Return after 5-10 minutes to see if there is any damage to the floor. Buff the floor dry with terry cloth (optional). Though this will give it a nice sheen, there should be almost no moisture on the floor, meaning you can also let it evaporate on its own. | Determine your kind of hardwood finish. Sweep the floor with a soft-bristled broom. Stick to sweeping and mopping each week, only deep cleaning the floor as needed. Immediately wipe up any wet spills on hardwood floors. Choose the right cleaning agent. Dilute your chosen cleaning agent in a bucket of water. Spot-clean tough areas with a cloth. Use the mop to soak excess liquid off the floor. Rinse the floor with the clean mop. Buff the floor dry with terry cloth (optional). Fill a bucket with water. Remove your shoes. Dust the floor with a lightly dampened mop. Spot-clean tough areas with a cloth and a touch of odorless mineral spirits. Buff the floor dry with terry cloth (optional). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clip-a-Small-Bird%27s-Wings | How to Clip a Small Bird's Wings | To clip a small bird's wings for the first time, make sure to go to a veterinarian who can do the first clipping and guide you through the process. If you feel comfortable doing the next clipping, wrap your bird in a towel to keep it still. However, make sure to avoid putting pressure on its chest, because that can prevent your bird from breathing. Next, starting at the wingtip, clip the first 6 primary flight feathers about 1/4 inch below the shorter, overlapping feathers, one feather at a time. Then, trim an equal number of feathers from the other wing. | Talk to a veterinarian. If you've never clipped a bird's wings before, this is vital. A veterinarian or veterinary technician should guide you through the process. A bird's first wing clipping should always be conducted by a veterinarian. Take your bird to a local avian vet and have them show you the correct clipping process. After the initial clipping, you may be able to clip your bird's wings again. However, if you feel uncomfortable or uncertain, have a vet clip your bird's wings. It's not worth the risk of injuring your bird. Find the right environment. To trim your bird's feathers, you need to be able to see what you're doing. You also need a quiet room to keep your bird calm. Find a room in your home that's both well-lit and quiet. This is best for your bird's safety and comfort. You should also choose a room that you can close off, without any open windows or doors. You do not want your bird to get out during the clipping process. Gather your supplies. Have all your supplies ready before you begin clipping. The process will be stressful for your bird, and you do not want to prolong it by scrambling for materials. You will need the following: A pair of small and sharp scissors A thick towel If possible, find someone else to assist you with the clipping process. Restrain your bird. Birds will resist having their wings clipped. You will need to wrap your bird in the towel to keep it still during the clipping process. You will use the towel like a baseball mitt to grab the bird. Do not put pressure on a bird's chest. Birds do not have diaphragms, so any pressure on the chest could prevent breathing. If someone else is holding the bird, have that person use one hand to hold the bird's body. The person should use their other hand to gently hold the bird's head between their thumb and forefinger. This will prevent biting. Identify the primary flight feathers. It is very important you know which feathers to clip. When clipping a bird's wings, you should only clip the primary flight feathers. Gently spread the bird's wing apart and locate these feathers. Your bird should have two sets of overlapping feathers on its wings. The smaller feathers that overlap the larger feathers should not be cut. The larger feathers stemming from the smaller feathers are known as the "primary flight feathers." You will be trimming the first six primary flight feathers. Make sure you do not trim them so short you cut into the shorter, overlapping feathers. Start from the wing tip. When you begin cutting, snip the feather closest to the wing tip. You will be working inward as you trim. Clip the primary flight feathers about a quarter inch below the shorter, overlapping feathers. Cut one feather at a time. Trim the first six primary flight feathers, moving from the wingtip towards your bird's body. Make sure to trim a quarter inch below the overlapping short feathers. Do not cut into these feathers, as this can harm your bird. Clip only one feather at a time. Clipping a bird's wings takes concentration and precision. If you try to clip all six feathers at once, you could end up going too fast and harming your bird. Watch out for blood feathers. Blood feathers are newly formed feathers. If cut, they will bleed. Blood feathers are waxy and pinkish in appearance, and also have a visible blood vessel running through them. Examine each feather to make sure it is not a blood feather before clipping. Blood feathers need to be protected. If you notice a blood feather, you should also avoid trimming the full grown feather next to it. If there are a lot of blood feathers present, it is probably too soon to clip your bird's wings. Try putting off clipping for a few days. Trim an equal number of feathers from each wing. You want your bird to maintain equilibrium. Make sure the number of feathers trimmed on each side is equal. While a bird should not be able to fly, it should still be able to glide and sit on its perch. Trimming the wings unevenly could prevent balance. Have two people present if possible. It is not impossible to clip your bird's wings on your own. However, it can be very difficult. This is especially true if your bird is difficult to handle. For safety purposes, try to have another person present to assist you. Act quickly if your bird escapes. In rare cases, a bird can escape during the clipping process. You can prevent this by keeping all doors and windows closed, and working in a closed off room. In the event your bird escapes, act quickly. Immediately put your bird's cage in the yard. Open the cage and put a bowl of food inside. Put fliers up around town. You should also call local veterinary clinics and animal shelters to report you lost your bird. Include any ID information, like a microchip or a leg band. Have a blood feather removed if you cut it. Blood feathers will not stop bleeding on their own. If your bird bleeds continuously, it can die. A blood feathers needs to be removed with pliers and this should be done by a professional to prevent further harm to your bird. You should take your bird to the vet to have this procedure done if you clip into a blood feather. | Talk to a veterinarian. Find the right environment. Gather your supplies. Restrain your bird. Identify the primary flight feathers. Start from the wing tip. Cut one feather at a time. Watch out for blood feathers. Trim an equal number of feathers from each wing. Have two people present if possible. Act quickly if your bird escapes. Have a blood feather removed if you cut it. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Treat-Cataracts-in-Labrador-Retrievers | How to Treat Cataracts in Labrador Retrievers | If you've noticed symptoms of cataracts in your Labrador retriever, like cloudy, milky eyes or trouble walking without bumping into things, take it to the vet so they can help you figure out what's going on. If your dog has juvenile cataracts, the vet may recommend preventative treatment with vitamin supplements, which could slow down how quickly your dog's eyes deteriorate. Alternatively, if your dog is young, talk to your vet about eye surgery to remove the lens affected by the cataracts. However, keep in mind that dogs with cataracts can live a long and healthy life without undergoing surgery, so ask your vet about the pros and cons of the procedure. | Recognize the symptoms of cataracts. The first step in diagnosing your Labrador's cataracts is to look for symptoms. The main symptom of cataracts in Labradors is cloudy eyes. When you look into your dog's eyes, they will have a bluish, milky or cloudy appearance. Minor cataracts will often not impair your Labrador's vision. However, if the cataract has progressed, your dog will start to show signs of vision impairment. This may mean your Labrador walks more cautiously or slower than usual, or runs into objects more frequently. Your dog may also have trouble walking in dimly lit rooms or in the dark. If your dog has cataracts due to diabetes, they may drink or urinate more often. Take your dog to the vet. If you think your dog has either juvenile or senile cataracts, take them to the vet. The vet can run tests on your dog to determine the severity of the condition and advise you on treatment options. Exam the eye. When you take your dog to the vet, the vet will use an ophthalmoscope to shine a light onto the lens and see if it casts a shadow on the retina. In addition, the vet will look for the presence of reflexes that cause the iris to contract to indicate the retina is healthy. In addition, the vet also will use magnification to check the lens itself and use their judgment as to whether the problem is a true cataract or a problem that mimics it. Your vet may also do a tear test by placing a fluorescent dye into the eye to check for abnormalities. Run blood tests. If the vet suspects that the pet has an underlying problem, they will run blood tests to check. This is important because the underlying disease also needs correction and treatment, not just the lens of the eye. Underlying conditions that may lead to cataracts include diabetes, infection, trauma, and even malnutrition. Use preventative treatment with juvenile cataracts. If a juvenile cataract is found in your dog, no treatment may be necessary. However, the vet may advise a preventative treatment, such as Ocu-Glo, to reduce the rate of deterioration. You can also give your dog Vitamin E or C to help slow the deterioration. You may consider limiting the amount of time your Labrador spends out in the bright sunshine because that can lead to eye damage. Ocu-Glo contains antioxidants which protect and condition the lens from further oxidative damage, which could speed up the deterioration of the eye due to the cataract. Undergo eye surgery. For cataracts, there is not a medical treatment that will reverse the process. The vet may assess the dog to see if they are fit and well enough to be a suitable candidate for surgical removal of the lens. This is a specialist procedure and requires referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist. Removing the lens requires specialist equipment, including an operating loop microscope and a high frequency ultrasound device. The latter is inserted into the lens and is used to break down the lens material so that it can be sucked out and removed. This is done via a small incision in the cornea. Fluid is also pumped in at the same time to stop the globe from collapsing. The lens capsule is preserved and once all the debris is removed, an artificial replacement lens is positioned within the lens capsule. In the right dog, this procedure is extremely successful. However, when complications occur, they can be very serious and even lead to loss of the eye. This is usually only suggested for young dogs or dogs born blind. Once the lens has become hard or if the dog's retina is damaged, then corrective surgery is no longer an option. In general, the sooner a cataract is identified, then the better the outlook for phacoemulsion surgery. Remove the eye in extreme circumstances. For Labradors with hypermature cataracts, especially if the cataracts have caused secondary problems such as glaucoma, then removing the eye may be the most humane option. Talk to your vet to see if leaving the eye alone and helping your Labrador adjust to impaired vision is a better option. Help your dog adjust to the loss of vision. If you have a dog with cataracts, you may decide against surgery. Your Labrador can live a full and healthy life with impaired vision due to cataracts. If you don't want your dog to undergo surgery, your dog can adjust to the loss of vision. You can help your dog by sticking to familiar walks so the dog can get their bearings. You can also avoid moving furniture around in the house so that your dog knows where everything is. Learn what a cataract is. Cataracts, or cloudiness of the lens, affect the lens within the eye. The lens has the job of focusing light on the retina for pin sharp vision. Cataracts can develop for a number of reasons, but the most relevant types of cataracts for Labradors are juvenile cataracts and senile cataracts. Labradors are often afflicted by hereditary cataracts, which can present as juvenile or senile cataracts. Often, hereditary cataracts in Labradors will not cause blindness. The lens in the eye can be thought of in the same way as a lens in a camera. If the camera lens becomes dirty, light cannot pass through and no photograph is produced. A similar effect occurs within the eye. Identify juvenile cataracts. Juvenile cataracts develop in young dogs, around the age of one to three years old. However, they can occur in a range anywhere between eight weeks to eight years of age. There is no specific reason why juvenile cataracts develop, though most believe it is an inherited condition. Juvenile cataracts only affect part of the lens and there is a good chance they won't interfere too badly with your pet's vision. Your vet can examine the dog with an ophthalmoscope to look for the reaction of the pupil to light and check visual reflexes to assess if vision is adversely affected or not. It many cases, no further action other than monitoring is necessary. Understand senile cataracts. Senile cataracts develop in older dogs, and again there is no one reason for their development. Sometimes cataracts develop as part of the aging process distinct from nucleus sclerosis, which is a different condition affecting the lens of older dogs. Sometimes, cataracts can be secondary to a health problem such as diabetes or trauma to the eye. Senile cataracts can become dense and stop light passing to the retina, resulting in blindness. In some cases, the cataract becomes hypermature and causes the eye to change shape. This can cause the lens to shift out of position, which can create other problems such as glaucoma. | Recognize the symptoms of cataracts. Take your dog to the vet. Exam the eye. Run blood tests. Use preventative treatment with juvenile cataracts. Undergo eye surgery. Remove the eye in extreme circumstances. Help your dog adjust to the loss of vision. Learn what a cataract is. Identify juvenile cataracts. Understand senile cataracts. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Shoe-Polish | How to Make Shoe Polish | To make shoe polish from scratch, start by filling a saucepan with 1 to 2 inches of water and placing a heat safe bowl on top to make a double boiler. Next, combine 2.8 ounces of olive oil and 1.1 ounce of white beeswax in a bowl, and stir the contents together as the beeswax melts. Once the mixture is completely blended with no streaks or swirls, pour it into a glass or metal container and let it sit for 45 to 60 minutes until it turns solid. | Set up a double boiler. Fill a saucepan with 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) of water. Place a heat-safe bowl on top. Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat. Add the olive oil and white beeswax into the bowl. You will need about 2.8 ounces (79.38 grams) of olive oil and 1.1 ounce (31.18 grams) of white beeswax. For extra shine, try using half beeswax and half carnauba wax. Stir the olive oil into the beeswax as it melts. As the beeswax heats up, it will start to melt. Once it melts completely, give it a stir so that it blends in with the olive oil. Consider adding some black or brown oxide for color. Use a coffee grinder or food processor to grind 1½ teaspoons of black or brown oxide. Stir the powdered oxide into the melted mixture. Keep stirring until the oxide has blended completely into the mixture, and no streaks, swirls, or specks remain. Remember to clean your coffee grinder or food processor well after this, or you risk contaminating your food. If you don't have a coffee grinder, you can try using a pestle and mortar. Remember to clean it well! You should only do this is you want to brighten the color of black or brown shoes. Do not add oxide if your shoes are a different color or they will stain. Pour the mixture into a small container. Make sure that the container is large enough to hold all of your shoe polish. Tiny glass jars and candle tins work best. You can also pour it into several smaller containers as well. Let the mixture harden. This will take about 45 to 60 minutes. Once it hardens, it is ready to use! If you are in a hurry, let it cool down to room temperature first, then stick it in the fridge or freezer for a couple of minutes, or until it turns solid. Use the shoe polish. Wipe your shoes down with a damp cloth first to remove any dirt. Apply the shoe polish with a clean, dry cloth and buff it in well. Wipe off any extra polish with a clean cloth. For extra shine, buff the shoes afterwards with a buffing brush. Find natural polishes around your home. No shoe polish? No problem! There are lots of items that can work as shoe polish in a pinch. Take a look at this section, and see if you have the item on hand. You don't have to use all of the items in this section to polish your shoes. Rub on some natural oil. Olive oil or walnut oil will would work the best, but you can experiment with other types of oils as well. Best of all, oil gives your shoes some natural water protection as well! Start by rubbing the oil onto your shoes with a soft cloth. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to overnight. Wipe any excess oil off with a clean cloth afterwards. Try a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice for extra shine. Mix together two olive oil and one part lemon juice. Rub the mixture onto your shoes with a soft cloth. Let it sit for a few minutes, then buff your shoes with a clean cloth. You can use bottled or freshly squeezed lemon juice. Avoid lemonade as it has other ingredients in it. Buff with petroleum jelly. Simply scoop some up and rub it onto your shoes with a soft cloth. Wipe off any excess petroleum jelly when you are done. Use a banana peel. This surprising item not only gives your shoe extra shine, but you get a tasty snack (or smoothie) out of it. Peel a banana, eat it, then rub your shoes with the inner (white) part of the peel. Wipe your shoes clean afterwards with a soft cloth. Don't feel like eating the banana? Cut it into smaller pieces and pop it into a freezer. Use it the next day in a smoothie. You can also bake it into banana bread. | Set up a double boiler. Add the olive oil and white beeswax into the bowl. Stir the olive oil into the beeswax as it melts. Consider adding some black or brown oxide for color. Pour the mixture into a small container. Let the mixture harden. Use the shoe polish. Find natural polishes around your home. Rub on some natural oil. Try a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice for extra shine. Buff with petroleum jelly. Use a banana peel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Credit-Card-Chargeback | How to Use a Credit Card Chargeback | Credit card chargebacks allow you to get a refund under certain conditions if a merchant refuses to give you one. The first thing to do is to determine whether your case allows you to claim a chargeback. Chargebacks can be claimed if you didn't authorize the transaction, if you didn't receive the goods or services you bought, or if you don't receive a full refund. Chargebacks can only be claimed for a limited time, usually 120 days, so make sure you act as soon as possible after the transaction. You should call your card's customer service line and explain you want to dispute a transaction. Then, complete the form your provider sends you in the post and attach supporting documents, like receipts or contracts. You'll then receive a final decision on your application. If you're successful, you'll be credited the amount due. | Confirm the merchant's terms and conditions regarding returns. In some cases while trying to obtain a refund, the representative you are working with may not be completely familiar with the company's contracts, policies, or terms and conditions. You should become familiar with the return policy and cite the particular provision that you are relying on. Read through the merchant's contracts, receipts, and other related documentation to determine if you can legitimately receive reimbursement based on your situation. Then mention your findings to the merchant in your effort to receive a refund. Ask the merchant for a refund. The first step to resolving your billing dispute is to work directly with the merchant. Many companies and businesses have policies in place in which they are required to provide you with a refund if you are dissatisfied with their product or service, or if you have a negative experience with their company. Ask the merchant for a store credit. If the merchant is unable or unwilling to provide you with a refund, you may more easily be able to get a store credit that you can apply toward other products or services at the store. Escalate your issue to the merchant's superior or executive customer service team. If working with a store clerk or customer service representative does not lead to a solution, you should try talking with a manager or owner. In most cases, merchants will work with you to resolve issues if you take the time to escalate your situation to their boss or to an executive team whose goal is to maintain customer satisfaction. Mention to the merchant that you will use a credit card chargeback if your issue is not resolved. Since credit card chargebacks are costly for most companies and businesses, they will most likely work with you to resolve the issue to avoid a credit card chargeback. Write a formal complaint letter to the merchant. Put your complaint in writing. Explain the details of your initial purchase, if you made one, and the reason for requesting the refund. Even if the merchant does not eventually agree and grant you a refund, the letter will provide documentation of your complaint. You will need this documentation to proceed with a chargeback. Be sure to follow the credit card company's requirements to request a chargeback and be sure you comply with any deadlines. Determine if using a credit card chargeback is applicable to your situation. If a merchant does not work with you to resolve your issue, your next step will be to seek a credit card chargeback through your bank or card company. In general, a chargeback is available for any one of three different reasons: Seek a chargeback if your credit card statement reflects fraudulent charges. If you are charged for products or services you did not purchase or authorize, you will be entitled to use a credit card chargeback. Seek a chargeback when you do not receive a full refund for an item you returned. In some cases, a merchant may take back the item you purchased, but will not issue you a full refund to your credit card. In this case, you could use the chargeback to challenge the partial return policy. Use a chargeback if you do not receive a product or service you paid for. For example, if you ordered a product from the Internet and you never received it in the mail, a merchant may dispute the order and refuse to provide you with a refund. Take action promptly. You have a limited amount of time to resolve your complaint after the transaction date. The time may vary depending on state law, but in general you will have 120 days from the date of the transaction to submit your complaint. The time begins from the date of the transaction. Taking time to try to resolve the problem with the merchant can be valuable as an initial step, but do not lose track of the deadline to file the chargeback complaint. Notify your bank or credit card issuer of the dispute. You need to notify the bank or credit card company that you have a dispute. Usually, you just need to call the telephone number that is printed on your credit card for Customer Service. Tell the clerk who answers that you are calling to dispute a charge on your card. To proceed further, you will need to provide the details of the dispute. In particular, you will need to give the bank the following information: The date of the initial transaction. If your dispute began with a purchase that you made, you will want to provide the date of that purchase. If, on the other hand, you are disputing a charge that appears on your card statement incorrectly, you will provide the date that appears on that charge. The amount of money that is in dispute. You will want to provide the bank with the exact amount. If you have a receipt or a copy of your credit card statement, you should be able to find the amount there. The efforts you have already taken to resolve the issue. Provide the bank with as much detail as you can. This will include the names of any clerks or other store employees you spoke with, the general content of those conversations, and their responses to your requests. Receive a temporary chargeback. In most cases, after you report your dispute to your bank over the telephone, you will be issued a credit for that amount. This will be a temporary credit, subject to subsequent validation of your dispute. Complete a chargeback report. After you make your initial report to the bank, you will usually be sent a formal report form. You will need to complete this form in writing with the details of your dispute. Fill in the form as completely as you can, providing as much detail as possible. Use your receipt and credit card statement to help complete the form accurately. Be concise. Provide all the facts necessary to detail your dispute, but limit your responses. If you get wordy, you may just confuse the issue. Refer to the complaint letter that you sent to the merchant. You should attach a copy of that letter to the completed chargeback report form. Provide documentation to help process the chargeback. In most cases, you will be required to present receipts or contracts from the transaction. Make sure that your records are complete, and include everything when you submit your completed report. Receive a final decision. After reviewing your written report, the bank or credit card company will make a final decision to sustain or reverse the previous temporary chargeback. If the bank finds that your documentation and explanation support your position, then you will receive a report in your favor, and the temporary credit will remain in your account. On the other hand, if the bank does not support your claim, then the temporary credit will be reversed, and the initial charge will apply. | Confirm the merchant's terms and conditions regarding returns. Ask the merchant for a refund. Ask the merchant for a store credit. Escalate your issue to the merchant's superior or executive customer service team. Mention to the merchant that you will use a credit card chargeback if your issue is not resolved. Write a formal complaint letter to the merchant. Determine if using a credit card chargeback is applicable to your situation. Take action promptly. Notify your bank or credit card issuer of the dispute. Receive a temporary chargeback. Complete a chargeback report. Provide documentation to help process the chargeback. Receive a final decision. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-a-Black-Eye | How to Get Rid of a Black Eye | To get rid of a black eye, start by applying an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables to the injured eye to reduce swelling. Apply the ice pack in 10 minute intervals for a total of 20 minutes every hour during the first 2 days of healing. Then, switch to a warm compress, like a washcloth soaked in warm water, to increase circulation to the blood vessels and speed up the healing process. If the pain or discomfort is hard to bear, try taking a pain reliever like Tylenol or Advil. However, make sure to avoid Aspirin, which decreases the blood's clotting ability. | Apply ice to the area around your eye. Apply a cold compress, washcloth filled with ice, or a bag of frozen vegetables to the swollen area in 10-minute intervals. Apply the ice pack for approximately 20 minutes every hour during the first couple days of healing. Begin this treatment immediately and continue it for 24 to 48 hours. Press on the skin around the eye, not on the eye itself. Make sure you wrap the ice pack in a towel or cloth. Applying ice directly to your skin can cause skin damage and frostbite. Take a pain reliever. If the pain or discomfort is hard to bear, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered to be the best option. Ibuprofen (Advil) works too, depending upon which you have available. Both are available for purchase over-the-counter at your local pharmacy or drugstore. Aspirin should be avoided since it decreases the blood's clotting ability. Follow the instructions on the label when taking the medication. For acetaminophen, don't take more than 4 g in 24 hours. For ibuprofen, the max dose is 2 g in 24 hours. If you have kidney or liver problems, talk with a doctor before taking pain medications like these. Do not force your eye open. Oftentimes, a black eye can be accompanied by significant swelling around the eye. If this is the case for you, and if it is challenging to open your eye, there is no need to force it open unnecessarily. As long as you have ruled out that it is nothing more serious than a black eye (that there are no other medical concerns), there is no problem with keeping your injured eye shut if it is painful to open. Protect your eye during any "at-risk" activities. As your black eye heals (which normally takes one to two weeks in total), you will want to ensure that you wear glasses or other protective gear if you find yourself in any situation that could potentially cause further damage to your eye. Or, if you injured your eye during sports, refrain from participating in this sport until your eye has fully healed. Check for additional damage. A black eye is bad enough, but not necessarily serious on its own. If accompanied by other eye injuries, however, you will need to seek professional medical care as soon as possible. You may have suffered severe damage to your eyes or a severe head injury. Look closely at the white portion and colored iris of your eye. If you see any blood in these spots, you could have injured your eye in a critical way. Schedule an urgent appointment with an ophthalmologist. [ If you have vision problems like blurring, double vision, or an increased sensitivity to light, you should also contact an eye specialist. Other signs of potentially critical damage include severe pain when moving the eye, severe headache, numbness of the face, swelling or depression of the eye or eye socket, nosebleeds, and/or dizziness. Avoid putting pressure on the eye or causing more damage. The damaged area will be sensitive until the discoloration fades. Putting pressure on the eye can make it hurt more, but it can also aggravate the damaged blood vessels beneath the skin, causing a worse or prolonged injury. Before you get the swelling to calm down, you should also avoid forcing your eye to stay open for a prolonged period of time. Switch to moist heat after 24 to 48 hours. After a day or two of using an ice pack to soothe the swelling, you should switch tactics and begin applying moist heat to the injured area. Hold a warm, moistened washcloth or compress against the affected area. Do not use a heating pad, since this provides dry heat and can actually be too hot, thereby causing more damage to the sensitive skin of your face. Apply the warm compress in 10-minute intervals, each of which should be separated by a period of rest lasting no less than 10 minutes each. Do not apply the warm compress directly to the eye. Only apply it to the skin around the eye. Warm compresses promote an increased amount of circulation to the damaged blood vessels. This allows pooled blood trapped below the surface of your skin to be re-absorbed, which can speed up the healing process. Call a doctor if the damage worsens or does not fade. Your black eye should fade significantly after a week and a half or so. If it has not faded much within that time frame, call your general practitioner and schedule an appointment. Black eyes tend to look worse before they get better, so don't be alarmed if your eye looks worse during the first few days following the injury. If you have any reason to suspect there is still bleeding, however, then you should see your doctor right away. Wait until the swelling goes down. Immediately after you receive the injury, your first priority should be to begin the healing process. Applying makeup to the black eye while it is still swollen could irritate the skin and cause skin redness. Additionally, the cosmetics used to conceal your black eye are likely to wear off as you apply cold packs to the injured area, making application prior to treatment fairly pointless. Wait until you have entered the warm compress stage of treatment before applying any makeup to the injured area, and apply makeup as little as possible. If you feel you need to cover your eye when you need to leave the house or if you are having people over, that's okay, but when you're just at home on your own, you should avoid applying makeup. Choose a corrective concealer. For best results, use a liquid corrective concealer in a yellow or green shade. Liquid corrective concealers are easier to apply and blend than most creams and require the use of less pressure on the skin. You must use a corrective concealer first before using a standard concealer if you wish to disguise the black eye. Standard concealers match the tone of your skin and can only blend uneven tones together. Corrective concealers rely on the principle of complementary colors to correct discolored portions of skin. A yellow concealer generally works best for a black eye in its early stages, when it appears to have deep purple undertones. As the black eye lightens and takes on more red tones or yellow-brown tones, you may need to switch to a green corrective concealer. Apply the corrective concealer with your fingers. Use your fingers to dab specks of corrective concealer all around the blackened area of your skin. Use light pressure to gently and carefully blend the concealer into your skin, covering the entire damaged area. Follow with your normal concealer. Once the corrective concealer has dried, use a normal concealer that matches your skin tone over it. A normal concealer can blend any uneven shading caused by the corrective concealer. Apply additional make-up only as desired. The two concealers should be enough to hide your black eye without any additional make-up. If you want to continue with your standard make-up routine, however, you can do so. | Apply ice to the area around your eye. Take a pain reliever. Do not force your eye open. Protect your eye during any "at-risk" activities. Check for additional damage. Avoid putting pressure on the eye or causing more damage. Switch to moist heat after 24 to 48 hours. Call a doctor if the damage worsens or does not fade. Wait until the swelling goes down. Choose a corrective concealer. Follow with your normal concealer. Apply additional make-up only as desired. