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https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Cat-with-Acupuncture | How to Treat a Cat with Acupuncture | If your cat suffers from health problems, including chronic pain, arthritis, asthma, and allergies, consider scheduling it an appointment with an acupuncturist to see if they could help. To find a good acupuncturist for cats, ask your veterinarian for a referral or try using the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture website to search for accredited acupuncturists in your area. Cover your bases by reading Yelp reviews and meeting with the acupuncturists you're considering before you make a definite choice. Also, look for an acupuncturist that's a veterinarian with a certificate from an accredited acupuncture program, like the Veterinary Acupuncture Society or Chi Institute. | Prepare your cat for treatment. During acupuncture treatment it is best for your cat to be very relaxed. This will allow the acupuncturist to complete the treatment easily. Make sure your cat is content by comforting it, giving it treats, and generally doing all that you can to decrease its stress. Ask if your acupuncturist offers house calls if your cat gets too stressed going to a veterinary office. Bring your cat in for treatment. Make an appointment for your cat's treatment and bring the cat in at its appointed time. Your acupuncturist will first make an assessment of where the acupuncture needles need to be placed and then they will place the needles. Once the acupuncturist believes the needles have been in long enough, they will remove them from your cat. The length of an appointment for acupuncture on your cat will vary depending on how long the acupuncture needles need to be left in place. During the first treatment, the acupuncturist will give your cat a full assessment, which will make the appointment longer. You may be asked to stay with your cat to keep it calm and reassure it. However, because acupuncture treatments are not painful, many pets are calmed and relaxed by them. Acupuncture often stimulates the body's natural stress and anti-inflammatory pathways which produces a sleepy state in the patient. For this reason, your pet will typically not need to be sedated for treatment. Typically, you will need to bring your cat in for several treatment sessions. For an acute issue, such as treating pain due to an injury, your cat may need 3 to 5 sessions. Use acupuncture in combination with traditional veterinary treatments. Acupuncture can be a great complementary treatment for cats that have serious health issues. For example, if your cat has chronic pain, using acupuncture in combination with other types of veterinary medicine, such as medication or physical therapy, can minimize the cat's pain and discomfort by strengthening its immune responses. Because acupuncture does not have any side effects, it can be used with all types of medication without the risk of complications or bad interactions. For this reason, acupuncture is also a great therapy for cats with other organ system problems that may not be able to take traditional pain and anti-inflammatory medications. Assess your cat's health issues. If your cat is having health issues and other types of treatment have not worked, you may want to consider acupuncture as a treatment option. Acupuncture can be very helpful for treating a variety of health problems, including: Chronic pain Arthritis Asthma Allergies Digestive problems Kidney problems Liver problems Skin problems Discuss acupuncture with your veterinarian. If you are having your cat treated by a veterinarian, discuss the option of acupuncture with them. The veterinarian may be supportive of the idea of acupuncture as a treatment option, especially if other types of treatment have not successfully eliminated or reduced your cat's health problems. Even if your veterinarian does not believe that acupuncture may help your cat, you still have the right to get a second opinion. Not all veterinarians are knowledgeable about acupuncture and the benefits it can provide, so going to one who is to assess whether it might help your cat is a good idea. Discuss acupuncture with a qualified veterinary acupuncturist. In most places, those that do acupuncture on animals must go through veterinary school, just as other veterinarians do. This means that veterinary acupuncturists are perfectly qualified to assess health problems and suggest treatments for your cat. Ask your acupuncturist what their qualifications are and where they got their training from. They should have a certification from a long standing acupuncture school such as the Chi Institute or the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. While veterinary acupuncturists are likely to suggest acupuncture as a treatment option more than other veterinarians, they also have knowledge of other types of veterinary treatments and may suggest those as well. Accept the limits of acupuncture. Any trained acupuncturist will tell you that there are limits to what acupuncture can do. This is why it is a great when used in combination with other types of treatment. It will not heal broken bones or immediately eliminate a life-threatening infection but it can be a helpful part of the treatment for these problems. However, acupuncture can help with the symptoms or side effects of these conditions. For example, if your cat is in pain from a broken bone, an acupuncturist may be able to help ease that pain. Get a referral from your veterinarian. Usually, the easiest way to find a licensed and experienced acupuncturist for your cat is to ask for a referral from your veterinarian. Your veterinarian is likely to know the best and most experienced ones in your area. Depending on where you live, there may not be any veterinary acupuncturists near by. If this is the case, your veterinarian will probably not be able to give you a referral. You do not need a referral from a veterinarian to see a veterinary acupuncturist. It is just usually the easiest way to find a good one in your area. Additionally, a referral from a veterinarian is useful because they will be able to recommend acupuncturists they have worked with. This means your vet will likely discuss your pet's case with the acupuncturist. Research pet acupuncturists online. If you need to find an acupuncturist without the help of your veterinarian, begin your search online. Go to the websites of professional organizations for pet acupuncturists, such as the website for the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, and look for lists of accredited veterinary acupuncturists. Most professional organizations have lists of members online. This can be helpful for finding a qualified acupuncturist. Read the reviews on websites like Yelp! and Google Reviews to get a candid look at people's experience with different acupuncturists. Meet with qualified acupuncturists. Once you have identified the pet acupuncturists in your area, you should meet with them to pick which one will treat your cat. Discuss their treatment philosophy, their experience and education, and the cost of their treatments so that you can pick the one that best suits your needs. They should be a veterinarian and have completed a certificate in veterinary acupuncture from an accredited program, such as the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, Chi Institute, or Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians. If you are comfortable with all of their answers, then go ahead with treatment for your cat. Finding an acupuncturist that has treated issues that are similar to your cat's issues will improve the chance of their treatment working on your cat. Give your cat acupressure. There are some health therapies that can be used on cats that are closely related to acupuncture. Acupressure is one of them, which is a technique in which pressure is applied to acupuncture points. This is meant to have a similar effect to acupuncture but does not require needles or the patience of having needles in place for long periods of time. Acupressure can be very helpful for cats that are resistant to acupuncture or for locations on a cat's body that are hard to apply needles to. Have Aquapuncture (injection of water under skin) done on your cat. Aquapuncture is similar to acupuncture except that it uses fluid, which contains vitamins or homeopathics , that is injected into acupuncture points instead of acupuncture needles. This is so that the vitamins injected into the tissue will continue to stimulate the treated areas even after the needles are removed. Aquapuncture is a much newer technique than acupuncture but it may be effective for cats that can't sit still for acupuncture treatment. It may be difficult to find an aquapuncture practitioner in your area. Ask your acupuncturist if they do this type of treatment or if they know someone who does. Consider using electrostimulation. Electrostimulation is a technique in which very small amounts of electricity are introduced into the body through two acupuncture needles. This electricity stimulates muscles, which can be very good for cats that are suffering from nerve damage or injuries to spine, as it can help to reestablish nerve connections. Talk to your acupuncturist and veterinarian to figure out if this treatment would help your cat. | Prepare your cat for treatment. Bring your cat in for treatment. Use acupuncture in combination with traditional veterinary treatments. Assess your cat's health issues. Discuss acupuncture with your veterinarian. Discuss acupuncture with a qualified veterinary acupuncturist. Accept the limits of acupuncture. Get a referral from your veterinarian. Research pet acupuncturists online. Meet with qualified acupuncturists. Give your cat acupressure. Have Aquapuncture (injection of water under skin) done on your cat. Consider using electrostimulation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-an-Olive-Tree-from-a-Pit | How to Grow an Olive Tree from a Pit | To grow an olive tree from a pit, start by placing fresh olives in a bucket, breaking apart the flesh, covering the crushed olives with warm water, and soaking them overnight. Then, gather the pits and rub off any excess skin with a scouring pad. Once they're clean, nick the blunt end of the pit and soak it for 24 hours. Afterwards, sow your pit in a small pot of soil, and cover with a clear plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect. Finally, put your pot in a warm spot and expect germination in a month. | Determine the type of tree you want to grow. There are literally hundreds of olive tree varieties around the world. Some are similar with only slight differences in olive color and flavor. Others are extremely different and have growing preferences which impact the ripening time. For example, the four main types in California are: Mission, Manzanillo, Sevillano and Ascolano. Even though these are grown in the same state, the diverse climate, coupled with a particular olive strand, yields a range of results. Significantly research your location to determine which type of olive will prosper. Growing from seed, you will get more of a wild variety than any of the parent trees it came from. Gather olives. This may sound easy, but the fruit must be picked directly from the tree so the seed remains alive. Olive trees prosper in climate zones 8-11. These areas have a subtropical climate and mild winters. Pick them in early autumn, after the fruits ripen and are green. Leave the black ones. Don't pick any off the ground and make sure the ones you choose don't have any holes from insects. Using olives purchased from a grocery store will not work. These have been processed for consumption which means they've been cooked. This process kills the seed inside the pit, so they are no longer viable. Raw olives from the produce section may be viable, though. If you don't have access to an olive tree, many large orchards will ship pits/seeds directly to you. Place the olives in a bucket. Once you have the olives, gently smash the flesh with a hammer to loosen the fruit around the pit. Cover the crushed olives with warm water and soak them overnight. Stir the water every few hours or so. Jostling them will encourage the fruit to loosen further. If a hammer isn't available, use a wide knife and smash with the flat side. If you notice a few floating to the surface, gather these and discard. They are likely rotten. Drain the water. Gather the pits and use a scour pad to rub the excess skin off. This is the same pad you probably use on pots and pans. After you've rubbed the skin, thoroughly rinse the pits in warm water for several minutes. If a scour pad is not available, try sandpaper. Cut the ends of the pits. There is a blunt end and a pointy end on every olive pit. With a knife, nick the blunt end. Do not break through the hull completely or the seed will be useless. Instead, create a tiny hole about the size of a pen tip. Soak these for 24 hours in room temperature water. Fill a small pot with soil. Use a 3 inch pot for every seed. Fill them with well-draining soil. It should consist of one part coarse sand and one part seed compost. These items can be found at any gardening store. Add a little water so the soil mixture is moist, not muddy. You can use a larger pot if you prefer. You will be transplanting the seeds when they sprout and mature. Thoroughly mix the soil together using a spoon, stick or your hand. Plant the seeds. Sow the seed an inch or two deep in the soil. It's best to plant one seed per pot. This way, the seeds aren't battling over nutrients. Plant several more seeds than you want trees. Olives have a low germination rate, even under the best conditions. Bag the pots. Place the pots inside a clear polythene bag. This will help maintain some moisture and work as a greenhouse of sorts. Keep the pot in a well-lit area that is warm. A windowsill is a terrific option, but keep in mind that direct sunlight can be harmful initially. If you use a bag, place the pot in indirect sunlight. Instead of using a bag, place the pot inside a propagator if one is available. Expect germination within a month. Water the seeds. You will want to maintain constant moisture in the top two inches of the soil. You can check this by sticking your finger in the soil occasionally. Only water if the top ¼ inch of the soil appears dry. Over-watering may create fungal and bacterial growth which will destroy the plant. Remove the pots from the bags once germination or sprouting begins. You can keep the pots in the windowsill or whatever warm area you've chosen until it's time to transplant the olive seedlings. Continue to water as normal. Plant in the fall. August to September is ideal for most areas. This will allow the tree to get settled in the soil before frosty temperatures hit. Wait until the seedling is about 18 inches tall though. Because frost damage is a huge concern for these plants, wait until spring if your area experiences temperatures below 30°F (-1.1°C). Dig a hole. Choose a location that receives lots of direct sunlight to encourage an additional growth spurt. The hole will only need to be a few inches deep. A good rule of thumb is to make it a little deeper than the container the tree was initially grown in. You can use a small shovel or your hand to dig the hole. The good thing about olive trees is that they can tolerate most soil types. This includes rocky or sandy soil. The only requirement is that it must have good drainage or they will slowly decline and die due to too much moisture. Poorly-drained soil conditions can lead to root disease such as Verticillium wilt or Phytopthora root rot. The area around the tree should never be muddy, just slightly moist. Plant the tree. Gently remove the tree, being cautious not to disturb the roots too much. Ensure the tree and the hole are well watered before planting. Place the tree in the hole, slightly higher than the ground and cover with one inch of soil from the area. Avoid using large amounts of organic soil mix, compost or fertilizer. This will create an artificial growing environment. You can start fertilizing the tree a year after planting If you are planting multiple trees, they need to be at least three feet apart, and up to 28 feet (8.5 m) for larger varieties. Otherwise, they will compete for nutrients in the surrounding soil. Water as normal. The same rules apply when watering the trees outdoors. Check the area around the tree for moisture and water when the top ¼ inch is dry. Be sure not to over water. Mother nature will take over and the plant will flourish. Olive trees are quite tough, so they do not normally require any special care or watering during the colder months. However, if the climate in your area is very dry, water them as normal to maintain moisture in the upper levels of the soil. Expect fruit in 3 years. Remember that with hundreds of varieties, it's difficult to predict when the tree will begin producing fruit. Some, like Arbequina and Koroneiki will bear fruit around 3 years old. Others may take 5-12 years. Prune the tree. Olives grow very slowly, so don't require much pruning. However, you can remove dead, diseased or dying branches, and remove branches growing low on the trunk. You can also thin out branches to allow light to reach the center of the tree. | Determine the type of tree you want to grow. Gather olives. Place the olives in a bucket. Drain the water. Cut the ends of the pits. Fill a small pot with soil. Plant the seeds. Bag the pots. Water the seeds. Remove the pots from the bags once germination or sprouting begins. Plant in the fall. Dig a hole. Plant the tree. Water as normal. Expect fruit in 3 years. Prune the tree. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Started-in-Woodworking | How to Get Started in Woodworking | To get started in woodworking, first make sure you have the basic tools you'll need, like a tape measure, combination square, hammer, saw, block plane, and router. Then, learn about some of the basic joints, like the butt joint, where you attach the end grain of one piece of wood to the side of another using either screws or glue. Another important joint is the grooved joint, which uses a slot in one of the pieces of wood so that the glue has more surface area to stick to. Scroll down for tips on different ways to put together woodworking joints! | Collect some tools for measuring and marking projects. Before making any cuts, most woodworking projects will require you to make measurements and mark out your cuts on the wood. Essential tools for these tasks are a tape measure, a carpenter's pencil, and a combination square. Acquire tools for cutting wood. Of course, making cuts in wood is the backbone of woodworking. A handheld circular saw is an essential power tool for making straight cuts, while a jigsaw is ideal for making rounded cuts. A handheld backsaw provides a cheap and quiet alternative to these power tools. Purchase a few tools for shaping wood. To create woodworking projects with elegant, finished appearances, you'll often want to shape the wood by creating beveled edges or intricate molding. Crucial tools for shaping wood include a block plane, which will allow you to create basic beveled edges, and a router, which can be fitted with a variety of bits allowing for more intricate patterns. Use tools for putting your wood projects together. Screws, nails, and glue are the go-to choices for assembling your woodworking projects. A cordless drill is essential for drilling holes, while a screwdriver, hammer, and clamps are also very useful. (For your first clamp try a one-handed bar clamp so you don't have to take both hands off the project). Learn to create a glued or screwed butt joint. When joining wood, the most straightforward approach is the butt joint, in which you simply butt the end grain of one panel against the side of another. This joint can be secured with glue for a clean appearance, or with screws for a sturdier, if less attractive finish. Use a biscuit joiner for strong, attractive joints. A biscuit joiner is a power tool that cuts a narrow groove into the end of each piece of wood to be joined. You can then fit small wood chips called "biscuits" into these grooves, which gives you extra stability for a glued joint. Create grooved joints for extra surface area. Another way to increase the surface area for the glue to adhere to is by cutting a groove into one piece of wood. These grooves allow the second piece of wood to contact the first piece along multiple surfaces. Rabbits, dadoes, and grooves are 3 types of this joint, so named based on the orientation of the cut to the wood's grain. Explore traditional woodworking joints for extra beauty. Of course, the 2 quintessential woodworking joints are the dovetail and the mortise and tenon, in which the 2 wood pieces interlock with each other. These joints take much more careful cutting to create, but are unrivaled in their elegance and strength. Learn the basic oil and wax finish. The most error-proof way to finish wood projects is by applying boiled linseed oil and furniture wax. These finishes can be applied with cotton rags, and thus eliminate any danger of leaving brush strokes or other defects. Seal woodworking projects with polyurethane for durability. For surfaces that take more abuse, like a dining room table, you'll want a finish that cures to a hard, protective layer. Polyurethane is the standard product for this type of finish, and can be applied using a foam brush or a high-quality bristle brush. Experiment with other wood finishes as desired. Of course, there are plenty of other ways to finish wood, each with their own advantages, drawbacks, and appearances. Wood stains, paints, lacquers, varnishes, teak oil, and Danish oil are all common options for creating durable, attractive finishes in your woodworking projects. | Collect some tools for measuring and marking projects. Acquire tools for cutting wood. Purchase a few tools for shaping wood. Use tools for putting your wood projects together. Learn to create a glued or screwed butt joint. Use a biscuit joiner for strong, attractive joints. Create grooved joints for extra surface area. Explore traditional woodworking joints for extra beauty. Learn the basic oil and wax finish. Seal woodworking projects with polyurethane for durability. Experiment with other wood finishes as desired. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wake-up-a-Cat | How to Wake up a Cat | To wake up a cat, lightly brush your finger against its head or ear to coax it out of its slumber. Alternatively, try calling its name in a gentle voice, or make a soft, soothing noise. If your cat is very skittish, use food instead of touch or sound. For example, rattle a treat bag or place small bits of food near where it's sleeping. Once it hears or smells the food, your cat may wake up and move on its own. | Recognize the sleep stage. Normally, it's fine to wake a sleeping cat. However, there are two stages of sleep that are important to a cat's well-being: Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and Non-REM (NREM) sleep, also called deep sleep. If a cat is deprived of these sleep stages, he may become irritable or lethargic. If you think your cat is in REM sleep or deep sleep, you may want to let him be. REM sleep usually comes before deep sleep. A cat may move slightly, and his eyes may twitch. His face or body may move or twitch slightly. During deep sleep, your cat will be largely motionless and appear relaxed. Your cat will be very still and spread out in a comfortable position. He may be lying down or curled up, and may not respond quickly to noise or commotion. Cats do need more sleep than most mammals. REM and deep sleep are important to restore a cat's immune system and generally repair and regenerate his body. It's a good idea to let your cat be during these sleep stages unless you feel moving him is absolutely necessary. Try a light touch. While cats sleep frequently, they are not always in REM or deep sleep. Usually, cats take light naps throughout the day. During these light naps, cats are still in tune to their environments. This is a survival mechanisms inherited from ancestors to help wild cats stay safe from predators and threats when sleeping during the day. A small touch will easily wake a sleeping cat most of the time. You can try lightly brushing your cat's head or the tip of his ear. Try to keep your touch gentle. Remember, cats sleep lightly as a way to ward off predators. You want to make sure your cat does not see you as a potential threat. If you need to move your cat, try to get him to move right after he stirs. Cats usually fall back to sleep quickly once they see there's no real threat. As soon as you get your cat awake, coax him off the couch or pick him up and move him. Make a small noise. If your cat tends to be on the skittish side, he may bite or scratch if touched in his sleep. Instead, you can try making a small noise. You can whistle, hum, or call his name to get his attention. As with touch, you want to gently coax your cat out of his slumbers rather than startling him. Try a soft, soothing noise. You should avoid yelling at your cat to wake him up. Cats do not take well to yelling. If you yell at your cat frequently, he may become fearful and begin avoiding you. Use food. If your cat is very skittish, waking him up with sound or touch may frighten him regardless of how gentle you are. You can try to coax him awake with food. Shake his bag of cat food or open a can. You can also rattle a treat bag, or place some of his favorite table scraps near where he's sleeping. He may get up to go for the food, getting him out of the way. Allow your cat to get enough sleep. Cats need a lot of sleep, so you should not be constantly waking your cat up. Cats, on average, sleep for about 15 hours a day. House cats still retain a wild streak, and their bodies are primed to sleep on and off during much of the day as they would in the wild. Do not wake your cat up unless it's absolutely necessary. For example, you may need to wake your cat up to take him to the vets. Accept that your cat's sleep schedule may not match yours. Cats are often most active around dusk, and may sleep a lot during the day. Cats are highly domestic. If your cat is attached to you, he may gradually adjust his sleep schedule around yours. However, cats generally do not take to a regular sleep/wake cycle like humans do. Recognize signs of a seizure. During REM sleep, cats may twitch and move around in their sleep. This is a normal part of the REM cycle. However, cats may also sometimes have seizures during sleep, which can last up to 5 minutes. A vast majority of health conditions, ranging from heat stroke to neurological issues, can cause seizures. If your cat has a seizure, he should be medically evaluated. Make sure you know how to recognize the difference between a seizure and REM sleep. During REM sleep, a cat will wake up if you touch him or shake him gently. Any twitching movements will stop as soon as the cat opens his eyes. You cannot wake a cat up during a seizure and the movements will continue for the duration of the episode, which can be as long as 5 minutes. Seizure movements may be more severe than REM movements. You may also notice your cat foaming at the mouth or drooling. Do not let young children wake up a sleeping cat. If you have young children, they may frequently want your cat's attention. They may want to know how to wake up a sleeping cat. However, you should not allow young children to wake up your cat, as they may overdo it. Cats need solitude, quiet time, and quality sleep to be healthy and happy. As a rule, do not allow children to wake up a sleeping cat. Monitor your cat's sleeping habits. As with any other aspect of your cat's behavior, keep an eye on his sleeping habits. As cats sleep so much, it's unrealistic to time how many hours a day your cat sleeps. However, get a sense of when your cat is generally asleep and when he's generally awake. If your cat suddenly starts sleeping more often, talk to a vet. Changes in sleep habits may indicate problems like depression, boredom, or illness. Decide carefully if you want to allow your cat to sleep in the bed. Many cat owners allow their cats to sleep in the bed with them. This can be a great way to foster feelings of closeness with your cat and can increase the bond between you and your pet. However, some cats can be difficult sleepers and may keep you up at night. You may frequently have to wake up and move a cat during the night. Consider the sleep quality for both you and your cat. Both you and your pet need high-quality sleep. If your cat keeps you up at night by making noise or hogging space, you're sacrificing your own sleep. If your cat seems uninterested in getting in your bed at night, sleeping near you may cause him stress. Some cats enjoy sleeping in the bed, and may make a lot of noise crying at the door if left out of the bedroom. You can find ways to encourage cats to fall asleep before you, like feeding or playing with them just before bed. Make sure your cat has many places to sleep. You want to make sure your cat can sleep when he needs to sleep. If you're frequently waking your cat up to move him off of chairs, tables, and other spaces, he may not have space of his own. Try investing in a few high-quality cat beds. Leave them in areas of your home where your cat frequently sleeps or hangs out. You can try putting items that your cat likes, like certain toys, in these beds. You can also clear out space for your cat. If he keeps getting onto the bookshelf, consider letting him have a corner of the shelf to himself. Clear out a pocket of space for him, and lay down a blanket for his comfort. Avoid waking very young cats. Newborn kittens and younger kittens sleep a lot. It takes quite a bit of time for a cat to grow into an adult sleeping pattern. Sleep is important for kittens, as it allows them to build their muscles and bones. If you have a kitten, avoid waking him unless it's absolutely necessary. You want to make sure your kitten gets quality sleep so he can grow up healthy and strong. | Recognize the sleep stage. Try a light touch. Make a small noise. Use food. Allow your cat to get enough sleep. Recognize signs of a seizure. Do not let young children wake up a sleeping cat. Monitor your cat's sleeping habits. Decide carefully if you want to allow your cat to sleep in the bed. Make sure your cat has many places to sleep. Avoid waking very young cats. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Chinese-Paper-Lantern | How to Make a Chinese Paper Lantern | To make a Chinese paper lantern, start by cutting a 1-inch strip off one of the short ends of a letter-sized piece of construction paper. Then, fold the large piece of paper lengthwise, and crease the fold with your fingernail. Next, cut slits into the fold that are 1 inch apart, stopping 1 inch below the raw edge at the top. After that, unfold the paper, roll it into a cylinder, and staple the ends together, so the folded crease sticks out. Finally, staple the ends of the 1-inch strip you initially cut off to one end of the cylinder to make a handle for your lantern. | Get a sheet of construction paper. The size does not matter, but it must be rectangular. Something around 8 ⁄ 2 by 11 inches (22 by 28 cm) would be better, though. For a traditional lantern, choose red paper. If you want a less-traditional lantern, you can pick a color you like. Cut a 1 in (2.5 cm) strip from 1 of the short ends. Use a pencil and ruler to draw a line going across the width of the paper, 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the 1 of the short edges. Cut the strip off with scissors, then set it aside. This will eventually make the lantern's handle. For a longer handle, cut the strip from 1 of the long edges instead. Fold the paper in half lengthwise. This is also known as the "hot dog" fold. Make sure that the long edges match up. Keep the paper folded; do not open it up. Run your fingernail back and forth across the folded edge to make it nice and sharp. Cut slits into the fold, stopping 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the raw edge. Draw a horizontal line across the length of your paper, 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the top, raw edge. Next, cut slits into the bottom, folded edge. Make each slit the same with, and don't cut past the horizontal line that you drew. Make the slits about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Start and finish the slits 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the left and right edges of the paper. Erase any pencil marks that you made once you have finished cutting the paper. Unfold the paper, roll it into a cylinder, then staple it. Unfold the paper first. Bring the narrow ends together, then overlap them by 1 inch (2.5 cm) to form a cylinder. Staple the overlapped ends at the top and bottom to hold the cylinder together. Make sure that the folded crease is sticking out, not in. If you were to squash the lantern between your hands, the slits should flare out like a daisy. You can also use a glue stick to hold the lantern together, but you'll have to secure the paper with clips until the glue dries. Staple both ends of the 1 in (2.5 cm) strip to the top of the lantern. Take the 1 in (2.5 cm) strip that you cut off earlier. Place 1 end against the top edge of the lantern. Overlap it by about 1 inch (2.5 cm) and staple it in place. Bring the other end to the opposite side of the lantern, overlap it by another 1 in (2.5 cm), and staple it as well. Make sure that you are stapling both ends of the handle to the top of the lantern--not the top and bottom. They should be across from each other. For a nicer finish, put the ends of the handle on the inside of the lantern. You can use a glue stick or tacky glue for this step, but you'll need to clip them in place until the glue dries. Get 2 pieces of paper that are 2 different colors. One of the colors will go on the outside of the lantern, while the other color will go on the inside. Construction paper will work the best, but you can use cardstock as well. For a traditional lantern, use red for the outside of the lantern and gold for the inside. You can also use red paper for the outside, and yellow for the inside. Cut a 1 in (2.5 cm) strip from the short edge of each paper. Use a pencil and ruler to draw a line going across the width of your first sheet of paper, 1 inch (2.5 cm) from 1 of the short ends. Cut the strip off, then set it aside. Repeat this step with the second sheet of paper. When you are done, you should have 2 sheets of construction paper and two 1 in (2.5 cm) wide strips. Cut two 1 in (2.5 cm) strips from the long edge of 1 sheet. Choose 1 of the sheets of construction paper to go on the inside of your lantern. Cut two 1 in (2.5 cm) wide strips from 1 of the long edges. Set these strips aside for later. Don't cut a 2 in (5.1 cm) wide strip. This may seem like a time-saver, but it will just create more work later on. Don't cut the other sheet of construction paper. You want to keep that sheet at full-size. Use a ruler and a pencil to draw guidelines for cutting, if needed. Overlap the short ends to form a cylinder, then glue or staple them. Take your sheet of paper that you just cut. Bring the short ends together and overlap them by about 1 inch (2.5 cm) to create a tube. Staple the tube at the top and bottom edges of the seam to hold it together, then set it aside. You can use a glue stick as well. Use clips to hold the paper together until the glue dries. Fold the larger piece of paper in half, hot dog style. Take your second sheet of construction paper--the sheet that you want to be on the outside of the lantern. Fold it in half lengthwise or hot dog style so that the long edges match up. Run your fingernail along the folded edge a few times to make it neater. Cut 1 in (2.5 cm) slits into the fold, stopping 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the top. Use a ruler and a pencil to draw a horizontal line across the length of your paper first, 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the top, raw edge. Next, cut vertical slits into the bottom, folded edge of the paper, stopping at this horizontal line. Make the first and last slits 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the left and right edges of the paper. Make all of the other slits about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart as well. Do not cut past the horizontal line or into the folded edge. If you need to, draw cutting guides for the slits. Be sure to erase any pencil marks once you have finished. Unfold your paper and form it into a cylinder as well. Open up your paper first. Bring the narrow ends together, then overlap them by 1 inch (2.5 cm) to form a tube. Staple the seam at the top and bottom to hold it together. Make sure that this tube is big enough to slide over the first tube that you made. You can use glue instead of staples. Clip the tube together until the glue dries. The crease needs to be sticking out, not in. If you were to squash the lantern, the fringe should flare out. Tuck the first cylinder into the second one, then staple the top edges. Take the first tube that you made, and slide it into the second tube. Align the top edges, then secure them with tape, staples, or glue. The outer tube will be longer than the inner tube. The next step will resolve this. The tube with the fringe cut into it should be on the outside. Make sure that the side seams align for an even nicer finish. Align and staple the bottom edges of both lanterns together. Push the bottom edge of the outer lantern until it aligns with the bottom edge of the inner lantern. Secure the bottom edges of both lanterns with glue or staples, like before. This should cause the outer lantern to flare out so that you can see the inner lantern. Use 1 of the shorter strips to make a handle. Take 1 of the shorter strips that you cut from the beginning. Staple both ends to the top of your lantern to create a handle, making sure to overlap them by 1 inch (2.5 cm). It does not matter which color of strip you use for this step. You can use the strip that matches the outer lantern, or the strip that matches the inner lantern. It doesn't matter if you add the handle to the outside or inside of the lantern. The next step will cover it up. Wrap the longer strips around the top and bottom edges. Take 1 of the long strips that you cut off from your inner lantern. Coat the back of the strip with glue, then wrap it around the top of your lantern, making sure that the edges align. Repeat this step with the second strip for the bottom edge. | Get a sheet of construction paper. Cut a 1 in (2.5 cm) strip from 1 of the short ends. Fold the paper in half lengthwise. Cut slits into the fold, stopping 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the raw edge. Unfold the paper, roll it into a cylinder, then staple it. Staple both ends of the 1 in (2.5 cm) strip to the top of the lantern. Get 2 pieces of paper that are 2 different colors. Cut a 1 in (2.5 cm) strip from the short edge of each paper. Cut two 1 in (2.5 cm) strips from the long edge of 1 sheet. Overlap the short ends to form a cylinder, then glue or staple them. Fold the larger piece of paper in half, hot dog style. Cut 1 in (2.5 cm) slits into the fold, stopping 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the top. Unfold your paper and form it into a cylinder as well. Tuck the first cylinder into the second one, then staple the top edges. Align and staple the bottom edges of both lanterns together. Use 1 of the shorter strips to make a handle. Wrap the longer strips around the top and bottom edges. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dispute-a-Toll-Road-Violation | How to Dispute a Toll Road Violation | If you've received a toll road violation notice for someone else, for a car you sold, or for a toll you already paid, you can dispute it by phone or mail. Some companies also have the option of disputing by email. Check the website for the toll road for their contact details. You'll need to provide a specific reason why you shouldn't have to pay the toll violation notice. Keep in mind that even if someone else was driving your car, you're still liable to pay the fine. However, if you recently sold your car or it was stolen, you won't have to pay the toll. If the toll company reject your dispute, you can request a hearing with an administrative board. The process for each toll company is slightly different, but you'll need evidence to support your claim. | Check the name and license tag number. Identities and records can be crossed, and it's possible that the name or tag number on the violation don't belong to you. Keep in mind that you're still liable for the violation even if someone else was driving your car. However, if the license tag isn't yours, it's possible you received the violation as a result of a clerical error. For tolled locations where automatic passes are used, if a driver passes through without using one of the pass accounts, a photo of the license tag is taken. That photo is transmitted to the state Department of Motor Vehicles, which provides the name and address of the registered owner of the car. If the photo isn't clear, the tolling agency may get the license tag number wrong, or may send the violation notice to the wrong address. The Illinois Tollway gives you two ways to dispute a license tag image: You may either state that the plate is incorrect, or that the image is missing. If the license tag image is so blurred that the numbers and letters are illegible, you would select "missing image" to dispute your toll violation. If the tag in the image is not your license tag, you also should be able to dispute the violation and have the violation waived. Make sure you still owned the car when the violation occurred. If you've recently sold your car, or if it was stolen, you typically won't be liable for the charges assessed. You won't be liable for the toll or the violation if your car was reported stolen before the violation occurred. Although violations typically are mailed to the address on file with the DMV at the time the violation occurs, if you recently sold the car, the DMV information may not have been updated yet. Review the status of your payment account. If you have an active payment account with the tolling authority, the violation may be in error. If you have a prepaid toll account, you may receive a violation if there wasn't enough money in your account to cover the toll. You usually can remedy this situation by checking and updating the status of your payment account. If you have a sticker or other pass, you may receive a violation if the sticker wasn't detected by the tolling location for some reason. As long as your account is active and current, you should be able to resolve the problem by associating the toll bill assessed with your active account. Write down the dates on your notice. You only have a brief amount of time – sometimes as little as two weeks – to respond to the violation and dispute the charges or they will be presumed valid. Since the deadlines are different in every state and sometimes among different toll road operators within a state, it's important to read your notice carefully and use the dates or time periods provided on the notice you received, rather than going by anything you've seen elsewhere or done before. Call the customer service center. Most toll road operators have a website, or a toll-free phone number, where you can quickly and easily register a dispute. For example, the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency in California allows you to contest a violation either online or through the mail. A "Contest of Notice" form is included on your violation notice, which you can fill out and return to the agency. Download the appropriate form. Typically you can find a dispute form at the toll road operator's website that you need to file a dispute. For example, if you receive a notice of violation from the Illinois Tollways, you can download an affidavit of non-liability form from the tollway's website, which you can fill out and submit. Some toll agencies also provide the option of disputing your toll violation using email or fax. Contact the agency that assessed your violation to find out the methods available to dispute the violation. Include a detailed reason for your dispute. Some forms may have a list of valid reasons from which you can choose, while others simply ask that you explain your reasons. Submit your dispute form. Make sure you've included your correct name and current address and contact information on the form before you submit it. Your notice should include an address or other methods to register your dispute with the proper authority. Wait for a response. Typically the toll road authority will investigate the dispute and mail you a report detailing the results of the investigation. Find out the next steps. Each toll road authority has its own process for appealing an initial investigation or continuing a dispute if you believe you are not liable for the charges assessed. For example, the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency allows you to seek administrative review if you are not satisfied with the initial investigation of your violation. If you still are not satisfied with the results of the administrative review, you can appeal with the municipal court. Download the appropriate forms. If you need to request a hearing or appeal to a different government body, you must fill out the correct form by the deadline on your report. Forms typically are made available online or by contacting the appropriate toll agency or board. When you complete your forms, attach any documents or other information that you intend to use as evidence to support your claim that you are not responsible for paying the toll or penalties. File your request for a hearing. Typically you must file a request for a hearing with an administrative board to hear your dispute. Pay attention to the deadlines for appeal. After you receive notice, you only have a brief period of time to request a hearing, and it may only be a couple of weeks. However, some states such as Illinois give you up to 30 days to request a hearing. Often this deadline is calculated from the post mark on the notice. Thus, it is possible that you only have a few days to request a hearing, depending on how long it took for you to get the notice after it was mailed to you. Some agencies may require you to pay a fee or deposit when you request a hearing. For example, the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency requires your request for an administrative hearing be accompanied by a deposit of either $250 or the amount of the toll evasion penalties assessed, whichever is less. Although hearings typically are less formal than an actual trial, you will exchange evidence with the administrative board. For example, if you file a request for a hearing with the Washington State Department of Transportation, you can pick up an evidence packet from any of the walk-in customer service centers three days before your scheduled hearing. Attend your hearing. Once your hearing is scheduled, you must appear at the scheduled time if you intend to continue disputing the violation. State law typically requires the hearing to be scheduled within a certain amount of time after your request. For example, in California, the hearing must be scheduled within 15 days of the toll agency's receipt of your request. Often you have the option of appearing either in person or over the telephone. | Check the name and license tag number. Make sure you still owned the car when the violation occurred. Review the status of your payment account. Write down the dates on your notice. Call the customer service center. Download the appropriate form. Include a detailed reason for your dispute. Submit your dispute form. Wait for a response. Find out the next steps. Download the appropriate forms. File your request for a hearing. Attend your hearing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Handbags | How to Store Handbags | Handbags come in all shapes and sizes, but there are just as many storage options you can use to suit each type. For large bags made out of leather or canvas, store them upright on shelves, which will help preserve their shape. Hang smaller purses or shoulder bags that can't stand up on their own from coat hooks or hangers. If you have clutches, which often don't have handles and can't stand up by themselves, place them in a shoe or magazine organizer to keep them separate. Avoid stacking them on top of each other, since this could cause them to bend. If you're worried about your bags keeping their shape, stuff them with paper before you store them. You can also place purses or other delicate bags inside a protective cover, like a pillow case or cotton bag, to stop them getting dirty. | Sort your handbags by size and type. Large and sturdy purses should be kept together while smaller or flexible purses can be placed somewhere else. Make sure that similar bags are together so that if you need a certain type of bag, you can look over your options. For example, if you have clutches that you like to take when you go out at night, keep these together. Prop larger purses upright on shelves. If the purse can stand up on its own, keep it on a shelf. This includes larger bags, such as tote bags, or bags made out of a sturdy material, like leather or canvas. This will preserve the bag's shape without distorting the handles. Cubbies work great to help keep purses organized and upright. Hang smaller and slouchy purses by the handles. This works well for small, lightweight purses (like satchels or shoulder strap bags) and for bags that can't sit up on their own (like hobo bags). Make sure that the purse is empty before hanging it so that the handles do not stretch out. You can hang purses using: Command hooks Coat racks Hangers Shower hooks on a closet rod S-hooks Stick clutches in a shoe box or shoe organizer. Clutches often do not have straps, but they can't stand upright either. A shoe organizer will keep them separated. Put 1 or 2 clutches in each compartment. If you only have 1 or 2 clutches, keep them in separate shoe boxes. Try to avoid stacking clutches on top of one another. This can cause scratches or bending. You can also use a magazine or file organizer from a stationary or office supply store. Stick a clutch in each divider so that they are standing vertically. Keep everyday purses by the front door. If you have two or three purses you use regularly, you may want to keep them by the door. Install coat hooks to hang the purses or let them sit on a side table. Place special occasion purses in a closet. If you don't use certain purses as often, you may want to keep them out of the way. Designate a closet with shelves where you can store your purses while they are not being used. Keep your handbags off the floor. The floor can cause dirt and mildew to build up on your purse. Whether you decide to hang your purses or put them on a shelf, keep them from touching the floor. Clean the bag before you store it. Take a lint roller and move it through the inner lining to pick up any dust or dirt. If the bag is made out of hard-pressed leather, use a damp towel or alcohol-free baby wipe to clean the outside. If it is made out of natural leather or suede, dust it off with a dry paper towel. You can also use leather cleaners. These can be bought at some grocery stores or online. Stuff the handbag with paper to keep its shape. Fill the bag with crumbled acid-free paper, bubblewrap, old t-shirts, or a scarf. Do not overstuff the bag. Use just enough to fill the purse so that it keeps its nice shape. Do not use newspaper to stuff your bag. The ink might stain your lining. Instead, use plain tissue paper from a gift shop or office supply store. Cross the handles of the purse. Slide 1 handle under the other to cross them. Unclip the straps, and place them inside of the purse. You want to make sure that neither the handles nor the straps are bent or stressed during storage. Slip the purse into a protective cover. You can use a dust bag or a cotton pillow case. It should be large enough to comfortably fit the purse without bending the handles or crushing the sides. Many designer purses will come with a dust bag. Keep this bag so that you can store your purse. Keep only 1 purse in each bag. Do not use covers made out of vinyl or plastic. These can cause moisture to build up and wear down the bag. Keep the bag in a dry, cool area. Most designer bags are made from leather or fabrics that might fade in the sun. Keep them in a closet or on a shelf that is outside of direct sunlight. Keep the temperature cool. If you can, place the bag in a cool closet or near a source of air conditioning. Place each bag upright on the shelf. Each handbag should be standing upright. Do not hang the purse. Hanging a designer or luxury purse can affect the shape of the handles and strap. If your purse will not stand up straight or if it won't fit on the shelf, lie the purse flat on its side instead. Do not stack any other purses on top. Leave a gap between each purse. None of your purses should touch each other. This is because buckles, zippers, and hardware can scratch other purses. The dye from patent leather can transfer to other purses if they are touching. Put about 1 inch (25 mm) between each purse. Stick small purses inside of larger purses. Clutches can go into satchels, which might fit into totes. Keep the largest bag on a shelf. This will help you maximize the space that you have. Install hooks on the sides of dressers and shelves. Use S-hooks or command hooks. Place the hooks on the side of other large pieces of furniture, such as dressers, bookshelves, and side tables. Command hooks are attached to furniture using an adhesive strip. These usually will not damage furniture. S-hooks are stronger than command hooks, but you will need to drill a hole in the furniture to install them. Hang a bag organizer on the back of the door or on a closet rod. You can buy purse organizers from home goods stores or online. These will attach to a door or to a tension rod. Hang 1 purse from each hook on the organizer. Put smaller purses on top and larger purses near the bottom. Place the handbag into its original box if you have it. The box will be just the right size to store the purse without bending or pressing down on the purse. The boxes can also be stacked while bags should never be stacked. You may want to make it a habit to keep any boxes that your purses come in. | Sort your handbags by size and type. Prop larger purses upright on shelves. Hang smaller and slouchy purses by the handles. Stick clutches in a shoe box or shoe organizer. Keep everyday purses by the front door. Place special occasion purses in a closet. Keep your handbags off the floor. Clean the bag before you store it. Stuff the handbag with paper to keep its shape. Cross the handles of the purse. Slip the purse into a protective cover. Keep the bag in a dry, cool area. Place each bag upright on the shelf. Leave a gap between each purse. Stick small purses inside of larger purses. Install hooks on the sides of dressers and shelves. Hang a bag organizer on the back of the door or on a closet rod. Place the handbag into its original box if you have it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Tomato-Stains | How to Remove Tomato Stains | To remove tomato stains from clothing, cover the stains with a paste of baking soda, salt, and water, then rinse with cold water after 10 minutes. Alternatively, rub the stains with a pea-sized amount of dish soap or laundry detergent, and rinse with cool water after 5 minutes. For carpet stains, start by rubbing a pea-size amount of dish soap into each stain. Then, pour a few tablespoons of water at a time over the stains and blot with a clean rag to lift them from the carpet. Finish by blot drying the areas with a clean towel. | Remove the clothing item as quickly as possible. The longer a stain is left to set, the more difficult it will be to remove. If at all possible, remove the stained clothing item immediately. If clothing cannot be removed immediately, at least try to remove excess food immediately, and coat the stain in cool water. Be careful while removing the offending item, as you do not want the stain to transfer to multiple areas. To prevent this, you can cup your hand over the stain as you remove it. Blot the area with a clean, white rag. Once the garment has been removed, blot the area using a clean, white rag. Gently dab at the stain, avoiding a wiping or scraping motion, as these can bury the stain deeper into the fibers. Your rag can be damp or dry, but for this step, avoid an extremely wet rag. The goal here is not to transfer water, but to remove any lingering tomato residue. Soak the stain in cold water. Fill a sink or small basin with fresh, cold water, and place the stained article of clothing into the water. If the stain is small, you can place the stained area into the cold water, instead of the entire garment. If you are using the sink, make sure to clean it thoroughly before using it for laundry. Stains transfer to fabric easily, so you do not want any debris left in your sink. Place laundry detergent on the area. Place a dab of laundry detergent onto the area and rub it in using your fingertip, making small circles. After 5 minutes have passed, rinse the area in cool water. If the stain is persistent, you can reapply the detergent and try again until the tomato stain has been eliminated. Try a less traditional cleaner if necessary. If you want to try using household items to get rid of tomato stains effectively, you can use any number of remedies found in your kitchen cabinets. Typically, the best way to go about this is to make a paste and rinse in cool water. Create a paste of water and cream of tartar. Apply this paste directly to the stain, then rinse with cool water. Baking soda, salt, and water. Similar to cream of tartar, create a baking soda, salt, and water paste, then apply it directly to the stain. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse it out with cool water. Blue Dawn dish soap can be used. Apply a pencil eraser-sized amount of Dawn soap to the stain, rubbing it in with your finger. Rinse the stain in cool water until the water runs clear and no more soap bubbles are visible. The dish soap helps remove the oil from the fabric. Wash the item in cold water. After applying your stain treatment, place the garment in the washer, using the cold water setting. If it is a large stain, you may want to place the garment in the washer on its own to prevent transferring the stain to another garment. Look closely at the item after removing it from the washer. If the stain is still there, treat it again before drying it. Sun and heat can actually set the stain. Air dry the garment in the sun. After the wash cycle has finished, remove the clothing item and place it in the sun to dry. This will speed the drying process and help remove any residual staining. If the garment has already been dried and the stain is set in, try rubbing the area with dish soap, an ice cube, or a white cloth moistened with vinegar. Then, launder the item again. Scrape up any excess sauce. The difficulty of removing a stain will depend largely on your carpet pile. A high pile may require more than a knife or spatula to remove sauce, and may require a small rag, while a low pile should be just fine with a knife. Make sure all large pieces of food and piles of sauce are gone before moving to the next step, as blotting with a lot of sauce intact may make the stain worse. Blot the area with a clean, damp rag. Take a damp, clean white rag and dab at the stain, pressing firmly into the stain. Do not wipe or scrape with a rag, as this can force the food particles further into the carpet and make them extremely difficult to remove. Make sure to use cold water while blotting. Warm or hot water can encourage food particles to set. Place stain remover onto the carpet. Carpet is not quite as versatile as clothing in terms of stain treatment. Stick to the basics here: peroxide, Dawn dish soap, or a dedicated carpet cleaning product. Apply a capful of peroxide to the area, working it in gently with your fingers. If a large area is stained, spray a mixture of water and peroxide onto the carpet. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Place a pea-sized amount of Dawn dish soap onto the stain, or spray a solution of dish soap and water onto the carpet. Gently rub the soap in circles, using a small toothbrush or laundry brush. To use a carpet-cleaning product, simply follow the product's instructions after removing additional liquid. Rinse the area using a small cup of water. While you cannot rinse carpet under running water, you can flush the area out using a small cup of cold water. Gradually pour cool water onto the stain, blotting up excess moisture as you go, and lifting the stain and spot treatment. For a small stain, 1 C (8 oz) of water will do. For larger stains, double the amount. Dry the carpet using a towel and pressure. To dry your carpet, place a clean towel atop the stain and press down using firm pressure. Continue this process until all of the moisture has been lifted. Once the stain has been removed, you can turn on a ceiling or floor fan to speed up the drying process. Or, use a shop vacuum to suck up the water. Gently wipe up remaining sauce or tomatoes. Using a spatula or putty knife, wipe up any sauce or tomato residue that has been left behind. Make sure you use an item with a clean, straight edge to wipe, as wiping with cloth or a jagged edge could set the stain further. Blot the stain using a damp, white rag. Dampen a clean white rag with cold water, and blot the stain, going over it several times until the stain has grown light in color. Using a colored rag could result in the transfer of color, so avoid colors or patterns. Apply dish soap to the area. Apply a small drop of dish soap to the stain, and rub it in small circles using a brush or your finger. Be careful to only rub directly on the stain, as rubbing outside of the stain's diameter could transfer the stain to a larger area. Some fabrics such as wool may react poorly to dish soap. Check your furniture's cleaning instructions to avoid damaging the fabric. Blot it again with a damp rag. Blot the stain with a damp rag to remove soap bubbles. You can use a gentle wiping motion if the soap bubbles are stubborn, but be sure to wipe carefully and lightly, without putting any undue pressure on the fabric. If your first blotting rag does not have a significant clean space, use a new rag. You don't want to transfer the stain back onto your fabric. Repeat the soap application, if necessary. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process, applying a small amount of dish soap, rubbing it in, and removing the remaining soap with a damp rag. Blot the area dry with a clean towel. Once the stain has been lifted, blot the area dry using a clean, white towel. Place the towel directly over the area and apply firm pressure, repeating this process until the fabric is dry to the touch. Avoid pouring water onto the furniture, as this could wet the pad beneath the fabric and result in mold or mildew. Stick to a damp rag for removal. | Remove the clothing item as quickly as possible. Blot the area with a clean, white rag. Soak the stain in cold water. Place laundry detergent on the area. Try a less traditional cleaner if necessary. Wash the item in cold water. Air dry the garment in the sun. Scrape up any excess sauce. Blot the area with a clean, damp rag. Place stain remover onto the carpet. Rinse the area using a small cup of water. Dry the carpet using a towel and pressure. Gently wipe up remaining sauce or tomatoes. Blot the stain using a damp, white rag. Apply dish soap to the area. Blot it again with a damp rag. Repeat the soap application, if necessary. Blot the area dry with a clean towel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Freeze-Milk | How to Freeze Milk | To freeze milk, first pour out about 1 cup (240 mL) from the container if it's full so there's room for the milk to expand while it freezes. Then, write today's date and the number of days until the milk expires on the jug so you don't forget. Store the milk in your freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use it, thaw your milk in the refrigerator. If you're in a hurry, you can submerge the milk in cold water instead to help it thaw faster. Once you've thawed the milk, serve it within 5 to 7 days, or before it's set to expire. Remember to shake the milk before serving it in case the fat separated in the freezer. | Leave room for your milk to expand. When milk freezes, it takes up a little more space that when it's liquid. If your milk's container is filled to the brim, this can cause it to burst in the freezer, making a huge frozen mess (this is especially true for hard glass jugs). Luckily, this is easy to prevent — just pour off about a cup of milk so that you have a few inches of room at the top of the container. Doing this gives the milk plenty of room to expand. On the other hand, if you've already drunk more than a cup or two of your milk, you can usually skip this step. Date your container. Once you freeze your milk, the expiration date on the jug becomes basically meaningless unless you thaw it again right away. For this reason, it's a wise idea to label your container with both today's date and the number of days remaining before it expires. You can write this directly on the container with a marker, or, if you prefer not to mark your container, you can use a piece of masking tape as a label. For example, if it's August 24th and the milk expires on August 29th, we might label the container with the text "Frozen: Aug. 24 — five days to expire" so that we'll know how long we have to drink the milk when we thaw it in a month or two. Put the milk container in the freezer. You're all ready to freeze your milk — simply set your labeled container in a freezer with a temperature below 0 F/C. If you can't fit the entire container in the freezer, consider dividing the milk into several smaller containers. Within about a day, the milk should be frozen solid. When the milk is frozen, you may be able to see the separation of the milk and the fat. Don't worry — this is a normal part of the freezing process and is perfectly safe. Store for up to 2-3 months. Most sources recommend leaving your milk in the freezer for a maximum of either two or three months. Some sources even recommend freezing milk for up to six months. The general consensus seems to be that milk can last a very long time in the freezer but that it will gradually absorb the flavors and odors of other items in the freezer over time, becoming less appealing to drink. Note that richer dairy products, like eggnog, buttermilk , and cream generally have similar shelf lives to ordinary milk (or slightly shorter) when frozen — usually on the order of one to two months or so. Consider freezing in ice cube trays. As an alternative to freezing your milk in its container, you may want to consider pouring a portion into ice cube trays. This is an especially good choice for people looking to use their frozen milk in baking projects, as it allows you to quickly add semi-standard portions of milk to your recipe rather than having to chip away at a single solid block of milk or wait for it to thaw. Frozen milk cubes are also good for adding to glasses of fresh milk — they keep it cold, but won't dilute it when they melt like ordinary ice cubes. Thaw your milk in the fridge. The trick to thawing frozen milk is to use a slow, gradual process, never a quick one. For this reason, the easiest way to thaw your milk is usually simply to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator. The slightly warmer temperatures of the refrigerator will allow the milk to thaw to a liquid state little by little. This can take some time — depending on the volume of your frozen milk, it's not uncommon for it to take up to three days to thaw completely in the refrigerator. For quicker thawing, soak in cold water. If you're in a hurry to thaw your milk, try filling your sink with cold water ( not hot water ) and submerging your frozen milk container in it. Use a heavy object like a cast iron pot to hold the milk underwater as it thaws. This process will be quicker than thawing the milk in the refrigerator but will still usually take several hours, so be patient. The reason that water thaws milk more quickly than the refrigerator has to do with the way that energy is transferred between the milk and its surroundings at a molecular level. Liquids transfer heat energy into ice much more effectively than air, making them a much quicker method of thawing. Don't use heat to thaw the milk. Never try to thaw your frozen milk quickly with heat. This is a sure-fire method for ruining your milk and undoing your hard work. Heating the milk can cause it to thaw unevenly or even burn, leaving you with a very unappealing finished product. Listed below are just a few tips for avoiding this situation: Don't leave your frozen milk out at room temperature. Don't thaw your milk in the microwave. Don't thaw your milk in hot water. Don't thaw your milk in a pot or pan on the stove. Don't thaw your milk in the sun. Serve within 5-7 days of thawing. Assuming your milk was fresh when you froze it, its "freshness" should be almost the same after thawing it. Thus, most thawed milk is good for drinking and using in cooking projects for about a week after thawing. Though its appearance and consistency may be slightly different, it should still be safe to consume. Note that if your milk wasn't fresh when you froze it, it won't be fresh thawed, either. In other words, thawed milk that was only a day or two from spoiling when you froze it will be in roughly the same state when it's thawed. Shake before serving. During the freezing process, the fat in the milk can solidify and separate from the liquid. This effect is more pronounced in milk with high-fat contents. To redistribute the fat throughout the milk, shake the container a couple of times during the thawing process to mix the milk and fat back together. You may also notice that the milk has developed a yellowy color — this is a normal part of the freezing process and not a sign that the milk has spoiled. Alternatively, use a blender. It's worth noting that you don't have to shake the milk by hand to redistribute the fat. Using a mechanical solution like a blender or food processor, for instance, allows you to quickly and easily agitate the milk for a smoother, more even texture. This can also help you break up any ice chunks remaining in your milk, which can be a surprise if they aren't discovered before you start drinking. Don't be put off by a slightly different texture. Thawed milk can sometimes have a different "feel" than ordinary milk — it's sometimes described as being slightly chunky and watery by comparison. Though thawed milk is perfectly safe to drink, these qualities can make it difficult for some to drink. On the other hand, thawed milk is usually an excellent substitute for fresh milk in cooking and baking projects where its altered texture is difficult or impossible to detect. | Leave room for your milk to expand. Date your container. Put the milk container in the freezer. Store for up to 2-3 months. Consider freezing in ice cube trays. Thaw your milk in the fridge. For quicker thawing, soak in cold water. Don't use heat to thaw the milk. Serve within 5-7 days of thawing. Shake before serving. Alternatively, use a blender. Don't be put off by a slightly different texture. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Attract-Mason-Bees | How to Attract Mason Bees | Since mason bees rarely sting, they're great to attract to your garden. You can attract them by building a bee house, placing a mud source nearby, and planting specific flowers. You can buy a bee house or build your own from drinking straws or wooden blocks. About 50 feet from the nest, dig a hole, line it with plastic, and fill it with soil or a mason bee mix. The mud will help the bees build their nest. Mason bees are also attracted to bright flowers, particularly blue, purple, and yellow ones. To keep the bees in your garden for longer, plant flowers that bloom at different times of year, like asters, poppies, and black-eyed Susans. Avoid using pesticides on your garden, since these will harm the bees. | Create a nest by drilling holes into a block of non-treated wood. Find a natural block of wood—about 5–6 inches (13–15 cm) in width and height, and 7 inches (18 cm) in depth—and use a drill to create holes that are 0.3 inches (0.76 cm) in diameter, the perfect size for bees. Drill the holes roughly 6 inches (15 cm) deep, being careful not to drill all the way through the block of wood. It doesn't matter how many holes you drill, as long as each hole is fully-enclosed and isn't blended with another one. Make sure the holes don't have splinters in them. Replace the nest blocks after a couple years to keep the bees safe and healthy. You can do this in the spring when the bees emerge from the nest. Make a nest out of clean drinking straws for a quick fix. Find empty, clean containers, such as a food can or milk carton, to put the straws in. Stack the straws on top of one another to create as many tubes as possible. Try to use paper straws if possible, gluing them to the bottom of the container with a non-toxic glue. Make the straws at least 1 centimetre (0.39 in) shorter than the container to help protect them. Choose a container that is sturdy and will protect the straws from inclement weather. Using paper straws instead of plastic ones will help prevent mold, but you should still change out the nest every year in the spring when the bees leave the nest. If you're using a milk carton, cut off the top part so that you can easily stack lots of straws. Situate the straws so that some stick out farther than others—this will help the bees locate their own hole. A depth of at least 6 inches (15 cm) is ideal. Purchase a pre-made bee house for a long-lasting, more durable nest. You can buy nests for bees at gardening centers or online that will be easier to clean and longer lasting. Choose from homes such as stackable wood nesting trays, paper tubes, or bundles of reeds. These pre-made nests are often the size of a birdhouse. Check the instructions or guidelines that come with the pre-made house to find out how often to switch them out. Mount the nest in a secure, warm spot 4–7 feet (1.2–2.1 m) off the ground. The nest should be facing the warmth of the morning sun, and it needs to be protected from rain and wind. Mount the nest on the side of a building, tree, or fence where it will get the proper warmth and protection. Make sure the nest is placed close to plants and trees so that the bees can easily reach the pollen—200–300 feet (61–91 m) away is ideal. Use nails or screws to attach the nest to the structure. Include plants that bloom at different times throughout the year. By planting a wide variety of plants that don't all bloom at the same time, the bees will have a constant source of pollen. You could consider planting things like asters, poppies, black-eyed Susans, or alyssum. Asters will bloom in the late summer and early fall, and poppies bloom in the late spring and early summer. Black-eyed Susans peak during the summer, while alyssum is best for the fall. Consider growing hyacinth in the spring, bee balm in the summer, and zinnias in the fall. Include native species when deciding which plants to grow—ask a local nursery or go online to find out which plants are natives in your area. Opt for composite flowers with open petals. These flowers only have 1 ring of petals, making it much easier for the mason bees to get to the pollen. Deeper flowers with lots of rings of petals make it difficult for the bees to reach the pollen. Bees like flowers such as alyssum, wildflowers, or Madrid Purple lavender. Lilacs are an example of flowers that have multiple rings of petals, providing more difficulty for the bees. Create large sections of flowers to encourage foraging. If you only plant a couple flowers to attract the mason bees, you're less likely to satisfy their curiosity and food needs. Plant large groups of 1 type of flower, or many types, together so that the bees are able to easily see and smell the flowers, while also giving them lots of pollen options. A patch of 12-20 flowers of one species is a good size. Plant as many patches as you'd like, making sure that each type of flower has enough room to grow and thrive. Grow blue, purple, and yellow flowers to attract the bees. While bees love lots of types of colorful plants, they're attracted to these colors, along with white, the most. Choose bright blues, purples, and yellows to plant in your garden, if possible. Lavender, crocus, and salvia are perfect purple flowers. Sunflowers and black-eyed Susans are great yellow flowers. Butterfly bush, catmint, and common heliotrope are options for blue flowers. Pear blossoms and daisies are white flowers that attract mason bees. Avoid using pesticides on your flowers. It's best to avoid using pesticides on your garden in general, but this is especially important if you're trying to attract bees that will be eating the pollen. If you have to use pesticides, use them when there aren't open blossoms, which is when the bees will be pollinating. Create a clay-mud source within 50 feet (15 m) of the nest. The mason bees need mud nearby to use it when they divide the chambers of their nest. They'll need to make many trips back and forth, so provide a mud source close to the nest for them, either by making your own mud source or buying a mud mix. Unless you have super sandy soil and no access to other types of soil, you can easily make your own mud source. Dig a shallow hole and line it with plastic. Use a shovel to dig a shallow hole in the ground. The hole doesn't need to be wider than 1 foot (30 cm), and a depth of about 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) should be perfect. You can also use a shallow metal or plastic tray to hold the mud instead of digging a hole in the ground. Fill the hole with soil. You don't have to fill the hole all the way up with soil, but it should be at least four-fifths full. Adding water to the soil will likely cause it to flatten a bit, so don't worry about adding too much. You want the soil to be more clay-filled than sandy—sandy soil won't work well. If you have sandy soil, you can buy more clay-rich soils at a garden store, nursery, or online. Keep the mud source moist throughout the season. It's important that the mud source not dry up so that the bees can easily use it. Monitor the mud source to ensure that it's still wet, either allowing rainfall to keep it moist, or adding water to the soil yourself. You can fill the hole using a hose, watering can, or simple glass of water, all depending on how big the mud source is. Make the mud a medium-consistency—you don't want it to be super thick and difficult to move around, but it also shouldn't be dripping wet. Add additional soil to the mud source as the bees use it, if necessary. Buy a mason bee mud mix for an easy mud source. If you go online, you can find several different kinds of mud mixes specifically designed for bees. This option is good if you don't have access to soil, or just want an easy mud fix. Follow the directions on the box, most likely adding the mix to your soil to provide more clay. You'll need to add water to the soil and mud mix to make it the right consistency. | Create a nest by drilling holes into a block of non-treated wood. Make a nest out of clean drinking straws for a quick fix. Purchase a pre-made bee house for a long-lasting, more durable nest. Mount the nest in a secure, warm spot 4–7 feet (1.2–2.1 m) off the ground. Include plants that bloom at different times throughout the year. Opt for composite flowers with open petals. Create large sections of flowers to encourage foraging. Grow blue, purple, and yellow flowers to attract the bees. Avoid using pesticides on your flowers. Create a clay-mud source within 50 feet (15 m) of the nest. Dig a shallow hole and line it with plastic. Fill the hole with soil. Keep the mud source moist throughout the season. Buy a mason bee mud mix for an easy mud source. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Drink-Jameson | How to Drink Jameson | Jameson is a popular Irish whiskey that tastes great neat, with your favorite mixer, or in a cocktail. You can drink it neat at room temperature or over ice. Jameson also goes well with ginger ale. For a sweet and zingy drink, mix in some lemonade too. For a caffeinated pick-me-up, add a shot of Jameson to your tea or coffee. To make a Tipperary, which is a classic Irish cocktail, just mix equal parts of Jameson, chartreuse, and Italian vermouth. You can also make an old fashioned by mixing Jameson with 2 dashes regular bitters, 2 dashes of orange bitters, and a sugar cube. | Choose a rocks glass for a smooth drinking ritual. A rocks glass is a small glass tumbler that holds between 6 to 10 fl oz (180 to 300 mL). These are often decorative and you can purchase them alone or as part of a whiskey decanter set. Drinking your Jameson from a rocks glass will promote a smooth drinking experience. Keep in mind that you can drink whiskey out of any glass you want. For example, you could pour it into a ceramic coffee mug, a tin cup, or even a disposable plastic cup if that's what you want to use. Drink the Jameson neat to experience all of the flavors. If you want to experience the full spectrum of flavors in the whiskey, then don't add anything to it. Simply pour a 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) serving of room temperature Jameson into a rocks glass or other drinking vessel, and enjoy! You can pour a larger serving if you prefer. Just remember that whiskey is a very strong drink so it is best to drink only a small amount at a time. Add 1 large ice cube to chill your Jameson. If you want to chill your Jameson, use a large ice cube. Using multiple small ice cubes will quickly dilute the Jameson and cool down the alcohol which this will mute the flavor. To make Jameson cold without adding too much water, add a large cube-shaped or spherical ice cube to the glass. You can purchase special ice cube trays for whiskey. Check culinary stores and online retailers to find a large spherical or cube-shaped ice tray. If you want to chill Jameson without water, then purchase a set of whiskey rocks. These are granite or stainless steel cubes that you freeze and add to whiskey in place of ice. Pour in a small amount of water to dilute the Jameson. Add about 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) of water, then taste the Jameson to see if this makes it easier for you to drink. If it still tastes too strong, add another 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) of water and taste it again. Repeat until the Jameson tastes how you want it to. You may find it easier to detect subtle flavors in the whiskey even after adding a few drops of water. Inhale the aroma and then take a small sip. Put your mouth on the glass as if you are going to take a sip and tip the glass so that your nose is in it. Then, take a deep breath in through your nose to inhale the scent of the Jameson. Take a small sip and let the sip linger on your tongue for a moment before you swallow. Common scents and flavors you might notice include toffee, vanilla, and caramel. Continue to smell and sip slowly for 30 to 60 minutes. Because Jameson is so strong, it is best to sip the entire drink slowly. Take your time and savor the flavors and scent of the Jameson. You can hold the glass in your hands while drinking to keep it warm or set it down if you have added ice to your drink. Mix ginger ale with Jameson for a sweet pick-me-up. Jameson goes great with ginger ale. Pour a 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) serving of Jameson into a glass filled with ice, then pour in 4.5 fl oz (130 mL) of ginger ale. You can also squeeze a lime or lemon wedge into your drink for some extra zing. Add a shot of Jameson to coffee for a caffeinated whiskey drink. Try adding a 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) shot of Jameson to a mug, then pour in coffee and stir. Add cream, sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or whatever you like in your coffee. This drink is often called an Irish coffee. You can drink it hot, or pour your Irish coffee over a cup filled with ice for a cold coffee drink. Pour a shot of Jameson into your tea for an extra strong cup of tea. If you are more of a tea-drinker, pour a 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) shot of Jameson into a cup of your favorite brewed tea. Then, flavor your tea however you like, such as with a lemon wedge and sugar. To make iced tea, pour the tea and Jameson mixture into a glass filled with ice. Create a Middleton mule for a whiskey version of the Moscow Mule. The Moscow Mule is a popular vodka drink made with ginger ale and lime. You can make a whiskey version of this drink by swapping out Jameson for the vodka. Combine 6 fl oz (180 mL) of ginger beer, 3 fl oz (89 mL) of Jameson, 0.5 fl oz (15 mL) of lime juice, and 0.5 fl oz (15 mL) of sugar syrup. Add a lime wedge for garnish and serve the drink in a copper mug for an authentic mule! Make a Tipperary for a whiskey version of a martini. This drink is named for a region of Ireland famous for breeding racehorses and Irish musicians. To make this drink, fill a shaker halfway with ice, and then pour in 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) of Jameson, 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) of chartreuse, and 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) of Italian vermouth. Stir the ingredients to combine them, then strain the drink into a rocks glass. If desired, you can also serve this drink over ice. Combine Jameson with lemonade and ginger ale for a sweet, fizzy drink. Jameson lemonade is a refreshing drink for summer. Place 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) of Jameson, 3 fl oz (89 mL) of lemonade, and 3 fl oz (89 mL) of ginger ale into a glass filled with ice. Stir to combine the ingredients and enjoy! Garnish this drink with lemon wedges or mint for extra flavor. Whip up a Jameson Old Fashioned for a fun twist on a classic cocktail. Put a sugar cube in a shaker and muddle it. Then add ice, 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) Jameson, 2 dashes each of regular bitters, and 2 dashes of orange bitters. Stir until the ingredients are well-combined. Strain the liquid into a rocks glass and enjoy. For best results, use Jameson Black Barrel. Mix Jameson and Irish cream for a creamy whiskey shot. Add 0.75 fl oz (22 mL) of Jameson to a shaker filled with ice, then add 0.75 fl oz (22 mL) of Irish cream to the shaker. Shake to combine the ingredients, and then strain the liquid into a shot glass. Drink the shot all in 1 gulp, or sip it if you prefer. Create a shot with Jameson and amaretto for a caramel-flavored shot. Combine 0.75 fl oz (22 mL) Jameson with 0.25 fl oz (7.4 mL) amaretto. Add the Jameson and amaretto to a shaker filled with ice. Then, cover the shaker and shake the ingredients. Strain the liquid into a shot glass and enjoy! Amaretto brings out the caramel and toffee notes of Jameson. Mix Jameson with cola and a cherry if you are a fan of cherry cola. Add 0.5 fl oz (15 mL) of Jameson and 0.5 fl oz (15 mL) of cola to an ice-filled shaker. Mix the Jameson and cola in the shaker. Then, strain the liquid into a shot glass and top it with a maraschino cherry! Make sure to chew the cherry before you swallow it. Don't try to swallow it whole! Make a duck fart for an attractive-looking layered shot. In a shot glass, pour in 0.5 fl oz (15 mL) of coffee liqueur. Then, slowly pour 0.5 fl oz (15 mL) of Irish cream on top of the coffee liqueur. Next, slowly pour 0.5 fl oz (15 mL) of Jameson into the shot glass for the top layer. Do not stir or shake the shot in a shaker! It will ruin the layered effect. | Choose a rocks glass for a smooth drinking ritual. Drink the Jameson neat to experience all of the flavors. Add 1 large ice cube to chill your Jameson. Pour in a small amount of water to dilute the Jameson. Inhale the aroma and then take a small sip. Continue to smell and sip slowly for 30 to 60 minutes. Mix ginger ale with Jameson for a sweet pick-me-up. Add a shot of Jameson to coffee for a caffeinated whiskey drink. Pour a shot of Jameson into your tea for an extra strong cup of tea. Create a Middleton mule for a whiskey version of the Moscow Mule. Make a Tipperary for a whiskey version of a martini. Combine Jameson with lemonade and ginger ale for a sweet, fizzy drink. Whip up a Jameson Old Fashioned for a fun twist on a classic cocktail. Mix Jameson and Irish cream for a creamy whiskey shot. Create a shot with Jameson and amaretto for a caramel-flavored shot. Mix Jameson with cola and a cherry if you are a fan of cherry cola. Make a duck fart for an attractive-looking layered shot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Date-a-Gemini | How to Date a Gemini | To date a Gemini, be prepared to have a full, busy, and social relationship with plenty of adventures and fun. Communicate openly and freely with your date, as Geminis are natural chatterboxes. Geminis can also get bored easily, so be willing to try new and spontaneous things that might be outside your comfort zone. For example, you could try attending a party, going to a new restaurant, or exploring a different hiking trail. Be patient with your Gemini date if they become indecisive or moody, as this star sign is known for being ever-changing. | Listen to them and engage them in conversation. Being natural chatterboxes, Geminis love to talk. If you don't listen, talk, or if you interrupt often, the Gemini might think you are not interested or don't care. Don't stress yourself out too much about finding something to talk about, however. Gemini are creative enough on their own, and will likely find something to talk about. Geminis are curious and love to learn. If you are an expert on something, don't hesitate to share your knowledge. You'll impress your date. Geminis love to debate. They are not arguing; they are simply trying to see things from a different perspective and sharpen their mind. Geminis are known for being good at communication. If you have an issue in your relationship, don't try to hide it. Instead, try to discuss it. Bring something new into the relationship to keep things interesting. Geminis enjoy being active and trying new things. If you find yourself dating a Gemini, be prepared to experience new things. It might be a good idea to bring something new into the relationship as well. For example, if you are going out on a date, try to find some place new to go/dine/drink each time. If your date is really into something, you should not get used to it; he or she might want to try something completely different the next time you meet. Be patient when they get moody or indecisive. Sometimes, dating a Gemini can feel like you are dating two different people. This should come as no surprise; Gemini are represented by twins. One moment, a Gemini can be happy and cheerful, and the next moment, he or she can be grumpy and moody. When a Gemini becomes moody, don't take it personally. Be patient, and let the mood swing pass. You can also try talking to him or her, and find out what is wrong. Embrace and encourage the Gemini's inner child. Gemini are more in touch with their inner child than other signs. They love to joke around and do pranks. Some of their jokes might be rather juvenile too, but that is part of their charm. Don't try to hold a Gemini back or force him/her to change. Even if you are serious by nature, either join in on their fun, or let them express themselves fully. Be prepared for a social life, but expect some quiet moments too. Geminis are social butterflies by nature, but sometimes they like to stay at home too. Don't get used to them always wanting to party, and don't hold them back if they just want to stay at home and watch movies. If you are introverted or anti-social by nature, be up front about this. Try to figure out some sort of compromise. An example of a compromise would be going to a smaller party, which would be less stressful to you, but still appeal to the Gemini. Another example of a compromise would be going to a party one weekend, and staying in the next. You can also try to slowly introduce yourself to the Gemini's social circle. For example, you can start off with smaller parties and less crowded situations, and build your way up to larger, wilder events. Don't force a Gemini to make decisions when he or she becomes indecisive. Duality is a major aspect of Geminis. Because of this, they often find themselves stuck between two choices. One part of them might want one thing, and another part of them might want something completely different. If you find yourself in such a situation, try making a suggestion. For example: If your date can't decide between Italian or sushi for dinner, you could say something like: Well, we had pasta last week. Why don't we try sushi tonight? That new restaurant down the street looks good." Don't ever break a Gemini's trust. A Gemini can eventually forgive you, but he or she will never forget what happened. If you break a Gemini's trust, you may never get it back again. Also, note that Gemini are curious; they love to learn and find things out. If you are hiding something, the Gemini will become suspicious and eventually find out. It would be better to be up front and honest with him or her. Honesty is very important to a Gemini; he or she will appreciate the truth, even if it is not very nice. Don't hold a Gemini back, and don't control him or her. Gemini are very independent. They don't need someone to constantly hold their hand, and they most certainly don't like being controlled. Geminis need space to experience the world on their own. If you try to control a Gemini, you will end up with a very unhappy boyfriend or girlfriend. At the same time, however, remember to offer support if a Gemini asks for it. Don't get used to anything a Gemini says, does, or wants. Geminis are known for being full of contradictions. They are also known for being spontaneous and wanting to try new things. Their personalities are also multidimensional. Just because the Gemini you are dating likes the outdoors does not mean that he or she will always want to go hiking; there might be a time when he or she just wants to stay home. When the Gemini you are dating wants to try something different, go for it; don't try to force the "old way" upon them. Instead, embrace the change. At the same time, if the Gemini you are dating is suddenly upset or unhappy, it would always be a good idea to ask what is wrong instead of simply accepting it as the new "norm." Don't get upset if a Gemini changes his or her mind suddenly, and cancels or changes a plan. Being represented by the twins, Geminis have fickle, ever-changing minds. They can change and cancel plans last minute. Do not take this the wrong way. It is likely not personal. Instead, try to accept it as part of the Gemini's ever-changing nature. If this really bothers you, however, talk to the Gemini about it. Do not accuse him or her of "always flaking." Instead, explain that you take plans seriously, and that it hurts you when they are suddenly changed. | Listen to them and engage them in conversation. Bring something new into the relationship to keep things interesting. Be patient when they get moody or indecisive. Embrace and encourage the Gemini's inner child. Be prepared for a social life, but expect some quiet moments too. Don't force a Gemini to make decisions when he or she becomes indecisive. Don't ever break a Gemini's trust. Don't hold a Gemini back, and don't control him or her. Don't get used to anything a Gemini says, does, or wants. Don't get upset if a Gemini changes his or her mind suddenly, and cancels or changes a plan. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-Your-Dog-Has-a-Slipped-Disc | How to Know if Your Dog Has a Slipped Disc | To know if your dog has a slipped disc, figure out if your dog recently experienced a trauma or injury, like falling from any height or being hit by a person or vehicle. Even if your dog hasn't suffered an injury, keep in mind that some breeds are naturally prone to skeletal problems. Next, look for common symptoms like neck pain, back pain, difficulty moving, dragging one or more paws, or paralysis. Then, make an appointment with your vet to confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment plans. | Recognize the symptoms. It can be difficult to diagnose a slipped disc or IVDD at home. That's because the precise location of the affected vertebrae and the degree of injury can affect how noticeable your dog's injury is. However, some common symptoms to look for include: neck pain back pain difficulty moving a wobbly, uneven stride inability to place paws flat on the ground dragging one or more paws complete paralysis Assess any recent trauma. Some dog breeds are prone to developing skeletal problems. However, all dogs are capable of experiencing a slipped disc if they are seriously hurt. If your dog has fallen from any height, been hit by a person or object, or been involved in a traffic accident (including being in the car during one), your dog may have sustained spinal injuries. If you suspect your dog has sustained a spinal injury due to physical trauma, contact your veterinarian immediately. Identify breeds prone to skeletal problems. While skeletal problems can afflict any dog breed, these issues tend to strike dogs with disproportionately short limbs. However, some larger dog breeds are also afflicted. Many dog breeds prone to back problems like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) end up suffering from herniated or slipped discs. Some breeds commonly afflicted by IVDD include: Dachshunds Pekingese Shih Tzus Beagles Some poodles Cocker spaniels Welsh corgis Basset hounds Labrador retrievers German shepherds Shar-peis Make an appointment with your vet. Whether your dog is of a breed prone to IVDD or has sustained a spinal injury, your vet will need to see your dog right away. A vet can help rule out other problems, diagnose the problem with your dog, and recommend a treatment plan. Your vet will need to perform a full neurological exam, as X-rays alone are usually insufficient at identifying a slipped disc. Some tests your vet may run include an X-ray with dye contrast, a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or some combination of these tests. Your vet may also draw a small sample of cerebral spinal fluid to rule out a spinal infection. Learn your dog's prognosis. When your vet determines that your dog has a slipped disc, they will also be able to assess how severe the injury is. If the slipped disc was caused by trauma, your vet will instruct you on how to heal it. If it was caused by degenerative disc disease, your dog may require a more comprehensive treatment plan. How intensive your treatment plan is will depend on how advanced the degenerative disc disease is. There are five stages of disc disease, including: Stage I - mild pain which usually heals on its own within a few days Stage II - moderate to severe pain Stage III - partial paralysis resulting in staggered or uncoordinated walking patterns Stage IV - paralysis with feeling intact Stage V - paralysis and total loss of feeling Restrict your dog's movement. Regardless of how your dog's spinal injury developed, you will need to restrict its ability to move for a period of time. You may need to keep your dog confined for up to six weeks, depending on the severity of your dog's injury and your vet's recommendations. Keep your dog temporarily confined to a small space, like a dog cage or an enclosed area. Do not let your dog run, jump, or twist at all. Administer medication. Anti-inflammatory drugs and/or pain relievers may be prescribed for dogs with moderate to severe pain, including partial paralysis. Some dogs who do not respond to medication or who have advanced degenerative disc disease may need surgery. Common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for back pain include Rimadyl (carprofen), Etogesic (etodolac), and Deramaxx (deracoxib). You will need a prescription for these medications. Consider surgery. Surgery is usually recommended when your dog has had more than one slipped disc, has persistent severe pain, or has had severe nervous system complications. Surgery is most effective when performed with the first few days of the injury, which is why it's imperative that you have your dog seen by the vet at the first sign of injury. Talk to your vet about whether surgery may be right for your dog. Only your vet can determine the best course of action to treat your dog's injury. Limit high-impact activities. Dogs love to run, jump, and play, but doing any of these activities too roughly can easily lead to spinal injuries. If your dog has suffered spinal injuries in the past, or if it's of a breed that is susceptible to spinal problems, you may need to monitor and restrict your dog's activity. Consider installing a small pet staircase so your dog doesn't have to jump on or off of furniture. You can purchase a pet staircase at many pet stores or through an online retailer. Limit or restrict running, as this may aggravate an injury-prone spine. If your dog plays with other dogs and they tend to play roughly, consider limiting your dog's playtime with that dog. Use a harness instead of a collar. You should always use a leash to walk your dog. However, instead of clipping that leash to your dog's color, consider using a chest harness. These devices slip easily onto your dog's torso, and you can attach any standard leash to a harness. When you pull on the leash, a harness will distribute that pressure across the dog's body. With a collar leash, your dog's neck and upper back receive most of the force. You can purchase dog harnesses at most pet stores or through an online retailer. Travel safely with dogs in your vehicle. Any time you drive somewhere, you should always buckle up your seatbelt. The same is true of your dog. If your dog is freely roaming the vehicle and you make a sudden stop or are involved in a collision, your dog can seriously injure its back and neck. By taking precautions any time your dog travels with you, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Make sure your dog is used to traveling in a vehicle before you attempt any long drives with your pet. A stressed dog may wiggle, jump, and try to move around the vehicle. Use a travel harness to keep your dog securely fastened in place during car trips. You can purchase a travel harness at many pet stores or through an online retailer. Consider a skybox or booster seat, which is used in conjunction with a harness to keep your dog fastened in a cushioned box. If you have a vehicle with a hatchback or "boot," you may want to consider using a car grid. This metal grate fits over the backseat's headrest, keeping your dog confined to the trunk area during car trips. | Recognize the symptoms. Assess any recent trauma. Identify breeds prone to skeletal problems. Make an appointment with your vet. Learn your dog's prognosis. Restrict your dog's movement. Administer medication. Consider surgery. Limit high-impact activities. Use a harness instead of a collar. Travel safely with dogs in your vehicle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Beer-Pong | How to Play Beer Pong | To play beer pong, fill 20 plastic cups halfway with beer and arrange them in a 10-cup triangle at each end of the table. The point of each triangle should be facing the opposing team. Then, each team takes turns throwing the balls into their opponent's cups, with each team throwing 1 ball per turn. If the opponent's ball lands in one of your team's cups, you or one of your teammates must drink the beer in that cup. After 6 cups of beer have been consumed, restack the 4 remaining cups into a diamond to make shooting easier. After 8 cups are gone, put the last 2 in a single file line. Keep playing until 1 team runs out of cups, which means the other other team wins! | Play one-on-one or with teams of two. Teams of two will take turns throwing the ball each time they get a turn. Fill 20 16-oz plastic cups halfway with beer. If you want to avoid drinking too much, consider filling each ¼ up the way with beer. You can vary the amount of beer per cup so each side has an equal amount of beer in each cup. Fill a bucket with clean water to rinse balls before throwing. While sanitation isn't exactly the cornerstone of beer pong, nobody wants to drink a tainted cup of beer. Have some clean water handy so players can clean their balls before throwing, and keep paper towels on handy to soak up spills. Arrange the plastic cups into a 10-cup triangle at each end of the table. The point of each triangle should face the opposing team. There will be one cup in the first row, two in the second row, three in the third row, and the base of the triangle will have four cups. Do not tilt the cups. You can also play with 6 cups. The more cups, the longer the game will likely last. Determine who goes first. Many games are started by a member of each team playing rock, paper, scissors. Winners go first. Another variation to choose who goes first is playing “eye-to-eye.” To do this, teams try to make a cup while maintaining eye contact with the opponent, and the first one to do so goes first. You can also flip a coin. Take turns throwing the balls into cups. Each team gets to throw one ball per turn. The goal is throw the ball into a cup of the opposing team. You can throw the ball directly into a cup or bounce a ball off of the table into a cup. Try to arc the ball when you throw. It is more likely to land in a cup. Aim for a cluster of cups as opposed to the edges of the triangle. Try underhand or overhand throwing and see which works best for you. Drink according to where the ball lands. When the ball lands in a cup, alternate drinking the beer between you and your partner—if you drink the first cup, let your partner drink the second. Set the cup aside once you drink it. Restack the cups into a diamond when 4 cups remain. Once 6 cups of beer have been drunk, restack the remaining 4 into a diamond. This will make shooting easier for everyone. Arrange the last 2 cups into a single file line. Once 8 cups have been drunk, arrange the last 2 into a line. Keep playing until one team has no cups remaining. The team who has no cups loses, and the other team has won. Throw two balls per round. There are many variations to the rules of beer pong. In this variation, the same team continues throwing 2 balls per round until there is a miss. After the turn is completed, the opposite team throws at the first team's cups, and the process repeats. Call out which cup you are going to hit before you throw. This is one of the most common variations on beer pong. If you hit the cup you called, your opponent drinks that cup. If you miss your target and it goes in the wrong cup, it counts as a miss, and that cup remains on the table. Give the losing team one last turn after a team has won. The opposing team gets a last turn; this is called a “rebuttal.” They keep shooting until they miss, at which time the game is over. If they make the ball into all of the opposing teams' cups in their last turn, then a 3 cup overtime is played. Now, the teams compete in sudden death to figure out the final winner. Make a bounce shot count for 2 cups. In this variation, a bounce shot counts as 2 cups, and the player that made the shot can pick the other cup that he/she wants to be removed. | Play one-on-one or with teams of two. Fill 20 16-oz plastic cups halfway with beer. Fill a bucket with clean water to rinse balls before throwing. Arrange the plastic cups into a 10-cup triangle at each end of the table. Determine who goes first. Take turns throwing the balls into cups. Drink according to where the ball lands. Restack the cups into a diamond when 4 cups remain. Arrange the last 2 cups into a single file line. Keep playing until one team has no cups remaining. Throw two balls per round. Call out which cup you are going to hit before you throw. Give the losing team one last turn after a team has won. Make a bounce shot count for 2 cups. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-a-Terracotta-Pot | How to Paint a Terracotta Pot | To paint a terracotta pot, start by soaking it in warm water for 30 minutes to clean the surface. Then, set it in the sun to dry before sanding it with sandpaper to create a smooth surface. Then, apply a primer to keep paint from seeping into the porous terracotta material. Finally, use water-based acrylic paint to paint your pot as desired and let it dry before using it. To keep paint from chipping, apply an acrylic sealer to the painted surface. | Lay newspapers down on your workstation. Even the most careful crafters have spills, so make sure to protect the table or floor you are working on. You'll be working with acrylic paint, which is water-based and pretty easy to clean if you do spill. Who wants to clean though? On that note, you should probably change into some work clothes too. It is preferable to set up your painting station somewhere out of the way, because it takes several days to fully complete a pot. The primers, paints, and sealers all need hours to dry, so set up your supplies somewhere you can leave them for at least 48 hours. Soak the pot in warm water for about half an hour. This will help you peel off any price tags, as well as clean off any marks. Because these pots are often sold at home and garden stores, they might be slightly scuffed or dirty. It's important to give yourself a clean terracotta canvas before you start your painting. Dry and sand your pot. You can easily dry it by setting it in the sun for a couple hours. After it's completely dry, take a piece of sand paper and lightly rub any rough areas or markings on the pot. The sandpaper can also remove any residue left behind by a price tag or sticker. If your pot is already clean and smooth after its bath, feel free to skip this step! Surface impurities on your pot will show through the paint, so make sure it's as clean and smooth as you can possibly get it. The color of the terracotta will help you tell if it is dry. The pot will be significantly darker when wet, and lighten up as it dries. Apply a surface primer to your pot. Terracotta is a porous surface, so priming the pot is an important step. The primer will prevent the paint from bubbling or looking speckled, and it will give your pot an overall smooth and polished appearance. There are various kinds of primers with different instructions, so follow the instructions on the packaging. Cover all areas of the pot that you are going to be painting. Spray the areas you aren't going to be painting (such as the inside of the pot and the bottom) with the waterproof sealant. Make sure the primer and sealant are completely dry before you begin painting. Most primers are a plain white color, but feel free to tint them with your background paint color if you prefer. Tinting them with a darker color may be useful if you want your finished pot to be dark. Apply your background color (or colors) first. If you want to use multiple colors for your background, it's helpful to tape off the sections before starting. Place tape where you want a color of paint to end. You can then paint the color and peel off the tape, leaving a perfectly clean line. Allow your background to dry, preferably overnight. You may need to apply several coats of paint, particularly if you are using light colors. After your first coat of paint is completely dry, you can decide if you need one or two more. Always a coat to dry completely before adding another. By letting them dry in the sun, it'll speed up the process and you'll air out the paint smell! Paint on top of your background. Once your background coat of paint is completely dry, you can start painting on top. The possibilities are limitless. You can use stencils, create designs using tape, or even try your luck at free-handing something! Stamping the terracotta pot with stamps creates an interesting design. Just get creative! When you are all finished, allow the pot to dry completely. This step, of course, is optional. You can always leave your pot one solid color, depending on the look you are going for. Seal your masterpiece. This is a crucial step, because the pots can peel, fade, and chip if you don't seal the paint properly. Make sure you are somewhere with good ventilation, and spray the pot thoroughly with an acrylic sealer. It goes on clear, so it won't mess up your painting. Spray until you think you've covered the entire surface of the pot, and then spray it again. You want to make sure you don't miss an inch- even areas that you did not paint. The unpainted areas are still vulnerable to moisture, and if damage to unpainted areas can affect your beautiful painted areas! The sealant dries pretty quickly, but you should let your pot sit for a couple of days before you expose it to any moisture. This will ensure that everything is completely sealed and protected. Take your pot to the next level by spray painting it. This will save you time, and it will also give your pot a really unique look. Play around with the distance between the pot and the spray paint, seeing the different spray patterns and intensities you can create. Use an acrylic spray paint, and make sure you do this in a well-ventilated area. Make stencils to create intricate designs. It's best to use a material like poster board to create your stencils, so that it is thick while still being malleable enough to bend it against the surface of the pot. You can create a stencil of anything you want as long as you have the proper materials. Print off whatever image you want to use for your stencil. This can be an image, a letter, a design, etc. Tape the printed paper to the poster board, and use an X-Acto knife or other razor blade to cut it out. Use adhesive to add some 3D decoration to your pot. Using wood glue, you can add anything your heart desires. For a rustic look, you can add little twigs, pebbles, twine, fake leaves, and anything else you can think of. For a flashier look, try gems or other sparkly objects. Leave sections unpainted for contrast. A fully painted pot looks great, but leaving portions of unpainted terracotta showing through can provide a neat contrast. It will be recognizable as an ordinary, every day terracotta planter, but with a little extra pizzazz. This looks great when the pot is positioned with unpainted terracotta pots, as it ties the arrangement together. Try geometric designs, organic patterns, and even try combining the two. You can use duct tape to create bold, straight-edged designs, and you can also free hand with your paint to create gentle, flowing patterns. You can create a one-of-a-kind pot by using both kinds of designs on one pot! | Lay newspapers down on your workstation. Soak the pot in warm water for about half an hour. Dry and sand your pot. Apply a surface primer to your pot. Apply your background color (or colors) first. Paint on top of your background. Seal your masterpiece. Take your pot to the next level by spray painting it. Make stencils to create intricate designs. Use adhesive to add some 3D decoration to your pot. Leave sections unpainted for contrast. Try geometric designs, organic patterns, and even try combining the two. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-Wine-Is-Corked | How to Tell if Wine Is Corked | To tell if your wine is corked, start by smelling the wine to see if it smells musty, like a wet dog or cardboard. When you smell your wine, trust your first sniff, since it's the most reliable. If you can't tell by the smell alone, take a sip of the wine and check to see if it tastes dull or astringent without any fruit flavor. Your wine may also taste a bit off from overheating in storage or during transport, in which case it would taste like almonds or candied fruits. | Smell the wine. If wine is corked, it will have an odor that you wouldn't expect from a good wine. It may smell musty, or like dank towels, wet dog, wet cardboard or newspaper. Note that your first sniff is more reliable than later sniffs. Trust your first whiff! Wine becomes corked when it is exposed to TCA or "2,4,6-Trichloroanisole", a naturally occurring compound that may be found in the cork of the wine bottle. Taste the wine. If the wine has only been exposed to a small amount of TCA, it may be difficult to decide for sure whether or not it is corked by smelling it alone. The taste of the wine will be dull and will not exhibit any fruit characteristics. Some people also describe corked wine as tasting astringent. A wine that is only slightly corked may lack aroma and have very little taste. If you did taste it, and it is corked, the taste was probably quite unenjoyable. It may have even tasted reminiscent of paint thinner. Rinse your mouth out with water, and open up a new bottle. Always test the wine before allowing it to be served to others. This allows the host to see if the wine is fit for consumption and prevents pouring the wine into many glasses before a discovery that the wine is not fit for drinking. Return your corked wine to the store you purchased it from for a replacement or a refund. If you are in a restaurant and you purchase a bottle of wine, make sure the waiter allows you to taste the wine before serving any other guests at the table. Avoid confusing corked wine with other problems. If the wine seems a bit off to you, don't just assume that it must be corked. There may be other culprits that have ruined the taste of your wine. Oxidized wine is wine that has been exposed to oxygen, which has caused the wine to taste flat and lifeless, and even a bit vinegary. If your wine tastes this way (think of the way a flat soda tastes in comparison to a fresh one, as the concept is similar), then there is a good chance that it has simply oxidized. The color of the wine (if it is white) will also have changed to a dull yellow or brownish color. Maderized wine is wine that has been overheated, perhaps as a result of storage or during transport. This wine will taste reminiscent of almonds or candied fruits, and the cork may be pushed a bit out of the bottle. This occurs because of the expansion that occurs when the wine becomes too warm. It is also possible that the wine has refermented. Although wine is a product of fermentation, sometimes excess yeast can interact with the wine once it is bottled, creating a fizzy taste. Understand how wine becomes corked. A corked wine is a wine that has come into contact with a cork that has “cork taint.” This occurs when a wine cork comes into contact with a chemical commonly known as TCA (2,4,6-Trichloroanisole). TCA forms when natural fungi present in corks comes into contact with certain chemicals found in sanitation and sterilization products used in wineries. Learn what corked does not mean. Many people mistakenly believe that corked wine is just wine that has little bits of cork floating in the wine. This is not the case. Although it may be annoying, the wine is not ruined. If you find bits of cork floating in your wine, simply filter it out by pushing a coffee filter half way into your wine glass, and then slowly pour the wine through the filter. Make sure to use an unbleached filter, though, as bleached coffee filters may affect the flavor of your wine. Remember that it may not be the cork on the bottle that caused the contamination. Sometimes, you may come across a bottle of wine with a screw top, but it still tastes as though it is corked. In this case, the wine may have become contaminated in the barrel before it was bottled. If this is the case, you should definitely take the wine back to the seller. If a winery has sold an entire batch of corked wine, then you should reconsider the quality of that wine. | Smell the wine. Taste the wine. Always test the wine before allowing it to be served to others. Avoid confusing corked wine with other problems. Understand how wine becomes corked. Learn what corked does not mean. Remember that it may not be the cork on the bottle that caused the contamination. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pomade | How to Make Pomade | To make pomade, start by heating 1 inch of water in a double boiler over medium-low heat. Then, add 20 tablespoons of beeswax to the top pot of the double boiler and stir it as it melts. Once the beeswax melts, add 20 teaspoons of pure coconut oil and 20 drops of a scented essential oil. Continue to stir the mixture until everything is fully melted and mixed together. Finally, pour your pomade into a sealable container and let it cool for several hours. | Prepare a double boiler. To create beeswax hair pomade, you first need to melt the beeswax so that it can easily mix with the other ingredients. Begin by placing a double boiler on the stovetop over medium low heat with about one inch (2.54 cm) of water in the bottom pot. If you don't have a double boiler, you can make a makeshift double boiler by placing a small pot on the stove, pouring an inch (2.54 cm) of water inside, then placing a heat safe bowl on top of the pot of water. Use a bowl that is wide enough so that it can sit on the top of the pot rather than inside the pot. Place the beeswax inside the top of the double boiler. Place the 20 tablespoons (98.57 ml) of beeswax inside the top pot of the double boiler (or in the bowl if you are using a makeshift double boiler). Melt the beeswax in the double boiler. After you place the beeswax in the double boiler, you should see that it starts to soften and melt. Stir the beeswax around using a wooden spoon until it is completely melted. Add the coconut oil and essential oils. Once the beeswax has completely melted, add in the 20 teaspoons (98.57 ml) of pure coconut oil as well as 20 drops of your favorite scented essential oil. Stir the mixture until it’s fully melted. Use the wooden spoon to keep mixing the pomade mixture while it heats. Stop mixing when all the ingredients are fully melted and the mixture is homogenous. Pour the mixture in a container. Once you have finished making the pomade, pour it into a small, clean container with a lid, making sure to scrape down the sides of the double boiler to get all of the pomade. Let the pomade cool for at least three hours. Once you have poured the pomade into the container, leave the pomade to cool for at least three hours before you use it. Letting the pomade sit will help it to solidify to the right consistency to use on your hair. Add water to the bottom of a double boiler. To begin making this medium hold hair pomade, place a double boiler on the stovetop over medium heat. Place one inch (2.54 cm) of water in the bottom of the double boiler and place the top pan back on the double boiler. If you don't have a double boiler, place a pot on the stovetop and add an inch (2.54 cm) of water to the bottom. Then place another pot or a heatproof bowl sitting on top of the bottom pot. Add the shea butter and beeswax pastilles to the double boiler. Place the 3 tablespoons (44.36 ml) of shea butter and 2 tablespoons (29.57 ml) of beeswax pastilles into the top pan of the double boiler and mix them with a large spoon until they are melted. Combine jojoba oil and arrowroot powder in a bowl. In a separate bowl, add the jojoba oil, arrowroot powder and the vitamin E if you are using it. Stir them together until all the ingredients are mixed together. Vitamin E promotes hair growth and also helps to strengthen hair. You can find liquid Vitamin E at some health food stores. Arrowroot is a thickening agent. It can be bought in health food stores or some major supermarkets. You can also substitute cornstarch for arrowroot powder if you have trouble finding it. Combine the shea butter and jojoba oil mixtures. Take the double boiler off the heat and pour the jojoba oil mixture into the top of the double boiler with the shea butter mixture. Add the essential oil and mix. Add in 10 drops of the essential oil of your choice, then mix the pomade ingredients together with a whisk or hand mixer for two or three minutes until the texture of the pomade is thick. You don't need to use essential oils, but they can add a nice scent to your pomade. Pour the pomade into a container. Once you add the essential oils, scoop or pour the pomade into a jar or tin with a top, being sure to scrape out the boiler to get out all the pomade. The pomade should be ready to use as soon as it cools. Add all ingredients together. To make a creamy hair pomade, add the shea butter, aloe vera, coconut oil, glycerin and the essential oil or oils of your choice to a large mixing bowl. You can choose whichever essential oil has your favorite scent. Mix the ingredients to make a cream. Once you have added all the ingredients to the mixing bowl, mix them together with a large spoon. Keep mixing until all the ingredients are combined into a cream. Place the cream in a jar or tin. After you finish mixing the ingredients into a cream, scoop all the ingredients into a tin with a top. Then use the pomade to style and smooth your hair! | Prepare a double boiler. Place the beeswax inside the top of the double boiler. Melt the beeswax in the double boiler. Add the coconut oil and essential oils. Stir the mixture until it’s fully melted. Pour the mixture in a container. Let the pomade cool for at least three hours. Add water to the bottom of a double boiler. Add the shea butter and beeswax pastilles to the double boiler. Combine jojoba oil and arrowroot powder in a bowl. Combine the shea butter and jojoba oil mixtures. Add the essential oil and mix. Pour the pomade into a container. Add all ingredients together. Mix the ingredients to make a cream. Place the cream in a jar or tin. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Warm-at-Home-Without-a-Heater | How to Stay Warm at Home Without a Heater | To stay warm at home without a heater, close the door to any rooms you don't use regularly so there's less space you need to heat. Also, put up heavy curtains over your windows, which will help block out drafts and the cold. Just make sure you keep the curtains open during the day on windows that get sunlight since the sun will help warm up your home. You can also stay warm by sealing any gaps around your doors with weather stripping or a door sweep. Even just putting down rugs and lighting some candles can help warm up your home. | Close all of your windows properly. This includes making sure storm windows are installed and closed in place if you have them. Windows should be latched. Open them during the day if the temperature outside is higher than the temperature indoors. Keep your windows air-tight. You may want to purchase removable window caulk or plastic to better seal them. At a minimum, stuff a towel or shirt in front of any noticeable leaks. Use cheap, transparent shower curtains over the windows that receive sunlight. This will keep the cold air out, and the warmth from the sun will heat your house without cold air coming in. You could also cover your windows with clear plastic sheets. Put up curtains. A set of heavy curtains can block heavy drafts of air. Open them when the sun is shining and close them when it's not. Seal your doors. Check around the door frame and also under the door. You may want to buy weather stripping or a door sweep. Again, at minimum, make a draft dodger or stuff a towel at the bottom of the door. Let as much sun hit your house as possible. Check for obstructions (e.g. plants, sheds) that might keep the sun's rays from reaching your house. Remove items leaning against walls on the sunny side of your house. (Ideally, put them back again at night for additional insulation). Close off any unused rooms. The closed door makes that room another barrier between you and the frigid outdoors. It also stops air from circulating as much, which reduces heat loss. Home improvement stores sell magnetic register covers to "shut off" forced air furnace registers in unused rooms. That way when the heater does click on, only the registers in the rooms you use will pump out heat. This makes for more efficient use of the heater. Check that all heat registers are adjusted open, especially where plumbing pipes might freeze. Unblock cold air returns in heated rooms (they may be blocked with furniture or rug) so heat can circulate efficiently. Put down a rug or carpet. Rugs and carpets help prevent heat loss through the floor. They are generally warmer to the touch than wood or stone, and so offer a warmer surface to walk on. Add insulation in the attic and the crawl space. A lot of heat escapes through the attic, as warm air rises and cold air sinks. Make sure that your attic has enough insulation. Start a warm fire. If you have a fireplace, you can heat your house by lighting a fire. If there is no fireplace, you might consider installing one. Always supervise the fire while it is lit. Cook. Cooking can help you to keep warm as an activity, through the oven's warmth and by eating something nice and warm after. Bake cookies or a pie. Your oven will help to dry the air and heat the kitchen. The kitchen will be warm while you are cooking, and then you can have a great home cooked meal too! After, leave the oven on and open the oven door to let some heat in the house. Only leave the oven on for ten to twenty minutes, so you don't waste energy. Limit cooking that gives off steam, as this will increase the humidity in the air and make your house damp. Lowering humidity in the wintertime helps you to feel warmer. Water vapor (humidity) has a greater heat capacity (ability to absorb heat) than dry air. As a result, humid air feels colder in winter than does dry air and it takes more heat to make damp air feel comfortable. Light a candle. A candle/candles can produce a lot of heat, just be mindful of where they are placed and do not leave them unattended. A trip to most any grocery store or discount store can provide you with a number of candles cheap! Use a candle heater. It doesn't create as much heat as a fireplace or real heater, but will create warmth very cheaply. Turn on some lights. The average incandescent light bulb releases up to 95% of its energy as heat rather than light, making it an extremely efficient heat source. Compact Fluorescent and LED lights are not helpful in warming your room, so save them for warmer days and use the money you saved to pay the heat bill. Drink warm beverages. Warm beverages will raise your core temperature. The process can be very relaxing and even stimulating. Make a cup of tea or coffee. Sip on some warm broth. Dress warmly. A lot of people say you release one-third of your body's heat from your head but despite common belief, you release heat equally throughout your body. Either way, a hat is a good friend at a time like this. A turtleneck sweater or onesie can also work wonders. Dress in layers, especially with wool or cotton clothing. Wear slippers or warm socks. When you are sitting still, wrap a thick pure wool blanket around you. You also may want to consider purchasing a thermal shirt as wearing one under your sweater makes for a comfy shirt and an increased level of warmth. If you still get cold legs, you could buy a 2-pack of black tights from your local shop. Make sure they are opaques. Wear one or more pairs over each other under your clothes; this will provide your body with another layer of clothing to trap in warm air. Men can use long johns in lieu of stockings. Use smaller rooms. If, for example, you have a bedroom that is much smaller than your living room you could choose to use it as your bed-sitting room. Exercise. Doing twenty minutes of vigorous exercise can warm you up and keep you warm well after the exercise session. Plus, a healthy body is generally more tolerant of the cold. Be active. Moving around produces body heat! The more active you are, the better your blood circulation will be. This means that warm blood gets to your fingers and toes, keeping them warm. Find a friend or pet to snuggle with. The living body of any warm-blooded animal is a furnace unto itself. Snuggle with your cat or dog to keep each other warm. Use a hair dryer. Quickly spot-heat parts of your body, or your cold shoes or clothes before donning. You might use it to warm your bed before you get in it. Never cover it! It could overheat and cause a fire. Sit on a 50-watt heating pad. Rather than heating the whole house or room, sit on a low wattage heating pad. You can also make your own heating pads: Use a hot water bottle. It's great for warming your hands and lap while sitting; also put it under the covers at the foot of the bed. Microwave socks or small homemade "pillows" (also known as heat packs) filled with rice, dried corn, or beans for one minute in the microwave and use as a heating pad or bed-warmer. Buy a thick bathrobe or dressing gown. Think of it as a big, fluffy blanket with sleeves. They are very warm and comfortable, and you can even sleep in them! Go visiting/vacationing. Purposefully spend time in a location that is heated at no cost to you: library, church, a friend's house, etc. Consider using an electric blanket. An electric blanket can keep you very warm and comfortable in the night and it is more economical that an inefficient and expensive old wall heater. Over-the-knee versions for sitting up are available, usually covered with a nice, fluffy and warm fabric. Buy a zero-degree sleeping bag. You don't need to go camping to use a sleeping bag. A zero-degree sleeping bag can keep you warm while you snooze at home. Roll out the sleeping bag on your bed to keep you warm and insulated all night long. Evaluate the cause of your house's temperature. If you are suffering a cold house due to an energy blackout, the above tips will help you get through this short term emergency. But if you are living with a non-working heater because you don't have enough money to pay for heating repairs, you will need to start saving money in the bank for exactly this type of emergency. Pay yourself first so that you can get through any and all emergencies as they arise. Don't leave yourself out in the cold. Contact energy suppliers if you cannot afford to heat your home. They might work with you to find a payment plan you can afford. In addition to this, you may be eligible for federal (or other government) assistance to help pay your bill. | Close all of your windows properly. Use cheap, transparent shower curtains over the windows that receive sunlight. Put up curtains. Seal your doors. Let as much sun hit your house as possible. Close off any unused rooms. Put down a rug or carpet. Add insulation in the attic and the crawl space. Cook. Light a candle. Turn on some lights. Drink warm beverages. Dress warmly. Use smaller rooms. Exercise. Find a friend or pet to snuggle with. Use a hair dryer. Sit on a 50-watt heating pad. Buy a thick bathrobe or dressing gown. Go visiting/vacationing. Consider using an electric blanket. Buy a zero-degree sleeping bag. Evaluate the cause of your house's temperature. Contact energy suppliers if you cannot afford to heat your home. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Chai-Latte | How to Make Chai Latte | To make chai latte, combine the crumbled cinnamon stick, whole black peppercorn, cloves, and cracked green cardamom pods in a saucepan and toast them over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Next, add the fresh ginger and water and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes before removing it from the heat. Then, stir in the loose-leaf tea, cover the pan, and steep the tea for 10 minutes. Finally, strain the tea and top each cup with frothed milk before serving it. | Combine all the spices in a small saucepan. Add 1 crumbled cinnamon stick, 1 tsp (1.8 g) of whole black peppercorn, 5 cloves, and 3 cracked green cardamom pods to the saucepan. Stir the ingredients together with a wooden spoon. You can mix and match spices to suit your tastes. Other popular spices used to make chai include fennel seeds, coriander seeds, and star anise. Toast the spices over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Continue to stir the spices as they cook. This will prevent them from burning, which can ruin the flavor of your chai. The spices are done toasting when they're fragrant. Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) of thinly-sliced ginger and 2 cups (470 mL) of water. Stir these ingredients together with your other spices in the saucepan using the wooden spoon. Using fresh ginger adds a note of sweetness to the spice in your chai. In traditional Indian masala chai, ginger is sometimes the only spice used. Lower the heat to a simmer and brew the mixture for 5 minutes. Let the spices integrate into the water and mix together. You can help speed this process up by continuing to stir gently while it simmers. Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 tbsp (6 g) of loose-leaf tea. Stir the tea into the mixture thoroughly with the wooden spoon to help it mix with all of the spices. The most commonly used teas for chai lattes are assam and ceylon. However, you can also use English breakfast or another black tea. If you don't have loose leaf tea on hand, you can use 3 tea bags instead. Cover the pan and steep the tea for 10 minutes. Try to avoid lifting the lid while it steeps. This prevents steam and heat from escaping. For a stronger, more flavorful chai, you can choose to leave the tea to steep for longer. Strain the tea into a teapot and cover it with a tea cosy to keep it warm. Replace the lid of the teapot and cover it with the cosy as quickly as possible after straining the tea to keep it hot while you froth the milk. If you don't have a teapot available, you can use a thermos or other insulated container. Substitute a couple of clean kitchen towels for a tea cosy if you don't have one available. Pour 1.5 cups (350 mL) of whole milk into a microwave-safe jar. Leave the lid off the jar, and make sure there is no metal anywhere on the jar before putting it in the microwave. Full-fat milk is traditional, but you can also use low-fat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or any other type of milk you like. If you don't have a suitable jar on hand, you can use a bowl or other microwave-safe container instead. Microwave the milk on high for 30 seconds, or longer if necessary. Depending on your microwave, you may only have one heat setting. If the milk isn't hot when you take it out of the microwave, put it back in for 15 more seconds. Always use caution when handling hot liquids. Be careful not to spill the milk when you remove it from the microwave and use an oven mitt or towel if the container is too hot to touch. Pour the milk into a thermos or other insulated container. Screw on the lid, making sure it's nice and tight. The thermos will keep the milk warm while you froth it. Shake the milk for 30-60 seconds to froth it. The longer and more vigorously you shake the milk, the frothier it will be. When it's ready, the milk should appear foamy and whipped. Pour 3⁄4 cup (180 mL) of tea into each mug from the teapot. Don't fill the mugs too high with tea, as you need to leave space for the milk and any toppings. Use caution when pouring the tea, as it should still be very hot. Add 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of frothed milk to the tea. Fill the remainder of the mug with the frothed milk from the insulated container. Remember to leave a bit of extra space if you plan on adding whipped cream. If you have an especially large or small mug, you may need to adjust the amount of tea and milk you pour. But try to keep the ratio roughly the same. Add honey, maple syrup, or whipped cream for a sweeter flavor. Depending on how you like your chai, you may want to sweeten your latte. Use a small amount of sweetener to begin with, as the chai will already be flavorful due to the spices. You can always add more if you decide you want it sweeter. You can also add a sprinkle of brown sugar for added sweetness and texture. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and/or nutmeg to taste. This adds a bit of extra flavor and spice to your latte as a finishing touch. Once you're done adding your toppings, all that's left to do is enjoy your delicious chai latte! | Combine all the spices in a small saucepan. Toast the spices over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) of thinly-sliced ginger and 2 cups (470 mL) of water. Lower the heat to a simmer and brew the mixture for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 tbsp (6 g) of loose-leaf tea. Cover the pan and steep the tea for 10 minutes. Strain the tea into a teapot and cover it with a tea cosy to keep it warm. Pour 1.5 cups (350 mL) of whole milk into a microwave-safe jar. Microwave the milk on high for 30 seconds, or longer if necessary. Pour the milk into a thermos or other insulated container. Shake the milk for 30-60 seconds to froth it. Pour 3⁄4 cup (180 mL) of tea into each mug from the teapot. Add 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of frothed milk to the tea. Add honey, maple syrup, or whipped cream for a sweeter flavor. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and/or nutmeg to taste. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pomegranate-Wine | How to Make Pomegranate Wine | To make pomegranate wine, you'll need a 2-gallon jar, a 1-gallon carboy, an airlock, and a thin tube for siphoning. Start by crushing pomegranate seeds and sterilizing them in the jar using a Campden tablet. After a few hours, add boiling water, minced raisins, granulated sugar, acid blend, and pectic enzyme. Next, add activated wine yeast, let it sit for 5 days, and strain out the solids. Once you've strained the mixture, siphon it into the carboy and seal it with the airlock. Finally, let the wine ferment for 1 year, siphoning it into a new container every few months. | Gather and clean your winemaking equipment. Purchase your equipment online or at a local supplier of homebrewing and fermenting equipment. Clean your equipment and wine bottles before beginning. Avoid using soap when cleaning since this can leave a residue. Instead, use hot water and scrub with a stiff brush. You can also disinfect the equipment with a bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach for every gallon of water). You'll need: A 2-gallon (7.6 L) crock or glass jar Long wooden spoon A 1-gallon (3.8 L) carboy (a glass container with a small neck) An airlock A thin plastic tube for siphoning Clean wine bottles with corks or screw caps Clean and cut the pomegranates. Choose pomegranates that are heavy and look deep red. If your pomegranates are small, you may want to use a few more. Wash your pomegranates and cut them in half. Scoop out all of the fruity seeds. Discard the skin and the pith since these can make your wine taste bitter. Crush the seeds and sterilize the fruit. To crush the pomegranate seeds, you may want to pulse them in a blender or food processor. Place the crushed seeds into a fermentation crock or glass jar. You'll also need to sterilize the pomegranates using a Campden tablet. Dissolve one Campden tablet in 2 cups of the crushed pomegranates. Return this mixture to to the rest of the crushed seeds. To give the Campden tablet time to work, wait 4 hours before continuing on and adding other ingredients. Combine your other ingredients. Pour 1 gallon of boiling water into your container with the crushed pomegranate seeds. You'll also need to add 1 lb (450 grams) of minced raisins (choose organic so you don't get sulfites), 2 lbs (900 grams) of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of acid blend, and 1 teaspoon of pectic enzyme. Mix this together and let it stand until the mixture is at room temperature. This mixture containing the sweetened crushed fruit is called must. This will eventually ferment and be strained to create your pomegranate wine. Activate the wine yeast and add it to the must. Take your teaspoon of yeast nutrient and dissolve it in one cup of liquid strained from your pomegranate mixture. Once you've stirred the yeast completely into the liquid, add the activated wine yeast to the must (the pomegranate mixture). Yeast nutrient is specially formulated to keep yeast healthy throughout fermentation. Let the must set. Cover the fermenting container with your must. Place it in a warm place that's around 60 to 70 degrees F. The must should set for about five days. Stir the must two or three times a day so the solids that float to the top are mixed into the rest of the must. During this time, the liquid will begin to take on a red color. You can cover the container with a crock lid or cheesecloth secured with a rubber band. Covering the must will keep bugs out, but should also allow for air flow. Strain the must. Once the must doesn't bubble very much, you can strain the solids out and siphon the fermenting pomegranate wine must into a carboy or clear demijohn. After the liquid is in your long-term storage container, fit an airlock on the top. This will release gas and keep oxygen from entering the container (which could ruin your wine). Let your wine set for a month. If you don't have an airlock, you can place a small balloon or latex glove over the opening of your carboy or demijohn. Poke 4 or 5 pin-sized holes in it and tape it over the opening. This way, gas will escape, but not let oxygen into your container. Rack your wine. You'll need to siphon off your wine into a clean container so that sediment is left behind. Doing this repeatedly while the wine ferments will prevent your wine from appearing cloudy or foggy. Place the syphon on the end of your carboy or demijohn and attach it to a secondary container to rack it. You should rack your wine: For the first time at one month At four months At seven months Collect bottles. Wine bottles will allow you to divide and serve your wine just like a regular winery would. You can store your wine in used wine bottles you have collected. With this in mind, it's good to make a habit of collecting wine bottles over a course of months before bottling your own wine. If you don't have any bottles, you can buy them from brewing supply stores. The typical wine bottle is 750ml. You'll need roughly five bottles for each gallon of wine you've made. Bottle the wine. Once your wine has finished fermenting and you've racked it several times so it's clear, bottle your wine. You can usually do this at one year after starting the wine. Use a siphon to move the wine from the fermenting container into your bottles. Fill your bottles partway up the bottleneck and leave a few inches for the cork at the top. Be sure to siphon the wine without agitating or stirring the wine too much. This could cause any sediment to make your wine cloudy. Cork the wine. Soak your corks in a mixture of water that has a Campden tablet dissolved in it. This will sterilize your corks and make them easier to insert in your wine bottles. You can insert the corks by hand or use a corking machine. If inserting them by hand, soak them for 15 minutes. If inserting them by machine, only soak them for a few minutes. Position the cork over the opening of the bottle and push down firmly using your shoulders. Some brewery supply stores rent corking machines for home use. This may be a good idea if you're trying it out for the first time. You may want to buy one if you're planning on making wine regularly. Allow the wine to sit for a year. Most wines are drunk within 12 to 18 months of bottling. You should try to drink your wine around a year after bottling it. Although if you've made several bottles, consider opening and trying your wine about 6 months after bottling. You may find that you enjoy the flavor of your pomegranate wine at this point. Wine is not meant to be kept indefinitely. Most fruit wines (including pomegranate wine) should be used within 3 to 5 years of bottling. | Gather and clean your winemaking equipment. Clean and cut the pomegranates. Crush the seeds and sterilize the fruit. Combine your other ingredients. Activate the wine yeast and add it to the must. Let the must set. Strain the must. Rack your wine. Collect bottles. Bottle the wine. Cork the wine. Allow the wine to sit for a year. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Blueberries-in-a-Pot | How to Grow Blueberries in a Pot | Blueberries grow very well in pots as long as they're given acidic soil and frequent waterings. Just keep in mind that blueberry bushes generally don't produce fruit for the first 2 or 3 years. Make sure to choose a dwarf variety like Top Hat or Sunshine Blue, since these smaller varieties blueberry bushes do best in pots. Once you have your plant, you'll need to fill a large pot with acidic potting mix, then center the blueberry plant in the pot and water it thoroughly. Then, you'll need to place the plant in an area that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day and water it lightly several times a week. Give it an organic fertilizer 2-3 times a year to help it thrive. | Pick a compact variety that fits well in pots. Dwarf plants produce plenty of blueberries without taking up much space. Some of the most common varieties for pot growing include Top Hat and Sunshine Blue. Other types, such as the northern highbush blueberry, do better in the ground but can survive in pots with proper care. Look for young blueberry plants at a local nursery in the beginning of spring. Chances are you will find some that grow well in your area. If you can't find any, try ordering some from an online nursery. Choose a blueberry variety best suited to the weather in your area. Blueberry plants are pretty hardy but still struggle to survive in the wrong environment. Before settling on a variety to keep at home, research the kind of climate it grows in naturally. In particular, keep in mind the extreme temperatures in your region. For instance, Top Hat bushes grow best in climates that experience minimum temperatures no lower than −50 °F (−46 °C). Sunshine Blue bushes do best in slightly warmer climates with a minimum average temperature no lower than about {−20 °F (−29 °C). You can grow blueberries indoors. As long as you put them in a sunny spot with good temperature control, you may be able to keep varieties not usually suited to your region. Pick a deep container at least 12 in (30 cm) wide. Start off with a pot that is about the same size as the plant. A 12 in (30 cm) pot is good for most young blueberry bushes, but use something wider if the bush crowds up against the pot's edges. The starting pot you choose will last your blueberry bush 2 to 3 years on average. Make sure you choose a well-draining pot with drainage holes in its bottom. Pots from 20 to 24 in (51 to 61 cm) in diameter are better for blueberry bushes a few years old. The type of pot you use doesn't matter much and is up to your personal preference. Terracotta pots drain well and are a good choice if you tend to overwater plants. Plastic pots are stronger and retain more moisture, meaning less frequent watering. Fill the pot with an acidic potting mix. Blueberries grow best in acidic soil, so look for an acidic potting mix at your local garden center. Try using a bagged mix meant for hydrangeas and azaleas. The average pH blueberries need is between 4.5 and 5.5. Check the label on the potting mix to make sure it's acidic enough for blueberry bushes. Another way to make a mix is to combine equal amounts of regular potting soil and peat moss. You can also make your own mix using other ingredients, such as equal amounts of peat moss, pine bark, and sand. Tip over the blueberry bush to slide it out of its old pot. The plants come in small growing containers. After you get the bush home, remove it from the container without damaging the roots. Tap on the back of the container as needed to loosen the dirt. If it doesn't slide out, gently pry out the dirt clod with a dull knife or a similar object. Use your free hand to support the plant's stem so it doesn't fall or bend. Loosen some of the roots in the bottom of the dirt ball. After you pull the plant out of the container, start removing dirt from the bottom of the dirt ball. Feel for the roots close to the outer edges. Gently pull some of the roots out to expose them. This causes the roots to expand outward in the new soil instead of staying in a small ball. If you don't loosen the roots, they won't expand out of the dirt ball and your plant won't expand. Center the blueberry plant in the pot and bury it up to its crown. Make sure the crown, the part of the stem right above the dirt ball, is almost level with the top of your planter. Shift some of the soil mix around as needed to position the plant. Smooth out the dirt with your hands, then water it thoroughly until it feels moist to the touch. Burying the crown essentially means burying your plant. The plant won't survive, so you won't get any blueberries. Place the plant in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. The more sunlight you give a blueberry plant, the better off it will be. Blueberry plants are usually grown outdoors for this reason, but you can also grow a potted bush indoors if you have space for it. Watch your home throughout the day to see which spots stay sunny. Blueberry bushes may survive in partial shade, but keep in mind that too much shade leads to smaller, weaker berries. The exception to full sunlight is in very hot weather, especially in the middle of the afternoon. You may wish to move the bushes into a shady area to prevent them from drying out. Add up to 2 in (5.1 cm) of water per week. Blueberry plants are sensitive to soil moisture levels. Touch the soil often to make sure it feels moist about 2 in (5.1 cm) deep. If the soil feels wet or soggy, hold back on the water until the soil dries up again. For the best results, water your bushes frequently but lightly several times a week. If you can, use rainwater on your blueberries. Rainwater has less of an effect on the soil pH than tap water. Drip irrigation is a great way to maintain the soil's moisture level. For example, use a plastic bottle with a hole in it to slowly leak water into the soil. Cover the soil with a 2 in (5.1 cm) layer of mulch. The best type of mulch to use is pine needles, pine wood, or chipped hardwood bark. These mulches are acidic, keeping the soil pH low for blueberry bushes to thrive. Mulch also insulates your plants, reducing stress from heat and water loss. Spread mulch as soon as possible after potting a blueberry bush. Mulch is useful all year, but it is especially beneficial during summer. Spread an organic fertilizer 4 to 6 weeks after planting the blueberry. For the best results, get an acidic slow-release fertilizer. Any fertilizers made for acidic soil plants like hydrangeas and azaleas are also great for blueberries. Slow-release fertilizers give blueberries a continual boost instead of a big dose of nutrients all at once. Add the fertilizer directly to the soil. Many growers choose ammonium sulfate. At a gardening center, ammonium sulfate will be labeled as 21-0-0. The number means it consists of 21 parts nitrogen, 0 parts phosphorus, and 0 parts potassium. Fertilizers with nitrate are dangerous for blueberry bushes. Read the ingredients carefully to make sure you don't apply this type of fertilizer by mistake. Cover plants with bird netting when the blueberries begin showing up. Blueberry plants produce fruit after 3 to 4 years of growth. Unfortunately, scavenging birds may get to the fruit before you do. While you're waiting for the blueberries to darken, drape netting over bushes. Most birds stay away for plants close to your home, but the netting prevents any brave ones from stealing your fruit. Bird netting is available online or at most garden centers. The fruit shows up anywhere from May to July, although the exact time depends on your environment. Blueberries ripen faster in warmer weather. Have your netting ready just in case. Test and adjust the soil pH as needed to keep the plants healthy. Maintaining the soil's pH is one of the biggest challenges to growing fresh blueberries every year. Get a pH probe and dip it about 3 in (7.6 cm) into the soil. Amend the soil as needed to bring the pH back to a safe level. If the pH gets too low, try mixing dolomite lime into the soil. Lime is available at most home improvement stores. Continue adding pine mulch, cottonseed meal, or iron sulfate to lower the pH. Spread fertilizer 2 to 3 times a year starting in early spring. Add more of an acidic slow-release fertilizer to the soil each time. Sprinkle some on as soon as the bushes wake up in early spring. Add the final dose 2 or 3 months before the bushes go dormant in late fall. Be careful not to add too much fertilizer or use harmful nitrates. Read the manufacturer's label carefully to find out how much of the product to add to the soil. Adding too much is dangerous and may affect your blueberries. Another option is to add a light amount of fertilizer each month. Cottonseed or feather meal fertilizers are great for this. The best time to start this practice is in the plant's second year of growth. Prune blueberry bushes in early spring to remove old wood. Take care of your plants in February or March to prepare them for new growth. Use a sharp pair of shears to snip off about ¼ of the old branches. Cut the branches off at the stems to give the new ones plenty of room to come in. Generally, you won't need to do much pruning in the first 2 years of growth. After that, trim off all of the old or damaged branches. Regular maintenance keeps your blueberries strong. Forcing the plant to use resources on new growth leads to bigger, better berries. Repot the plant once it begins to outgrow its old pot. Expect your blueberry bush to outgrow its original pot within 2 or 3 years. When it starts reaching the edge of the pot, transfer it to a new pot about 20 to 24 in (51 to 61 cm) in size. Replant the bush in acidic soil like you did originally. Take the time to examine the root ball. Trim away gnarly or excessive roots as needed to keep the plant contained. | Pick a compact variety that fits well in pots. Choose a blueberry variety best suited to the weather in your area. Pick a deep container at least 12 in (30 cm) wide. Fill the pot with an acidic potting mix. Tip over the blueberry bush to slide it out of its old pot. Loosen some of the roots in the bottom of the dirt ball. Center the blueberry plant in the pot and bury it up to its crown. Place the plant in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Add up to 2 in (5.1 cm) of water per week. Cover the soil with a 2 in (5.1 cm) layer of mulch. Spread an organic fertilizer 4 to 6 weeks after planting the blueberry. Cover plants with bird netting when the blueberries begin showing up. Test and adjust the soil pH as needed to keep the plants healthy. Spread fertilizer 2 to 3 times a year starting in early spring. Prune blueberry bushes in early spring to remove old wood. Repot the plant once it begins to outgrow its old pot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Raise-Guinea-Fowl | How to Raise Guinea Fowl | If you want to raise guinea fowl, build a fully-enclosed coop with at least 3-4 feet of space for each bird, or larger if you don't plan to let the birds roam freely after their training period. For the first couple of weeks, leave the birds in the coop at all times. Each night shortly before sundown, give the birds millet or scratch. Continue doing this after the training period to encourage free-roaming guineas to return home each night. If you keep the guineas penned, feed them store-bought chicken feed, and always provide your birds with a steady supply of fresh water. | Know the downfalls. There are many benefits to raising guinea fowl, but there are also a few downfalls to keep in mind when determining whether or not these birds are right for your property. They are noisy, so your neighbors might not appreciate your new flock. It is possible to keep guinea fowl penned, but they much prefer to roam freely. The more space you have to allow your guineas to roam, the happier they will be. They are not as tame as chickens, and they are hard to catch if you let them roam. Have a coop. Make sure you have a fully enclosed coop ready before you bring your new guinea fowl home. They can fly, so they will escape if they are not kept in an enclosed coop. Even if you plan to let your guineas roam freely, you will need the coop to get started. Your coop should provide at least three to four square feet of space per bird. You should provide more space if you do not plan on allowing them to roam freely after the training period. Be sure to provide food and water in the coop, as well as clean bedding on the floor and perches for your birds to roost on. Consider providing a night-time shelter. Once your guineas are free-roaming, you do not need to provide them with a shelter, but doing so can help protect them against predators like foxes and owls. If you don't provide a shelter, your guineas will roost in the trees at night. A shelter is different from a coop in that it allows the guineas to come and go as they please. Your shelter can be as simple as a three-sided shed with a wire front. Be sure to put a perch near the back of the shelter that is long enough so that each bird has about a foot of space to roost. Make sure the space is dry and has clean bedding on the floor. Provide a light in the shelter, as guineas don't like entering dark buildings It's best for your shelter to have two entries to prevent more dominant guineas from blocking the entrance. If you want to provide even more protection, you can keep your guineas in a coop at night. To keep them inside, cover the top with wire. If they are not free-roaming guineas, you can clip their wings to prevent them from flying away. Choose your birds. Once you have a space designated for your guineas, it's time to choose your birds. You can buy them from local breeders, feed stores, or online sellers. You can choose to buy adult guineas if you want, but they will be easier to tame if you raise them from keets. Guinea fowl are available in a variety of "pure-bred" colors, but many of the birds are cross-bred, resulting in multicolored feathers. The feather color is the only difference between the different varieties. Guineas are monogamous creatures, so it's best to buy them in male-female pairs. It's very tricky to tell male and female guineas apart , but it is possible if you look for these three things: Males have larger wattles than females. Males make a single-syllable sound, while females make a two-syllable sound. Males have a narrower opening between their pelvic bones than females. If you hold the guinea under one arm and use your free hand to feel the bones, you should notice a distance of about two fingers on males and three fingers on females. Acclimate your guineas. Your guineas will need a little time to get used to their new home before you allow them to roam free. Keep them in the coop for at least a couple of weeks. Give them scratch or millet shortly before sundown. Once they've acclimated, they will return to their home if you make it your practice to throw scratch to them as their reward their returning. Do that, and no matter how far they roam during the day, you can be assured they'll return in the evening. Offer food and water. Guinea fowl are very easy to feed, although their dietary needs will depend upon whether you keep them penned or allow them to roam and forage. When allowed to roam, guinea fowl will eat all sorts of critters in your yard, including ticks, grasshoppers, spiders, and small snakes. You don't need to provide them with any additional food, except some mixed grains in their shelter at night if you want to encourage them to spend the night there. If you keep your guineas penned, feed them store-bought chicken feed (one pound per day for every six guineas). To increase egg production, switch them to a higher protein feed formulated for turkeys and wild fowl. Check your local farm extension agency to find out the egg laying season for guineas in your area. In many areas, they lay six months of the year. Your guineas will also rely on you to provide a constant source of fresh water. You can buy a waterer for poultry, which holds a large amount of water and dispenses it little by little into a small dish. Keep in mind that it will need to be heated in winter to keep the water from freezing if you live in a cold climate. Collect eggs. Because guineas roam free, they can build their nests and lay their eggs almost anywhere. To find them, follow them at a distance during the mid-morning to early afternoon hours, when they are most likely to lay eggs. Once you've identified a nest, wait for the hen and her husband (he'll be standing guard) to leave and gather some eggs with a large spoon or other kitchen tool. Leave at least half the eggs in the nest so that the guinea hen will continue to lay there. Guineas make their nests on the ground, but they like to try to conceal them by choosing areas with tall grasses. They also share nests with other guinea hens frequently and sometimes share "sitting" duties as well. Be prepared to intervene. Guinea fowl are not very good at taking care of their delicate little keets. They are fierce protectors, but they will walk through grass with morning dew on it and expect the keets to follow. They do, but getting wet is death to keets. Though a grown guinea can endure rain and snow and other insults, guinea keets are very delicate, so you will have to put in some work to raise them. Guineas sometimes will abandon a nest even after the hen has gotten broody and spent several nights sitting on the eggs. If you notice that a nest has been abandoned, move the eggs to an incubator right away. You can use a store-bought incubator, following the instructions for incubating turkey or pheasant eggs if no specific instructions are provided for guinea eggs. The incubation period is between 26 and 28 days. Once the keets hatch, you will need to care for them until they have fully developed feathers and are strong enough to hold their own with the rest of the flock. If you also raise chickens, a broody hen can be used to hatch the eggs and raise the keets. Turkeys can also make suitable replacement mothers. Create a safe home for the keets. You will need to keep the keets contained in a box for the first six to eight weeks. A 16" x 28" box will provide enough space for about 15 keets. Keets are very delicate, so be sure to provide adequate space for them to prevent trampling. If they appear to be overcrowded, move them to a larger box. Keets can escape through very fine wire mesh, so it's best to keep them in a container with solid sides, like a sturdy cardboard box. They will be jumping in no time, so make sure you cover the box with a screen. Keep the box lined with clean paper towels for the first week or more, and then switch to wood shavings. They need a textured surface to prevent them from slipping and injuring their legs, so don't line the box with newspaper. Textured shelf liner, available at dollar stores, is a good substitute. Keep it warm. Keets need to be kept nice and toasty, so use a heating lamp to maintain a constant temperature in their container. (If it's summer and hot already, a regular light bulb may be adequate.) It should be 95 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week. You can then lower the temperature by 5 degrees each week until the temperature in their box is the same as the temperature outside. Keep the light at one end of the brooder box. That way, the keets can move to a cooler part of the box if they get too hot. If you see them clumped in a pile under the light, it means they're still cold; try to move the light closer. If they stay at the cooler end of the brooder box, move the light farther from the box. Their behavior will let you know when they're comfortable. If one keet seems more sluggish and droopy than its siblings, don't panic. Try this: Put a hand towel or cloth in a clothes dryer only long enough to get it warm. Then pick the keet up with the warm towel, loosely wrap it around the keet, and snuggle with the baby against your chest. Sometimes the sluggishness is just a sign that one keet needs more warmth than the others. Provide food. Feed your keets a store bought food, crumbles rather than pellets, for the first couple of months. Use a starter mix for baby birds with 24% to 28% protein for the first five weeks, and then switch to a mixture containing 18% to 20% protein for the next three weeks. Check labels. Starter feeds for wild birds and turkeys tend to be higher in protein than starter mixes for chickens. If you run out of feed and can't get to a feed store right away, boil some eggs and feed the keets the yolks. Hand feed the keets to get them used to you. Provide water. Be sure to provide your keets with a steady source of fresh, warm water. They don't tolerate cold water well. Newborn keets are susceptible to drowning, so provide water in a shallow bowl filled with marbles at first. The keets will climb on the marbles and drink the water between them. Very young keets will require some help at first, so tip each keet's beak briefly in the water to let them know how and where to drink. After the initial period, providing a jar of water with a watering base will be a great way to make sure they always have enough water to drink and that they never have enough water to drown in. Keep them clean. Keets may get dried feces stuck to their feet or bottoms. This can cause a variety of complications, so be sure to clean them right away. To do so, wipe the area with a moist cotton ball or soak the area in warm soapy water. Be very gentle. Scraping or picking the feces off of the keets may cause injury. To prevent this from happening in the first place, make sure to change the lining in the box frequently. | Know the downfalls. Have a coop. Consider providing a night-time shelter. Choose your birds. Acclimate your guineas. Offer food and water. Guineas make their nests on the ground, but they like to try to conceal them by choosing areas with tall grasses. Be prepared to intervene. Create a safe home for the keets. Keep it warm. Keep the light at one end of the brooder box. If one keet seems more sluggish and droopy than its siblings, don't panic. Provide food. Provide water. Keep them clean. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-if-Your-Cat-is-Overweight | How to Determine if Your Cat is Overweight | To determine if your cat is overweight, start by looking at your cat's waist from above. Your cat may be overweight if its waist looks wider than its hips or ribs from this angle. Next, see if you can easily feel its rib bones, hip bones, spine bones, and shoulder bones through gentle petting. If you can't feel these bones with your hands, your cat is most likely overweight. Many cats have saggy bellies though, so don't use that as an indicator! | Look at your cat from different angles. You can start determining if your cat's overweight by looking at him. Examining your cat from above and from the side should help you determine if his weight is a problem. Look at your cat from above. The area between his ribs and hips should move inward slightly, creating a clearly defined waist. If there is no waist or if his waist is wider than either his hips or ribs, your cat may be overweight. You should also look at your cat from the side. Cats who are at a healthy weight have what is called an abdominal tuck. This means the area just behind their ribs should have a smaller diameter than the chest. If you do not see an abdominal tuck, your cat may be overweight. Touch your cat's ribs. You can further examine your cat by touching him. Run your hand over your cat's sides. You should be able to easily feel his ribs. If you cannot feel his ribs, or have to push down to do so, your cat may be overweight. Examine the base of your cat's tail. You should also be able to feel bones near the base of your cat's tail. While there should be a small layer of fat protecting this area, you should be able to feel the outlines of his bones without much effort. If you cannot easily feel bones here, your cat may be overweight. Check other bony areas. A cat's spine, hips, and shoulders should also be fairly bony. While very visible and pointy bones may indicate your cat is underweight, in a healthy cat you should be able to easily detect hip bones, spine bones, and shoulder bones through gentle petting. If you're unable to feel these bones due to layers of fat, your cat is overweight. Do not be overly concerned about a saggy belly. Many cats have a saggy bit of flesh that hangs down between their back legs. If your cat is otherwise bony, this small pouch of skin is unlikely to be an indication of a weight problem. This skin flap is referred to as the "primordial pouch" and its purpose is to protect the stomach during fights with other cats. Cats often kick with their back legs when angry, and this flap of skin protects your cat from such attacks. Many cats will develop a primordial pouch at some point in their lives and it is not necessarily an indicator of feline obesity. However, excess fat may be stored in your cat's primordial pouch if he is overweight. If he shows other symptoms of obesity, check his pouch. It should hang loose and be mostly comprised of skin. If the pouch seems to be filling out with fat, this can be an indicator of obesity. Make an appointment with your vet. If you're concerned after doing a body check, you should take your cat to see a veterinarian. You can weigh your cat yourself at home but it's better to take him to the vet. The scales at a vet's office are specifically designed for use on animals. A vet will also be able to determine if your cat is medically obese considering his body type. While a body check can give you insight as to whether you should be concerned, professional veterinary evaluation is important when diagnosing your cat as overweight or obese. Determine the cause of your cat's weight gain. When you're at the vet's office, your vet will ask you a variety of questions regarding your cat. This helps determine whether your cat's weight is due to environmental or medical factors. Obesity in cats can be the result of environmental factors. Your vet will want to know how often you feed your cat as overfeeding can lead to weight gain. If your cat hides a lot due to fear of children or other pets, he may not be getting enough exercise. Your cat also may be bored and not have enough toys or entertainment. You might have to adjust your home environment to help your cat lose weight. However, environment is not always the cause. Some medications, diseases, and medical conditions can cause your cat to gain weight. If your cat has any other troublesome symptoms, like vomiting or diarrhea, let your vet know. He or she may want to conduct certain tests or lab work on your cat to rule out an underlying medical problem. Discuss your cat's diet with your vet. If your cat's weight gain is environmental, talk to your vet about how you feed your cat. He or she can suggest changes you can make to get your cat to a healthier weight. It's important you talk over major changes to your cat's diet with your vet beforehand. Change how you feed your cat. If your cat is overweight, you'll need to change how you feed him. Changing a cat's feeding schedule can make a huge difference in regards to his weight. Always make transitions gradual. If you suddenly swap out a cat's old food for a new diet brand, he may act out or refuse to eat. Keep your cat on his regular food but offer him a little bit of the new food you're trying each day. Cats will work for food. You can use a foraging device, which is a puzzle-like device a cat must dismantle to get food trapped inside. This encourages exercise which is also important to help a cat lose weight. In nature, cats are pure carnivores. A lot of dry foods are primarily wheat-based and can lead to weight gain if used as a primary food source. Talk to your vet about switching your cat over to canned food. Encourage exercise. Many cats do not get enough exercise. If your cat is an indoor cat, it's especially important he gets moving each day. Buy your cat a variety of toys and take 20 to 30 minutes each night to play with him. Consider getting electronic, interactive toys a cat can use while you're away at work. Go for diet treats. Treats are also a major culprit when it come to cat weight gain. Try swapping out normal treats for low-calorie diet treats. Your cat won't have to give up a luxury and will still be able to lose some weight. Monitor your cat's weight. Keep an eye on your cat's weight to make sure he's losing weight as needed. You can weigh your cat at home, using your own scale. This may not be as accurate as a vet's scale, however. Some veterinary clinics allow you to do free weigh-ins if your cat needs to lose weight. Ask your vet is you can periodically bring your cat in to check his weight. | Look at your cat from different angles. Touch your cat's ribs. Examine the base of your cat's tail. Check other bony areas. Do not be overly concerned about a saggy belly. Make an appointment with your vet. Determine the cause of your cat's weight gain. Discuss your cat's diet with your vet. Change how you feed your cat. Encourage exercise. Go for diet treats. Monitor your cat's weight. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Good-Tinder-Profile | How to Make a Good Tinder Profile | To make a good tinder profile, choose only the best photos with flattering lighting and angles. Pick a mix of photos including some headshots, a few pictures of you doing activities you enjoy, and 1 or 2 photos of you with your pet or a few friends. In your bio, leave out basic facts like “I like tacos.” Instead, show off your fun personality with a detail that invites people to respond, like, “I've created over 10 taco recipes, and I'm always looking for new suggestions.” | Include multiple photos of you to catch people’s attention. Your photos are the most important part of your profile because people won't swipe right if they don't like your photos. At a minimum, include at least 3-5 photos that show you in a positive light. Choose photos that are well lit and not blurry. For instance, you might include 2 headshots, 2 pictures of you doing activities you enjoy, and 1 photo of you with your pet or a group. Additionally, make sure at least 1 photo shows you dressed up and at least 1 photo shows a casual look. Make sure you're in every photo. You only have 5 photos to make a good impression, so don't waste them on pictures of your dog, a sunset, or your favorite food. Do not include mirror selfies and gym pictures, especially if you're a guy. These are a big turn-off! Make an attractive headshot of you in a red top your profile pic. Pick a photo that clearly shows your face so that people know what you really look like. If possible, choose a headshot that also conveys something about you, like your sense of style or a hobby you enjoy. Additionally, pick a photo where you're wearing a red top because it will signal people to stop on your profile. However, try to avoid using a selfie if you want to get more matches. Try to use a professional photo for your profile pic. If you don't have professional photos, a good first photo might be a picture your friend took of you standing next to your artwork or a photo your mom took of you posing at the top of a summit. If you have a pet, you might use a photo of you holding your pet. If you need to use a selfie, take it from farther away and don't use unnatural angles to make your face look different. While it's unfair to you, people can interpret selfies as a sign that you're hiding something about your looks. Stick to photos that aren’t overly made up. Unfortunately, guys can perceive a girl who wears heavy makeup and appears to dress up often as high maintenance. In fact, most guys say they like a natural makeup look. To get more guys to swipe right, choose photos that are more “girl next door” than “it girl.” Choose more day looks than night looks. For instance, skip the club pic and show off your hiking photos instead. Avoid showing off a lot of skin unless you want casual hookups. Including photos of you baring your assets sends the message that you're looking for sex. This is a common pitfall for all genders, though for different reasons. In heterosexual couples, guys tend to view girls who show off their body as easy and great for casual hook-ups. Alternatively, girls typically find shirtless photos of guys to be a big turn-off if they're looking for something serious. Keep in mind that your photos will take precedence over whatever you write in your profile. You might write, “I don't want hookups. I'm here for a serious relationship.” However, people aren't going to believe that if your photos are sexy. Stick to 1 group photo where you're clearly recognizable. You might think that group photos make you seem popular and fun, but they're typically just confusing. Not only will people have trouble telling which person is you, but they may also conclude that you're the least interesting person in the photo. Include just 1 group photo or none at all. If you do use a group photo, make sure it's clear which person in the photo is you. For instance, you could include a picture of yourself with your grandparents. Skip images that show off a taste for luxury items. Sometimes the things you think will impress someone can be a turnoff. This includes things like jewelry, designer clothes, fancy shoes and handbags, and expensive cars. Luxury items send the message that you are superficial and have expensive tastes. While this might not be true, it can cause people to swipe left. Wait until you're getting to know someone to show off your prized possessions. For instance, don't post a photo of you posing next to a Porsche or showing off your Chanel shades. Link your Instagram account so people can see more photos of you. This will show people your 29 most recent Instagram posts. To link your accounts, open the Tinder app and click on your profile. Next, select "Edit Profile" and scroll down until you see "Connect Instagram." After you select "Connect Instagram," it will take you to a page where you'll confirm your Instagram username and password. Since photos are important for scoring more matches, it can help you get people's attention. If you're posting a lot of personal photos, you might not want random strangers seeing your Instagram. Be aware that linking your Instagram account to your Tinder does give people access to your Instagram username. They may try to message you through Instagram. Show off what makes you unique instead of providing basic facts. Your profile doesn't need to specify where you went to school or where you grew up. Save the basics for when you start messaging. Instead, choose details that will set you apart from everyone else and provide a good description of who you are as a person. For example, everyone likes tacos, so don't put that in your profile. However, you might write, “I've created 10+ taco recipes, and I'm always looking for new suggestions.” Pick 10 adjectives that describe you to help craft a good bio. If you start to write your bio and completely blank, you aren't alone. To help yourself get started, choose 10 adjectives you're proud to embody. Think about what you like most about yourself, how you spend your time, and what people compliment you on. Then, turn those things into adjectives. As an example, you might write, “I'm persistent, creative, intelligent, open-minded, helpful, caring, witty, honest, bubbly, and talkative.” You don't need to include every adjective in your bio. Just pick the ones that you think will be most appealing and that you feel describe you the best. Explain how you embody each adjective to create your bio. Now turn the best 1-3 adjectives into a short description of yourself. To do this, pick the adjectives that you think are most relevant for your dating profile. Then, write out the ways you show that trait. Revise what you've written until you have 2-3 short, engaging sentences. For instance, let's say that creative and witty are your favorite qualities. You might write down, “I do improv comedy sketches, I produce a zine, my apartment is a hodgepodge of art I've collected, and I draw to relax myself.” Your 2-3 sentences might read, “When I'm not working on my zine, I'm at local coffee shops doing comedy sketches. After my performances, I check out the work posted by local artists to see if there's anything I can add to my collection. If I'm spending the night at home, I'm probably doodling in my sketchbook because it helps me relax.” Make it clear that you have your life on track. You probably feel like you're a work in progress, which is totally normal! However, most people aren't looking for a project, and they expect for you to be able to care for yourself. With that in mind, present yourself as someone who has your living arrangements, career, and finances in order. Additionally, make it clear that you have relationship goals. You don't need to have a perfect life or a lot of money. However, you don't want people to think your life is a mess. Keep your bio conversational so it’s relatable. Don't worry about sounding smart, and try not to include too many lists. Instead, write like you're talking to the person over coffee. To make sure your tone is conversational, read your bio out loud to make sure it sounds natural. Revise it until it sounds like something you'd say in a conversation. You might write, "I'm like a mischievous pet who's always trying to get into something. When I'm not at work, I'm out exploring the city and looking for things to do. Message me if you want to know what's happening this weekend." If you're in doubt, read your bio to someone else and ask them if it sounds awkward or too academic. Detail what you'll contribute to your relationship. Telling people what you have to offer them is a great way to catch their attention. Think about what makes you a great partner, as well as how you typically act in a relationship. Additionally, consider what your prior partners thought were your best qualities. Then, turn these details into things you can offer your potential partners. You could write, "I'll cook for you every Saturday morning," "I'll give you free back rubs," or "I'll add a bit of spontaneity to your life." Cut out self-deprecating jokes about food, alcohol, or messy habits. You might think these jokes are funny, but it's easy for people to misread them. It's best to steer clear of these topics until you're talking to them in person. That way, they can hear your tone and know that you're being funny. For instance, don't write, “My skills include computer programming and eating an entire pizza in one sitting,” “Most people are impressed by my ability to down 3 shots without feeling buzzed,” or “Before I invite you over, I promise to dig out my couch.” Avoid using cliches and gender-based jokes. These types of statements are easy to write because they don't require much thought. Plus, you probably think they make you seem funny or edgy. However, most people will assume that you're being serious, which will make them swipe left. Don't include cliches or gender-based jokes in your bio for any reason. For instance, don't say, “Looking for my trophy wife,” “I'm tired of mowing the grass,” “Looking for my partner in crime,” or “I work hard to play hard.” Ask your friends what they think about your profile. Show them the photos you've chosen and let them read your bio. Get their feedback about how your bio sounds, as well as how well it represents you. Then, ask them if you can make any improvements. It's also helpful to look at your friends' profiles, especially if they're getting lots of good matches. Get your profile reviewed by someone you might date. While you know what you mean, it's easy for other people to misinterpret what you're saying. People think differently, so it's important to get feedback from someone you might be interested in dating. Show them your profile and ask them what they think about it. Here are some questions you might ask them: What is your perception of me after reviewing my profile? What do you think I want in a relationship? Would you swipe right? Why or why not? Would you message me first? Why or why not? What type of message would you send? Did anything stand out to you? Are there any changes I could make to get more matches? Work with a professional dating expert if you still aren’t getting matches. Don't worry if you're having a hard time getting your profile right. This is a common problem! Fortunately, you can work with a dating expert to write a better profile. Ask for them to give you advice or let them write your profile for you. Either way, you'll increase your chances of finding a good match. You can find a dating expert by searching online. You might be able to work with a local coach, but there are also companies that operate nationally. | Include multiple photos of you to catch people’s attention. Make an attractive headshot of you in a red top your profile pic. Stick to photos that aren’t overly made up. Avoid showing off a lot of skin unless you want casual hookups. Stick to 1 group photo where you're clearly recognizable. Skip images that show off a taste for luxury items. Link your Instagram account so people can see more photos of you. Show off what makes you unique instead of providing basic facts. Pick 10 adjectives that describe you to help craft a good bio. Explain how you embody each adjective to create your bio. Make it clear that you have your life on track. Keep your bio conversational so it’s relatable. Detail what you'll contribute to your relationship. Cut out self-deprecating jokes about food, alcohol, or messy habits. Avoid using cliches and gender-based jokes. Ask your friends what they think about your profile. Get your profile reviewed by someone you might date. Work with a professional dating expert if you still aren’t getting matches. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Order-Beer | How to Order Beer | To order beer at a bar, start by choosing what type of beer you'd like. For example, order a lager such as Budweiser and Heineken if you want a light, refreshing beer. If you prefer a dark, roasted taste with a heavier consistency, try a stout beer like Guinness. For a fuller taste without the heavy consistency of a stout, try the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company's pale ale. Order your beer as a pint if your want a long, relaxing drink. If you want to pace yourself or keep track of your drinking easily, order your beer in bottles. | Read the drink menu or ask what beers are available. Browse the menu at the bar, pub, or restaurant you are visiting to see what beers they have available. If there is no written menu, scan the tap handles behind the bar to see what beers are on tap. You can also ask the bartender or server for a quick rundown of what you can order. If you know what kind of beer you like, ask the bartender what they have that is similar. If you're not very familiar with beer and the bar isn't too busy, ask the bartender what their favorite beer is and why. Order a lager if you want a clean, crisp beer. Lager beer is the most commonly ordered beer because it is light and refreshing. Many bars and pubs will have this type of beer on tap as their house beer given its popularity. Order a lager if you want a simple, thirst quenching drink. Lager beers are usually around 4-5% alcohol. Budweiser and Heineken are examples of popular lager beers. Choose a pilsner if you want a light but flavorful beer. Pilsner beers are a type of lager that contain more hops, which creates a more intense taste. Order this type of beer if you want a more bitter tasting brew. Pilsner beers generally have a 5-6% alcohol content. Grolsch is a popular European pilsner. Order a pale ale if you enjoy a beer with a fuller taste. Pale ales are the most common type of craft beer, and there are a range of variations on this brewing style. Though they are light in color they are generally a bit stronger than lagers and pilsners and have stronger flavors, depending on the ingredients used to brew them. Order a pale ale if you want to ease into drinking craft beer. Pale ales can range from 4-6% alcohol. The Sierra Nevada Brewing Company's pale ale was one of the first American style pale ales produced, and it is still a popular choice. Drink a stout if you prefer a dark, roasted beer. Stout beer is known for being rich in flavor and heavier in consistency than other beers. It if often brewed using bold ingredients like roasted coffee beans or chocolate to add to its smooth taste. Order a stout if you want a decadent beer that has a thick and almost creamy texture. Stout beer can vary drastically in alcohol percentage, usually between 4-10%. Guinness is the most notable and popular brand of stout beer. Go for a porter if you want a dark but slightly sweet beer. Porter beers are a lot like stouts but they are a bit lighter in color and less heavy. This type of beer usually has a molasses-like taste to it, adding a sweet and smoky quality to the drink. Order a porter if you want a drink with smooth and slightly roasted flavor. Like stout beers, porters can range between 4-10% alcohol. Fuller's London Porter is an excellent choice for this type of beer. Pick a sour beer if you want a very tart brew. Sour beers are gaining popularity with the rise of craft brewing. Many sour beers are brewed with fruit like raspberry or cherry to augment their sour taste. Choose this type of beer if you enjoy sour candy or want to experience a tangy and effervescent drink. Sour beers generally range between 3-7% alcohol. Berliner Weiss is a popular German sour beer. Make eye contact with the bartender and nod or wave. Bartenders are generally very vigilant about what is happening around their bar, so they will glance your way eventually. Look their way and wait for them to look back at you. Make eye contact and nod or wave to signal that you'd like to order. Stand in a clear spot in front of the bar to be seen. It will be very difficult for a bartender to see you if you stand behind seated customers at the bar, or behind the beer taps. Position yourself at an empty part of the bar where nothing will prevent the bartender from seeing you. If the bar is too crowded, wait until a spot clears and stand there once it is free. Be patient and polite when ordering. Depending on how busy things are, your server may be very rushed when you place your order. Always wait for your turn and speak respectfully. Being courteous will earn your server's appreciation and may result in better service. Decide what you want quickly if the bar is crowded. If the bar is very crowded, avoid making the bartender wait while you decide what to order. Know what you want before approaching the bar. If you are uncertain, glance at the beer taps or drink menu to choose your beer in advance. Present your ID if your server asks for it. Bartenders are liable if they serve alcohol to minors, so it is not unlikely that they will ask to see ID to make sure that you're of legal drinking age. Always have a valid piece of identification with you when you order beer. A driver's license or passport are the best options. Tip your server no less than $1 per beer, if applicable. If you are in a country or region where tipping is custom, tip your server at least $1 no matter how much your beer costs. If you run a tab and pay for several beers at once, tip at least $1 for every beer you ordered. If you received exceptional service, it is welcome and appreciated to tip your server more. A good tip for exceptional service might be $5 for a $15 bill. Note that tipping is not a traditional practice in some places, like Australia. Get a bottle of beer for 1 standard-sized drink. By U.S. standards, a 12 fl oz (350 ml) bottle of beer equals 1 regular alcoholic drink. Order a bottle if you want to pace yourself or keep track of your drinking easily. It is also a good choice if you simply enjoy drinking out of a bottle instead of a glass. Order a pint of beer to enjoy a long, relaxing drink. A pint of beer is usually served in a 16 fl oz (470 ml) glass. By U.S. standards, a 12 fl oz (350 ml) beer equals 1 regular alcoholic drink. Order a pint of beer if you want to sit and drink leisurely. Go for a pitcher of beer to save money when drinking with friends. As a general rule, you'll pay less per glass of beer if you order it in a pitcher. If you are out with friends and you are sure that you will each drink enough to finish a pitcher, order one instead of individual bottles or pints. It will not be worth it if you don't drink the whole thing. Opt for a flight of beer to sample different types. Many bars and breweries offer flights of beer, featuring 4 or 5 samples of different brews. These different beers are served in shot-sized glasses for tasting. Purchase a flight for yourself or to share with a friend for an economical and fun option. | Read the drink menu or ask what beers are available. Order a lager if you want a clean, crisp beer. Choose a pilsner if you want a light but flavorful beer. Order a pale ale if you enjoy a beer with a fuller taste. Drink a stout if you prefer a dark, roasted beer. Go for a porter if you want a dark but slightly sweet beer. Pick a sour beer if you want a very tart brew. Make eye contact with the bartender and nod or wave. Stand in a clear spot in front of the bar to be seen. Be patient and polite when ordering. Decide what you want quickly if the bar is crowded. Present your ID if your server asks for it. Tip your server no less than $1 per beer, if applicable. Get a bottle of beer for 1 standard-sized drink. Order a pint of beer to enjoy a long, relaxing drink. Go for a pitcher of beer to save money when drinking with friends. Opt for a flight of beer to sample different types. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Hair-Straighter-Without-a-Straightener | How to Make Your Hair Straighter Without a Straightener | To make your hair straighter without a straightener, try combing and air drying it. Start with damp hair and apply some anti-frizz serum if you have any. Comb your hair every few minutes to keep it straight while it dries naturally. For a quicker method, use a hair dryer and anti-frizz serum. First, apply the serum to your damp hair. Then, blow dry your hair on a warm setting. This will avoid adding frizz to your hair. Use a brush to straighten out your hair as you blow dry it. When your hair is almost dry, set your hair dryer to its cool setting for a minute, which will help close your cuticles and keep your hair straight. | Get some large foam or velcro rollers. You can straighten your hair just by putting in some large foam or velcro hair curlers. Choose rollers that are large enough for your hair to go around just 1.5 times for a large "C" curl. Your hair may not be pin straight if you have curly or textured hair, but it will look straighter. Get the largest curlers you can find. If possible, find some curlers that are about the same size as soda cans. If you are not opposed to using heat on your hair, then using large hot curlers can speed up this process. Otherwise, go for some foam rollers and be aware that you will need to leave them in for quite a while. Wash your hair. You will need to start with damp hair, so you may just want to shampoo and condition your hair before you begin. If you do not have time to wash your hair, then spritzing it with a bit of water will also make your hair damp. Make sure that your hair is damp throughout, not just in a couple of places. Remember that your hair should be damp, not dripping wet. If you decide to wash your hair, dry it with a towel when you are done and let it air dry for about 30 minutes before you put it into the rollers. If you don't have time to air dry it, you can use a hair dryer to get it about 80% dry. Section off your hair. Using some hair clips, comb out your hair and divide it into two equal sections. One section should contain hair from the top of your head and one should contain hair from the back and lower sides of your head. Use a clip to secure the top section to the top of your head. Sectioning off your hair will allow you to put the bottom section of your hair into rollers first and then work on the top section of your hair. If you have extra thick hair, then you may need to divide your hair into three or four equal sections. Put the sections into rollers. Start on the bottom section of your hair first, and put your hair into rollers. As you work, divide your hair into smaller, even sections that are the same length and width of your rollers. Start with the ends of your hair and slowly roll the roller towards your head and then secure it. After you finish with one section, move on to the next and keep going until all of your hair is in rollers. Remove the rollers after several hours. The rollers will need to stay in your hair until your hair dries, which can take several hours if you have long, thick hair. If you put the rollers in your hair at night, then you can just sleep in them. Otherwise, expect to have them in for at least a few hours. Start with damp hair. It is best to start with damp hair. You can wash and condition your hair and then dry it with a towel. Or if you are in a hurry, just spritz your hair with some water and comb it in. Remember that your hair should be damp, but not dripping wet. Apply some anti-frizz serum. After washing and conditioning, apply a bit of anti-frizz serum or smoothing spray. This will help to ensure that your hair will stay smooth while you blow dry it. When choosing a smoothing product, find one that you can use without heat. Avoid products that are made for use with a flat iron or blow dryer set on hot. If you don't have any anti-frizz serum, then you can just use a small amount of your normal conditioner on the ends of your hair. Set your blow dryer to warm. You can dry your hair with your blow dryer using warm air instead of hot air if you are trying to minimize heat damage. A warm setting will use a little bit of heat to straighten your hair with less risk of damage. Blow dry your hair in sections. Use a brush to pick up a small section at a time. Make sure that you hold the blow dryer above your head and point the blow dryer downward to keep the hair cuticles flat. Use your brush to pull through and straighten out your hair as the air hits it. When you reach the ends of each piece of your hair, hold it taut for a few seconds. Keep going until all of your hair is dry and straight. Finish your style with a blast of cool air. Set your hair dryer to "cool." Slowly work your way over your hair, blowing the cool air onto each section. This will close your cuticle and set your style. Most blow dryers have a cool air setting. The button may say "cool" or have a picture of a snowflake on it. Section your hair to make it easier to dry. Divide it into 4 quadrants by first creating a part down the middle, then dividing it ear-to-ear. You can then make smaller sub-sections that are about the size of your brush. This makes your hair dry more quickly and more evenly. You can use hair clips to hold the sections you aren't working with out of the way. Apply an anti-frizz serum or smoothing product over your hair. This will help create a softer, smoother texture once your style is complete. It will also provide light control. You may want to choose a product that's labeled for straightening. Look for a product that you can use without heat. Don't use a product that says it's for use with a flat iron. Dry your hair on a "cool" setting. Set your blow dryer on "cool," then dry your hair until it's almost dry. Work through each section of your hair, starting at the bottom and moving to the top. It may take longer to dry your hair on the cool setting, so be patient. You can also let your hair air dry, but it might result in a frizzier result, depending on your hair type. You can also wait and dry your hair after you've wrapped it. However, it may take longer. Divide your hair into sections. First, pin back the hair at your crown, saving it for last. Then, create a part in your hair. You will have 3 sections of hair at this time. Wrap the hair around your head. Pull small sections of hair from the narrow side of your part, then wrap them in the direction of the rest of your hair so that all of your hair is going in the same direction. Each piece of hair should be wrapped around your head until you reach the end of that section. Continue wrapping your hair until all of your hair is wrapped. Wrap the hair at your crown last. Unclip the hair and brush it smooth. Then blend that hair into the rest of your hair using your brush. Smooth it down as you wrap the hair around your head. Your hair should be smoothed slick around the diameter of your head. Place a hair pin every 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) around your head. This will hold the wrapped hair in place until your style is set. You can use hair clips or hair pins, depending on your preference. If you are sleeping on the wrapped hair, which is the easier method, you should use hair pins, as they are more comfortable. Sleep with your hair wrapped. It will finish drying while you sleep, resulting in smooth, straight hair. If your hair is already dry when you go to bed, you can cover your hair with a silk scarf to prevent tangles and frizz. You can also sleep on a silk pillow case. If you want a faster result, you can dry your hair with a blow dryer on a "cool" or "warm" setting. Let down and brush your hair in the morning. Remove the pins and unwrap your hair. It should look straight and smooth. Run a brush through it to remove any tangles and smooth down flyaways. If you are in a hurry, let down your hair after it's dry. It's best to blast it with your blow dryer to ensure the style has set. You can add more control by spritzing your brush with a light hold hair spray and then brushing through your hair. Get a medium or fine-toothed comb. To comb your hair straight, you will need to use a medium or fine-toothed comb, depending on the thickness of your hair. This method is good if you will have some time to keep combing your hair until it dries. Keep in mind that this method will only work on straight or wavy hair. For example, if you are going to be riding in a car or bus for a while, then you might want to try combing your hair straight. You can also use a brush if you prefer, but it might result in wavier hair. Shampoo and condition your hair. You will need to start with damp hair, so you may want to wash your hair to get started. If you don't have time to wash your hair, then just spritz on some water and comb it through. Make sure that your hair is damp, not dripping wet. Apply anti-frizz serum. Applying a bit of anti-frizz serum is optional, but it may help to make your hair even straighter and prevent it from becoming frizzy. You can also use some leave in conditioner or just a small amount of your regular conditioner applied to the ends of your hair. Comb your hair. Use a comb to distribute the anti-frizz serum or conditioner and get rid of any tangles. To straighten your hair with comb, allow your hair to air dry and comb it every few minutes as it dries. As you comb your hair, start at the roots and move downwards. When you reach the end of your hair, hold each section taut for several seconds. You can speed up this process by sitting in front of a fan, but you will have to comb your hair non-stop until it is dry if you use a fan. Keep combing until your hair is completely dry and straight. Keep in mind that you may have some waves, but your hair should be much straighter than usual when you are finished. | Get some large foam or velcro rollers. Wash your hair. Section off your hair. Put the sections into rollers. Remove the rollers after several hours. Start with damp hair. Apply some anti-frizz serum. Set your blow dryer to warm. Blow dry your hair in sections. Finish your style with a blast of cool air. Section your hair to make it easier to dry. Apply an anti-frizz serum or smoothing product over your hair. Dry your hair on a "cool" setting. Divide your hair into sections. Wrap the hair around your head. Wrap the hair at your crown last. Place a hair pin every 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) around your head. Sleep with your hair wrapped. Let down and brush your hair in the morning. Get a medium or fine-toothed comb. Shampoo and condition your hair. Apply anti-frizz serum. Comb your hair. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-an-Enlarged-Prostate | How to Treat an Enlarged Prostate | To treat an enlarged prostate, start with lifestyle changes like exercising more often and lowering your caffeine and alcohol consumption. You can also strengthen your bladder muscles by holding your urine longer every time you have to pee. If you need additional relief, over-the-counter beta-sitosterol tablets can offer short-term improvement, and saw palmetto extract tablets can reduce the size of the glands around your prostate. If these remedies aren't as effective as you'd like, ask your doctor about other medications and surgical procedures that could help with your discomfort. | Get active and exercise frequently. To help with an enlarged prostate , make sure you're staying active and engaged through mild, low-intensity activities like walking. Look for exercises that put your waist and legs to work through gentle motions, bringing circulation to the area around your pelvis. Avoid generally stressful exercises, like heavy weight training, and exercises that add extreme, repetitive stress to the pelvic area, like cycling and rowing. These can irritate the area around the prostate and make your symptoms worse. Kegel exercises , like tightening the muscles around your scrotum and anus, can help strengthen your pelvic region and reduce symptoms of BPH. Lower the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume. Coffee, soda, energy drinks, hot cocoa, tea, alcohol, and similar diuretics can weaken your bladder and add to any urination problems you're already experiencing. Cut down the amount of caffeine and alcohol you drink, taking particular care to not consume any 3 to 4 hours before bed. If you have trouble cutting down, try slowly reducing your intake over a series of multiple weeks. Switch to non-caffeinated beverages if you have trouble cutting out sugar. Retrain your bladder by holding your urine longer and double-voiding. The most common effects of BPH involve slow or frequent urination. To combat this, work on retraining your muscles whenever you have to use the restroom. Some simple ways to do this include: Hold in your urine for a small period of time whenever you have to pee. Start by holding for 1 to 2 minutes, then add more minutes once you can hold it successfully. Waiting a few minutes after peeing to try and make more urine come out, known as double-voiding. Monitor your use of medications. Many common over-the-counter medications contain decongestants, antihistamines, and other elements that can worsen BPH symptoms over time. Be aware of these risks when taking cold or allergy medications, sleep aids, hypertension medication, antidepressants, and antispasmodics. Talk with your doctor about any adverse effects caused by over-the-counter or prescribed drugs and whether or not it is safe for you to stop using them. Take beta-sitosterol tablets for immediate urinary improvement. Beta-sitosterol is a compound found in plants that, when absorbed by the body, can lead to short-term urinary improvement. Look for over-the-counter beta-sitosterol dietary supplements with terms like 'Prostate Health' written on the label. Look for products with doses between 200 and 400 mg per day. Foods rich in beta-sitosterol, like pumpkin seeds, may be used in addition to or instead of dietary supplements. Beta-sitosterol it is often used to treat high cholesterol, so expect lower levels during active use. When taken at recommended doses, beta-sitosterol tablets are generally recognized as safe, having no major side effects or negative interactions aside from a reduction of how many A-carotene, B-carotene, and E vitamins your body can absorb. Take saw palmetto extract pills to help shrink the glands around your prostate. Saw palmettos are a type of fruit found in the Southeastern United States, the extract of which has been found to help those suffering from BPH. Though it does not shrink the prostate itself, it shrinks the gland around it by preventing the creation of dihydrotestosterone. Saw palmetto pills can be purchased as an over-the-counter dietary supplement. Look for pills with doses of at least 320 mg per day. In some studies, saw palmetto extract was found to be more effective than prescription drugs. Though viewed as safe for most people, side effects of saw palmetto may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, dizziness, or impotence. Stop taking saw palmetto if you begin to bruise or bleed easily, have bloody stools, cough up blood, or experience pain in your upper stomach or liver. If you are currently on hormone replacement therapy, blood clot medicine (such as clopidogrel, dalteparin, and warfarin), or an NSAID drug like aspirin or ibuprofen, consult with your doctor before taking saw palmetto extract. Get a prescription for alpha blockers to help your bladder muscles relax. Alpha blockers are specialty drugs that can help your bladder muscles relax, relieving some symptoms of BPH and making urination easier. Alpha blockers are most effective for those with moderate prostate enlargement. Ask your doctor about prescription drugs like terazosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin, and alfuzosin. Because alpha blockers were originally used for people with high blood pressure, the most common symptom experienced is decreased blood pressure. Alpha blockers can lead to decreased ejaculation and should not be combined with erectile dysfunction medication. Check with your doctor before using alpha blockers with erectile dysfunction medication, blood pressure medication, medicine to treat HIV/AIDS, antibiotics, antidepressants, or water pills. Use 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to help shrink your prostate over time. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are drugs that prevent the body from transforming testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that causes the prostate to grow. Though they are not fast acting, these enzyme inhibitors can shrink the prostate over time. Ask your doctor about finasteride, dutasteride, botulinum toxin, and similar prescription medicines. Be aware that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can artificially lower PSA levels, making it difficult to screen for prostate cancer. Before taking 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, tell your doctor if you use conivaptan, imatinib, isoniazid, antibiotics, antifungal medications, antidepressants, heart or blood pressure medication, or medicine to treat HIV/AIDS. Try PDE5 inhibitors to relax the muscles around your bladder. Though typically used for erectile dysfunction, PED5 inhibitors can relax the muscles around your urinary tract, reducing symptoms of BPH and making it easier to urinate. Ask your doctor about drugs like Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra. Before use, be aware that researchers are still looking into the long-term treatment effects of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors on BPH. Common side effects of BDE5 inhibitors include headaches, nausea, muscle pain, sleep problems, blurry vision, and stuffy noses. Check with your doctor before taking BDE5 inhibitors with alphas blockers, antibiotics, antifungal medication, medicine to treat HIV/AIDS, seizure medicine, or high blood pressure medications. Ask your doctor before combining multiple drugs. In some cases, two specialty medications may be more effective at treating BPH when combined. Ask your doctor about mixing finasteride and doxazosin, dutasteride and tamsulosin, or alpha blockers and antimuscarinics. For safety, do not mix any over-the-counter or prescription medications without your doctor's approval. Ask your doctor about TURP if you have experienced medium prostate growth. Transurethral Resection of the Prostate is the most common surgery used to combat BPH. During the procedure, your doctor will place a resectoscope inside your urethra and use light and electricity to remove the inner section of the prostate. In most cases, BPH symptoms are relieved very quickly after the procedure. After undergoing TURP, you will be limited to light activities, may need to use a catheter, and will stay in the hospital for up to 48 hours. Try HoLEP if you have a particularly large prostate. During a Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate procedure, a resectoscope laser is placed inside the urethra. A surgeon uses the laser to destroy and cauterize prostate tissue, causing little bleeding. HoLEP procedures are known for their short recovery time, though expect to use a catheter for 1 to 2 days after. Seek out TUIP if you have extreme blockage. Transurethral Incision of the Prostate procedures are designed to treat small prostate glands that are causing major urinary blockage. During this surgery, small incisions are made along the bladder neck to make the urethra larger. Expect a hospital stay of up to three days to recover. Due to its invasive nature, a TUIP procedure may lead to urinary tract infections, dry orgasms, urinary incontinence, or erectile dysfunction. Ask about TUMT if you have small prostate glands. During a Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy procedure, your doctor will insert a small electrode into your urethra. Using microwaves, the electrode will destroy the inside of the prostate, allowing it to shrink back down. Recovery generally takes 2 to 3 days, and you can expect to see results 6 to 12 weeks after the procedure. Try TUNA if you have heavy bleeding issues. During a Transurethral Needle Ablation procedure, a small scope is run through your urethra, allowing needles to reach the prostate. These needles heat the prostate using radio waves, destroying enlarged muscle tissue. Expect to take between 2 and 3 days for recovery. Seek out a simple prostatectomy as a last resort. In some cases, the only effective way to deal with an enlarged prostate is through a more traditional surgical procedure. During a prostatectomy, the surgeon makes a cut through the perineal area or abdomen. This cut is used to remove part of the prostate. Simple prostatectomies can be performed open or using robotics. Simple prostatectomies often have longer recovery times than other procedures, ranging from 4 to 6 weeks, and can put you at risk of bleeding, urinary incontinence, dry orgasms, and erectile dysfunction. | Get active and exercise frequently. Lower the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume. Retrain your bladder by holding your urine longer and double-voiding. Monitor your use of medications. Take beta-sitosterol tablets for immediate urinary improvement. Take saw palmetto extract pills to help shrink the glands around your prostate. Get a prescription for alpha blockers to help your bladder muscles relax. Use 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to help shrink your prostate over time. Try PDE5 inhibitors to relax the muscles around your bladder. Ask your doctor before combining multiple drugs. Ask your doctor about TURP if you have experienced medium prostate growth. Try HoLEP if you have a particularly large prostate. Seek out TUIP if you have extreme blockage. Ask about TUMT if you have small prostate glands. Try TUNA if you have heavy bleeding issues. Seek out a simple prostatectomy as a last resort. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Castle-in-Minecraft | How to Make a Castle in Minecraft | To make a castle in Minecraft, start your game in Creative mode so you have access to unlimited resources. Find a suitable location for the castle, such as near a village, high up on a mountain, near a river, or somewhere more unique! Then, use your tools to clear the land, and sketch out a basic design with pencil on a sheet of gridded paper to refer to as you build. Construct your basic layout with materials like stone, cobblestone, fences, glass panes, wooden planks, ladders, and add more detail as the castle comes into shape! | Consider building in Creative mode. Creative mode gives you access to all of the different blocks in the game in unlimited quantities, and you don't have to worry about monsters or surviving. You can start a game in Creative mode and then transfer it to Survival mode when you're finished building. If you've already started a Survival mode game, open the Pause menu, select "Open to LAN," and then make sure cheats are enabled. You can then type /gamemode c in the chat window ( T ) to change to Creative mode. Find a suitable location for your castle. A castle should be an imposing sight to behold, and were traditionally placed in highly defensible positions. You'll also want it near important resources, such as at the mouth of your main mineshaft, near your farms, or close to your Nether Portal. Scour your map for a good place to construct your new castle. You may want to build near a village so that you can act as their lord. Consider placing your castle high up on a mountain, or at the mouth of a river. Get creative with your castle placement. Suspend it between two mountains, build it in the treetops, carve it out of a cavern deep underground. The possibilities are essentially endless. Clear out the land. Depending on how big you plan on having your castle, you may need to do a little terraforming before you start construction. Use your tools to clear out vegetation and level the land. Take your landscape into consideration when getting ready to build your castle. Depending on your design goals, you may want to preserve some natural structures. Consider designing your castle on some grid paper. A sheet of grid paper and a pencil are all you need to design a layout for your castle. This can help immensely, as building from plans will speed up the building process and ensure that everything lines up properly. You can use different color squares to indicate what types of materials you want to use. Find inspiration. There are tons of castles you can take inspiration from, both real and fictional. You could look up castles in Europe for a traditional medieval style, or look at Japanese or Chinese castles and palaces. You can look up pictures of Lord of the Rings and other fantasy castles. Many real castles will have layouts available online, potentially as part of their tourism information. You can use these layouts as a guide when designing your own castle. Some real castles, such as the Dover Castle in England, have official Minecraft recreations and instructions. Lots of Minecraft players have posted their own castle layouts online. Simply search "Minecraft castle blueprints" in Google Images to see a large number of layouts you can copy or use as a starting point. Look up some advanced techniques. Your castle doesn't have to be a boxy collection of square rooms. By learning how to create circular structures, you can create realistic towers and more creative room layouts. Below is a basic 7-block circle that you can use as the basis of a tower stairwell: XXX X X X X X X X X X X XXX Gather your materials (Survival mode only). If you're building your castle while playing in Survival mode, you'll need to gather the materials for it yourself. This isn't necessary in Creative mode since you have unlimited access to all the materials in the game. Some essential castle materials include: Stone Bricks and Cobblestone Bricks Stone Stairs and Cobblestone Stairs Stone Slabs and Cobblestone Slabs Fences Glass Panes Wood Planks Ladders Trapdoors Start constructing the basic layout, referring to your plans as you go. Lay the foundations of your castle by referring to the layout you diagrammed on grid paper. You only need to put a single layer of blocks down to begin with to get a feel for how the castle will look and flow from room to room. Add multiple floors to your castle. As you build up, you can create multiple floors for different rooms. Use staircases to reach the upper floors. You can also use ladders to reach your castle walls and the top of your towers, with trapdoors to cover the hole. See Make a Trapdoor in Minecraft for instructions on making an using trapdoors. Sculpt your castle grounds. Many castles are more than just stone buildings. Pay attention to the grounds of your castle, including your courtyards, stable areas, and entryways. There's a lot you can do with elevation changes and foliage to create a believable, realistic castle grounds. Build your inner castle first before constructing your wall. Save your wall for last, in case you decide you want to expand the inner portion of the castle beyond your initial plans. Once you're satisfied with your keep and grounds, you can build your outer wall. Use staircases for better angles. Staircase blocks can be placed rightside up or upside down, and can create a much more convincing sloped look than regular blocks. Use these for your roofs and for embellishing wall supports. See Make Stairs in Minecraft for instructions on creating staircase blocks. Use fences for ramparts. Stone fences make very good ramparts along the top of your castle walls. This will look a lot less blocky than using full-size blocks for ramparts. See Craft a Fence in Minecraft for a guide on making fences. Create an entry with a pressure plate. For a secure entrance, place an Iron Door in the open entry to your castle. You can place a pressure plate on each side of the door so that it opens when you walk up to it. An iron door will help protect your castle from monsters. Check out Build a Door in Minecraft for a guide on making doors and using pressure plates to operate them. Bear in mind, however, that mobs can open doors (even iron ones) if pressure plates are used. Dig a moat and fill it with water (or lava). Once your castle is finished, you can dig a moat around the wall to add an extra layer of protection. Dig the moat at least three blocks deep and run it around the entire edge. Once you're finished digging the moat, you can use buckets to fill it with water. For a more intense moat, fill it with lava! Make sure you have a bridge over the moat before filling it so that you can access your castle. If you have access to redstone and some time to tinker, you can create an automated drawbridge. See Build a Piston Drawbridge in Minecraft for more details. Download a Minecraft editor program. A Minecraft editor will allow you to create massive, complex structures using advanced editing tools, instead of constructing your castle one block at a time in the game. The most popular and robust editor is MCEdit. You can download the latest version for free from mcedit-unified.net. Run the installer after downloading it to extract the MCEdit files. By default, a new folder will be created in your Downloads folder. MCEdit does not require Minecraft to be installed in order to use it, but you can load any of your Minecraft maps into the editor. Launch MCEdit. You'll find an "mcedit.exe" file in the folder you created when installing it. Run this to start the program. Make sure Minecraft isn't running at the same time, at least not with the same world you plan on creating your castle in. Load your saved game. You'll be prompted to either create a new world or load your saved game. If you have a map that you want to build a castle on, browse for it in your Minecraft save folder, which opens by default. Make sure you aren't currently playing the map in Minecraft, or you can permanently corrupt it. It may take a while for your map to load for the first time. Fly around the map using Minecraft controls. W A S D will let you fly around the map. Unlike in Minecraft, you can fly through anything. You'll be able to see all of the subterranean caves and mineshafts if you fly beneath the surface. Hold the right mouse button and move the mouse to look around. Use the Brush tool to begin creating structures. There's a whole lot you can do with a program like MCEdit, so you'll want to start with just the basics and practice creating blocks with the brush. You'll see the various tools displayed along the bottom of the screen. Click the Brush button (it looks like a gray circle in MCEdit). The brush tool options will appear in a new window, allowing you to select the size and shape of the brush, as well as the type of block you want to create with it. For example, to quickly make a huge castle wall, enter H 10, L 30, W 2. You'll see the cursor change into a very large wall section. You can switch directions by swapping the L and W values. Move your mouse around the world and click the left mouse button when you've found the spot you want to create the blocks. Larger brushes may take a few moments to appear in the world. By practicing with the brush tool, you'll quickly become adept at creating complex using any material available in the game. You can use the tool to create very small and very large brushes, allowing for a lot of control over your creation. Use the Selection tool to copy and paste sections of your castle. You can use the selection tool in MCEdit to highlight a portion of your castle and then copy and paste it over and over again. This is great for creating lots of similar rooms, or extending a piece of an elaborate wall. With the selection tool activated, click and drag to create a cube in the game space. This cube represents the currently selected blocks. Creating the box can be a little finicky in 3D space, but you just need to start it in the general area and you can easily resize it manually. To resize the selection, click and drag on one of the walls to move it in or out from the center of the selection. Do this to all of the walls until you have exactly what you want selected. Use the movement keys and the mouse to see all angles of your selection. Click the "Copy" button to copy the currently-selected blocks. Click the "Paste" button and your cursor will turn into a copy of your selection. You can then place this copy just like you would a brush. You can rotate, roll, mirror, and flip the piece by clicking the appropriate button in the tool menu. Save your creation. When you're satisfied with your castle, you can save your changes to the world. MCEdit will overwrite the original save file with your new creation, and you'll see your new castle when you start up your game in Minecraft. Download and install Minecraft Forge. This is the mod launcher for Minecraft that you'll need to load the instant castle mod. You can download Forge from files.minecraftforge.net/. Download and run the installer to install Forge. See Install Minecraft Forge for detailed instructions on installing Forge. Download an instant castle mod. There are a variety of instant castle mods available for different versions of Minecraft. You'll need to find one that matches the version of Minecraft you are running. Once you find one, place the JAR file in your "mods" folder in the Minecraft directory. One of the most popular mods is the Instant Structures Mod, available at instant-structures-mod.com/download/. It contains over 500 different instant structures, including several castles. Select the "Forge" profile when launching Minecraft. This will load the mods in your "mods" folder, including the instant castle mod. Start a game in Creative mode. This will allow you to access the mod tools. Use the "Wiki" item. You'll find this in the "Tools" section of the Creative mode inventory screen. Find the structure you want to place. When you use the Wiki item, a list of all of the available structures will appear. Scroll through or browse by category to find the castle you want to create. When you select a structure, and item will drop. Collect this item to place the structure wherever you want. Place the structure item where you want to create your castle. Select the item that dropped from the Wiki from your inventory and right-click on the ground where you want to place your castle. A window with the structure details will appear. If you switch back to your game, you'll see a box indicating where the castle will appear. Click "yes" to build the castle. The mod will begin constructing your castle. It should only take a few moments, but larger castles will take longer on slower computers. Do not return to your game until you are informed that construction is complete. Check out your new castle. Once construction is complete, you'll be returned to the game and your new castle will be right in front of you. You can start using and exploring it immediately. | Consider building in Creative mode. Find a suitable location for your castle. Clear out the land. Consider designing your castle on some grid paper. Find inspiration. Look up some advanced techniques. Gather your materials (Survival mode only). Start constructing the basic layout, referring to your plans as you go. Add multiple floors to your castle. Sculpt your castle grounds. Build your inner castle first before constructing your wall. Use staircases for better angles. Use fences for ramparts. Create an entry with a pressure plate. Dig a moat and fill it with water (or lava). Download a Minecraft editor program. Launch MCEdit. Load your saved game. Fly around the map using Minecraft controls. Use the Brush tool to begin creating structures. Use the Selection tool to copy and paste sections of your castle. Save your creation. Download and install Minecraft Forge. Download an instant castle mod. Select the "Forge" profile when launching Minecraft. Start a game in Creative mode. Use the "Wiki" item. Find the structure you want to place. Place the structure item where you want to create your castle. Click "yes" to build the castle. Check out your new castle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Slow-Your-Heart-Rate-Down | How to Slow Your Heart Rate Down | To quickly slow your heart rate down when it's very high, take a deep breath for 5-8 seconds, hold it for 3-5 seconds, and exhale for 5-8 seconds. Repeat the deep breaths until you feel your heart rate slowing. You can also place your index and pointer finger on the side of your neck and rub in small circular motions to massage your carotid artery and stimulate your vagus nerve. Some people also find that lightly splashing their face with cold water can slow their heart rate. If your heart rate won't slow down, seek medical attention immediately. | Practice slow deep breathing. Although it may seem difficult, lowering your breathing speed will help to lower your heart rate. Take a breath for 5-8 seconds, hold it for 3-5 seconds, and then exhale slowly for a count of 5-8 seconds. Focus on exhaling completely to reduce your heart rate. Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique. This is when you inhale to the count of 4, hold for the count of 7, and then exhale to the count of 8 while making a “whoosh” sound. Repeat the exercise 3 or more times. Perform vagal nerve stimulation. This stimulates the vagus nerve which is responsible for controlling your heart rate. To do this, try the valsalva maneuver, after taking a deep breath, strain the muscles in your abdomen the same way you would to give a bowel movement. Hold the pressure for five seconds, and then let go. You may have to do this multiple times to get the desired effect. Other ways to stimulate the vagus nerve include: Coughing Gagging yourself with your finger Holding your knees up to your chest Do the carotid (ka-rah-ted) maneuver. The carotid artery runs down your throat next to the vagal nerve. Give the artery a gentle massage with your fingertips to help stimulate the neighboring nerve into slowing your heart rate down. Splash yourself with cold water. Pour ice water onto your face to stimulate the dive reflex, responsible for slowing down your metabolism. Keep adding ice water to your face until you notice a drop in your heart rate. Take a beta blocker medication. If you experience an incredibly high heart rate frequently over time, you can get a prescription for heart rate lowering medications from your doctor, such as a beta blocker. Set up a meeting with your doctor to determine the cause of your elevated heart rate. Your doctor can help you decide on the best treatment option and whether medication is the right plan for you. Beta blockers have several potential side effects, which may include dizziness, fatigue, and weakness. People who have asthma should not take beta blockers. Check with your doctor to what extent it's okay to exercise vigorously. Intense exercise is not the first step, but work up to more vigorous exercise. Short bursts of energetic effort, such as running short dashes, interspaced with relaxing to not lose your breath, called interval training, improves your heart's efficiency by about 10 percent more than the usual aerobic exercise done at a steady pace. Build up until you're performing at your maximum, safe heart rate for the last interval, then you can cool down. Change up your routine periodically -- pace, machine, incline plane, stairs, weights, dance, water, route, hills -- to make your heart pump blood more effectively with fewer beats. For runners : If you run on a treadmill, use the interval setting. If you run outdoors or on an indoor track, then warm up for 5 minutes. Then run fast for 1 minute and jog slowly for 1 minute. Repeat the interval 6 or 8 times before cooling down for 5 minutes. For swimmers : Swim ten 50-yard freestyles, resting for 15 seconds between each pair of swims. As you swim, swim aerobically, raising your heart rate but not raising it too much, not swimming too hard so that you become really out of breath. On the bike : Warm up for 90 seconds. Then, pedal at a moderate energy burst for 30 seconds. Slow back down to a cardio rate for 90 seconds before performing another energy burst for 30 seconds. Each 30-second energy burst should be more intense than the last. Get plenty of good sleep. Wear earplugs, if you need to reduce the noise levels in your room. Sleep disturbances from noise can increase your heart rate as much as 13 bpm. Empty your bladder regularly. People who hold their urine until their bladder is really full will increase their heart rates by as much as 9 bpm. A really full bladder increases sympathetic nervous system activity, which constricts blood vessels and forces your heart to beat faster. Take a fish oil capsule. Even better, take calamari oil [squid] which is much richer in DHA, a most important type of omega-3. Dr Oz recommends taking "daily fish oil or some other source of omega-3 with at least 600mg of DHA" A single daily fish oil capsule may reduce your heart rate by as much as 6 bpm within as little as 2 weeks. Researchers think that fish oil helps the heart to respond better to your vagus nerve, which regulates your heart rate. Change your diet. Eat heart-healthy foods which help your body to regulate its heart rate. Try eating more salmon, sardines or mackerel, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and foods high in potassium like bananas and avocados. Give and get more hugs! Frequent hugs are linked to lower blood pressure and higher levels of oxytocin, which might help to reduce your heart rate. Give hugs to your loved ones often to reap the potential benefits to your health. Spend time in nature. Being outdoors in green spaces can help to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, and it provides a wide range of other health benefits as well, such as reducing stress, improving your mood, and boosting your immune system. Even if you can only get outside for 5 minutes, this may help to improve your health. Try taking a brisk walk in a park or go for a long hike over the weekend. Lie down and relax. Lie down on a comfortable surface such as your bed or your couch. If there is no comfortable surface to lie upon, then try sitting in a relaxed position. Make sure that the room is quiet and comfortable. If your view from your window is chaotic, then close your curtains or your blinds. Relax your muscles. Stay in this position and allow your heart rate to slow at its own pace. If you have been in 1 position for a while, switch! Try sitting or lying down if you have been standing. Your blood pressure changes when you change position and this may also affect your heart rate. Concentrate on pleasing mental imagery. Calm your mind and body by using guided visualization and imagining places that make you happy. For instance, you can think about a beautiful mural, a scene from nature, or a daydream that you would find relaxing. Find a print or a photo of something that makes you feel relaxed. You can sit on your bed in a meditative posture and gaze at the picture to try to calm your mind and body. Write in a journal about a place you love to visit or a place in which you feel very at peace. Then, close your journal and picture the place in your mind, allowing the calm to wash over you. Learn to meditate. Place your internal focus on the beating of your heart. Try to use the power of your concentration to slow down your heart rate. Breathe slowly. Try some of these techniques to use breathing to calm your heart rate: Abdominal breathing : While you're sitting down, place your hand over your stomach just below your ribcage. Inhale through your nose, allowing your belly to move your hand out while your chest stays still. Then, exhale through pursed lips as though you were whistling, using your hand to push the air out of your belly. Repeat as often as needed. Alternate nostril breathing : Start inhaling through your left nostril, pushing your right nostril closed with your thumb, over a count of 4. Close both nostrils and hold your breath for 16 counts. Exhale out of the right nostril for 8 counts, and then inhale through the right nostril for 4 counts. Hold your breath for another 16 seconds, and exhale through your left nostril for 8 counts. Yoga practitioners believe this brings both sides of your brain into balance and calms your mind and body. Get a massage. Getting a regular massage or reflexology treatment may lower your heart rate by as much as 8 bpm. Pay to have a professional massage, or have a loved one perform a massage on you. Cut caffeine out of your daily routine. Caffeine raises your blood pressure and your heart rate. The increase is temporary, but it can be dramatic depending on how much caffeine you consume. You may want to avoid caffeine altogether if you struggle with high blood pressure. Try switching to decaffeinated coffee and tea if this is part of your morning ritual. | Practice slow deep breathing. Perform vagal nerve stimulation. Do the carotid (ka-rah-ted) maneuver. Splash yourself with cold water. Take a beta blocker medication. Check with your doctor to what extent it's okay to exercise vigorously. Get plenty of good sleep. Empty your bladder regularly. Take a fish oil capsule. Change your diet. Give and get more hugs! Spend time in nature. Lie down and relax. Concentrate on pleasing mental imagery. Learn to meditate. Breathe slowly. Get a massage. Cut caffeine out of your daily routine. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-a-Stroke-in-Dogs | How to Recognize a Stroke in Dogs | If you think your dog might be having a stroke, observe them to see if they seem extremely weak, have darting eyes, are unbalanced, or lose conscious. Since a stroke can happen quickly, your dog may have been acting normal just a few moments earlier. If you notice these signs, wait for about an hour to see if the episode passes, which may be a symptom of a different condition. If you suspect your dog has had a stroke, contact your vet to determine the next steps for treatment. | Identify the common symptoms of a stroke. The symptoms of a stroke are varied, from sudden loss of balance to altered consciousness. Review the signs of a stroke and keep an eye on a dog you suspect is having a stroke. You want to be able to identity any of the key symptoms. Extreme weakness: There may be a neurological weakness of the limbs. This means that the nerves are not working and therefore do not give the legs the right information about how to stand up and support the dog. Although the muscles are strong enough to support the body, they do not receive the right nerve messages and so the animal is extremely weak and unable to stand. Nystagmus: Nystagmus is the technical term for when the eyes flick rapidly from side to side, as if watching a tennis match on fast forward. This is a common indicator of stroke, although it can also happen for other reasons, such as meningitis. Again, once nystagmus starts it can last for days. It also makes the pet feel nauseous, because it invokes a form of motion sickness. Because of this, the dog may vomit and lose interest in food. Sudden loss of balance. Be on the look out for a dog that cannot coordinate its limbs. Altered consciousness: In severe strokes some dogs may seizure or fit, whilst others may lose consciousness. This means they are unaware of what is going on around them and do not respond to their name or other stimuli. Differentiate between the symptoms of a stroke and the symptoms of other conditions. A stroke is a sudden event. You should suspect a stroke if a pet that was fine and normal 5 minutes ago, is now struggling to get up. If the dog is struggling because its dizzy, such as if they have heart disease, this episode may pass within a few minutes, once the dog has caught its breath be able to rise and walk around. A dog that has had a stroke, however, will remain disorientated for hours or even days. Please note, this symptom also overlaps with inflammation in the balance mechanism in the inner ear. In addition, there is a sliding scale of weakness, depending on the severity of the stroke. Sometimes if it is only mild the dog can stand and walk around slowly as if drunk, other times the dog is incapacitated, lies on their side and is barely conscious. Understand how the length of stroke symptoms is central to a diagnosis of a stroke. To be classified as a stroke, technically the symptoms must persist for longer than 24 hours. If the symptoms resolve before this, and yet there is a strong suspicions of a blockage in the brain, it is instead known as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA). TIAs are a strong warning sign that a full blown stroke is on the way, and so always seek veterinary attention so any underlying causes can be corrected to reduce this risk. Be aware that conditions other than a stroke can cause similar symptoms to those of a stroke. Because these conditions are vastly different, the treatment will differ. However, do not worry too much about labelling your dog's condition but instead seek urgent help. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect a stroke. There are several symptoms that can point towards your pet having had a stroke. However, do not be too concerned about reaching a specific diagnosis at home, because calling the symptoms a stroke is just a label. What is important is that if you see one or some of these signs you should get urgent veterinary attention for your pet. Keep calm. If you believe your dog has had a stroke, the first thing to do is keep calm. Your dog will need your help in order to survive, so keep your wits about you and focus on helping your pup. Make sure your dog is comfortable. Put the dog in a quiet, warm environment. Make him or her as comfortable as possible by placing it on a padded bed and removing nearby furniture it could hurt itself on. If your dog is unable to stand, turn it to lie on the opposite side of its body every half an hour to reduce the risk of pneumonia because of blood pooling in one side of his lungs. Put water near your dog so it can drink without getting up. If it doesn't want to drink for a long time, wipe its gums with a wet cloth to give it some moisture. Phone the veterinarian and seek an urgent care appointment. If this emergency happens on a weekend or late at night, call your vets emergency line. If you get not response, you may need to find an emergency veterinary clinic to take your dog to. Make note of your dog's symptoms so you can relay them to the veterinarian over the phone. It's important to know the strength and length of symptoms, so that you can properly communicate the severity of your dog's condition to the vet. Understand what your veterinarian will do for your dog. The priorities for treatment of a dog that has had a stroke include minimizing swelling to the brain and maximizing oxygen to the brain. This will be done with medication and medical care. In addition, your veterinary office will be able to take care of secondary concerns, such as keeping your dog hydrated and comfortable. Understand the basics aspects of a stroke. A stroke is caused by an interruption to the blood flow to part of the brain. It is a hallmark of strokes that they have a sudden onset, because of the sudden nature of a blood clot switching off the blood supply to part of the brain. The exact symptoms depend on which precise area of the brain is affected, but there are several symptoms held in common, no matter where the blood clot lodges. A stroke is almost always caused by a blood clot which lodges and causes obstruction in the blood vessel, but it is also possible that it's caused by a plug of fat that has dislodged and circulated to the brain. A stroke can even be caused by a plug of bacteria in the brain. For many years there was dispute amongst veterinarians about whether animals had strokes or not. But this argument has now been largely won by the "yes they do happen" camp, because sophisticated imaging techniques, such as MRI scans, have produced pictures of the blockages in the brain. Figure out if your dog is in an "at risk" category for stroke. Those dogs most at risk are often older, and have pre-existing health condition such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or Cushing's disease. Some veterinarians anecdotally report that dogs with underactive thyroid glands are at increased risk of stroke, but the data to prove this is lacking. Think about other risk factors. Other problems that can predispose a dog to a stroke include heartworm, where larvae can break off and circulate to the brain to cause a blockage. Also at risks are dogs with a history of clotting problems, with kidney disease, a high fever, or cancer. The lowest risk group for stroke are young, fit dogs with no health problems that are regularly treated against heartworm. Know that dogs differ from people. Be aware that a stroke in a dog has a different presentation to in people. Whereas a person may be affected down one side of their body and their speech may be affected, this is not the case with dogs. They present in the ways described above. | Identify the common symptoms of a stroke. Differentiate between the symptoms of a stroke and the symptoms of other conditions. Understand how the length of stroke symptoms is central to a diagnosis of a stroke. Be aware that conditions other than a stroke can cause similar symptoms to those of a stroke. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect a stroke. Keep calm. Make sure your dog is comfortable. Phone the veterinarian and seek an urgent care appointment. Understand what your veterinarian will do for your dog. Understand the basics aspects of a stroke. Figure out if your dog is in an "at risk" category for stroke. Think about other risk factors. Know that dogs differ from people. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Bake-Cookies | How to Bake Cookies | To bake cookies, start by creaming salted butter and sugar, and then add the rest of the ingredients to form a dough. Line a pan with parchment paper and use an ice cream scoop to place balls of dough on the paper. While you preheat the oven, chill the cookies and the pan in the refrigerator, and then place them in the oven to bake according to the recipe. Watch your first batch of cookies carefully to make sure they are baking properly! | Keep everything cold. If you are using butter in your cookies (and even, to a certain degree, if you aren't) you will want to keep your ingredients refrigerator-cold. This will make your cookies much more firm and keep them from spreading out in the oven. This means that you'll have to warm up the butter enough to work with it by placing it on the counter, rather than in the microwave. Absolutely never melt it in order to mix it into the dough. A great practice is to cool your dough in the fridge for an hour before rolling it out. Always cream butter and sugar. If your recipe calls for butter and doesn't specifically prohibit this practice, you should always "cream" the butter and the sugar first. This is a process by which you mix the two until a sort of paste is formed. Try to use salted butter. Sweet cream butter tends to make cookies taste too sweet. The salt will balance out the sweetness of the cookie just enough to make it taste much better over all. You won't be able to properly taste the salt, but believe us, you'll notice the difference. Change the recipe to alter the final product. If you find a recipe that you love the taste of but what a different texture, it is totally possible to alter the recipe just a bit in order to get exactly what you want! Experiment, or try these tricks: Use cake flour, shortening instead of butter (or switch for part of the butter), or ~2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 4 teaspoons LESS flour in order to get fluffy, cakey, soft cookies. Use 2 tablespoons of milk, an extra tablespoon or two of butter, or switch your white sugar for brown to get a crispy cookie. Use melted butter to mix dough and then chill it before baking (undercook a minute or two) to get a chewy cookie. You can also use only yolks, instead of whites. Using a rubber spatula often helps speed up the mixing process if you are not using a machine. Weigh your ingredients. If you find that you still struggle with getting your recipe to turn out right, bake like the pros (and Europeans!) do and weigh your ingredients. Get a good electronic kitchen scale and do your recipe based on weight. This will help ensure the perfect cookie. Use an ice cream scoop to make cookies even. If you want to make sure that every cookie in a batch turns out looking the same, use an ice cream scoop to get perfectly equal balls of dough. Use parchment paper. Skip the Silpat in favor of parchment paper. Silpat can make it difficult for cookies to cook evenly and it also keeps the bottoms from developing that perfect crispness. Parchment paper turns out a much better cookie. Bake on the bottom of your cookie sheet. If you notice that the cookies at the edge of your sheet are prone to getting over cooked, use an Round or oval pan. If you don't have one, improvise and flip the pan over to use the bottom! Know your oven. Every oven is different and it is important for you to know how yours behaves. If you know what to expect, then you can find ways to work around the expected problems. For example, if you notice that cookies on one corner or side bake faster than in another, make sure you turn the pan part-way through the baking process. Start with a cold pan. Put your baking sheet in the fridge to cool before you put each set of cookies on. If you want to save time, you can scoop the dough onto parchment paper and store them in the fridge until they are ready to go out on a cooled pan. This means cooling the pan between each set of 12 too! Don't overbake your cookies. If anything it's better to under-bake them. For the first batch carefully watch them and time for when they get the first hint of brown at the edges. Edge browning usually means you've gone too far, though these cookies are still perfectly good (especially if you like yours crispy!). Once you know how long it takes to reach that point, pull them out maybe 30 seconds before they brown for perfectly soft cookies. If you are using white chocolate chips in your cookies, be careful, as they can burn particularly easily. Let cookies sit on the pan. Let your cookies sit on the pan for a few minutes before taking them off. This will let them firm up on the bottom, making them much easier to eat. Convert for vegans. To convert almost any cookie recipe for a vegan diet, the main ingredients you'll have to worry about are the butter and the eggs. The butter is easily replaced with shortening (this often makes a better cookie anyway!) but if you want to avoid the awful egg substitute, try this instead : Add 1 tbs of oil, 1 tbs of cornstarch, 2 tbs of soymilk and 1 tbs of ground flax seed in place of each egg called for in the recipe. If it calls for only yolks, go easy on the milk and oil. Convert for lactose intolerance. If someone has a bad lactose intolerance, you can easily replace the butter with shortening. Any milk called for can be replaced with lactose-free milk, soy milk or more exciting options like hazelnut milk! Convert for a peanut allergy. If someone has a peanut allergy, you can replace ingredients like peanut butter with almond butter or Nutella (yum!). Just make sure that no other ingredients have had contact with the peanut butter. Make sure, for example, no one has EVER used a knife to get some peanut butter out of a jar and then used that same knife to get some Nutella without cleaning in between. To be safe, get a new jar. Convert for a gluten allergy. Replacing flour in recipes is easy, but you have to keep a few things in mind. For things like cookies, you'll want to err on the low-protein side, since you want them to be soft. You also want to mix different types of wheat flour substitutes. When using these substitutes, it is also necessary to add a slightly larger amount of liquid. Convert for diabetics. This is tricky, since it's the carbs as much as the sugar which causes the problem for diabetics. Try to make protein heavy cookies (like peanut butter cookies with high-protein alternative flours instead of normal flour) and switch the sugar with some Splenda or other sugar alternative (honey is good!). . Make chocolate chip cookies To make your recipes even more inventive, try different varieties of chocolate chips, like white, milk or bittersweet. . Make oatmeal cookies Whole grain oats add a heart-healthy element to this popular treat. To make them gluten-free, substitute oat flour for the all-purpose flour and make sure that your oats are labeled gluten free. You can also add raisins, walnuts or butterscotch chips to your oatmeal cookie recipe. . Make peanut butter cookies For a nutty treat, make peanut butter cookies. These make a great breakfast snack, with the extra protein boost! . Make snickerdoodles These sugar cookies get a wonderful crunch and sweetness from being rolled in cinnamon and sugar before they are baked. The secret to great snickerdoodles is to hand-mix the ingredients instead of using a mechanical mixer. . Make ginger snaps Ginger snaps get their flavor from molasses and ground ginger. To dress these cookies up, drizzle them with a lemon glaze. . Make macaroons These light and fluffy coconut cookies are free of both flour and egg yolks. You can also use food coloring in these cookies to customize the macaroons for a variety of occasions. . Make gingerbread men cookies Decorating gingerbread people is a favorite holiday tradition in many households. These cookies make a delicious blank palette for a variety of candies, colored glazes and frostings. . Make sugar cookies Basic sugar cookies are delicious on their own and form the basis for many more complex cookie recipes. You can either cut sugar cookies out with a cookie cutter and frost them for the holidays or make drop sugar cookies. . Make Lebkuchen These German Christmas cookies incorporate the flavors of an herby gingerbread and lemon. For a different flavor profile, try chocolate Lebkuchen. . Make spritz cookies These cookies are shaped using a cookie press, which is an easy-to-find and affordable investment. Decorate the cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles to make them more festive. . Make marzipan cookies For a Scandinavian Christmas, try using marzipan in your cookies. This gives the cookies an intense almond flavor. . Make pinwheel cookies A combination of chocolate sugar cookie dough and regular sugar cookie dough, stacked and rolled together, creates these delicious and colorful pinwheels. You can customize the color of the plain dough for any special occasion. . Make Jell-O cookies Vary this recipe by using different colors and flavors of Jell-O. These cookies are a great way to welcome kids into the kitchen. . Make bacon chocolate chip cookies If you're a bacon lover, make these chocolate chip cookies that incorporate bits of bacon into the dough. . Make green chocolate chip cookies Adding green food coloring to your chocolate chip cookie dough gives these cookies a delightful green tint. You can serve these cookies on St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Christmas or any day. . Make fried Oreos Oreo cookies rolled in batter and deep-fried make a sinful treat. You can serve a plate of these cookies with either ice cream or a big dollop of whipped cream. . Make no bake double chocolate chip cookies Cocoa powder, melted chocolate and chocolate chips make these no-bake cookies irresistible. You will need to set aside some time to chill these cookies, but the results will be worth the wait. Make a chocolate covered marshmallow cookie. Chocolate and marshmallows are always a winning combination, particularly for moon pie lovers. These delectable cookies are filled with marshmallow filling and then dipped in melted chocolate. | Keep everything cold. Always cream butter and sugar. Try to use salted butter. Change the recipe to alter the final product. Weigh your ingredients. Use an ice cream scoop to make cookies even. Use parchment paper. Bake on the bottom of your cookie sheet. Know your oven. Start with a cold pan. Don't overbake your cookies. Let cookies sit on the pan. Convert for vegans. Convert for lactose intolerance. Convert for a peanut allergy. Convert for a gluten allergy. Convert for diabetics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Make a chocolate covered marshmallow cookie. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Ex-Back | How to Get Your Ex Back | Before you try to win your ex back, work on fixing any bad habits you have or mistakes you made that caused you to break up in the first place. Then, ask your ex to hang out as friends and take the opportunity to show them how you've changed for the better. Laugh, smile, and be positive when you're around them. Wait until you've developed a friendship again before having a serious conversation with your ex about getting back together. | Understand the breakup. What did each of you do to contribute to the breakup? Most relationship troubles do not crop up unexpectedly, but build up over time. The odds are good that it wasn't a one-sided problem and that there were signs that it was coming. Take some time and do some soul searching before you attempt to get your ex back. You want to make sure you are not wasting your time or energy on something futile. According to research, the number one cause of the breakup of romantic relationships is failure to communicate. If your relationship was otherwise happy, this problem can often be fixed by setting clear expectations and openly discussing frustrations before things explode in a big fight. Other issues can be harder to overcome, like infidelity or jealousy; but with work and counseling, even these types of issues are possible to work through. Recall who initiated the breakup. Was it you? If so, did you do it after careful thought or in a fit of anger that you now regret? Was it your ex, and did he or she have specific reasons? Was it a mutual decision? It is vital that you understand who controlled the breakup and why it happened in the first place. If it was you, and your ex was against breaking up, getting back together might be easier than if it was initiated by your ex in the first place. Interpret your emotions. In the pain and confusion of a breakup, it can be easy to confuse your emotions, interpreting feelings of loneliness and hurt as evidence that you need your ex back in your life. In fact, almost everyone who experiences a breakup initially feels remorse for the lost relationship, coupled with feelings of anxiety, guilt, depression, and loneliness. Generally, the more serious the relationship was, the more severe these feelings tend to be; couples who are married or cohabiting tend to have the worst breakups, whereas those who were casually dating tend to have an easier time in the aftermath of a breakup. But the severity of your feelings does not automatically mean that you should get back together with your ex. Try answering these questions: Do you miss your ex, or do you miss having a boyfriend or girlfriend? Did he or she make you feel better about yourself, more secure in the world, and happier? Do you imagine yourself with this person in the long-term, even when the excitement of being in love has worn off and you are stuck in the daily routines of life? If you are only missing the security of having someone and the excitement of a dramatic relationship, you can find those things with someone else in a healthier, more stable relationship. It is important to take time after breaking up and before trying to get your ex back to examine your own emotions and decide if you truly should be with that person. Rekindled relationships often suffer from a lack of trust and can be more likely to cycle on-again-off-again with repeated breakups. If you're not 100% sure that you want to be with this person in the long-term, avoid further pain by doing your best to get over your ex instead of pursuing him or her again. Avoid contact for the first month after the break-up. They will call you if they want to talk. If they don't, nothing you say or wear will change that. Sometimes, ignoring your ex makes them feel like you are perfectly fine without them and are moving on, which is the exact opposite of what they want. Avoiding contact is not just a passive-aggressive way to make your ex miss you. It gives you time to do the things you need to do to prepare yourself for a new relationship (whether it's with your ex or someone new!). Take time during this month to get to know yourself as an individual and to work on areas that you may have let slip during your relationship with your ex. If you contributed to the breakup, this is the time to pinpoint your relationship weaknesses and do the hard work to improve as a human being. This time off will also help you to distinguish between normal grief after a breakup and a real desire to be with your ex again. Nearly everyone feels sad after a breakup, even if their ex was a jerk and they were truly incompatible. Time alone will help you sort out these feelings. Focus on yourself. Hang out with your friends. Throw yourself into work and other extracurricular activities. You don't want to seem needy or like you are waiting for your ex to contact you again. Researchers have found that people who regain a healthy sense of self post-breakup recover more quickly from relationship-related grief. Do not pursue your ex during this time. That means no calling, texting, or asking around about how he or she is doing. Most importantly, do not ask your ex questions about why the breakup happened or about whether he or she is seeing anyone. This comes across as desperate.. While it is important to not pursue your ex for a month or so, it's okay to be responsive if he or she pursues you. In other words, if you get a call, don't hang up on your ex or refuse to talk. It is not necessary to try to play mind games or play hard to get, and doing so would have the potential to push him or her further away, which is the opposite of your goal at this point. If you do happen to hear through the grapevine that your ex is seeing someone new, try not to jump to conclusions or let jealousy set in. By no means should you do anything to try to thwart a new relationship. Let your ex have some time to find out if you are really the one; you don't want to force a person to be with you who really wants to be with someone else. Find out if they are still interested. Before you start trying to win back your ex's heart , you need to know whether he or she still cares or not. Knowing if your ex still cares about you is the first most important clue and hint that things can still be mended. You do not need to find out right away, and you definitely should not send friends to do your investigative work for you. Do not pursue your ex for at least a month after the breakup; instead, look for subtle hints when you run into him or her at school or work, social media posts, or comments that your mutual friends make unsolicited. Keep in mind that a third of currently cohabiting and a fourth of married couples experienced a breakup at one point, so if your ex is still interested there is a good chance you will be able to win him or her back. Work on your self-esteem. If you struggle with neediness, you're probably a little lacking in the self-esteem department. You might be looking for your ex to make you feel better about yourself, but the fact is that you are the only person who can really do that. You shouldn't base your happiness on someone else. It makes them feel guilty, obligated and eventually, resentful towards you. Self-esteem is about believing that you are a person of worth and that you are adequate the way you are. When it comes to relationships, it is important that you feel complete and whole as an individual rather than looking for someone else to complete you or make your life worthwhile. To improve your self-esteem, concentrate on your strengths in all areas: emotional, social, talents and skills, appearance, and any others that are important to you. For example, you might have natural empathy, the ability to make people feel understood, a talent for baking, and gorgeous hair. Focusing on the positive and ignoring the negative can help you to feel adequate and valuable as an individual, especially when you connect the best parts of yourself to helping others. If you feel useless, make yourself useful! Take your natural empathy and talent for baking and bake some fresh cookies for your elderly neighbors. Be the person your ex fell in love with. Try to think back to when the two of you first got together. What about you did he or she love? Was it your quirky jokes, or maybe your amazing sense of style. Whatever it may be, try to rekindle the fire the same way the flame was started before. Your ex was attracted to you because they felt good with you and you were fulfilling their emotional needs. How have you changed (if at all)? Correct bad habits and mistakes, if any. Be positive around them. Laugh and smile. Always stay positive to feel good about yourself and make yourself attractive to others. Improve your appearance. Get a few items of new clothing, alter your hairstyle, hit the gym, or do your nails. Make yourself stand out and seem fresh from what your ex remembers of you. While you do not want to change who you are in order to get your ex back (because eventually they would leave again, since the real you has to return at some point), it is always helpful to be the best you can be. Your ex was attracted to you and you can try to regain that attraction. Spend time with other people. You don't need to sleep with them, but spending time with other men or women will let your ex know that you are on the market for a relationship again. If they are still interested, they may decide it is time to step in and stop you from looking elsewhere. If you are not interested in dating others or leading them on, meet up with groups for movie night or spend time with a friend of the opposite sex. Just being around others who are single might be enough to make your ex a bit jealous. Casually hang out with your ex. Do something non-committal like have a drink with friends or play miniature golf, including him or her with others. Make it something friends and first dates alike can do. And whatever it is, keep it fun and skip out on the serious talks for now. Every relationship should be built on a firm foundation of friendship, so it is important to make sure that your friendship is intact before trying to move to romance territory. If your ex has fallen into the friend zone (for example, if he or she says "I'm no longer in love with you"), you might be able to recreate the experience of falling in love by building intimacy with your ex. In one study, a researcher had two strangers stare into each other's eyes and then answer personal questions (like "What is your biggest fear?" and "What is your best memory from childhood?"). They were able to create an intimate bond between the strangers, creating attraction and even the feelings of love. Try spending time looking into your ex's eyes and asking deep questions and see if this helps move your relationship back into intimate territory. Ask your ex to talk with you. After you have taken time together as friends, it is time to have an honest talk about your history together and whether or not there might be a romantic future. Although texting and talking over the computer is a common way to communicate in an established relationship, intimate discussions like this should be held in person. Invite your ex over for dinner or head out to your favorite coffee shop. Use the past to your advantage. If your ex really liked a certain outfit of yours, wear it again. Share a light-hearted memory you had together. Meet at a familiar place you used to hang out together. If he or she purchased any special jewelry for you, consider wearing it when you meet to talk. This will send a pretty clear message that you still have feelings for him or her. Prepare your words. The first thing that you say to your ex is extremely important. If you say the wrong words, you will lose the chance to get them back. You need to understand that even though you're not together, there is a good chance they still harbor strong feelings for you. There are many ways you can approach this conversation, but one safe way is to say something like, "I've been wanting to talk to you about our relationship and see how you have been." Express regret things didn't work out between you and ask if you can talk about it now that you have some perspective. Let the conversation naturally progress. If your ex is doing great and reports that he or she is seeing other people, you might decide not to waste your time trying to convince him or her to get back together. But if your ex seems to harbor feelings for you, you can gradually bring up the possibility of giving things another try. Apologize. Think deeply about anything you did or didn't do that somehow contributed to the downfall of the relationship, and clean the slate by giving your ex a proper apology. Take full responsibility for the offense, without blaming your ex, giving excuses, or expecting an apology (or even forgiveness) in return. It may very well be that your ex contributed to the situation, but you cannot apologize for someone else; you can only apologize for yourself. Leave him or her out of it and odds are the apology will be reciprocated. Avoid using the word "but." "I am sorry, but..." means "I am not sorry." Also, do not say "I'm sorry you feel that way" or "I'm sorry if you were offended." This makes it seem like you are blaming the other person, and is not a real apology. A true apology should be structured as follows: regret, responsibility, and remedy. The first step indicates that you are sorry for what you've done. The second step puts the responsibility on you without making excuses or blaming someone else. The final step offers to make it right or change your behavior in the future. For example: "I just wanted to apologize for when I blew you off all those times that you wanted to spend with me. You must've really felt neglected. I'm going to try really hard from now on, to make it a point to do more things with you so you won't feel like that again. I'm glad you gave me your point of view to realize that." Talk. Since communication problems are the number one cause of breakups, you need to work extra hard as a couple to ensure that you always keep lines of communication open. When you get back together, you need to take time to establish expectations, especially in areas that were problems before. Make a game plan for how to deal with unmet expectations. For example, if you broke up with your ex because he or she spent too much time with friends, talk openly about how much time is reasonable and how you will negotiate with one another if you need more time with friends. Remember what caused you to break up. Relationships that are on-again-off-again tend to be volatile and emotionally unstable. Remembering what caused your original break up and dealing with those issues can help to prevent some of the same challenges from cropping up again. Tread lightly in the areas that you used to disagree. Whatever issues caused your break-up are likely to still be tender areas for the both of you. If you struggle with jealousy, family issues, control issues, or other particular areas, realize that those issues are going to still be there when the newness wears off of your reinstated romance. Treat your relationship like a new one. Remember that your first relationship together was not a successful one; it ended in heartbreak. Treat the second time like a new relationship, building new rules of engagement. Take it slow. Don't assume you should pick up where you left off in your previous relationship, for example, sleeping together and saying "I love you," which should not come into play until you've rebuilt your trust. Get to know one another. Especially if it has been a while since you were together, you and your ex have both changed as individuals in that time. Don't assume you know everything about him or her. Take time to get to know one another again. Consider counseling. Particularly if you were married or in a very serious relationship and want to continue in a serious relationship, you are likely to need couples therapy in order to discover the root of your problems and ensure that you can overcome them. Remember that cycling relationships (those that experience breakups and get back together) tend to have a higher rate of dissatisfaction, lack of trust, and eventual failure, so be prepared to put extra work into your new relationship. Watch for signs that your relationship won't work. While you might have strong feelings for this person, sometimes two people are just not compatible. If your relationship is toxic, you need to move on rather than trying to win back your ex. Some signs that your relationship is troubled beyond repair include: abuse of any kind. If your ex has ever laid a hand on you to hurt you, or coerced you to have sex or do other things you did not feel comfortable doing, then he or she was abusive and you should not try to win that person back. a lack of respect on either side. If you or your ex call each other names, belittle each other's accomplishments, or say disparaging things about one another to your family or friends, then there is no respect in that relationship. These are all features of an emotionally abusive relationship. Find someone who shows you the respect you deserve, and commit to treating him or her with respect as well. a history of unfaithfulness. While some relationships can move on past infidelity, broken trust is extremely hard to repair and even if you can build it back, it is easily broken again. A relationship that has experienced infidelity is likely to need extra support in the form of ongoing counseling to repair broken trust. Listen to your friends and family. Although you might feel defensive, those who are close to you and know you well often have good insight into your relationships. If someone you know and trust has a bad feeling about your relationship, you should take that as an indication that there could be trouble. If you know that a particular friend or family member dislikes your ex, ask to sit down and discuss why. Find out if it is based on how the ex treats you or others, knowledge your friend may have that you don't, or other evidence that might be meaningful. Accept the break up and move on. If none of the steps above have worked for you, and/or if you have assessed the situation and decided it is not healthy or wise to continue trying to get your ex back, be sure that you take time for yourself emotionally to recover from your broken heart. According to research, it is important to focus on the best parts of the breakup and relationship, especially how they helped you grow as a person, and let yourself forget the negative experiences. One strategy to help you do this is to spend 15 to 30 minutes each day for three days in a row writing about the positive aspects of the breakup. After those three days, try to let the relationship go. Give yourself time to just be alone, spending time with family and friends and doing things you love. When you're in a healthy place, you can begin looking for love once more. | Understand the breakup. Recall who initiated the breakup. Interpret your emotions. Avoid contact for the first month after the break-up. Focus on yourself. Do not pursue your ex during this time. Find out if they are still interested. Work on your self-esteem. Be the person your ex fell in love with. Improve your appearance. Spend time with other people. Casually hang out with your ex. Ask your ex to talk with you. Use the past to your advantage. Prepare your words. Apologize. Talk. Remember what caused you to break up. Treat your relationship like a new one. Consider counseling. Watch for signs that your relationship won't work. Listen to your friends and family. Accept the break up and move on. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-Your-Dogs%27-Playmate | How to Become Your Dogs' Playmate | To become your dog's playmate, teach it basic commands like sit, stay, and come. In addition to being useful for you, training your dog is an important form of play for your dog and is a great way to spend time together and get to know one another. You should play with your dog every day with fun, safe toys, like balls, rope toys, or stuffed animals. Stimulating toys will keep your dog entertained and also keep it from chewing on furniture and household items. You should also teach your dog to play fetch, which is a great form of exercise and an effective way to teach patience. | Help your dog feel safe around you. The most important first step is ensuring that your dog feels secure and comfortable with you and in his new home. Before you bring the dog home, purchase a large crate for your dog to retreat to if he feels overwhelmed. Dogs view the crate as their own personal den, and find it reassuring to have their own personal space where no one will bother them. The crate should be big enough for the dog to stand and move easily around in it. Keep it quiet and calm for the first few days at home, especially if you have a large family or a lot of people tend to come and go in your house. Everyone is probably excited to see the new pet, but the dog is also adjusting to a huge change and needs some peace and quiet to explore. Get to know your dog's personality. For the first few days after bringing a new dog home, you will learn a lot by observing your dog's behavior and giving him some space to adjust to his new environment. Some dogs are timid and afraid, often because of prior mistreatment but sometimes just because of their personalities or breed tendencies. These types of dogs may need extra patience and coaxing before they will be a true playmate. Other dogs are full of energy and love playing right from the start. You may have to make adjustments to your home to prevent these high-energy canines from tearing things up in their eagerness, and you will likely have to plan for extra play time every day. Train and discipline your dog. Dogs are pack animals and need to know who the "alpha" or leader of the pack is. It's your job as the pet's owner to establish that you are in charge, which leaves the dog feeling secure and confident. As you train your dog, be consistent. Use positive reinforcement and never hit or punish your dog. It takes patience to train a dog. You might find that a dog obedience class is well worth the investment, especially for a particularly stubborn dog. Incorporate your dog into your family life. When you adopt a new pet, it becomes a part of your family. Most dogs enjoy being at the center of the action. Plan on involving the dog in exercise, games, and outings whenever possible. Be sure you have a collar with tags and a leash so that you can bring your dog along when you go for a walk, to the park, or anywhere that is dog-friendly in your city. Teach your dog basic commands. This is a great way to spend one-on-one time with your dog while incorporating some important training that will be useful for other activities. Remember that dogs learn through play and play to learn, so even though this might feel more like school than playtime, it is still an important form of play. The most important basic commands are sit, stay, and come; after your dog has mastered these, you may also want to add down and heel. Teach each command separately; work on one repeatedly until it is mastered before moving on to another command. It may take weeks for your dog to master one simple command. Be sure that you don't overdo it; only practice the command when your dog is in a cooperative mood and stop practicing when you lose his attention. Use positive reinforcement, such a small treat, extra playtime, or a good ear scratching for each behavior your dog performs correctly. When possible, try to connect the reward to the behavior itself. For example, ask your dog to sit and stay by the door, and then when she complies, let her go outside through the door as her reward. Or have her sit and stay while you prepare her food bowl; then her reward is the food. Invest in fun, safe toys. Toys provide endless entertainment for your dog, and they also serve a practical function: most dogs will chew on your shoes or furniture if you don't supply fun, stimulating toys. Try out several types of toys to see what your dog enjoys. When you offer your dog a toy, assume that he will destroy it and tear it into pieces. Avoid toys that have strings, ribbons, eyes, or other parts that could come off and prove to be a choking hazard for your dog. Be sure that the toy is appropriate for your dog's size. Small balls work fine for smaller dogs, but avoid toys that are small enough to swallow or that could become lodged in your dog's jaws. Similarly, very large toys may be difficult for a small dog to pick up. Try a rope toy with knotted ends, a tennis ball, or a hard rubber toy. Some dogs love to have a small stuffed animal to play with, but be sure it's not small enough to choke on. Keep children's toys, shoes, and athletic equipment away from your dog's reach; he is unlikely to know the difference between what is ok to chew up and what is not. Teach your dog to play fetch. Many breeds of dogs love this classic game, and it is great exercise that also teaches patience and agility. First, you have to teach the dog to chase the ball. Put the ball on the ground and encourage the dog to get it. If he picks it up, encourage him by giving him a small treat and a good petting, along with verbal encouragement (say "Good boy!"). Then, toss the toy a little farther each time until eventually the dog has to go quite a distance to get it. To encourage the dog to bring the toy back to you, call him back to you and then ask him to drop the toy for you. You can try offering him a second toy or treat to encourage him to put the first toy down. Do agility training. Agility training involves teaching your dog to run through, around, and over obstacles and hurdles. You can train your dog for agility competitions or just do it for fun and exercise. Use his favorite treats as incentive. Agility training is best for younger, healthy dogs who don't have any joint issues(such as arthritis) as well as an energetic and obedient personality. Herding breeds are ideal for this type of activity, but many other types can be trained for it. Be sure your dog is familiar with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and lie down before beginning agility training. Get started by constructing a simple agility course in your backyard. You probably already have materials to make some obstacles yourself, and the rest can be purchased at your local hardware store. Make weave poles from ski poles or PVC piping, a dog walk from a picnic bench or small table (such as a children's picnic table), standard jumps made from cinder blocks, a tunnel from a collapsible children's tunnel toy, a tire jump made from an old bicycle or car tire hung from a sturdy tree branch, and teeter boards made from plywood and PVC piping. Demonstrate the course for your dog, and then lead him through it on a leash. Be sure you walk through it the first several times and reward him when he completes it. Then, jog through the course, increasing your speed each time you lead him through it. Give him some alone time. While playing with your dog is an important time for bonding and exercise, sometimes dogs need a break from interaction with you or other dogs and prefer to just be alone. Invest in a couple of chew toys for your dog to enjoy on his own. Most dogs get enough alone time while their owners are away at work or school, but if you have a large family or work from home it is possible for your dog to be overstimulated. Your dog will likely want privacy while he eats, uses the bathroom, and for up to an hour every day, as well as during rest time. Get out of the house! Most dogs love a change of pace and take great pleasure in any kind of exploration. Plan for an adventure that will be stimulating to both of you and also provide great bonding time. Try taking your dog hiking or backpacking. This is a fun way to explore nature with a companion. Be sure to plan ahead if you take your dog on a trip that requires a lot of exertion. Your dog will need to train for a few weeks to a few months beforehand in order to be in good shape for the trip, especially if she is older or overweight. Find out if your city has a dog park. While dog parks are not ideal for aggressive or territorial dogs, they are fun for dogs who love other dogs and can be trusted to follow basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Keep a close eye on your dog at the dog park, especially if he is small, as your dog could be injured while playing with others. Go on a day trip. If your dog likes car rides, look for dog parks or outdoor activities within driving distance of your home and head out. You can plan to stop at a pet store that allows pets if your dog is sociable and friendly. Listen to music or watch TV with him. It may seem weird, but dogs enjoy music and just like you, they enjoy some peaceful time to relax and unwind. While many dogs are content to just lay on your lap as you watch your favorite shows, some dogs especially like watching nature programs or shows with other dogs or animals. Try a variety of shows to see what your dog is into. If you're feeling up to a challenge, try out the new sport of freestyle musical dance-- it's a type of choreographed dance involving dogs and their owners. If your dog easily learned his basic commands and enjoys agility work, he may also love dancing! | Help your dog feel safe around you. Get to know your dog's personality. Train and discipline your dog. Incorporate your dog into your family life. Teach your dog basic commands. Invest in fun, safe toys. Teach your dog to play fetch. Do agility training. Give him some alone time. Get out of the house! Listen to music or watch TV with him. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Treasure-Map | How to Make a Treasure Map | To make a treasure map, start by drawing your map onto a white piece of paper, or a piece of cardstock if you want a more durable map. Make sure to include a compass so the treasure hunters can get their bearings. Then, add specific features like trees, houses, or buildings, and a red X to mark where the treasure is located. Once you've drawn your map, tear off the edges, wipe both sides with a wet tea bag, and crumple it into a ball several times to make it look old and worn. | Think about the kind of map you want to make. It could be a path that uses landmarks, or it could be a verse that includes directions and distances. There could be a game involved with a secret plot. Make sure the start is easy to find, and the treasure is hidden somewhere where it won't be disturbed until the treasure hunters find it. Start drawing your map. Use a piece of plain white paper to start. Include the compass so the hunters can get their bearings and any written clues needed by the hunters to find the treasure. Note: You can also use a thicker piece of cardstock if you want a more durable map. Or you can use part of a brown paper grocery bag (just make sure you use a piece with no writing on it). Draw specific features on your map. Feel free to use different colored inks; you can also use colored pencils, Sharpies, or watercolor paint. The features don't have to be perfect. After all, pirates aren't known as being great artists! Include things like: A red X to mark the spot. This is probably the most important feature! Landmarks to determine a starting point and a finishing point (the treasure spot), and landmarks to help the hunters find their way in the middle. Trees, shrubs, or plants. Trees can be made by a simple vertical line with horizontal lines squiggled on top of it that start wider at the base and get increasingly smaller toward the top. Make sure to leave a small portion of your vertical line uncovered at the bottom to create the trunk of the tree. You can also make more detailed trees if you want to spend the time. Houses or other buildings. Mountains or hills. Rivers or other bodies of water. You can locate the treasure hunt on an island surrounded by water. For a more imaginative look, include some fantasy elements like a sea serpent, some ships, or a castle. Tear the edges off all four sides of the paper. This will make the map look more like a worn treasure map. Use a tea bag to make the map look old. Wipe a wet tea bag over both sides of the paper. The map will turn a light brown color. When you finish, the paper should be completely saturated. Make the map look worn. Crumple the map into a ball several times to get it good and crumpled. Let it dry overnight in a ball. Use cooking oil to make the map feel authentic. Gently open the map, and wipe both sides with cooking oil. Blot off the excess with paper towels. This will make the paper feel slightly crunchy. Let paper dry again. Once it is finished drying, the map should look very old. Create a scavenger hunt. Include clues and prizes/treasures to entertain your guests. This is a great idea for all kinds of events like birthday parties, holiday parties, kids' sleepovers, Use it as a document in a play or other performance. Impress the other adults with your crafty skills by volunteering to create the map for your kids' school play or church activity. Spend an afternoon having fun with your children. Use the treasure map as a bonding experience for your family. | Think about the kind of map you want to make. Start drawing your map. Draw specific features on your map. Tear the edges off all four sides of the paper. Use a tea bag to make the map look old. Make the map look worn. Use cooking oil to make the map feel authentic. Let paper dry again. Create a scavenger hunt. Use it as a document in a play or other performance. Spend an afternoon having fun with your children. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-a-Screen-Shot-(Screen-Capture) | How to Take a Screen Shot (Screen Capture) | To take a screenshot on Windows, press the “Window” and “PrintScreen” keys. When you want to access your screenshot, look in the Screenshots folder of your Pictures folder. Alternatively, to take a screenshot on a Mac, press the “Command,” “Shift” and “3” keys. After you hear a camera shutter, you'll see a file labeled “Screen Shot” on your desktop. If you're using an iPhone or iPad, press and hold the "Home" and "Sleep/Wake" buttons at the same time to take a screenshot. Find your screenshot in the Photos App under the sub-category “Screenshots.” | Take a full-screen screenshot in Windows 10 or 8. To do so, press ⊞ Win + PrintScreen to save the screenshot directly to a file. This will save you from having to paste it into Paint first. The file is located in the Screenshots folder of your Pictures folder. The folder will be created if it does not yet exist. If the previous method does not work, try Fn + ⊞ Win + PrintScreen. Take a full-screen screenshot in Windows 7 or Vista. To do so, press ⎙ Print Screen. It may be abbreviated, and is typically located between the F12 key and the Screen Lock key. You may need to press the Function or Fn key if you're using a laptop. The image will be copied to the clipboard. You must paste the image into a document in order to view it. Take a screenshot of the active window only. To do so, click the window whose image you want to capture, then press Alt + PrintScreen , or on some laptops Alt + Fn + PrintScreen. You will still need to paste it before you can save the image. Take a full-screen screenshot. To capture an image of your entire display and save it to a file on the desktop, press ⌘ + ⇧ Shift + 3. The computer will make the sound of a camera shutter, and a file labeled "Screen Shot [date]" will appear on your desktop. If you'd rather copy the screenshot to your clipboard instead of saving it to a file, press ⌘ + Control + ⇧ Shift + 3. The image will be copied to the clipboard, and you can paste it into a document or image editor. Capture part of your display. If you only want to take a screenshot of part of your display, press ⌘ + ⇧ Shift + 4. The pointer will turn into a crosshairs. Drag the crosshairs to create a box the part of the screen you want to capture. When you release the click, the computer will make a "shutter" sound and the image will be saved to a file on your desktop. Capture a specific window. If you want a screenshot of specific window, press ⌘ + ⇧ Shift + 4. Then press Space. The cursor will become a camera icon. Click the window of which you want a screenshot. When you click, the computer will make a "shutter" sound and the image will be saved to a file on your desktop Go to the screen you want to capture. Find the image, picture, message, website, etc., of which you want to take a picture. Press and hold the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons at the same time. The screen will flash to indicate the screenshot. Open the Photos app. Tap Albums in the lower-right. Scroll down and tap the Screenshots album. The image you just captured will be the last image at the bottom of the album. Go to the screen you want to capture. Find the image, picture, message, website, etc., of which you want to take a picture. Press and hold the Power and Volume-Down buttons at the same time. On Samsung Galaxy devices, press Power+Home. The screen will flash to indicate the screenshot. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Notifications Bar. Tap Screenshot captured to view the image. The image will be saved to an album labeled "Screenshots" in your default photos app, such as Gallery, Google Photos, or Photos on your Samsung device. | Take a full-screen screenshot in Windows 10 or 8. Take a full-screen screenshot in Windows 7 or Vista. Take a screenshot of the active window only. Take a full-screen screenshot. Capture part of your display. Capture a specific window. Go to the screen you want to capture. Press and hold the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons at the same time. Open the Photos app. Tap Albums in the lower-right. Scroll down and tap the Screenshots album. Go to the screen you want to capture. Press and hold the Power and Volume-Down buttons at the same time. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Notifications Bar. Tap Screenshot captured to view the image. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-Your-Long-Haired-Maine-Coon | How to Take Care of Your Long Haired Maine Coon | To take care of your long-haired Maine Coon, keep it indoors to protect it from common dangers, such as cars or predators. In order to prevent over-eating, which is a common problem among Maine Coons, feed your cat according to a daily schedule, like once or twice a day. Additionally, clean your cat's litter box on a daily basis to prevent debris from getting caught in its long hair. Since Maine Coons are a very social breed, pet it and play games with it each day. You'll also need to brush your cat's coat on a daily basis, since its long hair can easily get dirty. Start by brushing its legs and abdomen before working your way up its body so you don't contaminate the areas you've already brushed. | Keep your Maine Coon active. Maine Coon's need a lot of exercise for their health due to their big size. Some Maine Coons may have a tendency to stay on the couch during the day, so take steps to make your Maine Coon cat healthy and happy. You should provide cat perches and trees in your home so your Maine Coon can get exercise when you're not there. Maine Coons also enjoy interactive play. You should buy toys, like string or fishing pole toys, and play with your Maine Coon each day. Maine Coons are very friendly animals and will be eager to play with any household member. Decide on dry or wet food. Both wet or dry food can be a healthy option for a Maine Coon or any other cat. However, there are benefits and drawbacks to each to consider before selecting a food for your cat. If you're on a budget, dry food is generally a more economical option. It also does not spoil as easily. However, it's more calorie dense than wet food and may not be great for a cat with a weight issue. Canned food is generally more expensive, but has more protein and less carbohydrates. This could be helpful for a cat with a weight issue. If your Maine Coon has any specific health concerns, talk to a vet before selecting a cat food. Stick to a feeding schedule. Maine Coons do have a tendency to overeat if free fed. A male Maine Coon should weigh between 15 and 25 pounds while a female should weigh between 10 and 15. It's a good idea to establish a feeding schedule for your Maine Coon cat. A feeding schedule can involve portion controlled feeding. This means giving your cat a specific amount of food once or twice a day. If your Maine Coon tends to overeat, this is the best option. Some people also use timed eating. You make food available for a set amount of time and then remove it. If your Maine Coon does not tend to overeat, timed feeding may work. One pound equals roughly 0.45 kilograms. Watch for certain health problems. Like all breeds, Maine Coons need regular vet visits. However, they are prone to breed specific health problems. Watch for signs and symptoms of such problems and have them promptly treated by a vet. Maine Coons are prone to hip dysplasia, which can cause lameness. Maine Coons are prone to kidney disease, which can include symptoms such as bloody urine or stools, a lack of appetite, and a lack of energy. You also may want to have Maine Coons tested for genetic diseases, such as certain heart conditions, that are difficult to detect based on symptoms. Talk to your vet about whether your Maine Coon is at risk for inheritable disorders. Keep your cat indoors. Maine Coons are susceptible to many dangers, like cars or predators, when they go outdoors. In addition to this, Maine Coons are a large and beautiful breed that are expensive to purchase. While it's rare, people do steal Maine Coons they see outdoors. For your cat's safety, keep it as an indoor cat only. Make sure you maintain a clean litter box. A clean litter box is important to any cat. Maine Coons in particular, due to their long hair, require a clean litter box. Debris from litter can easily get caught in their fur, so clean your litter box daily. Each day, scoop any feces or clumps of urine out of the litter box and add a small amount of fresh litter. Swap the litter out completely once every two to three weeks. When you do so, make sure to scrub out the inside of the box and let it dry before replacing the litter. Give your Maine Coon plenty of attention. Maine Coons are one of the most social cat breeds. They do not do well without daily attention. Make sure to give your Maine Coon plenty of love to keep it happy. Maine Coons may follow you around. You can pet them on occasion, but if you're busy they're generally happy to observe you. It's a good idea to pet them and snuggle at the end of the day, when you have time. In addition to keeping your cat active, playing can help you bond with your Maine Coon. Monitor your Maine Coon's interaction with children. Maine Coons, due to their friendly demeanor, generally do well with young children. However, interaction should be supervised. Maine Coons are tolerant of children, as long as kids are taught to handle them gently. Encourage your kids to treat your cat with respect. Let them know they should only handle your cat when it comes to them and should not attempt to grab or restrain a Maine Coon. Young children may sometimes try to dress up an animal, or place it in a toy like a toy high chair or stroller. Maine Coons are more tolerant of this behavior than many house cats, but you should still keep an eye on your kids when they play with your Maine Coon. Make sure the cat does not seem aggressive or frightened during play. Brush your Maine Coon's coat daily. A Maine Coon's long coat requires daily care. While many house cats can get by with weekly or no brushing, a Maine Coon requires daily brushing for its health and comfort. Make time to give your cat a daily brushing. Brush your Maine Coon carefully. Strive to start brushing a Maine Coon when it is relaxed. This way, the experience will be calm for both of you. Start by brushing your cat's abdomen and legs. From there, you can brush the neck, chin, and tail. With a longhaired cat, you want to brush upward. Reward your Maine Coon with a treat or praise for behaving during a grooming session. You want your cat to come to look forward to being brushed, as brushing will occur each day. Deal with knots carefully. You may see knots or mats in your Maine Coon's fur. This is common with long-haired cats. If you see a mat or knot, it can easily be addressed with talcum powder. Sprinkle a small amount of talcum powder on a brush or mat. Then, use your fingers to gently separate the fur. Check for injuries when grooming. Grooming is an excellent time to check for any unusual changes in your cat's body. When brushing your Maine Coon, run your hands along your Maine Coon's body to check for injuries or unusual bumps or lumps. You should also look for common pests, like fleas and ticks. If you notice any unusual changes in your Maine Coon's coat, see a veterinarian for evaluation. Minimize hairballs. Most long-haired cats are vulnerable to hairballs. Hairballs are rarely a serious medical concern, but you can take measure to reduce their severity for your Maine Coon's comfort. Look for a cat food formula designed to reduce hairballs. Make sure your Maine Coon drinks plenty of water. Keeping the water bowl away from the food bowl can help, as cats are hesitant to drink water near their food due to instincts. In the wild, an animal would not eat near water because they fear contamination. Keep your Maine Coon active. A healthy cat has a smoother coat, which can cut down on hairballs. | Keep your Maine Coon active. Decide on dry or wet food. Stick to a feeding schedule. Watch for certain health problems. Keep your cat indoors. Make sure you maintain a clean litter box. Give your Maine Coon plenty of attention. Monitor your Maine Coon's interaction with children. Brush your Maine Coon's coat daily. Brush your Maine Coon carefully. Deal with knots carefully. Check for injuries when grooming. Minimize hairballs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Act-Around-Your-Girlfriend-at-School | How to Act Around Your Girlfriend at School | Hanging out with your girlfriend at school can seem a bit strange at first, but act however you're both comfortable and follow the rules. It can be fun to hang out and talk between classes and after school, but limit your public affection to holding hands and the occasional hug or kiss, so you don't make other people feel awkward. When you're around your girlfriend, try to be confident and act like you normally do. You don't need to make any special effort to act cool or show off. Just focus on having fun with your girlfriend and being nice to her. If you feel nervous around her, take a few deep breaths to help you relax. It's normal to be nervous and it'll pass before you know it. | Give her your full attention when she speaks. It's easy to get distracted in a school environment when your friends and teachers are around, but stay focused on your girlfriend when she is talking to you. Maintain eye contact with her and don't do anything else while she's speaking. Make sure not to interrupt her. When she finishes speaking, respond appropriately to what she said. If she's talking during class when it's not appropriate, politely tell her that you will talk to her after class. Be faithful to her. Typically, being faithful means not kissing, engaging in sexual behavior, and essentially not doing anything with another girl that would hurt your girlfriend. You should also avoid flirting with other girls. Talk to your girlfriend about what being faithful means to her and come to an agreement. Stay faithful to her as long as she is your girlfriend. There may be temptation to cheat, but remember that you could lose your girlfriend and gain a reputation as a cheater if you do cheat. Of course you can talk to other girls, but only casually. For example, it's totally okay to ask a female classmate for a pencil if you lost yours. Exhibit appropriate behavior in a school environment. Avoid being overly physical with your girlfriend during school. Your girlfriend may not appreciate it, and even if she doesn't mind, it could get both of you in trouble. Talk to your girlfriend about what she would be comfortable with. Ask her if a brief hug between classes, holding her hand while walking down the hall, or a quick kiss when no one is around would be okay with her. Respect your girlfriend's answer and don't push her into contact that she is not comfortable with. Go at her pace. Give her sincere compliments. Compliment her on anything you like about her. Tell her how beautiful you think she is, especially when it's obvious she put effort into her outfit that day. You should also compliment her on her strengths and accomplishments. For example, tell her how awesome you think it is that she does well in school. Or, congratulate her when she makes it onto a team. You could say something like “I think you're so intelligent. I'm so impressed by how hard you work and what you accomplish in and outside of school.” It's great to compliment her, but don't overdo it. Complimenting her on anything and everything will make your compliments seem less sincere. Give her plenty of space. Having a close relationship is great, but being overly attached can have a negative effect on your relationship. Being clingy could mean following them around constantly, overanalyzing their interactions with others, and checking in on your girlfriend when you know she's busy. You can avoid being clingy by being confident in yourself and trusting your girlfriend. Listen to your girlfriend and respect her wishes if she says she needs some space. This goes for outside of school as well. Don't be clingy after class and stalk her on social media. Don't brag about what happens between you and your girlfriend. It's okay and encouraged to brag about how wonderful your girlfriend is. It's not okay to brag about what happens between you and your girlfriend. For example, if your girlfriend lets you kiss her for the first time between classes, don't tell all of your friends about it. Things get around quickly at school, and she may not be happy about everyone knowing about her personal matters. You should also avoid bragging on social media. That can carry over into your school environment. Another reason to avoid bragging is that things can get twisted as information gets passed on. A simple kiss may turn into something more intimate further down the line. Show her affection. First, it is important to know what type of affection she is okay with. Her limit could be holding hands or kissing. Then, keep in mind that you are at school. It usually isn't acceptable to show a lot of affection during school hours. If you do show affection, be private about it. Hug her when no one is around, or kiss her quickly in an empty area. Ask her what she is and isn't okay with. Keep her answers in mind throughout the relationship. If you're feeling spontaneous, remember to ask first. For example: “Is it okay if I kiss you right now?” Leave a note in her locker. If you have a locker, write a short and sweet note and slip it in between the cracks of the door. If you don't have a locker, you can put the note into her notebook. Write something like “You look pretty today,” or “Great job on the presentation today.” Try to do this once a day or at least a few times a week. Take your note to the next level by personalizing it. Doodle a heart or her favorite animal. If you don't know what to write, leave her a funny comic or picture instead. You could draw it yourself, or print it off the computer. Carry her books to her next class. You don't have to do this all the time, but it's nice to do every once in a while. Offer to carry her books when it seems like she is carrying more than usual or when she appears stressed out. If she says no, offer once more in case she is being shy and then respect her answer. If you ask her this on several occasions, and she keeps saying no, then respect her answer and don't ask anymore. There are lots of other ways to be helpful to your girlfriend. For example, if she lost her pencil case, you could give her some new pens and pencils. Save her a seat next to you. You can do this in class if you don't have assigned seats, or you can save her a seat at the lunch table. This will make her feel special and let her know that you think of her. You could even find a special place for just the two of you to have lunch—like a bench outside if it's allowed. Don't kick someone out of their seat just so you can save your girlfriend a seat. This is very rude, and she won't appreciate it if she finds out. Bring her a gift for a birthday or holiday. The gift doesn't have to be expensive or cost anything at all. A simple gesture, like baking cookies, will let her know that you were thinking of her on a special occasion. For Valentine's Day, write her a note and bring her a flower. For her birthday, consider what she would like. If she likes a certain band, draw her a picture of one of their album covers. If you have a creative hobby, like knitting, utilize that hobby for her gift. Knit her a hat or scarf. Don't stress too much about the gift. Remember, it is the thought that counts! Help her with her studies and activities. Let your studies and extracurricular activities bring you closer together. This will be beneficial for your grades, achievements, and your relationship. Help her study for a test during lunch or in the library before school starts. If she's auditioning for the basketball team, offer to practice with her before tryouts. Help her study by making index cards with questions that might be on the test and quiz her on them. Encourage your girlfriend to stay on track and focus on her goals. Believe in yourself. It is important to believe that you are cool, fun, and whatever else you want to be. Thinking poorly of yourself will reflect in your behavior around your girlfriend. Believing in yourself will build confidence, which will help when you're around your girlfriend and with life in general. Don't give into thoughts that tell you that you're acting weird or uncool. Remember that she agreed to be your girlfriend for a reason. Don’t try too hard. Trying too hard means acting like you wouldn't normally act around friends, thinking about conversations before they happen, and simply not acting like yourself. You should make an effort to treat your girlfriend with kindness and respect, but that doesn't mean acting unlike you normally would. Be in the moment with your girlfriend. Don't plan ahead how you're going to act, look, or what compliments you're going to give her. Also, don't act like how you think she'd want you to act. After all, she chose to be your girlfriend because she liked how you are right now. Avoid planning conversations. It's important to be in the moment as much as possible. The interaction could become awkward if you've planned for it to go in a certain direction but it doesn't. Listen closely to your girlfriend and go off of what she says. If you're a very nervous person, you can plan a few conversation topics, but don't plan out the entire conversation. If she isn't contributing to the conversation, ask about her day, what she has planned for the week, or what she has been working on in class. Let her answers generate new conversations. When asking questions, avoid ones with "yes" or "no" answers. Instead of asking "did you have a good weekend?" ask "What did you do over the weekend?" Relax. Feeling nervous is totally normal, but don't let that feeling control your behavior. Take a few deep breaths and remember how great the situation is. You have a girlfriend at a wonderful time in your life. Remember how great that is so you can enjoy your time with her without the worry. If you're very nervous, think of things that make you happy to help you calm down. For example, think of a favorite song or movie. Avoid overanalyzing the situation. Awkward moments will happen during a relationship. You or her may say something that doesn't come out as intended. Or, one of you may simply be in a bad mood one day. Don't take it wrong if she seems quieter than usual, doesn't hug you at the beginning of the day, or compliments another guy or girl. Simply ask if something is bothering her if you feel the need to do so. Don't get angry with her or act upset over a small situation—like her forgetting to say bye after class. Don't get ahead of yourself. Just because she is liking a lot of pretty dresses on social media doesn't mean she's planning anything big for you. She might just like dresses. Don’t expect anything from your girlfriend. Expecting a certain outcome can take a toll on your confidence. It can affect your confidence if the outcome you imagine doesn't happen. For example, your behavior can change if you expect your girlfriend to let you kiss her after you compliment her. Or, expecting a certain outcome can make you overbearing or approval seeking. Accept whatever happens. | Give her your full attention when she speaks. Be faithful to her. Exhibit appropriate behavior in a school environment. Give her sincere compliments. Give her plenty of space. Don't brag about what happens between you and your girlfriend. Show her affection. Leave a note in her locker. Carry her books to her next class. Save her a seat next to you. Bring her a gift for a birthday or holiday. Help her with her studies and activities. Believe in yourself. Don’t try too hard. Avoid planning conversations. Relax. Avoid overanalyzing the situation. Don’t expect anything from your girlfriend. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-an-Aggressive-Amazon-Parrot | How to Deal with an Aggressive Amazon Parrot | To deal with an aggressive Amazon parrot, start by ensuring your bird has plenty of space to move around in its cage, since cramped spaces can cause aggression. Next, try giving your parrot a little more food at each meal, or give it a wider variety of foods. Whenever you need to handle or interact with your bird, hold out a wooden dowel and let it come to you rather than approaching or grabbing it suddenly. It can also help to spend time each day speaking to your parrot in a warm, kind voice to create a positive atmosphere. | Check your bird's environment and diet to make sure they're correct. Amazon parrots need enough space to move around comfortably. They are also a smart animal that needs stimulation and usually enjoy being near the family. However, your bird should also feel safe, so place the cage with one side against a wall. Your parrot will need a varied diet consisting of seeds or specially-formulated pellets, along with fruits and vegetables. You can also feed them nuts as a treat. Make sure that there are no loud noises near your parrot's cage, like a TV or radio. Don't place your parrot in the kitchen because fumes from Teflon coated pots or pans can harm or kill your bird. Feed your Amazon parrot enough. Your parrot should eat enough to maintain a relatively constant weight. If your aggressive Amazon often empties its food and water bowls completely, try giving it a bit more food and water next time you feed it. The amount of food a parrot needs may vary with the season. Since Amazon parrots include dozens of species, each of which has a different average mass, it is impossible to generalize about how much your pet should weigh. To determine your bird's healthy weight, consult its most recent veterinary records. If you don't have the records on hand, contact your vet and ask for the information. Since there's no way to know exactly how much food your aggressive parrot will want at a given time, provide it with food at all times. Feed your Amazon parrot a variety of foods. It's not enough to merely give your pet bird enough food. It must also get food that is varied and stimulates its appetite. Give your Amazon parrot a variety of foods each day. For instance, you might give your Amazon parrot: Fruits (plums, kiwis, raspberries, blueberries, cantaloupe slices) Vegetables (corn, bok choy, lentils, baked sweet potato, zucchini) Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, sprouted sunflower seeds) Change your parrot’s cage if it's too small. An Amazon requires a cage of at least 30” x 36” x 48” (76 x 91 x 122 cm ) with space of 3/4” to 1” (2 to 2.5 cm) between the bars. Cages that are too small could cause your Amazon to lash out due to feeling trapped. Provide adequate lighting. If your Amazon parrot is in a dark area, it might start engaging in aggressive behavior. During daylight hours, your Amazon should be in a relatively well-lit area. Since UV rays are also important for your bird's health, position your pet bird's cage partly in the path of direct sunlight so that it can soak up some sun when it wants to. Adequate lighting will have a color temperature of 5000-5700 Kelvin. If you're unsure what your lighting's color temperature is, use a portable light meter to identify it. Watch for body signals that the bird is happy and ready to be petted. If your bird is pacing back and forth on the floor of its cage or perch, it is ready for attention. Additionally, if it is standing straight and staring at you, it probably wants to be picked up or petted. Additionally, if your parrot is clicking its tongue against its beak (a sound known as a “tongue click”), it might be ready to be touched or picked up. When your bird exhibits happy behavior, reward it. This could be giving verbal praise or if you are close to the cage, offering a treat on a wooden spoon. Let the bird come to you. Aggressive parrots might interpret any movement toward them as an attempt to hurt them. Instead of putting your hand right up to your aggressive parrot, place your hand (or a long wooden dowel) just outside the entrance to its cage. Letting your bird come to you gives it a sense of control, which can reduce its stress levels and (hopefully) instances of aggression. Don't put your hand in the cage of an aggressive parrot. Doing so increases the odds of an aggressive incident. However, reward the bird for being bold by giving it a treat using a long wooden spoon. This reinforces the behavior you want while also keeping you safe. Always move slowly and in a relaxed way when handling your aggressive parrot. Otherwise, you might startle it, which could lead to aggression. Socialize your parrot. If you live with others, their presence might cause your parrot to act aggressive. Place your parrot in a central location where it has an opportunity to interact with everyone. This will prevent your Amazon parrot from becoming over-bonded to just one person in the household, which can lead to aggression towards others. However, do not place your parrot's cage in the center of a room or next to a door or window. Instead, place its cage in the corner of a room. Segregate the Amazon parrot from other birds. If your Amazon parrot is housed with another bird, it might experience stress. Take your aggressive Amazon parrot's cage-mate out and place it in a separate cage. This will both protect your other bird from the Amazon's aggression and reduce your Amazon's aggressive behavior. Use clicker training to teach your bird to be calm. Clicker training can be used for any behavior, including teaching your bird to stop being aggressive. To do this, you will reward the bird for calm behavior. First, teach it to associate the clicker with a treat. Push the clicker, then offer a treat on a long wooden spoon. After the bird comes to expect a treat after hearing the click, start to "click" good behaviors, providing a treat on the spoon. Your bird will start to repeat the desired calm behaviors to get treats. You can get a clicker from most pet stores or online. These are also marketed for use in dogs and cats. Have your treats ready before using the clicker while you are training the bird to associate the two. Always use a long wooden spoon or something similar to deliver the treat to your bird. This is to protect you from bites. Over time, you can close the distance between yourself and the bird as it shows calm behavior. Eventually, you may be able to handle the bird without aggression. Train your bird to do tricks. When your bird is outside of its cage, teach it to do tricks. When your Amazon parrot is challenged mentally and physically, it might respond with a positive mood adjustment. For instance, you could teach your bird to alight on a particular perch. Right before feeding time, hold a small piece of food or a treat just in front of the perch you want it to land on. Give your aggressive Amazon parrot the snack when it lands on the perch. Repeat several times daily until your bird alights on the perch of your choice when you hold your hand in front of it. Reward your pet for good behavior. When your Amazon parrot is sitting quietly or playing, give it a favorite treat. You can either drop the favorite treat in your bird's food dish or you can offer it by hand. Let your Amazon out by hand. Never just open your Amazon's cage and let it leave of its own volition. Instead, place your hand in its cage and wait for it to hop on, then slowly and carefully remove it. Wear a falconing glove or other protective handwear if you're worried that your aggressive Amazon will bite your hand. Spend time talking to your bird. One of the best ways to build a positive relationship between yourself and your Amazon parrot is by talking to it. You could say, “You are such a cute parrot” or “I love you” to your bird. You could also read to your bird. Even talking kindly to your bird as you make dinner can help it feel closer to you, thereby reducing its likelihood of aggression. Always use a warm and kind voice when speaking to your bird. Speak slowly and clearly, as if your bird is a small child. Play with your parrot daily. Parrots love to play and spend time outside their cage. You could roll a soft ball toward your bird and let it catch it. You could play peek-a-boo with your bird by hiding under a blanket, then revealing yourself. Try a variety of games with your aggressive parrot to see if its demeanor changes. There is no minimum or maximum amount of time you need to spend playing with your parrot each day. Every parrot is different, and will require different levels of play and interaction. Move the parrot at night and during the day. Move your bird's cage to an isolated place at night. In the morning, move it back to its normal and preferred central location in the home. If the Amazon parrot becomes aggressive during the move from the isolated night-time location, leave it in the night location. Moving the cage in this way, your bird becomes dependent on you. This can lead the parrot to treat you more kindly and less aggressively. If the Amazon is aggressive toward someone else, they should be the one to move the cage. Don’t pet sensitive areas. Sometimes, even affection can cause your Amazon parrot to lash out. Certain areas -- including your bird's back, under its wings, and around its tail -- should be left alone when interacting with your parrot. Maintain some physical distance from your aggressive Amazon parrot. Don't allow your aggressive Amazon parrot to sit on your shoulder or bring your head close to it. Your aggressive pet might use this as an opportunity to work out some aggression and attack you. Protect your limbs. An Amazon parrot's bite can be quite hard. To avoid being bitten, wear falconer's gloves or drape a thick towel over your hand and arm before handling your aggressive Amazon parrot. Additionally, you might want to have your Amazon hop a wooden dowel rather than on your hand. Mark your bird’s aggression on a calendar. After an aggressive episode, make a note on the corresponding calendar date describing what happened. For instance, you might write, “Bit my finger as I pet its back.” If the aggressive episode is related to hormonal changes, your Amazon parrot will likely repeat its aggressive act at about the same time next year. Review past calendar entries. Hold onto the calendar even after the year is through and, once weekly, review entries that occurred 50 or 51 weeks ago. As you approach the one-year anniversary of a particular act of aggression, adopt special handling procedures. For instance, in the week or two prior to the one-year anniversary of a particular act of aggression, use a hand-held perch and wear eyeglasses. Use caution around Amazons during their breeding cycle. Aggressive behavior tends to increase during Amazons' breeding cycle. During these periods, reduce direct contact with your bird by using a dowel and protecting your limbs with gloves or a towel. Move slowly and cautiously to avoid startling your aggressive Amazon parrot. You'll know your parrot has begun its breeding cycle when it starts biting, screaming, flapping its tail or wings, and/or engaging in territorial behavior. Limit your Amazon’s intake of starches and sugars during its breeding cycle. Foods with these ingredients can cause hormonal imbalances which make your parrot more aggressive. Therefore, avoid feeding your Amazon corn, potatoes, peas, or anything made from flour during the breeding cycle. | Check your bird's environment and diet to make sure they're correct. Feed your Amazon parrot enough. Feed your Amazon parrot a variety of foods. Change your parrot’s cage if it's too small. Provide adequate lighting. Watch for body signals that the bird is happy and ready to be petted. Let the bird come to you. Socialize your parrot. Segregate the Amazon parrot from other birds. Use clicker training to teach your bird to be calm. Train your bird to do tricks. Reward your pet for good behavior. Let your Amazon out by hand. Spend time talking to your bird. Play with your parrot daily. Move the parrot at night and during the day. Don’t pet sensitive areas. Maintain some physical distance from your aggressive Amazon parrot. Protect your limbs. Mark your bird’s aggression on a calendar. Review past calendar entries. Use caution around Amazons during their breeding cycle. Limit your Amazon’s intake of starches and sugars during its breeding cycle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Customer-Complaints | How to Deal With Customer Complaints | To deal with a customer complaint, remain calm and use a friendly tone, even if the customer is being rude. It may be hard, but listening to their complaint and refraining from interrupting until they've finished talking will probably make the customer feel better, and will make them easier to deal with. Then, apologize, thank them for sharing their experience, and reassure them that you're going to come up with a solution that makes things better. Once you've come up with a solution, get back in touch with them, and ask if the solution sounds good. | Take a deep breath and put your emotions aside. When someone is complaining about your business, it can feel like an attack. But you need to remain as calm and emotion-free as possible to help successfully deal with the complaint. Before you meet or speak with the customer, take a deep breath to help you calm down and put your emotions to the side. Let your calm demeanor guide the customer as much as possible. A person may be less likely to erupt if you are calm. Avoid keeping the customer from waiting too long, which may upset her more. Taking one or two deep breaths to start out should be enough to help you calm down. Introduce yourself. When you meet the customer or she picks up the phone from your call, be sure to introduce yourself in a friendly manner. This can help reassure the customer that an actual person is there to listen to her complaint. Keep your introduction simple. For example, “Hello Ms. Maier, I'm Chris the owner of Bobbleworks and I understand you had a bad experience that you'd like to talk to me about.” Maintain a friendly and caring tone, which can reassure the customer and shows that you genuinely want to deal with her complaint. Listen to your customer’s entire complaint. Since your customer called to make a complaint, address the problem after you introduce yourself. Listen to her until she finishes to show that you are taking the complaint sincerely and seriously. Allow your customer to explain herself completely without interrupting her. Apologize and sympathize. Once you've listened to your customer's entire complaint, it's your turn to directly address her. Apologize and sympathize with her to show that you understand how she's feeling. Apologize for the experience before you say anything else. For example, you can say “Mrs. Maier, I apologize that you had this experience.” Put yourself in her shoes an sympathize with her. For example, tell her “Mrs. Maier, I understand that this upset yet and I'm going to do my best to help you.” Restate the complaint and ask questions. Make sure that you have correctly understood the customer's complaint so that you can effectively address it. Restate her complaint and ask questions to help you better understand the situation. Restate your understanding of the situation by paraphrasing what the customer told you, which can also reassure her that you've paid attention and are taking her seriously. Say, “May I please ask you a few questions so that I can understand the situation even better?” Ask any questions that you have about her complaint or what happened. Make sure that you don't challenge her and maintain a caring and concerned manner. Write any notes to help remind yourself of what happened according to the customer. Thank and reassure your customer. Make sure to thank your customer for her thoughts and answering your questions. Offer her reassurance that you're going to address the complaint in a timely manner and find a solution. This can help show that you are taking the situation seriously and genuinely care about your customers. Remember the mantra “kill them with kindness.” You can also remember “you catch more bees with honey than vinegar.” Say thank you for reaching out. For example, you might express “Thank you for taking the time to tell me about your experience, Mrs. Maier.” Give her some assurance that you're going to take care of the complaint and follow up with her. You might say, “I'm going to investigate what happened and I will get back to you within the next day. I'm sure we can fix this.” Ask her if she has any questions for you and address them. Consider asking “what would be an acceptable solution to you?” You don't have to offer a solution immediately, but can still reassure your customer by saying “Thank you, I'll take that into consideration as I investigate what happened.” Confirm follow-up details. Make a plan with the customer to follow up on her complaint. This can help reassure her and remind you to take care of the complaint quickly. Ask where and when you can best contact her. Let her know that you've written down all of the information and have scheduled the time to talk with the resolution. Leave yourself a note in a prominent place to minimize the risk that you forgot to follow up. Investigate the complaint. Before you find a constructive solution to your customer's complain, investigate the situation further based on her description of events. Ask other employees, review correspondence or security video to help develop a complete picture of what happened. Ask any employees for their perspective on what happened. They may have been directly involved or observed the event and may be able to provide additional details. Read any correspondence or listen to any messages from the customer. Watch any security videos if that is necessary. Forward the complaint to any superiors. A superior may choose to handle the situation to help keep the customer. Formulate an acceptable solution. Once you have a more complete picture of what happened, come up with a solution to the complaint that works for everyone. Consider having alternatives in the event that a superior or the customer doesn't agree with it. Offer to remedy the situation if possible. If not, come up with some alternative. For example, if the customer had bad service or a poor meal, offer them a free meal and find a server that everyone loves. Contact the customer. Call or write your customer with the solution you have for her complaint. This can show that you are serious and sincere about her concerns and want to keep her as a client. Contact the customer as soon as possible, preferably within one day. Make sure to contact her on or before you said you would. Making her wait may make irritate her even more. Thank her again for reaching out. For example, you can say “Mrs. Maier, I just want to thank you again for contacting me about your experience. I understand how much it upset you and would like to assure you something like this won't happen again.” Remind your customer that your company successfully deals with many clients every year and that you enjoy a good reputation because of your dedication to customers. Enjoy some light conversation before you offer your solution. This can help diffuse the situation and calm you and your customer. You could ask her about the weather or a sporting event that happened since you last spoke. Offer your solution. After breaking the ice with the customer, kindly offer the solution to her. Remember to keep your tone warm and sincere so that she knows you genuinely care about her complaint and the solution. Tell the customer that you've investigated her complaint further and are sorry that she had a bad experience. Let her know the solution that you've reached and give her a second to process it. You can ask “how does that sound?” Offer an alternative solution if she doesn't like what you've suggested. Keep your offers to two so that the solution remains acceptable to you. Listen to any other concerns she may have to make her feel valuable. Thank her again. Your customer may be feeling a little embarrassed that she created a fuss. Thank her again for her concern and tell her you've available if she needs further assistance. Let your customer know how much you appreciate her and her business. Learn and move on. Even though the situation may have initially been negative, you can use it as a learning experience. Take the process of addressing and following up on the complaint as a constructive way to handle future complaints. Don't dwell on it, either, because most businesses will receive occasional complaints, some of which have nothing to do with you or your work. Discuss the situation with employees and colleagues to help them learn from the experience, too. Engage your customer again. After some time has passed, consider contacting your customer to make sure the resolution was satisfactory. This can show her that you value her business and allows you to address any potential problems. Call or email and say something like “I don't mean to bother you, I just want to make sure that you're satisfied with the solution we found to your complaint.” Chat with your customer if everything is ok and say “We look forward to seeing you again.” Address any further complaints she may have, but be aware that some people may complain on a consistent basis to get free products or services. | Take a deep breath and put your emotions aside. Introduce yourself. Listen to your customer’s entire complaint. Apologize and sympathize. Restate the complaint and ask questions. Thank and reassure your customer. Confirm follow-up details. Investigate the complaint. Formulate an acceptable solution. Contact the customer. Offer your solution. Thank her again. Learn and move on. Engage your customer again. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-a-Dog-from-Jumping | How to Stop a Dog from Jumping | To stop a dog from jumping, start discouraging the behavior as early as possible. When your dog jumps, turn your back and avoid physical, vocal, or eye contact until the dog stops jumping. As soon as your dog is calm and has all 4 paws on the ground, give vocal praise and a tasty treat to reinforce the behavior. Talk in a soothing voice and use calm petting techniques to prevent exciting your dog again. Be consistent with your training to get lasting results! | Understand the dog's behavior. In a dog's world, it is instinctual to greet another dog by coming nose-to-nose with them. This allows them to sniff each other's faces and become acquainted with the other dog's scent. Of course, your nose is a bit higher to reach so it is only natural that your dog will jump up to get closer to your face when greeting you. This can be quite annoying and unnecessary, but fortunately, the habit can be broken. Start discouraging the behavior early. You may think it is sweet when your dog greets you by jumping on you. For the most part, puppies think that when they jump up on someone, they are highly likely to be picked up and cuddled soon after. It is best to start discouraging this type of greeting behavior as early as possible. You will be excited to see your puppy as well, but if your puppy has this tendency, you can do this by practicing the no touch, no talk, no eye contact rule when greeting your puppy. Avoid looking or talking to your puppy until she settles down. This, in turn, will send out calming signals to her and will avoid getting her excited or anxious about your arrival. Puppies tend to learn very quickly, so it will be much easier to train her to greet you in a calm and desirable manner the younger she is. Although it isn't an issue when she is little, you may be encouraging a bad habit that could be difficult to break later when she becomes an adult. A small, 15 pound Labrador puppy jumping up on you is quite a different story than a full-grown 100 pound Labrador that could knock you over and even injure you or your guests. Ignore her when she jumps up. One way to teach your dog, no matter her age, that jumping up is not an acceptable greeting is to ignore her during this behavior. This involves turning your back to her and not giving her any type of attention, such as physical, vocal, or eye contact. As soon as your dog is calm and all four paws are on the ground, tell her she is being a good girl and give her a small treat or loving pat on the head. Try to talk in a calm voice and use calm petting techniques to avoid your dog becoming too excited again. If she returns to her jumping behavior, turn your back again and ignore her. In the early stages of this training, you may be turning in circles several times, but your dog will soon relate her jumping to your lack of attention and stop. As with any training, consistency is key. This means that everyone in the household and all guests should be informed that training is in progress and be willing participants. Even the occasional attention given to your dog while she is jumping can encourage her and could result in several steps backwards in your training process. Redirect with a sit command. The simple 'sit' command can be useful in many different situations. Most importantly, it is a great distraction technique for redirecting your dog's attention from an undesirable behavior, such as jumping up. When your dog jumps up on you, turn your back to them while keeping them in your peripheral vision. Ask her to sit and immediately praise her when she does so. If your dog is too excited to notice that you are asking her to sit, ignore her excited behavior until she calms down, and then repeat the command. Again, as soon as she follows your command, give her lots of praise or a special treat to let her know this is the behavior that gets rewarded, not jumping. With this simple command, the goal is to redirect your dog's jumping behavior with a task that should be easy to perform and then rewarded well. Your dog will soon figure out which greetings get her your full attention and which don't. If your dog doesn't know the sit command yet, start teaching her the command along and then try this method. Use a special toy. Some dogs exude such extreme excitement when greeting someone that it may be difficult and time consuming to wait for them to calm down for a redirecting sit command. If this sounds like your dog, she may be more inclined to grab a toy and shake it or hold it instead. Keep a special toy by your front door to throw for your dog or give to her when you come home. This will redirect her energy into playing with the toy as opposed to jumping on you or your guests. Stay calm. The key to keeping your dog calm, and therefore exhibit calm behavior, is to also participate in only calm behavior when you come home. Try not to use a high-pitched or loud voice when talking to her. This includes shouting at her when she starts jumping up. This type of vocal tone could encourage more excitement and jumping. Instead of using physical punishment to discourage bad behavior, teach your dog what behaviors get them the most rewards from you. You will have to repeat the actions of her training multiple times before she will get it. Don't get frustrated or upset because this will make her worse. Keep at it and she will eventually catch on | Understand the dog's behavior. Start discouraging the behavior early. Ignore her when she jumps up. Redirect with a sit command. Use a special toy. Stay calm. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-Well | How to Dress Well | If you want to dress well, choose clothing that isn't too large or too small so it looks good on you. Additionally, try to opt for classic styles over clothes that are in trend, because trends change quickly. You'll also want to choose colors that look good on you, like items that complement your hair or eye color. Moreover, select outfits that you feel comfortable in so you're not constantly fidgeting with your clothes. To make sure your outfits are appropriate for the occasion, create work and leisure outfits to help you feel confident in any situation. | Focus on fit. If clothes fit poorly, no matter how attractive or fashionable you will not look well-dressed. Tight clothes look cheap and make you look heavy. Clothes that are too large will make you look sloppy. Just because you can get into the clothing does not mean it necessarily fits properly. How an item is supposed to fit depends also on styling. For instance, urban style clothing for men in the United States are often very loose fitting compared to a pair of conservative khakis. Dresses can be difficult to fit properly because most women wear different sizes in tops and bottoms. Dress fit well if the neckline lies flat whether you are sitting or standing, All seams should lay flat and straight (unless perhaps the styling is purposefully not in that way). The material shouldn't pull or pucker around the chest or hips. The garment should fit snug but not tight. If you've gained or lost weight recently, evaluate your wardrobe. Discard or alter clothes that no longer fit correctly. Each individual is different, but most women fall into the apple, pear, banana, or hourglass categories. Apple-shaped women carry weight around their middles. These women look best in A-line dresses and clothing that emphasize the bust and legs while de-emphasizing the waist. Pear-shaped women are smaller on top and larger in the hips and thighs. They look best in A-line dresses, layered tops, and simple, darker-colored bottoms. Banana-shaped women are slim all over. These women look good in most clothing. They can highlight their shape by wearing clothes that create curves: Flared pants, cinched waistlines, and tapered jackets accomplish this feat. Hourglass-shaped women have slim waists and full hips and breasts. They look great in tailored pieces and wrap dresses. Learn which colors look best on you. Look at the veins inside your wrist. Do they look green or more blue? If they look green, you have a skin tone with a yellow base. Warm colors will look better on you. Try off-white, red, yellow, orange, and brown, as well as yellow-tinted greens and blues. Avoid pastels. If they look blue, you have a skin tone with a pink base. Cooler colors will look better on you. Try white, pastels, and jewel tones. When in doubt, stick to mostly neutral colors. Black, gray, and brown look fabulous on nearly everyone. Add pops of brighter color here and there – a bright blue necklace or a deep red belt, for example – to make outfits look interesting. Dress your problem areas appropriately. Many women have areas that they do not really like to show off--even fashion models have this issue! Also, if you are following a modest dress code or prefer to do so, buy items that do not bring focus to areas that you would rather not. For example, if you are uncomfortable showing your legs, avoid buying mini-skirts. Focus on classic, rather than trendy, styles. Dress your body in attractive, flattering clothes that work for your figure. Sometimes today's trends will do this, and sometimes it is wiser to not do so. Forcing yourself into certain colors, cuts, and styles because the fashion magazines are featuring them will not make you well dressed. Wear what suits you best. But be willing to experiment! You may be surprised by how a new style may flatter your appearance. Be careful about taking fashion magazines at face value. Very often, they are trying to "sell" you on certain styles, brands, and so on more than they are actually reporting on what is fashion. Fashion can also be very regional. What is in style in Taiwan may or may not be what is cool in Brazil. Comfort. Your efforts to look good will be undermined by uncomfortable shoes that make you teeter around in pain or constrictive clothes that you're constantly shifting and adjusting. Wear clothes that make you look and feel sublime. Take care of your clothes. Always read labels and follow the instructions for laundering clothes properly – this will make your clothes look good for a long time. Iron your clothes if necessary. No one looks well-dressed in wrinkled clothes. Express yourself. Indulge your own special, personal style.If you're a girly girl, feel free to wear dresses every day. If you are more of a tomboy, choose jeans. If you are preppy, dress that way. If you like bohemian, dress that way. Authenticity is attractive. Add interest with accessories. When you have a sense of what looks best on you, you can enhance your look with fun choices that express your individuality. If you like bright colors, wear them! Wear your charcoal skirt and cream-colored top that looks fabulous and work-appropriate, and add red kitten heels or a multi-colored bracelet. If you like bold jewelry, wear something amazing every day! Big hoop earrings can add interest to jeans and a t-shirt. A statement necklace can quickly make a basic work outfit fabulous. Spend some time looking at fashion magazines or apparel websites. The point isn't to pick an image and emulate it. It's to compare the tremendous variety that is available, and to discover inspiring looks. If you consistently like certain styles or colors, then you'll know what to look for – you just need to adapt whatever you like to suit your figure and coloring. Develop classic looks for various aspects of your life. Having a repertoire of outfits that fit well and suit your style will serve you well. Develop a rotation of looks for work, for the weekend, for dressy events, and for anything else that you need regularly. Then you'll be able to approach all these situations with confidence. Dress appropriately for your age. Women who dress too old or too young look inappropriate. Whatever you age, embrace it! Instead of aiming to look older or younger, aim to look like the most fabulous you. Take calculated risks. Don't mix all kinds of crazy patterns and colors into a single outfit. But remember, it's fine to try something new and different. The key to dressing well is to wear your clothes with confidence. Try, for example, combining neutral colors with one animal-print item -- something like a bright leopard-print blouse under a black cardigan. Alternatively, you can try wearing a risky-seeming, fashion-forward item, but keeping the rest of your look comparatively understated. If you're in love with the enormous shoulder pads you saw featured at fashion week, try them! Just pair them with something slim and neutral on the bottom, and stay away from bold accessories. Clean your closet. Toss anything that doesn't fit, clothing you haven't worn in two years, and anything else that's in poor condition. Doing so will free up space for new, more functional pieces. Don't toss those clothes into a dumpster. Donate them to charity or give them to friends or relatives. If they are in decent condition, consider trying to sell them. Figure out what you need. After you've gotten rid of the junk, evaluate your wardrobe clearly and identify what's missing. Your needs will depend on your individual lifestyle, but in general, you want to make sure you have: blouses and casual shirts button-down shirts pull-over sweaters pants – at least one pair of jeans and at least one pair of trousers casual dresses casual skirts a jacket for cool weather (and one for even colder weather, if you live where it gets cold) at least one or two semi-formal or formal dresses shoes – at least one pair for workouts and one or two each for casual, business, and dressy outfits Make a game plan. Once you know what you need, it's time to shop! But don't just rush to the mall. You'll save time if you research some popular online stores first. If you don't see what you like, move on – save time by shopping at stores that fit your lifestyle. Try on clothing whenever possible. It's tempting to simply order clothes online, but you'll have better luck if you head out to the stores that seem promising and try clothes on. Sizes vary considerably from retailer to retailer, and it's hard to know what will flatter you without seeing a garment on your body. Spend your money wisely. If your budget is smaller, start browsing at lower-priced retailers. There's no reason to spend too much – as long as a garment is well made and fits properly, you will look fantastic. That said, you don't necessarily want the cheapest clothing available. If it wears out after two weeks or falls apart in the washing machine, it's no bargain. Do some additional research online and try to hit stores when they are having sales. This can allow you to pick up higher-end items for bargain-basement prices. Invest in a few key pieces that you will get a lot of mileage from – like a sublime pencil skirt for work or a classic black dress. Spend less on trendier items that you won't wear for long. Don't be afraid to comparison shop. Before you buy something, see if an online retailer has the same item for a lower price. | Focus on fit. Each individual is different, but most women fall into the apple, pear, banana, or hourglass categories. Learn which colors look best on you. Dress your problem areas appropriately. Focus on classic, rather than trendy, styles. Comfort. Take care of your clothes. Express yourself. Add interest with accessories. Spend some time looking at fashion magazines or apparel websites. Develop classic looks for various aspects of your life. Dress appropriately for your age. Take calculated risks. Clean your closet. Figure out what you need. Make a game plan. Try on clothing whenever possible. Spend your money wisely. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Open-a-Light-Bulb | How to Open a Light Bulb | To open a light bulb, twist out the metal solder point on the bottom of the bulb with a pair of pliers. Hold one side of the black glass insulator with your pliers, then twist it up to break the glass apart. Remove the broken bits of insulator glass and break off the interior tube with a flathead screwdriver. Gently shake out the rest of the filaments inside the bulb and remove any final bits of glass. | Grip the solder point with pliers. Look at the bottom of the light bulb and identify the small metal solder point. Grab this point firmly using a pair of needle-nose pliers. You'll be breaking glass during this step and during many of the other steps in this process, so it might be best to work over a box or several sheets of newspaper. You should also wear goggles and gloves. Twist and yank out the metal. Twist the solder point with your pliers until you feel the interior brass break one or more wires connected to the filament. Once the solder point is free, lift it out. Keep a firm grasp on the light bulb with your other hand while lifting out the solder point. You may need to nudge the sides of the solder point back and forth if twisting it does not prove effective. The sides of the metal should be raised enough for you to get a good grip on the tip with your pliers before you lift that point out. Crack the glass insulator. Hold one side of the black glass insulator at the bottom of the bulb with your pliers. Twist it up to snap the glass apart. The glass here is thick, so it will take a lot of force to actually break it. Make sure that you hold onto the bulb firmly with your other hand as you work. The insulator will break into many chips when you do this, so proceed with caution. You may need to break the insulator from several angles around its perimeter if the entire thing does not break off the first time. Remove all broken bits of insulator. Use tweezers to clean away any black insulator glass from the socket of the bulb. These pieces of glass will probably be very sharp, so you should not touch them with your bare hands. After clearing away the insulator glass, you should be able to see the inner components of the light bulb from the bottom of the bulb. Snap away the interior fill tube. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the bottom of the light bulb, next to one side of the interior tube. Press the screwdriver against the side of the tube to break it free. The bulb will be filled with argon, or a similarly inert and harmless gas. When you break the tube free, you'll hear a noise that will signify the release of the argon gas. Remove the tube. Slide the screwdriver around the sides of the tube to break it completely free, then lift it out with tweezers or pliers. If you successfully manage to break the tube free without breaking the tube itself, you can reuse it for another project. If you cannot break the tube free from the sides, though, you may need to twist the screwdriver around more forcefully, breaking the tube itself in the process. Remove the broken shards with tweezers when done. You'll need to use considerable force, so make sure that your other hand has a firm grasp on the light bulb as you work. Remove the tungsten wire. Gently shake the rest of the filament assembly out of the bulb and onto your work surface. If the wire is still whole and intact, you can reuse this, as well. Note that you may need to remove the wire with pliers or tweezers, though. Break and remove any final bits of glass. If there are any small bits of glass remaining around the interior edge of the bulb, carefully break them off with the screwdriver. Lift the broken bits of glass away with tweezers. At this point, the light bulb is open and empty. You may even be able to stop here, but continue reading to determine whether or not that is the case. Ask yourself if this is necessary. For most projects, you can keep the metal socket piece intact. If you only want the actual glass bulb for your project, however, you will need to remove the socket piece before continuing. You may want to remove this piece for visual aesthetics. Another reason to remove it would be to create as large an opening at the base of the bulb as possible. If you want to reattach the metal socket after removing it, you can do so by simply applying a little glue to the top edge and pressing it back onto the bottom of the glass bulb. Soak the socket in Muriatic acid. Place a shallow amount of Muriatic acid in a glass bowl. Rest the attached socket in this acid and let it soak for 24 hours. Muriatic acid is a powerful cleansing agent often used for cleaning toilet bowls and other heavily stained plumbing surfaces. Only use enough acid to submerge the metal part of the bulb. Clean off the acid. After soaking the socket, remove it from the acid and rinse it well under running water. Use a little soap or a mild base, like baking soda, to neutralize the acid still clinging to the surface of the bulb socket. Wear gloves while working to protect your fingers from the harsh chemical. Carefully twist off the metal socket. Hold the bulb firmly with one hand, then slowly twist the socket off the bottom with your other hand. The acid should have dissolved the powerful adhesive glue holding the metal socket to the glass, making the socket loose and fairly easy to remove. If done carefully, you should be able to avoid breaking any glass at the bottom of the bulb. Determine if this is necessary. If you started with a clear bulb, you don't need to clean it out. If you used a bulb coated with white kaolin powder, however, you'll want to clean this powder out before using the bulb for anything. Kaolin is considered a safe substance, but you should still avoid ingesting it or getting it in your eyes. Keep your goggles and gloves on. Insert paper towels into the bulb. Stuff enough paper towel into the bulb to fill most of it, leaving a long enough "tail" sticking out from the bottom for you to grab. Watch out for any sharp edges or sharp bits of broken glass. Scrub away any powder. Using the tail of the paper towel, twist it around the interior of the bulb, wiping away the powder in the process. Dry paper towel will usually work well enough, but if you have difficulty cleaning the bulb with dry paper towels, consider moistening the towel slightly and trying again. Fill the bulb with salt. If some of the kaolin will not come out, fill the bulb one-quarter to half full with salt. You'll use the abrasiveness of the salt to help scrub the corners and angles of the bulb. Shake the bulb. Carefully cover the bottom of the bulb and give the entire thing a good shake. The salt should scrub away most of the remaining traces of kaolin. Place your gloved thumb over the bottom of the bulb to prevent salt from flying everywhere. You could also hold a paper towel over the bottom to accomplish the same goal. Dump out the salt when done. Dispose of this salt; do not reuse it. Switch back to the paper towels. If there is any salt or kaolin inside the bulb, use your paper towels to clean it out. The material inside the bulb should be loose enough at this point for the paper towel to catch. Once you are finished with this step, the bulb is completely open, clean, and ready to use for whatever project you have in mind. | Grip the solder point with pliers. Twist and yank out the metal. Crack the glass insulator. Remove all broken bits of insulator. Snap away the interior fill tube. Remove the tube. Remove the tungsten wire. Break and remove any final bits of glass. Ask yourself if this is necessary. Soak the socket in Muriatic acid. Clean off the acid. Carefully twist off the metal socket. Determine if this is necessary. Insert paper towels into the bulb. Scrub away any powder. Fill the bulb with salt. Shake the bulb. Switch back to the paper towels. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Text-Your-Girlfriend | How to Text Your Girlfriend | To text your girlfriend, send her sweet messages like, "Thinking about that amazing day we spent together at the park. Miss you!" or, "I'm free Saturday, which means I have all day to spend with you." When she texts back, keep the conversation going by asking her open-ended questions like, "What would be your dream date for this weekend?" Remember to keep things light when you're texting and to avoid discussing heavy relationship stuff, which you should save for when you're talking in-person. | Start with something specific. If you're going to start a conversation with a girl via text, don't start with "hey" or "what's up" or the kissy-face emoji. It's important to give her something interesting or complicated to respond to, or she'll quickly get bored and so will you. Start with a comment, question, or observation, always. "Do they sell bus tickets to Acapulco in this town? I'm bored of being in my house watching this dog lick its paw. Planning an escape. What do you say?" "Whoever said I'm not creative. Just found a way to make a sandwich out of chips and rice. Totally winning at Saturday. Can you beat that?" "Coach keeps talking about 'grabbing the brass ring' and I keep thinking about Frodo. YOU SHALL NOT PASS. So I'm thinking, LOTR movie night? Thoughts?" Start with something timely. What are you doing right now? If you want a response, and want to have an actual conversation, it's better to talk about something that matters right now, instead of something that you could talk about any time. "Hey how are you" doesn't count. "Math homework = killing me. Not sure I'll finish. How far have you gotten? Help with number five?" "Done with practice. Pretty sure mom forgot to pick me up. Looks like I live in the parking lot now." "Quick: Channel Five. That girl from our English class is being interviewed and she looks totally ridiculous." Send something sweet. If you're texting with a girlfriend, it's a good idea to be a little flirty with your texts. You don't have to go over-the-top, but learning to steer something around to your feelings with this girl is always a plus. "I'm walking past the park. Thinking of that time we kissed on the swings. Miss you." "Just saw a mallard duck couple waddling around. NOT SO CUTE AS WE : )" "Saturday is free for me. Got all day to spend with you. What should we do?" Ask open-ended questions. Questions are a great way to start conversations via text. But don't ask questions that can be answered with one word, especially if those words are "yes" or "no." Instead, coax her into a conversation by asking more complicated questions that will take a little more thought on her end, and give you more to respond to on yours. Don't ask, "What are you up to?" Instead, "Thoughts?" Don't ask, "Did you have fun at practice?" or "How was school?" Instead, ask "What did you think of that test today?" or "What was the worst part of practice?" Don't ask, "Do you like Italian food?" ask, "What do you think of Italian food?" Don't probe, or ask inappropriate questions. Send a link or a picture. You don't always have to text words to get a conversation started. If you see a picture of something funny, snap a quick pic and send it to your girlfriend with a funny caption, or ask her to comment on it to get a conversation started. If you see something strange, like a pigeon with its head in a box of Chinese takeout, snap a pic and send it with the line, "Not sure what's going on here, other than winning at life. Is it weird that I'm jealous of this guy?" If you just read something funny, like a Buzzfeed list of dog pictures, or a silly article from the Onion, send it to her via text and tell her what you thought was funny about it. Then text about it after she's read. Be careful about picture texting. Never send unsolicited naked pictures to a girl. Keep it PG. Give her something to respond to. Conversations are like plants, you have to water them or they'll just shrivel up and die. You need to give something for a girl to respond to in a conversation, or the conversation will die. When you respond to something she has said, avoid lame replies, single-word answers, and you'll keep the conversation going. If she asks, "What's up?" don't say, "Nothing" or "Just chilling." Be specific and give her the light-hearted details: "Helping my dad comb through ten years of strange auto-parts in the garage. We are the automotive Indiana Jones of the block. You?" If she says something funny, it's ok to write a quick "ha" or "lol" if you must, but it's a lot better to actually respond to what she says. If she sends you a hilarious picture of a bulldog on a waterslide, laugh at it, but then say, "Current mood?" or "That dog is my spirit animal" or "I suddenly feel so close to you." Respond to things she says. Even if she doesn't ask you a question directly, or say something that's pretty interesting, try to respond in a specific way to reignite the conversation. Keep following up to keep her at ease and talking. Let her talk about herself and be a good "listener" while you talk via text. If she says, "School was so boring today" don't just let it drop, follow up. Say, "What was the most boring thing?" or "But what was the most EXCITING thing that happened in your boring day?" Get her talking by asking questions. If she's being really closed, just saying, "lol" or something to that effect, it may be better to just end the conversation instead of doing all the work yourself. She might be distracted, or just not that into talking right now. Don't get upset, just talk later. Tease her to flirt. Some studies show that we're actually attracted to gentle teasing, because it creates a kind of electric energy in the conversation. If you want to inject a little tension into your texting conversations, teasing her just a little (be nice now) can make your texts a little more thrilling. If she just put up a bunch of selfies on Facebook, text her: "Scrolling through all these selfies. I'm going to guess what you're thinking in each of them. This first one says, 'This mirror is SO DIRTY.'" Keep it light. Texts are great for quick, witty, light conversations, not for in-depth talks about your relationship. If you're unsure what to talk about, keep it jokey and focused on silly topics or fun. Talk about any of the following topics: Silly things you saw or read on the Internet Dumb things you overheard someone say Ironic things that happened to you Your siblings, your pets, or your family Fun plans for the future, or talking about a date you just went on Make sure it's an appropriate time to text. You may be in a chatting mood, but your girlfriend might be sitting in class, or busy with a family event, or working in the library. Just as you might not bug someone in person if they were doing any of these things, it's a good idea to avoid texting her while she's busy. Avoid texting late at night, while you're busy, or any time you suspect your girlfriend might be driving. If she's texting you, don't respond or tell her that you'll text her later. Write out full words. You don't have to write like you're in writing class, but it's still important to make sure you're spelling words (mostly) correctly so that your girlfriend can read them. Take the time to write out full sentences when you can, making each text full of content, so she doesn't have to scroll through 50 to get what you're saying. While you might not care, some people are turned off by too many uses of "ur" and "gr8." Wait for a response until you write more. That "..." bubble can be nerve-wracking to wait for, but it's important to give her a chance to respond before you start blasting off extra texts. This can seem aggressive and impatient. Don't assume she'll always be right by her phone ready to respond. Don't text too much. Keep the ratio at roughly 1 : 1. Save some stuff for real-life interactions. If she doesn't respond to your texts, or isn't giving you interesting responses, just stop sending messages. Never send angry texts, or lash out via text. Respond to her texts when you get them. When she writes something, or asks you a question, respond when you have something to say. It's not good to play "hard to get" when you're texting with a girl. Just respond as soon as you see she's written something and try to have a conversation. If she asks you a question and you don't have an answer right away, still respond to her text. If she says, "Dinner Friday?" Write back, "Sounds fun! But let me make sure my schedule is clear. I'll get back to you later today." Don't just keep her waiting. Use the occasional emoji to make your intentions clear. Sometimes, your meaning can be hard to interpret, and your texts can seem overly aggressive or harsh with just the words. Most phones have a variety of emojis that you can use to help color your texts, to make them a little easier to read. "What are you doing?" or "Where are you?" can seem a little needy via text. But, "On the way yet? : )" is a lot more friendly. Emojis can be funny, but don't make them do too much of the work. If you send the devil and poop emojis simultaneously when your gf asks what you're doing, that's just weird. End the conversation on a high note. All conversations fizzle out. While you can comfortably share silence in person, texting requires the conversation to end. When they just kind of trail off, that can be awkward, so it's a good idea to be the one who ends the conversation on a high note. If you've got her laughing, say you've got to get going and make plans to talk later: "Well, I gotta go to dinner. Talk to you later?" Leave her wanting more. | Start with something specific. Start with something timely. Send something sweet. Ask open-ended questions. Send a link or a picture. Give her something to respond to. Respond to things she says. Tease her to flirt. Keep it light. Make sure it's an appropriate time to text. Write out full words. Wait for a response until you write more. Respond to her texts when you get them. Use the occasional emoji to make your intentions clear. End the conversation on a high note. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Man-So-That-He-Doesn%27t-Cheat | How to Treat a Man So That He Doesn't Cheat | While you can't prevent always prevent a man from cheating, you can work on strengthening your communication to make you feel closer to each other. To strengthen your relationship, keep in touch throughout the day. Send him a quick “I love you text” or chat during your lunch break to see how his day is going. If something is bothering you in your relationship, let him know so it doesn't blow out of control. Tell him that he's a good person, but what he did upset you and you want to come up with a solution so you can be stronger as a couple. If you haven't been feeling close to your partner lately, set up a weekly date night so you can make time to be more intimate with each other. While it's great to work on improving your relationship, remember that your man's decisions aren't a reflection of you as a person, and if he ever decides to cheat, it's his mistake, not yours. | Keep in touch throughout the day. Both partners should work hard not to withdraw. In order to have a positive relationship, you need to communicate on a constant basis. It's important not to let things fester. You need to be so on top of your relationship that you spot little changes in the dynamic before they become big changes. Talk to him about his day – every day. Text him an “I love you” or call him during the day to see how his day is going.Don't do this so much you're disrupting his work, but do it here or there to let him know you're thinking about him. Every single day ask him this question: "How was your day?" This lets him know you care, and it creates bonding to share positive or even negative experiences. Don't forget the art of listening. It's really important in relationships. Improve how you argue. Couples who "argue well" have a better chance of avoiding infidelity. Every couple argues. But there are ways to make sure arguments don't turn into something more lasting. If there is some simmering unresolved issue, don't dodge it. Address it by communicating your thoughts and feelings. However, avoid judging language. Rather than chastising him for not doing something, tell him how you feel about it. If you have concerns about something, frame them as "I feel such and such" rather than using blaming language, such as "why didn't you, etc." Keep your comments focused on the "I." Use plural pronouns like "we" and "us" and "our." Studies have found couples who do so don't have as lasting of arguments. Don't yell, and don't go negative and say things you will regret. If he needs space, give it to him, and continue the conversation in the morning. Try the 48-hour rule. If you're upset about something your partner did, wait 48 hours before saying anything, and see if you're still upset. This approach will help you address the topic with less emotionalism. Drop the constant criticism. Yes, sometimes he doesn't put away his socks. Or he came home too late or forgot to do something around the house. Just make sure you don't harp on him every single day about this or that. Men want to feel appreciated too. So avoid negative relationship habits such as blaming, threatening, punishing, or criticizing. You could make a list of things you nag him about and cross out half of them to consciously reduce the criticism. Avoid generalizing statements. This is ineffective communication. Words like "never," "always," or "every time" make a statement too generalizing. For example, avoid statements like "How come you never come home on time?" Don't complain about his diet. This can really drive men crazy. Better yet, make him his favorite meals now and then so he looks forward to coming home. Be soft on the person, tough on the issue. If you are upset about something he did, when communicating with him, separate the person from the issue. Remind him you think he's a good person, or you know he didn't mean to make a mistake, but you felt sad when he did (whatever behavior upset you). Ineffective communicators do the opposite of this. They personalize issues, attacking their partner, while minimizing the issue at hand. Use words of affection. When's the last time you told him you love him? You can never say it enough. Tell him it before you fall asleep at night or when he leaves for work. Try to say it once a day. Pay him compliments. Notice if he got his hair cut. Point it out if he's wearing a shirt in a color that looks good with his eyes. Using terms of endearment - sweetheart, dear, my love - creates bonding and reminds him you care. Thread them into the day's conversation. Stay great friends. Making a relationship work longer term is not all about cruises and nights out on the town. It's being able to depend on each other and showing true caring. Show understanding. If he's going through a tough time at work, or he's fixated on a stressful project for a short time, show understanding about that. Show appreciation. Remind him that you appreciate small things he does. If he makes a nice dinner or fixes something around the house, let him know you care. Above all, always show kindness - in your words and your actions. Be reliable. If he asks you to be somewhere for him, be there, and don't forget. Be someone he turns to first when he needs help. Keep your marriage couple-centered as well as child centered. Essentially, you need to prioritize your marriage. You need to find time for you as a couple without the distractions of work or children who take your emotional energy. Have a date night for just the two of you several times a month. This gives you a chance to see each other in a romantic light, which can be hard when you're in the middle of parenting. Pick the right friends. Studies have shown that couples who hang out with happily married couples are less likely to divorce. So pick your friends carefully. Develop couples friends, not just friends you both had individually when you were single. If he starts developing friends you don't know, such as at work, make a concerted effort to get to know them as a couple also. For example, invite that work friend over for dinner – with her husband. Emphasize love and affection in your relationship. Realize he wants to feel wanted. Sometimes men cheat because they don't feel desired anymore. If you take time to remind him that you love him - if you show him true affection - you will reduce the chances he will cheat, and he will be more likely to show you the affection you've wanted back. To make him feel wanted, you need to create intimacy in your marriage. This can be done in different ways. One is through communication. Another is by holding his hand or kissing him. Small touches are really important in a relationship. Studies have found that emotional dissatisfaction is a far more common reason men cheat than sexual dissatisfaction. Leave him love notes, compliment him on his new tie, buy him a surprise gift, arrange a dinner, make him his favorite meal - these are all ways to show affection to a mate. This can't be a one-way street, but if you show affection, he likely will too. Use tender touching - even during arguments. Human touch is incredibly important. If you're having a tough conversation, touch his hand or his knee. You might be surprised how hard it is to argue when you're touching. Hug him and/or kiss him goodbye in the morning, hello at night, and goodnight before you fall asleep. It creates a constant bond of intimacy. Holding his hand, touching his shoulder, these small touches throughout the course of the day remind him how much you care. Understand his love language. Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a book called the Five Love Languages that argues that people perceive love differently. What's his love language? If you figure that out, you'll be able to make him feel loved. Acts of service. Does he derive a sense of love when people do things for him? Physical touch. Is physical touch necessary for him to feel loved? Words of affirmation. Does it matter a lot to him if you verbalize your love? Quality time. Does he put most importance on the amount of time you spend with him and how you spend it? Gifts. Does he believe you love him because you give him gifts? Remember that most people have more than one love language. However, figuring out which one they emphasize most really does matter Don’t forget the importance of sex. Yes, sometimes you're just not in the mood. Kids or a job can get in the way. And, yes, sex is only part of a relationship. But it's a part that matters. So don't neglect it. Sometimes you should initiate sex. A man wants to feel desired. If you make a sexual pass at him, he will feel you desire him. Don't let it get boring. You should be open to some experimentation. That doesn't mean you should do anything that makes you uncomfortable. But the missionary position every single time? Mix it up. Learn about his interests. Although you shouldn't become a chameleon who loses herself in her man's interests completely, what's wrong with trying to develop a common bond by liking some of the things he cares about? Take the time to truly understand what he does at work. Read an article a week about his field, so you can surprise him with knowledgeable conversation about what he does during the day. What's wrong with watching a sporting event now and then, or learning how to play golf, if that's what he loves? Rather than feeling threatened by his old college friend or single work colleague, get to know them too. Be spontaneous sometimes. Men cheat sometimes simply because they want physical variety. Marriage or a relationship has become mundane, and the man longs for something more exciting. There's nothing like the feel of the chase or the rush of the first kiss. If you recognize this factor, you can work to keep your own relationship exciting. Do spontaneous things (and sometimes leave the kids behind). Arrange a weekend trip without telling him and surprise him with it. Change your hairstyle. He might be surprised to come home and see you with a hot new 'do. Or try a new scent. Get a new car. Do something to change it up every now and then. Develop a hobby. When he sees your excitement in something new, he might be encouraged to try it. Travel a lot. Changing the environment now and then may reduce his boredom. Have your own interests. Find a passion or a cause. Confidence is attractive, as is someone who has something interesting to talk about. You don't want to have to force a man to realize you're worth not cheating on. Just develop a persona and life that tells that story on its own. Men are attracted to women with confidence. Excessive jealousy is not very attractive. If you are snooping in his stuff and constantly demanding to know whether he is cheating, you might actually make him more likely to cheat. You're a woman not worth cheating on because you're surrounded by passion, good work, hobbies, friends who care about you, and a confident attitude. Take care of yourself. Yes, he should love you just the way you are. And, yes, he's probably gained a few pounds since college, too. However, if you completely let yourself go, he may be more likely to look elsewhere. Work out together. Not only will you both be healthier, but you will get to spend more time together and in a positive way. Doing things together outside of the routine at home like this is a good way to build common ground. Although you don't always have to make yourself up, if you're not at work, don't welcome him home in sweatpants, with unstyled hair. Put on a little makeup, and at least get out of the PJs. Go to one of those mall makeup counters, and have them show you how to use the products. Some women don't wear much makeup only because they're insecure and don't know how to do it. Most men don't like it when women are too heavily made up, but a little mascara and concealer can do wonders. Wear something nice to bed. This doesn't have to always be fancy lingerie (although sometimes it can be). But can the bulky grandma nighties and sweatpants, at least. Go to sleep in his shirt or in a T shirt with pajama shorts. Make sure you have fun. Relationships can be worn down by the mundane, the routines of daily life. Make sure you carve out enough time to have some fun. You could each write down a list of fun things that you would like to do. A bucket list of sorts. Then, share lists. Each of you should choose one thing from your spouse's list, and then schedule it! Try doing something new with your partner (exploring a new cuisine, for example) or try something athletic. | Keep in touch throughout the day. Improve how you argue. Drop the constant criticism. Be soft on the person, tough on the issue. Use words of affection. Stay great friends. Keep your marriage couple-centered as well as child centered. Emphasize love and affection in your relationship. Use tender touching - even during arguments. Understand his love language. Don’t forget the importance of sex. Learn about his interests. Be spontaneous sometimes. Have your own interests. Take care of yourself. Make sure you have fun. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Smoke-a-Cigarette | How to Smoke a Cigarette | To light a cigarette, hold the lighter to the cigarette's tip and take a few, quick breaths in through your mouth to help it ignite. Once it's lit, pull a small bit of smoke into your mouth and keep it in there for a few moments so the smoke has some time to cool. Then, remove the cigarette from your mouth and take a deep breath in. When you're ready, exhale through your mouth. Don't forget to stub your cigarette once you're done with it. However, even though it might seem cool to smoke, think carefully before trying a cigarette. Smoking is bad for your health, and can even cause severe health issues like cancer or heart disease. | Tamp the pack. There are certain preparatory rituals associated with smoking, and chief among those is packing. This is accomplished by inverting an unopened pack of cigarettes, and rapping it smartly, three to six times, against a table or your palm (spanking the camel). This condenses the loose tobacco so that it's a little tighter in the paper, and in theory, burns a little smoother, and lasts longer. Open the pack. Either tear open one end of the exposed silver foil, or for flip-top packs, remove the cellophane, then the foil. At this point, many people remove the first cigarette, invert it so the tobacco side is up, and then replace it in the package. For some, this is for good luck. For others it's just a ritual that they may have learned from another smoker. In any case, the lucky cigarette is the last one smoked. Remove a cigarette. A new pack of smokes will be fairly tightly packed. Invert the pack of exposed cigarettes and rap against your finger to encourage the cigarettes to come out of the pack. When one has emerged far enough to take up with your fingers, do so. A pack that's been partially emptied will be much easier to retrieve cigarettes from. There is a significant degree of coolness imparted when one removes the emerging cigarette with teeth and lips, rather than fingers. Hold the cigarette. Whether you pull it from the pack with your fingers or your mouth, you'll eventually be holding the cigarette. This is an entirely personal choice with no rules, but there are some common methods of smoking to be aware of: Classic. Hold the cigarette between the index and middle finger, between the first and second knuckle, palm facing downward. Sophisticated. Same as the Classic, but with palm facing you and fingers pointing upward. Casual. Cigarette is set behind the second knuckle of the middle finger, and secured by wrapping the index finger around it. The hand is in a relaxed, closed position, with palm towards you or facing downward. Euro I. The cigarette is held between the thumb and forefinger, palm out, cigarette pointing outward. Euro II. The cigarette is held between thumb and forefinger, palm facing in and slightly up, with filter end pointing directly at you. This is how they always spotted the Nazi spy in the movies. (Or by not holding it this way, how they found the American spies). Palmed. Cigarette is pinched between thumb and forefinger, but palm is facing in, and cigarette is secreted in hand, pointing towards inner wrist. Useful when you don't want it to be obvious that you're smoking. Feminine. Cigarette is held between the first and second knuckles of the index and middle fingers. Hand is relaxed and bent backwards, with palm facing up. Put the cigarette in your mouth. If you pulled it out of the pack with your teeth, you're already there. If not, put the filtered end of the cigarette between your lips. Some prefer to smoke on one side or another, others in the middle. If you want to know, before you light up in public for the first time, try practicing with a pen or pencil to see what feels right for you. If you're smoking unfiltered cigarettes ("straights"), such as Lucky Strikes or Camel Studs, in theory it doesn't matter which end you put between your lips. In general, however, you'll insert the end with the logo or brand on it. Light up! Bring your match or lighter up to the tip of the cigarette, and suck in as if you're sucking a milkshake through a straw. Don't inhale when lighting a cigarette: just take a couple short, firm draws on it to get the tobacco lit. Factory-made cigarettes will generally light quickly and burn uniformly. Inhale the smoke. Once your cigarette is lit, pull a little smoke into your mouth. When you're first starting, avoid bringing in too much smoke — you'll regret it when you turn green and start coughing. Hold the smoke in your mouth for a moment. This will let it cool down, which will help keep your throat from becoming irritated. It will also alter the flavor of the smoke, which is objectionable to some. This you will decide with experience. Remove the cigarette from your mouth. As you take it out, inhale the smoke into your lungs by taking a deep breath. This will help avoid irritating your throat and triggering the cough reflex. Note that this is not like smoking a joint, where you inhale directly into your lungs. An alternate form of inhalation is called "Frenching". To do this, before you inhale, push some of the smoke back into the air (without exhaling), and as it exits your mouth, suck it in with your nose. This may take some practice to perfect. As you continue to smoke, your tolerance for the smoke will increase. This is where the problems arise: the more tolerance you have for the sheer act of inhaling smoke, the easier it will be to smoke. The more you smoke, the more nicotine you ingest, the more addicted you get as you build a tolerance for nicotine. To get the same feeling you did from your first cigarette, you need greater amounts of nicotine, which makes you smoke more. Position your hand. Part of the ritual of smoking is where you place your cigarette hand when you remove the cigarette from your mouth. Like holding a cigarette, there are no hard and fast rules, but there are common practices, depending on the sex of the smoker. Women often rotate their arm from the shoulder, keeping the cigarette at mouth level, to one side, with palm up and hand facing outward. Men rotate their arm at the elbow, keeping their palm inward, and lowering their hand to mid torso. Blow out the smoke. As you move your hand into position, blow the smoke out through your mouth or nose. There is no right or wrong way to do this, but you will develop preferences. Some say blowing out through their nose lets them get more flavor from the smoke, while others don't like the burning sensation. Some people let the smoke "dribble" out of their mouth, exhaling slowly, while others blow it out forcefully. With practice, you can learn to blow smoke rings by forming your mouth in an "O" shape, then using your throat to push the smoke over your tongue and through your lips. Tap the ashes. Another ritualistic (yet necessary) part of smoking is flicking off the ash. As you burn the cigarette, the part that has been smoked will remain on the tip of your cigarette as a fine gray ash that's remarkably tenacious. Still, when it reaches a certain point, gravity takes over and the ash will fall to the ground. If you're walking down the street, this is not a problem. If, however, you're standing indoors, most people frown on having cigarette ash dropped on their floor, so it's best to use an ashtray to remove the ash from your cigarette. How you hold your cigarette will determine how you flick your cigarette. If you hold it such that the filter end is in the vicinity of your thumb, a quick flick over the ashtray, and the ash will tumble neatly into the tray. If you're holding the cigarette pinched between thumb and forefinger, a quick tap in the middle of the cigarette with your index or ring finger will send those ashes tumbling. You can also tap the cigarette itself against the lip of the ashtray, so that the ashes are encouraged to fall into the tray. Stub it out. Once you're done with the cigarette, you'll want to dispose of it safely. You do this by grinding it and stubbing it in the ashtray until it stops smoking. Outside, grind the cigarette against a non-flammable surface until it's out, then dispose of the cigarette properly. Nobody wants to deal with your used butts—it's rude, crude and socially unacceptable. Flicking your butts out the window is also extremely dangerous and has been the start of many forest and brush fires. Get caught flicking, and you could be fined heavily. Get caught causing a brush fire, and you're looking at serious legal problems. How much of the cigarette you smoke before you're done depends on how much of a cigarette you like to smoke. Obviously, you won't smoke the filter, and if smoking straights, there's only so much cigarette you can smoke until you're frying your lips. Many people smoke until it's just above the filter, or till you can't put it in your mouth. Others prefer to put out a cigarette after it reaches the halfway point, so the smoke remains cleaner and cooler. | Tamp the pack. Open the pack. Remove a cigarette. Hold the cigarette. Put the cigarette in your mouth. Light up! Inhale the smoke. Hold the smoke in your mouth for a moment. Remove the cigarette from your mouth. Position your hand. Blow out the smoke. Tap the ashes. Stub it out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-an-Annual-Percentage-Growth-Rate | How to Calculate an Annual Percentage Growth Rate | To calculate an annual percentage growth rate over one year, subtract the starting value from the final value, then divide by the starting value. Multiply this result by 100 to get your growth rate displayed as a percentage. | Get the starting value. To calculate the growth rate, you're going to need the starting value. The starting value is the population, revenue, or whatever metric you're considering at the beginning of the year. For example, if a village started the year with a population of 150, then the starting value is 150. Get the final value. To calculate the growth, you'll not only need the starting value, you'll also need the final value. That value is the population, revenue, or whatever metric you're considering at the end of the year. For example, if a village ended the year with a population of 275, then the final value is 275. Calculate the growth rate over one year. The growth is calculated with the following formula: Growth Percentage Over One Year = F i n a l V a l u e − S t a r t V a l u e S t a r t V a l u e ∗ 100 {\displaystyle {\frac {FinalValue-StartValue}{StartValue}}*100} Example Problem. A village grows from 150 people at the start of the year to 275 people at the end of the year. Calculate its growth percentage this year as follows: Growth Percentage = 275 − 150 150 ∗ 100 {\displaystyle ={\frac {275-150}{150}}*100} = 125 150 ∗ 100 {\displaystyle ={\frac {125}{150}}*100} ≈ 0.8333 ∗ 100 {\displaystyle 0.8333*100} = 83.33 % {\displaystyle 83.33\%} Get the starting value. To calculate the growth rate, you're going to need the starting value. The starting value is the population, revenue, or whatever metric you're considering at the beginning of the period. For example, if the revenue of a company is $10,000 at the beginning of the period, then the starting value is 10,000. Get the final value. To calculate the annual growth, you'll not only need the starting value, you'll also need the final value. That value is the population, revenue, or whatever metric you're considering at the end of the period. For example, if the revenue of a company is $65,000 at the period, then the final value is 65,000. Determine the number of years. Since you're measuring the growth rate for a series of years, you'll need to know the number of years during the period. For example, if you want to measure the annual revenue growth of a company between 2011 and 2015, then the number of years is 2015 - 2011 or 4. Calculate the annual growth rate. The formula for calculating the annual growth rate is Growth Percentage Over One Year = ( ( f s ) 1 y − 1 ) ∗ 100 {\displaystyle =(({\frac {f}{s}})^{\frac {1}{y}}-1)*100} where f is the final value, s is the starting value, and y is the number of years. Example Problem: A company earned $10,000 in 2011. That same company earned $65,000 four years later in 2015. What's the annual growth rate? Enter the values above into the growth rate formula to find the answer: Annual Growth Rate = ( ( 65000 10000 ) 1 4 − 1 ) ∗ 100 {\displaystyle =(({\frac {65000}{10000}})^{\frac {1}{4}}-1)*100} = ( 6.5 1 4 − 1 ) ∗ 100 {\displaystyle =(6.5^{\frac {1}{4}}-1)*100} ≈ ( 1.5967 − 1 ) ∗ 100 {\displaystyle (1.5967-1)*100} = 59.67% annual growth Note — raising a value a to the 1 b {\displaystyle {\frac {1}{b}}} exponent is equivalent to taking the b th root of a. You will likely need a calculator with an " n x {\displaystyle n{\sqrt {x}}} " button, or a good online calculator. | Get the starting value. Get the final value. Calculate the growth rate over one year. Get the starting value. Get the final value. Determine the number of years. Calculate the annual growth rate. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Bacopa-Plants | How to Grow Bacopa Plants | Bacopa are beautiful garden plants you can grow from seeds or cuttings. To start a bacopa plant from a seed, wait until late winter, then sprinkle a few seeds on top of a small container of moist compost, mist it with water, and place it in a clear plastic bag. Keep the seeds somewhere sunny but not in direct sunlight, and remove the cover when the seeds germinate. To start bacopa from a cutting, cut 3 inches from a mature bacopa plant, pot it in cutting mix, water it, and cover it with a plastic bag. Keep the cutting in a well-lit area away from direct sunlight and mist it regularly to keep the soil damp. After 5 weeks, your bacopa should take root, and you can transplant it outside. | Be aware that seed-grown Bacopa may grow smaller flowers. You can grow some varieties of Bacopa from seed. However, seed grown Bacopa plants generally offer smaller flowers than ones propagated by other methods. Start growing your seeds in late winter. Fill a container with moist compost. Sprinkle the seeds onto the compost; do not cover them with soil. Mist the seeds with a water spray. Put the container into a clear plastic bag and place it in a bright area out of direct sunlight, such as a window ledge that is not in full sun. The seeds germinate quickly; you should see new growth within ten days. Remove the cover after the seeds germinate. Consider removing the weaker seedlings at this point in order to thin the plants out and preserve the stronger seedlings. Once big enough to handle, you can transfer the seedlings to individual pots. Wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting the Bacopa seedlings outside. Encourage bushy growth. Some gardeners advise pinching off the growing tip once the Bacopa plants get to about four inches in height. This encourages bushy growth. Consider growing Trailing Bacopa from a cutting. Trailing varieties of Bacopa can be easily propagated from a cutting. To do this, in late summer cut about three inches of fresh healthy stem from a Bacopa plant using a clean sharp blade. Dip the cut end in rooting powder or hormone after you have made the cut. Remove the lower leaves on the stem, then insert an inch of cut stem into a pot containing cutting mix. You can buy special cutting compost, or make your own by mixing 50:50 vermiculite and sand. Help your cutting to grow. Water your cutting, then enclose it in a clear plastic bag. Keep the cutting out of direct sunlight but in a well-lit area, such as a window ledge that does not get direct sun. Make sure the cutting doesn't dry out; mist the cutting with a spray bottle if necessary. The cuttings should root after about five weeks. You can then transfer the cuttings to individual pots. Harden off your cuttings before planting them outside in the spring. Hardening off means gradually adjusting the plants to life outdoors. To do this, put them outside during the day and bring them in at night over a period of about two or three weeks. Pick out a planting site that has partial shade. Bacopa favors partial shade although it will survive in full sun. The plant grows best if it can avoid the full heat of the day so consider planting in an area that only gets morning or late afternoon sun. Some varieties, such as 'Snowstorm', can handle high temperatures better than other Bacopa varieties. You can also plant Bacopa alongside taller plants to give them some shade during the hotter parts of the day. Plant the Bacopa in soil that drains well. Bacopa plants do not like wet feet. Because of this, your plant needs good drainage and a rich soil. The ideal soil for growing Bacopa is slightly acidic. Dig a hole for your Bacopa. Once you have selected a site for your plant, dig a hole for each individual Bacopa plant. The plants should be spaced roughly seven or eight inches apart. Place the plant in the hole and fill the rest of the hole with soil. Pat the soil down gently and give it a good watering to remove any air pockets. Encourage bushy growth by pinching back branches. Bacopa plants don't need much attention once they are planted. However, you can pinch back the branches once they get to about four inches in length to encourage bushy growth. To do this: Use your fingertips to remove the tips of the growing shoots by about a third of an inch. Consider planting your Bacopa in a container. Trailing Bacopa grow well in hanging baskets. If you plant to cultivate Trailing Bacopa, consider planting it in a hanging basket or container. Add a peat-based potting mix to the container. Include some vermiculite or other water-retaining soil additive. Make sure the container has good drainage. Plant your Bacopa in the center of the basket. Feed your plant a weak solution of water soluble fertilizer once every fortnight. Do not allow your Bacopa plants to dry out. Bacopa plants have a little quirk: they lose flowers and foliage if allowed to dry out. If your Bacopa plant gets very dry it will cease flowering for a few weeks. Try to prevent this from happening, keep the soil well-watered. Avoid mulching as this may cause your low growing Bacopa to rot. You may find it easier to grow the plants in containers so you can more easily control moisture levels. Make sure the container drains well. Feed your plant with a liquid fertilizer. Try to feed your Bacopa once every three weeks during the growing season to promote flowering. You should see flowers appearing from mid to late spring, and lasting through until summer. Avoid watering seedlings with a water-soluble fertilizer that you spray from above, as this can 'burn' them. Protect your Bacopa against aphids. You can combat aphids by spraying bug spray on your plants, or by hosing the aphids off with water. However, be careful not to damage your Bacopa by spraying them with a hose. Prune your Bacopa. If your Bacopa gets very woody in the lower branches by mid summer, or is producing fewer flowers, try cutting the plant back by about a third. Feed and water after doing this to help the plant to start thriving again. Old, woody growth will hold moisture and may rot. If you are in zone 9 or above, cut your Bacopa plants back again in the fall. This encourages them to re-grow in the spring. In cooler zones, take cuttings in the fall then bring them inside the house to propagate over winter. Plant them outside again in the spring. | Be aware that seed-grown Bacopa may grow smaller flowers. Start growing your seeds in late winter. Remove the cover after the seeds germinate. Encourage bushy growth. Consider growing Trailing Bacopa from a cutting. Help your cutting to grow. Harden off your cuttings before planting them outside in the spring. Pick out a planting site that has partial shade. Plant the Bacopa in soil that drains well. Dig a hole for your Bacopa. Encourage bushy growth by pinching back branches. Consider planting your Bacopa in a container. Do not allow your Bacopa plants to dry out. Feed your plant with a liquid fertilizer. Protect your Bacopa against aphids. Prune your Bacopa. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Dry-Pasta | How to Measure Dry Pasta | To measure dry pasta, start by reading your recipe to determine how many servings you need. If you're using spaghetti, fettuccini, spaghettini, capellini, fedelini, or vermicelli noodles, you can estimate by using your thumb and forefinger, or you can use a pasta measure, which is a special tool for this purpose. Use measuring cups or a food scale for elbow macaroni and penne pasta, and use a food scale or count the individual pieces for ribbed lasagna. | Read the recipe to decide how many servings of pasta are required. You can either read directly from the recipe or pasta sauce bottle, or if you are making pasta sauce from scratch, figure out how many people you will feed with your sauce. A single serving of pasta is generally regarded as 2 oz. (57 g) of cooked pasta for a first course or side dish. A serving can be raised 3 to 4 oz. (85 to 113 g) if it is the only course. Occasionally a serving is approximated as 1/2 cup (114 g) of pasta; however, this depends upon the shape of the pasta. One serving = 2 oz.; two servings = 4 oz.; four servings = 8 oz.; six servings = 12 oz.; eight servings = 16 oz. Measure spaghetti, fettuccini, spaghettini, capellini, fedelini, or vermicelli using your hand. Place a bunch of spaghetti between your thumb and forefinger. 1 serving of pasta, or 2 oz. (57 g), will be equivalent to a bunch of pasta between your fingers with a diameter of 7/8 inch (24.26 mm). This is the diameter of a United States quarter. Two servings = 1.75 inches; four servings = 3.5 inches; six servings = 5.25 inches; eight servings = 7 inches. Spaghetti, linguine, and other long pastas can be measured using a pasta measure. A pasta measure is a tool that is available at kitchen supply stores, in pasta-making kits, and online. You place the long pasta in various loops to measure a serving of the pasta. Some pasta spoons have a hole in the middle; this will measure one serving of long pasta. Measure elbow macaroni using measuring cups or a food scale. If using a food scale, place the pasta in the cup attached to the scale and measure 57 g. If using measuring cups, a single 2 oz. (57 g) serving is 1/2 cup of dried pasta. Two servings = 1 cup; four servings = 2 cups; six servings = 3 cups; eight servings = 4 cups. Measure penne pasta using measuring cups or a food scale. If you are using measuring cups, a single 2 oz. (57 g) serving is 3/4 cup of dried pasta. Two servings = 1 1/2 cups; four servings = 3 cups; six servings = 4 1/2 cups; eight servings = 6 cups. Measure ribbed lasagna using a food scale or individual pieces. A 2 oz. (57 g) serving of lasagna is approximately 2 pieces of dry lasagna sheets. It is typically best to use about four layers of noodles when making a lasagna. The typical baking dish used to make lasagna is either 8x8 inches or 10x8 inches. With four layers of lasagna noodles, an 8x8 pan of lasagna will typically feed four people, while a 10x8 pan will usually serve six. Know what constitutes an egg noodle. Most pasta contains egg, but to be considered an egg noodle, it must contain at least 5.5 percent egg solids. Measure egg noodles using measuring cups or a food scale. When measuring egg noodles using measuring cups, 2 oz. (56 g) of egg noodles is approximately 1 1/4 cup of egg noodles and also 1 1/4 cup of cooked noodles. Unlike macaroni pastas, egg noodles measured in measuring cups are typically the same both dry and cooked. Know that extra wide egg noodle portions might be slightly larger when cooked. Typically, for extra wide egg noodles, a 2 oz. serving equals 1 1/4 cups of dry egg noodles, which will yield approximately 1 1/2 cups of cooked noodles. | Read the recipe to decide how many servings of pasta are required. Measure spaghetti, fettuccini, spaghettini, capellini, fedelini, or vermicelli using your hand. Measure elbow macaroni using measuring cups or a food scale. Measure penne pasta using measuring cups or a food scale. Measure ribbed lasagna using a food scale or individual pieces. Know what constitutes an egg noodle. Measure egg noodles using measuring cups or a food scale. Know that extra wide egg noodle portions might be slightly larger when cooked. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Thank-Someone | How to Thank Someone | To thank someone, try writing them a card saying how much you appreciate them. Or, if a card seems too formal, try talking to them when they're alone, and explicitly saying "Thank you." If you can't meet face to face, send them a thoughtful text message or email. Whether you express thanks in person or in writing, make sure you include specifics, like mentioning the gift you received or the favor they did for you. You can even surprise them by offering to do something nice in return, like taking them out to dinner. However you decide to thank them, remember it's never too late to express your gratitude! | Smile and make eye contact. If you're saying 'thank you' in person, remember to smile and make eye contact with the person whom you're thanking. These small gestures add a massive amount of sincerity to the 'thank you.' Keep it simple. Showing your gratitude to someone else is awesome. Gushing over them and falling all over yourself to say 'thank you' is overdoing it, and could end up embarrassing the person you're trying to thank. Keep your gratitude simple, to the point and pleasant. Be sincere in your thanks. You should be thanking someone because you honestly and sincerely are grateful for something they did. You shouldn't be thanking someone because you were told to do it, or because you felt it was somehow required. Insincere gratitude is obvious and unappreciated. This is especially important for those who work in a retail environment where they may feel obligated to thank customers on a regular basis. If you aren't actually sincere about the thanks, the customer can tell. Even if it's your job to thank a customer, you can still make it sincere. Write a thank you note or card. There are certain situations that require more than just an in-person 'thank you,' such as being treated to dinner, being giving a present, etc. When these situations occur, a written 'thank you' is vital. Whomever treated you to this extra-special kindness deserves the same in return, and writing a 'thank you' note or card is the best way to show how much you really do appreciate what they did. If you decide to use a card, blank ones work best in these situations. Blank cards allow you to write a brief, but custom, note inside. Whatever form your 'thank you' note takes, it should specifically mention the reason you're saying 'thank you.' While emails can obviously be personalized, avoid sending an email in these situations. Emails just aren't as sincere and well-meaning as an actual note or card. Avoid delegation. Do not ask someone else to send someone a 'thank you' on your behalf, do it yourself. It isn't a sincere 'thank you' if it isn't coming from you directly. If you're a really busy person who doesn't have a lot of extra time, have some custom 'thank you' cards made for you and keep them handy. Or buy several boxes of blank cards to keep in your desk. Use a ‘thank you’ template. If you're struggling with exactly how to say 'thank you' to someone, or what to say in a 'thank you' card, try using the who , what and when template. Make a list of who you need to thank. Start the 'thank you' process by making a list of everyone you need to send a 'thank you' card to. For example, if it was your birthday and you received several gifts, write a list of everyone you received a gift from (and what they gave you). This list should also include the names of anyone who helped you plan an event (e.g. birthday party). Write out what you’re thankful for. There are six basic parts to any personal 'thank you' note — the greeting, the expression of thanks, the details, the next time, the restatement, and the regards. The Greeting is simple. Start the 'thank you' note with the names of the people you are thanking. If it's a formal 'thank you' note, greet them formally (e.g. Dear Mr. Smith), if it's family or a close friend, greet them informally (e.g. Hey Mom). The Expression of Thanks is where you thank whomever for whatever they did. The easiest thing to do is start this part with the words 'thank you.' But you can be more creative if you wish (e.g. It made my day when I opened my birthday gift from you). The Details is where you get specific. Adding specific details about why you're thanking the person makes the note much more sincere and personal. You might want to mention the specific gift you received, or what you spent gift money on, etc. The Next Time is where you mention something about the next time you'll see or speak to this person. For example, if you're sending a 'thank you' note to your grandparents and you're going to see them shortly at Christmas, mention that. The Restatement is where you wrap up your 'thank you' note with another message of thanks. You can write another sentence (e.g. Thank you again for your generosity, I'm so very much looking forward to college and this money is going to help significantly) or you can simply say 'thank you' one more time. The Regards is similar to the greeting except this time you're signing your name. Depending on who the thanks is for you may want to be more formal (e.g. Sincerely) or less formal (e.g. With love). Plan when you send your thanks. You should send most 'thank you' cards and notes within a month of the event, but sending them sooner is definitely better. If you fall behind you can always start your 'thank you' note with an apology for taking longer than anticipated. If you're sending 'thank you' cards for a large event with lots of attendees, plan to spend a certain amount of time every day writing 'thank you' notes until they're all done. Be aware of ‘thank you’ etiquette. Different occasions and events call for different types of 'thank you' etiquette. While there's no rule that says you must follow these guidelines, they have become tradition. It is typical to send a 'thank you' note or card for the following reasons: Receiving any type of gift, including money. The gift may be for your birthday, anniversary, graduation, house warming, holiday, etc. Attending a dinner party or special occasion (i.e. Thanksgiving) at someone else's house. Send wedding ‘thank you’ cards within 3 months. It is customary to send a handwritten 'thank you' card to anyone who has done one of the following things for your wedding. It is also customary to send the card within 3 months of the event, although it is much easier to keep yourself up-to-date if you send cards when you receive gifts instead of waiting until after the wedding is over. Someone who has sent you a gift for your engagement, wedding shower or wedding, including money. Someone who was a member of your wedding party (e.g. bridesmaid, maid of honour, flower girl, etc.). Someone who hosted a party of some kind in your honour (e.g. wedding shower, engagement party, etc.). Someone who helped you plan or execute your wedding, including the vendors and suppliers who made your wedding a success (e.g. baker, flower arranger, decorator, chef, etc.). Anyone who went out of their way to help you while you were preparing and planning your wedding (e.g. the neighbour who mowed your lawn, etc.). Write a ‘thank you’ note for an interview immediately. If you have been interviewed for a job, internship, or volunteer position, you should send a 'thank you' note or card to the interviewer as soon as possible after the interview is finished. Make sure you personalize the card or note to be specific about the job for which you were interviewed, and even mention something specific from the interview. Ensure that you've spelled everyone's name properly. There would be nothing worse than sending a 'thank you' note after an interview and spelling the interviewer's name wrong. Use formal greetings in your 'thank you' note unless the interviewer introduced themselves by their first name and insisted you call them that. In the case of interview 'thank you' notes, it is not uncommon to send a personal email rather than an actual card or letter. Logistically this might be the better option if physically getting a card or a note to the interviewer is difficult or might take too long. Create a personal ‘thank you’ to the donors of a bursary, grant or scholarship. Receiving any type of financial assistance in university or college is awesome. Many of the scholarships and bursaries provided to students come from donations. Whether donated from an individual, family, estate or organization, sending a 'thank you' note for providing you with the funds is a great way to show your appreciation. If the scholarship or bursary was awarded via your school, the department who choose the recipients should be able to assist you in obtaining a mailing address for where to send the 'thank you' note. Since these are not people you know personally, keep the 'thank you' letter formal and elegant, rather than casual. Before sending the letter make sure you check (and double-check) that there are no spelling or grammar errors. You may even want someone else to read it over for you in case you've missed something. 'Thank you' notes like this are best sent via formal business letter on nice paper, as opposed to a handwritten note or card. Understand what gratitude is. Gratitude is a little different from a simple 'thank you.' Gratitude is about being thankful and polite, but it's also about being courteous, generous, and appreciative. It's about being concerned for people other than yourself. Expressing our gratitude towards others can help influence a situation positively and even change the behaviour of others. Write in a gratitude journal. The first step to expressing gratitude towards others is being able to understand what you are truly grateful for. Writing down the things you're grateful for in a journal is a great way to help yourself understand how you feel about yourself and others. Writing in the journal can take as little as a few minutes a day to list the 3 things you're grateful about at that moment. You can use the idea of a gratitude journal to help kids develop a better understanding of gratitude and being grateful. Help them write 3 things they're grateful for every night before bed. If they're too young to write, have them draw a picture of the things they're grateful for. Express gratitude at least 5 times a day. Challenge yourself to express some form of gratitude 5 times every day. Your gratitude should be expressed towards everyone, not just your family members and close friends. If you think about it, there are a lot of people who help you out every day that probably almost never hear words of gratitude, like bus drivers, receptionists, telemarketers, people who hold the door open, people who give up their seat on the bus, cleaners, etc. When expressing this gratitude, remember to use the person's name (if you know it), what you're grateful for and why you're grateful for it. For example, “Thanks for holding the elevator Sue, I was concerned I'd be late for my meeting, now I'm going to be right on time!" If there's a practical reason why you can't express your gratitude in person, express it in your head or write it down. Looks for new ways to show your gratitude. Gratitude doesn't only have to be shown the typical way (e.g. saying thank you), it can be much more. Every now and again look for a new way to express your gratitude for someone by doing something you haven't done before, or haven't done in a long time. For example: making dinner one night when you notice your partner is exhausted; taking care of your kids one night so your partner can go out with friends; volunteering to be the designated driver; offering to host the family Christmas party one year, etc. Teach your children to be grateful. You probably have memories of your mom or dad reminding your to tell someone 'thank you' when they gave you a treat or a candy when you were little. Being thankful or grateful isn't always the first thing on a kid's mind, but it's important for them to learn. The following four step method can work great to teach your kids about gratitude: Tell you kids about gratitude, what it means and why it's important. Use your own words and give examples. Demonstrate your gratitude skills for your kids. You can do this as an exercise or in 'real life.' Help your kids practice giving gratitude to someone else. If you have more than one kid, have them each give examples and provide feedback to each other. Don't stop encouraging your kids to be grateful. Give them positive reinforcement when they've done a good job. Avoid showing gratitude only to those who are nice to you. As hard as it may be to do, you need to also show gratitude towards people who might upset you or drive you a little crazy. Remember to be patient when doing this, and avoid sounding like you're being sarcastic. People who drive you up the wall might have completely different perspectives on some things. While you may not agree or like those perspectives, they're still valid opinions. Be grateful for the fact that they've shared these opinions with you and you've learned to look at a situation from a different perspective. Even if these people drive you crazy, there's probably still something about them that you admire. They may be annoying, but maybe they're always punctual or really organized. Focus on these positive aspects when talking to these people. Consider the fact that dealing with this annoying person is actually teaching you some new skills. Be grateful that you're learning to be patient and calm in frustrating situations. Recognize that gratitude comes with benefits. Being grateful and being able to express gratitude can really have an amazing effect on you and those around you. Gratitude is linked to happiness — those who are happier tend to be more grateful. Having someone be grateful towards you can make you feel great. Thinking about what you're grateful for helps you focus on the positive things in your life, not the negative. Spending time writing down what you're grateful for right before bed can help you sleep better. Not only do you spend the last few moments before you go to sleep thinking about positive things, but you're able to get your thoughts out of your head and down on paper. Being grateful tends to make you more empathetic. This may be because grateful people focus on positive emotions instead of negative ones, so they don't get as upset when someone is mean to them. | Smile and make eye contact. Keep it simple. Be sincere in your thanks. Write a thank you note or card. Avoid delegation. Use a ‘thank you’ template. Make a list of who you need to thank. Write out what you’re thankful for. Plan when you send your thanks. Be aware of ‘thank you’ etiquette. Send wedding ‘thank you’ cards within 3 months. Write a ‘thank you’ note for an interview immediately. Create a personal ‘thank you’ to the donors of a bursary, grant or scholarship. Understand what gratitude is. Write in a gratitude journal. Express gratitude at least 5 times a day. Looks for new ways to show your gratitude. Teach your children to be grateful. Avoid showing gratitude only to those who are nice to you. Recognize that gratitude comes with benefits. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Drip-Cake | How to Make a Drip Cake | To make a drip cake, start by baking and icing a cake and then chilling it in the fridge for at least 60 minutes. Then, microwave chocolate and heavy cream for 60 seconds to make the ganache. Afterwards, stir the ingredients, microwave for another 30 seconds, and stir until the chocolate is completely melted. Next, take the cake out of the fridge and use a spoon to drip the glaze on the sides of it. Finally, cover the top with the remaining glaze, making sure to spread out the glaze in an even layer after each spoonful. | Bake a layer cake. The best drip cakes are created from layer cakes. Try baking a triple layer cake with three round cake pans. You can choose any flavor you want. Strawberry , vanilla , and chocolate are all great choices for a drip cake with ganache glaze. You can also use a boxed cake mix to make your cake. Ice the cake. Once you bake the cake of your choice, let it cool completely. Make sure you let the cake cool at room temperature until it is cool to the touch. You should not feel any warmth coming from the cake. This should take about 20-30 minutes. Once the cake is cool, ice it. You can use any type of icing, like buttercream or fondant. You can also used store-bought icing. Refrigerate the iced cake. You will need to refrigerate the cake before you can cover it in dripping ganache glaze. Place the iced cake in the refrigerator and allow it to cool for at least 60 minutes. Decide on a color. You can turn the ganache glaze for your drip cake into any color of the rainbow by adding food coloring to white chocolate. You can also go for a more traditional ganache glaze by sticking with milk or dark chocolate. Place the chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Locate a medium sized bowl that is safe to use in the microwave, like a glass bowl. Place the chocolate in the bottom of the bowl. Pour the heavy cream over the chocolate. Microwave the chocolate and cream for 60 seconds. Place the bowl in the microwave. Microwave the ingredients for around 60 seconds. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon. Microwave for additional 30-second segments. After stirring the chocolate and cream, return the bowl of ganache to the microwave. Microwave for another 30 seconds, remove the bowl from the microwave, and stir. If the chocolate is not completely melted, heat for a second 30-second segment. The finished glaze should be runny, silky, and free from lumps. Add food coloring. If you want to make a colorful ganache glaze, now is the time to add food coloring to the chocolate and cream. Try using a gel or paste in the color of your choice. Add the food coloring to the glaze by slowly squeezing the tube or by small spoonfuls. Keep adding the coloring bit by bit until you get the color you desire. You should only add food coloring to a white chocolate ganache glaze. Do not use liquid food coloring as this will make the glaze too runny. Take the chilled cake out of the refrigerator. It is important that your cake is quite cold when you glaze it. A cold cake will slow down the dripping process, helping to create a controlled drip environment. A warm or room temperature cake will allow the glaze to run over the cake too quickly, making a runny mess of your culinary creation. Use a spoon or better yet, a piping bag with a snipped end, if you have one, to drip the glaze on the sides of the cake. Start at the top of the cake, near the edge. Take a spoonful of glaze and slowly let it drip down the side of the cake from the top. You can also use a piping bag to create the drips. Create drips around the entire cake, spacing them about half an inch or 1.25 centimeters apart. Avoid dumping too much glaze on top of the cake as this can create a mass of unwanted drips. Fill in the top of the cake with the remaining glaze. Once you have created the desired amount of drips along the sides of your cake, use the rest of the glaze to cover the top of the cake. Gently spoon the glaze on the top of the cake. Spread the glaze out after you apply each spoonful. Make sure the top is entirely covered with an even layer of the glaze. It's okay if extra drips form while you glaze the top of the cake. Decorate the cake. Add character to the cake by placing edible decorations on the top, or scattered around the base of the cake. For example, you can add colorful lollipops and candies to the top of a cake dripped in pink chocolate. Or try decorating a cake glazed in milk chocolate with peanut butter cups broken in half, chopped peanuts, and chocolate candies. | Bake a layer cake. Ice the cake. Refrigerate the iced cake. Decide on a color. Place the chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate and cream for 60 seconds. Microwave for additional 30-second segments. Add food coloring. Take the chilled cake out of the refrigerator. Use a spoon or better yet, a piping bag with a snipped end, if you have one, to drip the glaze on the sides of the cake. Fill in the top of the cake with the remaining glaze. Decorate the cake. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-a-Passion-Fruit-Is-Ripe | How to Tell if a Passion Fruit Is Ripe | If you're not sure how to tell if a passion fruit is ripe, examine the color. A passion fruit that is still green is probably not ripe, whereas purple, red, or yellow fruit probably is. Next, check the surface of the fruit. Ripe passion fruit will have a wrinkled skin, but unripe passion fruit will be smooth. You can also compare the ripeness of 2 fruits by weighing them in your hands. The more mature fruit will feel heavier. | Recognize mature fruit by color. Avoid green passion fruit. Remember: the greener it is, the less ripened it is. This holds true for all varieties. Spot ripening fruit by changes in color. Look for fruit that has turned purple, red, and/or yellow. Expect some to be a uniform shade and others to be a mix between colors. Some fruit may actually ripen without changing color that much. If you're growing your own and find green fruit that has fallen from the tree, judge it by other methods before discarding. Inspect the skin’s texture. Spot unripened fruit by its smooth skin. Recognize ripe fruit by its wrinkles and dimples. Favor moderately wrinkled fruit over excessively wrinkled. Expect very wrinkled fruit to have already passed the peak of freshness. Inspect for damage. Expect to find small cuts and spots, which is normal and generally okay on their own. Bruised fruit is also perfectly edible, just softer. However, do check bruised areas for any cuts through the skin, since the bruised fruit underneath is more at-risk to mold. Bruised or moldy portions can be trimmed from the rest. Mold that appears on the outside of intact skin can be washed away since you aren't eating the skin. Let growing fruit fall on their own. If you are selecting fruit directly from a tree, don't pick them. Let gravity do the work. Expect ripe fruit to fall on their own due to their increased weight. However, unripened fruit may also fall due to weather or if the tree is weak from dehydration. Double-check its ripeness by other methods before eating. Choose heavy fruit. Weigh it in your hand. Recognize immature fruit by its lightness. Favor those that feel heavier than you would expect based on their size. A mature passion fruit should be between four and eight centimeters in diameter and weigh between 1.2 and 1.8 ounces (35 and 50 g). Select firm fruit. Give the fruit a very gentle squeeze. The skin should give a little when pressed, but still feel firm. If it feels rock-hard fruit, consider it unripened. If it feels soft, it has passed its peak. Ripen at room temperature. If you have fruit that is almost but not quite there yet, give it a few days to ripen further. Leave it sitting out at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Inspect it daily so you can enjoy before it becomes too wrinkly, at which point it starts to dry out inside. Cut it open. Do not eat the skin. Use a knife to cut open it. To eat it as is, slice off the top and use a spoon as though you were eating from a bowl. To add it as an ingredient to another dish , slice it in half so you can spoon it out more easily. Store opened fruit in the fridge or freezer. Once you have cut it open, refrigerate or freeze your fruit to keep it from spoiling. Expect refrigerated fruit to last a week at most. For longer storage, seal it in a high-quality freezer bag and freeze it, which will preserve it up to twelve months. | Recognize mature fruit by color. Inspect the skin’s texture. Inspect for damage. Let growing fruit fall on their own. Choose heavy fruit. Select firm fruit. Ripen at room temperature. Cut it open. Store opened fruit in the fridge or freezer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Understand-Syllogisms | How to Understand Syllogisms | To understand syllogisms, practice recognizing the major premise. An example of a major premise is “All humans are mortal.” Next, recognize the second part of the syllogism, the minor premise. An example of a minor premise is “David Foster Wallace is a human.” Finally, apply the premises to each other: if David is a human, then according to the major premise, David is also a mortal. You can then determine that the conclusion of the syllogism is “David Foster Wallace is mortal.” | Recognize how a syllogism makes an argument. To understand syllogisms, you need to familiarize yourself with several terms often used when discussing formal logic. At the most basic level, a syllogism is the simplest sequence of a combination of logical premises that lead to a conclusion. A premise is a proposition that is used as evidence in an argument. A conclusion is asserted by the logical result of an argument based on the relationship of the stated premises. Consider the conclusion of a syllogism to be the “thesis” of an argument. In other words, the conclusion is the point proven by the premises. Determine the three parts of a syllogism. Recall that a syllogism includes a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion. Jumping into an example: “All humans are mortal” might function as a major premise, and would stand as a generally accepted fact. “David Foster Wallace is a human” might follow as a minor premise. Notice that the minor premise is more specific, and immediately relates to the major premise. If each of the prior statements are considered valid, the logical conclusion would be “David Foster Wallace is mortal.” Determine the minor and major terms. Both the minor and major premises of a syllogism must have one term in common with the conclusion. The term that is in both the major premise and the conclusion is the major term, which forms the predicate of the conclusion – in other words, it states something about the subject of the conclusion. The term shared by the minor premise and the conclusion is the minor term, which will be the subject of the conclusion. Consider the example: “All birds are animals. Turkey vultures are bird. All turkey vultures are animals.” Here, “animal” is the major term, as it is in both the major premise and is the predicate of the conclusion. “Turkey vulture” is the minor term, as it is in the minor premise and is the subject of the conclusion. Notice that there is also a categorical term shared by the two premises, in this case “bird.” This is called the middle term, and is of immense importance in determining the figure of the syllogism, which is addressed in a later step. Look for categorical terms. If you're preparing for a logical reasoning test, or simply want to better understand syllogisms in general, note that most syllogism you will encounter will be categorical. This means that they will rely on reasoning akin to: “If ____ are/are not [members of a category], then ____ are/are not [also members of that category/a different category]” Another way to think of the logical sequence employed by categorical syllogisms is that they all employ the logical sequence of “Some/all/no _____ is/isn't ______.” Understand the distribution of terms in a syllogism. There are four different types of propositions that can be made by each of the three parts of a syllogism. Think of how they differ in terms of how they each distribute – or don't distribute – any categorical term. Consider a categorical terms to be “distributed” only if all individual members of that category are accounted for in the term. For example, in the premise "all men are mortal", the term "men" is distributed, as every member belonging to that category is accounted for – in this case, as mortal. Note how each of the four different types of propositions distributes (or does not distribute) the terms: In "All X are Y" propositions, the subject (X) is distributed. In "No X are Y" propositions, both the subject (X) and the predicate (Y) are distributed. In "Some X are Y" propositions, neither the subject nor the predicate are distributed. In "Some X are not Y" propositions, the predicate (Y) is distributed. Identify an enthymeme. Enthymemes, aside from having another really hard to pronounce name, are simply compressed syllogisms. Another way to think of an enthymeme is as a one-sentence syllogism, which may help you recognize both how and why syllogisms are a convenient reasoning device. In specific terms, enthymemes disregard the major premise and combine the minor premise with the conclusion. For instance, consider the syllogism: “All dogs are canine. Lola is a dog. Lola is a canine.” The enthymeme of this same logical sequence would be: “Lola is a canine because she's a dog.” Another example of an enthymeme is “David Foster Wallace is mortal because he is human.” Distinguish between validity and soundness. A logically valid syllogism is one in which the premises entail the conclusion, in that it is impossible for the premises to be true and the conclusion to be false. However, it is possible for a valid syllogism to be factually untrue if its premises are false. This is called an unsound syllogism. Sound syllogisms are valid syllogisms with true premises. A sound syllogism is truth-preserving, where true propositions entail a true conclusion. For instance, consider the syllogism: “All dogs can fly. Fido is a dog. Fido can fly.” This syllogism is logically valid, but since the major premise is untrue, the conclusion is clearly inaccurate and the syllogism is unsound. The structure of the argument made by a syllogism – the reasoning of the argument itself – is what you're assessing when assessing a syllogism for logical validity. When assessing soundness, you're assessing both its validity and the factual accuracy of its premises. Look for linguistic giveaways that indicate invalidity. Observe the affirmative or negative nature of the premises and conclusion when looking to determine validity. Note that if either of the premises is negative, the conclusion must also be negative. If both premises are affirmative, the conclusion must also be affirmative. If any of these rules are not followed, you already know the syllogism is invalid. Further, at least one of a syllogism's two premises must be affirmative, as no valid conclusion can follow from two negative premises. For example, "No pencils are cats, some cats are not pets, therefore some pets are not pencils" has true premises and a true conclusion, but is invalid because of its two negative premises. If transposed, it would reach the nonsensical conclusion that some pets are pencils. Further, at least one premise of a valid syllogism must contain a universal form. If both premises are particular, then no valid conclusion can follow. For example,“some cats are black" and "some black things are tables" are both particular propositions, so it cannot follow that "some cats are tables". You'll often simply know that a syllogism that breaks one of these rules is invalid without thinking about it, as it will likely sound illogical. Be skeptical of conditional syllogisms. Conditional syllogisms are hypothetical, and their conclusions are not always valid, as they depend on the condition that an unproven premise is true. Conditional syllogisms will include reasoning along the lines of “If_____, then_____.” These syllogisms are not valid when there are additional factors that may contribute to a conclusion. For instance: “If you keep eating Jolly Ranchers every day, you're putting yourself at risk for diabetes. Sterling doesn't eat Jolly Ranchers every day. Sterling is not at risk for diabetes.” This syllogism is not valid for several reasons. Among them, Sterling may eat copious amounts of Jolly Ranchers several days a week – just not every day – which would still place him at risk for diabetes. Or, Sterling may eat cake every day, which would definitely place him at risk for diabetes. Watch out for syllogistic fallacies. Syllogisms can allow for incorrect conclusions to be implied by a false argument. Consider the example: “Jesus walked on water. The green basilisk lizard walks on water. The green basilisk lizard is Jesus.” This conclusion is not necessarily true, as the middle term – in this case, “[the ability to walk on water]” – is not distributed in the conclusion. As another example: "All dogs love food" and "John loves food" does not logically indicate that "John is a dog." These are called fallacies of the undistributed middle, wherein a term that links the two phrases is never fully distributed. Beware of the fallacy of the illicit major, too. For instance, consider: "All cats are animals. No dogs are cats. No dogs are animals." This is invalid because the major term "animals" is undistributed in the major premise – not all animals are cats, but the conclusion relies on this insinuation. The same may be said of an illicit minor. For instance: "All cats are mammals. All cats are animals. All animals are mammals." This is invalid because, again, not all animals are cats, and the conclusion relies on this invalid insinuation. Recognize types of propositions. If each of a syllogism's premises are accepted as valid, the conclusion may also be valid. Logical validity, however, also depends on the form and figure of the syllogism, which both depend on the propositions of the syllogism. In categorical syllogisms, four different types of propositions are used to make up the premises and the conclusion. “A” propositions propose a universal affirmative, such as “all [categorical or specific term] are [a different categorical or specific term].” For example “All cats are felines.” “E” propositions propose exactly the opposite: a universal negative. For instance, “no [categorical of specific term] are [a different categorical or specific term].” More demonstratively, “No dogs are felines.” “I” propositions include a particular affirmative qualification in reference to one of the terms in the premise. For instance, “Some cats are black.” “O” propositions are the opposite, including a particular negative qualification. For instance, “Some cats are not black.” Identify the mood of a syllogism based on its propositions. By identifying which of the four types of propositions are used, we can reduce a syllogism to three letters to help determine whether it's a valid form for the figure of that particular syllogism. Different figures of syllogisms will be described in a following step. For now, simply understand that you can label each part of syllogism – including each premise and the conclusion – according to which type of proposition they make to identify the syllogism's mood. For instance, consider a categorical syllogism with the mood of AAA: “All X are Y. All Y are Z. So, all X are Z. A mood refers only to the types of propositions employed in a syllogism of standard order – major premise, minor premise, conclusion – and may be the same for two different forms based on the figure of the syllogisms in question. Determine the “figure” of the syllogism. A syllogism's figure is determined by whether the middle term serves as subject or predicate in the premises. Recall that a subject is what the sentence is about, and the predicate is a word that applies to the subject of the sentence. In a first figure syllogism, the middle term serves as subject in the major premise and predicate in the minor premise: "All birds are animals. All parrots are birds. All parrots are animals". In a second figure syllogism, the middle term serves as predicate in the major premise and predicate in the minor premise. For instance: "No foxes are birds. All parrots are birds. No parrots are foxes." In a third figure syllogism, the middle term serves as subject in the major premise and subject in the minor premise. For instance: "All birds are animals. All birds are mortals. Some mortals are animals." In a fourth figure syllogism, the middle term serves as predicate in the major premise and subject in the minor premise. For instance: "No birds are cows. All cows are animals. Some animals are not birds." Recognize the valid forms of syllogisms. Although there are 256 mathematically possible forms of syllogisms – since there are 4 possible variations (A/E/I/O) for each part of a syllogism, and 4 different figures of syllogisms – only 19 forms are logically valid. For first figure syllogisms, the valid forms are AAA, EAE, AII, and EIO. For second figure syllogisms, the valid forms are EAE, AEE, EIO, and AOO. For third figure syllogisms, the valid forms are AAI, IAI, AII, EAO, OAO, and EIO. For fourth figure syllogisms, the valid forms are AAI, AEE, IAI, EAO, and EIO. | Recognize how a syllogism makes an argument. Determine the three parts of a syllogism. Determine the minor and major terms. Look for categorical terms. Understand the distribution of terms in a syllogism. Identify an enthymeme. Distinguish between validity and soundness. Look for linguistic giveaways that indicate invalidity. Be skeptical of conditional syllogisms. Watch out for syllogistic fallacies. Recognize types of propositions. Identify the mood of a syllogism based on its propositions. Determine the “figure” of the syllogism. Recognize the valid forms of syllogisms. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Butter | How to Store Butter | You can store butter at room temperature for up to 3 weeks as long as it's salted. Don't store unsalted or whipped butter at room temperature or it will go bad. Instead, store unsalted or whipped butter in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Just make sure it's sealed in the original container it came in, or wrap it in aluminum foil so it stays fresh. For long-term storage, you can freeze butter. Just wrap the butter in aluminum foil, seal it in a freezer bag, and keep it in the freezer up to 3 months if it's unsalted or 1 year if it's salted. | Wrap the butter tightly in its original packaging or in aluminum foil. Butter can be stored in the fridge in its original greaseproof paper as long as it is tightly sealed. If the paper came is ripped and you cannot reseal it tightly, just wrap it up in aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Place the butter in the fridge away from other foods. Butter compartments keep your butter separate from other items in your fridge, preventing it from absorbing flavors and smells from other foods. Keep the butter in that compartment or, if you do not have one, store it as far as you can from foods with strong smells or tastes. Both salted and unsalted butter will stay fresh wrapped up in the fridge for about 3 weeks. Double-wrap the butter for lasting freshness if you won't use it soon. You can get a little extra life out of your butter if you double-wrap it in foil before putting it in the fridge. If you think you will not use the butter within 3 weeks of buying it, wrap it twice and store it away from your other foods. Salted butter can stay fresh another couple of weeks if it is double-wrapped. Unsalted butter may only last another week, so try to use it up as soon as you can. Cut the butter into 1⁄4 c (4.0 US tbsp) chunks for easy thawing. Not all recipes call for a full stick of butter, so chop up your butter into smaller bits to make it more convenient and easy to thaw when you need it. You can cut it into 1 inch (2.5 cm) sections or measure it out into ⁄ 4 c (4.0 US tbsp) portions. How big you cut it doesn't really matter. You can make it bigger or smaller based on how you usually use your butter. It's not necessary to cut up the butter before freezing. You can freeze whole sticks or blocks as well. Just keep in mind that you will have to thaw the entire block when you want to use it. Thaw frozen butter the same way you'd soften refrigerated butter. You can leave it at room temperature, grate it, heat it up, or just leave it in the fridge until you are ready for it. Protect the butter by wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil. You want to keep the butter protected from freezer burn and from absorbing smells in the freezer. Wrap it completely in the foil, making sure none of the butter is exposed to the air. Place the wrapped butter in a freezer storage bag. For added protection, place the foil-wrapped butter in a plastic freezer storage bag. You can put several of pieces of wrapped butter in one bag, depending on how much space you have in your freezer. Consider using reusable storage bags because they are better for the environment. Label the bag with the date and the type of butter. Salted butter will keep fresh for about 1 year in the freezer and unsalted butter is good for about 3 months. Write the date that you put the butter in the freezer on the bag so you can always tell how long it has been in there. If you want to store the salted and unsalted butter in one bag, you'll have to mark the portions of butter individually. Choose salted butter for storing at room temperature. Bacteria is less likely to grow on salted butter because of its high fat content and added salt. Because of this, salted butter can be kept on the counter for two to three weeks. Unsalted or whipped butter should not be kept on the countertop as it will go bad quickly. You can also store ghee at room temperature because it has a very low milk content. This means it won't spoil as quickly as other dairy products. If it's summertime and you do not have A/C, it's probably too warm in your kitchen to keep the butter on the counter. To avoid a melty mess or rancid butter in the hot summer months, keep it in the fridge instead. Seal the butter tightly in a closed container or a butter crock. You can get a specially-made airtight butter crock or use any sealed container to store your butter on the counter. You just need to make sure your container doesn't expose the butter to the air when you are not using it. French bell crocks use water to create a vacuum seal. If you are concerned about air exposure, consider getting one of those. Keep the sealed butter away from heat. Don't keep the butter anywhere near your stove or your kitchen appliances. Excess heat can cause the butter to go rancid or melt into a greasy mess. The best place to store it is on a counter or in a cupboard away from the cooking equipment. Avoid cross-contamination with utensils when you use the butter. Bacteria from your eating or cooking utensils will contaminate the butter and make it spoil faster. Keep a dedicated butter spoon or knife with the butter and don't use it for anything else. Wash the butter spoon or knife after every use to ensure it does not get contaminated with bacteria. | Wrap the butter tightly in its original packaging or in aluminum foil. Place the butter in the fridge away from other foods. Double-wrap the butter for lasting freshness if you won't use it soon. Cut the butter into 1⁄4 c (4.0 US tbsp) chunks for easy thawing. Protect the butter by wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped butter in a freezer storage bag. Label the bag with the date and the type of butter. Choose salted butter for storing at room temperature. Seal the butter tightly in a closed container or a butter crock. Keep the sealed butter away from heat. Avoid cross-contamination with utensils when you use the butter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Candy-Corn-Jello-Shots | How to Make Candy Corn Jello Shots | Candy corn jello shots are a fun Halloween treat that you can make with jello, condensed milk, and vanilla vodka. Start by heating up some unflavored gelatin with water and condensed milk, then add vanilla vodka to make the base of the shot. Fill the bottom third of several shot glasses with this mixture, then chill them in the fridge for about 40 minutes. Repeat the process with a layer of orange jello flavored with vodka, and pour that on top of the first layer. Once the second layer has set, finish off with a layer of vodka-spiked lemon jello. | Heat the water, sweetened condensed milk, and unflavored gelatin. Combine 1 cup (240 ml) of water, 4 ounces (110 g) of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 packet of unflavored gelatin in a small saucepan and put it on the stove. Turn the burner to medium heat to warm the mixture. The water doesn't need to reach a boiling point. As long as it's steaming, the water will be hot enough to dissolve the gelatin. 1 packet of gelatin is the equivalent of about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of gelatin. Stir until the gelatin dissolves, then remove the pan from the heat. It should take about 5 minutes. Once all of the powder is completely dissolved, take the pan off the stove and set it on a hot pad or trivet on the counter. To prevent the powder from burning or sticking on the bottom of the pan, stir continuously while the pan is over heat. Mix 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of vodka into the saucepan while it’s warm. Make sure the liquid in the saucepan is not so hot that you can't touch it. If it's too hot, the alcohol will cook out when you pour it in. If necessary, let the mixture cool for a few minutes before you stir in the vodka. Pour the mixture into the shot glasses, filling each 1/3 of the way. This will create your white layer at the bottom of the candy corn. Use a funnel or measuring cup to divvy up the liquid. Place the shot glasses in the refrigerator for 30 to 40 minutes. You want them to harden a little before adding the next layer. They should be firm when you remove them from the fridge. It's better to leave the shots in the fridge for longer than to remove them too soon. If you aren't sure the shots are set, wait an extra 10 to 15 minutes. Mix the orange gelatin, 1 packet of unflavored gelatin, and water. Measure out 1 cup (240 ml) of boiling water and pour it into a small mixing bowl along with the box of orange-flavored gelatin and the unflavored gelatin. Stir until all of the gelatin is dissolved into the water. Heat the water on the stove to bring it to a boil before mixing it in or use the microwave to heat it. If you use the stove to heat the water, you can combine the gelatin with the water all at once. However, since there's no milk that needs to be heated, this isn't necessary. Add 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of vodka to the mixture. Use a spoon or whisk to carefully stir the vodka into the orange liquid. Make sure it's thoroughly combined. Increase the amount of vodka you add in for stronger shots. If you substituted a different alcohol for vodka, use that here. Pour the mixture into the glasses, filling each one 2/3 of the way. This will go directly on top of the white layer that's already in the bottom. The white layer should be set enough that the 2 layers won't mix. Leave enough room at the top of each glass for the final yellow layer. Return the shot glasses to the refrigerator for another 30 to 40 minutes. Again, you want the orange layer to be jiggly and firm before you pour on the final layer. The jello could set in less than 30 minutes if your fridge is super cold. Set the kitchen timer or use the clock app on your phone to keep track of the time. Repeat the same mixing process with the lemon-flavored gelatin. Combine the box of lemon gelatin, 1 packet of unflavored gelatin, and 1 cup (240 ml) of boiling water in a bowl, mixing until the gelatin is dissolved. Then stir in the last ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) of vodka. Save time by doing this step about 5 to 10 minutes before removing the orange layer from the fridge. Fill the remaining 1/3 of each shot glass with the lemon mixture. This forms the yellow layer that's the bottom of the candy corn. To avoid spills when you're moving the glasses to the fridge, don't fill the glasses all the way to the rim so the liquid doesn't slosh over the top. Set the shot glasses on a plate or baking sheet to catch any accidental spills. Place the shot glasses back in the refrigerator for 30 to 40 minutes. Let the final layer set before you enjoy your jello shots. If you aren't eating them right away, keep them in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve them. Top each shot with 1 to 2 pieces of actual candy corn for an extra sweet touch. Refrigerated jello shots will last 7 to 10 days. Combine the box of lemon gelatin with 1 packet of unflavored gelatin. Pour both gelatin powders into a small bowl. Use a spoon to mix them together. If you're using a bulk container of unflavored gelatin, 1 packet is equal to about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of gelatin. Stir 1 cup (240 ml) of boiling water into the gelatin mix. Carefully pour the water into the bowl with the gelatin powders. Stir the ingredients together with a spoon until the powder is completely dissolved. It will take about 2 minutes. Lukewarm water will not work. You need hot water that will dissolve the powder. Anything cooler will just cause the powder to clump up. You can either bring the water to a boil on the stove or heat it in the microwave. Fill each of the shot glasses halfway with the gelatin mixture. Use a funnel or a measuring cup to pour the liquid into each shot glass. Leave room in the glass for the second layer. A tablespoon or eyedropper can also help you get the liquid into the shot glasses without a mess. Place the shot glasses in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. This will allow the lemon gelatin to harden before you add the orange layer. After 20 minutes, the gelatin should be firm and jiggly to the touch. If you don't let the lemon layer set properly, the 2 layers will mix together instead of sitting separately on top of each other. Combine the orange gelatin, unflavored gelatin, and boiling water. Now you're making the orange layer. Mix the box of orange-flavored gelatin, the other packet of unflavored gelatin, and 1 cup (240 ml) of boiling water in a small bowl. Stir until the powder is dissolved. Use a new bowl or simply rinse out the one you had used for the lemon layer. Do this step while the lemon gelatin is setting in the refrigerator to save time. Wait to mix it until 5 to 10 minutes before it's time to remove the lemon gelatin, though, so it doesn't start setting. Pour the orange mixture on top of the lemon layer in each shot glass. Now that the lemon layer has set in the fridge, you can add the orange layer. With a measuring cup or funnel, fill the remaining half of each shot glass with the orange gelatin mixture. Test 1 shot glass before pouring it into all of them. If the layers begin mixing, you know you need to let the first layer harden a little more first. Place the filled shot glasses back in the fridge for another 20 minutes. This allows the orange layer to set just like the lemon layer did. If you aren't planning to eat the shots immediately, keep them in the fridge until serving. There's no harm in leaving the shots in the fridge for longer than 20 to 30 minutes to set. It's better to have them firmer than too runny. You can keep jello shots in the fridge for 7 to 10 days. Add whipped topping and some sprinkles before serving if you’d like. For a little festive flair, spoon a dollop of whipped topping onto the shot glasses to mimic the white layer of a candy corn. Toss on some orange and white sprinkles, too. Wait until you're ready to eat the shots before you add the final touches. Otherwise, the whipped topping will melt or fall flat. | Heat the water, sweetened condensed milk, and unflavored gelatin. Stir until the gelatin dissolves, then remove the pan from the heat. Mix 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of vodka into the saucepan while it’s warm. Pour the mixture into the shot glasses, filling each 1/3 of the way. Place the shot glasses in the refrigerator for 30 to 40 minutes. Mix the orange gelatin, 1 packet of unflavored gelatin, and water. Add 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of vodka to the mixture. Pour the mixture into the glasses, filling each one 2/3 of the way. Return the shot glasses to the refrigerator for another 30 to 40 minutes. Repeat the same mixing process with the lemon-flavored gelatin. Fill the remaining 1/3 of each shot glass with the lemon mixture. Place the shot glasses back in the refrigerator for 30 to 40 minutes. Combine the box of lemon gelatin with 1 packet of unflavored gelatin. Stir 1 cup (240 ml) of boiling water into the gelatin mix. Fill each of the shot glasses halfway with the gelatin mixture. Place the shot glasses in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Combine the orange gelatin, unflavored gelatin, and boiling water. Pour the orange mixture on top of the lemon layer in each shot glass. Place the filled shot glasses back in the fridge for another 20 minutes. Add whipped topping and some sprinkles before serving if you’d like. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Vacuum-Flask | How to Clean a Vacuum Flask | To clean a vacuum flask, fill it with water and a few drops of dish soap, then cap the flask and shake it well. Afterwards, rinse the flask to remove the soap and loosened buildup. For stubborn buildup, scrub the inside of the flask with a toothbrush before rinsing. If your flask needs deodorizing as well as stain removal, fill it with a solution of baking soda, apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and boiling water. Then, cap the flask and shake it gently for 1 minute to break down the stains and odors. | Use clean water to remove loose buildup. Loose buildup can make your flask seem dirtier than it actually is. Pour a moderate amount of clean water into the vacuum flask. Cap the flask and shake it firmly. Remove the cap and pour the water down the drain. Add dish soap and water to the flask. Fill the flask with a moderate amount of clean water. Add a few drops of dish soap to the water. Cap the flask and shake it well to clean it. Open the flask and inspect its condition. If there is stubborn buildup, you may need to scrub it away. If the water has become dirty, dump it down the drain. Rinse the flask and refill it with clean water and a few drops of dish soap. For severely dirty flasks, allow the soapy water to sit for a few minutes. This will allow more time for the soap to break up buildup. Scrub the flask if necessary. To remove stubborn buildup from the inside of flasks, you may need a scrubbing tool. Because some vacuum flasks may have narrow top openings, small, long handled scrubbers or toothbrushes may work best. Specialty bottle brushes are available at most grocery stores and drug stores. Look for these in the “baby” or “infant” section of the store. If you don't have a suitable handled scrubber, wrap or tie a washcloth to a wooden spoon. Scrub the insides of the flask with the cloth wrapped spoon. Rinse the flask and repeat this process as needed. When the inside of the flask looks clean, pour the cleaning solution down the drain. Rinse the flask to remove soap and loosened buildup. Allow the flask to air dry completely before storing it. Storing a vacuum flask while still wet or capped could cause it to smell musty. To remove mustiness, use the process described for deodorizing and cleaning with baking soda and vinegar. Combine baking soda and apple cider vinegar in the flask. Rinse your flask to remove any loose foreign matter already inside it. Pour out the rinse water and add 1 or 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) of baking soda to the flask. Combine a moderate amount of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide with the soda. Most normal sized flasks will only need about an inch (2½ cm) of vinegar in the bottom of the flask to be effectively cleaned. Distilled white vinegar can be used in place of apple cider vinegar. However, apple cider vinegar is more acidic, making it more suitable as a cleaner. The reaction between the vinegar and the baking soda should cause fizzing and bubbling. This is completely natural. Wait until this reaction has stopped before going further. Add boiling water to the solution. Check your vacuum flask user instructions before doing so. Some flasks may only be intended for cool substances and could be damaged by boiling water. Pour boiling water into the flask until it is half to three-quarter's full. To boost the cleaning power of the soda/vinegar solution, let it sit in the flask for a few minutes before giving it a thorough shaking. Shake the flask. When the foaming of the soda/vinegar solution has stopped, cap the flask firmly. Shake the flask lightly, then remove the cap to release pressure. Recap the flask, then shake it thoroughly for a minute or so to clean and deodorize it. Capping the flask too soon could cause pressure to build up from the baking soda/vinegar reaction, which may damage your flask or cause the top to suddenly pop free. Dispose of the solution and reapply it as necessary. Remove the cap from the flask and inspect its inside. If the flask is still dirty or musty, repeat this process. Leave the uncapped flask out overnight to air dry. Flasks should be stored uncapped when completely dry. Add water, uncooked rice, and a mild detergent to the flask. Flush the flask with clean water. Dump the water down the drain and refill it with a moderate amount of clean water. Insert a small amount (roughly a handful) of uncooked rice to the water. Add a few drops of a mild detergent, like dish soap. In place of uncooked rice, you can substitute crushed eggshells. Boil an egg to clean the shells. Peel the egg and crush the shells with your clean hands. Add these to the flask in the same fashion and amount as uncooked rice. Shake the flask thoroughly. Cap the flask firmly to prevent leaking. Use a variety of motions while shaking the flask: swirl the solution back and forth, tip the bottle upside down and rightside up. Using firm motions will clean the inside best. Empty the flask and rinse it. Dump the cleaning solution outside or down a drain. Rinse the flask thoroughly to remove any remaining rice (or eggshells) and soap. Inspect the flask for remaining dirtiness. If it is still dirty, repeat this process. When clean, air dry the flask for about eight hours or overnight, then store the flask uncapped. This will prevent your flask from developing an unpleasant odor. Brighten discolored flasks with Oxiclean. Rinse the flask as you would for a normal cleaning, then add roughly a half tsp (5 ml) of Oxiclean to the flask. Pour hot water into the flask until it's nearly full. After a short while, empty the flask and rinse it thoroughly. Air dry the flask and store it as you would normally. For the best results, keep the solution in the flask for at least eight hours or let it sit in the flask overnight. This technique is also especially useful for removing difficult stains and stubborn odors from flasks. Take care to completely remove the Oxiclean from the flask. Remaining cleaner may cause stomach irritation, sickness, or a bad taste. Remove buildup with denture tablets. Check the size of your thermos. For every 2 cups (473 ml) your flask can hold, use a single denture tablet. Put your flask in a sink and fill it with hot water. Let it sit capless for several hours. Dump out the cleaner afterwards and thoroughly rinse the flask. Denture tablets are formulated to cleanse ingrained stains, making them useful for flask cleaning. Denture tablets will likely fizz and foam quite a bit. To prevent overflowing solution from making a mess, you clean flasks with this technique over a sink or outside. Flasks with stubborn buildup may require a little scrubbing action. In the same fashion described for general flask washing, scrub the inside of the flask with a toothbrush, bottle brush, or washcloth. Use a descaling agent to clean the flask. Common descaling cleaners include CLR, Mineral Magic, and Renegite. Apply these to your flask according to the cleaner's label directions. Rinse the flask several times after cleaning to ensure no cleaner remains. Be careful when using harsh cleaners on your flask. In some cases, these may cause damage to your flask. Harsh cleaners can be harmful when ingested. To prevent indigestion, sickness, or a bad taste in your flask, be sure to rinse the flask well. | Use clean water to remove loose buildup. Add dish soap and water to the flask. Scrub the flask if necessary. Rinse the flask and repeat this process as needed. Combine baking soda and apple cider vinegar in the flask. Add boiling water to the solution. Shake the flask. Dispose of the solution and reapply it as necessary. Add water, uncooked rice, and a mild detergent to the flask. Shake the flask thoroughly. Empty the flask and rinse it. Brighten discolored flasks with Oxiclean. Remove buildup with denture tablets. Use a descaling agent to clean the flask. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Less-Emotional | How to Be Less Emotional | If you want to become a less emotional person, change your emotional approach by practicing deep breathing techniques whenever you get worked up. Inhale slowly for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds, then repeat this at least 4 more times. You should also make sure to keep your mind in the present as much as possible, since dwelling on past events and jumping to conclusions about the future too often can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety. Instead of ruminating on your concerns, write them down in a stress diary and look for better coping mechanisms. If that doesn't work, distract yourself by listening to music, reading a book, or going for a walk. | Practice breathing techniques. Breathing can help calm you down when you're experiencing overwhelming emotions such as rage, endless crying, or deep disappointment. If you're feeling overwhelmed by emotional intensity, pause to focus on your breathing. Breathing techniques can help you manage your emotions more effectively and help you handle intense emotions better. You may notice that as you experience intense emotions, they bring you further from experiencing yourself and your body. Breathing helps bring you back to your body and back into the present moment. Learn to moderate your emotions by using your breath. Start by lengthening your breaths, noticing that you feel more and more relaxed. Breath deeply into your lungs, and feel your stomach rise and fall. Count slowly as you exhale, and feel your body, mind, and emotions relax. For more breathing exercises, check out How to Breathe Deeply. Avoid dwelling on past events. If you spend much time dwelling on the past or wondering “what if...”, you may start to feel low, negative, or depressed. While it's good to learn from past mistakes and reflect on your behavior, it can become overwhelming when your thoughts and feelings live more in the past than the present. When ruminating, you may have a more difficult time forgiving yourself or other people or harbor negative feelings. If you find yourself ruminating, take your mind and emotions off of the situation. Exercise, read a book, or call a friend (but don't talk about what you're ruminating on!). Use the past to learn and grow from, yet know when to let it go. If reflections in the past causes distress or you find yourself returning over and over to a situation you “messed up”, learn to let it go, knowing you cannot change it. Instead, determine to let the event change your future behavior. Rumination is linked to depression. Depression can make a difficult past hard to move forward from, and often finds relief through therapy. If you think you may have depression, check out How to Know if You Have Depression and How to Overcome Depression. Avoid jumping to conclusions about the future. If you feel anxious, you may notice you burn a lot of emotional energy worrying. You may experience fears such as not doing tasks correctly or getting sick from germ exposure. You may even know your fears are irrational, but you can't help but worry or fear them. You may fear catastrophes anticipate the worst in situations. If this sounds like you, learn ways to calm your anxiety, such as using relaxation techniques like visualization, and practice cognitive approaches, like accepting uncertainty. For more information, check out How to Control Anxiety. Change your coping strategy. If you're trying to deal with unpleasant emotions and find that you're struggling to remove yourself, try a different strategy. You may not be able to remove the emotional experience, but you may be able to cope with it better. For instance, if you're trying to cope with rage and still feel angry even after removing yourself from the situation, try drawing or coloring or doing some exercise. Try distracting yourself with music or going for a walk. Play with your pet, read a book, or garden. Use a stress diary. Write in a diary throughout the day about your stressors and how you deal with them or react to them. Assess what events you responded well to and which ones were more difficult. Find ways to cope with emotions consistently that help you move past them quickly. Using a diary can help you track what methods work well, which situations trigger your emotional reactivity, and how you work through each situation. Monitor your expectations. Sometimes, the way you feel may be mediated by how you expect to feel. For instance, if you expect that watching a movie may make you sad, you may end up feeling sad. If you notice yourself placing expectations on how you ''should'' feel, hold off on making that judgment until you've completed the situation. Or, you may consider which situations you want to enter into beforehand. Control what you can control. Think about what events trigger your strong emotions, and problem solve how to either avoid them or curb your response. For instance, if you tend to get anxious because you often run late for work, adjust your morning routine so that you are not rushing, and budget extra time for traffic or other surprises. If there is a group of people that bring out lots of unpleasant emotions, decrease your time with them. When you have control of a situation, take it. Modify the situation. If you find yourself constantly disappointed in yourself or your abilities, modify your expectations. You may be a perfectionist and feel like if something isn't 100% perfect, it's not worth sharing with other people. Especially if you have a deadline, it's okay to modify the situation in order to manage your emotions more effectively. For instance, you can say, “While my project isn't 100% perfect, I'm proud of it and I know I did good work.” If you tend to have lofty ideas and expectations, start modifying how you accomplish them. For instance, you can call in help from other people, or choose a goal that is less lofty, but attainable. Remind yourself that feelings are valid, although not always “truth. ” While you are absolutely allowed to feel your feelings, remember that a feeling doesn't equate with truth. This is also true of thoughts. When you feel like reacting to something, remind yourself that you may not have all of the information yet, and your thoughts and feelings may change. Your thoughts and feelings change constantly and do not define you. Inquire before judging. You may jump to conclusions instead of getting all of the information first. Instead of jumping to conclusions or making a snap judgment, wait until you have all of the information. And while you're at it, avoid planning your next move if you're in an argument. Instead, ask questions and seek to understand the full situation before assigning a judgment or emotionally investing yourself. If you're upset that your partner is late, don't jump to conclusions as to why he may be late. Instead, gently ask what happened without coming across as judgmental or accusing. Avoid reacting to emotional outbursts. If someone is emotionally reactive in an argument, don't meet this reactivity with more reactivity. Instead, practice active listening skills. Reacting to another person's strong emotions will likely escalate the situation and will not contribute to a solution. For example, if someone is angry and is attacking you, don't go straight to the defense. Instead, hear the person out, make an effort to understand her thoughts and feelings, ask questions, and calmly reply. Use “I” statements. By blaming, you automatically put someone on the defensive, which can lead to conflict. The other person may also be more likely to blame you back for something. Claim your emotions as a way of not blaming others and taking responsibility for your emotions. By claiming your emotions as your own, you gain control of them. Instead of blaming someone by saying, “You didn't show up and you blew me off again; you're such a jerk,” say, “I felt really hurt and abandoned that you didn't show this evening, and I felt confused that you didn't let me know you weren't coming.” Identify emotions. It's important to know what you feel so that you can adequately address each emotion appropriately. Start to reflect on how your body feels when you notice an emotion coming through. If you feel anger, for instance, you may start to notice your breathing quickening, your muscles tensing, or your skin feeling flushed. If you're happy, you may notice smiling or feelings of lightness in your body. Tune in to your body's communication. Journal each emotion. For instance, write a journal entry for “sadness” and write down all the things that make you feel sad. Do the same thing for “anger,” “joy,” “peace,” “rage,” or any other emotion you want to focus on. Decode each emotion’s message. Often, you feel emotions as a communication system. For instance, you may feel anxiety as a way to express fear of something. Emotions can trigger emotional or physical perceived stressors that we choose to move toward or away from. When your emotions come up, ask them what they are communicating to you. If you feel sadness, ask yourself, “What have I lost or what do I perceive I will lose?” When experiencing anger, ask, “Do I feel like my values are being attacked?” or, “ Is there some action I should be taking?” When happy, ask, “What do I feel has been added to my life?” Increase your empathy. Empathy means observing your emotions less and the emotions of those around you. Having empathy is part of having emotional intelligence. If you find yourself focusing largely on your own emotions, take a step back and notice the emotions of the people around you. Contemplate their emotional experience and recognize the emotions they feel. Increasing your empathy helps you relate to people more effectively, respect their emotional experience, and take the spotlight off of yourself. Ask yourself, “What is this person feeling and experiencing right now?” Be mindful. Staying present can help you moderate your emotions. Practicing mindfulness means you allow your thoughts and feelings to come and observe them without judgement. If you find yourself feeling sad, try to turn yourself away from judgemental thoughts like, "I shouldn't still be sad about this. What's wrong with me?" Instead, try to be objective, maybe simply observing, "I still have strong emotions about that incident. That's interesting." Practicing mindfulness can have benefits for emotional, mental, and physical health. Some mindfulness practices to try include tuning into your senses (touch, taste, sight, smell, and hearing) and observing them. Focus on your breathing and see how that moderates the way you feel. For more information, check out How to Do Mindful Meditation. See a therapist. If you find it difficult to relate to your emotions positively or cannot find ways to control your emotions, a therapist can help you. A therapist can help you process your difficult emotions while also providing an outlet for you to release your emotions in a positive and constructive way. If controlling your emotions feels impossible, talk to a therapist to find ways to make this more manageable. Find a therapist you feel comfortable talking to and seeing regularly. Your therapist should be someone you can trust and with whom you are comfortable sharing vulnerable or embarrassing things. If you are uncomfortable with your therapist or just don't feel a connection, it's okay to see someone else. | Practice breathing techniques. Avoid dwelling on past events. Avoid jumping to conclusions about the future. Change your coping strategy. Use a stress diary. Monitor your expectations. Control what you can control. Modify the situation. Remind yourself that feelings are valid, although not always “truth. Inquire before judging. Avoid reacting to emotional outbursts. Use “I” statements. Identify emotions. Decode each emotion’s message. Increase your empathy. Be mindful. See a therapist. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Put-in-an-Above-Ground-Pool | How to Put in an Above Ground Pool | Before putting in an above ground pool, prepare the area by ensuring that the ground is level and removing the grass with a sod remover. If you don't have a sod remover, you can rent one from from your local home improvement store. Then, start constructing your pool, beginning with the bottom ring. Once the ring is in place, place patio blocks underneath and fill the pool area with sand to add support to the base. Afterwards, install the pool wall and liner, and finish by screwing on the top plates, top rails, and top covers. | Find what you need. Before you start to build your pool, make sure you're equipped with all of the tools you'll need. Many of the tools you'll use can be rented from your local equipment rental outlet. Shovel Tape measure Phillips head screwdriver Duct tape Sand Filter Skimmer Patio blocks (2” x 8” x 16”) Wrench (5/16 and ¼) Level Rake Open the hardware packets. Go through and separate the hardware so that it is easier to find what you need when you need it. Be sure not to mix the different sized nuts or screws together. This will make it exponentially difficult to find the correct hardware while you're building. Choose the area. Determine what spot you want to use to put your above ground pool. Remember that you should place your pool 8-10 feet from any trees. Avoid steep slopes. Avoid underground obstruction such as tree roots. Must comply with all state and local codes. Ensure the ground is level. This can be done a couple different ways, and it is very important to the structure of your pool. Rent a transit to find a level area. Can be rented at most local equipment rental outlets. Use a long, straight board with a carpenters level on top of it to measure the levelness of the area. Find the center point. This is where the middle of you pool will be. It is easiest to measure off an existing object. A fence or swing set work as your existing object. Measure from the existing object and mark where you want the edge of your pool. Using the tape measure, measure half of the width (the radius) of the pool from the marked edge. This is your center point. Stake the tape measure at the center point of the pool. Measure the outline of your pool. This measurement won't be exactly the wall of your pool, but it gives you a guideline for building. Pull the tape measure to the radius measure of your pool plus one foot. Mark this on the ground all the way around your center point. Remove the sod. Your pool cannot be installed on top of any grass. If you put it on grass, the bottom will be unstable and can shift or settle over time. A sod remover can be rented from your equipment rental shop and make this part of the job much easier. Rake the area. Once you've dug up your sod, rake over the area to clean it. This will remove the remaining sod. Also the roots, rocks, or other debris that can be bad for your liner will be picked up by the rake. Double check to make sure the area is level. Once again, this is important to the base structure of your pool. Dig down any high areas, rather than building up low areas. This will prevent the pool from settling over time. Your entire area should be within 1 inch of being perfectly level. Building your bottom ring. Use your plates, stabilizers, and rails to create your bottom ring. There are multiple types of plates, Bottom plate. Your bottom plates will either be metal plates, resin plates, or resin bottom cuffs. Bottom stabilizer will be crimped on one side. They are the smaller rails. Bottom rail will always be straight and larger than your stabilizer. Lay these out along the site. Slide the bottom rail into the bottom plate up to the dimple on the plate. Measure the bottom track across in several locations to ensure that the pool is truly round and the correct size. If the size is correct, stake the ring into position. Support your base. Once your ring is in place, add support for the base of your pool. This will help keep your pool stabilized and level for years. Level each of the plates. All of your parts should be within ½ inch of each other. Place a patio block under each one of your bottom plates. The block should be placed into the ground so that the track is still sitting flush on the ground. Be sure the block is level in all directions. Remove one bottom rail to bring in the sand. Mark the two connecting bottom plates so that you place it back in the correct spot after bringing in the sand. Dump the sand in your pool area. You will need between 1 yard and 6 yards of sand depending on the size of your pool. Replace your bottom rail and spread the sand evenly across the pool area. Install your pool wall. Now that you have a level bottom for your pool, install the wall around the area. This is done easily using the tracks on your bottom plates. Make sure the skimmer cutout is on the top portion of the wall. Use landscaping stakes around the pool area to hold the wall during instillation. Place the wall into the track at the center of a bottom plate, and continue around the ring. If the wall doesn't properly line up at the end, you can adjust your bottom rails in or out of the bottom plates to ensure fit. This should be done evenly around the pool. Put the wall together. After installing the proper support, begin putting your pool wall together. Single row wall bars will have rivets pre-attached. Secure these using nuts and bolts. Use your hand screwdriver to put a fill each spot for nuts and bolts. If you don't use a nut in every hole, your pool may break. Staggered wall bar systems don't come with pre-attached wall bars. Line up your parts and place one wall bar on the inside of the pool and one on the outside of the pool. Connect them using your nuts and bolts. Wall bars must not touch each other. Cover bolt heads with three layers of duct tape. This will protect your liner from getting holes. Build a 6-8 inch cove along the inside of the pool wall. Install the upright onto the bottom plates. Note that the top can be determined by an extra hole on the center. Pack your cove. Be careful not to scratch the pool wall when you're doing this. You can use a tamp or trowel. Install the liner. Be careful when doing this, you don't want any tears to form in your liner. Lay the liner in the sun for a few minutes. This will make it easier for you to lay out. Wet the sand and tamp the entire pool area and then rake it. This will ensure a level base for your pool. Bring the liner into your pool and lay it out. Do not step on the liner with your shoes on. Install it either barefoot or in socks. Snap Bead liners will snap into a separate track around the pool. This track is installed on top of your pool wall. V-Bead liners require no coping. The stabilizer rails will hold this liner in. Unibead liners can be used as either a Snap Bead or a V-Bead liner. It comes as a V-Bead but you can remove the top portion to make it a Snap Bead liner. Overlap liners are hung over the pool wall. These are securing using plastic coping strips. Work all the wrinkles to the outside of the pool. Install stabilizer rails along the top of the pool wall. Once these rails are installed, you can take down the landscaping stakes. Installing top plates, top rails, and top covers. These pieces all fit easily into one another when done correctly. Remember to constantly check to ensure the sides and top are level. This is the last step in building your pool. Place the top plates onto the uprights. Make sure they are perfectly straight using a level. Tighten them with proper screws. Install the top rails. Place them around the pool and tighten the screws once all of the rails are in place. Tighten top covers onto your uprights. Work out the wrinkles. During the first inch of filling, you can continue walking around the liner and working the wrinkles to the outside of the pool. This will be the last chance you have to create a straight surface for your pool floor. If you're walking around on the liner, make sure you aren't wearing shoes (even water shoes or flip flops) and that you haven't tracked any rocks into the pool with you. Fill the pool half way. Sit back and slowly fill the pool. Once your pool is filled half way, check your skimmer and filter instructions on how to install them. Finish and enjoy. You're almost done! Apply the finishing touches, and fill the pool the rest of the way. Install the safety warnings. If you don't have them, get in touch with your manufacturer and they will provide you new warnings for free. Your warranty will be voided if you don't add your labels. The bigger label is for the outside of your pool directly next to the entryway. Smaller label is attached on the liner, above the water line, and directly across from the pool's entryway. Fill the pool. Your water level should be 1/3 and ½ way up the skimmer. | Find what you need. Open the hardware packets. Choose the area. Ensure the ground is level. Find the center point. Measure the outline of your pool. Remove the sod. Rake the area. Double check to make sure the area is level. Building your bottom ring. Support your base. Install your pool wall. Put the wall together. Install the liner. Installing top plates, top rails, and top covers. Work out the wrinkles. Fill the pool half way. Finish and enjoy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Caesar-Haircut | How to Do a Caesar Haircut | A Caesar haircut is a short style that's cut the same length all around and brushed forward. If the hair's long, first cut it down to a few inches to make it easier to work with. You'll need to trim the hair to an even length all around, depending on how long they want it. Leave 2 or 3 inches at the front of their hairline for bangs. When you've finished trimming their hair, comb their bangs forward and cut them straight across. Finally, blend the hair between the sides and the top of their head to make it look neater. | Decide how long you want your hair to be. The Caesar haircut is the same length all around, typically between 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) long. If you have natural or textured hair, consider going for a "Dark Caesar" instead, which is a little shorter. Have reference pictures of the exact style you are going for handy. They can be from a magazine, a print-out, or even on your phone. Wash and comb your hair. You always want to wash your hair before cutting it. Once your hair is washed, pat it dry with a towel so that it is no longer dripping, then comb it out. Put on a hair dressing cape. Some people like to wrap a folded sheet of tissue paper around their neck (like a collar) as well. You don't have to do this, but it will help keep all of those tiny, spiky bits of hair off your clothing and neck. Trim your hair down to a more manageable length, if needed. If your hair is long, cut it down until it is a few inches/centimeters long. This will make the Caesar style easier to cut because you won't have as much hair getting in the way. If your hair is already a few inches/centimeters long, you can leave it as-is. Insert your desired guard into your clippers. The Caesar is between 1 and 2 inches (2.54 and 5.08 centimeters) long, so choose a guard that will give you the right length. A #1 guard will work great for very short hair, while a #4 guard will work better for longer hair. If you are cutting natural or textured hair for a "Dark Caesar," try a ¼-inch (0.64-centimeter) attachment or blade. Cut the hair an even length all around, going with the grain of the hair. Begin shaving the hair at the top of the head, starting from the back and moving to the front. Do the sides next, also going back-to-front, but at a slight, downward angle. Do the back of the head last, going straight down, from top-to-bottom. The "grain" of the hair is the direction that the hair is growing in. Your hair may not all grow in the same direction. Comb the hair every couple of strokes to get rid of any tiny cut pieces of hair. Leave a 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) strip of hair at the front of your hairline. This strip will be the bangs. Comb the hair forward then cut the bangs. Brush or comb all of the hair on top of the head forward so that it covers the hairline. Cut straight across the bangs, making sure that they are even. If you are doing this by hand, start from the middle of the bangs and slowly work your way to the outer edges. For a Dark Caesar, sculpt the hairline with the clippers instead. Blend the bangs in with the rest of the hair on top of your head. Hold the bangs up with your hand and use scissors to lightly trim some of the hairs so they're shorter. When you're finished, your bangs should blend in with the shorter hair on the top of your head. Blend the hair between the sides and the round of the head. Comb the trimmer upwards through the hair, working your way around the head, from temple to temple. Start at the bottom and work your way to the top. For a more modern take, cut the sides shorter for an undercut or a fade. Even out the hair around the ears using short, downward strokes. You should use the same clipper length as the surrounding hair. This means that if you added an undercut or fade to your Caesar with a shorter guard, you should use that shorter guard here. Even out the hair around the temples and sideburns, if needed. If you left your hair long, you may not need to do this. If you went for a Dark Caesar or cut your hair very short, doing this is recommended because it will give you a cleaner look. Shave away from the hairline, just as before. Smooth the hair out with a shaver if you are cutting natural or textured hair. Straight, curly, or wavy hair won't need this, but natural or texture hair will. Simply run a shaver across the top of the hair all around the head. This will give the hair a smoother look. Remember to go with the grain of the hair. Brush off the excess hair. If there are lots of tiny hairs stuck to your neck, you may need to take a shower first. Dry off your hair if you took a shower/ Comb the hair with the grain. Brush the hair on top straight towards the hairline. Comb it downwards at an angle towards the chin when you get to the sides. Brush it straight down at the back of the head. Use a brush or comb for straight or wavy hair, depending on the length. Use a boar bristle brush for natural or textured hair. You can use this on very short hair too. Finish the style off with some styling products. For straight or wavy hair, try a little bit of styling wax or pomade is all you need. Allow the hair to dry on its own, or speed it up with a blow drier. You can also brush it while blow drying it to make it lay more smoothly. Remember to brush and dry your hair in the same direction it is growing in. Style the Dark Caesar with hair oil or moisturizing cream. Natural or textured hair tends to be very dry, so apply some moisturizing cream or hair oil to it first. Blow dry the hair while combing it with a boar bristle brush. Remember to comb in the same direction that the hair is growing in. | Decide how long you want your hair to be. Wash and comb your hair. Put on a hair dressing cape. Trim your hair down to a more manageable length, if needed. Insert your desired guard into your clippers. Cut the hair an even length all around, going with the grain of the hair. Comb the hair forward then cut the bangs. Blend the bangs in with the rest of the hair on top of your head. Blend the hair between the sides and the round of the head. Even out the hair around the ears using short, downward strokes. Even out the hair around the temples and sideburns, if needed. Smooth the hair out with a shaver if you are cutting natural or textured hair. Brush off the excess hair. Comb the hair with the grain. Finish the style off with some styling products. Style the Dark Caesar with hair oil or moisturizing cream. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Database-from-an-Excel-Spreadsheet | How to Create a Database from an Excel Spreadsheet | To create a database from an Excel spreadsheet, you can use Microsoft Access, which is Microsoft's database management software. When you have Microsoft Access, open the program and click “Blank database.” After creating your blank database, click the “External Data” tab at the top and then “New Data Source.” Then, select “File” from the drop-down menu and click “Excel.” Use the “Browse” button to locate your Excel spreadsheet. Once you've selected the spreadsheet, click “Open” and choose how you want to transfer the data. Select a sheet and enable column headings. To complete your database, set the primary key and click “Finish.” For best results, you can leave the default primary key setting as is. | Open Microsoft Access. It's the red app with an A. Doing so opens the Access template page. Access is designed for use with Excel and comes bundled with Excel in Microsoft Office Professional and is only available for Windows. Click Blank database. This option is in the upper-left side of the window. If you want to use a different template for your Access database, select the template that you want instead. Click Create when prompted. This option is in the bottom-right corner of the pop-up window. Your Access database will open. Click the External Data tab. It's in the menu bar at the top of the Access window. Click Saved Imports. You'll find this in the far-left side of the External Data toolbar. A drop-down menu will appear. Select File. It's in the drop-down menu. Selecting this option prompts a pop-out menu. Click Excel. This option is in the pop-out menu. Clicking it prompts the import window to open. Click Browse. It's in the upper-right part of the window. Select an Excel spreadsheet. Go to the folder in which your Excel spreadsheet is located, then click the Excel spreadsheet which you want to open. Click Open. It's in the bottom-right corner of the window. Specify how to transfer to the data. Click the radio button to the left of one of the following: Import the source data into a new table in the current database - Choose this option if you created a new database with no tables or if you want to add a new table to an existing database. By creating a new table you can edit the information in Access. Append a copy of the records to the table - Choose this option if you are using an existing database and want to add the data to one of the tables in the database. By appending an existing table, you can edit the information in Access. Link to the data source by creating a linked table - Choose this option to create a hyperlink in the database, which will open the Excel database in Excel. With this method, you cannot edit the information in Access. Click OK. You'll find this at the bottom of the window. Select a sheet. At the top of the window, click the name of the sheet that you want to import from your selected Excel document. By default, Excel creates workbooks with three spreadsheets labeled "Sheet 1," "Sheet 2," and "Sheet 3." You can only transfer one sheet at a time; if you have information on all three sheets, you must complete the transfer with one sheet and then go back to the "External Data" tab and repeat all the steps for each remaining sheet. You can delete, add, and edit the names of these sheets in Excel, and whatever changes you make will appear in the Access database. Click Next. It's in the bottom-right corner of the window. Enable column headings. Check the "First Row Contains Column Headings" box if your Excel sheet has its own column headings in the top row (e.g., the A row). Uncheck the box if you want Access to create the column headings. Click Next. Edit your spreadsheet's columns and fields if needed. If you want to import all the fields from the spreadsheet without change, skip this step: To edit a field, click the column header you want to change, then edit the name of the field, the data type, and/or whether or not it is indexed. If you don't want to import a field, check the "Do Not Import Field (Skip)" box. Click Next. Set the primary key for the database. For best results, leave the default setting here as-is to let Access set the key. You can also set your own key by checking "Choose my own primary key" and entering it in the field next to that option, or you can select "No primary key" (not recommended). Click Next. Add a name. Type a name for the sheet into the "Import to Table" field. Skip this step to leave the database set to its default name. Click Finish. This option is in the lower-right side of the window. Click Close. It's in the bottom-right corner of the window. This will close the import window and create your database. You can first check the "Save import steps" box if you want to ensure that Access will remember your settings for this database. Open your Excel document. Double-click the Excel document which you want to convert into a database. If you haven't yet created your document, open Excel, click Blank workbook , and create your document before proceeding. Click File. It's in the menu bar that's either at the top of the Excel window (Windows) or at the top of the screen (Mac). Click Save As. You'll find this option in the File menu. Double-click This PC. It's in the middle of the page. Skip this step on a Mac. Select a file format. Click the "Save as type" (Windows) or "File Format" (Mac) drop-down box, then select one of the following: If you're using a computer-based database application, click a.CSV (comma separated values) format. If you're using a Web-based database application, click an.XML format. If your Excel document doesn't have any XML data in it, you won't be able to choose XML. Click Save. It's at the bottom of the window. This will save your document using your selected preferences. Create a new database in your database application. This process will vary depending on the application that you're using, but you'll usually open the application, click New (or File > New ), and follow any on-screen instructions. Locate the Import… button. It's often found by clicking the File option, but your database application may vary. Select your Excel file. Locate and double-click the file you exported from Excel. Follow the database app's prompts to import the data. Save the database. You can usually open the "Save" menu by pressing Ctrl + S (Windows) or ⌘ Command + S (Mac). | Open Microsoft Access. Click Blank database. Click Create when prompted. Click the External Data tab. Click Saved Imports. Select File. Click Excel. Click Browse. Select an Excel spreadsheet. Click Open. Specify how to transfer to the data. Click OK. Select a sheet. Click Next. Enable column headings. Click Next. Edit your spreadsheet's columns and fields if needed. Click Next. Set the primary key for the database. Click Next. Add a name. Click Finish. Click Close. Open your Excel document. Click File. Click Save As. Double-click This PC. Select a file format. Click Save. Create a new database in your database application. Locate the Import… button. Select your Excel file. Follow the database app's prompts to import the data. Save the database. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Someone-Else | How to Be Someone Else | Everyone wonders at times what it's like to be someone else, and with a little work, you can change your path in life for the better. Before you change yourself, try to figure out which traits you want to improve on and what your motivation is. For instance, you might want to lose weight to feel healthier and happier, or you might want to start a new career because your current job is unfulfilling. Start with the easiest changes first and slowly move on to the more difficult changes. For instance, if you want to be less shy, start by saying “Hi” to strangers, then move on to having more in-depth conversations. Changing your appearance is another good way to boost your confidence and make you feel like someone new. Try getting a new haircut, putting on a new outfit, or even changing your mannerisms. Keep in mind that it can take time to change yourself, so try to be patient with yourself and appreciate the small feats. | Analyze why you want to be somebody else. Ask yourself what the reasons are behind your desire to change. Write down the reasons you come up with. This way you can discover the root of your problem. Once you know where the wish to be someone else is coming from, you can solve the problem's source. Don't base your need to become someone else off of a few isolated events. Challenges and undesirable circumstances happen to all of us every now and then. We all make mistakes and try to learn from them regularly as well. If there is a clear and repeating pattern to your experiences or relationships that provides clues to where you could improve, then use that information to your advantage. Explore where relationships broke down or what you have been criticized for. Ask yourself what you want to change. You have looked at what is happening around you that makes you want to be someone else; you need to consider your personal feelings as well. If certain things are bothering you, find out what they are and how you can make them better. If you're not happy with yourself, figure out why. Are you overweight? Have a nervous disposition? Disorganized? If you are merely bored with the way things are and want a change, reflect on what exactly you are not satisfied with. Is it your relationship? Your job? Your house or car? The weather? Focus on the area that you want to change. Focus on ways to improve. You know what needs to change so you can be who you want to be. Now you need to brainstorm ways to fix or make the problem better. If you need to lose weight to feel healthy and happy then concentrate on that. Start going to the gym, lower your fat and carbohydrate intake and get engaged in a social group for support. If you suffer from anxiety , then seek help from a professional, practice meditation and take opportunities to practice being assertive. If you are tired of people calling you boring, do something adventurous like sky diving , mountain climbing , sailing or learning to fly a plane. If you're unhappy with your romantic partner, do something new together, find ways to connect and appreciate each other , go to counseling or consider moving on. If you're sick of your job, get a new one or go back to school to learn new skills so you can get the job of your dreams and earn the house and car that you want. Move away if you are unhappy with where you're at because it rains too much or gets too cold. Find out whom you want emulate. You have a pretty good idea what you don't want to be. Now it's time to think about the kind of life you want and the kind of person you want to be. Reflect on the behavior, beliefs and values of those you admire to learn how to be successful in all areas of your life. You probably admire someone—a character from a movie or book, a celebrity, sports figure, family member, or a Nobel Peace Prize winner. Do you want to be like your favorite TV character? Or like your girlfriend or boyfriend? Once you narrow down whom it is you want to be like, you can begin to develop character traits for self-improvement based off of their example. Spend more time with them if you are able to, in order to get a true feel of what they are like. Select good personal qualities that will make your life better, not worse. Ending up in jail or driving away the people in your life that matter will not help you feel better. If you do change yourself, make sure you develop personality traits that increase your chances of being well-liked. You might want to be more interesting , sympathetic , or charming , for instance. Make sure the traits you want to develop are sustainable. You need to be able to keep up these good qualities long-term until they become a part of who you are. Lying to people about what you can do or who you are is not the best way to go. People won't trust you when they eventually see the truth, so it's best to tell them now. You'll also feel more comfortable with yourself and around others if you remain true to yourself. Don't act like a wealthy person when you only have a few dollars in your pocket and can't afford dinner for two, let alone that vacation to Hawaii. Don't pretend to know about cars to get a date and happen to end up on the side of the road with a blown out tire you don't know how to change. Likewise, learn to play an instrument or cook before attempting to impress someone with your know-how. Research everything about the character you admire. It takes knowledge, dedication and practice to become someone other than who you are right now. It is easier if you have an example to work toward. You'll need to do some serious investigation to uncover clues that will teach you how to be similar. Read autobiographies, biographies, stories, and articles about or by the person you admire. Also, check out fan and personal websites. Observe them on video and pay attention to the qualities that you want to take on, such as appearance and style, how they interact and communicate, how they behave under pressure and how they appear to others. Are they confident, respectful, friendly, positive, compassionate, or powerful? Try to meet the person who inspires you. If you can chat with the person you want to be at an event, conference, or other location, even better. Try to get to know who they really are, how they got where they are, and whether they might have any advice. Set goals. You need to know what you want and how to get there. You want to make changes to become someone different than yourself at the moment. To come up with a goal, first you need to figure out where exactly you are trying to get to and what the end result needs to be. For example, you want to be more self-confident like your favorite female sports player. You want to be able to be great at tennis, basketball, football or compete in the Olympics. A goal is not just what you want but something you are willing to work toward. You need to ask yourself if you can work toward the end goal. Are you willing to work out, building muscle, practicing every day? This will tell you how badly you want something. Don't set yourself up for failure. Even though there are many tools that can help, such as motivating books and support groups, you're the only one who can change you. There's no magic pill–it will take work and dedication. Start with the easiest changes. It is a big transformation to become someone else. You will want to focus first on the traits and behavior that you can modify with the least work so that you don't get overwhelmed. As you get used to adopting new characteristics, you can move on to the more difficult changes that will take the most time and energy to master. Changing your appearance is usually a lot easier than altering years of learned habits. It can also go a long way toward making you feel different enough to motivate you to change other factors. Changes that come more naturally will be easier. For example, if you have always been polite, then going out of your way to be extra polite will not take that much more effort. If you like to smile and laugh, then remembering to smile as much as possible throughout the day will probably be fairly easy. Embrace the challenge. Some things can be very difficult to overcome. For example, if you're usually a timid person who keeps to themselves, then waving and saying “Hi” to strangers may be uncomfortable at first. Know that with every challenge you accept and complete successfully, you will be closer to becoming the person you want to be. Change your style. How we present ourselves to the outside world dictates not only first impressions but often how we are perceived and treated. If you want to stand out, then wear clothing, colors, or haircuts that make you look different than other people. If you want to be perceived a certain way, such as wealthy or a professional, dress and look the part. If you want to be seen as laid back and down-to-earth, you may want to dress down. If you normally wear glasses, have long, brown hair and don't wear makeup, think about how you might update your appearance. Cut your hair into a funky, short style and dye it a bold color like red, purple, blonde, or deep black. Get contacts or pick up chic-styled frames. Pick up some guides on creative ways to do your makeup and practice different looks. Buy new clothes. Think about what the new character you have decided to become would want to wear. Choose flattering options and wear what feels good to you. You probably want your appearance to go along with the positive new attributes you are working on. Pay attention to how you present yourself. We get impressions about people from more than their clothes or hair style. We see how they move, their gestures, and facial expressions, and form opinions about them based on those. Watch how you move. The way a person moves can have a huge impact on how others perceive them. Move with confidence and poise. Put on the outfit and shoes you will be wearing in public. Practice walking in high heels if they are part of your new look. Watch yourself in a mirror to see how you swing your arms and sway your hips. Watch your expressions in the mirror. Practice smiling, laughing, and appearing engaged. See if you can hold a conversation with your new self. You may also want to record yourself and watch it on video to see where you might improve your communication skills and body language. If you habitually twirl your hair, for example, consider whether this is a desirable trait for your new character. If not, make a deliberate attempt not to carry on this habit. Change your role. Use everything you've learned to become someone else. Make choices that will move you closer to your goal of becoming a new person. Try on different qualities from people you admire. Go out to the store and be the high-energy, social butterfly that is curious about strangers and cracks jokes. Be the hero who can overcome any obstacle. Go out and train until you win a race. If you're stuck in a job position that seems to go nowhere, then get a completely new position doing something you enjoy more, or use your past experience to move up to a higher level role for another company. Open your own business or take on a student role for a while so you can become a doctor, lawyer, or something else. Move to another city with more opportunities for your skill sets. If you've always been the one who gets stepped on in relationships, be the one who knows what they do or don't want in the relationship first. Cultivate trust, mutual respect, and demand that you be treated as an equal. Learn to walk away from people and things that don't benefit you. Make sure you know how to protect yourself so that people don't walk all over you. Keep practicing. Some traits, changes and approaches will take time to learn to do naturally. Remember, becoming someone else doesn't happen overnight. You will need to find out what you want, how to do it and keep at it until it works for you. Focus on getting your characteristics down. You want the way you look, act, and the things you do to be second nature and part of your new identity. Practice regularly in multiple situations, roles, and relationships. Eventually, you won't have to work at it anymore because it will become a part of who you are. Participate in a new activity or hobby regularly, preferably outside of your comfort zone. This will stretch your horizons and allow you to learn to adapt to new situations and experiences more quickly. Know your limitations. Some things cannot be safely altered and should not be, such as body type, height, foot size, finger length, or skin color, among others. Accept what you cannot change and spend your energy working on the things you can. Stop judging. What we fear other people think about us are often the things that we dislike, criticize or judge about other people. Be less judgmental to free yourself and others from this burden. It is hard to learn from others or grow as a person if you're always feeling envious about another's successes. Resist the urge to be critical of others as well as yourself and start being an objective observer. Find out how others deal with failure, challenges, and try to integrate all these good qualities into your developing personality. Recognize when you do a good job, handle a social situation successfully, or influence people in positive ways. Pin down how you did it, what you did that helped, and maybe what you did that didn't help. Adapt. You will likely have to tailor certain qualities, styles, and roles to suit you. Sometimes things won't work for you and that's fine. Have the strength to throw out what won't serve your transformation positively and focus on those that will. If you have long black hair and want long blonde hair, know that repeated processing over time will likely damage your hair. You may need to keep it short instead of long to avoid breakage and a scraggly look. Consider using dark hair to your advantage and adding some beautiful highlights that look gorgeous against your deep hair color. If you are 5' and rather stocky, maybe you shouldn't expend a lot of energy to become a supermodel or famous basketball player—though there's always a chance. Try being a face model, kickboxer, or a jockey instead. The trick is to problem-solve and adapt the quality you want to suit any limitations. Have fun. Don't take things personally. Some people may not understand what you are doing or why and could make fun of you. Embrace how far you have come and who you have become. Soon, the old you will be forgotten and the person you have worked so hard to become will truly be who you are. When dealing with ridicule, think about how the person you admire would react and respond. Hopefully, you will do the right thing in this situation, too. It's hard to have fun if you're always worrying about how you appear to other people. Most social interaction is not defined by rigid rules, and people are not waiting to make fun of you if you do something that isn't considered normal. Just go along with the flow of the conversation and if you need to pause to think, do so. | Analyze why you want to be somebody else. Ask yourself what you want to change. Focus on ways to improve. Find out whom you want emulate. Make sure the traits you want to develop are sustainable. Research everything about the character you admire. Set goals. Start with the easiest changes. Change your style. Pay attention to how you present yourself. Change your role. Keep practicing. Stop judging. Adapt. Have fun. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Ready-for-Work | How to Get Ready for Work | To get ready for work, choose an outfit the night before and organize your work materials. If you have trouble waking up, set two different alarms and place your phone or alarm clock across the room so you have to get up to turn it off. When you wake up, take care of your personal hygiene by taking a shower if you didn't the night before, in addition to brushing your teeth, doing your hair, and getting dressed. On your way out of the door, be sure to gather any work materials you might leave, such as your laptop, ID badge, or lunch. | Take a shower. While a morning shower can help wake you up, it can also take valuable time out of your morning routine before work. To give yourself a little more leeway when you get out of bed, consider taking a shower before bed in the evening. Because you'll just be sleeping afterward, you don't have to worry about getting dirty before work. Evening showers can also help improve the quality of your sleep, so you'll be well-rested for your job. If you're worried about your hair looking flat or even greasy without a morning shower, dry shampoo is a lifesaver. It soaks up excess oil at your scalp and adds body without any suds or heavy duty styling. Choose an outfit. Waiting until you get out of bed to find the right outfit to wear to work can make your morning more stressful than it needs to be. Instead, pick out your clothes the night before and lay them out so there's easy to grab after you wake up. It's also a good idea to try your outfit on to make sure that everything fits well and is ready to wear for work. Make sure that your clothing is appropriate for work. While you may need to wear a suit if you're employed at an office, you should choose polished clothing even if your workplace is more casual so you project a professional image, especially if you meet with clients or customers. That means no ripped, torn, or stained clothing. For example, a man might wear an ironed button-down shirt, dress pants, and lace-up dress shoes in a more casual workplace. Any outfit chosen should be dressy but not too formal. Getting your clothes ready the night before also gives you time to figure out if anything needs to be ironed, so you don't wind up at work in wrinkled clothing. You may want to consider installing wall-mounted racks on the wall of your bedroom or closet where you can hang a multiple days' worth of outfits. That way, you can plan out your clothing for a week at a time and not have to worry about it each night. Organize your work materials. You don't want to get to work and realize that you left something you need at home, so you may want to organize your work items the night before. Doing so will also save you from running around in the morning trying to track down what you need. Check that you have all of the documents, files, and other paperwork that you might need, as well as your laptop or tablet, ready to go. If you need any special tools or equipment for your job, make sure that they're organized as well. Set double alarms. There are few things worse than being late for work, but we've all had mornings where we oversleep. Ideally, you wouldn't need an alarm clock to wake you in the morning because you'd be on such a regular schedule, but that's not really practical. If you have trouble getting up in the morning , set a dedicated alarm clock before you go to sleep to wake with enough time to get ready in the morning -- and then set a backup alarm for a few minutes after the first just in case you sleep through the first or hit the snooze. You don't have to purchase a second clock, though -- just use your smartphone. It's a good idea to place your alarm clock and phone out of reach from your bed, so you physically have to get up to turn it off. If you are in the habit of hitting the snooze button, you can find some alarm clock apps for your smartphone that actually require you to solve a puzzle or other challenge before the alarm turns off. That may help you wake enough to realize that snoozing is a bad idea. Get a good night’s sleep. It's tough to face the day if you aren't well rested. Prepare for work by ensuring that you get enough sleep at night. Make sure to avoid caffeine approximately four to six hours before bedtime, and make your bedroom more conducive to sleep by covering the windows with heavy curtains or blackout shades to prevent light from creeping in. Keep your room between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 24 degrees Celsius) so it's comfortable for sleeping, and rid your bedroom of any distractions, such as a TV, computer, or tablet. For young adults, ages 18 through 64, seven to nine hours of sleep is usually sufficient to prepare you for the day. If you're over the age of 64, you can get by with seven to eight hours of sleep. Don't worry about work again until the next morning. If you're distracted by problems at work or what you have to get done the next day, you'll likely have trouble sleeping. Try to relax by keeping your mind off work-related matters for the night so you can ensure a good night's sleep. If you have trouble shutting down your thoughts, consider using a sleep meditation when you get into bed to help calm and relax your mind. You can use various apps for your smartphone that guide you through meditations that help encourage sleep. Quietly reading a book in bed before you go to sleep can also help distract you from thoughts of work. Take care of hygiene basics. When you roll out of bed in the morning, you'll want to make yourself feel as fresh as possible, especially if you've showered the night before. Make a trip to the bathroom to brush your teeth, wash your face, and put on some deodorant, so you feel ready to face the workday ahead. Using a peppermint or other mint flavored toothpaste when you brush can help wake you up in the morning. You don't necessarily have to use soap or a facial cleanser to wash your face in the morning. Just splash some cold water on your face to help get you going. Do your extra personal care tasks. Some people aren't ready to head to work if they've only taken care of their basic hygiene. Men may also need to shave to achieve a polished look for work, while women may want to apply some makeup for the day. Take the time to handle whatever grooming tasks will make you feel more comfortable and confident at work. To save time, keep all of the toiletries, such as shaving supplies and cosmetics, that you use in the morning in one location in the bathroom so you don't waste time looking for anything when you're getting ready. Get dressed. If you've set out your clothes the night before, getting dressed for work is pretty simple. However, you can still streamline the process. Keep your accessories to a minimum, so you don't have too many pieces to add at the last minute. It's also a good idea to separate your outerwear, such as your coat, scarf, and hat, from your regular clothing. Instead, try to keep them in a closet that's close to the door so you can grab them on your way out. If you usually put on your jewelry as a final finishing touch to your outfit, make sure that it's organized. You don't want to have hunt down an earring or detangle a bunch of necklaces when you're trying to get out the door for work. Get in the habit of checking the week's weather forecast. That way, you can make sure that any extras you might need, such as an umbrella or rain boots, are accessible when you need them. Fix your hair. It's best to save elaborate hair styles for non-work days when you have more time. Instead, take a minimal approach. For men, that usually means combing it and putting some product, such as gel or pomade, in it. For women, a simple, go-to style such as a ponytail, bun, or braid, is a good option. If you haven't washed your hair and it's looking rough, try to just take care of the problem areas. For example, if your bangs are looking flat, wash them quickly with shampoo and give them a quick blow dry with a round brush. Squeeze in some exercise. Exercising before you head to work can be an effective way to energize your mind and body so you're ready to face the day. If you can fit in a run or class at your gym before your workday, go for it. However, even some light stretching can help release endorphins so you have more energy. A brisk walk through your neighborhood is another good way to get your blood flowing. Create your own quick morning workout by doing a series of crunches, push ups, and jumping jacks. Keep in mind that if you exercise before work, you may feel the need to shower in the morning, depending on how much of a sweat you work up. Allot some time for bathing in your routine if that's the case. While a workout can help get you going in the morning, you shouldn't sacrifice sleep for exercise. If you don't have time in your routine, you're better off skipping the workout. Get in the right mindset. Just as meditating before bed can help keep you more calm and relaxed, morning meditation can help get you in the right frame of mind for work. Even five minutes of meditating can help you relax enough to be more focused and productive at work. To meditate, clear a spot on the floor where you can sit comfortably. Relax your body, close your eyes, and try to clear your mind. It usually helps to focus on your breathing. If you're having trouble clearing your mind, don't try to actively block out thoughts. Acknowledge those that pass through your mind, but let them pass until your mind goes blank. While you can meditate for as little as a several minutes, the longer that you do it the more relaxed that you'll feel. Eat a healthy breakfast. If you're going to have a successful day at work, you need the right fuel, which means you shouldn't skip breakfast. It's important to choose the right foods for the first meal of the day, though. That typically means a combination of healthy carbs, fiber, and protein. While you shouldn't have too much caffeine, a cup of coffee or tea may help jumpstart your day too. Oatmeal is a healthy breakfast option. You can use the instant variety if you're in a hurry, but make sure it's unflavored so it doesn't have too much sugar. The oats are rich in healthy carbs and fiber, but mix in some nuts for added protein. Greek yogurt is a no-cook breakfast that you can prepare quickly. Create a parfait by layering it with some of your favorite fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Eggs can be a good, protein-filled breakfast. Add some of your favorite vegetables and some low-fat cheese for a tasty omelet. If you're worried about cholesterol, use only the egg whites. If you're a fan of toast, use whole grain bread instead of white. Swap the usual butter or jelly for almond butter to get a little extra protein. If you oversleep and don't have time for a proper breakfast, a protein bar can help keep you going until lunch. Prioritize your tasks. While you're making breakfast, think about the things that you have to do at work that day. Don't let the list get too long or you may start to feel overwhelmed. Instead, focus on several of the most important tasks -- and then decide which are the most critical so you know what needs to get done right away. Be sure to focus only on what you need to do that day. Don't worry about all the things that you need to get done later in the week. Plan your day. Once you know what your priorities are for the day, it's time to make a schedule. Take the time to jot down your plan for the day, including any meetings, training sessions, or appointments that you'll need to attend. When you get to work, you'll be ready to start right away because you know what has to be done. It's a good idea to build some free time into your schedule. That way, if something comes up at the last minute, you won't fall too far behind on the things that you planned to do that day. Pack your bag. In addition to work materials, you probably have other supplies that you need for your work day. Before you leave the house, load your purse, briefcase, or other bag with the basics, such as your phone, wallet, charger, and keys. You may also want to include a packed lunch or some snacks for later in the day. If you like to bring your lunch to work, it's a good idea to make and pack it the night before. If you require medication, check that it's in your bag before you head out the door. If you wear makeup, you may want to bring along some cosmetics for touch-ups throughout the day. | Take a shower. Choose an outfit. Organize your work materials. Set double alarms. Get a good night’s sleep. Don't worry about work again until the next morning. Take care of hygiene basics. Do your extra personal care tasks. Get dressed. Fix your hair. Squeeze in some exercise. Get in the right mindset. Eat a healthy breakfast. Prioritize your tasks. Plan your day. Pack your bag. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Mold-Smell-in-Front-Loader-Washing-Machine | How to Get Rid of Mold Smell in Front Loader Washing Machine | To get rid of the mold smell in a front loader washing machine, start by using a rag to wipe down the rubber gasket around the door of the washer with hot soapy water. Next, remove the soap dispenser and use an old toothbrush and soapy water to get any residue out of the nooks and crannies. Then, pour 1 cup of baking soda or bleach into the machine and run the longest cycle on the hottest water setting available. If your washer still smells like mold, try repeating the process using an enzymatic dishwasher detergent or commercial washer cleaner. | Clean the gasket. This is the rubber strip on the door and inside that provides a tight seal when the door shuts. Use a rag or towel to wipe the gasket down. You can use hot soapy water or a small spray of mildew cleaner. If you use mildew cleaner, be careful with these chemicals as they can irritate skin. You can also use a mixture of 50% water and 50% bleach on a rag. Make sure to wipe around it and underneath it. You might find a lot of debris and slimy residue around the gasket. This is one of the most common sources of mold smell in front loading washing machine. If the residue under the gasket is persistent and hard to remove with a rag, try using an old toothbrush to scrub it out of hard to reach nooks. If you come across any stray socks or clothing articles, be sure to remove them. Clean the soap dispensers. These might be able to be removed from your washing machine to make this easier. Soap residue and small amounts of old stagnant water can make your dispensers smell. Remove the dispensers and give them a thorough cleaning with hot soapy water. If you can't remove them, you can wipe them out with soapy water. Use a spray bottle or pipe cleaner to get into the nooks and crannies of the dispenser. Run a cleaning cycle on your machine. Use the longest wash with the hottest water setting available. Some washing machines have a tub cleaning cycle. Pour one of the following directly into the tub of the washing machine: 1 cup bleach, 1 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of enzymatic dishwasher detergent, or a commercial washer cleaner. Some common brands of washer cleaner are Affresh or Smelly Washer. Tide also makes a washer cleaner that you can buy in the laundry aisle of your supermarket. Run your cycle completely. If the smell remains, try another cycle. If after running the cycle twice the smell persists, try another additive. For example if you used baking soda the first round, try washer cleaner or bleach on the second try. Call a repair place. Your washer may be under warranty for an issue like this. Check your user manual. If your smell persists you might have a clogged drain or filter. There might also be mold growing behind the washing machine drum. A qualified repair person will be able to diagnose any further problems and recommend solutions. If you are familiar with washers, you can try to clean the drain and filter yourself. You can find this usually in the small door at the base of the front of the washer. Be sure to have a bucket handy to collect any stagnant water. Use the right detergent. Most High Efficiency (HE) machines require HE detergent. Using non-HE detergent will cause too many suds to form. These suds will leave behind a residue that can start to smell. Don't use too much detergent either. This will also cause residue to form inside your washing machine. Powdered detergent often is a better alternative to liquid as it tends to produce fewer suds. Avoid liquid fabric softener. Use dryer sheets instead. Much like liquid detergent, liquid fabric softener can also cause residue to build up inside your machine. This residue will develop a bad odor over time. Buy dryer sheets instead. These are inexpensive and can be found in the laundry aisle of any supermarket. Air out the washing machine between loads. This will decrease the mold build-up as it allows the tub to dry completely. Leave the door slightly ajar when the machine is not in use. This will allow fresh air to circulate through the drum of the front loading washing machine and will help dry any remaining moisture after a load. If you have small children or pets, you should avoid doing this as they can climb into the drum and become accidentally trapped inside. Remove wet clothes immediately. Right after a cycle ends, take the wet clothes out. Set your washer to beep when a cycle is complete, so you don't forget to take the clothes out. If you can't dry your clothes right away, take them out and put them in a hamper or lay them flat until the dryer is available. This will prevent excess moisture from building up inside the washing machine drum after each load. Wipe down the gasket regularly. Do this is a dry towel. Ideally, the gasket, the area underneath it and the inside of the drum should be wiped dry after each cycle. This can be time consuming and a nuisance, so be sure to do this periodically at the very least. You can also wipe down the gaskets with hot soapy water regularly and allow them to completely dry. This will keep them clean and free of mildew. Clean your washing machine once a month. Use a hot water or cleaning cycle. Pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser and run a hot water or cleaning cycle. You can also use a commercial washing machine cleaner such as Smelly Washer, but vinegar is more cost effective and just as efficient. When finished, clean the inside of the tub, gasket, detergent dispenser and inside of the door with a mixture of hot water and vinegar and a towel. Repeat wiping down the inside parts of the washer with hot water only. Run your washer again with hot water only. Leave your washer door open to let the inside of the unit dry. | Clean the gasket. Clean the soap dispensers. Run a cleaning cycle on your machine. Call a repair place. Use the right detergent. Avoid liquid fabric softener. Air out the washing machine between loads. Remove wet clothes immediately. Wipe down the gasket regularly. Clean your washing machine once a month. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Nodular-Acne | How to Treat Nodular Acne | If you want to treat your nodular acne, try to avoid popping or picking at your pimples. It's tempting to do so, but it could make the infection worse or leave scars. Instead, keep your skin clean by first washing your hands and then washing your face with a mild cleanser. After your face is washed, apply a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide gel or lotion to your skin twice a day. Since benzoyl peroxide can make your skin dry or irritated, you should also moisturize your skin daily with a gentle, oil-free moisturizer. If you're having trouble healing your acne at home, visit a dermatologist so they can figure out the best treatment for you, such as oral pills, retinoid cream, or antibiotics. | See a dermatologist. Make an appointment with your dermatologist if you have large, inflamed pimples that don't heal with home care. Let the doctor know how long you've had the pimple(s) and what treatments you've tried. Giving your doctor this information can help them properly diagnose your acne and figure out the best type of treatment for you. Let your doctor know if you have allergies or are pregnant so they can adjust your treatment plan. Ask questions about your acne or prescribed treatment plan. Take oral isotretinoin. Fill your prescription for isotretinoin pills from your dermatologist and follow the dosing instructions. Use this common treatment for its entire course of 15-20 weeks. This treatment is usually very effective, with about 85% of patients achieving completely clear or dramatically improved skin after one full course of treatment. Make sure to use any additional treatments that you're doctor prescribed together with your isotretinoin. Taking isotretinoin can increase your risk of depression and suicide. Avoid isotretinoin if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. The drug can cause severe birth defects. Apply retinoids to your skin. Ask your doctor to prescribe a retinoid such as tretinoin cream , gel, or lotion. Gently spread a thin layer on your skin according to your doctor's instructions. Stick with the treatment for the entire course of the medication to heal and prevent pimples. This can also prevent further breakouts and improve the texture of your skin. Apply your retinoid three times per week or as instructed by your dermatologist. Put your retinoid on daily once your skin gets used to it. Retinoids can cause irritation, redness, and dryness. They can also make your skin peel. Let your dermatologist know if you have any of these side effects. Reduce bacteria and inflammation with antibiotics. Use any oral or topical antibiotics your doctor prescribes. These can zap infection-causing bacteria and reduce any redness or inflammation your pimples are causing. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions. Some of the antibiotics your dermatologist may prescribe include tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline. They may also prescribe dapsone, a topical gel that can both kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Protect yourself from sun exposure when you’re on antibiotics. Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 if you are in the sun while using oral antibiotics, because they can increase your risk of sunburn. Look for a sunscreen labeled “non-comedogenic,” meaning it won't clog your pores and make your acne worse. If you can, minimize your sun exposure altogether, especially during times when the UV index is high (typically between 10 AM and 4 PM). Protect yourself with clothing that covers your skin, like long-sleeved shirts and broad-brimmed hats. Consider concomitant therapies. Your dermatologist may suggest using additional treatment with your medication, which are called concomitant therapies. Consider the following if you have severe nodular acne or aren't responding well to medication. The following therapies are only used in select cases, such as a person cannot tolerate medication: Light or laser therapy to target the bacteria that causes acne. It can cause pain, temporary redness, and sensitivity to sunlight. Chemical peels, which shouldn't be used with retinoids. These can cause significant irritation, scaling, blistering, and temporary redness of your skin. Steroid injection to reduce inflammation and pain. This can cause thinning of your skin and the appearance of small blood vessels in the affected area. Drainage and removal of pimples, which can quickly get rid of the lesion and prevent scarring. Talk to your doctor about oral contraceptives or antiandrogens. If you are a woman, ask your dermatologist about taking hormonal medications for your acne. Using estrogen-containing oral contraceptives by themselves or in conjunction with other medications can minimize breakouts and prevent new ones, especially if your nodular acne fluctuates with your menstrual cycle. Other hormonal medications, such as antiandrogens, can also be effective. Treat your skin gently. Popping, squeezing, or picking at your acne can make the infection worse or create permanent scarring. Although it is tempting to mess with your pimples, the best thing you can do is leave them alone and allow them to heal. Also avoid scrubbing, exfoliating, or over-cleansing your skin. Wash your face and hands before treatments. Gently cleanse your face with a mild cleanser. Then wash your hands with soap and warm water. Having clean skin and hands can prevent the spread of bacteria that inflames acne or causes breakouts. Spread on a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide. Many dermatologists prescribe benzoyl peroxide along with oral antibiotics. Apply a thin layer to your skin twice a day or as directed by your doctor. This can prevent bacterial resistance and additional breakouts, and can reduce inflammation on your skin. Apply a 5% benzoyl peroxide gel or lotion once a day after washing your face. Increase use to twice a day after one week. Try the 10% solution if you don't see any improvement within 4-6 weeks. Side effects from using benzoyl peroxide include redness, dryness, and scaling and usually get better after the first month. Blot excess oil from your skin. Use blotting papers, salicylic acid products, or a clay masks to decrease the amount of oil on your skin. Removing excess oil can reduce inflammation and infection and may prevent additional breakouts. Try an over the counter salicylic acid product. Ask your doctor to prescribe a product that absorbs oil if you have a lot of pimples or oil. Applying a clay mask once a week can absorb excess oil and minimize acne-causing impurities. Place blotting papers on oily areas of skin anytime you need them. Apply a natural mask. Mix a mask using ingredients you have around the house, such as honey and yogurt. Apply your chosen mask to your skin for 10 minutes to minimize and soothe nodular acne. Try any of the following masks that sound good to you: Combine one teaspoon raw honey and one of the following ingredients: avocado, lemon juice, egg white, coconut oil, or yogurt. Mix the water from one green tea bag with two tablespoons of plain yogurt. Add two teaspoons of honey to one cup of green tea. Make a baking soda mask by mixing two tablespoons (30 ml) of baking soda with two tablespoons (30 ml) of water. Gently dab the mixture onto your pimples and let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse. Moisturize your skin daily. Purchase a gentle, oil-free moisturizer. Look for a moisturizer labeled “non-comedogenic,” meaning that it will not clog your pores. Even if your skin is oily, apply the product every day. Daily moisturizing can prevent side effects of medical treatments such as dryness and irritation. It may also reduce how much oil your skin makes. Ask your doctor for specific product recommendations if you are not sure what type of oil-free moisturizer to use. | See a dermatologist. Take oral isotretinoin. Apply retinoids to your skin. Reduce bacteria and inflammation with antibiotics. Protect yourself from sun exposure when you’re on antibiotics. Consider concomitant therapies. Talk to your doctor about oral contraceptives or antiandrogens. Treat your skin gently. Wash your face and hands before treatments. Spread on a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide. Blot excess oil from your skin. Apply a natural mask. Moisturize your skin daily. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-People-to-Like-You | How to Get People to Like You | To get people to like you, smile when you're around them to show you're a fun and happy person, which is attractive to others. When you're talking to someone, pay them an appropriate compliment, like telling them how much you enjoyed their power point presentation or saying you like their sense of humor. You could also try asking someone for a small favor, since people like to feel useful to others. During a conversation, try to ask other people about themselves, because people feel positive towards someone who shows an interest in their interests and opinions. If you already know a lot about the other person, talk about their hobbies or interests, which will make them feel happy. Since nobody wants to be around someone with bad hygiene, make sure you shower regularly, brush your teeth, and clip your nails. | Ask people about themselves. Be interested in them. What conversation is better than with a person who is genuinely interested in what you are saying? If you are in a conversation and hear yourself saying "I did this, I did that," stop yourself. Ask the other person's opinion. Conversations are two-way streets! It is always better to mean what you are saying. People know when you have false humility. Setting out to show interest in people about whom you really don't care just for the sake of gaining popularity doesn't work in the long run, so become the sort of person who is truly interested in others! If a particular topic is really difficult for you to feign interest, steer the conversation in a different direction. Ask for a favor. This one may sound kind of funny if you're not familiar with it -- it's a technique known as the "Benjamin Franklin Effect." Basically, you ask for a favor, the other person does it for you, you thank them, and they end up liking you more. You'd think that the person having something done for them would like the other, but it's not so. So the next time you feel the need to borrow something, don't hesitate to ask! The idea here is that everyone likes being useful and everyone prefers to have someone indebted to them -- instead of having debts to others. They gain a sense of power and purpose from you, causing them to like you more. Just don't do it all the time -- too many favors and you become pesky. Talk about what interests the other person. If you know their hobbies or passions, ask! This will usually get them going non-stop and take the heat off you! They will go on and on feeling like you two are having an epic conversation when really you've been resigned to nodding because you can't get a word in edgewise. If you can remember something they mentioned in passing, they'll be doubly impressed. Take opportunities to use their name. People love hearing their name. As Dale Carnegie puts it, to them it is the sweetest sound in the entire language. It validates them and subsequently they feel reassured and happier. If you can slip it in, do so. Be empathetic. Pretty straightforward and logical, huh? But oddly enough, even though humans (on some level) know this, it's so much easier not to do it. We're all concerned with me, me, me and waiting for the next time we can add to a conversation. To amplify your likeability, turn the spotlight over to the other person. Focus on understanding them. A simple turn of phrase can do the trick. Let's say someone is explaining to you a recent problem of theirs. Your automatic response is, "I understand how you feel." That should seem fairly harmless, right? But you've just put the focus on you and your abilities -- and what's more, the other person may be thinking, "No. You don't." Instead, opt for something less clichéd (and thus more meaningful, even if it is ultimately self-serving) like, "So you feel like X, X, and X." Just reiterating what they're saying will make them feel paid attention to and, well, good. Flatter them. Another one that seems really obvious. Unfortunately, paying others compliments sometimes can be awkward (lots of people don't know how to handle them!) and seem as if you have ill motivations (a relationship, for example). For starters, get over yourself. Everyone loves it. Well, a genuine, well-timed one, at least! Make sure your flattery is purposeful and appropriate. If someone clearly had a rough night and still has the grime on their skin from the floor of a neglected public bathroom, don't tell them how beautiful they look. Compliments need to be genuine in order to be appreciated and taken seriously. Telling a guy that you like his tie is well and good, but what would he say back? "Thanks, it was made by children in a far away factory and I had nothing at all to do with it?" Okay, so he probably won't say that , but you get the point. Compliment him on his awesome Powerpoint presentation, his sense of humor, something that matters to him or something that he actually worked on. He'll love the validation. Embarrass yourself. Once we reach the ripe ol' age of about 5 1/2, we start realizing that society is looking at us 24/7 and certain behaviors are viewed as just wrong and welcome in scrutiny. Since humans can't stand scrutiny, we avoid it like the plague. Unfortunately, those embarrassing moments still happen to all of us, so when we see it happen to someone else, we feel their pain. And that person? We like them more for it. When you see someone, let's say, caught with their pants down, there is an automatic reaction on both of your parts. The pant-less probably laughs (hopefully), turns a little red, maybe cracks a joke, shakes their head, face-palms, and tries to go about their day with a shred of dignity. What have they done? They've shown you that they are human. They brought down a peg and acknowledged it by their behavior. That's likeable. They're real. Let's say the same situation happened again, but with a different person. This time they keep a stoic face, situates their drawers back up, gives a terse nod, and goes on their way. Not at all endearing. Their behavior didn't accept their embarrassment and therefore there's nothing to relate to, to sympathize with, or to find charming. Not likeable in the slightest. Touch them. Straight up, if you want to feel a connection with a person, you touch them. Obviously every relationship is different and thus different levels of touching are good -- but in general, it's effective at establishing a bond. The slightest one will do! Imagine greeting someone briefly as you walk by with a quick "Hi." It was a fleeting moment where it seemed as if you didn't have time for the other person. Now, imagine the same scenario where you walk by quickly, give a short hello, but you lightly touch their shoulder. Bam! Physical connection. Focus. You're on their radar -- like, like, and like. Make them feel good. Another big duh, huh? The overarching theme of this article is really just making the other person feel good. It's how you do it where the options come in. Every person is a bit different, but we all share similar qualities. We all want attention, to be happy, and to feel like we're cared for and useful. And for those people that gives us those things, we like them. It's best to use a number of tactics to accomplish this. Just flattery, or just asking for favors, or just smiling won't do it. You've got to sprinkle them all in. If you keep the focus on them, that should prep you for action -- asking questions (attention), complimenting (building them up), looking for advice (making them feel wise and purposeful), and showing empathy (being cared for). When they feel good about themselves, they'll feel good about you. Smile. The absolute simplest way to get people to like you is to smile genuinely. People crave being around others that are fun and happy because it's contagious -- you'll make them feel good just by being present. Smiling is the first indicator (and the most obvious) that you are a person they probably want to be around. Smile and you're in. Remember, if you act like you are happy, you'll probably feel happier. Don't force a fake smile -- others will be able to detect it -- but do know that if you're in not so great of a mood, sometimes faking it can fool your mind into feeling better. Use a comfortable level of eye contact. This one hopefully comes naturally. Eye contact is one of the simplest ways to show someone you're paying attention. When you're watching TV, you look at it, right? So when you're talking to someone, shouldn't you do the same thing? Too little eye contact can be seen as rude. Where else are you looking at? What is distracting you? Why isn't the conversation at hand good enough to warrant your attention? If this is a problem of yours, simply be aware of it. That's all you need to change it! Too much eye contact can make the other uncomfortable. It may come off as you staring the person down. If you're aware that intense eye contact is a problem of yours, make it a point to fidget once in a while. Odds are the conversation also involves hands, food, or some other thing to draw your attention away -- but only briefly. Tilt your head towards the other person. The science behind this one is that evolutionarily, tilting our head exposes our carotid artery, telling the other person that we aren't looking for a fight. Somewhere in the depths of our brains, it cues us that the person we're talking to isn't a threat and that we can proceed comfortably. Tilting the head avoids a "squaring off" stance. It's softer, has a sympathetic flair, and tells the other that your focus is on them -- something everyone absolutely adores to have. So the next time you're unsure what stance to take, tilt away. It's a catch-all, really. Give a quick eyebrow flash. This may be one of the non-verbal cues you're not even aware of. So maybe you already do it! A common sign to show friendliness (and, again, that you're non-threatening) is to do a quick eyebrow flash -- just moving them up and down slightly and quickly. It's generally done upon approaching a person and can be seen from far distances. Combine this with a smile and you have the basic set up for any likeable, approachable human. But keep the eyebrow flash to the initiation of a conversation -- it's not something to be used at random intervals, like the head tilt may be. Mirror their positioning. If you find yourself in the same body position as someone else, odds are you're probably on similar trains of thought. You probably do this with those around you more often than you realize. The good news here is that you can use it to your advantage! People like people who are similar to them, and this is one very easy way to do it. If you're talking to a person and they're in a similar body position to you, you're likely to feel like they're on the same page as you are -- and are thus understanding and relate-able ( score ). Do this in conversation but don't draw attention to it -- if it's too noticeable, it'll seem contrived and unnatural. Don't assert your dominance. Many books you read will tell you to square your shoulders, throw your chin up, and always keep a firm handshake. While these are definitely good ideas and have their place, in some situations you may not want to come off as strong. Keep these confidence indicators, but throw in a few I-clearly-respect-you signals to even the playing field. Whomever you meet, showing a little deference won't hurt you. If you're meeting someone and about shake hands, step forward to them and lean in a little (alluding to a bow). Tilt your head, keep an open body position (not always crossing arms and legs, namely), and lean to one side or the other. Showing you're relaxed and interested in the other person will cue them to like you regardless of the conversation level. Spend time with people who improve your image. Unfortunately, all humans look for quick, go-to signals to jump to judgments of the people they meet. No, it's not always accurate, but we all do it because it's easy and relatively painless. We see a situation and we assess it on its outward appearance automatically. If we don't like it, we write it off. So when you're being judged, know that it's not just you, it's what you come with. This is sort of a nice way to say...well, that you're judged by the people around you, too. If your friends are all smelly trolls but you're not, you risk being lumped in the smelly troll category, regardless. This is especially true for Facebook -- the prettier your Facebook friends are, the prettier you seem to be. No, it's not right, but it is real. Dress to impress. You know how they say "dress for the job you want, not the job you have?" It's like that. Dress for the image you want people to see, not how you feel or what you are. People are easily fooled by clothing. "The clothes make the man," right? How many more figures of speech do you need? In a recent study, wearing brand names was shown to heighten one's perceived status. Quality of clothing didn't matter, but slapping on a luxury label made participants view the wearer as high-status and, on a related note, more likeable. It's another cue that humans jump to for a quick answer to a person. It may not be fool-proof (or the right thing to do), but it's easy. Do something to be remembered. This one can't get super specific because whatever you do has to fit your personality, but having a "thing" can make you likeable. You'll be memorable, have a concrete identity (or so they think), and people will be able to get a grip on you. "Hey! That's the guy with the parrot! I love that guy!" Something like that. If you've ever worked in the restaurant industry, you may have a story that relates to this phenomenon. Think of the customer that always tips in $2 bills. After a visit or two, the waiters are fighting over him. Why? He has a thing. He's easily remembered, distinguished, and interesting. He's liked. Stay under control. Quite obviously, people don't like to be around loose cannons. When they don't know what to expect, they get uncomfortable and tense. Try to keep a laid back , calm , and happy attitude, even when something doesn't go your way. People you don't know well may easily get turned off by displays of difficulty, neuroticism, and unwarranted insecurity. That's not to say to hide your emotions! No, no, no. You want to be genuine. If something upsets you, let it upset you. If people don't like it, well, they won't like it. But before you start going off, choose your battles. Is it worth the judgment? If so, proceed. If not, reassess your reaction to the situation at hand. Know your audience. Different age levels, groups, and types of people are looking for different things in friends and partners. The older you get, the less phased and dramatic your network should become. Because of this, different personas may be more effective on different people. Know who you're dealing with and what they're looking for. Things are different in middle and high school than they are in the adult world. It pains wikiHow to say it, but at these ages, you may be better liked if you're a little mean and selfish. A recent study showed that an individual's popularity rose when they were a bit of a bully. This is because at that age, other kids look to strength as an example of what's good, not knowing that that's not how things work. In short, kids are mean. Practice basic rules of hygiene. No one will want to be around someone who stinks, literally and metaphorically. So, take regular showers or baths, wash your hair, shave if you need to, brush and floss your teeth, comb your hair, use breath mints or minty gum, clip/clean your nails, use deodorant, change clothes, clean your hands, etc. Pretty doable stuff! Think of this as an investment into yourself. The time it takes to look good (and feel good!) will warrant you benefits in the future. Not only is it good for getting people to like you, but it's good for your health, too. Like yourself. Straight up, if you don't like you, why should anyone else? That inner negativity will seep through your day-to-day actions and people will see it. And why not like yourself? You're awesome. At least as awesome as the people around you. Don't try to be someone you're not; it'll show if you try. Know who you are, and adjust these tips to your personality. It pays off in the long run, even if you march to the beat of your own drum. Any changes you try to force will just wear away with time, so it's best to be natural from the get-go. Use your sense of humor. Chances are you have one, so use it! If you can make a person laugh, you're in! Just be careful to make the jokes appropriate to the setting. Offending people is not the goal here -- making them smile is. If you don't think you're funny, don't worry about trying to be funny. You probably have a sense of humor that's a bit different from the norm. Maybe you're sarcastic, maybe you're quirky, maybe you're ridiculously smart -- any of those can be turned into comedic moments. Take what you have in your kit and run with it. It can be morphed into hilarity. | Ask people about themselves. Ask for a favor. Talk about what interests the other person. Be empathetic. Flatter them. Embarrass yourself. Touch them. Make them feel good. Smile. Use a comfortable level of eye contact. Tilt your head towards the other person. Give a quick eyebrow flash. Mirror their positioning. Don't assert your dominance. Spend time with people who improve your image. Dress to impress. Do something to be remembered. Stay under control. Know your audience. Practice basic rules of hygiene. Like yourself. Use your sense of humor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grind-(for-Girls) | How to Grind (for Girls) | To grind on a guy, first move close to him, make eye contact and smile to get his attention. If he smiles back and seems interested, move closer and “accidentally” brush against him a few times. If he plays along, stand in front of him, facing away and move your hips in a circular motion. You'll need to bend your knees so you're level with each other. You should also move your arms and chest to the beat of the music so your whole body is moving. | Start dancing with your girlfriends. Unless you already know the guy you want to dance with and he's led you to the dance floor, you'll have to approach the dance floor on your own first. (If you already have a guy, then you can skip this section). Take a trusted girlfriend or two with you and have a great time dancing, doing your own thing, and going a little crazy. Don't look around like you're desperate for a guy to dance with, even if you've found your target -- instead, let the guys see what a great time you're having and they'll come to you. Show off your dance moves with your girlfriends. Let the guys see that you can work your body, follow the beat, and have a great time. Move closer to the guy. Once you've found your guy -- and maybe even locked eyes with him from across the room -- you and your girlfriends should start moving closer to him. Make this a natural, gradual move, and wait for him to come closer to you, too. If you lock eyes from across the room for one second and then one inch away from him the next, you won't look cool. Make your way over to him during the course of a song. Make sure that your girlfriends follow without crowding the guy. Start "accidentally" brushing up against the guy. At this point, you should lock eyes with the guy, and maybe even give him a cute smile and then look away. Then, move even closer to him and let your body brush up against his, whether you're facing him and touching him with your hands, or turning away form him and occasionally brushing up against him with your desire. Step in front of the guy. Show him what you've got by stepping in front of him so that you lock eyes and know you're going to dance with each other. Spend a minute dancing in front of him, moving to the beat, and then slowly begin to turn so he can start dancing behind you and you can officially begin to grind. Step in front of the guy, facing away from him. First, you have to get in grinding position. Though you can mix it up once in a while, typical grinding position is when a guy stands behind a girl. You can leave about a foot between your bodies and don't have to get incredibly intimate to start grinding with the guy -- especially if you don't know him. Bend your knees. Both you and the guy should bend your knees so that you're lower to the ground. If the guy is much taller than you, then you won't have to bend your knees very much. If the guy isn't much taller than you, however -- this is likely to happen if you're wearing high heels -- then you should bend your knees a bit further so he's a bit above you. Move your hips and butt. Now, move your hips and butt in one continuous circular motion, continuing to move from side to side while moving your legs up and down just a bit while keeping your knees bent. If the guy knows what he's doing, then his hips should find a similar rhythm to yours -- your hips should move in the same direction to the beat of the music. If you're feeling bold, you can touch the guy's front side with your butt as you move it from side to side. But you can also maintain a distance away from the guy. Move your arms and chest. Move your arms and chest to the beat of the music, gyrating your arms and chest in the same fluid motion. Look ahead or slightly down as you continue to work your arms and chest while you move your hips. You can bring your arms down so they're on your knees or near your waist, and wait for the guys hands to land on top of yours or around your waist as you continue to dance. Move from side to side. You don't have to dance right in front of the guy the whole time -- that can get boring, and you may actually want to see your dance partner once in a while. So, you can move over to the left, continuing your circular motion and bent knees motion, while the guy moves to the right, so you can look up and see him. You can switch places and move to the right while he moves to the left, and keep moving back and forth. Turn it around. Turn around to face the guy instead of turning your back to him, and place your arms around his neck. This is called front grinding -- it's more risky and more sexy. Let him put his hands on your hips as you continue to move your waist in a circular motion. Move your hands away from his neck, and up and down his chest. Then, turn back around again. You can even place your fingers in the guy's belt loops for a few seconds. Touch the floor. When your back is to the guy, you can move your hands all the way down to the floor or near it, as you raise your butt more and more in the air. This is a more intimate move that is sure to make the guy go crazy -- as long as you have the confidence to pull it off. Do the slow grind. Don't be intimidated if a slower song comes on at the club. You can still grind more slowly to the music, using the same moves you used to grind to fast-paced music, just at a lower speed. The slow grind is even sexier if you can pull it off. Don't let the guy see that you've been thrown off -- just continue to move to the music without skipping a beat. | Start dancing with your girlfriends. Move closer to the guy. Start "accidentally" brushing up against the guy. Step in front of the guy. Step in front of the guy, facing away from him. Bend your knees. Move your hips and butt. Move your arms and chest. Move from side to side. Turn it around. Touch the floor. Do the slow grind. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Pet-Duck | How to Care for a Pet Duck | If you want to take care of a pet duck, you should give it duck food that contains 18-20% protein until it is 3 weeks old. After that time, you can switch to chicken food that is supplemented with some fresh vegetables, like lettuce and carrots. For the first 4-6 weeks, house your ducks in a brooder. When the ducks are nearly grown, you should move them to an outdoor pen that has fresh water and at least 3 square feet per duck of space. | Feed ducklings and adolescent ducks a diet that is 18-20% protein. Young ducks grow quickly, and as a result, they need food that has a lot of protein and is high in calories. For the first 3 weeks of life, feed them a starter diet that is 18-20% protein and consists of small pellets (about 1/8"). Duck food can be bought at your local pet store. Some reputable manufacturers of duck food are Purina, Mazuri, or Gunter. Though chicken feed can be substituted for duck food, chicken feed should not be fed to ducklings. Once the ducklings reach 20 weeks of age, you can substitute duck food for chicken feed with the same amount of protein. Feed ducks over the age of 3 weeks a diet that is 14% protein. Male and female ducks will both need the same amount of protein. Check the back of your duck food bag for nutritional information. Feed laying ducks a 16-17% protein diet that has 3-4% calcium. This amount of calcium is needed for laying ducks to make quality eggs. You can begin to feed the female ducks this higher protein diet in the spring time, when they are likely to begin laying eggs. Offer occasional treats like corn, carrots, and greens like cucumber or broccoli. These treats should compromise no more than 15-20% of a duck's diet. Cut all treats into small pieces. You can also let your duck graze outside, provided the area they are grazing has no pesticides or other toxic materials. Don't season or cook these treats. Feed them raw. Bread, chocolate, onion, garlic, popcorn, avocados, and citrus fruits should not be fed to ducks. Provide food at all times during the day. Ducks should be allowed to graze freely on their food. Remove the food at night so it does not begin to rot or attract ants and rats. Each duck will consume about 6-7 ounces of food per day, but bigger ducks may eat a bit more. Buy small amounts of fresh food more frequently. Buying duck food in bulk will work for feeding large flocks, but for smaller flocks, buy small amounts of food frequently so they will have fresh food all the time. Moldy food can make ducks very sick. Store leftover duck food where it can keep dry. Provide cool 50-70°F (10-21°C) and clean drinking water. This water can be provided in a trough, an outdoor pond, or a shallow bucket. Any large, open container the ducks can fit their bill in will suffice. If you decide to use a watering system, such as those designed for chickens or turkeys, just make sure the ducks can reach the water. The water should always be clean, as ducks are especially prone to botulism. Change the water daily. Keep newborn ducks in a brooder for 4-6 weeks. Ducklings cannot yet regulate their body temperature, so a brooder (a heated poultry box) is necessary. Newborn ducks need to be kept at 86°F (30°C) for the first week and at 81°F (27°C) after that. After 4-6 weeks, ducks can regulate their temperature and no longer need to be kept in a brooder. Brooders can easily be bought online or at a pet store. If your ducklings seem to be panting, turn the brooder temperature down a couple of degrees. Keep adult ducks at their optimum temperature. Ducks that are 35 days old or older and ducks who are laying eggs need to be kept at 55°F (13°C). Ducks that are clustering together are likely cold, and if they are panting, they are too warm. Watch for this, and adjust the temperature accordingly. Provide cool water for ducks to swim in if the weather is extremely hot. A small wading pool can work well for this purpose. However, if you don't want them going into your own swimming pool, check out the wikiHow How to Keep Ducks Out of a Pool. Keep the ducks somewhere you can maintain the temperature. Provide a pen large enough for the ducks to walk around. Newborn ducklings only require 289 square centimeters (.31 sq ft) each to roam, and this amount increases as they age. Ducks 3 days of age need 1024 sq cm (1.10 sq ft), ducks 1 week old need 2304 sq cm (2.48), and ducks laying eggs need 2500-2809 sq cm (3 sq ft). House the ducks in a pen with adequate protection and flooring. If the pen has wire floors, floors for ducklings under 3 weeks should be constructed of 1.9 cm (3/4 inch) mesh and 12-gauge welded wire. This should be attached to a frame designed to keep the wire flat and minimize manure accumulation. For ducks over 3 weeks, use 2.5 cm (1 inch) mesh. Vinyl coated wire or smooth galvanized wire is preferred. The pen should be secure enough so the ducks do not escape. The shelter should protect from raccoons or bobcats, especially if the shelter is outside. Non-wire floors are fine, as long as there aren't lots of places the ducks can scrap their fragile feet. Keep the housing clean and well-ventilated. Ducks are messy birds with liquid excrement, which is why you must sanitize the housing with a non-toxic disinfectant at least 3 times a week. Their housing also needs ventilation, such as an open window. If your ducks are being kept indoors, be sure they are getting air. Provide the ducks with 14-17 hours of light every day. At many points during the year, the sun is not out this long. Turn on artificial lights once the sun sets to provide 14-17 hours of light for the ducks. Allow nesting mothers to hatch their eggs. During the spring time, female ducks will begin to lay eggs, so you should provide them with plenty of peace and quiet, food, and a nearby water source. If you do not want more ducklings, simply remove the eggs from the laying duck soon after she lays them. Ducks like to hide their eggs, so you may find them unexpectedly. It is normal for a duck to abandon her eggs. She may hatch them next time. Ducks can lay one egg at a time or 14, depending on the duck. Once she has laid about 1 dozen eggs, they will hatch in about one month, though some may not survive. Place newborns in the brooder. Talk to your ducks. Just like humans, ducks can hear and respond to sound. Talking to your ducks will help you bond with them. You can name them, too. Play gently with the ducks. Ducks have been known to do tricks and be somewhat affectionate. You can buy some bird toys to play with them, or simply take the ducks in the bathtub for a swim. Every duck has a different personality. They may even play with string or try to dig holes. Take your ducks to the vet if they look ill. During feeding time, observe your ducks for any health problems. If they seem lethargic, are losing feathers, or don't have an appetite, you should take them to a vet. The vet will provide care and necessary medication. | Feed ducklings and adolescent ducks a diet that is 18-20% protein. Feed ducks over the age of 3 weeks a diet that is 14% protein. Feed laying ducks a 16-17% protein diet that has 3-4% calcium. Offer occasional treats like corn, carrots, and greens like cucumber or broccoli. Provide food at all times during the day. Buy small amounts of fresh food more frequently. Provide cool 50-70°F (10-21°C) and clean drinking water. Keep newborn ducks in a brooder for 4-6 weeks. Keep adult ducks at their optimum temperature. Provide a pen large enough for the ducks to walk around. House the ducks in a pen with adequate protection and flooring. Keep the housing clean and well-ventilated. Provide the ducks with 14-17 hours of light every day. Allow nesting mothers to hatch their eggs. Talk to your ducks. Play gently with the ducks. Take your ducks to the vet if they look ill. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Presentation-Fun | How to Make a Presentation Fun | To make a presentation fun, include some audio and video clips in your presentation, like a clip from a relevant documentary or a song that relates to your topic. You can also include visuals, like charts, graphs, or pictures, to help make your presentation more interesting. As you're presenting, try to engage your audience by asking questions or having a volunteer help with something. You can even hand out fun materials, like a quiz or scavenger hunt. If you're giving a long presentation, consider providing snacks and refreshments at the beginning. | Learn and understand the topic. If you are asked to give a presentation on a certain topic it is likely because you are knowledgeable about the material. If this is not the case, you need to make sure you fully understand the material inside and out prior to the presentation. The best presenters are those who understand the topic and are clearly passionate about the material they are presenting. For example, if you are asked to present on ethics in business, for a university business class you are likely not an expert on the topic. However, you should still thoroughly research the topic and communicate to your classmates why this is an important topic. Keep in mind why you are presenting on the topic and what should be achieved at the end of the presentation. Organize the material in a clear and logical manner. The most engaging presentations are easy for the audience to follow. Make sure that the material you are presenting is arranged in a logical order and flows between topics. This will help you maintain the attention of your audience. The audience should not struggle to follow the presentation because this will detract from the information being communicated. For example, if you are giving a presentation on how to engage with social media you should begin by outlining different social media platforms. Then explain how each one works, and then provide more detailed information concerning different types of posts, when to post, how to respond to comments etc. Clearly explain and define key concepts. Some presentations will include complex concepts or key terms that require special attention. It is a good idea to isolate these terms and concepts and clearly explain them to the audience. If you are teaching an undergraduate class in geography, for example, you may want to spend some time defining the difference between human geography and physical geography. Often these definitions will warrant their own slide if you are using visual aids. Create interesting visual aids. The most engaging presentations are always accompanied by some form of visual aid, usually a slideshow presentation. Slideshows allow you to provide graphs, charts, images, and text to accompany your oral presentation. Often these materials provide a fun way to enhance the learning experience for the audience. For example, if you are presenting financial reports to your coworkers a slideshow will allow you to include graphs and charts that can help the audience visualize the numbers you are explaining. Consider using one of these helpful tools: Powerpoint Keynote Google Slides Zoho Show Prezi Include audio and video material when possible. Audio and video material can also be included to make a presentation more dynamic and fun. When possible, include a video or audio clip from a relevant movie, television show, music video, or commercial. This will help to break up your presentation so that the audience does not become bored listening to your voice the entire time. Depending on the type of presentation, videos or music can be played before a presentation begins while people are still taking their seats. If you are giving a lecture in history you may want to provide video footage of the event your are discussing, for example, the Vietnam War or Iron Curtain Speech. You could also use a recent clip from a television show to highlight a specific point you are trying to make in your presentation. Be creative. Ask questions throughout the presentation. Encourage your audience to think actively about the subject you're presenting by asking questions. This will help to engage your audience and make the presentation more fun. Make sure that the questions you ask either promote discussion or critical thinking. For example, asking an audience: "Does anyone have any questions?" is good manners, but is often met with silence. Try asking your audience open-ended questions like "What's the most difficult or frustrating aspect of this new software for you?" Try out these fun ways to encourage audience participation in your next presentation: Ask questions that people can answer by raising their hand. For example, you could ask “how many people in the audience are bloggers?” This will engage the audience without putting them on the spot to talk and is a great way to ask questions when you have a large audience. Give out treats when people answer questions correctly. For example, you could hand out a lollipop or chocolate bar each time some answers a question correctly. This may motivate people to engage with the material and participate frequently. Put questions in a bowl at the front of the room and have audience members pick them out at random. This is a creative way to ask questions and helps to involve audience members in the presentation. Have audience members help with the presentation. Depending on the type of presentation you are giving you may be able to ask some of the audience members for help at different points. This will allow you to actively engage audience members and will ensure that your presentation is both fun and memorable. A few ways to allow the audience to actively engage with your presentation include. Having audience members read out information or explain certain points. Asking audience members to help hand out additional material. Allowing audience members to help with a demonstration. Find creative ways to distribute additional material. If you need to provide the audience with a handout or any additional material you can come up with creative ways to include the audience. For example, you could hide material under their chairs so that the audience members have to move around in order to access the material. During a more informal presentation you could create a scavenger hunt for the audience to find materials hidden throughout the room. Be creative and come up with a fun way to distribute material and make your presentation stand out. Provide a refreshment break if possible. If you are giving a long presentation, regardless of how fun you are making it people will get tired and their minds will start to wander. By giving a 10 to 15 minute break you will allow the audience a chance to go to the washroom, get a coffee, socialize, and stretch their legs. This will help you keep their attention for the remainder of the presentation. Allow time for the audience to ask questions. Some audience members may want to ask questions during the presentation. Make sure that you set aside time to allow your audience to make comments and ask questions about the material. This will help them engage with the presentation. Here are a few suggestions for incorporating a Q and A section into your talk: Allow audience members to raise their hand and ask questions at any point. Periodically ask the audience if anyone has a question. Typically this should be done at the end of a specific section or segment of the presentation. Set aside time for questions at the very end of the presentation. Be a dynamic presenter. There is nothing worse than listening to a presenter with a monotone voice. Entertain your audience by showing your enthusiasm for the topic. This will make your presentation more fun to listen to and will help keep the attention of the audience. Use inflection in your voice, be excited, incorporate hand gestures and move around the room. Your enthusiasm for the topic will rub off on audience members. Even if you are presenting on a perceivably boring topic you can help make it fun by being enthusiastic and dynamic. If you are standing on a stage there's nothing stopping you from getting off and walking through the audience as you present. Be aware of the volume of your voice. In a large auditorium you may need to speak louder in order to be heard in the back. Provide a humorous observation or anecdote. Presentations are always more fun if you can find a way to insert a little humour, but this is not an easy task. Here are a few things to consider when adding a joke to any presentation: Know your audience: You should know the general age and interests of the audience members in order to ensure that the joke is not offensive and that they will understand the joke. For example, avoid making references to the television show Frasier if you are presenting to high school students. They will not get the joke. Use safe humour: Avoid using the audience as the butt of the joke or dividing the audience (ie joking about women or blondes), or using offensive language. Instead you can use gentle self-deprecating humour. You could say "I know you all rushed here to listen to a presentation on making photocopies." This joke allows you to acknowledge in a sarcastic way the dry nature of the topic you are presenting on. Integrate the humour into your presentation: The best way to include jokes in a presentation is to stay on topic. Try and make sure the joke relates to the material being presented. Rehearse the joke: Practice the joke as part of your presentation and test it out on other people before presenting. This will allow you to get the timing right and ensure that the joke with get a laugh. Make eye contact. Making eye contact with your audience is a great way to hold their attention and provide an effective and entertaining presentation. If you are presenting to a small group you should try and make eye contact with all audience members. For larger audiences try and make eye contact with each section of the audience. Avoid only making eye contact with the people you know in the audience or with the person who is assessing the presentation. Make a personal connection. If you can find a way to make the topic you are presenting meaningful to your audience it is more likely to have a lasting impact. For example, try and tell a relevant story or current event and connect it to the topic of the presentation. This will get your audience thinking and will make your topic more relatable. Alternatively you could try providing a local connection. For example, how does this topic directly impact the people in the audience? For example, if you are presenting to a group of high school students about bullying and social media you may want to draw their attention to a few examples of young celebrities using social media to attack one another. This could help to make the topic more relatable to the young audience by connecting to a story they are familiar with. | Learn and understand the topic. Organize the material in a clear and logical manner. Clearly explain and define key concepts. Create interesting visual aids. Include audio and video material when possible. Ask questions throughout the presentation. Have audience members help with the presentation. Find creative ways to distribute additional material. Provide a refreshment break if possible. Allow time for the audience to ask questions. Be a dynamic presenter. Provide a humorous observation or anecdote. Make eye contact. Make a personal connection. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Introduce-a-New-Guinea-Pig-to-a-Community-Cage | How to Introduce a New Guinea Pig to a Community Cage | To introduce a new guinea pig to a community cage, first make sure you have a cage large enough for the additional guinea pig, since a single pig may only need a 7.5 square foot cage, but 2 guinea pigs will require at least 10.5 square feet and 3 will need at least 13 square feet. Once you've prepared the cage with the right bedding and accessories, as well as sufficient water, food, and hay for digestion, you can introduce the guinea pigs to each other slowly by placing their separate cages side by side. When they seem accustomed to each other's scents, let your guinea pigs play together some before adding the new guinea pig to the community cage. | Be sure the cage is the right size. The cage needs to be large enough to handle the animals and equipment. This includes the guinea pigs, hideaways, food bowls, water bottles or bowls, bedding, treats, and any extra items for the pigs to play with. This also includes accounting for the right dimensions for the cage to fit in the room or on the platform you plan on setting up with. Have a tape measure and ways to mark off measurements such as tape or a sharpie handy. Measure height, width, and depth. Double-check all your measurements. For a single pig, a cage should be at minimum 24 inches long by 12 inches deep by 12 inches wide or around 7.5 square feet. More space would be better such as cages 30 inches wide by 36 inches long varying on depth. For multiple pigs you need larger dimensions. Larger cages are more expensive. Cages can range from in the $50 range to as high as several hundreds of dollars for more elaborate multi-level dwellings. Two guinea pigs need at least a 30” x 50” cage (10.5 square feet). Three guinea pigs need at least a 30” x 62” cage (13 square feet). Four guinea pigs need at least a 30” x 76” cage (16 square feet). Get the right bedding. This is a choice you want to consider early on. This bedding as to be soft enough to not injure the guinea pigs' feet, but absorb the waste of multiple animals. Use aspen, pine, or recycled paper for the bedding material. Most of this is sold prepackaged in pet stores, department store pet aisles, and some supermarkets. Layer approximately 4” – 5” of bedding on the floor of the cage. Plan on cleaning the bedding of the guinea pigs' waste, leftover treats, food, and other items on the spot at least once a week. But change out the shavings completely once a month. With multiple pigs you might want to step up your cleaning efforts and do spot cleanings more often. Put in the right accessories. Guinea pigs need a variety of items in the cage including their food bowls, water, hideaways, and a few extras that are optional but help with their well-being. Hideaways or hide houses are important as guinea pigs like to have a place they feel they can be safe and quiet. There are usually wood varieties, edible ones, and plastic ones. Get a hideaway that is easy to clean, the guinea pig(s) won't easily toss aside when they run and is safe for them to chew. The edible hideaways have the added benefit of giving the guinea pigs more safe chewing material for the health of their teeth. These hideaways are usually covered in vegetable-based dyes. Some hideaways are large enough for multiple pigs but put in two or three if you have the cage room and need to offer the shelter for more than one guinea pig. These hideaways are usually inexpensive. Place a ceramic food bowl in the cage. It should be wide and shallow. This will prevent the guinea pigs from tipping it. For two or three guinea pigs a single bowl should be enough as each pig needs about 1/8th of a cup of guinea pig pellet food per day. Check the food bowl periodically for shavings and other objects scattered in by the guinea pigs that need to be cleaned out. Put in a water bowl or bottle. Water is a choice usually between a ceramic bowl and a water bottle clipped to the side. The water bottle is a bit cleaner as the guinea pigs cannot accidentally scatter cage material into the water like they could with the bowl. However, the bottle tends to drip and get wet whatever part of the cage is under it including any bedding. Also, guinea pigs tend to pull at the bottle and can bang it against the cage sides making quite a lot of noise. If you opt for the water in a ceramic bowl option you will need to spot check it for cleanliness more often. If you opt for the water bottle try a plastic or glass version (plastic is more common) in a 32-ounce size. Make sure it has an angled stainless steel tube with a ball bearing to plug up the spout. For the water bowl or bottle you should change the water once a day and clean the container. Add hay. This can be the usual timothy hay easily found in most pet stores and some department stores and supermarkets. But as you add more guinea pigs this will become more crucial for their well being. You can leave as much as you want either in a pile on the bedding or on a "rack" accessory that can be added to the cage. Hay normally helps with digestion and dental health of guinea pigs. Sometimes the hay can be too hard or coarse. If you notice your guinea pigs getting cut by the timothy hay stems you can opt for softer varieties like alfalfa. Consult a veterinarian if you are unsure. Replace the hay daily. Set up a separate cage for the new guinea pig. Once you have the community cage set up with the guinea pigs you already own you will need to keep the new member separate to make sure they are safe to add. Follow the steps in the earlier method for setting up a cage for a single guinea pig. Keep the new guinea pig in the separate cage for approximately two weeks. Make sure the new guinea pig eats, drinks, and otherwise behaves normally. There should be no signs of poor appetite, lethargy, or visible injury. Have your veterinarian check the new guinea pig to ensure it won't carry any diseases into the community cage. Switch the new member to community items. The new guinea pig may be used to the food, treats, chew toys, and similar items from the store instead of what you have in the community cage. Use the same bedding, food, water delivery method, and hideaways from the community cage in the new member's quarantine cage to get them used to it. Consider draping the quarantine cage with a light cloth to give the new guinea pig extra privacy with which to get used to the community cage items. Every 10-15 minutes you can try to get the new guinea pig used to your handling. Get the new guinea pig used to the other guinea pigs' scent. One way to do this is at playtime. Guinea pigs are social animals normally and like to be in each other's company. Set up a safe penned off room free of cords or other hazards to let the new guinea pig meet the others. Never let the guinea pigs roam unsupervised outside their cage. Don't let un-neutered males play with females. Generally, it's best to have guinea pigs of the same gender stay together. Place the new guinea pig in the community cage. Watch this stage closely for signs of fighting or rejection. Observe the behavior of the guinea pigs to see if there is any trouble with them eating, drinking, and otherwise acting normally once the new member is added. If you step away and come back to notice any injury to one then there may have been fighting. Consult your veterinarian in this case. Watch for signs that the new guinea pig is not eating, staying in one of the hideaways too much, dragging its body, or making complaining noises during ordinary functions like urination. See your veterinarian if any of these behaviors occur. Otherwise, if there is difficulty, you can simply try taking the newer guinea pig out and re-introducing it more gradually again. Allow the guinea pigs more attempts to learn the other's scent following the playtime steps from earlier. Once all of the community guinea pigs are eating, active, and alert you should consider the introduction successful. | Be sure the cage is the right size. Get the right bedding. Put in the right accessories. Place a ceramic food bowl in the cage. Put in a water bowl or bottle. Add hay. Set up a separate cage for the new guinea pig. Switch the new member to community items. Get the new guinea pig used to the other guinea pigs' scent. Place the new guinea pig in the community cage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-Flawless-Feet | How to Have Flawless Feet | If you want your feet to look smooth and attractive, practice some basic care and maintenance. To keep your feet silky soft, soak them in lukewarm water and sea salt, Epsom salt, oatmeal, or essential oils for 10 minutes at a time, several times a week. Once a week, exfoliate your feet with an exfoliating cream or gel to remove any dead skin cells. Also, get into the habit of moisturizing your feet on a daily basis to protect them against dry or cracking skin. Another major factor in caring for your feet is picking the right shoes since ones that are too tight can lead to calluses, pain, and other damage. When you stand, make sure you have about ½ inch between the end of your longest toe and the end of your shoe. | Do foot soaks on a regular basis. Some basic foot care can help your feet look smooth and soft. Doing regular foot soaks can help remove dead skin cells and moisturize your feet. A foot soak should last around 10 minutes. Any longer could leave your feet dry and cracked. Aim for lukewarm water. Water that's too hot or too cold could cause redness and other damage. You can soak your feet in plain water. If you have sensitive skin that tends to react poorly to additives, this might be your best bet. However, adding certain ingredients can help make the foot soak more relaxing and help moisturize and clean your feet. Try soaking your feet in lukewarm water mixed with Epsom salt and 2 US tbsp (30 ml) of apple cider vinegar to soften up any calluses on your feet. Listerine is a type of mouth wash that some doctors recommend for foot soaks. Mix one part Listerine with two parts warm water. Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes and then apply a moisturizer. Exfoliate. Exfoliating feet is important to having strong, healthy feet. Exfoliation is a process by which dead skin cells are removed. You should exfoliate your feet once a week to keep them looking smooth and soft. There are many ways to exfoliate your feet. You can buy foot creams and gels at department stores that come with micro-beads or other exfoliating agents. Use such creams as directed on the box. However, keep in mind micro-beads have a somewhat bad reputation amongst environmentalists. Beads are not biodegradable and end up causing pollution. Many people get good results making their own exfoliating cream at home. Any grainy substance, such as sea salt or Epsom salt, can be mixed with water or soap and rubbed against the feet. To exfoliate, you rub your cream of choice into your feet. Use enough force to smooth out rough patches and remove dead skin cells. Then, rinse your feet and moisturize. Select proper footwear. A major factor in caring for your feet is selecting the right shoes. Shoes that are too tight can cause calluses, pain, and other damage. Contrary to popular belief, foot size can change over time. Go to shoe store and have your feet measured before selecting shoes. A salesperson can assist you in determining what size shoe would work best for you. Keep in mind most people have one foot that is slightly larger than the other. Select shoe size based on the larger of your two feet. It's better to have shoes that are slightly too loose than shoes that are slightly too tight. When standing, there should be about 3/8" or 1/2" inch, about the width of a finger, between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Walk around in shoes for awhile before making a purchasing decision. Make sure shoes don't chafe or rub in any uncomfortable places. Taking these precautions with your shoes is the main way to prevent issues like corns, calluses , and bunions. Moisturize. Feet encounter a lot of wear and tear in the average day. A lot of oils and moisture is lost through day-to-day walking. Use a moisturizer for your feet on a regular basis. You can use your normal moisturizer or lotion. However, a stronger moisturizer might be required for feet. You can find moisturizers specifically designed for use on feet at a local supermarket or beauty store. Do not use moisturizer between your toes, as it may not dry properly and could lead to a fungal infection. Clip your toenails properly. Damages like ingrown toenails can result from improper toenail trimming. Always clip your toenails straight across and then use an emery board to file them to your desired shape. Many people try to build a round toenail shape through clipping the toenails in a certain way but this can cause toenails to bend inward. This can result in ingrown toenails. Smooth out calluses and rough skin. Calluses and rough patches of skin are common on feet. There are several ways to address this problem. If you have painful calluses or corns, apply urea to your feet and wrap them in plastic wrap, then put on socks. Let the cream sit overnight, and in the morning, use a pumice stone to remove the thickened skin. An electronic callus remover is a handheld motorized device that is used to remove smooth out rough skin and remove calluses from the skin. It requires less effort than other means. However, callus removers can be somewhat price, costing between $20 and $30. If you do not want to spend extra money, a foot file or pumice stone might be a good option. You can use a metal or diamond file to rub out calluses and rough skin. You can use a pumice stone in a similar manner, but some find it to be less effective than other means. Allow blisters to heal. In the event of blisters, your best option is allow them to heal on their own. Trying to cure blisters via removal can cause scarring and, in rare cases, infection. Keep the blister clean and protected throughout the day. Gently wash the blister in the morning with a mild, antibacterial soap. Then apply a band-aid to the blistered area. Blisters need to breathe to heel, so when possible take your shoes and socks off and remove any bandages. You may have to wait until you're home from work or school to do so. Remove stains from toenails. Toe nails sometimes get stained with dirt and debris. It's fairly easy to remove a toenail stain using household items. Toothpaste, whitening strips, and hydrogen peroxide are all effective means of un-staining toenails. Hydrogen peroxide is the best option. Stain a q-tip or cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and gently dab on the stained area. Wait 3 to 5 minutes before washing the peroxide off. If you do not have hydrogen peroxide, you can try the same process using whitening strips or toothpaste. Keep in mind this may be less effective. Have unusual marks evaluated by a dermatologist. If you notice unusual marks on your feet and under your toenails that do not go away with at home treatments, see a dermatologist. In rare cases, such marks can be a sign of a skin cancer known as melanoma. Melanoma usually occurs in areas of the body heavily exposed to the sun. However, it has been known to appeal under toenails and on the soles of feet. Check these areas on the regular basis for any new moles or unusual changes to the skin. Melanoma usually starts as a normal mole and then changes and becomes cancerous. Moles that are asymmetrical, have irregular or scalloped borders, change in color over time, are larger than ⁄ 4 inch (0.6 cm) in diameter, or evolve in color, shape, and size may be a sign of melanoma. If you notice any such moles on your feet, make an appointment with a dermatologist for evaluation. Get pedicures on a regular basis. As stated, feet are exposed to a lot of damage throughout the day. Make regular appointments with a pedicurist for deeper exfoliation and skin renewal treatments. Regular pedicures can help you maintain healthy, attractive feet. Be sure to check your feet at home regularly, as well. If you notice pain or swelling, or swelling in the color, texture, or hydration of your skin or nails, see a podiatrist. See a doctor in the event of foot fungus. Toenail fungus is marked by brittle, thick, misshapen, and yellowish toenails. If you believe you have foot fungus, see a doctor for evaluation and treatment. You can help prevent bacteria and foot fungus by spraying a disinfectant spray into your feet each day. Your doctor will likely prescribe a round or oral antifungal drugs to treat nail fungus. You usually take these drugs from 6 to 12 weeks. Take any medication your doctor prescribes as directed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance if you have any questions about the medication. Medicated nail polish or nail cream may be prescribed alongside medication depending on the severity of the fungus. In rare cases, your doctor may want to surgically remove a nail if fungus is severe. A new nail will grow in its place, but it may take a long time. You might have to wear protective bandages around your foot as the new nail grows. | Do foot soaks on a regular basis. Exfoliate. Select proper footwear. Moisturize. Clip your toenails properly. Smooth out calluses and rough skin. Allow blisters to heal. Remove stains from toenails. Have unusual marks evaluated by a dermatologist. Get pedicures on a regular basis. See a doctor in the event of foot fungus. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Water-Still | How to Make a Water Still | To make a stove-top water still, cut a large milk jug in half and fill it with ice, then coil a copper tube and pass it through the milk jug, coming out through a hole in the bottom. Connect 3 feet of heatproof silicone tubing to a tea kettle, then attach the other to the top of the copper tube. Attach another 3-foot piece of silicone tubing to the other end of the copper tube, where it comes out of the bottom of the milk jug. Place the free end of the second tube in a bowl to collect the purified water. Add water to the kettle and bring it to a boil to start using your still! | Assemble your materials. Some of these materials will likely already be in your home. Other materials might need to be purchased at a hardware store or a home-brewing supply company. Do not try to buy cheap alternatives to these products: if you want your distilled water to be safe, you will have to use food-safe, heat-resistant materials. Your supplies should include: 20ft (6 m) of 3/4-inch copper coil 6 feet of heat-proof silicone tubing A two-gallon bucket Tea kettle or pressure cooker Ice Sealer A large water bottle to collect the distilled water Make ice. Fill your ice cube trays or some water bottles with water and then place them in your freezer. You will want to have a lot of ice on hand during the distillation process. Keep in mind that distilling water involves boiling the water into steam and then quickly cooling it down into purified water droplets. If you plan to distill a lot of water, you will require many, many trays worth of ice. Assemble a cooling tank. Your water still will require a cool environment where the steam can re-condense into pure water droplets. The heated water will travel through waterproof, heat-proof copper tubing that is coiled inside your cooling tank, allowing the steam to cool into purified water inside the tubes. Your cooling tank can be very simple: a two-gallon plastic bucket will do. Alternatively, you could use a large milk jug that has been cut in half and filled with ice. If you are using a two-gallon bucket, be sure that there is a 3/4-inch hole at the top of the bucket and the bottom of the bucket. The copper tubing will need to be fed through both holes in order to collect the steam (at the top) and emit the water (at the bottom). Create a condensing coil. Your water still will involve collecting the water from your heat source (the tea kettle or pressure cooker), sending it through coiled tubing inside the cooling tank to let the water condense, and then finally into your storage container for the distilled water. The most efficient way to cool the water will be to have it travel through a coiled tube that is immersed in ice water or that surrounds a very cold object (like a frozen milk jug). Coil the copper tubing about 7 or 8 times. You will have a spiral once coiled. Simply place your coiled copper tubing inside the bucket or jug, leaving a 1-inch gap in between the tubing and the sides of the bucket. Remember to feed the top and bottom of the copper coil through the holes you've drilled in the bucket. If the tube seems too loose, you can use epoxy or sealant to ensure that the tubing fits snugly in the holes. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Make-a-Water-Still-Step-4Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Water-Still-Step-4Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Make-a-Water-Still-Step-4Bullet1.jpg\/aid67718-v4-728px-Make-a-Water-Still-Step-4Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Connect 3 feet of silicone tubing to your heat source. Heatproof silicone tubing can be used to connect the source of your heated water (either your pressure cooker or tea kettle) to the top of your condenser coil. Cut the 6-ft. tubing in half to leave you with two 3-ft. tubes. If you are using a tea kettle, simply affix one end of the tubing to the spout of the kettle. If you are using a pressure cooker, affix one end of the tubing to the open pressure valve on the lid of the pressure cooker. If the pressure valve on the pressure cooker is too small, you can use a brass fitting of the same diameter as the tube to allow the silicone tubing to fit tightly. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Make-a-Water-Still-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Water-Still-Step-5Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Make-a-Water-Still-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/aid67718-v4-728px-Make-a-Water-Still-Step-5Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} If the spout on your tea kettle is too large, simply drill a hole in a rubber stopper that is the same diameter as your tubing. Place this stopper in the kettle spout and insert your tubing. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Make-a-Water-Still-Step-5Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Water-Still-Step-5Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Make-a-Water-Still-Step-5Bullet2.jpg\/aid67718-v4-728px-Make-a-Water-Still-Step-5Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Attach the other end of your silicone tubing to the top of the condenser coil. At this point, you can connect the water source to your condenser tubing with the silicone tubing. Take the other end of the tube that you've connected to your water heater, and fit it over the copper tubing at the top of your condenser coil. Be sure you have a tight fit. Create a spout for your condenser coil. At this point, you should have a hot water source that is well connected to a condenser coil that is affixed to a cooling system. However, you will still need a way to collect the purified water that forms inside your condensing coils. Use the other 3-ft. piece of silicone tubing to create a spout. The bottom of your condensing coil should at this point be sticking out of the bottom of your cooling tank. Attach silicone tubing to this outlet, and then place the other end over a clean water bottle. This will complete your water distillation system. Boil your water to distill it. Fill your kettle or pressure cooker with water and place it on your stove. Turn the stove up high and wait for the water to boil. The steam will travel through your silicone tubing, into the copper tubing, and through the cooling system. There, the steam will turn into water droplets through the process of condensation, and finally travel out through your water spout and into your purified water container. All impurities such as salt, minerals, or dirt will be left behind, leaving you with pure, clean water in the final collecting bottle. Sanitize water containers for long-term storage. If you plan to store your distilled water for long periods of time, be sure that your storage container has been thoroughly sanitized. Dilute one teaspoon of bleach in one gallon of water. Use this solution to thoroughly coat the inside of your storage container. After about 30 seconds, pour out the bleach solution. Let your container air-dry or rinse it with clean water. Assemble your materials. Most of the materials you require for a solar water still can be acquired at a hardware store or home-brewing supply store. A solar water still will require more handiwork and assembly than a stove-top water still, but a solar water still can come in handy in emergency situations where you do not have working electricity or gas. Your materials should include: Plywood (4 feet by 8 feet) One sheet of high-finish, tempered glass (27.25 x 22 inches) Wood glue High-temperature black paint Screws Drill with drill bits Caulk PEX tubing (2 feet) Rigid insulation Two long, flat glass baking pans Cut the plywood into several pieces to form a wooden box. The base of your solar water still will be a wooden box made out of plywood. The top of the box should have a slight incline so that the glass top will be at an optimal angle. Your box will be made of five different plywood pieces: A bottom base that measures 23.25 x 19 inches A short end piece that measures 5.75 x 20.5 inches A long end piece that measures 9 x 20.5 inches Two trapezoidal side pieces that measure 9 1/8 inches tall (at the long end), 5 1/8 inches tall (at the short end), and 26.75 inches wide Note that a circular saw set to a 9 degree angle can help you cut the trapezoidal pieces correctly Assemble the rigid insulation. Cut a piece of rigid insulation using the same measurements as the bottom base of your plywood box. Screw the insulation to the plywood base. Assemble the wooden box. Using screws and wood glue, assemble all of the pieces of the wooden box together, except for the long end piece. The long end piece will be your hinged door and must be attached using separate door hinges. Make sure that the door faces the short end and that the two trapezoidal pieces face each other. Use caulk or weather seal to make sure all of the edges are airtight. Paint the inside of the box black. High-temperature black paint will help the water inside the still heat up in the sun, allowing it to evaporate more efficiently. Coat the inside of the box thoroughly. Allow the painted box to dry for 3-5 days to ensure that all fumes and toxins are aired out before you finish assembling the still. Drill a hole for the water tube. Your PEX tubing will be used to collect the water droplets that form inside the solar still and pour them into a separate, clean container. To insert the piping into the box, drill a hole the same diameter of your tubing 1/2 inch down from the top of the box at the short side of the trapezoid. Only make a hole in one of the trapezoidal pieces: not both. Assemble the water tube. In order to collect water effectively, your water tube must be open inside of the box (to collect water drippings) but closed outside of the box (to keep the water clean). Mark 19 inches on your PEX tubing, and slice it in half. This should leave you with a piece of tubing that is open for 19 inches and closed for 5 inches. Screw the open piping inside the short side of the box using three screws, making sure that a few inches of the closed tubing are able to stick out through the pre-drilled hole. Slope it down to a point 1/4-inch below the starting height to make sure the water flows out of the box properly. Use caulk or sealant to make sure that the piping fits snugly in the hole you drilled and that the open tubing is securely fastened to the plywood. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Make-a-Water-Still-Step-16Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Water-Still-Step-16Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Make-a-Water-Still-Step-16Bullet1.jpg\/aid67718-v4-728px-Make-a-Water-Still-Step-16Bullet1.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>"} Add the glass roof. The glass plate will fit at a slight incline into the top of your water still, allowing water droplets to form inside and then flow down the incline and into your PEX water tubing. From there, the purified droplets will leave the still through the closed piping and into a separate container. After making sure your glass plate has been thoroughly cleaned, caulk the outer edges of the glass thoroughly. Then gently lay it on top of your assembled box. If you have measured correctly, the glass roof should be at a 5-10 degree angle, which is ideal for water collection. You can use a temporary stop or painters tape to secure the caulked glass roof until it has dried thoroughly. Place glass pans filled with water inside the still. One of the sides of your still has been attached with hinges, which will allow you to open and close the door at will. Fill two flat, glass baking pans with water (1-2 inches or so), and insert them into your assembled still. This will serve as the water source that will be purified by the sun. Sanitize water containers for long-term storage. If you plan to store your distilled water for long periods of time, be sure that your storage container has been thoroughly sanitized. Dilute one teaspoon of bleach in one gallon of water. Use this solution to thoroughly coat the inside of your storage container. After about 30 seconds, pour out the bleach solution. Let your container air-dry or rinse it with clean water. | Assemble your materials. Make ice. Assemble a cooling tank. Create a condensing coil. Connect 3 feet of silicone tubing to your heat source. Attach the other end of your silicone tubing to the top of the condenser coil. Create a spout for your condenser coil. Boil your water to distill it. Sanitize water containers for long-term storage. Assemble your materials. Cut the plywood into several pieces to form a wooden box. Assemble the rigid insulation. Assemble the wooden box. Paint the inside of the box black. Drill a hole for the water tube. Assemble the water tube. Add the glass roof. Place glass pans filled with water inside the still. Sanitize water containers for long-term storage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Study-the-Physiology-of-Digestion-in-the-Human-Body | How to Study the Physiology of Digestion in the Human Body | You can study the physiology of digestion in the human body by breaking down the digestive system into its different structures and parts. For example, remember that digestion begins in the mouth and the mouth contains different parts like the palate, uvula, tongue, and teeth. Once you learn each structure and its parts, focus on learning the process of each structure, or what it does. For example, in the stomach, enzymes break down food, and in the small intestines the bloodstream absorbs nutrients. It can be helpful to draw out diagrams of the structures of the body to help you study, especially if you have trouble remembering the names of different pieces of anatomy. To do this, make a rough sketch of each digestive system and label each part and what it does to move digestion along. | Start at the mouth. The digestive system starts at the mouth. You take in food and drink from your mouth and pass it down to the rest of your digestive tract. The mouth also starts mechanical and chemical digestion of the food. Follow the path of food to the stomach. The esophagus is the long tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. When you swallow food, it travels down the esophagus until it reaches the stomach. In the stomach, the food is combined with hydrochloric acid and enzymes that break the molecules down. Recognize that the endocrine system aids in digestion. The endocrine system consists of glands that produce hormones. One of these glands, the pancreas, also aids in digestion. The pancreas produces enzymes that help the body break down proteins and regulate blood sugar.. Know where most nutrients are absorbed. The majority of nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. This organ is broken into three sections: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. Each section has a unique purpose. In the duodenum, food is mixed with pancreatic juices to be broken down even further for absorption. Most absorption of nutrients takes place in the jejunum. The ileum connects the small intestine to the large intestine. It also absorbs the last bit of nutrients available in the food. Learn how your colon absorbs water. After the nutrients have been extracted from the food mass and absorbed by your body, the remaining waste is saturated with water. This water can be reabsorbed and reused by the body. The absorption of water happens in the large intestine (also known as the colon). Aside from keeping your body hydrated, this process also helps form a solid stool that your body can easily eliminate as waste. Think about how waste leaves the body. A buildup of waste in your body can be toxic. In order to prevent a buildup, your body has to shed the waste left behind after digestion. Waste is moved along the length of the long intestine until it reaches the anus. The anus allows waste to exit the body. The anus is very short. It is usually only about an inch long. Understand how food breaks down into smaller pieces. The first step of the digestive process takes place in the mouth. Your teeth are used to mechanically grind down foods into smaller, more manageable pieces. The smaller pieces provide more surface area for stomach acid to react to. Learn how enzymes are used to break down large molecules. The chemical breakdown of food molecules also starts in the mouth. Your saliva contains enzymes that begin breaking down food molecules while you chew. Once you swallow the food, it encounters more enzymes in the stomach and the duodenum. Some of the most common uses for enzymes are: Breaking proteins into amino acids Breaking down complex carbohydrates into simpler ones Breaking fats into simpler fats Study the absorption of nutrients. Your digestive system absorbs the nutrients that the rest of your body needs. It passes these nutrients into the bloodstream, where they are carried to all of the cells of the body. Most nutrient absorption takes place in the jejunum, the second section of the small intestine. Additional nutrients are absorbed in the third chamber of the small intestine, the ileum. Even still, a very small amount of nutrients can be absorbed in the colon, also known as the large intestine. Study the absorption of water. Once the nutrients have been taken from the food, your body has to prepare the leftover food mass for elimination. The first step is to solidify the mass. The colon is responsible for absorbing water from the food mass and forming it into solid feces. This also serves to keep your body hydrated. Understand how waste is eliminated. Once solid feces has been formed in the colon, it must exit the body. The waste moves the length of the colon until it reaches the anus. At the anus, your body expels the feces. Read ahead of time. Anatomy and physiology classes cover a large volume of information in a short time. Lectures may go by quickly, and if you aren't prepared, you can easily fall behind. Set aside time to read the upcoming chapters or sections before each class. Take notes on relevant information, and bring them to class with you. Make diagrams. Many of the structures in the body have names that are difficult to associate with the functions they serve. One way to help you keep track of different structures and systems is to create diagrams, or sketches, of each structure you study. These diagrams do not have to be drawn perfectly, but you should label all parts and make notes about the content of the picture.. Join in class discussions. Some people can listen to an instructor give a lecture and retain nearly all of the information presented. Most people, however, struggle with this. Aside from taking class notes , you should join into any class discussions. The interaction will help solidify the information in your brain. Some ways you can contribute to a class discussion are: Ask questions if you do not understand something. Answer sample questions given by your instructor. Provide an argument to support your answer when appropriate. Pay attention to lab classes. Anatomy and physiology labs will help you to relate the information you learn in class to real organisms. Choose a lab partner that is serious about doing well instead of picking a friend that you can goof off with. Split the work evenly, and make sure that each of you understands the lab in its entirety. | Start at the mouth. Follow the path of food to the stomach. Recognize that the endocrine system aids in digestion. Know where most nutrients are absorbed. Learn how your colon absorbs water. Think about how waste leaves the body. Understand how food breaks down into smaller pieces. Learn how enzymes are used to break down large molecules. Study the absorption of nutrients. Study the absorption of water. Understand how waste is eliminated. Read ahead of time. Make diagrams. Join in class discussions. Pay attention to lab classes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Recessed-Lighting | How to Install Recessed Lighting | To install recessed lighting, shut off the power to the room where you're working, and mark out the location of each light on the ceiling. Carefully cut out each hole with a drywall saw and install the mounting hardware for each light fixture. Attach the wiring to each fixture and cap any connections with wire connectors, then push the light fixture into place and attach the plate assembly. Finish by screwing in a light bulb and testing your work. | Read the installation instructions. In the user manual, you'll find a variety of user/installation instructions, including voltage requirements. Reading the user manual will also give you the dimensions of the hole you'll need to cut in which to place your lights. If possible, consult an electrician to determine how much voltage your circuit can reliably carry. Installing beautiful recessed lighting may be all the rage, but if your circuit is overloaded, what use will they be for you? If you are taking out old fixtures and installing new ones, you can safely add lights that draw as much amperage (or less) as the previous ones. If you want to add more, consult an electrician. For example, if you had 6 fixtures, each with 100 watt lights, your circuit can hold at least 600 watts before hitting capacity. Shut off the power before beginning any work. It is a good idea to lock the circuit breaker panel while you work so that no one else can turn on the circuit. Never work with circuits that are energized. Mark out the location of each light. Use the manufacturer's template or make your own by cutting out a circle of paper. Place the template against the ceiling in the desired location and trace around it with a pencil, marking the center point as well. If you want to place your lights according to a straight pattern or in a straight line, consider buying or renting a laser level. This will allow you to plot out the holes for the recessed lighting extremely straight. There's nothing wrong with looking more professional. Check for obstructions in the ceiling. Use a stud sensor or other type of structure sensing device to locate any possible obstacles in the area where you're planning to install. If you have an attic or crawl space directly above the light fixtures, start by drilling a 1/4 inch (~6 mm) hole through the ceiling at the center point of each circle. Next, go into the attic and visually check for obstructions around each hole; you will need the light fixture to fit between the ceiling joists. If a finished area is above the ceiling, you can check for obstructions with a wire coat hanger. Bend a length of the coat hanger at 90 degrees about 3 inches (~8 cm) in. Insert the bent wire into each hole you drilled, rotating the bent portion around to check for obstructions. If the wire hits a joist, relocate your lighting fixtures accordingly. Cut the openings for the lights. Use a drywall saw to carefully cut around each outline you drew on the ceiling. Avoid cutting too much away; you can always cut more later, but it is much harder to remedy too large a cut. Cover your floor with a painter's canvas and hold a disposal bag underneath the ceiling; any drywall, sheetrock, or insulation that falls down while you're cutting should make it right into your bag. Install the mounting hardware for each light fixture. If the attic is above the ceiling, it is best to install mounts that are secured to the joists themselves, as they are very secure. If the area above the ceiling is finished, you can use mounting hardware that fits through the hole you cut and mounts to the drywall itself. Stapling your wiring about every three feet, put in your loops from fixture to fixture. Doing this now will save you more time later. Leave about 18 inches (45 cm) of wire hanging down through each hole; this will ensure that you have enough slack to wire each light. If the attic is above the ceiling, you can easily run the wire through the attic. If a finished area is above the ceiling, you can use a long, flexible drill bit to drill the necessary holes in the ceiling joists, and then fish the wires through the joists. Strip the ends of the wires with a wire stripper. Take the stripped wires, connecting the cables that you ran from the power source to the terminals on the fixture's mounting hardware. If you're using connectors to hook your wires into the fixture, simply snap in the connectors into the housing. Feed one set of wires from the junction box, and any additional wires to the next light in the chain (if you want to work with a single switch) and tighten off at the housing. Cap any connections with wire connectors. Lock off the wires into the wire connectors push lock system, organizing the same colors together into one push lock. Put the wires and connectors back into the fixture box. Do this same process for each recessed light you want to install. Remove the mounting plate that comes pre-assembled in the lighting cone. This should be as easy and unscrewing it out of place. Release the plate assembly on the socket by holding down on the clips above the plate. Again, the clips should be easy to locate and dislodge the plate assembly when depressed. Mount the trim to the socket by squeezing the cone trim into place. Squeeze the springs together on the outside of the cone trim. Fit them into the guides along the side of the trim. Screw in the light bulbs and test your work. Install the appropriate wattage of light bulb in each fixture, and then turn the power back on to determine if you have successfully wired the lights. | Read the installation instructions. If possible, consult an electrician to determine how much voltage your circuit can reliably carry. Shut off the power before beginning any work. Mark out the location of each light. Check for obstructions in the ceiling. Cut the openings for the lights. Install the mounting hardware for each light fixture. Stapling your wiring about every three feet, put in your loops from fixture to fixture. Strip the ends of the wires with a wire stripper. Take the stripped wires, connecting the cables that you ran from the power source to the terminals on the fixture's mounting hardware. Cap any connections with wire connectors. Remove the mounting plate that comes pre-assembled in the lighting cone. Release the plate assembly on the socket by holding down on the clips above the plate. Mount the trim to the socket by squeezing the cone trim into place. Squeeze the springs together on the outside of the cone trim. Screw in the light bulbs and test your work. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sag-Your-Pants | How to Sag Your Pants | To sag your pants, you'll need a belt to hold your pants at your chosen height and quality underwear that you don't mind being seen. Put your jeans or slacks on as normal and adjust them to the height you want. For example, a high sag leaves the waistband of your underwear visible, while a medium sag shows about half of your underwear. Once your pants are positioned the way you want them, fix them in place with a belt. If you want to do a double sag, wear shorts underneath your pants. Then, wear your pants slightly lower than your shorts. | Put on your desired pants. You may choose jeans, slacks, long pants, and even shorts. Choose the pair of pants that you are comfortable in, fasten them, and wear them as normal on your hip line. Some material may be difficult to sag so be sure to test your underwear and pant combination. For example, jogging pants may easily slide off underwear made of silk or synthetic material. Jeans and jogging pants are the most common types of pants that people sag. If you sag jogging pants, make sure to have a drawstring that you can adjust, tighten, and knot into place. People also prefer to wear gym shorts between their jogging pants and underwear to help set their sag into place. Jeans can be set into place with a belt or by finding the right measurement of waist to fit around your upper thighs. Sag your pants. Shift your pants down to the desired length. They may already be loose so you may need a belt to keep them at the desired height. Choose from the following : The high sag that shows a lot of the waistband of your underwear. This goes well with designer underwear to show off the brand name. The medium sag exposes half of your underwear which, in turn, shows off half of your butt. The low sag exposes your entire butt and almost all of your underwear. The medium sag without underwear exposes your nude butt. While it usually exposes the upper half, it could expose the majority. Scrunch boxers. You could emphasize the sagging look by bunching up boxers at the top of your sag. As you shift your pants further than your desired height, pull up and gather the material of your boxers above the waistband of your pants. You may use your hands to further spread out the material to your desired look. Choose a belt. A belt can be worn out of necessity or fashion. If you are sagging your pants particularly low you may need a belt to keep your pants in place. For an extreme sag you will need to pull your pants so that your butt is completely exposed as you make the front of your pants slightly higher. Tighten your belt diagonally so it's just above your thighs in the front and below your butt in the back.You may use your hands to further spread out the material to your desired look. Create a double sag. Wearing boxers and gym shorts under your pants creates a double sag. You will basically be showing more of your gym shorts as you sag your pants while you expose the waistband of your boxers as you sag your gym shorts as well. Make sure that your gym shorts are tightened as they usually are made of slippery material that can cause your pants to slip off if there's too much movement. Put on presentable underwear. When you sag your pants your underwear will be visible. Make sure you choose boxers, briefs, or boxer briefs that are clean and don't have any damage. You may also choose designs that will particularly pop when revealed. Bold colours or cartoon characters can catch the eye. Understand that sagging pants has been associated with prison. Some state that sagging started because inmates are not allowed to wear belts for fear of creating weapons. Being unable to wear belts in prison along with being issued clothes that don't fit properly created pants that naturally hung below the waistline. Convicts carried this style back home after they were released. Avoid purchasing pants that are too large. Another reason why someone would sag his pants is because he is going through a growth spurt and can't afford the constant change in sizes. Young men might be issued baggy clothes that they could grow into. Make sure that the pants are slightly larger than your current size so that it doesn't create a comical oversize look. Avoid putting yourself at risk with the law. Many states have banned sagging pants because of its association with prison inmates. You may be unfairly profiled if you sag your pants. You may want to avoid the look entirely to avoid unnecessary suspicion by strangers and police. Find your own style. Sagging pants has been popularized by hip hop culture. Whether you embrace the hip hop look or create your own, make sure you are comfortable with your own appearance. Rappers often come from backgrounds that sagged pants for necessity and later turned it to fashion. Be prepared to defend your fashion choices and carry yourself with self-respect. Make a political statement. You may sag your pants to make a statement about social injustice and personal rights. You may feel like the government is making an infringement on your civil liberties if they are taking away your fashion choices rather than focusing on changing social conditions that create these choices. If your style comes into question you may ask, how low is too low? Should lawmakers be in the fashion business and be able to dictate what we wear and how we wear it? How does the constitution come into play? Whether it's political or fashion, your style can make a statement. Make sure you understand what your choices are saying about you. You may have to pay a fine or other consequences for your sagging pants. You may also find yourself being unfairly judged. Sag carefully. Find out whether it’s allowed. Sagging pants may be against school rules. It may also be illegal in your city. Cities in states including New York, Georgia, Michigan, Louisiana, and Alabama have all passed laws against sagging pants. | Put on your desired pants. Sag your pants. Scrunch boxers. Choose a belt. Create a double sag. Put on presentable underwear. Understand that sagging pants has been associated with prison. Avoid purchasing pants that are too large. Avoid putting yourself at risk with the law. Find your own style. Make a political statement. Find out whether it’s allowed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-Christmas-Games | How to Create Christmas Games | To create a simple Christmas game, split your group into two teams and have each person smear a little Vaseline onto their chin. Then, place 2 bowls of cotton balls on the other side of the room and have 1 person from each team run to the bowls and try to get as many cotton balls stuck to their face as possible. Next, they should run back to their team and tag the next person in line. The first team to empty their bowl wins. | Divide everyone into two (or more) groups. Provide each team with a set of oversized mittens or gloves. Have the members of each team stand in a single file line, with the first person in line wearing the gloves/mittens. Place a bowl of Hershey's Kisses on a table. If you're the first person in line, run to the bowl. Unwrap the kiss and put it in your mouth (while wearing the gloves). You may only use your hands—no teeth to unwrap the kiss. Run back to your line. You may go as soon as you have the kiss in your mouth. Tag the first person in line. Then, take off the gloves/mittens and give them to the person you tagged. Repeat the process until one group wins. A group wins when everyone in the group has eaten a chocolate kiss! Choose a judge. You will be judged based on your speed of wrapping and the quality of the wrapping job. Get into teams of two. You and your partner should each choose a hand. The other one will be held behind your back. Work together to tape the box shut and wrap it. Then, tie a ribbon around it. The first team to finish with a high-quality wrapping job wins. Divide everyone into two teams. Give each team a present to unwrap. It is best if the gifts are really well wrapped. To make it really tough, perhaps wrap in several layers and use some tough tape. Have the unwrapper don a pair of oven mitts. The purpose is to make unwrapping difficult. Have each team sit in a circle. One person per team must roll a pair of dice. Unwrap. The first player to get roll doubles tries to unwrap the gift. In the meantime, the other teams keep rolling to try to get a double before the gift is unwrapped. If they get a double, the gift immediately passes to the winner of the roll and so on. Keep playing until the gift is completely unwrapped. The one who finishes unwrapping the gift can keep the gift if you like; this can add a sense of urgency to the game. Make at least two teams. Each person should evenly smear their chin area with Vaseline. Be sure that each person has about the same amount of Vaseline, to ensure that it's fair. Put one bowl of cotton balls per team on one side of the room. Then, line up with the rest of your team on the other side. If you're the first person in line, run to the bowl of cotton balls. Dunk your face in so that as much cotton as possible sticks to the Vaseline. Run back to your line. Tag the first person so that they can repeat the process. Tally up the points. Give three points to the team who finished the fastest, and then an additional point for each cotton ball. The team with the most points wins! Divide into teams. Each team should get mittens, a bag of marshmallows, and a spoon. If you are the first person in line, put on the mittens. Then, grab a marshmallow from the bag and balance it on the spoon. Race members of other teams to a bucket across the room. Place the marshmallow into the bucket and return to your team. Tag the first person in line and give them the spoon and mittens. Repeat the process. The first team to finish wins. Divide into teams of two. Each team should have an old pair of tights (no holes) and some inflated balloons. People take it in turns to fill the tights with balloons. The finished product should look like a pair of antlers. The team with the most balloons in the tights wins the game! Wrap up a small gift. Then add another gift and another layer of wrapping paper. Continue until you have 5 gifts wrapped. Sit in a circle. Turn on some Christmas music and pass the parcel around. Stop the music every now and again. The person who has the parcel when the music stops gets to unwrap one of the gifts. The person to open the last gift is the winner. Pick teams. Assign each team a popular Christmas carol. Rewrite the carol. You can keep the tune and change the words, or completely change the tune if you want. Feel free to make it as silly as possible. Choose judges. Have each team perform their revised version––the judges will choose a winner! Get as many sticky notes as you have people. Stick one on each person's head. Write Christmas-related names or draw Christmas-related objects on each one. Then,write/draw random objects on them. Write out questions according to the objects. These can be "Yes or No" or random answer questions. Sit everyone down and play (putting the sticky notes on your head of course). Each player must ask questions about their unknown image or words but only receive yes or no answers. The winner is the first person to guess correctly. However, you can keep going until the last person has guessed, for more fun! Turn off the lights. Turn on the Christmas tree lights. Choose a hunter (seeker). Then, spread chairs around the room––these will serve as hiding places and diversions. If the room is big, you can also give a flashlight to the hunter. Now hide from the hunter! | Divide everyone into two (or more) groups. Provide each team with a set of oversized mittens or gloves. Place a bowl of Hershey's Kisses on a table. Unwrap the kiss and put it in your mouth (while wearing the gloves). Run back to your line. Repeat the process until one group wins. Choose a judge. Get into teams of two. Work together to tape the box shut and wrap it. Divide everyone into two teams. Give each team a present to unwrap. It is best if the gifts are really well wrapped. Have the unwrapper don a pair of oven mitts. Have each team sit in a circle. Unwrap. Keep playing until the gift is completely unwrapped. Make at least two teams. Put one bowl of cotton balls per team on one side of the room. If you're the first person in line, run to the bowl of cotton balls. Run back to your line. Tally up the points. Divide into teams. If you are the first person in line, put on the mittens. Race members of other teams to a bucket across the room. Tag the first person in line and give them the spoon and mittens. Divide into teams of two. People take it in turns to fill the tights with balloons. The team with the most balloons in the tights wins the game! Wrap up a small gift. Sit in a circle. Stop the music every now and again. The person to open the last gift is the winner. Pick teams. Rewrite the carol. Choose judges. Get as many sticky notes as you have people. Write Christmas-related names or draw Christmas-related objects on each one. Write out questions according to the objects. Sit everyone down and play (putting the sticky notes on your head of course). The winner is the first person to guess correctly. Turn off the lights. Choose a hunter (seeker). Now hide from the hunter! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Bernese-Mountain-Dogs | How to Care for Bernese Mountain Dogs | To care for a Bernese mountain dog, feed it high-quality food that has meat and vegetables as the first few ingredients. Make sure to follow the recommended feeding amount and limit your dog's access to treats and table scraps so it maintains a healthy weight. Additionally, brush its fur at least once a week to keep it from getting tangled or knotted. You should also exercise your dog by walking it for at least 30 minutes, twice a day, and playing games, like frisbee or fetch. | Feed her the right food. Bernese mountain dogs have special dietary needs. Since they are so large, these dogs need a dog food that is high-quality and provides a balance of nutrients. Look for dog foods that have real ingredients instead of fillers. The first three or four ingredients should be meat and vegetables. Meat by products and wheat should be farther down on the list. If you are unsure of what to feed your dog, ask your vet or the breeder you get your dog from. Bernese mountain dogs will live long, happy lives with these foods. However, look out for food sensitivity or intolerance in relation to certain ingredients. This can cause your dog to vomit, have diarrhea, or experience skin irritation. If this happens, see your vet to help determine what is causing the issue. Consult an animal nutritionist. If you are unsure of certain foods, you may want to make your own dog food or put your Bernese mountain dog on a raw diet. This may be a good choice, but you will have to work with an animal nutritionist to make sure your dog is getting a balanced diet. This is important since your Bernese mountain dog, as well as all dogs, need certain nutrients to be healthy, just like humans. Ask for a referral from your vet for a trusted and qualified animal nutritionist. There are also many online sources that describe the different homemade foods you can make. Feed her the right amount. To avoid over or under feeding your dog, follow the suggested food amount on your pet's dog food. This will be a considerable amount since Bernese mountain dogs are so large, so make sure your dog is getting the right amount. To decrease this risk, feed your dog the recommended amount every day and avoid feeding her too many treats or table scraps. Consider giving your pet natural treats, such a baby carrots or unsalted canned green beans. Avoid certain foods. There are certain foods that can harm, and in some cases kill, your dog. This is because your dog's body cannot process certain foods, which is why the foods cause problems. Keep these away from your Bernese mountain dog, which can be more difficult since she can easily access counters and even low shelves. Keep these products in closed shelves that she cannot reach. These foods include: Chocolate Avocados Grapes and raisins Certain nuts Alcohol Onions, garlic and chives Yeast dough Sugar free foods Keep an eye on her weight. Although Bernese mountain dogs are large dogs, they can still be overweight. This may be hard to spot since they are already so big, but you should always be aware of your dog's weight. The recommended healthy weight for a female Bernese mountain dog is 100 pounds and 110 pounds or a little over for a male dog. Your Bernese mountain dog is considered overweight if she weight 10 to 20% more than her ideal weight. This is around 110 to 120 pounds. Anything more than 20% in weight is considered obese. Obesity can greatly decrease her lifespan and cause many health problems. Hydrate your dog. Dogs need a constant supply of fresh and clean water to help them digest their food. Since Bernese mountain dogs are so large, she will likely drink more than a smaller dog, so keep a close watch on the water levels to ensure she has plenty. You should also clean the water bowl every so often with dish soap and water, then rinse and dry it. This will cut down on any possibility of algae or bacteria that may grow in the bowl if not cleaned properly. Take care of her fur. Bernese mountain dogs have long, silky fur that needs weekly care. Brush her fur at least once a week to keep it from getting tangled and knotted. This will also help her skin development and encourage circulation. You should also check for ticks and fleas while brushing her. Look close at the skin and run your fingers over her fur while your brush her to check for ticks. Also use this time to check for any skin abnormalities, such as cysts, lumps, or bumps. Also look for skin irritation and redness. If you find any, you should contact your vet to find the cause. Bernese mountain dog's fur is not generally cut short but is just kept trimmed neatly. Trim her nails. In addition to taking care of her fur, you should also take care of her nails. You can get your vet to do this or you can try it at home. It may be hard to do it at first at home, but after she gets used to it, she will likely let you do it. Just make sure you know what you are doing so you avoid cutting to much off and injuring the quick of her nails. This is painful and may cause them to get infected. Even if the vet takes care of her nails, you should groom the fur around her paws. It should be kept neatly trimmed but long enough to keep her paws covered. Take care of her teeth. Bernese mountain dogs benefit from brushing their teeth every day. This will help remove plague and bacteria that builds up in her mouth. Never use human toothpaste on a dog because it can cause illness because the fluoride is poisonous to dogs. Buy dog toothpaste and a dog toothbrush, which can be bought at pet stores or from your vet. You may have to start slow to acclimate her to the feeling of brushing her teeth. Start off by letting her lick the toothpaste off your finger, rubbing it into her gums with your finger, and then brushing a little at a time until she lets you do all of her teeth. This may take a week or more. While you brush her teeth, also look for loose or damaged teeth and check the overall health of the mouth.5 You can also give her dental fortified treats or food to help fight plaque buildup. If your dog gets a lot of buildup despite bushing her teeth, your vet can clean her teeth as well. Have large enough living arrangements. A Bernese mountain dog cannot live in a small apartment or house. Since they are so large, they need adequate space. She can be very happy in a medium sized or large house. If you don't have a large house, consider housing her outside. Many Bernese mountain dogs can live quite happily outside, especially in cold weather, as long as they have the right supplies. This includes: A large dog house Plenty of insulated bedding, such as dry, clean straw and a warm blanket Access to shade during hot weather Access to plenty of water Make sure you never chain your dog up outside. Exercise your dog. Bernese mountain dogs need to exercise daily. Start with at least a 30 minute walk or job twice a day. Just putting them outside is not enough, especially if your yard is small. Consider running or jogging with your dog as she gets stronger. This will help burn more energy and help her be happier. In addition to walks, play games with your dog, such as Frisbee or fetch to give her more exercise and make it fun. Plus, it will help her bond with you more. Never give your Bernese mountain dog small toys or balls because she may accidently swallow it, which can cause her to suffocate or choke. Socialize her. Starting when she is a puppy, your Bernese mountain dog should be socialized with other dogs as well as people. Introduce her to people and dogs through walks in the park or through a neighborhood. Consider taking her to a dog park with other dog lovers. If you can't find a group or dog park on your own, many pet stores and community groups have socialization classes. This will her start this process in a safe and controlled atmosphere. manners. You can also take her to obedience classes at the same time, which also gives her exposure to other dogs. Get regular check-ups. To keep your dog in good health, you need to make sure you take her to the vet often. This will ensue her continued health and well being. This starts before you get her with the breeder, who will her at six weeks for an exam to check for hernias and worms as well as eye, heart, ear, and lung problems as well as proper vaccinations. At 12 weeks, your dog needs her rabies vaccination. If you live in an area where Lyme disease is common, you might need to look into the Lyme disease vaccination. This may also be helpful if your dog spends a lot of time outside or if you live on a farm. Look for breed specific diseases. There are certain conditions that Bernese mountain dogs are more prone to have. These conditions hip dysplasia, bloat, and cranial cruciate ligament rupture, which attacks the knee. They also have an increased risk of cancer. If you notice your dog showing signs of sickness, such as lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, restlessness, or pain, talk to your vet immediately. These can be signs of bloat. Have your dog spayed or neutered. When your dog is six to nine months old, consider having her spayed or neutered. This will provide health benefits for her, such as the decreased chance tumors, testicular cancer, and urinary tract infections. It can also help with some behavioral issues and unwanted puppies. If you want to breed your pet, you obviously should not do this. Provide preventative medication. To ensure the overall health of your dog, give her preventative medication. This can be flea medication, such as topical ointments or flea collars. This also includes heartworm medication, which comes as a once a month tablet or a shot that lasts up to six months. These will kill any heartworm organisms in your dog's system. Make sure she is regularly checked for heartworms. This disease if widespread and can cause major issues, even death. If your dog does end up with heartworms, treatment is available but is generally hard on her as well as you. It is also expensive and may take months to get rid of. | Feed her the right food. Consult an animal nutritionist. Feed her the right amount. Avoid certain foods. Keep an eye on her weight. Hydrate your dog. Take care of her fur. Trim her nails. Take care of her teeth. Have large enough living arrangements. Exercise your dog. Socialize her. Get regular check-ups. Look for breed specific diseases. Have your dog spayed or neutered. Provide preventative medication. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cure-Cracked-and-Dry-Elbows | How to Cure Cracked and Dry Elbows | Cracked and dry elbows can be uncomfortable, but luckily you can treat them by making a few small changes to your routine. When you shower, use a soft washcloth to gently exfoliate your skin. After drying off, apply a moisturizer to rehydrate your skin. Lotions made with ceramide, hyaluronic acid, and mineral oil are especially effective on dry skin. Avoid harsh soaps and fragrances while your skin heals, since these may just make things worse. You should also avoid taking long, hot showers or swimming since both of these can dry out your skin. | Use mild cleansers. If you're suffering from dry, cracked elbows or dry skin in general, it's important to avoid harsh soaps and cleansers, which can further dry out your skin. Choose a product which is formulated for dry skin. Avoid fragrances and dyes. Fragrances and dyes are often irritating to the skin and can cause further redness and dryness. Choose cleansers and moisturizes which are fragrance and dye free. If you're having trouble sorting through selection at the drugstore, try looking for products designed for babies. They are typically much milder and are often fragrance and dye-free. Be gentle with your skin. Don't over-exfoliate; scrubbing your skin too roughly will only further strip your skin of important moisturizing oils. It's recommended that you use your hands or a soft washcloth to exfoliate. Choose your moisturizer carefully. An important step to curing your cracked and dry elbows is to properly moisture and smooth them out. Not all moisturizes are created equally, though. Products with ceramide and hyaluronic acid will help your skin retain moisture. Products with dimethicone and glycerin are useful for drawing water to the skin. Products with lanolin, mineral oil, and/or petroleum jelly are also recommended and are excellent at helping you retain water. Look for lotions with lactic acid; beyond moisturizing your elbows, the lactic acid gently exfoliates your flaky skin. Apply your moisturizer (fragrance and dye-free) immediately upon getting out of the shower. Don't dry off completely; it's better to apply lotion while your skin is still damp. Try natural food scrubs and lotions. Your dry, cracked elbows may find relief from a variety of home remedies starting in the kitchen. Use yogurt on your elbows. Yogurt is high in lactic acid, which will gently help exfoliate your flaky skin. Greek variety yogurt is particularly thick and concentrated. Leave on your elbows for up to 15 minutes. Try using organic honey on your ailing elbows, which has long been lauded as an excellent remedy for dry chapped skin. You can mix the honey with your yogurt spread (above), or apply straight to your elbows. Treat your elbows with lemon. The citric acid in lemon can work to lighten the dark and dry skin on your elbows, and will also help to gently exfoliate. Use natural food oils, like olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil as a moisturizer. Apply these straight to your elbows for a long-acting dose of moisture. Cover your elbows after moisturizing. After you've applied your moisturizing lotion or oil, cover your elbows with soft tube socks (cut off the toes and the tight elastic). This will help protect your elbows as you sleep, keep the product from rubbing off, and lock in the moisture as you sleep. Keep the temperature low. Dry skin and cracked elbows can become a problem at any time of the year, but they are particularly common during the winter months as the air tends to be drier. Experts recommend you resist the urge to crank up the heat when the temperature outside falls. Keep the temperature slightly cooler, at 68 degrees. Use a humidifier. In an effort to counteract dry indoor air, you may want to use a humidifier in order to keep the air moist. Set it at 45-55% humidity. Limit hot showers. Fewer things are more relaxing than a long, hot, steamy shower, but hot temperatures, and indeed exposure to water, have a drying effect upon our skin. In order to maintain your skin's natural protecting oils, it's best to keep your water temperature on the cooler side. Try to keep your bathing time as short as possible, 5-10 minutes top. Limit time spent swimming. Swimming is an excellent source of exercise, but the exposure to harsh chemicals such as chlorine can contribute to your dry skin. You should either limit your time in the water or avoid it altogether until you are able to heal your dry skin. Cover up when exposed to the elements. If you're suffering from dry skin in general, you'll find it helpful to protect your skin from the wind and the sun. Our elbows take extra abuse, so particularly while you are working on curing them, you may want to wear long sleeves. Wear natural fibers, such as cotton, and avoid synthetic fabrics which may be irritating. Wool, while a natural fiber, can often be irritating to the skin, so you may want to avoid shirts and sweaters spun from wool, regardless of their wintry appeal. Stay hydrated. In order to treat your dry skin and elbows from the inside out, be sure to drink plenty of water. Change your diet. Foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help protect our skin from harsh environmental factors and bolster our oil-protecting barriers. Fish such as salmon, halibut, and sardines are excellent sources of Omega-3. Walnuts, safflower oil and flaxseed are similarly good sources of Omega-3 and are relatively easy to add to your diet. Before making any changes to your diet or taking fish-oil supplements, you should of course consult with your physician. | Use mild cleansers. Avoid fragrances and dyes. Be gentle with your skin. Choose your moisturizer carefully. Apply your moisturizer (fragrance and dye-free) immediately upon getting out of the shower. Try natural food scrubs and lotions. Cover your elbows after moisturizing. Keep the temperature low. Use a humidifier. Limit hot showers. Limit time spent swimming. Cover up when exposed to the elements. Stay hydrated. Change your diet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Detangle-Hair-Extensions | How to Detangle Hair Extensions | Hair extensions can get knotted pretty easily, but you can easily detangle them with your fingers or a comb. To avoid breakage, wash your extensions with shampoo and conditioner before you detangle them. Add a little conditioner after rinsing out the shampoo to make the hair smoother. Then, clip your extensions into sections to make the process easier. If you have minor tangles, use your fingers to gently comb them out. For more serious tangles, use a wide-tooth comb, which will be more gentle than a regular comb or brush. Start detangling at the bottom of the extension, and work your way up in small sections, which will prevent pulling and hair breakage. | Wet the extensions. If you try to detangle your extensions while they're dry, you may cause breakage and shedding. Wash the extensions with water and your usual shampoo, rinsing well to ensure that there are no suds left behind. For extensions made of natural hair, use an alcohol-free, sulfate-free shampoo formulated for color-treated hair. For synthetic hair extensions, use a mild shampoo or one formulated for synthetic hair. If you have lower quality synthetic extensions, it may be easier to simply purchase a new set than to risk detangling them and making them look worse. Apply a detangling conditioner to the extensions. The extensions will be even easier to detangle if you treat them with a conditioner. Massage a detangling conditioner into the extensions and rinse them clean with lukewarm to cool water. You can use detangling conditioner on both natural and synthetic extensions. These conditioners work really well on curly and wavy extensions, in particular. If you have straight extensions or extensions that aren't too tangly, you may be able to use a regular conditioner. If you prefer, you can apply a detangling leave-in conditioner instead of a rinse-out formula. Lightly spray it onto the extensions after you wash them and gently massage it into the tangles. Separate your natural hair from sewn- or glued-in extensions. You're more likely to tug and damage the extensions -- and your natural hair -- if you try to detangle them in one mass. Clip your natural hair out of the way, so you can work on detangling the extensions without pulling on it and causing breakage. Once your natural hair is out of the way, it's a good idea to divide the extensions in smaller sections before detangling. That will minimize the pulling and tugging on them. Divide clip-in extensions into individual wefts. Even if your extensions aren't sewn or glued in, you can damage them if you try to detangle them all at once. Separate the extensions into the individual wefts so you can get the tangles out more easily. You may want to divide larger wefts into two or three sections for easier detangling. Detangle minor tangles with your fingers. If your extensions are only slightly tangled, you may be able to use your fingers to remove the tangles. They'll be more gentle than a comb or brush, so you won't pull or tug on the hair too much. Comb through the extensions with your fingers, but work slowly and gently until the tangles are removed. Use a wide tooth comb for major tangles. While wetting the extensions help make it easier to detangle them, hair is also more fragile when it's wet. To avoid breakage and other damage, choose a wide tooth comb rather than a brush or fine tooth comb. The wide space between the comb's teeth helps to gently detangle rather than pulling or tugging at the hair. Hold the extension right above the tangle. You don't want to pull on the hair in your extensions as you run the comb through it or you may cause breakage. To keep from tugging too hard, use your free hand to hold the extension just above the tangle or knot. Start detangling at the bottom of the extension. If you start combing from the top of the hair extension, you'll have to work through the entire knot or tangle to make it to the end. Starting at the bottom allows you to detangle small sections of the knot at a time, so you don't damage the hair. If your extensions are glued in, you should be very careful for this step. Detangling glued in extensions may cause them to come loose if you pull too hard. Move your comb upward when the bottom is detangled. Once you've detangled the bottom of the extension, place your comb a little higher and work on that section of the tangle. Run the comb through the extension gently until you've detangled that section as well. Repeat the process until the entire tangle is removed. Brush your extensions regularly with a natural bristle brush. To keep your hair extensions from getting tangled in the first place, it's important to brush them regularly. Use a soft bristle brush to comb through them before and after each time you wear them. If your extensions are sewn or glued in, brush them along with your natural hair two to three times a day to keep them free of tangles. Braid your extensions. The longer the length, the more likely your extensions are to tangle. tangle. You can keep your hair extensions free of tangles by braiding them. If they're glued or sewn into your hair, braid them with your natural hair. If they're clip-in extensions, braid them after you take them out of your hair for storage. Any type of braid that you prefer will work for keeping the extensions free of tangles, but a simple 3-strand braid is usually the easiest. Avoid using stylings products with alcohol. If your extensions are made of natural hair, you can use the same styling products that you use on your natural hair for them. However, to keep the extensions free of tangles, don't use products that contain alcohol. It is very drying, so it leaves your hair more prone to snags and tangles. Synthetic hair extensions, in particular, are prone to matting when you use products with alcohol on them. Moisturize the extensions with a light oil. If your hair extensions are smooth and moisturized, they're less likely to tangle. To keep your extensions properly hydrated, massage a small amount of a light hair oil into them at least once a week. Argan, coconut, castor, olive, and jojoba oils are all good options. If your extensions are sewn or glued in or you wear them everyday, you should apply the oil daily. | Wet the extensions. Apply a detangling conditioner to the extensions. Separate your natural hair from sewn- or glued-in extensions. Divide clip-in extensions into individual wefts. Detangle minor tangles with your fingers. Use a wide tooth comb for major tangles. Hold the extension right above the tangle. Start detangling at the bottom of the extension. Move your comb upward when the bottom is detangled. Brush your extensions regularly with a natural bristle brush. Braid your extensions. Avoid using stylings products with alcohol. Moisturize the extensions with a light oil. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Harvest-Broccoli | How to Harvest Broccoli | When it's time to harvest your broccoli, roughly 2-4 months after planting, first check to see if the plant is ready. Make sure the florets are small and green and haven't started flowering yet, and that the central head is about 4-6 inches in diameter. When your broccoli is ready to harvest, use a knife or pruners to cut off the main stalk. Next, clip the side shoots. Make sure to cut these shoots at an angle and leave an inch of the stalk, as they can continue to grow and be harvested again for several months. | Plan to harvest your broccoli 2-4 months after planting. It would be helpful to mark this time in your calendar so you can prepare for your harvest in the days leading up to it. Consult your seed packet instructions for an estimate of how long it will take to mature and the predicted size of your broccoli head. Check the color of your plant close to the harvest time. The florets should be a dense set of small green flower buds (about the size of a pinhead). You'll want to harvest before these flower, so make sure to inspect them carefully and be ready to harvest if there is any sign of yellowing or flowering. Monitor the temperature as hot spells for more than 7 days can cause your plant to bolt and flower quickly, which is not ideal for harvesting. Harvest your broccoli immediately if there are any signs of flowers or yellowing Keep an eye on the growth of the central head. Your broccoli will be ready to harvest when the central head stops growing in size. Most homegrown heads reach sizes of about 4 to 6 inches in diameter, but refer back to your seed packet for a better estimate. If you lightly squeeze the head, it should feel tight as there should be very little space between the florets. Don't worry if the head isn't as tightly packed as store-bought broccoli. Since it doesn't have to be transported anywhere, it can be harvested at a later stage. Plan to pick your broccoli when it is cool outside. This is generally in the morning or the evening when the soil is less exposed to the sun. Cooler soil is able to retain more moisture which results in a fresher, less wilted plant. For the best possible taste, harvest your broccoli in the morning. Gather your garden gloves and pruners, or a knife. You'll also need a container or basket to collect your broccoli in. Ensure that your pruners/knife are clean and sharp, as this will keep your broccoli healthy after you cut it, and allow it to continue growing. Use your knife or pruners to clip off the main stalk. Measure about 5-8 inches down the stalk below the head and clip or cut the stem. Ensure you cut at an angle to prevent rain from pooling on top and rotting the centre of the stem. Try to make the cut in one motion to avoid tearing the stalk. Harvest the side shoots. In the weeks after you harvest the main head, your plant may continue to grow side shoots that you can also cut off for up to three months. Check back every 3-4 days to see if there are new side shoots to harvest. Clip these in the same way you harvest the main head, ensuring you cut the stalks at an angle and leave a couple of inches of stalk at the bottom. You can get several harvests throughout the season by following this process, and side shoots will take longer to bolt/flower. If your plant is flowering, you can still harvest it as the flowers are edible, and can be used in a variety of soup, salad or stir-fry recipes. Store your harvested broccoli. Rinse and thoroughly dry the florets and store your refrigerator in a loosely sealed bag or container. Broccoli stored this way will keep for up to 5 days. If you plan to keep broccoli for longer, simply blanch and freeze it. Frozen broccoli can keep for up to a year. Pull out your broccoli plant after a week of no new growth. Once the side shoots stop growing, this is a sign the plant is no longer producing. Using your gloves, pull the entire plant out, including the roots. This will make room for future crops, and stop the broccoli plant from rotting in your soil. If you have a compost system, you can add the plant to your pile and it will create nutritious food for future crops. | Plan to harvest your broccoli 2-4 months after planting. Check the color of your plant close to the harvest time. Keep an eye on the growth of the central head. Plan to pick your broccoli when it is cool outside. Gather your garden gloves and pruners, or a knife. Use your knife or pruners to clip off the main stalk. Harvest the side shoots. Store your harvested broccoli. Pull out your broccoli plant after a week of no new growth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Theoretical-Yield | How to Calculate Theoretical Yield | To calculate theoretical yield, start by finding the limiting reactant in the equation, which is the reactant that gets used up first when the chemical reaction takes place. Then, write down the number of moles in the limiting reactant. Next, divide the number of molecules of your desired product by the number of molecules of your limiting reactant to find the ratio of molecules between them. Then, multiply the ratio by the limiting reactant's quantity in moles. Finally, convert your answer to grams. | Start with a balanced chemical equation. A chemical equation is like a recipe. It shows the reactants (on the left side) reacting to form products (on the right side). A properly balanced equation will show the same number of atoms going into the equation as reactants as you have coming out in the form of products. For example, consider the simple equation H 2 + O 2 {\displaystyle H_{2}+O_{2}} → H 2 O {\displaystyle H_{2}O}. There are two atoms of hydrogen on both the left and right. But there are two atoms of oxygen going in as a reactant and only one atom in the product on the right. To balance, double the product, to get H 2 + O 2 {\displaystyle H_{2}+O_{2}} → 2 H 2 O {\displaystyle 2H_{2}O}. Check the balance. This change has corrected the oxygen, which now has two atoms on both sides. But you now have two atoms of hydrogen on the left with four atoms of hydrogen on the right. Double the hydrogen in the reactant. This will adjust the equation to 2 H 2 + O 2 {\displaystyle 2H_{2}+O_{2}} → 2 H 2 O {\displaystyle 2H_{2}O}. This change now has 4 atoms of hydrogen on both sides, and two atoms of oxygen. The equation is balanced. As a more complicated example, oxygen and glucose can react to form carbon dioxide and water: 6 O 2 + C 6 H 12 O 6 {\displaystyle 6O_{2}+C_{6}H_{12}O_{6}} → 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O {\displaystyle 6CO_{2}+6H_{2}O} In this equation, each side has exactly 6 carbon (C) atoms, 12 hydrogen (H) atoms, and 18 oxygen (O) atoms. The equation is balanced. Read this guide if you wish to review balancing chemical equations more thoroughly. Calculate the molar mass of each reactant. Using the periodic table or some other reference, look up the molar mass of each atom in each compound. Add them together to find the molar mass of each compound of reactant. Do this for a single molecule of the compound. Consider again the equation of converting oxygen and glucose into carbon dioxide and water: 6 O 2 + C 6 H 12 O 6 {\displaystyle 6O_{2}+C_{6}H_{12}O_{6}} → 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O {\displaystyle 6CO_{2}+6H_{2}O} For this example, one molecule of oxygen ( O 2 {\displaystyle O_{2}} ) contains two oxygen atoms. The molar mass of one atom of oxygen is about 16 g/mol. If necessary, you can find more precise values.) 2 oxygen atoms x 16 g/mol per atom = 32 g/mol of O 2 {\displaystyle O_{2}}. The other reactant, glucose ( C 6 H 12 O 6 {\displaystyle C_{6}H_{12}O_{6}} ) has a molar mass of (6 atoms C x 12 g C/mol) + (12 atoms H x 1 g H/mol) + (6 atoms O x 16 g O/mol) = 180 g/mol. To review this step in more detail, you can review Calculate Molar Mass. Convert the amount of each reactant from grams to moles. For an actual experiment, you will know the mass in grams of each reactant that you are using. Divide this value by that compound's molar mass to convert the amount to moles. For example, suppose you begin with 40 grams of oxygen and 25 grams of glucose. 40 g O 2 {\displaystyle O_{2}} / (32 g/mol) = 1.25 moles of oxygen. 25g C 6 H 12 O 6 {\displaystyle C_{6}H_{12}O_{6}} / (180 g/mol) = about 0.139 moles of glucose. Determine the molar ratio of the reactants. A mole is a tool used in chemistry to count molecules, based on their mass. By determining the number of moles of both oxygen and glucose, you know how many molecules of each you are starting with. To find the ratio between the two, divide the number of moles of one reactant by the number of moles of the other. In this example, you are starting with 1.25 moles of oxygen and 0.139 moles of glucose. Thus, the ratio of oxygen to glucose molecules is 1.25 / 0.139 = 9.0. This ratio means that you have 9 times as many molecules of oxygen as you have of glucose. Find the ideal ratio for the reaction. Look at the balanced equation for the reaction. The coefficients in front of each molecule tell you the ratio of the molecules that you need for the reaction to occur. If you use exactly the ratio given by the formula, then both reactants should be used equally. For this reaction, the reactants are given as 6 O 2 + C 6 H 12 O 6 {\displaystyle 6O_{2}+C_{6}H_{12}O_{6}}. The coefficients indicate that you need 6 oxygen molecules for every 1 glucose molecule. The ideal ratio for this reaction is 6 oxygen / 1 glucose = 6.0. Compare the ratios to find the limiting reactant. In most chemical reactions, one of the reactants will be used up before the others. The one that gets used up first is called the limiting reactant. This limiting reactant determines how long the chemical reaction can take place and the theoretical yield you can expect. Compare the two ratios you calculated to identify the limiting reactant: In this example, you are beginning with 9 times as much oxygen as glucose, when measured by number of moles. The formula tells you that your ideal ratio is 6 times as much oxygen as glucose. Therefore, you have more oxygen than required. Thus, the other reactant, glucose in this case, is the limiting reactant. Review the reaction to find the desired product. The right side of a chemical equation shows the products created by the reaction. The coefficients of each product, if the reaction is balanced, tells you the amount to expect, in molecular ratios. Each product has a theoretical yield, meaning the amount of product you would expect to get if the reaction is perfectly efficient. Continuing the example above, you are analyzing the reaction 6 O 2 + C 6 H 12 O 6 {\displaystyle 6O_{2}+C_{6}H_{12}O_{6}} → 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O {\displaystyle 6CO_{2}+6H_{2}O}. The two products shown on the right are carbon dioxide and water. You can begin with either product to calculate theoretical yield. In some cases, you may be concerned only with one product or the other. If so, that is the one you would start with. Write down the number of moles of your limiting reactant. You must always compare moles of reactant to moles of product. If you try to compare the mass of each, you will not reach the correct results. In the example above, glucose is the limiting reactant. The molar mass calculations found that the initial 25g of glucose are equal to 0.139 moles of glucose. Compare the ratio of molecules in product and reactant. Return to the balanced equation. Divide the number of molecules of your desired product by the number of molecules of your limiting reactant. The balanced equation for this example is 6 O 2 + C 6 H 12 O 6 {\displaystyle 6O_{2}+C_{6}H_{12}O_{6}} → 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O {\displaystyle 6CO_{2}+6H_{2}O}. This equation tells you that you expect 6 molecules of the desired product, carbon dioxide ( C O 2 {\displaystyle CO_{2}} ), compared to 1 molecule of glucose ( C 6 H 12 O 6 {\displaystyle C_{6}H_{12}O_{6}} ). The ratio of carbon dioxide to glucose is 6/1 = 6. In other words, this reaction can produce 6 molecules of carbon dioxide from one molecule of glucose. Multiply the ratio by the limiting reactant's quantity in moles. The answer is the theoretical yield, in moles, of the desired product. In this example, the 25g of glucose equate to 0.139 moles of glucose. The ratio of carbon dioxide to glucose is 6:1. You expect to create six times as many moles of carbon dioxide as you have of glucose to begin with. The theoretical yield of carbon dioxide is (0.139 moles glucose) x (6 moles carbon dioxide / mole glucose) = 0.834 moles carbon dioxide. Convert the result to grams. This is the reverse of your earlier step of calculating the number of moles or reactant. When you know the number of moles that you expect, you will multiply by the molar mass of the product to find the theoretical yield in grams. In this example, the molar mass of CO 2 is about 44 g/mol. (Carbon's molar mass is ~12 g/mol and oxygen's is ~16 g/mol, so the total is 12 + 16 + 16 = 44.) Multiply 0.834 moles CO 2 x 44 g/mol CO 2 = ~36.7 grams. The theoretical yield of the experiment is 36.7 grams of CO 2. Repeat the calculation for the other product if desired. In many experiments, you may only be concerned with the yield of one product. If you wish to find the theoretical yield of both products, just repeat the process. In this example, the second product is water, H 2 O {\displaystyle H_{2}O}. According to the balanced equation, you expect 6 molecules of water to come from 1 molecule of glucose. This is a ratio of 6:1. Therefore, beginning with 0.139 moles of glucose should result in 0.834 moles of water. Multiply the number of moles of water by the molar mass of water. The molar mass is 2 + 16 = 18 g/mol. Multiplying by the product, this results in 0.834 moles H 2 O x 18 g/mol H 2 O = ~15 grams. The theoretical yield of water for this experiment is 15 grams. | Start with a balanced chemical equation. Calculate the molar mass of each reactant. Convert the amount of each reactant from grams to moles. Determine the molar ratio of the reactants. Find the ideal ratio for the reaction. Compare the ratios to find the limiting reactant. Review the reaction to find the desired product. Write down the number of moles of your limiting reactant. Compare the ratio of molecules in product and reactant. Multiply the ratio by the limiting reactant's quantity in moles. Convert the result to grams. Repeat the calculation for the other product if desired. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Refried-Beans | How to Make Refried Beans | To make refried beans using canned beans, heat 2 tablespoons of lard or vegetable oil in a skillet and add 2-3 garlic cloves. When the cloves are golden brown, smash them up with a fork and return them to the pan with a chopped onion. before cooking for 3-5 minutes. Add salt, cumin, pepper, and chili powder to the pan and stir to coat. Within 30 seconds, add your two cans of beans and bring to a simmer. Mash the beans with a potato masher and continue cooking until you get the consistency you're looking for. | Choose your dried beans and rinse off 2 1/2 cups in cool water. Do not soak the beans, as this old technique has since been proven to ruin flavor and texture. Simply rinse them off and move on. The bigger decision, of course, is which beans to use: Pinto beans are the classic choice. Sweet but savory, with a good size for mashing and a creamy texture, they are the top refried beans. Black beans are slightly courser, without the sweet notes of pinto beans, which can lead to a somewhat more muted flavor that compliments many flavors well without overpowering. Navy, cannellini, and white beans can all be used for delicious refried beans, though they won't be "classic" by any stretch. They tend to have a lighter flavor and creamy texture, but are all open for culinary experiments. Cover the beans with at least 2" of water and bring to a boil. The water should be at least a few inches above the beans, as they will absorb the liquid as they cook. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the beans cook for 1-2 hours, until tender. You should be able to easily pierce each bean with a fork when they are done. Drain or strain out the beans, retaining the water they were cooked in for later. These water, which is lightly flavored, will help cook the beans the second time, in your frying pan. Ladle out at least one cup of the bean cooking liquid for later. Pick out your fat and heat 5-6 tablespoons of it on medium high heat. Use a skillet big enough to fit the beans, melting your frying fat first while the cooked beans sit to the side. The type of fat you use will greatly impact the flavor of your final dish, so choose wisely: Lard: the "king" of refried bean fats, this is the most common fat used to cook the beans. Pork fat, in particular, is a spectacular choice. Bacon drippings: the second-most common fat in recipes, as it is readily available and lends a rich, smokey flavor to the beans. Can be mixed or cut with vegetable oil. Vegetable or Canola oil: these mild oils will allow the flavors of your spices, beans, and onions to shine through. Don't use high-flavor oils like olive or truffle unless you want those flavors in the beans -- which most cooks don't. Butter: not incredibly common, but still delicious, butter imparts a rich creaminess to the beans that is unconventional, but certainly delicious. While letting beans sit, fry the chopped onions in your oil. Cook them over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, until translucent, at least, adding a dash of salt right when they hit the pan.This means they are starting to become see-through. The longer you cook the onions, the sweeter they'll get, which can be a good thing if you want a rich, sweeter dish. If so, cook until the edges brown and begin to caramelize. You can add as much or as little onion as you want. Most cooks aim between half of an onion or one full, medium-sized onion. Add garlic, along with salt and seasonings, when onions have 1-2 minutes to go. Add as many cloves of chopped garlic as you desire, a dash of salt, and any combination of the spices listed below. These ingredients only need a minute or less to cook up, so work quickly. It can help to pre-mix the spices in a small bowl ahead of time, then add them all at once: 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon Juice from 1/2 a lime Add the beans fry everything for 2 minutes or so. Let the flavors meld, stirring regularly to make sure everything is well coated in spices. They should start to bubble and simmer before moving on. Add one cup of reserved liquid and use a potato masher to smash the mixture up. Stir in the mixture, then start beating. You can smash the beans into any texture you want, from creamy, perfect purees to chunkier, more hearty spreads. Don't have a potato masher? There are other methods, as well: Pour the whole mixture into a food processor or blender, pulsing until your desired texture then returning to the bowl. Use a hand mixer or stick blender to puree the beans right in the pot. Use the back of a wooden spoon to hand-mash the beans. Let the mashed mixture simmer until it reaches your desired consistency. Add another pinch of salt and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Now, simply let the mixture cook on medium-low until it thickens to your liking. If things get too dry, add some more of the bean liquid, plain water, or a splash of brown to rehydrate and thin them out. Serve hot. These beans are incredible with a squirt of fresh lime juice, a sprinkling of queso fresco, or a spring of fresh cilantro. Heat your 2 tablespoons of oil or fat over a heavy skillet on medium heat. Like the fresh bean method, the hierarchy of fats is pretty standard-- lard and animal fat, like bacon, are best, with vegetable oil in the middle and butter being used only in a pinch. Add 2-3 garlic cloves to the pan and cook until brown on both sides. Garlic has three general "stages." Raw, it is sharp and pungent. Sauteed, it mellows out a bit, retaining spice but losing its raw edges. Roasted, garlic has a rich, nuanced warmth to it. For this recipe, you can get all three flavors with ease by roasting the outside of whole cloves, while the inside retains some of the sharpness Smash the garlic up with a fork and add 1/2 chopped white onion to the pan. Smashing the garlic up will make it much easier to eat later on. You can also remove them, let them cool, and cut them up into small bits if you're worried about biting into a chunk of garlic. Cook the garlic with the onions together for 3-5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder to the pan and stir to coat. Many spices, especially chili, reveal their best flavors only under a little heat. "Toasting" the spices will bring out a delicious richness of flavor, but only if you move quickly. You should add the beans (the next step) within thirty seconds of the spices. Add the two cans of beans, liquid and all, to the pan bring to a simmer. The liquid in these beans is necessary to keep them hydrated as they cook. That said, you can always substitute other liquids for the beans if desired, such as stock, water, or even milk Smash the beans into your desired texture with a potato masher. If you don't have a potato masher, a food processor, hand mixer, blender, or the back of a wooden spoon can usually cover for you. You can either grind them into a smooth, consistent puree or leave some chunks and skins around -- it is entirely up to you. Continue cooking until your desired consistency, adding more liquid where necessary. If the beans become too thick or dry, add some water or chicken stock, stir it in, and bring everything back to a simmer. The beans are ready to heat whenever you are -- serve hot! Top with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime. Add some flavor to the beans as they boil for a rich, nuanced dish. There is no reason why the beans need to sit without flavor for 2 hours while they cook! After you've covered the dried beans with water and have the heat set to boil, toss in the following to cook alongside the beans for 1-2 hours. When done cooking, remove and discard before proceeding: 1 half white onion, whole 2-3 cloves garlic 1 large sprig epazote or Mexican oregano Add other vegetables or additions to your pot before adding the beans. Kick up the flavor with some of the most popular additions to a good pot of refried beans. Each of these flavors can be added after the onions, with the garlic, depending on how long you want them to cook. They will all mash up wonderfully with the beans. Can of fire-roasted peppers Can of green chilis Chipotle peppers canned in adobo sauce 1/2 fresh green bell pepper, chopped sauteed alongside the onion. Cooked, chopped bacon bits. Substitute chicken, vegetable, or beef stock for your bean liquid while cooking for more flavor. While some people love the simple, but rich, flavor of plain beans, every now and then you'll want a little extra kick to your dish. You can add a flavored stock or broth in place of the bean liquid to give a little more flavor to the beans, omitting the bean cooking liquid. Try an Italian-inspired refried bean dish with white beans. Refried beans are a decidedly Latin American dish, but at their heart the are just a smooth, cooked bean paste, which has inspirations from across the globe. If you want to use navy or cannellini beans, nothing is stopping you, and some adjusted spices can make them an appealing dish in their own right: When cooking the beans the first time in the water, add half an onion, a sprig of rosemary or thyme, and 2-3 cloves fresh garlic. You can also add bay leaves, celery, and whole carrots as the beans boil. Fry up onion and garlic, like normal. Discard anything boiled with beans and add to pot. Replace cumin/chili with any combination of the following spices: Rosemary Thyme Oregano Basil A touch of cumin (1/2 teaspoon) Drizzle finished beans with fresh lemon juice. Try the whole dish in a slow cooker for an easy, all-day recipe that just have to heat. Beans love to cook slowly, absorbing liquid as they do to stay tender and creamy as they cook. Once cooked, all you are really waiting for are the flavors to marry and develop without the beans drying out. This makes refried beans perfect for the moist, warm environment of a slow cooker, and they couldn't be easier: Add dried beans, finely chopped onion and garlic, and 2 teaspoons of salt to the pot. Add any desired spices, such as 1 tablespoon cumin and chili powder. If desired, add pork/ham bones or bacon strips for a richer flavor. Cover everything with water. Cook for 8-10 hours, adding more liquid if the beans seem to be drying out. | Choose your dried beans and rinse off 2 1/2 cups in cool water. Cover the beans with at least 2" of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the beans cook for 1-2 hours, until tender. Drain or strain out the beans, retaining the water they were cooked in for later. Pick out your fat and heat 5-6 tablespoons of it on medium high heat. While letting beans sit, fry the chopped onions in your oil. Add garlic, along with salt and seasonings, when onions have 1-2 minutes to go. Add the beans fry everything for 2 minutes or so. Add one cup of