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Refinish-a-Dresser | How to Refinish a Dresser | To refinish a dresser, start by removing any paint and stain using coarse-grit sandpaper wrapped around a wooden block or attached to a power sander. Then, once you see the original wood, switch to a medium- or fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface of the dresser. If you're having trouble removing paint or stain, you may need to use a chemical stripper. Finally, once you've sanded down to the raw, original wood, apply a coat of primer and paint or stain the dresser. | Empty your dresser and take out the drawers. Before starting the refinishing process, clear your dresser of any personal items. Then, remove your dresser's drawers and, if possible, take off any additional attachments like handles. You can replace or reattach these after your new finish dries. To remove your dresser handles, take out the screws holding them in place and carefully pull the handles out of the wood case. Make sure to store your handles with their respective screws. Wash off dirt and grime using soap and water. Grab a standard kitchen sponge and soak it in a mixture of liquid dish soap and water. Then, scrub your dresser thoroughly to remove any built up gunk. When finished, rinse the wood using a sponge soaked in fresh water and dry the dresser off with a clean towel. To avoid damaging the wood, make sure to use gentle scrubbing motions. For moldings, carvings, and hard to reach nooks and crannies, use a paintbrush instead of a sponge. Remove the top layer of paint and stain using coarse sandpaper. To get rid of the dresser's original finish, start by sanding down the surface with 300-grit sandpaper wrapped around a wooden block. For hard to reach spots, try using steel wool instead. When stripping a large area of the dresser, feel free to use a power sander if you wish. While sanding, wear a mask and goggles to protect yourself from dust and other hazards. Switch to a less coarse sandpaper once you see the original wood. After sanding your dresser down for a while, you'll start to see small bits of the original dresser wood poke through the remaining paint and stain. When this happens, switch to a 150 or 200-grit sandpaper to avoid damaging the dresser. If you're using a power sander, switch to a handheld sanding method at this time. Get rid of stubborn paint and stain using a chemical stripper. If you're having trouble removing the dresser's current finish, try applying a chemical stripping agent to the surface. For paint, use a paint stripper from companies like Smart Strip or Klean-Strip. For stains, use a methylene chloride-based stripping agent from companies like BEHR. To avoid damaging yourself or the dresser, read and follow your stripping agent's official safety warnings and application instructions. Chemical stripping agents are difficult to control and can potentially damage your dresser, so use them as a last resort. Repair broken areas of the dresser with putty. Before refinishing your dresser, repair any holes, cracks, or dents in it by filling the spots with epoxy putty or a similar substance. To do so, simply slice off a piece of putty with a razor blade, knead it, and press it into the damaged areas. This will create a smooth surface to work with. Look for epoxy putty brands like Quickwood and KwikWood at home improvement and woodworking stores. Wear gloves when working with putty to keep the material from sticking to your hands. Apply a coat of primer before painting your dresser. No matter which painting method you use, you'll need to add primer first to ensure your finish looks solid and bold. To add the primer, brush or spray a layer of primer paint onto the surface of the dresser, then check it after about 1 hour. If the paint is opaque, let it dry for another 2 hours. If it is not opaque, put on an additional layer of primer and check it again in 1 hour. Use white primer if you're adding a light-colored paint finish or grey primer if you're adding a dark-colored paint finish. Cover your dresser with traditional paint for a durable finish. Coat the entire dresser with a layer of acrylic or enamel paint and let it dry for between 2 and 4 hours. Then, apply a second coat of paint and, once dry, rub it gently using 240-grit sandpaper. Repeat the process until you have a minimum of 4 layers, sanding after each coat except the final one. For a standard matte finish, use water-based acrylic paint. For a longer-lasting and glossy finish, use enamel paint instead. Spray paint your dresser to make the process quicker. Purchase a can of universal or wood spray paint in whatever color you desire. Hold the can between 8–12 in (20–30 cm) away from the dresser's surface, then spray on a coat of paint using large, sweeping motions. Let the paint dry for about 2 hours, then add another coat. Repeat the process until you're happy with the finish. When using spray paint, make sure to wear a protective dust mask and safety gloves. Spray paint takes less time to apply than traditional paint, but it offers far less protection. Use wax to refinish your dresser if it has an interesting texture or color. Purchase a container of furniture wax, beeswax, or a similar wax finish. Then, rub the wax onto the dresser using a nylon scourer or steel wool pad. Let the wax sit for about 5 minutes, then rub the waxed areas down with a clean cloth until the surface feels smooth. Repeat the process with at least 1 more layer of wax, then seal the surface with wax varnish. Most home improvement stores stock wax finish. Wax creates a smooth sheen that preserves the dresser's overall look. Wear cotton gloves while working to keep your hands' natural oil from affecting the wax. Applying wax varnish makes the dresser less fragile and gives it additional protection against scuffs and scratches. Refinish your dresser with oil to bring focus to its grain and texture. Buy a container of linseed oil or a similar finishing oil. Using a wide paint brush, cover your dresser with the oil, making sure to get every visible nook and cranny. Let the oil soak in for 10 minutes, then wipe off the excess with a towel and add on another layer. Repeat the process until you've added 5 to 6 total layers. You can find oil finish at most home improvement stores. Oil finish creates a glossy sheen that emphasizes the wood's natural look. When cleaning your refinished dresser, rub a few drops of oil into it to buff the surface. For the best results, make sure to rub with the grain. Cover your dresser with Danish oil for additional protection. Purchase a can of Danish oil finish like Watco and brush a liberal amount of it onto your dresser. Give the oil about 15 minutes to soak in, then add a second coat on top. After 15 more minutes, wipe off the surface of your dresser with a sponge. Repeat this process once a day until you're satisfied with the dresser's finish. Though Danish oil doesn't emphasize the wood quite as much as standard oil, it provides far greater protection from heat, stains, scratches, and chemicals. Look for Danish oil finishes at home improvement stores. | Empty your dresser and take out the drawers. Wash off dirt and grime using soap and water. Remove the top layer of paint and stain using coarse sandpaper. Switch to a less coarse sandpaper once you see the original wood. Get rid of stubborn paint and stain using a chemical stripper. Repair broken areas of the dresser with putty. Apply a coat of primer before painting your dresser. Cover your dresser with traditional paint for a durable finish. Spray paint your dresser to make the process quicker. Use wax to refinish your dresser if it has an interesting texture or color. Refinish your dresser with oil to bring focus to its grain and texture. Cover your dresser with Danish oil for additional protection. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Kaolin-Clay | How to Use Kaolin Clay | Kaolin is a naturally occurring clay that you can use in a variety of ways to treat your skin and hair. Kaolin clay makes a great exfoliating facial cleanser. All you need to do is wet your face, massage a pinch of clay into your skin, let it sit for 1 minute, then rinse it off. To make a face mask, just mix the clay with enough water to make a thin paste, then apply it to your face, leave it for 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse it off. You can also use the same paste as a hair mask. Apply it to your roots and work it through your hair to your tips. Leave the hair mask to sit for 10 minutes, then rinse it out. Alternatively, use your kaolin clay as dry shampoo. Just use a powder brush to dust a small amount of the clay onto your scalp so it can absorb excess oil. | Use it as a facial cleanser. Kaolin can make a soothing, gently exfoliating facial cleanser. It is even mild enough to be used daily. To wash your face with kaolin, gently wet your skin with warm water. Massage a pinch of clay into your skin, letting it stand for about a minute. Then, wash your face with clean, warm water and continue with your daily toning and moisturizing routine. Make an acne treatment mask. Kaolin clay is great for absorbing oils and treating whiteheads. There are a number of ways you can make a Kaolin clay mask. The easiest way is to simply mix the clay with enough water to get it to a thin paste consistency. Leave it on until it dries, about 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse it off. You could also make a more healing clay mask by adding other ingredients. Use two teaspoons of clay, two teaspoons of aloe vera, and a couple drops of tea tree oil to make a potent acne mask or a mask to treat oily skin. Mix three tablespoons of clay, two tablespoons each of lavender and chamomile, and a quarter of a cup of colloidal oatmeal to make a mask for treatments on sensitive skin. Make a facial scrub. Washing your face with kaolin will provide very mild exfoliation. Adding kaolin to a facial scrub will help balance gentle and intense exfoliation. Add two to three tablespoons of clay to a quarter of a cup of white sugar and approximately three tablespoons of melted coconut oil to make a simple scrub that is gentle on your skin. Add the oil a little bit at a time until the scrub is a thick paste. It may take a little less or a little more than the recommended amount depending upon your sugar and clay. Store your excess scrub in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three months. Take a kaolin bath. Adding a little kaolin clay to your bath can help soften dry skin. Draw yourself a hot bath and add a quarter to half a cup of kaolin clay, mixing gently with your hand or a large spoon to ensure it dissolves fully. Mix well, or you could end up with clumps of clay in your drain or in your pipes. To make your bath extra indulgent, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for an aromatic experience. Lavender is great for relaxing, while some find that citrus oils can be healing for dry or discolored skin. Dust under your armpits to control odor. Kaolin clay is absorbent and odor fighting. Dust a small amount under your armpits when you feel sweaty or notice a bit of an odor. It won't replace your deodorant, but it can help control your sweat and body odor throughout the day. Use it as a dry shampoo. Kaolin clay is just as good at absorbing oils on the scalp as it is as soaking up oils on your face. Use a fluffy powder brush to dust a small amount of clay on your scalp, focusing on your part. To make the most of your dry shampoo, apply it before your hair gets oily or greasy. That way the clay can absorb sweat and sebum as it develops. Try to only apply the clay once between showers. Adding too much clay could result in a cakey look or clumps in your hair. Make a scalp nourishing mask. A kaolin clay mask is great for oily hair and is thought to help promote hair growth. Mix two to three tablespoons of kaolin clay with enough water to create a runny paste. You may also choose to add fresh peppermint or rosemary or use the same scent essential oils to further stimulate your scalp. Apply the mask at your roots and smooth down toward the tips of your hair. Allow it to stay in your hair for about ten minutes before rinsing in clean water. Use the mask one to two times a week to stimulate your scalp and refresh your hair. Turn kaolin into a hair wash. Instead of doing a weekly mask with kaolin, you can use it as a daily rinse. Mix a wash by adding warm water to one to three tablespoons of kaolin, depending upon your hair length. The mixture should make a runny paste. Apply to your hair and let stand for one to two minutes before rinsing it out in clean, warm water. Use a strong brew of your favorite herbs or tea instead of water to add some stimulating properties and antioxidants to your rinse. Add kaolin to diaper cream to treat rashes. Clays such as kaolin and bentonite are a natural remedy to clear up diaper rash. Add a pinch of clay to diaper cream and mix in your hands before applying on your baby. Be sure to check with your pediatrician first, though. Alternatively, if your baby has a persistent problem spot, you can make a poultice out of kaolin and water and apply directly to the affected area. Use as a treatment for diarrhea. While not tasty, kaolin has long been a natural remedy for diarrhea. Take 26.2 g orally after you have a loose movement, and continue taking every six hours until your stool firms up. Avoid taking more than 262 g per day and don't use kaolin for more than two days in a row. Always consult with your doctor before trying any natural remedy. If you experience discomfort or if the clay makes the situation worse, discontinue using it immediately. Make a poultice to treat minor wounds. Mix two tablespoons of kaolin with water that has been boiled and allowed to cool. Add water slowly until the mixture forms a thick paste. Clean the affected area with isopropyl alcohol or soap and hot water, then apply a thick layer to minor scratches, insect bites, and itchy areas. Allow the poultice to dry completely before removing it, and reapply as necessary. Make a spray to eliminate fruit flies. If you have house plants including herbs, fruits, and vegetables, they could attract fruit flies as they ripen. Add two heaping tablespoons to a 12 oz (354 ml) spray bottle of hot water and shake until the clay is completely dissolved. Then, spray a thin layer of the mixture over your plants. Repeat one to two times a month to keep the flies away. Kaolin is generally safe to ingest, but not particularly tasty. Rinse any edible plants treated with kaolin before consuming. | Use it as a facial cleanser. Make an acne treatment mask. Make a facial scrub. Take a kaolin bath. Dust under your armpits to control odor. Use it as a dry shampoo. Make a scalp nourishing mask. Turn kaolin into a hair wash. Add kaolin to diaper cream to treat rashes. Use as a treatment for diarrhea. Make a poultice to treat minor wounds. Make a spray to eliminate fruit flies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Drive-on-the-Highway | How to Drive on the Highway | Driving on the highway for the first time might seem intimidating, but by learning how to get on and off the highway and practicing a few safety precautions, you'll be doing it in no time! Start by choosing a time to practice when there's less traffic, such as between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. so you don't have to deal with busy roads. To enter the highway, drive down the entrance ramp, accelerating gradually so you get up to speed. Then, move over to the left so you're in the right-hand lane. Make sure to avoid driving parallel to other vehicles, since this will put you in their blindspot, meaning the other driver can't see you. You should also stay in the center or right-hand lanes when you're driving, since the left-hand lanes are only used for passing cars. Remember to leave around 4 to 6 seconds of distance between you and the car ahead so you have time to slow down if necessary. When you're ready to leave the highway, turn on your right turn signal and move into the exit lane. | Pick a highway and a time. It's best to start when you know the highway will not be crowded. Weekends and evenings are best. Pay attention to the traffic reports in your area. Make sure you know exactly where you're going and you don't have any place to go for a while. Learn to operate the car at lower speeds first. Make sure you know all the laws and "rules of the road," including what different kinds of lanes look like and the local speed limits. Make sure your car's brakes, lights, turn signals, steering, transmission and all other parts are working safely. Get the car inspected and fixed if necessary. The freeway is the worst possible place for a breakdown. Start on a day when the weather is clear and dry. Darkness and inclement weather make driving more difficult and should not be the beginner's first step. Start driving from your driveway, then head for the freeway on-ramp. Don't take the on-ramp too fast, but when you come off it you should be going close to the speed of freeway traffic (whatever that may be at the time). As you come up the on-ramp, use your turn signal, check your blind spot and mirrors, look forward again and merge onto the highway. You must watch for cars on the freeway and adjust your speed to enter the freeway safely. Although many people will change lanes to the left to give merging cars more room, it is not their responsibility to let you onto the freeway. Once you've safely merged onto the freeway, match your speed to the flow of traffic. Practice changing lanes as you cruise down the highway. Use your turn signal, mirrors, and glance at your blind spot every single time. Remember when driving on freeways that you should always stay in the furthest lane to the right unless you are passing a slower moving vehicle in front of you. You have probably seen signs which read, "KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS." If everyone followed this rule traffic congestion would be much less severe. If you are in the 'faster' lanes (left lanes) and there is a large space in front of you and many cars behind you YOU ARE OBSTRUCTING TRAFFIC. Safely change lanes toward the right to allow traffic to pass. It is not your job to enforce speed limits by obstructing traffic on the freeway. Once you're comfortable changing lanes, try passing other cars. Make sure to give them lots of room, and don't ever cut in front of anybody. When you're ready to get off the highway, find an appropriate off-ramp and get in the correct lane, using the steps to change lanes. As soon as the off-ramp breaks away from the main highway, start slowing down, on the ramp there might be a speed limit sign for you to follow. Once you're off the highway, you can go home, or look for another on-ramp and practice more highway driving. | Pick a highway and a time. Learn to operate the car at lower speeds first. Make sure your car's brakes, lights, turn signals, steering, transmission and all other parts are working safely. Start on a day when the weather is clear and dry. Start driving from your driveway, then head for the freeway on-ramp. As you come up the on-ramp, use your turn signal, check your blind spot and mirrors, look forward again and merge onto the highway. Practice changing lanes as you cruise down the highway. Once you're comfortable changing lanes, try passing other cars. When you're ready to get off the highway, find an appropriate off-ramp and get in the correct lane, using the steps to change lanes. Once you're off the highway, you can go home, or look for another on-ramp and practice more highway driving. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Feng-Shui-Your-Bedroom | How to Feng Shui Your Bedroom | To Feng Shui your bedroom, start by moving your bed so it's as far from the door as possible and in front of a solid wall instead of a window. Then, balance the space around your bed by placing matching furniture on both sides. If you have a TV in your room, consider moving it somewhere else or draping something over it so it's not a distraction. Also, try to keep your room as clean as possible and avoid accumulating clutter. | Have a solid headboard. The best Feng Shui headboards are the ones that are solid and made from wood, or the upholstered ones, as they have a very good combination of solid, but also gentle and supporting Feng Shui energy for you and your bedroom. While you are drifting off to sleep, your body is going into an extra busy energy repair work on many levels. Subconsciously, your head needs good backing, protection and support, just like your back needs it when you are sitting in a chair for extended periods of time. If you don't have a headboard, fake one by attaching a few panels of wood to the wall behind your bed. Get a supportive mattress. There are a variety of mattresses on the market, choose wisely and invest in the one that will promote best sleep and relaxation. The better you sleep at night, the better your health during the day, this is really simple. Be mindful of good Feng Shui and do not buy used mattresses - you never know what energy they have accumulated from previous owners. Make sure the bed is a good height. To allow for a balanced Feng Shui energy flow under the bed, you need to have your bed at a reasonable height above the floor level. Generally, the beds that have built-in storage drawers underneath to help you with storage solutions are considered bad Feng Shui beds. Why? Because the energy needs to circulate around your body when you sleep, which is not possible if the space underneath the bed is blocked. For a bed that is low to the ground, get risers to lift it up. This is an inexpensive way to add height to your bed. Make sure the bed is positioned as far from the door as possible. Place the bed in the area further from the door or diagonally from the door, but not in line with the door. In other words, you want to be able to see the door while in bed, but not be aligned with the door. Be it the bedroom door, the door to the balcony/patio, the bathroom door or your closet doors, you do not want your bed in line with any of the doors in your bedroom, or too much chi will flow towards the bed. Ideally, the bed can be diagonally positioned from the door, jutting out from the opposite corner. Having your bed positioned too close to the door can lead you to get startled by surprises that may come your way. The further you are from the door, the more prepared you'll be for what may come. This is the same reason why the bedroom should be as far from the door as possible. However, ideally, when you wake up, the door should be in your direct line of vision, or close to it, so you feel that you have control over your life. Have a good supporting wall behind your bed. In addition to a good headboard, you always want to have a solid wall behind your bed. When you sleep under the window, your personal energy tends to get weaker in time, as it has neither proper support, nor protection. Place grounding and balanced energy on both sides of the bed. Place two nightstands on either side of the bed to create balance while you sleep. Ideally, you can also place the same lamp on both nightstands, to add some soft lighting to your bedroom. This balance is important for keeping you centered, and especially for maintaining equality in a relationship if you share the bedroom with your partner. Ideally, the nightstands should be round instead of square to cut the chi energy that may be directed toward you, which can also be thought of as the "poison arrows." A small nightstand on either side of the bed is another great way to balance the energy in your room. Keep your bed far away from any TVs, desks, or other distractions. Ideally, you should move your desk and television out of your bedroom, so the bedroom truly becomes a place where you can rest and relax. However, we all have limited space, so if you do have a television or a desk in your room, position it as far from your bed as possible to not get in the way of the bed's positive energy. If you can, drape a light scarf or blanket over the TV or desk, or even cover it up with a Japanese folding closet to create even more space. Place your TV in a cabinet or place an art cover over it to help it blend into your space. Avoid a mirror that faces your bed or a mirrored set of closet doors. If these mirrors are fixtures that you can't get rid of, then drape some fabric over them. Left exposed, they are thought to disturb your sleep. In general, you should avoid having mirrors in your bedroom, especially if you're sharing it with a romantic partner, because they may open up a space for infidelity. Mirrors are also too energetic for such a restful space. If you like having a mirror in your room, place it on the inside of a closet door and only access it when you need it. Refrain from positioning your bed directly under a beam. A beam may create feelings of pressure that can disrupt your sleep. If you have no other options, cover the beam with fabric or hang 2 bamboo flutes from the beam with the mouthpieces pointed downward. This will help block some of the unwanted energy coming from above the bed. The idea is that you don't want to feel threatened in your sleep. Skip fountains and water features. Also, don't hang up pictures of water or place an aquarium in your room. These could invite possible financial loss or robbery. Keep your fish tank or paintings of water or rivers out of the bedroom if you want to have the best possible Feng Shui. If you are a fan of fountains and water art, place them in a bathroom instead. Keep plants and flowers outside of your room. Plants are thought to possess too much yang, which creates too much energy and activity for you to get the rest that you need. If you have no other place to put your plants, try to keep them out of your line of vision when you're on the bed. Avoid accumulating clutter around your bed or pushing one side of your bed against a wall. The Chi can't circulate, which means possible disturbances in your intimate life. If your bed is up against a wall, then one partner will have to sleep on the inside, becoming literally "trapped" in the relationship. Keep your bed relatively clutter-free as well, such as by limiting throw pillows and blankets. Get rid of your television. Television creates an unhealthy magnetic field which may disrupt your sleep, strain your relationship with your partner or bring a third party into the bedroom. If you have to keep it in the bedroom, then try to cover it with a scarf when you're not using it. If you're really serious about it, hide the TV in the closet when you're not using it, or place it on a shelf that can lock up, hiding the TV when it's not in use. Put your books elsewhere. You can keep a few books in your room if you read to put yourself to sleep, but too many books can make you feel overwhelmed in the space. Your bedroom is a place for rest and relaxation, and if you have too many books there, it will be too much like a place for work. Too many books in your resting space can also be overwhelming. Include fire element colors for passion and energy. A balanced Feng Shui Fire element in your space will bring a supporting energy in all your career efforts and will help you achieve recognition. It will also help you invite passion and romance into your life and your bedroom. The Feng Shui fire element colors are: Red Orange Purple Pink Strong Yellow Include earth-toned colors for nourishment and stability. A strong and harmonious Feng Shui Earth element in your home will help create stability, nourishment and protection for all your relationships. Feng Shui Earth element colors are: Light Yellow Beige Include "metal" colors for clarity and preciseness. Feng Shui metal element brings the qualities of sharpness, precision, clarity and efficiency; its balanced presence will help you live with clarity and lightness. Feng Shui metal element colors are: Gray White Include pastel colors to add peace and restfulness to your bedroom. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you can feel calm in your own bedroom and to get a good night's sleep. Having light, soft, and pastel colors throughout your bedroom can add to your serenity and peace of mind. Here are some colors you can use: Light blue Light pink Light green Light purple Think of your bedroom as an oasis. Your bedroom should be your sanctuary. It should be an escape from the stress of your everyday life, whether those include your work, your children, your health, or your friendships. It should not be a place where you throw all of the extra things you have no place for. On the contrary, it should be your oasis in the middle of a desert, a place you can come to when you want to rest -- or just when you need a break. Never bring extra items into your bedroom or negative energy and over time you will start to respect the space more. Have soft lighting. For the best Feng Shui, you should avoid bright, garish lights, or ceiling lights over your bed. Instead, have desk lamps with soft light, and try to get as much natural light as you can from the window. This will make you feel more serene and at ease than harsh lights that are too bright. Try adding small lamps, string lights, and other soft lighting to avoid needing the overhead lighting. Be aware of the position of the windows. If you can, try to avoid placing your bed between the window and a door, or you'll be in the middle of the "draught" of chi running between these two places. If you can't avoid it, just make sure you have nice, pleasant curtains to block some of the bad energy. You should also avoid sleeping facing the window, if you can, or your sleep won't be as restful. Have inspiring art in your bedroom. Hang up images of calming scenes from nature, or other places that inspire you. Pick some neutral scenery, an image that motivates you to achieve your dreams, or something else that puts you in a calm and peaceful frame of mind. Anything too graphic, gory or just disturbing does not belong in your bedroom. Place the most inspiring image across from your line of sight in the bed, so that it's the first thing you see when you wake up. Hang photos of your favorite places or display an inspirational quote on the wall. Aim for equality. Try to have equal space on either side of your bed and other furniture. A person should be able to walk around as easily around one side of the room as the other, within reason. Of course, a piece of furniture may add some inequality, but in general, you should avoid letting most of the stuff in the bedroom clutter over to one side, or you'll create discord in your most important room. Get rid of clothes you no longer wear. Go through your closet and drawer and remove all of the clothes you haven't worn within the last year. Donate these clothes or pass them on to a friend or relative if they can still be worn. Even though you may not see the old clothes, keeping them in your bedroom may prevent you from embracing new opportunities. Avoid photos of relatives or friends "watching you. " You can have a few key family photos in your bedroom, but avoid a clutter of photos of people everywhere, or you will feel like you're being watched and will get overwhelmed. The same goes for religious figures. Make sure your bedroom isn't too crowded. Keep your bedroom as spare and simple as possible. Don't add extra chairs, lamps, or pictures to your bedroom if you're not sure whether or not they are really necessary. The more stuff you have in there, the more difficult it may be to find balance. Get rid of any clutter. To have optimal Feng Shui in your bedroom, you have to get rid of any extra papers, trash, old trinkets, silly photos, useless gifts, or really just anything you don't really need in there. If you have too much sentimental attachment to some of the items, you can put them in storage or another room, but work on minimizing the stuff you really need in your bedroom. Having a spare and uncluttered bedroom will lead to an uncluttered and fulfilling life. | Have a solid headboard. Get a supportive mattress. Make sure the bed is a good height. Make sure the bed is positioned as far from the door as possible. Have a good supporting wall behind your bed. Place grounding and balanced energy on both sides of the bed. Keep your bed far away from any TVs, desks, or other distractions. Avoid a mirror that faces your bed or a mirrored set of closet doors. Refrain from positioning your bed directly under a beam. Skip fountains and water features. Keep plants and flowers outside of your room. Avoid accumulating clutter around your bed or pushing one side of your bed against a wall. Get rid of your television. Put your books elsewhere. Include fire element colors for passion and energy. Include earth-toned colors for nourishment and stability. Include "metal" colors for clarity and preciseness. Include pastel colors to add peace and restfulness to your bedroom. Think of your bedroom as an oasis. Have soft lighting. Be aware of the position of the windows. Have inspiring art in your bedroom. Aim for equality. Get rid of clothes you no longer wear. Avoid photos of relatives or friends "watching you. Make sure your bedroom isn't too crowded. Get rid of any clutter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Artist | How to Be a Good Artist | If you want to become a good artist, start with realism so that you can learn the basics. For example, draw the human body, both still and in motion, exactly as you see it in front of you. Once you master realistic representation, experiment with a variety of styles and disciplines, such as painting and sculpting. Share your creations with others, and use their critiques to correct your mistakes and improve your technique. | Break down your chosen art form into the essential components or skills. Saying, "I want to be a masterful painter," is a noble goal, but it is so broad it is hard to know where to start. Successful practice in any art form requires mastery of the smaller skills, almost all of which can be practiced independently of each other: Painters must master drawing and sketching, color blending, shading, brush techniques, and composition. Drawers and Illustrators need to draw, shade, color, and compose, and may want to learn the basics of digital illustration and animation. Sculptors: Often learn a wide variety of techniques and materials, from ceramic to metalworking, and must be able to sketch and draft ideas on paper. Advanced study in your material and tools of choice, including more scientific research, is highly recommended. Video Artists: Need to be fluent across the set, from lighting, audio, camera operation, and editing. Skill drawing (for storyboards) and animating are a big plus. Practice your art every single day, making it a daily habit. Humans improve much faster through daily effort, and even 10 minutes a day can be better than 2 hours once a week. Find a way to make art part of your everyday routine, prioritizing it highly on your schedule. If you can't find time to make art every day, being a good artist will be exponentially harder. Give yourself a cue each day to make things easier -- first thing in the morning, after dinner, before you exercise, etc. Coupling habits together makes them much easier to stick to. Reward yourself slightly after each session -- maybe you don't eat dessert until done, or go for a run once the page is finished. Tie a good feeling to your daily art practice. Missing days is okay -- it happens. Instead of beating yourself up or punishing yourself with more work the next day, just get back on track. Art should be fun, not punishment! Take an honest appraisal of your artistic weakness, to practice with mindfulness. Not all practice sessions are equally beneficial. Every artist has areas and skills that they aren't very good at, and the best artists run to these areas in practice. Remember, this isn't always about making a publishable piece. Once you give yourself the freedom to practice things you're bad at, you'll notice yourself making much faster improvements in all areas of your art. Mindful practice is about finding mistakes and fixing them in order to improve. If you don't let yourself make mistakes, how could you ever improve. There is a difference between "practice" and "performance." Once you realize that your sketchbooks and studies are there to help you get better, not to share with others, you can use them practice making your next "real" piece of art even better. Take on smaller projects, or "studies" to help you ramp up to your big projects. A study is simply a test run of some aspect of your piece. For example, a sculptor doing a full length human body likely wouldn't launch into the replica without knowing her materials, style, and logistical concerns beforehand. To prepare, she might start studies in the following areas. Note that, though sculpture is the example, all good artists test before beginning: Difficult or unusual sections: Hands are complex organs with many moving joints and bones. Practicing a few hands and figuring out how they will be held, is best done before adding them to the final sculpture Logistic/Technical concerns: How is the sculpture going to stand up without falling? What base is being used, and how is the sculpture attached? Stylistic Elements: If it is a melancholic or sad sculpture, how do you plan to capture that sadness? Smaller sculptures and sketching facial expressions will help figure it out. You could also try to replicate similar pieces or emotions. When in doubt, practice realism, even if it isn't your artistic form of choice. Say you love to make impressionist, brightly-colored portraits in the style of Vincent Van Gogh, or abstract, cubist paintings like Picasso. While neither of them look like anything you could ever see in real life, both men are masters of realistic portraiture. You need to know the rules before you can break them, and the ability to perfectly replicate what you see in front of you is the best technical exercise you can perform. Try out: Sketching or drawing still landscapes Capturing the human body realistically, both still and in motion. Replicating your favorite paintings or works of art, teaching yourself the techniques of the masters. Trust your gut when choosing projects. If an idea captures your and won't let go you've got to pursue it. Great artists don't worry if it will sell, if it fits current artistic trends, or will take a long time to make. Great artists jump into their passions with open arms, trusting themselves to make it work. If you want a unique, refreshing artistic voice, then you need to trust your voice. It can be hard to embark on a project that feels weird, new, and experimental. But remember -- if you can't get passionate about the project, how can you expect your audience to feel passionately about it? Experiment in a wide variety of styles and disciplines. There is a reason burgeoning painters spend time sculpting, and vice versa. All forms of art are intrinsically linked, and they share similar vocabulary and skills (color, shading, composition, etc.). By pushing yourself to approach art differently, you open yourself up to a wealth of new influences, techniques, and styles. Push yourself to get out of your comfort zone -- this is often where you make the biggest breakthroughs and personal discoveries. This includes other forms of art, such as writing and music. Creative expression, whether with a paintbrush or a piccolo, is about getting your ideas out of your head and into the audiences. The medium you use to do that doesn't matter. Draw influence from your entire life, not just your artistic pursuits. Great artists are often great readers, using books and literature to push themselves to new ideas and philosophies. They are unashamed of their past, no matter what it is, and are confident using it for motivation and inspiration. Furthermore, great artists rarely say "no." They keep their minds open to everything, becoming a sponge of influences that come together to make something incredibly unique, and incredibly you. Show your work to others for thoughts and feedback. For most artists, art is a form of communication. You create art because you want to share it with other people. Otherwise, you could just leave the ideas in your head. Exactly how you want to show your work and to who is your choice. You could try to get your work shown in galleries and put up for sale. You could try getting published. You might be more comfortable putting your work online and possibly selling prints of it. Or maybe you would rather just frame some of your best work and hang it up in your home for your family and friends to enjoy. Ask for honest critiques, and try to accept them with grace. You will never catch everything, and your audience's opinion will help find areas to improve in. Ask people what they think about the art, and what it might mean. Does it match up with your own thoughts and ideas? Did you accomplish your goals with the piece? Could you better communicate them your goals, or are you happy with ambiguity and differing opinions? Accept constructive criticism. Constructive criticism is designed to help you improve your artwork, either the piece you're working on now or your future works. A person giving constructive criticism will usually point out both the flaws and the strengths in your piece and make suggestions on how you could fix the flaws. While it isn't always fun to hear, criticism is something you're going to have to deal with as an artist. Learn to identify when a criticism of your work is valid and use that information to focus on correcting your mistakes. Put together an online portfolio to showcase your work and talent. Every artist needs a portfolio -- the place where potential buyers or clients can see your work. Luckily, the internet is making it easy as website design spaces like Wix.com, SquareSpace, and Wordpress all have templates designed for artists portfolios. All you have to do is customize the name, color, and bio, then import images or videos of your art. Purchase a custom domain name if you are looking for professional clients. A site like www.MyPortfolio.wordpress.com looks much less professional than www.MyPortfolio.com. When done, attach this portfolio to all your social media accounts to make it easy to find. Consider printing (or drawing/designing, for memorable flair) some business cards to get the word around. Host shows to get your work out there. Contact small galleries near you to see if you can put some work up. Look into that restaurant or coffee shop that puts work on the walls. And, if all else fails, throw your own art show. All you need is a space to hang everything, some refreshments, and friends willing to come and support you. Try to host shows with multiple artists when possible. That way, everyone brings their own friend groups so each artist can meet new fans. You never know if you can display your work unless you ask. Don't be intimidated -- they absolute worst thing that happens is the word, "no." Consider hosting "open studio" session once a month, where friends and curious spectators can watch you work and talk about your process. Take classes to grow skill and make contacts. Few, if any, artists are so skilled that they can't benefit from some kind of formal instruction. Art classes can help you get past problems with your work that you haven't been able to solve on your own, identify areas in which you could improve, or just give you some direction and a regular time to devote to working on art. There are courses available for all skill levels at colleges, community centers, local arts centers, and numerous other places. Your teacher and fellow students are essential contacts as you build your career. They can point to new opportunities, team up with you for shows, and support your work in the difficult early years when you're still unknown. Never discount a connection or friend. In the word-of-mouth driven art scene, a wide, strong social network is king. Devote time every day to self-promotion and social media. It isn't always a ton of fun, but it is absolutely essential if you intend to be a professional. No one wants to champion your art but you. And, in its own way, this is a good thing-- you no longer have to hope the "right" person shows up in your gallery. Instead, hard work online can get your work into many corners of the internet, and even make some money. If you make smaller, sellable art pieces, consider a shop on Etsy or eBay. Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest, with their large pictures and big art networks, are great places to share and see work. Pick 1-2 social media accounts to run and stick with those. Trying to work on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. all at once is impossible to do well without spending all day on the internet. Get involved in your local art scene. Artists need to stick together, and many of the greats have come from collectives and groups. It is no mistake that many famous artists knew each other before striking it big, and some of the greatest moments in art (Paris in the 40's, NY in the 80's) come from shared creative communities. So go to local shows, enroll in classes, and collaborate with other artists. A rising tide carries all boats, so get out there and make some waves. If you're struggling to find a community, look online. There are tons of forums, sites, and communities (like the famous DeviantArt) that allow you to showcase work. Pay attention to your contemporaries, supporting their own shows and work. When you are first starting out, your best network will be artists in the same situation. Provide yourself a lifestyle that allows you to make daily art. If you don't make art a daily priority, then it's going to be really hard to be a good artist. That is just the reality of practice-- all the talent in the world doesn't help if you don't sit down and make art. Honestly, this may require some sacrifices in terms of work hours, salary, and living situation. But if you want to be a professional artist, none of this should matter. You get to make art every single day! Always remember, especially in the early years of practice, that all of your favorite artists went through the same process. | Break down your chosen art form into the essential components or skills. Practice your art every single day, making it a daily habit. Take an honest appraisal of your artistic weakness, to practice with mindfulness. Take on smaller projects, or "studies" to help you ramp up to your big projects. When in doubt, practice realism, even if it isn't your artistic form of choice. Trust your gut when choosing projects. Experiment in a wide variety of styles and disciplines. Draw influence from your entire life, not just your artistic pursuits. Show your work to others for thoughts and feedback. Accept constructive criticism. Put together an online portfolio to showcase your work and talent. Host shows to get your work out there. Take classes to grow skill and make contacts. Devote time every day to self-promotion and social media. Get involved in your local art scene. Provide yourself a lifestyle that allows you to make daily art. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-the-Volume-of-a-Prism | How to Calculate the Volume of a Prism | To find the volume of a triangular prism, use the equation V = ½ × length × width × height, or V = the area of the base × the height. Find the area of the base by multiplying ½ × the length and width of one of the triangular bases of the prism. Then, locate the height, and multiply the height by the area of the base. For example, a triangular prism with a length of 4 cm and a width of 5 cm would have an area of 10 cm^2. If the height was 7 cm, the volume of the prism would be 70 cm cubed. | Write down the formula for finding the volume of a triangular prism. The formula is simply V = 1/2 x length x width x height. However, we'll be taking this formula apart further to use the formula V = area of base x height. You can find the area of the base by using the formula for finding the area of a triangle -- multiplying 1/2 by the length and width of the base. Find the area of the base face. To calculate the volume of a triangular prism, you need to first find the area of the triangular base. Find the area of the base of the prism by multiplying 1/2 times the base of the triangle times its height. Ex: If the height of the triangular base is 5 cm and the base of the triangular prism is 4 cm, then the area of the base is 1/2 x 5 cm x 4 cm, which is 10 cm. Find the height. Let's say the height of this triangular prism is 7 cm. Multiply the area of the triangular base face times the height. Simply multiply the area of the base times the height. After you multiply the base and height, you'll have the volume of the triangular prism. Ex:10 cm x 7 cm = 70 cm State your answer in cubic units. You should always use cubic units when you're calculating volume because you're working with three dimensional objects. The final answer is 70 cm. Write down the formula for finding the volume of a cube. The formula is simply V = side. A cube is a prism that happens to have three equal sides. Find the length of one side of the cube. All of the sides are equal, so it doesn't matter which side you choose. Ex: Length = 3 cm. Cube it. To cube a number, just multiply it by itself twice. The cube of "a" is "a x a x a," for example. Since all of the lengths of the sides of the cube are equal, you don't have to find the area of the base and multiply it by the height and then multiply it by the length. Multiplying any two sides of the cube will give you the area of the base, and any third side could represent the height. You can still think of this as multiplying the length, width, and height when they all just happen to be the same. Ex: 3 cm = 3 cm. * 3 cm. * 3 cm. = 27 cm. State your answer in cubic units. Don't forget to put your final answer in cubic units. The final answer is 27 cm. Write down the formula for finding the volume of a rectangular prism. The formula is simply V = length * width * height. A rectangular prism is a prism with a rectangular base. Find the length. The length is the longest side of the flat surface of the rectangle on the top or bottom of the rectangular prism. Ex: Length = 10 cm. Find the width. The width of the rectangular prism is the shorter side of the flat surface of the rectangle on the top or bottom of the shape. Ex: Width = in 8 cm. Find the height. The height is the part of the rectangular prism that rises up. You can imagine the height of the rectangular prism as the part that stretches up a flat rectangle and makes it three-dimensional. Ex: Height = 5 cm. Multiply the length, the width, and the height. You can multiply them in any order to get the same result. Using this method, you have essentially found the area of the rectangular base ( 10 x 8) and then have multiplied it by its height, 5. But to find the volume of this prism, you can multiply the lengths of the sides in any order. Ex: 10 cm. * 8 cm. * 5 cm = 400 cm. State your answer in cubic units. The final answer is 400 cm. Write down the formula for calculating the volume of a trapezoidal prism. The formula is: V = [1/2 x (base 1 + base 2 ) x height] x height of the prism. You should use the first part of this formula to find the area of the trapezoidal base of the prism before you move forward. Find the area of the trapezoidal base face. To do this, simply plug the two bases and the height of the trapezoidal base into the formula. Let's say base 1 = 8 cm, base 2 = 6 cm, and height = 10 cm. Ex: 1/2 x (6 + 8) x 10 = 1/2 x 14 cm x 10 cm = 70 cm. Find the height of the trapezoidal prism. Let's say the height of the trapezoidal prism is 12 cm. Multiply the area of the base face times the height. To calculate the volume of the trapezoidal prism, just multiply the area of the base times the height. 70 cm x 12 cm = 840 cm. State your answer in cubic units. The final answer is 840 cm Write the formula for finding the volume of a regular pentagonal prism. The formula is V = [1/2 x 5 x side x apothem] x height of the prism. You can use the first part of the formula to find the area of the pentagonal base face. You can think of this as finding the area of the five triangles that make up a regular polygon. The side is simply the width of one triangle, and the apothem is the height of one of the triangles. You'll be multiplying by 1/2 because that's part of finding the area of a triangle and then multiplying this by 5 because 5 triangles make up the pentagon. For more information on finding the apothem if one is not provided for you, look here. Find the area of the pentagonal base face. Let's say the length of a side is 6 cm and the length of the apothem is 7 cm. Just plug these numbers into the formula: A = 1/2 x 5 x side x apothem A = 1/2 x 5 x 6 cm x 7 cm = 105 cm Find the height. Let's say the height of the shape is 10 cm. Multiply the area of the pentagonal base face times the height. Just multiply the area of the pentagonal base, 105 cm , times the height, 10 cm, to find the volume of the regular pentagonal prism. 105 cm x 10 cm = 1050 cm State your answer in cubic units. The final answer is 1050 cm. | Write down the formula for finding the volume of a triangular prism. Find the area of the base face. Find the height. Multiply the area of the triangular base face times the height. State your answer in cubic units. Write down the formula for finding the volume of a cube. Find the length of one side of the cube. Cube it. State your answer in cubic units. Write down the formula for finding the volume of a rectangular prism. Find the length. Find the width. Find the height. Multiply the length, the width, and the height. State your answer in cubic units. Write down the formula for calculating the volume of a trapezoidal prism. Find the area of the trapezoidal base face. Find the height of the trapezoidal prism. Multiply the area of the base face times the height. State your answer in cubic units. Write the formula for finding the volume of a regular pentagonal prism. Find the area of the pentagonal base face. Find the height. Multiply the area of the pentagonal base face times the height. State your answer in cubic units. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Protein-Shakes | How to Use Protein Shakes | To use protein shakes, start by calculating how much protein you need daily based on your activity level and weight. Next, figure out how much protein you get from solid food each day so that you don't ingest too much protein when adding shakes to your diet. Then, choose between dairy-based protein shakes made with whey or casein or plant-based soy shakes. The best times to drink protein shakes are first thing in the morning and about 45 minutes after working out. | Consider your lifestyle and workout regime. Protein shakes aren't for everyone, but there are some reasons why the average athlete, as opposed to professional athletes or Olympians, would want to use protein supplements. The type of exercise you do will impact whether you need additional protein. Determine whether any of the following apply to you: Have you started a new exercise program or are you new to working out in general? If you're just hitting the gym for the first time and want to build muscle, your body will need more protein than you might otherwise. Are you intensifying your workouts? This applies to both cardio and weight training workouts. For example, if you usually do 30 minutes on the elliptical machine three times a week, but are now training for a marathon or a weightlifting competition, you're going to need more protein to facilitate muscle growth and strength. Are you recovering from an injury? People who've injured themselves generally need more protein to help their muscles and bodies heal and recover. Too much protein can be hard on your kidneys in the long term, and it could cause dehydration. Determine how much total protein a day you need. Calculating how much protein you need is a key first step to deciding what, if any, additional protein your diet needs. A big myth is that you need a ton of protein to achieve any of the above goals. Protein already accounts for about 15% of the daily caloric intake of most Americans. To build a single pound of muscle, you need about 10-14 additional grams of protein daily, which really isn't that much. Some protein powders have 80 grams of protein in a single serving! The average person doesn't need that much; instead your body just breaks it down for energy. Moreover, too much protein can actually cause harm to your internal organs, including the kidneys and liver. To figure out how much you're getting and whether you need additional protein, you need to do some math. Recreational athletes need about 0.5-0.75g of protein daily for every per pound of body weight. Competitive athletes need 0.6-0.9. Athletes building muscle mass need 0.7-0.9g. The max amount should not exceed more than 0.9 per pound of body weight. For example, if you are an adult athlete looking to put on muscle and you weigh 175 pounds, you need about 122.5-157.5 g (175 pounds x.7= 122.5 g to 175 pounds x.9= 157.5) of protein per day. Determine how much of your average daily protein intake comes from solid food. Consider what you eat in an average day. You can consult with a dietitian or use online nutritional calculators that will tell you how much you're getting once you input the type and amount of food you are consuming. For example, a 4oz hamburger has 30g of protein, 6oz of tuna has 40g, and 1oz of cheese has 7g. This means that just with these three foods you've ingested 77g of protein, which is nearly half of what you'd need if you weighed about 175 pounds and were looking to build muscle. Most adults probably don't need as much protein coming from shakes as they think they do! However, if you're not meeting the protein requirement you calculated with solid food throughout the day, then you should supplement your diet with a protein shake, either one you make with powder or a pre-made shake. Decide what kind of protein you want your shake to consist of. Protein shakes use different kinds of proteins and in different amounts. The most common sources of protein are whey, casein, egg, soy, rice, and milk. Whey and casein are good choices, but only if you can tolerate dairy since both are milk products. Whey protein tends to be the most popular for shakes and is the fastest digesting protein. If you prefer a plant-based protein, particularly if you are vegetarian or vegan, you may want to try soy protein. Soy is very rich in nutrients and has been shown to be as effective as most animal sources of protein. Read the label. Knowing exactly what is in your shake, and especially the amount of protein, is important if buying pre-made shakes, rather than powders. Protein shakes vary in content after all. Make sure the product is more than 50% protein if your goal is to lose body fat. Make sure a single serving isn't way more protein than you actually need. Some powders have 80g of protein in them; if you only need to add an additional 40g to your daily protein intake, then that's not the best product for you. Look for shakes that provide all 20 amino acids; these are usually the highest quality products. Don't buy proteins that include growth hormones or steroids. Remember that all supplements carry a risk of contamination. Consider when you workout. This should be the determinant factor of when you decide to have a protein shake, since it's meant to supplement and enhance the physical training you are doing. When you consume protein and what you eat should be planned around your workout. For example, if you work out at 5am, a protein shake after the gym at 7am might double as breakfast for you. Drink a protein shake after a workout. Post-workout is one of the times that your body needs protein more than ever. This is the most effective time for drinking a protein shake in order to maximize its benefits for your body. Right after a workout, your body starts to heal and rebuild the muscle. This is important because of the "micro tears" in the muscle tissue, those very small tears caused by intense contraction of the muscles during exercise, such as weightlifting. Giving your body protein as soon as possible will make sure it has the fuel it needs to help the muscles heal, rebuild and grow. Protein shakes after a workout are better than solid food because the latter takes longer to digest and break down the protein and send it to the muscles. Protein shakes, on the other hand, only take approximately 30 minutes to reach the muscles after consumption. Have your shake within 45 minutes following a workout. During that time, your muscles are still fired up and your body is better able to absorb the protein and start rebuilding more quickly. The sooner you can have the shake after you finish working out, the better! You can also try drinking other liquids that contain protein after a workout, such as regular or chocolate milk. Consider consuming additional protein shakes. Although having a protein shake after a workout is the optimal time to have one, you can also consume them at different times of the day. You can also have more than one a day but be sure to consider how much protein you are already getting in a day and how much you need. Only have additional shakes if you NEED them to meet your protein requirement for the day. Remember not to overdo it on protein, which can harm your kidneys and your liver. Drink a protein shake first thing in the morning. When you get up in the morning, your body has been inactive for 6-8 hours and is thus lacking nourishment, including protein. Without protein, the muscles in the body start to break down to create energy to keep your body going. Thus, having a protein shake as your breakfast can build muscle and energize the body, thus preventing muscle from breaking down. Drink a protein shake before a workout. Some people like to consume protein before exercise to promote muscle growth, strength, and keep muscles from breaking down over the course of the workout. A pre-workout shake is best consumed approximately 30 minutes before you begin your workout. This give the protein time to be digested and sent to the muscles. Drink a protein shake before bed. Consider having a protein shake about one hour before you plan to go to bed. A shake with casein protein is a good choice. Casein works through your body a bit more slowly than whey, which is good when sleeping because that is when the amount of protein in your body starts to deplete. Effectively, you'll be nourishing the muscle while your growth hormones are elevated. Make sure to consume protein throughout the day in addition to shakes. Protein shakes are especially good after workouts but to maximize their benefits, make sure that you are consistently consuming protein. Protein is key for achieving optimal progress in physique enhancement and performance Even if you aren't bodybuilding or trying to enhance your physique, protein is a key component to good nutrition. Try to get more protein through natural sources such as milk, eggs, meat and fish because they are unprocessed and have a higher nutritional value as a result. Shakes are a great way to get a large and immediate protein hit after working out, but they are also processed and don't have the same nutrients as protein-rich foods. After your post-workout shake, eat small meals containing high levels of protein at roughly 3-4 hour intervals. This will provide your muscles with a steady supply of protein and hasten the healing process. Eat a breakfast with protein. Breakfast in the morning is key since your body needs nourishment after 7-9 hours of rest. | Consider your lifestyle and workout regime. Determine how much total protein a day you need. Determine how much of your average daily protein intake comes from solid food. Decide what kind of protein you want your shake to consist of. Read the label. Consider when you workout. Drink a protein shake after a workout. Consider consuming additional protein shakes. Make sure to consume protein throughout the day in addition to shakes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Turn-an-Improper-Fraction-Into-a-Mixed-Number | How to Turn an Improper Fraction Into a Mixed Number | To turn an improper fraction into a mixed number, just divide the numerator by the denominator. For example, if your improper fraction is 15/4, you would divide 15 by 4 to get 3.75. Just remember to write your answer in mixed-number format, using the original denominator for the fraction. So in this case, your improper fraction would be the mixed number 3¾. | Start with an improper fraction. We'll use / 4 for our example. This is an improper fraction because the numerator, 15, is greater than the denominator, 4. If you're not comfortable with fractions or division yet, start with the example below instead. Rewrite it as a division problem. Write the fraction as a long division problem. Always write the numerator divided by the denominator. In our example, this is 15 ÷ 4. Begin solving the division problem. Review long division first if you're not sure what to do. This example will be easier to follow if you write out the long division problem as you read it: Compare 4 to the first digit, 1. 4 doesn't go into 1, so we need to include the next digit. Compare 4 to the first two digits, 15. How many times does 4 go into 15? If you're not sure, guess and see if you're right using multiplication. The answer is 3, so write 3 on the answer line, above the 5. Find the remainder. Unless the numbers divide perfectly, there will be a remainder left over. Here's how to find the remainder in a long division problem: Multiply the answer by the divisor (the number on the left). In our example, that's 3 x 4. Write the result underneath the dividend (the number underneath the division bracket). In our example, 3 x 4 = 12, so write 12 underneath the 15. Subtract the result from the dividend: 15 - 12 = 3. This is the remainder Write the mixed number using your results. A mixed number is a whole number, plus a proper fraction. After solving your division problem, you have everything you need to write this mixed number: The whole number is your answer to the division problem. In this case, that's 3. The numerator of the fraction is your remainder. In this case, that's also 3. The denominator of the fraction is the same as the denominator in the original fraction. In this case, that's 4. Write this as one mixed number: 3 / 4. Write down the fraction. An improper fraction is any fraction with a top number larger than the bottom number. For example, is an improper fraction, because 3 is larger than 2. The top number of a fraction is called the numerator. The bottom number is called the denominator. This method will take a long time for large fractions. If the numerator is much larger than the bottom number, the division method above is much faster. Remember which fractions equal one. Did you know that 2 ÷ 2 = 1? Or that 4 ÷ 4 = 1? In fact, any number divided by itself equals one. Fractions are exactly the same. / 2 = 1, and / 4 = 1, and even Split the fraction into two parts. That sounded like an easy way to turn a fraction into a whole number. Let's see if we can do that for part of our improper fraction: For / 2 is an easy fraction to simplify, because the top and bottom numbers are the same. We want to take this out of the larger fraction, and find out what we have left behind. Write this down:. Find the second part. How do we turn that question mark into a number? If you don't know how to add and subtract fractions , don't worry. When the denominators (bottom numbers) are the same, we can ignore them and turn the problem into ordinary addition. Here's a step by step guide for our example, Simplify the fraction. Now we know our improper fraction is the same as / 2 + / 2. We also know that / 2 = 1, just like any fraction with the same top and bottom number. That means you can cross out / 2 , and write 1 instead. Now we have 1 + / 2 , which is a mixed number! For this example, the problem is solved. Once you've found the solution, you don't need to write the + symbol anymore. Just write 1 / 2. A mixed number is a whole number plus a proper fraction. Repeat these instructions if the fraction is still improper. Sometimes, the fraction part of your answer will still be improper, with a numerator larger than the denominator. In this case, you can start again with that fraction, turning it into another mixed number. Don't forget to add the "1" back when you're done. Here's an example, turning / 3 into a mixed fraction: / 3 = / 3 + / 3 7 = 3 + ? 7 = 3 + 4 / 3 = / 3 + / 3 / 3 = 1 + / 3 That fraction is improper, so ignore the 1 for now and do the same thing: / 3 = / 3 + / 3 4 = 3 + ? 4 = 3 + 1 / 3 = / 3 + / 3 / 3 = 1 + / 3 That fraction is proper, so we're done. Remember to add the 1 we ignored earlier: 1 + 1 + / 3 = 2 / 3. | Start with an improper fraction. Rewrite it as a division problem. Begin solving the division problem. Find the remainder. Write the mixed number using your results. Write down the fraction. Remember which fractions equal one. Split the fraction into two parts. Find the second part. Simplify the fraction. Repeat these instructions if the fraction is still improper. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Net-Income | How to Calculate Net Income | To calculate your net income, start by finding your gross income by multiplying your pay in one check before taxes by the number of times you get paid per year. Then, subtract any deductions from your pay, including eligible contributions to savings plans and insurance costs. Subtract the amount that you pay in taxes to find your final net income. | Calculate your gross annual income. Your first step to calculating your net income is finding out your gross income. Gross income is the total amount of money you make in a year before taking taxes or deductions into account. It serves as your starting point for calculating net income. If you are on a salary or work stable hours, this should be fairly easy to calculate. Take a pay stub from one of your pay periods. If your employer takes out taxes, look at the total amount before the deductions. This is your gross pay for the period. Figure out how often you are paid, and multiply the gross pay accordingly. If you're paid monthly, multiply the number from your pay stub by 12 to get your gross annual income. If you're paid weekly, multiply it by 52. If bi-weekly, multiply by 26. If you work irregular hours, you'll have to add up all your pay stubs for the year to get an accurate measure of your annual income. If you work multiple jobs, take all of them into account in this calculation. In most cases, gifts and inheritance do not factor into gross income. These are still taxable, however, so remember to account for them when filing your taxes. Subtract any deductions you have. Since net income refers only to your income after taxes, you have to subtract any deductions you have from your gross annual income. After you subtract any deductions from your gross income, then you'll end up with your total taxable income. For example, if you had a gross income of $50,000 and $5,000 in deductions, then your taxable income is $45,000. Deduct your retirement contributions if applicable. Under certain circumstances, your individual retirement arrangement (IRA) can be deducted from your taxable income. This will vary depending on your particular arrangement, so consulting the IRS webpage will help you discern if you can make any deductions based on your retirement savings. Let's say, for example, that you're allowed to deduct $2,000 from your taxable income. That means that your taxable income falls from $45,000 to $43,000. Deduct your medical and dental expenses if applicable. As with retirement savings, you can sometimes deduct medical and dental expenses from your taxable income. This varies depending on your particular situation, so consult the IRS webpage for information on whether or not you can deduct your medical expenses. Subtract what you owe in taxes from your annual pay. After you've found out what your total taxable income is, then you have to subtract the amount you owe in taxes. Add up all taxes you owe, including federal, state, local, Medicare and social security. If your employer takes out taxes, then the total deductions should be on your pay stubs. Subtract the total taxes from your income to get your net annual income. Sticking with the previous example: if your gross income was $50,000, you had $5,000 in deductions, and you deducted another $2,000 for retirement, your taxable income is $43,000. Then if you owe $10,000 in taxes, that makes your net income $33,000. If at any point you're confused about your taxes, consulting an accountant will help clear things up. Add up your gross income for the last year. For businesses, net income refers to profit after expenses and taxes. To start, gather your records and add up your total income for the past year, before taxes or expenses. Subtract returns and discounts from your gross income. Self-employed people should follow this method because they have to deduct their own taxes from payments. Let's say that your net gross income, before expenses, was $100,000. That will serve as your gross income for this part. Add up the cost of goods sold. If your business involves selling products, then you have to account for what those products originally cost. Multiply the price of each unit by the number of units sold. Then subtract this total from the total income. The result is your "Operating Income." If you sold 1,500 products and each cost you $10, then your cost of goods sold is $15,000. Remember this total for the example below. If your business provides a service, you can skip this step. Any materials you use to provide the service falls under operating costs. Add up your administrative costs. In this step, you will add up all of your expenses in operating your business. They may vary from business to business, but there are a few costs that are common and must be accounted for. Rent and utilities. If your business has a storefront, then you probably pay rent and utilities. Paying employees. If you use a vehicle for work, the cost, gas, taxes, insurance, and maintenance on it goes into your operating costs. Purchase of any equipment you used. Depreciation on equipment. Depreciation refers to an asset that loses value over time. For example, if you buy a piece of equipment for $10,000 and expect it to last five years, then it depreciates by $2,000 a year. Factor this into your calculations for gross income. For more information on calculating depreciation, read Account For Accumulated Depreciation. Compute your taxable income. After you add up your product cost and administrative expenses, you can come to your taxable income. Add up your cost of goods, administrative expenses, and other deductions. Then subtract that number from your net gross income. That should leave you with your taxable income. The numbers given in this part were $15,000 for your product cost and $2,000 in depreciation. This is a total of $17,000 in deductions. Since your original net gross income was $100,000, an $17,000 deduction would give you a taxable income of $83,000. Calculate what you owe in taxes. Based on your taxable income, you can figure out what you owe in taxes. This number will vary widely depending on your income, the size of your business, the amount of equipment you have, and so on. For help, it is best to refer to guidelines from the US Small Business Administration. Add up any tax credits you have. Federal and local governments grant numerous tax breaks for businesses. Things like having an energy-efficient building, providing benefits for employees, and using renewable energy sources may qualify you for a tax break. Visit the IRS site for a complete list of tax breaks from the federal government. Let's say the federal government gives you a $1,000 tax credit for having an energy-efficient building. You can subtract this amount from the total of taxes owed. It will make this step much easier if you have an accountant. She will be well-versed in tax law and know how best to calculate your taxes. For more tips, read Prepare for Small Business Tax. Subtract your tax obligations from your taxable income. After you figure out what you owe in taxes, subtract that number from your taxable income. Once you do this, then you've arrived at your business net income. Let's say that you figure out you owe $10,000 in taxes, but you have that $1,000 tax credit, so you owe $9,000. Subtract that from your taxable income of $83,000 and you get a final net income of $74,000. | Calculate your gross annual income. Subtract any deductions you have. Deduct your retirement contributions if applicable. Deduct your medical and dental expenses if applicable. Subtract what you owe in taxes from your annual pay. Add up your gross income for the last year. Add up the cost of goods sold. Add up your administrative costs. Compute your taxable income. Calculate what you owe in taxes. Add up any tax credits you have. Subtract your tax obligations from your taxable income. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bring-Your-Cat-to-the-Vet-Without-a-Carrier | How to Bring Your Cat to the Vet Without a Carrier | While it's safest to keep your cat in a carrier, if you need to bring it to the vet without using a carrier, try placing it in a nylon athletic bag with mesh sides and a solid bottom. This will still allow the cat to breathe, but the cat may not be as panicked as it would in a smaller carrier. If you'd rather not place the cat inside of a container, consider using a cat harness instead. However, avoid just carrying your cat into the vet's office, as cats can be really hard to control if they get startled or scared. | Try a sports bag. You need to make sure your cat is not disruptive in the vet's office. Simply carrying your cat in your arms can pose a problem, as cats are hard to secure when frightened. If you don't want to use a carrier or don't have one, one alternative is a sports bag. Sports bags are bags designed to carry clothing and other equipment to and from the gym or other sporting events. Many sports bags have nylon material lining the sides, filled with holes that allow for a cat to breath easy through the bag. Owners who feel carriers are uncomfortable for cats sometimes use a sports bag made from nylon to carry their cat and from the vet. Make sure you find a sports bag with at least some nylon or mesh sides so your cat can breath and see his environment when being transported to the vet's office. You also want a sports bag with a secure, flat solid bottom. A bottom that is not supported will sink in when you pick up the bag, causing discomfort for your cat. Many owners equip sports bags with toys, blankets, and other items their cat might find comforting. Use a harness. A cat harness is a device owners use to walk their cats. If you want to take your cat to the vet without a carrier, you could consider using a harness. Make sure you purchase a harness specifically designed for cats. Harnesses designed for small dogs might be dangerous for a cat to use. Let your cat familiarize himself with the harness before you strap him in. Gently drape it over his body. Let him sniff and explore it. Then, gently guide his body into the harness and secure the buckle. Some cats may resist, so you might need another person to help restrain your cat. Allow him to wear the harness for a bit, under supervision, with no leash. Once he seems comfortable in the harness, to the point he's no longer wriggling or attempting to unfasten it, you can secure the leash. Practice walking your cat around the house for a week or so before taking him outside on the leash. Let him adjust to the restraints and wait until he's no longer pulling or resisting before taking him outside with the leash on. Once your cat is comfortable being walked inside, practice taking him on short walks around the block. You should be practicing for a few months before you attempt to take your cat to the vet's office. Remember, a vet's office will have a lot of unusual stimulations, such as ringing phones, strange people, and other animals. You need to practice a lot before you can safely take him to the vet's with a harness. Try a basket or bed, if your cat is docile. If your cat is older and particularly docile, you may be able to secure him in a basket or bed. However, this is only a good option if you're sure of your cat's temperament. You do not want to risk the safety of your cat and other people and animals present in the waiting room by having your cat jump out and cause a stir. Use this method with caution, as even the most docile cats can get spooked in an unfamiliar or frightening environment such as the vet's office. Start at a young age, if possible. If you want to take your cat to the vet without a crate, you need to get him used to being in the car without his crate. If you get a cat as a kitten, it's much easier to introduce him to the car. Kittens tend to adjust to new experiences much faster than adult cats. If possible, start training your cat to travel when he's less than a year old. If your cat is older, you can still train him to travel in the car safely. It just might take a little more time. Introduce your cat to the car gradually. Slow introductions work best, as a car can be a frightening environment for a cat. Introduce him to the car in intervals. Bring your cat into the car when it's not running. Keep him calm and give him treats and attention as he adjust to a new environment. Spend a couple of weeks letting him explore the car in short intervals and familiarizing himself with this new territory. Practice driving before a vet visit. Once your cat is used to the car, you should transition into driving with him. First, try turning on the engine and letting him get used to the noises it makes. After he's used to the engine, practice short drives. Even driving the car around the block is enough. As your cat adjust to being in the car, you can practice longer drives. It's a good idea to do a few test drives to the vet's office to get your cat used to the route before any appointments. Use positive reinforcement in the form of treats and praise throughout the process. Take safety precautions. Even the most calm cats can cause problems in the car if frightened. Alternatives to carriers, like bags or baskets, can be used to secure a cat so he does not cause problems for you driving. You can also have a harness or strap to safely secure him to the seat. You do not want your cat to crawl under your feet or the break/gas pedal while you're driving as this could easily cause an accident. Get your cat used to public transportation. If you do not have a car, you'll need to get your cat used to public transportation before you take him to the vet's office. You can practice short trips on a bus, train, or subway. However, understand the vast majority of public transportation options in a city require that your cat be contained in some kind of crate or bag. You probably cannot bring your cat on a subway, for example, with just a harness or in a basket without a lid. If that's how you plan to keep your cat secure at the vet's office, you might want to take a cab or ask a friend for a ride. Understand vets dislike cats coming in without carriers. Veterinarians and their staff generally dislike it when people bring cats into their offices without carriers. Understand you'll be met with some resistance if you make the decision to take your cat in without a crate. Bringing your cat in without a carrier, especially if he's not secured in something like a sport's bag, puts a lot of unnecessary pressure on the staff. Workers in the waiting room have to take extra precautions to make sure your pet is safe and is not injured by dogs or other animals. Also be aware the clinic cannot guarantee your cat's safety when not in a box. For example, a dog off lead may enter the waiting area who likes to chase cats, and bounds at your cat, who may then get injured. Some vets may actually require cats to be in a carrier. You might want to call ahead and ask first before bringing your cat in without one. Know the safety features carriers provide. Carriers are recommended by veterinarians for a reason. Understand a carrier has several safety features important for your cat. Carriers ensure a safe car ride by making sure your cat does not roam around the car, causing an accident by interfering with your driving. Cats are likely to run away when they're frightened. If your cat bolts out the car door, he might be difficult to find. Vet's offices are generally in areas where there area lot of cars. This could prove dangerous for your cat. Even if your cat is docile, you can't necessarily predict the behavior of other animals. Many dogs are not friendly with cats and your cat is better off secure inside a carrier if a dog gets aggressive. Find ways to make a carrier less stressful. If you're mainly opposed to using a carrier due to worries over stress, there are measures you can take to make a carrier less stressful for your cat. Do not just take the carrier out when it's time for a vet visit. Leave it open and out in the living room. Cats are den animals and they may actually enjoy sleeping in their carriers from time to time. Take your cat on short rides in his carrier now and again. A ride around the block in his carrier will make going to the vet less jarring. As with a sports bag, you can make a carrier more comfortable by putting treats, toys, and other items your cat enjoys inside the crate with him. | Try a sports bag. Use a harness. Try a basket or bed, if your cat is docile. Start at a young age, if possible. Introduce your cat to the car gradually. Practice driving before a vet visit. Take safety precautions. Get your cat used to public transportation. Understand vets dislike cats coming in without carriers. Know the safety features carriers provide. Find ways to make a carrier less stressful. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Coughing-in-Dogs | How to Diagnose Coughing in Dogs | To diagnose coughing in dogs, notice when the coughing typically occurs, since coughing during the night can indicate heart failure or fluid in the lungs. Additionally, see if it coughs when it drinks water or exercises, which can be a sign of a collapsed trachea. You can also listen to your dog's cough, since a tracheal collapse sounds like a goose honk, but a dog with kennel cough will make a dry, deep, hacking sound. If the cough lasts more than a few days or becomes more frequent, make an appointment with your veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis and begin treatment. | Notice what time of day the coughing occurs. Coughing in dogs has many causes, including heart disease. The cough is a symptom and can't always be used to determine the cause; however, certain conditions do have distinctive types of cough, which can help point towards the source of the problem. Noticing what time of day your dog coughs can help determine the cough's cause. Coughing during the night can be caused by congestive heart failure, fluid buildup in the lungs, or tracheal collapse. Coughing can also occur throughout the day. Observe whether certain behaviors trigger coughing. Sometimes, specific activities can trigger a coughing episode. For example, a dog with a collapsed trachea will cough if it tugs on its collar (the collar will squeeze the trachea) or drinks water. For a dog with heart failure, the cough is often worse at night, when the dog is resting. If a dog has a disease of the esophagus, eating will cause a coughing episode. If a dog has environmental allergies, inhaling a certain allergen (dust) can cause coughing; however, allergies usually aren't the primary cause of coughing in dogs. Exercise can cause trigger coughing episodes in dogs with tracheal collapse. Listen to your dog’s cough. Some coughs in dogs have very distinctive sounds. The cough caused by tracheal collapse sounds like a goose honk. If a dog has kennel cough, it will have a dry, deep, hacking cough. Don't worry if your dog's cough doesn't have a distinctive sound. Other details about your dog's cough will help your vet diagnose the cough. Determine if your dog’s cough is "productive. " A cough is considered productive if fluid gets coughed up through the mouth. Pneumonia, which is an infection that causes fluid buildup in the lungs, often causes a productive cough. Other causes of productive coughs include heart disease, heartworms, and kennel cough. Roundworms, which are an intestinal parasite can also cause coughing. During the roundworm lifecycle, the worm may travel to the lungs and cause coughing. A productive cough will sound "moist," meaning that it sounds like fluid is in the throat during the cough. Decide when to take your dog to the vet. If your dog coughs only occasionally, there's likely no need to take them to the vet; however, there are times when coughing warrants further examination. Look for these signs to help decide if you should take your dog to the vet: Cough lasts more than a few days Coughing has become more frequent throughout the day Your dog is becoming more tired and isn't eating much Provide a full history of your dog’s cough. Your vet will need a lot of information from you to diagnose your dog's cough. During the appointment, give your vet a detailed history of your dog's cough. Include the following information: When the coughing occurs (only at night, throughout the day) What triggers the coughing (excitement, eating, exercising, lying down) What the cough sounds like (goose honk, hacking) Whether anything gets coughed up (fluid, foreign material) What type of parasite treatments you use and when they were last applied Answer your vet’s questions about the coughing. In addition to the initial history you provide, your vet will ask you questions to develop a list of possible coughing causes. Examples of questions your vet may ask include: For how long has your dog been coughing? Does your dog have trouble breathing? Have you taken your dog to a groomer or boarding facility recently? Have you noticed weight gain or loss in your dog? Does your dog seem more depressed or restless? Allow your vet to perform a physical exam. A thorough physical exam will also help your vet diagnose your dog's cough. During the physical exam, your vet will listen closely to your dog's heart and lungs. They may also press on your dog's trachea to trigger a cough. If your dog has a coughing problem, pressing on the trachea may trigger coughing that lasts at least several seconds. Your vet will also touch your dog's lymph nodes to see if they are enlarged to due infection. They will also check your dog's gums. Gums with very visible blood vessels can indicate heart disease. Decide which diagnostics tests are needed. Depending on your dog's coughing history and physical exam findings, your vet will recommend diagnostic tests to confirm a coughing diagnosis. Chest x-rays and an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) are useful for diagnosing heart disease as the cause of coughing. Your vet will recommend a fluid sample from your dog's respiratory tract if they suspect a parasite (roundworms, heartworms) is causing the coughing. Additional diagnostic tests include blood work and a fecal exam. A fecal exam will check for intestinal parasites. Talk with your vet to decide which combination of tests will help diagnose your dog's cough. Have your vet perform the necessary diagnostic tests. After you and your vet decide how to move forward, your vet will run the diagnostic tests. Based on the results of these tests, your vet will confirm the cause of the cough and recommend a treatment plan. Be aware that, if the cause is a chronic disease like heart failure, treatment will likely be for the rest of your dog's life. | Notice what time of day the coughing occurs. Observe whether certain behaviors trigger coughing. Listen to your dog’s cough. Determine if your dog’s cough is "productive. Decide when to take your dog to the vet. Provide a full history of your dog’s cough. Answer your vet’s questions about the coughing. Allow your vet to perform a physical exam. Decide which diagnostics tests are needed. Have your vet perform the necessary diagnostic tests. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Legal-Contract | How to Write a Legal Contract | If you need to write a legal contract to protect an exchange between two parties, write, “This is a contract between…” and include the names of both parties, then detail the agreement in clear language that is easy to understand. Write exactly what one party is promising to deliver and what the other agrees to do or pay in exchange. Include a clause describing how the contract will be terminated, and have each party sign and date the contract. | Determine whether you need a contract. If you are exchanging something of significant value with someone, such as your labor or services, intellectual property, or material goods, you should have a contract in place. For many people, common situations that involve contracts include purchasing a home, selling or buying a car, or beginning employment. Other common situations could include hiring a construction crew to remodel your house, offering your services for a certain period of time, or publishing a creative work, such as a book. Be aware of the basic requirements of all contracts. Contracts have three essential elements: an offer, an acceptance of that offer, and sufficient “consideration,” or what each party will “get” out of the contract. The contract should be written in such a way that the parties involved clearly understand the contract without an attorney to interpret it. This will help all parties be clear about their obligations. A contract also protects everyone involved in case the contract is breached or unfulfilled. Make sure all parties are legally able to participate. You should only form a contract with someone who has the authority to carry out the contract (like a company's owner or CEO). Furthermore, a contract will not be legally valid unless everyone involved is an adult with the legal ability, or “capacity,” to enter into a contract. Capacity is usually determined by a person's age and mental competence. The following considerations should be taken into account. In almost all cases, a contract is not legally valid unless the parties involved are at least 18 years of age. Look up the laws in your state if you think your case might be an exception. If a minor wishes to enter into a contract, a guardian may, in some circumstances, do so on their behalf. In most states, an emancipated minor can enter into a contract as if he or she were an adult. All parties must have the mental capacity to fully understand the contract. Even an adult may not be capable of understanding what the contract requires him or her to do. For example, a person with a severe intellectual disability might be unable to understand his or her legal rights and obligations. This person could not enter into a legally binding contract. A contract is usually, but not always, void if either party is intoxicated or otherwise mentally impaired when the contract is signed. A contract is also void if it is entered under duress or coercion. For example, if a robber is holding you at gunpoint and you verbally agree to go to your bank and give him/her all your money, this is not a valid contract because both parties did not willingly enter into the agreement. Plan to exchange something of value. In a legal contract, something of value has to be exchanged for something else of value. This benefit is called the “consideration.” It can be services, cash, goods, intellectual property, or the promise to exchange one of these items. The terms of the contract must be clear to be enforceable. For example, you could write a contract with these terms: “Sujata agrees to sell her car to Jack for $5,500 on December 13, 2014.“ It is clear who is promising to do what, and when it is to be done. Both parties agree that the exchange is fair. However, you could not write a contract with the following terms: “Shao agrees to do something, to be determined later, for Sue in exchange for Sue's payment of whatever money she has at that point.” These terms are unclear; there is no certainty about what will be done, when it will be done, or what will be given in return. This contract is unenforceable, even if both parties have agreed to it. The consideration should be adequate in a fair contract. For example, if Joan promises to pay Dev $25,000 for a house worth $150,000, this is unlikely to be considered adequate consideration. If Joan promises to pay Dev $140,000 for a house worth $150,000, however, this would likely be considered adequate consideration because it is close to the real value of the object. Ensure all parties are in agreement. For a contract to be legal, an offer must be made and accepted. Before you write up a contract, all parties should have the same general idea about what the contract will stipulate; this is usually in the form of “if X happens, then Y will occur.” In legal terms, this is known as a “meeting of the minds,” or mutual agreement. Having a discussion about the terms beforehand saves time, because if the information in the contract is not acceptable to one of the parties, it will have to be revised. For example, your contract may say “Mr. Smith will sell Ms. Brown his 2012 Toyota Prius in exchange for $12,000.” The price and details of the exchange were likely agreed to prior to the contract being written. Come to an agreement in good faith. All parties must mutually assent to the terms of the contract. This means that they agree to the contract without being forced or coerced to do so. All parties should be treated fairly and honestly. All parties should do everything they can to abide by the contract's requirements. Start with basic information. Write the date at the top of the page, then write the names or company names of all parties in this format: "This contract is between ___ and ___." Contracts between businesses (or between an individual and a business) should include the business's full legal title, including designations such as "LLC" or "Incorporated." If there is other identifying information you want to include, such a person's title, include it here. Detail the exchange of consideration. In clear, readable language that is easy to understand, describe what services or goods are being exchanged. In some cases, money may be exchanged for these goods or services. In other cases, a bartering of services or goods may be exchanged. Use short, clear sentences broken into short paragraphs. Provide a numbered heading for each paragraph to make references easier. When possible, use plain language, rather than legalese. If the parties go to court, the judge will decide the case based on how the contract would be interpreted by the average person. However, there are certain terms or phrases that have historical precedent and exact legal meaning that will facilitate a court's interpretation of the contract. Write explicitly what one party is promising to deliver and what the other agrees to pay or do in exchange. If services are part of the deal, state what services will be performed. Specify who will perform the services, for whom, where, when, for how long and for what consideration. For example, you could write a contract with these terms: "Jane Smith agrees to copy-edit 300 pages for ABC Publishing by August 3, 2013 for a flat rate of $2,000, to be paid in full within 30 days of delivery." Or, you could write a contract that stipulates that you will mow your neighbor's lawn once a week for two months in exchange for them helping you re-tile your roof next weekend. If you are selling real estate, provide a legal description of the property and its exact location. You may wish to have a lawyer or real estate agent help you with this. Legal descriptions of real estate have very specific requirements that can be difficult to provide on your own. When selling goods, state the color, size, make, model, delivery date, and any other identifying details. Use addenda when necessary. You can add an addendum to your contract if you forgot to detail something in the contract or if the details of some part of the contract would be cumbersome to include in the contract itself. Addenda can be added at the time of the contract or afterwards as long as all parties to the contract sign off on (or initial) the addendum. Consider adding a confidentiality clause or a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). If you'd prefer the other party not to share the information in the contract with others, you can include a clause forbidding the other party from disclosing your information. Alternatively, you can have the other party sign an NDA prior to entering the contract; this ensures that they cannot share your information without facing legal action. Consider adding a mutual NDA, which would protect both parties from sharing each other's information. A confidentiality clause can protect a small business from having trade secrets exposed. A confidentiality clause may also require one party to return the other party's information or property when the contract has been fulfilled. Include a clause describing how the contract will be terminated. Specify how long the contract will last. If it's for a one-time exchange of services, state that it will be terminated upon completion of the transaction. If it's a contract for ongoing services, you may want to state that either party may end the contract by giving 30 days' notice. Include language about what will happen if someone is in breach of the contract. For example: "If Jane Smith does not copy-edit 300 pages for ABC Publishing by August 3, 2013, this contract is null and void." Be aware that a minor breach of contract may not void the rest of the terms. For example, if Jane Smith was contracted to copy-edit 300 pages for ABC Publishing by August 3, 2013, but only completed 285 pages, this would likely be considered a minor breach. Because Jane Smith has completed a substantial amount of the work and appears to have made a good faith effort to fulfill the contract, it is unlikely that ABC Publishing could completely nullify the contract. However, they probably could be eligible for some sort of remedy, such as paying a lower rate. Add dispute resolution terms that specify how the issue will be handled if a breach occurs. Note who will pay attorney's fees and court costs and specify the jurisdiction of any court action (city or county and state). If the contract is for a small business, consider adding a mediation or arbitration clause, which is substantially less expensive and time-consuming than a court trial. Make sure the contract is in accordance with the law. Research which state and federal laws might pertain to the contract so you can ensure that it is legally enforceable. For example, if the contract controls a construction project for a government body, the contract will need a clause stating the contractor will not discriminate on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religion or nationality. You cannot contract for illegal goods or services. These contracts are considered void, which means they are as if they never existed. Void contracts cannot be enforced and are not subject to remedies or damages. For example, if Fatima agrees to pay Nathaniel $100,000 for a delivery of cocaine to her home in Virginia, this contract is void because the sale and purchase of cocaine is illegal in the United States. Illegal services also cannot be contracted. For example, if you hire a blackjack dealer to run a blackjack table in a state where gambling is illegal, this contract is void. Even if both you and the dealer agree to the terms, the service is illegal, and thus you cannot contract for it. Reserve the last page for the parties to sign and date the contract. Provide spaces for each name and spaces for the date the contract is signed. Make an offer. When the contract is ready, send it to the other party to look over. The offer may be accepted or rejected as-is. It is also common for the other party to respond with a counteroffer, or changes that should be made before the contract is accepted. If you want to speed things along you can include a date by which the contract should be signed, addressed or rejected. Legally, the other party is obligated to respond "within a reasonable amount of time.” What counts as a reasonable amount of time is highly subjective, however. For example, if you are negotiating the terms of your employment with a company, they may require you to return your decision on their offer within a certain period of time, such as two weeks. You can revoke the offer rather than accept it. Once the offer is accepted, you've entered into a binding agreement. Negotiate until an agreement has been reached. It's common for the parties to go back and forth with changes to the contract until they are both satisfied with the terms and the language. Haggling over the payment is the most common form of negotiation. Specify the schedule and method of payments in the contract. You may want a single lump sum, a monthly payment, or a down payment and follow-up installments. Specify if payments should be made by cash or check or if you will accept credit cards. Other negotiations might include debating provisions in a contract. For example, consider that you are buying a house. You get the contract of sale, and it has a provision that requires you to forego a building inspection to purchase the house. You might send this contract back to the seller (or seller's agent) and request that this provision be removed. Sign the contract. When you and the other party are both in agreement that the contract is final, sign and date the contract and have the other party do so as well. Be aware that many companies use electronic signature services such as DocuSign or Adobe Document Cloud with eSign. These electronic signatures are used in place of a written signature and are legally binding. Keep a copy of the contract for your reference, and make sure the other party (or parties) has one as well. You may want to stipulate that the contract takes effect upon signing. In other cases, you may want the contract to take effect at a certain date. | Determine whether you need a contract. Be aware of the basic requirements of all contracts. Make sure all parties are legally able to participate. Plan to exchange something of value. Ensure all parties are in agreement. Come to an agreement in good faith. Start with basic information. Detail the exchange of consideration. Use addenda when necessary. Consider adding a confidentiality clause or a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Include a clause describing how the contract will be terminated. Make sure the contract is in accordance with the law. Reserve the last page for the parties to sign and date the contract. Make an offer. Negotiate until an agreement has been reached. Sign the contract. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-Magnetic-False-Eyelashes | How to Wear Magnetic False Eyelashes | Magnetic false eyelashes are easy to apply and can last longer than regular false eyelashes. Before you put them on, put a little mascara on the inner corners of your natural lashes, which will help balance out the look of the false eyelashes. Place the top lash strip over your upper eyelashes near the outer corner of your eye. Then, place the bottom lash strip just underneath the top lash strip on your upper lashes. The magnets should click into place. Make sure you don't apply mascara on top of the magnetic lashes since they won't last as long. At the end of the day, grasp the top and bottom of the lashes and gently pull them away from your face to remove them. | Add all other make up first. This is especially important if you are new to magnetic false eyelashes as you will apply them less gracefully when initially using them. Put all your other makeup on first before applying your magnetic false eyelashes. Otherwise, the lashes could smudge your other makeup during the application process. Apply mascara to the inside corners of your natural lashes. Magnetic false lashes only cover the outer corners of your eyes. Apply mascara to the lashes on the inner corner of your eye before applying false lashes. This will balance out the look. To avoid getting black marks on your skin, tilt your head downward while you're applying mascara to your lower lashes. Let your lower lashes dry for 30-60 seconds, then tilt your head up to do your top lashes. Opt for a mascara tube that comes with a smaller brush. This makes it easier to target only a small portion of your lashes. Use pencil eyeliner. Liquid eyeliner tends to stick to false eyelashes. This can decrease how long they last. If you wear eyeliner, opt for pencil eyeliner when wearing magnetic false eyelashes. In general, any liquid-based makeup should not be used around your eyes when you're wearing false eyelashes. Do not get mascara on your magnetic eyelashes. Be very careful not to get mascara on your false eyelashes. Keeping false eyelashes clean will help them last longer. Remember to only apply mascara before applying your magnetic lashes. Lay a microfiber cloth down in front of you. Wherever you're applying your lashes, lay a microfiber cloth down in front of you. Set your magnetic false eyelashes on this cloth. If they fall while you're applying them, they'll be easier to find if they land on the cloth. Place the top lash strip over your eyelashes. The top lash strip should be labeled with a dot or other marking. Refer to your package's instructions to figure out how your top strip is labeled. Remove the top strip and place it just over your eyelashes near the outer corner of your eye. Get the top lash strip as close to your lash line as possible. Put on the bottom lash strip. The bottom lash strip will be marked by a different color dot. Use your thumb and index finger to pick up the bottom lash strip. Place it just underneath the top lash strip. The magnets should click in place. Remove the lashes. When you want to remove the lashes, gently grab them between your thumb and index finger. Shift them between your fingers until you feel the magnets come apart. Then, carefully pull the magnetic lashes away from your eyelashes. Magnetic eye lashes are reusable and can be used multiple times before they need replacing. When you take them off put them back in their original container for later use. That will help them hold their shape and will protect them from damage. Keep the false lashes stored in a cool, dry place. Wash your hands before applying eyelashes. Any time you're touching your eyes and eyelids, you should wash your hands. Wet your hands with clean water, lather them with soap, and then scrub them for about 20 seconds before rinsing. Dry your hands using a clean towel. Let your eye makeup dry before putting on the lashes. You may need to adjust the eyelashes a few times to get them in the right position. Allow your other eye makeup to dry and set before applying the lashes. It may be a good idea to wear minimal makeup around your eyes until you're used to applying your lashes. Practice before wearing your eyelashes out. It can take awhile to get used to using magnetic lashes. Practice before you wear the lashes out, as they may look awkward the first few times you put them on. | Add all other make up first. Apply mascara to the inside corners of your natural lashes. Use pencil eyeliner. Do not get mascara on your magnetic eyelashes. Lay a microfiber cloth down in front of you. Place the top lash strip over your eyelashes. Put on the bottom lash strip. Remove the lashes. Wash your hands before applying eyelashes. Let your eye makeup dry before putting on the lashes. Practice before wearing your eyelashes out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Boyfriend-in-Three-Weeks | How to Get a Boyfriend in Three Weeks | If you want to get a boyfriend within 3 weeks, try asking friends if they could set you up with someone. For example, you might say, “Sarah, you have a lot of guy friends. Could you set me up with someone for next weekend?”. When this isn't an option for you, try talking to guys in social settings, such as during recess at school or when you go see a movie with friends. During a conversation with a guy, give him signs with your body language to show you're interested, like leaning towards him when he speaks and smiling at him. Additionally, flirt with him by laughing or gently teasing him. Once you're done with small talk, try to find something you have in common, like video games or a sports team, which will give you something to chat about in more detail. As your connection develops, ask him out on a date rather than waiting for him to ask you. You could say, “It seems we both like movies. Do you want to go see a movie with me on Friday night?”. | Build your confidence. To meet a guy quickly, you're going to need to put some effort into finding the right person. One of the best ways to attract someone is to show that you like yourself. Take some steps to boost your confidence. If you like yourself, it's more likely that other people will, too. Practice. If you're nervous about talking to a guy you like, figure out your game plan ahead of time. Try rehearsing what you want to say in front of the mirror. This will help you feel less nervous when you are with your crush. Pick an outfit that makes you feel good. Wear something that makes you happy. For example, if red is your lucky color wear your favorite red sweater to school tomorrow. Figure out what you want. There might be a special occasion coming up that makes you feel like you need a boyfriend fast. Sure, it will be great to have a prom date, but remember, you don't want just any boyfriend. Take some time to list your dating priorities. Make a list of the qualities that interest you. Do you want someone who is funny? Write it down. Should he share your love of scary movies? Put it on the list. Don't forget to include characteristics such as kindness and treating you with respect. Be outgoing. You need to get be prepared to talk to people if you want to find a boyfriend fast. Practice being outgoing. It's a helpful trait to have when you are trying to make a connection with someone. Be ready to participate in any conversation. If the guy you like is talking about soccer, don't be afraid to say, "I think soccer is cool, but I don't know much about it. Can you tell me some of the important things to know?" Smile. This tells people you are confident and ready to chat. Ask your friends for help. Your social network can be a great resource when you're looking for someone new to date. Try asking your friends to help you out. And don't forget to mention your deadline! You could say, "Sarah, you have lots of guy friends. Can you think of someone you can set me up with for this weekend?" If you have someone in mind, you might say, "Steph, I think your friend Colin is cute. Can you ask him if he wants to go to the movies with a group of us on Friday?" Socialize. If you want a boyfriend fast, you need to put yourself out there. This means you need to be very social. Try to say "yes" to every invitation you receive. Maybe your friends invite you to go see a movie, but you don't feel like seeing that film. Go anyway! You never know who will be in the group. Mix and mingle wherever you are. If you're at your little brother's soccer game, don't be afraid to say "hi" to the cute guy sitting next to you. Use social media. If you're a young, social person you likely have several social media accounts. Try using technology to your advantage! You can connect with someone you already know on several platforms. Use Facebook. Go ahead and friend the smart guy from your English class! Did you meet someone at a party recently? Ask to follow them on Instagram. Use body language. You can use physical signs to show a guy that you are interested in him. This can open the door to flirting and conversation. And then hopefully a date! Lean closer when he is speaking. This will help show that you are interested. Try a light touch during the conversation. If he makes you laugh, react by gently placing your hand on his for a moment. Avoid standing with your arms crossed. This is a signal that you are not interested. Try flirting. If you want the guy to ask you out, flirting is a great way to let him know that you like him. Take some time to practice your flirting technique. The next time you meet someone, you'll be ready! Try gently teasing him. You might say, "Wow, you're really into video games. Do you ever have time to do anything else? Like go to the movies?" Laugh. When he says something amusing, make sure to react positively. Use a light tone of voice. Make sure not to speak to loudly or too intensely. Don't forget to smile and make eye contact! Start a conversation. Don't be afraid to make the first move. If you notice a guy you like, approach him. Try making small talk and see where it goes. Ask a question. You could try, "I've never seen you here before. Do you go to school nearby?" Comment on something going on around you. For example, "Wow, the music they're playing is awesome. Do you like hip-hop?" Find common ground. Once you have started the conversation, it's time to go more in depth. Try to find something that you have in common. This will help you find ways to connect with him. Maybe you notice that he is wearing a Chicago Bears hat. You could say, "I don't know much about the Bears, but I love football! Maybe you could tell me about your favorite team." If reading is your passion, ask him what his favorite book is. Promise to read it and then bring it up next time you see him. Plan a date. Once you two have connected, it's time to take the next step. You don't have to wait for a guy to ask you out. Be confident and ask him to do something! Try saying, "It seems like we are both into movies. Do you want to go see the new Marvel movie with me on Friday night?" You can also put some of the planning on him. You could say, "I'm free Friday night. What should we do?" Have fun together. After you've found a guy to date, you can focus on connecting on a deeper level. One of the best ways to bond with your new guy is to focus on fun. Look for ways to have a good time together. Make sure to laugh. Try watching a funny movie together, or telling each other jokes. Don't be afraid to be playful. If you pass a park, ask if he wants to push you on the swings. Spend time with each other. When you're building a new relationship, it is important to spend quality time together. Make sure to make time for your new boyfriend, and ask the same of him. Be creative! Study together. Doing homework or quizzing each other for an upcoming test is a great way to get in some quality time without neglecting your responsibilities. Take turns picking an activity. Try alternating making the plans for your Friday night date. Try new things. Experiencing new things is a great way to connect. Look for fun activities that neither or you have tried before. For example, you could try taking a dance lesson together. You could also try learning a new sport. Maybe the two of you could try to figure out tennis together. Respect each other. When you are dating a guy, make sure that you treat him with respect. Likewise, he should also treat you with respect. This means listening to each other and being kind. Make sure to show up on time when you have plans. Expect the same from him. If a guy doesn't treat you with kindness, he is not worth your time. | Build your confidence. Figure out what you want. Be outgoing. Ask your friends for help. Socialize. Use social media. Use body language. Try flirting. Start a conversation. Find common ground. Plan a date. Have fun together. Spend time with each other. Try new things. Respect each other. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-White-Sauce | How to Make White Sauce | To make a basic white sauce, first melt 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, add 2 tablespoons (16 grams) of all-purpose flour, and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Pour in 1 cup (235 milliliters) of milk and keep whisking until the sauce thickens. Finally, add a bit of salt and a dash of white pepper. To make a cheesy white sauce, add ½ cup (60 grams) of grated cheese to the saucepan after you add the milk. | Melt butter (any type works). In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt your butter over low-to-medium heat on the stove. When the butter's fully melted, proceed immediately to the next step without allowing it to reduce any further. Whisk in flour, salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, roughly combine flour, salt, and pepper. Whisk this mixture into the melted butter, combining until smooth and paste-like. Cook until bubbly. Heat over medium heat until the mixture bubbles without letting it brown - about 1 minute. This is mixture of fat and flour is called a roux and can be used as a base or thickening ingredient in a variety of recipes including gumbo and other thick soups. Heat milk (optional). It's not essential to heat your milk before adding it to your white sauce, but doing so can help ensure your end product is silky smooth. If you'd like to do this, heat your milk in a separate pan over low heat just until small bubbles form around the edges, then remove from heat. Add milk slowly. Stir your milk into your roux mixture. For smoothness, it's best to add a little milk, stir until fully incorporated into the sauce, then repeat. If you add all the milk at once, it may not incorporate fully, leaving you with an uneven, lumpy sauce. Whisk until smooth. When you've added all your milk, use a whisk to gently stir your sauce, making sure to break up any remaining solid portions. Stir until your sauce is even throughout. Cook until thickened and smooth. All that's left to do is to cook your sauce until it reduces to your desired thickness and taste. Cook for about 2-3 minutes more, frequently stirring and sampling your sauce to ensure evenness. If needed, feel free to add additional salt and pepper to taste. Serves about 4. When cooled, this sauce can develop an unappetizing skin. To avoid this, cover it with wax paper or pour a thin layer of milk on top before putting it in the fridge. Try customizing your sauce. One of the most useful properties of basic white sauces is that they're so easy to modify for a wide range of purposes. For instance, if you'd like to give your sauce an added "kick", try adding red pepper. You might also try grating cheddar cheese into your sauce for scrumptious cheesy flavor. Experiment - because its flavor is so neutral, most common ingredients complement a basic white sauce well. Case in point - the recipe in the next section modifies the basic white sauce with a few extra ingredients and the omission of flour to create a delicious Alfredo pasta sauce. Melt butter with olive oil. Add your butter and olive oil to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over low-to-medium heat until the butter is fully melted but hasn't begun to smoke or brown. Add garlic, cream, and pepper. Add your minced garlic and heavy cream to the saucepan and stir until well-mixed. Add pepper (to taste) and heat to a low simmer. Stir often. Add cheeses. Add your cream cheese, parmesan, and asiago. Stir to incorporate, making sure that all cheeses have completely melted before proceeding. This step affords you a great deal of freedom - feel free to fine-tune your mixture of cheeses to find one that better suits your taste. Some chefs, for example, like to substitute mozzarella or add a dash of sharp white cheddar for added flavor. Add wine to taste. Add just a dash of your dry white wine to your sauce, then stir to incorporate. After the wine has been absorbed, sample your sauce. Depending on how you like the flavor, you may want to add more wine to your sauce as you see fit. Keep in mind that adding a great deal of wine will give you a somewhat watery sauce, meaning you'll have to allow it to reduce for longer. You can use grape powder or grape juice in place of wine. It has almost the same effect. Reduce over low simmer. If it isn't still simmering, bring your sauce up to a low simmer, then allow it to gradually reduce, stirring frequently. Frequent stirring is essential - since it will be relatively thick, Alfredo sauce is susceptible to sticking and burning. You want your end product to be thick, creamy, and flavorful without being gummy or solid. When you've reached a good thickness, immediately remove your sauce from heat and serve with pasta. Serves 4-6. Finished. | Melt butter (any type works). Whisk in flour, salt and pepper. Cook until bubbly. Heat milk (optional). Add milk slowly. Whisk until smooth. Cook until thickened and smooth. Try customizing your sauce. Melt butter with olive oil. Add garlic, cream, and pepper. Add cheeses. Add wine to taste. Reduce over low simmer. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Manage-Arthritis-in-Senior-Dogs | How to Manage Arthritis in Senior Dogs | You can manage arthritis in your senior dog by applying a warm compress to its problem areas to soothe the pain. Additionally, try setting up an Orthopedic dog bed in a warm area of the house to lessen pressure on its joints. Aside from making your dog comfortable, focus on keeping it at a healthy weight to reduce joint pain. You can try doing non-weight-bearing exercise with your dog, like swimming, or if your vet recommends, going on a leash walk each day. | Make sure your dog maintains a healthy weight. You do not want your dog to be overweight and have arthritis, as extra pounds can put more stress on their joints. Make sure your dog is at a healthy weight for their age and breed. Your vet can tell you if your dog is overweight and help you monitor your pet's weight so they are healthy. If your dog is overweight, your vet may suggest an eating plan where your dog is given a limited amount of healthy food. You may try giving your dog healthy treats to help them stay at a reasonable weight, especially if your dog is older. Apply a warm compress on problem areas. You should try to keep your pet warm, as the cold can irritate their arthritis. If your pet has any problem areas that tend to swell up due to arthritis, you can try putting warm compresses on the area. You can also allow your pet to sleep with a hot water bottle so they are comfortable at night. Another way to keep problem areas warm is to put your dog in a pet sweater. Make sure the sweater goes over your pet's torso and limbs so they can stay warm. Have your dog do non-weight bearing exercises. Being physically active is important for senior dogs, as it helps them maintain a healthy weight and healthy joints. If your dog has mild, early arthritis, try having them do non-weight bearing exercises like swimming. The water will help to support their limbs as they swim and splash around. You can also try getting your dog to go on at least one leash walk a day. These exercises are a little more weight bearing so you may want to consult with your vet before doing them with your pup to ensure they will not irritate their arthritis. Support your dog in a sling. If the dog is struggling to walk or squat, you can assist them by making a sling. Slip a long wide piece of canvas, belt, or towel under your dog's chest, and hold each end. Pull on the ends when your dog stands up to help them maintain their balance.This will take some weight off of the dog's back end so that they can walk more easily. You can also use the sling to help your dog climb the stairs and enter or exit the car. If you need a fast and easy sling, you can use a bath towel. Simply slide it under your dog's chest and make sure the towel is long enough to support your dog when they move. Create a warm, padded sleeping space for your dog. To ensure your dog stays warm, you should set up a padded sleeping space for the in an area that is free of drafts or cold air. You may get a firm, orthopedic bed for them that is dome shaped to help distribute their weight evenly and put less pressure on their joints. Set up their bed in a warm place in your home that is not near a window or a drafty area so they stay warm. Cold can irritate their arthritis. You may also make sure there are a lot of soft, padded spots for your dog to lounge and rest on in your home. Couches, ottomans, and soft carpet are all great for dogs with arthritis, as they help to support and cushion their joints. Keep food and water bowls at a comfortable height. You do not want your pup to have to strain themselves to reach their food and water. Place their food and water bowls at a spot they can reach, such as on the ground by the door or on the lowest step of a set of stairs. If you live in a multi-level home, make sure there is a water bowl for your pet on every floor. This will reduce the amount of time they have to spend going up and down the stairs to get a drink. You should also make sure their food and water dishes are on a non-slip surface, such as a rubber mat. This will ensure your dog is not at risk of slipping or tripping when they eat. Install ramps and barriers in your home. You should do your best to ensure your dog can move around easily in your home, even with their arthritis. Consider installing ramps in your home so your dog can go up stairs or access other areas of your home with ease. Make your own ramps from plywood covered in carpeting or buy ramps at your local pet store. Make sure the ramps are not too steep and that both ends are secure so your pet is not at risk of injury. You can also set up barriers in your home to prevent your dog from using the stairs. Sometimes, dogs do not know they are putting too much stress on their joints. Putting up barriers makes it clear they need to stay on one floor of the home and avoid climbing up and down stairwells to avoid irritating their arthritis. Get massage therapy for your dog. Muscle massages are good for stimulating blood flow and reducing irritation in the joints. Your senior dog may benefit from a massage therapy session with a certified canine massage therapist. Look for a certified therapist in your area or ask your vet for recommendations. Many massage therapists can show you several techniques that you can do at home on your own when your senior dog's arthritis flares up. Consider acupuncture for your dog. Alternative medicine like acupuncture has been shown to help dogs feel more comfortable and less irritated by their arthritis. Acupuncture can also help your dog be more mobile despite their arthritis. Ask your vet to recommend a certified acupuncturist who works on dogs and other animals. You may also ask other pet owners who have dogs with arthritis if they have used an acupuncturist for their dog's issue. Try stem cell therapy. Stem cell therapy is an emerging treatment that is gaining popularity. While it is a more expensive option, it may be able to provide relief for your dog by relieving pain and inflammation. To perform stem cell therapy, the vet may extract cells from your dog's bone marrow or fatty tissue. They may also use cells from another dog. They will then inject these stem cells into the affected joints. Talk to your vet about medications for arthritis. Never give your dog human medication for their arthritis, as this can lead to other health issues. Speak to your vet about medications you can give your dog for their arthritis. There are several anti-inflammatory medications that can be prescribed to dogs for their arthritis. Your vet should outline any side effects or health complications that may arise while your dog is on the medication. Keep your vet updated while your dog is on medication to ensure there are no issues. Visit a veterinary physiotherapist. Veterinary physiotherapists can suggest different exercises to increase your dog's strength and mobility. They may also be able to provide different forms of treatment, such as laser treatments and hydrotherapy. You can ask your vet for a referral to a local physiotherapist. | Make sure your dog maintains a healthy weight. Apply a warm compress on problem areas. Have your dog do non-weight bearing exercises. Support your dog in a sling. Create a warm, padded sleeping space for your dog. Keep food and water bowls at a comfortable height. Install ramps and barriers in your home. Get massage therapy for your dog. Consider acupuncture for your dog. Try stem cell therapy. Talk to your vet about medications for arthritis. Visit a veterinary physiotherapist. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stretch-Leather-Boots | How to Stretch Leather Boots | To stretch leather boots, start by putting on your thickest pair of socks and forcing the boots on your feet over the socks. Next, heat the areas that are tight with a hair dryer on the highest setting. As the boot warms up, stretch and flex your foot to help stretch the leather out. Then, leave the boots on your feet until they are completely cool before taking them off. Finally, apply a leather conditioner to the boots to replenish any lost moisture. | Pick a 1-way stretcher to expand the width of your boots. There are a few different types of stretchers, and it's important to pick the right kind based on how your boots need to be stretched. If your boots are too narrow but otherwise fit great, you can use a 1-way stretcher to make the soles wider. Many shoe stores sell boot stretchers and you can also find them online. They generally cost about $20-$40. Boot stretchers can increase your boot size by 1/2-1 size total. If your boots are 2 sizes too small, though, you may need to buy a new pair. Opt for a 2-way stretcher to lengthen and widen your boots. When you turn the handle on a 2-way stretcher, it both expands and elongates your boots. If your shoes are too narrow and if your heels or toes are consistently getting pinched or blistered, this is a great option for you. Wooden stretchers are the most durable option and add a nice scent to your boots, whereas plastic stretchers are less expensive and easier to travel with. Check out the reviews of different options when you go to make your purchase. Use a boot-calf stretcher to widen the calves of your leather boots. You can buy a boot-calf stretcher on its own, or you can get one that is combined with a 1- or 2-way stretcher to adjust the fit of the entire boot at once. If just the calves of your boots are a little too tight, use a boot-calf stretcher on its own. These instruments are great for both hiking boots and zip-up or slip-on boots. There are even stretchers that will specifically target the instep of a boot in case that area is too tight for comfort. Buy 2 boot stretchers so you will have one for each boot. Most boot stretchers are sold in pairs, but some sources sell them individually. If you're ordering online, make sure to check and see if you'll be getting 1 or 2 stretchers with your order. If you aren't in a rush, you could purchase a single stretcher and use it over a few days and stretch each boot individually. Insert the boot stretcher while it is unexpanded. You must get the stretcher into place in the boot first before you make any sizing adjustments. Slide the stretcher into the boot as far as it will go so that the tip of the toes fits snuggly into the end of the boot. You'll use the same process for a 1-way or 2-way stretcher. If you're using a calf stretcher on its own, you just need to put the stretcher down into the calf section of the boot. It shouldn't go into the actual sole section at all. Expand the boot stretcher until you see resistance in the leather. Turn the handle clockwise to start the stretching process. Continue turning the handle until you see from the outside that the leather is being stretched. The handle will adjust both the width and the length of the stretcher if you're using a 2-way stretcher. If you're worried about over-stretching your boots, apply a light amount of pressure and then increase the amount of stretch each subsequent night until you get to the desired size. Leave the boot stretcher in place overnight for 6-8 hours. If you leave the stretcher in place for less time than this, it won't have much of an effect. It's also totally fine for you to leave the stretcher in place for longer periods. Depending on how much your boots need to be stretched, it may take 2-3 nights to get them to the right size. Be patient and try the boots on every morning to see how much progress has been made. Boot stretchers also work well for stretching rubber boots. Use a leather-stretching spray while wearing the boots for a custom fit. Spray the inside of the boots rather than the outside to keep the leather in good condition. If you spray the outside, the leather could get discolored. Put the boots on while they are still wet from the spray to get the boots to stretch to fit your foot. These products can be bought at shoe stores, convenience stores, and online. You can usually get a small bottle for under $10. Spray alcohol mixed with water inside your boots to stretch the calves. This method can work for the entire body of the boot, but it works especially well for calves that are a little too tight. Mix a 1:1 ratio of rubbing alcohol and water in a clean spray bottle. Saturate the inside of your boots with the spray, and then wear the boots until they're completely dry. You can repeat this method as often as you need to. If you don't want to wear the boots while they're wet, use a calve-stretcher in conjunction with the spray for the best results. Wear wet boots to stretch them to the size of your foot. Submerge your boots completely in a bucket of water. Leave the boots to soak for 5 minutes. Then, put the boots on and wear them around for 30 minutes or until they have dried. While they're drying, massage a conditioning cream into the leather to help them retain their new, stretched shape. Leather conditioning cream can be bought online, at a shoe store, or many convenience stores, usually for less than $10. Wear thick socks to break in new boots and stretch the leather. This method works best for new shoes that are just a little too tight or that pinch your toes. Put on 1-2 pairs of thick socks (as many as you can wear while still being able to put on the boots), then put on your boots and walk around in them for 30 minutes at a time. After 4-5 days of doing this, your boots should be broken in and should fit better than they did before. This process can be a little uncomfortable, so do it when you're at home and will be able to take the boots off after 30 minutes or so. Having to wear the extra socks and have that excess pressure on your feet all day long wouldn't feel great. Wear your boots and reshape the leather with a hairdryer. Put on a pair of thick socks and then put on your boots. Use a hairdryer to blow hot air on the boots for 3-5 minutes. Be careful to not apply heat for much longer than that as it could damage the leather. The heat relaxes the leather and reshapes it to fit the extra bulk provided by the thick pair of socks you put on. You can repeat this process daily if needed. Expand your toe space by freezing water in your boots overnight. Take a gallon-sized plastic bag and fill it halfway with water. Settle the bag into your boot and use something to prop up the heel so that the water stays primarily in the toes. Freeze the boots overnight. In the morning, take the boots out of the freezer and let the water defrost before you remove the plastic bag. As the water freezes, it expands, creating a natural stretcher for your boots. | Pick a 1-way stretcher to expand the width of your boots. Opt for a 2-way stretcher to lengthen and widen your boots. Use a boot-calf stretcher to widen the calves of your leather boots. Buy 2 boot stretchers so you will have one for each boot. Insert the boot stretcher while it is unexpanded. Expand the boot stretcher until you see resistance in the leather. Leave the boot stretcher in place overnight for 6-8 hours. Use a leather-stretching spray while wearing the boots for a custom fit. Spray alcohol mixed with water inside your boots to stretch the calves. Wear wet boots to stretch them to the size of your foot. Wear thick socks to break in new boots and stretch the leather. Wear your boots and reshape the leather with a hairdryer. Expand your toe space by freezing water in your boots overnight. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Vibrato-on-a-Violin | How to Do Vibrato on a Violin | Performing a vibrato on a violin is when you move your finger or wrist quickly to create a different mood in your music. You can practice by collapsing the first joint of your finger and rolling it back up again. Once you can repeat this basic motion, try doing it as you bow a note. Work on this exercise with all your fingers, even though you'll probably find that your index and middle fingers are best. Once you're familiar with the finger movement, try doing a wrist vibrato. This involves you moving your wrist as if you're knocking on a door while bowing a note. Start slow with each exercise and gradually build up speed until you feel confident. | Use the different vibrato techniques to create different moods. Arm vibrato is slower and broader, so it is typically used for slow, somber music. In contrast, the faster, shallower movements of wrist vibrato add color and flair to a more exuberant melody. Finger vibrato is quicker and brighter than wrist vibrato. Many songs work best with a combination of different types of vibrato to set the tone from one part of the song into the next. For example, a dramatic tango may start slow, then transition to a faster pace as the dance intensifies. You could use arm vibrato to provide a sense of tension building during the slow part, then transition to a wrist vibrato. Set your metronome to a slow beat and work on your finger movement. Using your index finger, pick a note and bow the string to the slow beat of the metronome. Collapse the first joint of your finger, then roll it back up. The note may not necessarily sound different, but it will get you in the habit of moving your fingers correctly for vibrato. Make sure your finger is not moving up and down the string or bending the string too much. You want to keep the correct intonation while playing vibrato. Once you've got the movement down with your index finger, repeat the exercise with your middle finger, then your ring finger, and finally your pinky. Don't think you need to get the motion down with all of your fingers in one practice session – take your time and build the muscle memory one finger at a time. Make a knocking motion with your hand to perform wrist vibrato. Once you know how to roll your fingers, practice moving your wrist as though you were knocking on a door. Start slow, using a metronome, and gradually increase your speed. Practicing this movement away from your violin can help you develop muscle memory. Hold a stress ball or tennis ball in your hand with your arm at the same angle it would be if you were playing the violin and practice the knocking motion. If you place your pointer or ring finger on a note, you can practice vibrato by actually knocking your knuckles against the E-string tuning peg – just take care not to knock too hard or you might knock your E string out of tune. Expand your knocking movement to create arm vibrato. Arm vibrato is very similar to wrist vibrato – it's just a larger movement that involves your entire forearm, rather than just your wrist. Keeping your arm loose, repeat the same knocking motion you did with wrist vibrato. However, for arm vibrato the movement will come more from the elbow. It can help to imagine that instead of politely knocking on a door, you are pounding on a large castle door. As with wrist vibrato, practice the movement until you have the technique right. Start with a stronger finger. Learning how to create a clean vibrato with all 4 fingers will take some time – particularly with the weaker pinky finger. Your second or third finger is typically the best finger to start with when you're learning vibrato. Some accomplished violinists aren't able to create a strong vibrato with their pinky finger – so don't worry if you can't do it with all 4 fingers right away. Although it's less common for a skilled violinist to have trouble with the first finger, there are some who still have difficulty. Exercise your fingers to increase your finger speed. Your fingers likely won't build the strength and mobility to create a strong vibrato simply by playing the violin. Regular finger exercises will strengthen the muscles in your fingers and improve the flexibility of your joints. Simply tapping on a tabletop is a basic exercise to improve your finger strength. Cup your hand along the edge of the table and tap your first finger 5 - 10 times, then move to the second and repeat the exercise, all the way down to your pinky. If you know how to play trills (alternating quickly between one note and the note above), you can use that technique to improve your finger strength as well. Stretch your fingers by opening your hand and curling each fingertip to the base of your thumb. Try to move your fingers independently without moving the other fingers. Hold the stretch for a breath or two, then release. Repeat 3 - 5 times with each finger of your left hand. Try finger vibrato once you've built up your speed. To perform finger vibrato, you will make this same motion, but your fingers will move very fast. Finger vibrato is a more advanced technique than wrist or arm vibrato. It can take some time to build up the strength and mobility in your fingers to the point that you can do it with control. Finger vibrato uses the same rolling motion that you used when creating wrist or arm vibrato. However, you need to move your finger much faster so that your finger is vibrating against the string. Finger vibrato creates a light, wavering sound that can add liveliness to notes in faster pieces. Start with a slower arm vibrato to add in the bow. When you first start learning vibrato, coordinating your hands can be the most difficult part. You'll likely find that you want to sync up the movement of your arm or wrist with your bowing. Using a slower vibrato to start can help you learn to operate your two hands independently of each other. When you first start practicing, don't be alarmed if your vibrato sounds more like a police siren or a dying cow than the beautiful, emotional instrument you know the violin to be. Keep at it, and you'll gradually develop a better tone. At this point, it's more important to make sure you've got the technique down than to produce the best sound. The sound will come, but if you don't have the technique you'll develop bad habits that could increase your risk of repetitive injuries later on. Try vibrato with all 4 fingers on all 4 strings. Once you have the basic motion down, increase your versatility by practicing with all fingers on all strings. Expect to have more difficulty with weaker fingers, such as your pinky finger. Some fingers and strings will be more difficult than others. Typically, your shorter, weaker pinky finger will be the most difficult. Don't worry if you can't get it right away, or if some fingers come more quickly than others – just keep at it. Practice vibrato with single notes to develop muscle memory. Set your metronome to a moderate beat and try to produce a vibrato with every click of the metronome. At the same time, draw your bow slowly across the string for its entire length. It will take some adjustment to get used to moving your left arm in time with the metronome and not moving the right arm at the same time – this is why a strong vibrato takes practice to perfect. Set the metronome as slow as you need to start, and don't worry if you mess up. Just take a deep breath and start again. Dedicate a couple of minutes during each practice session to working on your vibrato technique. Any more than that and you'll likely get bored or become frustrated. Don't attempt to mix the technique in with your regular playing until you have the technique perfected using most (if not all) fingers. Move on to practicing vibrato with slow scales. Once you're comfortable creating vibrato with 2 or 3 fingers on all strings, start playing a scale very slowly and incorporating vibrato on each note. This will help you get used to using vibrato while also changing finger positions. Remember to keep your left arm and hand loose and relaxed as you play. Avoid the tendency to tense up on the violin as you change finger positions. As you play the scales, gradually increase the intensity (speed) of your vibrato. Incorporate vibrato into a long, slow song to continue your practice. Begin with a slow song that is relatively easy, or that you already know, so that you can focus on the vibrato rather than on finding the notes. Play the song slowly, using a metronome. If you're practicing alone, it can help to record your playing and listen to it later to check your intonation. Start by adding vibrato to songs you already know. When you feel marginally comfortable with vibrato and have a strong technique, you're ready to start using vibrato when playing songs. Adding this technique to a song you already know enables you to understand how vibrato enriches the music. If you start with a song you already know, you won't have to worry about hunting for the notes to play as well as figuring out where to add vibrato. You can simply focus on the vibrato. It's a good idea to start with slower songs, so you won't feel rushed trying to slip in the vibrato. Try arm vibrato for slow or sad songs. The broad, deep vibrations of arm vibrato lend themselves best to somber melodies that evoke an intense emotional response. In songs such as "Ave Maria" you can use arm vibrato to great effect. Arm vibrato is typically most suitable for notes that are held out for a long time. This will enable you to get the most vibrations out of the tone. Use wrist or finger vibrato for fast and lively songs. Faster songs don't give you time to develop the proper movement for a full arm vibrato. However, a little wrist vibrato, particularly at the end of musical phrases, can add intensity and flavor to your playing. Practice using vibrato on different notes, and at different places in the song. Although you can always mimic great violinists, it can also be a lot of fun to try to put your own spin on an arrangement. Combine vibrato techniques to add flair and emotion. Most songs you play on violin are not entirely of the same tempo. Using arm vibrato in slow sections can add intensity and build tension in the music. Adding wrist vibrato during faster sections livens the mood and helps release that tension. Watch videos of famous violinists, such as Joshua Bell or Itzhak Perlman, to see how they use vibrato when playing. Make a note of when they switch to different types of vibrato to enhance the mood of the song. | Use the different vibrato techniques to create different moods. Set your metronome to a slow beat and work on your finger movement. Make a knocking motion with your hand to perform wrist vibrato. Expand your knocking movement to create arm vibrato. Start with a stronger finger. Exercise your fingers to increase your finger speed. Try finger vibrato once you've built up your speed. Start with a slower arm vibrato to add in the bow. Try vibrato with all 4 fingers on all 4 strings. Practice vibrato with single notes to develop muscle memory. Move on to practicing vibrato with slow scales. Incorporate vibrato into a long, slow song to continue your practice. Start by adding vibrato to songs you already know. Try arm vibrato for slow or sad songs. Use wrist or finger vibrato for fast and lively songs. Combine vibrato techniques to add flair and emotion. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Guinea-Pig | How to Buy a Guinea Pig | To buy a guinea pig, buy one at a pet store if you know what breed you want. Alternatively, look for one at a rescue or shelter if you don't mind getting a crossbreed. Once you're at the store or shelter, look for a plump, healthy guinea pig with bright, clear eyes and ears that are free from discharge. Additionally, pick one that's active, energetic, and running around on all four legs. | Consider pet stores. In many ways, a pet store is the most convenient route to purchasing a guinea pig. You can select and bring home your guinea pig on the same day without the wait and hassle you might encounter with a rescue. However, pet stores also have a number of drawbacks and many guinea pig owners advise against using them. You might end up with an unhealthy and poorly behaved pet. One downside to pet stores, or department stores that sell guinea pigs and other small cage animals, is that workers are oftentimes not knowledgable about pet needs. Guinea pigs may be kept in poor conditions and workers might be unable to answer basic questions about caring for your new pet. Pet store guinea pigs are also often mislabeled in terms of breed and gender, so you won't know exactly what you're getting. A more reliable pet shop route would be well-known retailers such as a local pet store with a solid reputation. In these types of stores, workers generally have some knowledge of guinea pig care. There is usually more of a process for adoption and you'll be provided information on guinea pig health, care, upkeep, and socialization. Prices vary depending on season, but guineas usually go for $30 to $60. Understand that pet stores shouldn't necessarily be your first option. They are notorious for selling improperly cared for guinea pigs and there are plenty of reports of customers buying pregnant or mixed sexed guinea pigs whilst being completely unaware. Most tend to sell equipment that are not suitable for guinea pigs too! Restrain from buying from a pet store unless you know they hold a good reputation. Think about a rescue. Guinea pig rescues help re-home guinea pigs that have been abandoned by former owners. Rescues tend to be more committed to finding quality homes for their pets, so you'll be taught how to care for your guinea pig if you go through a rescue. Websites like petfinder.com can help you locate guinea pigs in need of new homes in your area. Also, many animal shelters take guinea pigs and other exotic pets. Check shelters in your area to see if they take guinea pigs and if any are currently available for adoption. Adopting from a rescue is a process and the necessary work varies from shelter to shelter. Generally, there's some form of application in which you verify you're committed to providing a loving, safe home for your new pet. You may have to put down references. If so, choose other pet owners you have pet-sat for previously or people who have taken care of your animals in the past. Such people can confirm you're a responsible pet owner. Rescues can generally be trusted considering the workers there are mostly volunteers who put their energy and time towards raising ill-treated guinea pigs back to health and finding them loving homes. You can trust them to come home with a guinea pig which you know is healthy and you can leave confident that you haven't been misinformed. Ask around. Another way to find a guinea pig is by asking other guinea pig owners. They will be able to give you an inside look into the route they took. If you know someone with a guinea pig, ask him where he got his and whether or not he would recommend the shelter or pet shop to you. Ask friends who own guinea pigs to let you know if any of their females have babies. You might be able to adopt from a friend, but remember you'll have to put in some extra money for vaccinations and, if you choose, spaying or neutering. You can also ask your vet for advice. She might be able to point you in the direction of refutable breeders or quality rescues. Find a reputable breeder. A knowledgeable breeder with years of experience and expertise generally breeds guinea pigs with a strong bloodline and healthy genes. Purchasing your guinea pig through a breeder may be more expensive, as most reputable breeders only breed purebred guinea pigs for shows or as a hobby. Research registered breeders around your area. Avoid backyard breeders that are unregistered and breed for profit. To identify a reputable breeder, ask for recommendations from an exotic veterinarian or search online guinea pig breeding forums. You can also visit cavy shows to learn more about breeders in your area. Find a breeder that is passionate and caring about breeding, and genuinely cares for the welfare of their guinea pigs. A good breeder is not just in the business to make money or profit; they typically don't sell their guinea pigs to the first person that shows with cash in hand. A good breeder is one who is personally involved in each and every sale. Check the breeding facility when you arrive. If the guinea pigs are not adequately cared for, it's likely you are dealing with a backyard breeder and may risk being sold a sick or unhealthy pet. Ask plenty of questions when you arrive. Understand the basics of guinea pig care. Before you purchase a guinea pig, familiarize yourself with the kind of care guinea pigs need. You want to make sure you have the time and money to truly commit to your pet before making a purchase. Guinea pigs are social animals. While it's not impossible to make a guinea pig happy without a cage mate, it can be difficult. Guinea pigs thrive when they have a cage mate and many rescues will want you to adopt a pair together. Consider buying two guinea pigs to make sure your pet is not lonely. However, you should make sure that no two males, or a male and female should be placed together because there are already too many unwanted guinea pigs in the world. Make sure no two male guinea pigs are together ether unless the are related or at least one is neutered. Guinea pigs live about 6 years. Know how old your guinea pig is when you purchase him and how long you can expect him to live. You need to know you're able to commit to the guinea pig for that time frame. Make sure you have access to a vet with the necessary experience to treat your guinea pig. Guinea pigs are often considered exotic pets, meaning not all vets are willing to take them as patents. Find a good vet before buying a guinea pig. Many people purchase guinea pigs assuming they're more of an aesthetic commitment and that, much like fish, are content to roam around unattended. This is not the case. Guinea pigs need time out of their cage to run and explore and like to play with their humans. Your guinea pig will need attention and care each day. If you get a longhaired guinea pig, the commitment will be even greater as daily grooming is necessary. If you have cats, reconsider getting a guinea pig. Cats will view your guinea pig as prey. If you have cats, make sure there's a space you can keep your guinea pig's cage that's out of their reach. However, never put a guinea pig cage outside. Guinea pigs do not tolerate the cold well. Buy guinea pig food. Before you purchase your guinea pig, make sure you have adequate supplies. Start with selecting a good brand of food for your pet. Guinea pig food is sold at most pet stores. You should choose a diet specifically made for guinea pigs as you want to make sure they're getting adequate nutrition from their diet. In addition to their pet store food, guinea pigs also need to eat veggies and some fruits as a daily meal. Vitamin C supplements are important for guinea pigs as they cannot store or manufacture vitamin C on their own. Add vitamin C to their water each day to make sure they're getting the proper vitamins in their diet. Get a cage and the appropriate supplies. Your guinea pig will need a cage as guinea pigs cannot be left out in a home unsupervised. You can find a cage at a pet store. Once again, go to a well known retailer like Petco or Pet Smart or a refutable local business. You want to make sure workers can answer any questions you may have. Your guinea pig's home should be well-ventilated and big enough to store a food bowl, water bottle, and bedding. There is no set size for a guinea pig cage, but know that bigger is generally better. This is especially the case if you have two or more guinea pigs, as territory disputes are less likely in a larger cage. Having a bedding area is also important. Guinea pigs should have access to hay or grass to burrow in and guinea pig safe beds can be purchased at most pet stores. Make sure you designate a specific area of the cage for sleep. Purchase a water bottle and bowl. You need a water bottle and bowl to store your guinea pig's food. Your guinea pig will need a water bottle, not simply a bowl to store water. This is because guinea pigs can be slightly messy and you want to make sure their water is free of debris and food. You can purchase a water bowl to attach to a cage or crate at a pet store. In fact, some crates come with a water bottle already attached. Food bowls can also be purchased at pet stores. Make sure the brand you get is guinea pig safe. If you're confused, ask your vet. Find the right toys. Guinea pigs like to play, so make sure to have a variety of toys available for your pet before you move them into your home. Hidey houses are one option, which are small houses made of wood or cardboard that can be placed in a guinea pig's cage. They can be purchased online or you can make your own hidey house using cardboard. In general, you should have one hidey house for the number of guinea pigs in a crate. This reduces fighting. Small balls can be purchased at pet stores, which guinea pigs love to throw and chase. It's safer to go buy a toy specifically marketed for guinea pigs as the material used in other pet toys might not be guinea pig safe. Guinea pigs also love to chew. Household items, like paper towel or toilet paper rolls, can be placed in their cage for entertainment. Decide on gender. Before you make your selection, decide if you want a male or female. If you're purchasing guinea pigs in pairs, it's recommended you get two of the same gender. Two males or two females tend to get along better than guinea pigs of the opposite sex and there is no risk for accidental breeding. If you're new to guinea pigs, it's best to go with the safer route and choose same gendered pairs. Males can be territorial. If you do get two males, opt for a larger cage to reduce tension over territory However, any time you have a pair of guinea pigs, be sure to duplicate things like hides and bowls so that there is no tension over resources when you first bring your guinea pigs home. Some places will refuse to sell mixed genders as guinea pigs constantly breed and don't stop! Sows have a 20% mortality rate during pregnancy. It is highly frowned upon to breed as it can be dangerous for the sow and pups too. Choose a breed. Guinea pigs come in a variety of breeds and cross-breeds. Get a general sense of what type of guinea pig you're looking for before making the selection. Longhaired guinea pigs, like Peruvians or Shetlands, will need daily grooming to maintain a sleek, tangle-free coat. If you like the look of a longer haired guinea pig, keep in mind the added time commitment. You will also need to occasionally get your guinea pig trimmed, so make sure you find a groomer. If you're getting a guinea pig from a rescue, you'll probably end up with some kind of crossbreed. Ask the workers at the rescue about the traits of each breed your guinea pig's ancestry is comprised of to make sure the guinea pig's personality is matching with your needs and wants as a pet owner. Make sure your chosen guinea pig is healthy. When looking at potential guinea pigs, know how to recognize good health. Healthy guinea pigs run around on all fours. Be wary of sluggish guinea pigs, especially those with flaky skin and bald patches. Guinea pigs should have smooth, steady breathing and their eyes and ears should be clear, bright, and free of discharge. Feel the guinea pig's body to make sure it's plump and free of any unusual lumps or swelling. | Consider pet stores. Think about a rescue. Ask around. Find a reputable breeder. Understand the basics of guinea pig care. Buy guinea pig food. Get a cage and the appropriate supplies. Purchase a water bottle and bowl. Find the right toys. Decide on gender. Choose a breed. Make sure your chosen guinea pig is healthy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Better-Singer | How to Become a Better Singer | To become a better singer, focus on breathing through your belly, not your chest, as this will improve your sound and control. Therefore, you'll need good posture to allow your belly to fully expand as you breath and sing. To open your throat for better air flow, lift the roof of your mouth in the back as if you were about to yawn. Additionally, don't forget to warm up to open your range and stretch your mouth. | Learn proper singing posture. Most singing teachers suggest standing rather than sitting to achieve the best sound. Sitting collapses your muscles and can hinder your ability to get a proper breath. Keep your head up and in line with your shoulders. Picture your spine like a straight line extending through the crown of your head. Let your jaw drop and keep your tongue relaxed toward the front of your mouth. Relax your shoulders. Lift the roof of your mouth in the back as if you were going to yawn. This opens up the throat and allows more air to flow through. If you are tensing up when standing with the right posture, move so that your back, shoulders, and head are resting against a wall. Focus on your breath. Learning how to breathe properly is an essential part of becoming a better singer. Be sure to take a deep enough breath before singing a line so that you have enough air to carry out every word. Breathe in through your belly, not through your chest. This improves your sound and allows you to better control your voice. To be sure you are breathing properly, put your hand on your belly and try to push it out with your belly expanding it as you inhale. Take a few minutes to practice breathing through your belly daily. You can do this either standing up or laying down. Again, be sure your belly is rising every time you take a deep breath. Know your range. Becoming a better singer is partly about knowing your range and sticking to it. Some people have more range than others, but everyone has a sweet spot where your voice sounds best. There are seven main ranges: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Countertenor, Tenor, Baritone, and Bass. The first 3 are typically the ranges of women, while the last 4 are men's ranges. To find your range, picture your voice like a Ferris wheel. Start at the top, singing the highest note you can and go down the scale to the lowest note you can hit. If you need help finding your range, use an app like SingTrue. Play notes on a piano to compare your pitch to the piano notes to help you find your range. Warm up before you sing. Singing a song doesn't count as a warm-up, because you naturally focus all of your efforts on trying to sound good rather than on your form and technique. Warm-ups, on the other hand, isolate certain problem areas and open up your range. Remember that warm-ups are not intended to sound good. In fact, most of them sound rather silly and obnoxious, even if you have a professional singing voice. Find a private place to do your warm-ups if you don't want to disturb others. Be sure to warm up both the head and chest voice. The head, or upper, voice is breathier and lighter-sounding than the chest, or lower, voice, which is more solid and loud. To find your upper voice, mimic an opera singer. Your lower voice is closer to the range in which you generally speak. Practice warm-ups that stretch your mouth. Do scales with an “Ooh wee ooh oohweeoohweeohh” sound stretching the corners of your mouth wide. Or practice tongue trills while starting at your highest note and moving down the scale to your lowest. Learn to recognize pitch. The best way to do this is to sing along with a piano or keyboard, if you have one. Press down on a key, and as it rings out, match your voice to it with an "ah" sound. Do this for every musical note: A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, G, and G#. The sharp notes are the black keys on the piano to the right of the corresponding note on the white key. Practice singing daily. The more you sing, the stronger your voice becomes. Remember, your voice is a muscle that needs to be exercised. Though everybody has a natural range, you can actually expand the upper and lower limits of your vocal range over time simply by practicing often and doing your exercises. Sing along to your favorite songs for practice. Keep in mind though that you may not have the same voice as your favorite singers. You won't become a better singer by mimicking other singers only. Sing in your own voice. Get voice training regularly. One major way to become a better singer is to have vocal training. Just like playing a sport or exercising, your voice is a muscle that you need to work out in order to develop your voice. By having a professional voice coach, you can learn techniques that will improve your voice. Your voice is an instrument, like a piano that a coach can help you master. Consider getting private singing lessons from a voice teacher who can help you with techniques that will develop your unique voice. Meet with at least 3 voice teachers before choosing one to ensure you select the person who will be the best fit. If you're in school, consider joining the choir. Joining a choir is a great way to become a better singer as it will help you to learn how to sing with others, read music, and can give you confidence by not having to sing alone. Drink enough water. No matter how great of a singer you are, you won't sound good if you're dehydrated. You should drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Don't drink alcohol or caffeine before you sing because these substances dehydrate you. You also want to avoid sugary drinks as well. Don't eat dairy or sweets before singing. Foods like yogurt, cheese, and ice cream cause excess mucus to form in the throat, which makes singing difficult. Additionally, salty and spicy foods because these foods can irritate your throat and vocal chords. Other foods that may cause acid reflux like heavy or spicy foods can also make breathing harder and irritate your vocal chords. Use a personal humidifier. In addition to eating and drinking the right foods and beverages, using a personal humidifier can also help keep your vocal cords in good shape. Fill the humidifier with water; don't add any medication packets. You can use the humidifier before warming up and during periods of vocal rest. Don't smoke. Smoking damages your lungs, preventing you from being able to breathe properly while you sing. It also dries out the throat, which will affect your sound. If you are a smoker and want to become a better singer, you should consider quitting. However, in the meantime, make sure to drink extra water, smoke lighter cigarettes, and avoid smoking as much as possible on days when you have to sing. Do breathing exercises often. Even if you don't have time to do a proper warm-up or sing every day, you should practice taking deep breaths into your belly every single day. This alone can significantly improve your voice in the long-run. You can combine breathing exercises and improve your breath with yoga , or going on runs. Train like Mick Jagger. The singer is notorious for training for his concerts by running and cross-training while singing to ensure that he can move freely across an entire stage without running out of his breath. Don't strain your voice or overuse it. Pushing your voice by singing too loud, too high, or for too long can damage your vocal chords. Just like any muscle, you need to give your voice time to rest and repair. | Learn proper singing posture. Focus on your breath. Know your range. Warm up before you sing. Learn to recognize pitch. Practice singing daily. Get voice training regularly. Drink enough water. Don't eat dairy or sweets before singing. Use a personal humidifier. Don't smoke. Do breathing exercises often. Don't strain your voice or overuse it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Why-a-Car-Stalls-at-Intersections | How to Determine Why a Car Stalls at Intersections | To determine why your car stalls at intersections, you'll want to test things like the transmission fluid level and the catalytic converter. To check the transmission fluid, park on level ground. Check your owner's manual to see where your transmission fluid is located. Unscrew the cap to the fluid and check the dipstick to see if your transmission fluid is low. If you have a clogged catalytic converter, your car will not only stall but will also have little to no power when accelerating. Look under your car at night after it's been running for a while. If the converter is glowing, it's likely clogged. You might also have a clogged or stuck EGR valve. When your EGR valve is stuck open, the car will run sluggishly at lower RPMs. If it's stuck closed, the car won't run well at higher RPMs, like on the highway. | Check the dipstick on the automatic transmission. Check the owner's manual for the correct procedure for your vehicle — generally, manufacturers prefer testing with a warm engine. Be sure to check the fluid when parked on a level surface. Do your best to not allow any lint or dirt to contaminate the dip stick before reinserting. Look for stalling, no power when accelerating. The check engine light will likely be on. Look under the car at night after the vehicle has been running for a while. If the catalytic converter is glowing, it's probably clogged. You will have to replace the converter if you find this to be the problem. Look for initial idle OK after a cold engine start-up, but a warm engine idle will surge and stall. Take your car in to get a reading. After a few thousand miles of this, most cars will turn on the "check engine" light. You can take it to any AutoZone, Advance auto parts, Napa, or O'Reilly's (but some places may only check cars made after 1996, so call and check first) and they will read the codes for free. There can be any number of reasons for the "check engine" light to come on, so it is good to check. Codes complaining of unexpected lean mixture is a good indication of O2 sensor failure. O2 sensors will typically last 60–75K miles. The good news is that you can buy an O2 sensor online for around $50 and they are generally pretty easy to replace. Another possible reason is that the engine is idling too low (the idle is adjustable) or the control module is going out, which is relatively inexpensive and easy to access and fix. Look for the Engine Code Error (EGE) P1406.If the EGR valve is stuck open, the car will run sluggish at lower RPMs. If the valve is stuck closed, the car won't run well at higher RPMs (on the highway). Try cleaning the excess carbon out of the EGR valve first. It may just need to be cleaned and not need replacing. If cleaning the EGR valve does not work and you are still getting code P1406, the EGR valve needs to be replaced. | Check the dipstick on the automatic transmission. Look for stalling, no power when accelerating. Look under the car at night after the vehicle has been running for a while. Look for initial idle OK after a cold engine start-up, but a warm engine idle will surge and stall. Take your car in to get a reading. Look for the Engine Code Error (EGE) P1406.If the EGR valve is stuck open, the car will run sluggish at lower RPMs. Try cleaning the excess carbon out of the EGR valve first. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Your-Personal-Life-Private-at-Work | How to Keep Your Personal Life Private at Work | It's important to have boundaries at work, and with some sensible rules and self-control, you'll easily be able to keep your personal life private. First, decide what you don't want to bring into work. This might include your love life, medical conditions, religion, or political views. Then, avoid bringing up any of these topics at work. You might also want to limit any personal calls at work so you don't have to reveal anything. If someone brings up something you don't want to talk about, simply change the topic or politely excuse yourself. For instance, if someone asks what's new in your life you could say, “Nothing interesting going on in my life right now, what about you?" You'll also want to be discreet on your social media accounts since these might be accessible to your colleagues or even your boss. Never say anything about your job online, and especially anything negative. You might even consider making your accounts private or creating a separate personal account that you only share with close friends and family. | Decide what not to talk about. The first thing to do if you are trying to keep your private life private at work is to determine where exactly you want to draw the line. This will vary from person to person and according to the particular culture at your workplace, as well as what kind of balance between work and home life you are looking for. Whatever the norm is in your office, you can still draw up your own boundaries. Start by making a list of the things you don't want to discuss with your colleagues. This might include things such as your love life, any medical conditions, religion and political views. Think about what things you are not comfortable with or just not interested in discussing with your colleagues. Don't publicise your list, but keep it as a mental reminder to yourself so you can excuse yourself from conversations you would rather avoid. Know what employers cannot ask you. There are a number of questions that, by law, your employers cannot ask you about. These are questions about your background and life which could lead to discrimination. For example, your employer cannot ask you how old you are, whether you have any disabilities, or whether you are married or not. If someone does ask you these questions at work, it is your right not to answer them. Other questions you don't have to answer are: Are you a US citizen? Do you take drugs, smoke or drink? What is your religion? Are you pregnant? What is your race? Cut out personal calls at work. If you are trying to keep your work and private life separate then you need to avoid bringing your private life into the office with you. This means cutting downs on private calls and emails from the office. Occasional calls to make an appointment with the hairdresser or dentist are fine, but if you are frequently heard on the phone talking about your private life, not only will your colleagues most likely overhear you, but they may ask you about the conversation. Excessive personal calls may also displease your boss and colleagues who think you are not working hard enough. If you don't want to receive work calls at home, don't get into the habit of making personal calls at work. Leave domestic affairs at home. It can be easier said than done, but you should try to leave your home life at home and switch to the strictly professional version of you at work. You might find that getting a routine or daily habit to mark the transition between work and home life will help you to do this. For example, a short walk before and after work could have you mentally separate these two spheres of your life. Your commute could be a time in which you try to switch your thoughts from home life to work. Just like limiting personal calls at work, if you walk in each morning with a clear mind not thinking or talking about your personal life you will not invite questions from colleagues. If you look stressed or upset, or you walk into the office while on the phone to your partner, don't be surprised if your colleagues ask you about it. Think of this as actively managing your relationship between work life and home life. Be friendly. Even if you don't want to discuss your private life with your colleagues, you can still develop good working relationships that make your time at work more enjoyable and productive. It's easy to find topics of conversation for lunchtime small talk that don't involve you talking about any intimate details of your private life. If there is somebody at work who talks about their private life a lot, or there is a conversation that you don't want to be involved in, politely excuse yourself. Talking about things such as sports, TV and film can be good ways to be friendly and chat to colleagues without bringing up your home life. Use tact. If you find yourself in a conversation that is turning to your personal life, or a colleague has asked you about something that you would rather keep private, it's a good idea to tactfully sway out of the way of the question. Try to avoid saying something like "Sorry, but that's none of your business". Instead, make light of it and say something more like "Oh, you don't want to know about that. It's boring" and then change the subject to something you are more comfortable with. These deflecting techniques can help you to maintain friendly relationships while avoiding certain topics of conversation. If you sway away from the question and change the subject, rather than just ending the conversation, your colleague will probably not think too much of it. If you switch the conservation back to your colleague you will politely avoid their questions without seeming aloof or disinterested. You could say, "Nothing interesting is going on in my life, what about you?" If coworkers are persistent in asking about your personal life, you can set a boundary letting them know that you would rather not discuss it. You can say, “I know you guys really care about me to ask about my life, and I appreciate that about you, but I'd really like to leave that stuff at home.” Maintain some flexibility. While it is important that you have an idea in your head about the boundaries you have set between home life and work life, you should try to keep some flexibility. Having good boundaries needn't translate into you always shunning certain interactions, or isolating yourself away from your colleagues entirely. If your colleagues invite you for a 5pm drink, go along every now and again but stick to conversation topics you are comfortable with. Be aware of your social media activity. Increasingly the biggest problem for those who would rather keep their work and private lives separate is the proliferation of social media. People record all aspects of their lives and sometimes don't fully comprehend how accessible all of this information is to anybody who cares to look for it. The first step to tackling this problem is simply being aware of it and thinking about how your social media activity could reveal parts of your private life you'd rather keep out of the office. If you want to maintain a professional image online and don't want to invite questions about your private life, avoid posting anything openly that could threaten this. This includes text and comments as well as photos. If you want to keep the two elements of your life separate you need to do this outside of the office as well as inside it. Don't tweet or comment about your job or your colleagues in your social media accounts. You might consider setting up multiple social media accounts to keep the two areas of your life separate. Consider connecting with work colleagues on professional sites such as LinkedIn, and reserve things like Facebook for personal friends and family. This will help you keep these arenas separate. Adjust your privacy settings. It is possible to be active on social media without blocking your colleagues' friends requests, if you just want to use your online profile to keep in touch with friends. Think about how you can adjust your privacy settings so that you limit the amount of material you share with your colleagues. You can control the amount of information about you that goes online and you can, to some extent, control who has access to it. But be aware that once something is on the internet it is not likely to disappear quickly. Only use your work email for work. So much communication in our working lives and our lives outside work is conducted through email, that it can be easy for your work email and personal email to blend into one. You should be conscious of this and take steps to make sure you keep the two separate. Always use your work email for work and your personal email for everything else. Set a time when you will stop looking at your work email in the evening and stick to it. Keeping these email boundaries will help you to avoid carrying your work around with you. Depending on your place of work you will have to develop a strategy for cutting off work communications that fits in with your job. In most cases, you do not have a right to privacy in your work email. Your boss is usually legally able to read anything sent or received in work email accounts. Keep your personal matters in your personal email to avoid any sharing of information you want to keep private. | Decide what not to talk about. Know what employers cannot ask you. Cut out personal calls at work. Leave domestic affairs at home. Be friendly. Use tact. Maintain some flexibility. Be aware of your social media activity. Adjust your privacy settings. Only use your work email for work. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Heal-a-Cut-in-Your-Mouth | How to Heal a Cut in Your Mouth | The easiest way to heal a cut in your mouth is to gargle with salt water, which will keep the area clean and speed up the healing process. To make your salt water solution, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Then, swish it around in your mouth, making sure to swish around the area with the cut to help stop the bleeding. You can also treat the cut by dabbing it with apple cider vinegar twice a day to kill any bacteria and heal the wound. If you don't fancy the taste of apple cider vinegar, try some raw honey instead, which also has antibacterial properties that can help heal the cut. | Rinse the mouth. If the cut in your mouth is bleeding, start by rinsing your mouth with cool water. Swish the water around in your mouth, making sure to swish it around the area with the cut. This helps remove the blood and help to stop the bleeding. Apply pressure. If rinsing your mouth doesn't stop the bleeding, you can apply pressure to the cut with a piece of gauze. Gently press against the cut for a few minutes to stop the bleeding. Use a cold compress. Pressing a cold compress or ice against the bleeding cut can also help stop the bleeding. Wrap the ice in a cloth and put it against the cut. This helps reduce inflammation and constrict the blood vessels, which will help stop the bleeding. Use an ointment. You can buy antibiotic ointments that are made to treat oral sores. These ointments will not only help heal the cut, but many also contain pain relievers. They can also reduce swelling at the site of the wound. When using oral ointments, make sure to read the directions carefully. Gargle with salt water. Using salt water is one of the most common ways to heal a mouth cut. Mix a teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved. Swish the solution around in your mouth, making sure you pay close attention to the area with the cut. Salt has antiseptic properties that can clean the cut. Use honey. Honey is an antibacterial and antiseptic substance that can help boost the immune system. Applying honey onto the cuts in your mouth can help kill bacteria, heal the wound, and reduce pain. Place raw honey onto the cut once each day. Try apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties. This can help kill any bacteria in the cut and help promote healing. Dab apple cider vinegar on the cut twice each day until it is healed. Make a baking soda paste. Baking soda has antibacterial properties. This can help kill bacteria in the cut in your mouth and promote healing. Make a paste with one teaspoon of baking soda and water. Place the paste on the cut two to three times each day. You can also try brushing your teeth with the baking soda paste, but avoid brushing the wounded area or else you may hurt it and cause it to start bleeding again. Avoid spicy or hard foods. Certain foods may irritate the cut in your mouth. Don't eat anything that is extremely spicy or salty, since this can sting and cause pain. You should also avoid eating hard or dry foods. Instead, eat soft foods that won't irritate the tissues in your mouth. You can try to eat dairy products such as ice cream, tender meats, and cooked vegetables. Avoid acidic foods, like tomatoes and citrus fruits. Stay hydrated. By drinking a lot of fluids, you will keep your mouth wet. A dry mouth can cause pain and irritate the cut in your mouth. Avoid beverages that may cause pain, like citrus fruit juices or acidic beverages. You should avoid alcoholic beverages because they can cause burning. Stay away from mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Don't rinse with mouthwashes that contain alcohol because they may damage the wounded tissues in your mouth and inhibit the healing process. Instead, try rinsing with hydrogen peroxide if you have a mouth sore. If you want to gargle with a mouthwash, use only non-alcoholic ones. Limit the movement of your mouth. You can't stop talking and using your mouth, but be more careful with the way you use your mouth while a cut is healing. Don't open your mouth too wide. This can pull on the tissues inside of the mouth and open the cut again or delay the healing process. Use wax to prevent cuts and reduce pain if you have braces. Apply orthodontic wax to the sharp outer areas of your brackets that tend to irritate the inside of your mouth. This will reduce your pain by limiting the irritation on the cut and will also prevent future cuts. | Rinse the mouth. Apply pressure. Use a cold compress. Use an ointment. Gargle with salt water. Use honey. Try apple cider vinegar. Make a baking soda paste. Avoid spicy or hard foods. Stay hydrated. Stay away from mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Limit the movement of your mouth. Use wax to prevent cuts and reduce pain if you have braces. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-and-Polish-Seashells | How to Clean and Polish Seashells | To clean and polish dead seashells, put them in a pot of room temperature water and boil them for 10 minutes. Then, remove the animal tissue with tweezers. Next, cover the shells with a layer of toothpaste and let them sit for 5 hours. When the time has passed, scrub the shells with an old toothbrush and warm water to remove the dirt. Alternatively, if you're not in a hurry, soak them in water for a week. Finally, leave the shells to dry for a day before polishing them with mineral oil to make them gleam. | Obtain your shells from your favourite collecting spot. This may be a local beach, or one you visit when on vacation. Shells can also be purchased from craft stores and from online sources. Do not take any shells with sea creatures alive in them. Be considerate of nature and leave seashells with live creatures in them alone. You can tell a shell is still alive if you turn it over and there is a creature inside it. Check with your country's laws to ensure you don't collect illegal seashells. For example, in U.S. waters, Queen Conches are illegal to take. They are a protected species due it being vulnerable to overfishing. Determine whether a seashell is a live or dead shell. In shelling, a live seashell is a shell with animal tissue still attached to it. This is different from a seashell that is alive since the animal tissue in a live shell is dead. A dead shell is a shell with no animal tissue inside it. Understanding whether a shell is live or dead will affect the way you will choose to clean your shell. For example, live shells will require you to remove the animal tissue inside. Boil the shells to remove animal tissue. Boiling or cooking a live seashell will loosen up any animal tissues inside the shell and make it easier to remove. You will need a pot and tweezers or some tool like a dental instrument to remove the animal tissue. To clean live shells by boiling: Place the seashells in a large pot of room temperature water. Cover the shells with about 2 inches (5 cm) of extra water. It's important to use room temperature water and to put the shells in the pot before heating them up because any sudden heat could crack the shells. Bring the water to a boil. Let the water roll for about 5 minutes. If you are boiling more than one shell, add extra boiling time. As well, larger shells might require more boiling time. Take out the shells with tongs and place them gently on a soft surface like a hot towel. Carefully, with your tweezers or any other tool, pull out any animal tissue from inside the shells and dispose of it. Bury your live shells. This method of cleaning out a live shell can take the longest, but many choose to use this method to prevent the shell from being damaged. Boiling and freezing, as well as pulling out animal tissue by hand, can cause a shell to crack. Burying a live shell, provided you bury it in a safe place, protects it from damage and is a natural way to clean out animal tissues. Ants, bugs, and other insects will feed on the shell and clean it out. To clean live shells by burying them: Dig a hole in the ground. Make sure the hole is large enough to fit all your shells and also provide plenty of space between each shell. The hole should also be around 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) deep to prevent unwanted animals from digging up your seashells or people from stepping on top and crushing your shells. Place your shells evenly with space between them in the hole. Cover the shells with dirt. Wait a few months for insects, larvae, worms, and bacteria to remove the tissue inside the shell. The longer you wait, the better the results. Dig up the shells again and check to see if all signs of animal tissue are gone. Freeze your live seashells. Freezing kills any remaining animal tissue inside the shell and makes it easier to remove. To clean a live seashell by freezing: Place your shells in a Ziplock bag. You may need to use several bags if you have many shells. Add water to the bag until all the shells are covered. Place the bag in the freezer. Let it freeze solid for a few days. Remove it from the freezer and let it thaw completely. Take out the shells and pull out the animal tissue from inside the shells. Soak your seashells in water for a week. The water will dissolve any dirt on your seashells and give you shells that are shiny and clean by the end of the week. Change the water every day or so. Adding fresh water to your seashell soak can result in even cleaner seashells. You can also choose to boil your dead seashells after the week is over to ensure all particles or animal tissue is completely gone from the shells. Use bleach to clean your seashells. Bleach will definitely remove any dirt, impurities, and animal tissue from your seashells. However, some seashell collectors warn that using bleach can destroy the colour of your shells and make them smell like bleach forever. To clean a shell using bleach: Fill a pot with equal parts water and bleach. It should be full enough to cover all shells. Soak the shells in the solution. You might notice a flaky, leathery covering coming off the shells. This is the periostracum or the organic coating or "skin" of the shell. Once this coating is gone, you can remove the shells from the solution. Additionally, you can use a toothbrush to remove particles from the shells. Rinse your shells thoroughly and allow to dry completely. Rub baby oil or mineral oil on the shells to restore shine. Use toothpaste to clean your shell. Toothpaste is a less strong alternative to bleaching your seashells. To clean a dead shell by using toothpaste: Smear a light coat of toothpaste over one side of the shell at a time. Let the toothpaste-covered shell sit for at least 5 hours, so the toothpaste has time to soak right in. It is fine to leave it overnight to make sure that the toothpaste does its job. Once it has gone tacky and/or hard, depending on the thickness of the layer of toothpaste you applied, get an old toothbrush and a glass of warm water and scrub the shells thoroughly. Make sure you get into all the little cracks and hard-to-see gaps. Make sure that all of the toothpaste has been removed, even if this means rinsing the shells under running water once scrubbed. This will remove the grit and other parts in the toothpaste, remove anything rough or sharp, leaving the surface very smooth with very few flaws. Remove barnacles from your shells. If you see that barnacles are attached to your shells, use a dental tool, soft toothbrush, or wire brush to remove the barnacles. This is most effective if the shells have been cleaned previously, either from being soaked in water or bleached. Rub mineral oil over each shell to give it a deep gleam. Allow the shells to dry for at least one full day and then rub oil on the shell. Mineral oil not only restores the shine of the shell, but helps to preserve the shell. Similarly, you can use WD-40. However, when using this material, be sure to use gloves to handle the shells. Spray the shells. You can use satin-finish polyurethane or coat with clear nail polish. This type of finish preserves the shell's organic look while giving it an extra glossy shine. Do one side of the shell each day. Allow the shell to dry completely before starting on the other side. Each side can take about a day to dry. | Obtain your shells from your favourite collecting spot. Do not take any shells with sea creatures alive in them. Determine whether a seashell is a live or dead shell. Boil the shells to remove animal tissue. Bury your live shells. Freeze your live seashells. Soak your seashells in water for a week. Use bleach to clean your seashells. Use toothpaste to clean your shell. Remove barnacles from your shells. Rub mineral oil over each shell to give it a deep gleam. Spray the shells. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Sweet-Potatoes | How to Cook Sweet Potatoes | To cook sweet potatoes in the oven, first preheat your oven to 400 °F (205°C). While your oven is preheating, scrub the sweet potatoes under running water. Then, pierce each sweet potato 6-12 times with a fork and rub olive oil on them. Wrap each potato loosely in aluminum foil and place them directly on the middle rack of your oven. Bake the potatoes for 45 minutes. Let them cool in the oven for an additional 15 minutes before serving. If you have less time, you can also cook sweet potatoes in the microwave! After you scrub and pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork, place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook the sweet potatoes for 5-8 minutes, rotating halfway through. Serve and enjoy! | Wash the potatoes then pierce them with a fork. Hold the potatoes under running water and use a scrub brush to remove dirt from them. Piercing the potatoes with a fork allows steam to escape from the potato while it is cooking. Stick the tines of the fork about ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) deep into the flesh of the potato. Repeat 6-12 times, making sure to pierce all sides of the potato. You can make as many sweet potatoes as you want. Preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C) and oil the outside of the potatoes. Use vegetable or olive oil and lightly coat the outside of each potato. This will help keep the skin moist and smooth. You can put a few drops of oil directly onto the potato and rub it around with your hands. Wrap the potatoes loosely in aluminum foil. Wrapping each potato loosely in aluminum foil to help cook the potato evenly. Leave a little space at the ends, rather than wrapping them up tight, to allow steam to escape. Bake the potatoes for 45 minutes. Place the foil-wrapped potatoes directly on the middle rack of your oven. After baking them for 45 minutes, test 1 potato to see if it is done. Carefully remove it with a pot holder, unwrap it, and pierce the skin with a knife. If the knife cuts easily into the potato, it is done. If the potato is still hard, continue cooking it for 5-minute intervals until it is soft. Leave the potatoes in the oven for 15 minutes after baking them. Turn off the oven, but let the potatoes sit on the rack for 10-15 minutes. This ensures that the potatoes will be evenly cooked! Once the time is up, use a potholder to take the potatoes out of the oven, as they will still be very hot. Refrigerate or freeze the leftovers in an airtight container. If you have leftover sweet potatoes, place them in an airtight container such as Tupperware. They'll last in the fridge for 5 days, or you can freeze them for up to 6 months. Peel and cube the potatoes. Use a vegetable peeler or a paring knife to remove the skins from the sweet potatoes. Use a cutting board and a sharp knife to cut each potato in half. Then, cut each half into slices that are 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) thick, and cut each slice into 1.5 in (3.8 cm) cubes. Preheat the oven to 450 °F (232 °C) and place the potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet. Use a rimmed baking sheet so you can toss the potatoes without worrying about them sliding off the sheet. Spread the peeled, cubed potatoes out evenly on the baking sheet. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) of olive oil on the potatoes, then toss them around so each piece is evenly coated. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons (10 g) of salt and ½ tsp (2.5 g) of black pepper over the potatoes. Toss them again so they are evenly seasoned. Roast the potatoes for 35-45 minutes, tossing them occasionally. Toss the potatoes every 15 minutes or so to keep them from sticking to the baking sheet and to ensure they are evenly cooked on all sides. The potatoes are done when they are tender and browned. Serve the potatoes and put any leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and turn off the heat. Serve the potatoes with your favorite entree. If you have leftovers, put them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Scrub the potatoes. Hold each potato under running water and use a clean scrub brush to remove dirt and grit from the skins. Take care to get into every nook and cranny with the brush and rinse the potatoes thoroughly. Place the sweet potatoes in a saucepan and cover them with water. You'll need about 6 sweet potatoes, or 2 pounds (0.91 kg). They should be washed, but not peeled. Place them in the bottom of the saucepan then add just enough water to cover them. Heat the potatoes until the water boils, then reduce the heat. Turn the burner to medium-high heat and wait until the water boils. Then, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and simmer the potatoes for 25-35 minutes. Covering the pan helps keep the heat and steam in, which cooks the potatoes faster. They are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork. Drain the potatoes, allow them to cool, then remove the skins. Pour the contents of the saucepan carefully into a colander. Let the potatoes cool for 10 minutes or so, then use your hands to slip off the skins. The skins should come off very easily, you just need to pull them away from the potato flesh. Cut the potatoes into 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) slices. Use a cutting board and a sharp knife. Cut the potatoes lengthwise into slices that are about ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) thick. Try to make the slices as even and uniform as possible. Put brown sugar, butter, water, and salt in a skillet. A 10 in (25 cm) skillet would work well. Use ⅓ cup (65 g) packed brown sugar, 3 tablespoon (44.4 ml) (42.6 g) of butter or margarine, 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of water, and ½ tsp (2.5 g) of salt. Heat the mixture, stirring constantly, until it is smooth and bubbling. Make sure to stir the brown sugar, butter, water, and salt constantly to combine everything thoroughly. It may take around 10 minutes for the mixture to bubble. Add the potatoes and cook them for another 2-4 minutes. Carefully add the sliced potatoes to the skillet. Gently stir them until they are evenly coated in the butter and sugar mixture. Once they are heated throughout, turn off the burner and serve the candied sweet potatoes. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. You'll need about 1 pound (0.45 kg) of sweet potatoes, which equates to about 2 large potatoes. Hold each potato under running water and clean away the grit and dirt with a scrub brush. Then, use a paring knife or vegetable peeler to remove the skins from each potato. Preheat the oil to 330–350 °F (166–177 °C). You can use a fryer or a Dutch oven to make these fries. Fill it ¾ full with vegetable or canola oil. How much oil you'll need depends on the size of your fryer or Dutch oven. Just be sure the oil is fresh and heat it to 330–350 °F (166–177 °C). Cut the potatoes into 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) slices. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) slices. Be sure to stabilize your cutting board and use a sharp knife. Rinse and dry the slices. After cutting the sweet potatoes, rinse them off and dry them with paper towels or an old kitchen towel. This helps to remove the starch and makes them crispier once you fry them. Toss the potatoes in a mix of club soda and cornstarch. Put ½ cup (55 g) of cornstarch and 6 tablespoons (89 ml) of club soda in a Ziploc bag. If you don't have club soda, you could use cold water instead. Put the potato slices in the bag and seal it, then shake it up to coat each slice. Fry the sweet potatoes for 2-4 minutes. Carefully place a small batch of the sliced and coated sweet potatoes in the fryer or Dutch oven. Cook them for 2-4 minutes or until they get crispy and start to brown. Repeat for the remaining batches. Season the fries with salt, if desired, and serve them. You can season the fries with regular salt, Old Bay seasoning, or even Cajun seasoning. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup or ranch. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. | Wash the potatoes then pierce them with a fork. Preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C) and oil the outside of the potatoes. Wrap the potatoes loosely in aluminum foil. Bake the potatoes for 45 minutes. Leave the potatoes in the oven for 15 minutes after baking them. Refrigerate or freeze the leftovers in an airtight container. Peel and cube the potatoes. Preheat the oven to 450 °F (232 °C) and place the potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast the potatoes for 35-45 minutes, tossing them occasionally. Serve the potatoes and put any leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Scrub the potatoes. Place the sweet potatoes in a saucepan and cover them with water. Heat the potatoes until the water boils, then reduce the heat. Cover the pan and simmer the potatoes for 25-35 minutes. Drain the potatoes, allow them to cool, then remove the skins. Cut the potatoes into 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) slices. Put brown sugar, butter, water, and salt in a skillet. Heat the mixture, stirring constantly, until it is smooth and bubbling. Add the potatoes and cook them for another 2-4 minutes. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Preheat the oil to 330–350 °F (166–177 °C). Cut the potatoes into 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) slices. Rinse and dry the slices. Toss the potatoes in a mix of club soda and cornstarch. Fry the sweet potatoes for 2-4 minutes. Season the fries with salt, if desired, and serve them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Wrinkles-Out-of-Leather | How to Get Wrinkles Out of Leather | To get wrinkles out of leather, try steaming the leather in the shower. Start by heating up the shower until it looks misty in the bathroom. Hang your leather item in the bathroom and close the door so no steam can escape. Leave it hanging in the steam for as long as possible. Afterwards, flatten out the leather with your hands while it's still hot, since it will be softener and easier to manipulate. Alternatively, try using an iron. Turn the iron onto a low heat and place a cotton cloth over the leather. This will prevent the heat from damaging the leather. Then, gently iron your leather garment using light strokes. | Get a hanger. Put your leather item that needs de-wrinkling on a hanger. Make sure to use a hanger appropriate for the garment. If, for example, you need to get wrinkles out of a jacket, make sure you have a hanger with wide shoulders to ensure that the stress caused by pulling the jacket won't result in additional creases along the shoulder line. For skirts and pants, use a hanger with rubber-padded clips and hang at the waistband to let the garment hang at its full length. For items too large to hang, the pulling technique may not work. Try to avoid thin metal hangers as these may bend when put under stress. Hang the garment somewhere sturdy. You will be pulling on the garment, so you need to hang it somewhere that can not only handle the force of the leather, but also withstand you pulling down on it. A beam in your closet, a coat rack, or other object meant for hanging clothes would be an ideal area. Avoid areas like small nails on the wall or pressure rods for curtains, as these are susceptible to failing when put under stress. Pull gently. Using your hands, pull lightly on the garment until the wrinkles relax. Pull in opposite directions at the same time, meaning that if you are working on a vertical wrinkle, you should grab it from both the top and the bottom of the wrinkle and pull gently in both directions. Relax your wrinkles by alternating pulling from the top and bottom and from both sides. Do not hold a pull for too long. The exact amount of stress a leather piece can take depends on the garment, but avoid pulling for longer than three to five seconds at a time to be safe. Let the leather rest for another three to five seconds before you begin pulling again. Understand that this method is intended for small wrinkles, not for larger wrinkles or creases. Get a fabric steamer. You can use an upright steamer or a hand steamer, but try to find one that is durable and well-regarded. Check online reviews and shop around before purchasing. Steamers are a good all-purpose way to get wrinkles out of leather. They work for garments and shoes as well as larger items such as furniture. Start your steamer. Set your steamer to a medium-low setting, and allow it heat fully. Test it out away from the leather before you apply any steam to the wrinkled item. Cold or barely-there steam would allow for quick condensation on your leather item, which create some damage. Read over your steamer's instructions and the manufacturer recommendations regarding heating times before you use the steamer on your leather. Hang your garment. If you are steaming a leather garment, hang it vertically. The steam relaxes the leather, allowing the natural weight of the garment to pull the wrinkles down and out. Use a hanger or the rack of your standing steamer. If your leather objects are too large to hang, do not worry. The steam will still relax the leather enough for the wrinkles to settle. Steam your garment. Use the steamer to apply an even coat of steam over the wrinkled parts of your leather. If possible, get both the inside and the outside of the wrinkled areas. Be sure to hold the steamer four or so inches from the garment and only apply steam for a second or so at a time, moving over the garment in same fashion that you would with an iron. If the wrinkles aren't relaxing on their own after steaming, gently pull them to help relax them further. Do not apply too much steam at a time. This could damage the leather and possibly the seams of your piece. If you notice any moisture condensing on your leather because of the steam, take a clean, dry cloth and gently blot off the excess moisture. Run the hot water. Get your shower warm enough so that it is capable of fogging up the glass in your bathroom. Keep it warm enough so that the steam builds, but no so hot that you can't actually shower in the water. If you have a means of monitoring temperature in your shower, keep the water at around 105 F (40.5 C), the average temperature for a shower. Allow the steam to build up. As it does so, close the door to keep any steam from escaping. Put your leather item on a hanger and leave hanging in the bathroom near to the source of steam, but far away enough from the shower that no water gets on the leather. Try using a towel rack or a door knob as a place to hang your leather item. Leather is not intended to deal with large quantities of water. Keep your leather far enough from the shower that no water drops get on it. If you notice water condensing on the leather, gently blot it off with a clean, dry towel. Let the garment steam. Allow the garment to sit in the steam for as long as possible. Let it remain in the bathroom during the length of your shower, then allow it to hang in the bathroom a bit longer. Wait until the steam starts to dissipate and the bathroom starts to cool before removing the garment. Do not let the bathroom cool completely. This will set the leather and stop you from smoothing out any remaining creases. Smooth the garment. When you're done steaming, lay out the garment on a flat surface and smooth it out with your hands. Pull stubborn wrinkles gently to relax them. Allow the leather to cool on the flat surface before moving or wearing it. This helps set the smoothed leather and prevents re-wrinkling. Heat your iron on low. Leather isn't made to be ironed, and ironing it poses inherent threat of damage. Help mitigate this by turning your iron to its lowest setting before bringing it in contact with leather. Empty the steam well from your iron before you begin, as well. This helps avoid spilling and potential water damage. Find a covering. Get a heavy, brown paper or a 100 percent cotton cloth, such as a towel, and place it on top of the leather surface. Do not use lighter papers or fabrics, as the cover will burn in direct contact with the heated iron. Make sure the covering is clean and dry. Wipe any paper off with a towel before use. Iron. Iron your leather quickly and with a light hand. Do not hold the iron or move it slowly across the leather, even in stubborn areas. This may cause the leather to burn and could leave permanent damage. Never put the iron directly on leather. Move the covering as necessary for larger items or deeper wrinkles. Store or hang your leather item immediately after ironing if you do not intend on using it right away. | Get a hanger. Hang the garment somewhere sturdy. Pull gently. Get a fabric steamer. Start your steamer. Hang your garment. Steam your garment. Run the hot water. Allow the steam to build up. Let the garment steam. Smooth the garment. Heat your iron on low. Find a covering. Iron. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Reading-Skills | How to Improve Your Reading Skills | To improve your reading skills, start by reading every day for at least 15-30 minutes, since the more you read the easier it will become. Additionally, read out loud if you can, since reading out loud will help you learn more as you both see and hear what you're reading. When you come across words you don't know, first try to guess their meaning through context. Then, if you need to, write them down and go back later to look them up. You can also take notes on key words and concepts to better understand, process, and remember what you're reading. | Make sure you understand the type of text you have. Ask yourself: What type of work am I reading? Is it information-based, like a newspaper, textbook, or manual? Or is it more creative/artistic, like a novel or short story? This matters! For instance, if you're reading to follow instructions (like a recipe or assembly guide), you'll need to understand the exact meaning of each step. If you're reading a text that has lots of information, like a textbook, then you'll be reading most of all for new information on things you don't know or understand. Decide on the purpose of your reading. The reason why you're reading has an impact on how you read. For instance, reading a novel for a class can be different than reading a novel for pleasure, since you'll be expected to understand and remember the text rather than just enjoy the experience of reading it. Ask yourself: What am I reading for? If you're reading to gain information (for instance, to meet work or school requirements), you'll probably want to try extensive techniques. If you're reading to practice pronunciation, learn vocabulary, or study grammar, you'll probably want to try intensive techniques. Scan your reading before you begin. Whatever the purpose of your reading is, taking a few minutes to look the piece over is very helpful. Check and see how the work is structured and presented. These are easy ways to increase your understanding. Does the work have a title? Is there a table of contents you can scan? Is the work divided into separate sections? Does the work have any “extras,” like bolded key words, illustrations, or graphs? Read intensively if you want to practice the fundamentals and learn vocabulary. Intensive reading is focused more on individual details of what you're reading. If you want to practice pronunciation, study grammar, or learn vocabulary, you'll want to read more slowly and focus more on individual words and sentences. Look for just the gist of a text's meaning. For intensive reading, it's not always important to worry about what something means in a deep way. Just trying to get a general sense of what the reading is about. As you read, you'll focus more on details like spelling, pronunciation, and the rhythm of sentences. Don't get too caught up in parts you don't fully understand. If you can summarize the main point of what you're reading, then you're doing ok. Read out loud. This can improve your reading skills because it makes you be involved with the text in two ways: with your eyes, as you look at the words, and with your ears, as you listen to them. Reading out loud is also key if you're trying to practice pronunciation. Try to guess the meaning of any new words. When you come to a word you don't know, try not to reach for the dictionary right away. Instead, try to guess the meaning of the word based on the other words around it (the context). For example, say you read the following sentence and wanted to know what "pessimist" means: My mother is always happy and optimistic, the total opposite of my brother, the pessimist. From the sentence, you can gather that "pessimist" means the opposite of happy: being moody and angry. Write down new words you want to learn. If you come to any words that you can't figure out, write them down and look up their meaning in a good dictionary. That way, you can study the words later, too. Read as often as you can. The more you read, the easier it becomes. Practicing for at least 15 to 30 minutes a day, every day, will make a big difference. Read whatever interests you, if you're just trying to improve your basic skill. Rereading things you've already gone through can build your confidence. Try extensive reading if you’re looking for understanding. Extensive reading works when you're trying to determine the meaning of what you're reading. This technique focuses on the overall picture. It's best for things like studying a textbook, reading a newspaper article for information, or reading a book for school. Take notes on your reading. If you want to read to understand something on a deeper level, like studying a textbook, it helps to read more actively. Keep a notebook out and make notes on important things you notice as you read. For instance, you can make bullet points to summarize every time you come to a major idea. If there are key terms or dates in whatever you're reading, make a note of those as well. If there are parts you don't understand, write down the questions you have and come back to them later. Annotate your reading. If you're able to write in or mark up whatever it is you're reading, this can also help increase your understanding. For instance, you can underline or highlight important passages. You could also try things like circling key terms and writing notes in the margins. Review what you’re reading by summarizing it. Every so often, stop and write a few sentences in your notes to summarize what you've read so far. Putting the main ideas into your own words and writing them out is a way of checking that you understand what you're reading. Going back over the material also helps you remember what you've read. If you have trouble summarizing or remembering any part of what you've read, go back over it again. You can also try writing out a summary in an outline form, rather than full sentences. Identify key words and concepts. When you encounter a word or concept that seems essential to a text's meaning, make a note of it. If you are reading a textbook, these might even be set apart in bold print, or in a separate vocabulary section. You can write the words or concepts down to study them later, or even make a set of flash cards. If you come across a word or concept that seems important but is not clearly defined in the text, look up its meaning in a dictionary or encyclopedia (either online or print). If you see certain words being used over and over again, that's another sign that they're important for what you're reading and worth looking up. Read with a friend. Getting through a text can be easier and more fun when you're not doing it alone. For instance, you can try reading the same section of a text as your partner, then talking about it to make sure you both understood the main ideas. To improve reading aloud you can even pair yourself with someone you feel is a better reader. While your partner is reading, listen to your their pronunciation, speed, and rhythm. Take a turn yourself, then ask for feedback. Choose the right reading environment. If you really want to concentrate on your reading, step away from television, music, phones, computers, and chatty people. These distractions make it hard to focus, dragging out reading and causing frustration. Try reading in a quiet, well-lit place with a desk and comfortable chair, if you can. Use a pointer while reading if you have trouble focusing on the page. Take a bookmark, ruler, or small piece of paper and set it on the page you want to read. Slide it down so you can only read one line of text, then move it down to read the next line, and so on. Doing this can make reading feel more manageable. Read something you’re interested in, if you have a choice. It's no surprise that you'll be more motivated to read a text that you genuinely care about. If you're given the chance to select books or other things to read for yourself, seek out topics you are interested in. Track your progress. Keep records, like a list of books or articles you've gone through, and how many minutes you read each day. Seeing how much you've accomplished over time can encourage you to keep making progress. | Make sure you understand the type of text you have. Decide on the purpose of your reading. Scan your reading before you begin. Read intensively if you want to practice the fundamentals and learn vocabulary. Look for just the gist of a text's meaning. Read out loud. Try to guess the meaning of any new words. Write down new words you want to learn. Read as often as you can. Try extensive reading if you’re looking for understanding. Take notes on your reading. Annotate your reading. Review what you’re reading by summarizing it. Identify key words and concepts. Read with a friend. Choose the right reading environment. Use a pointer while reading if you have trouble focusing on the page. Read something you’re interested in, if you have a choice. Track your progress. |
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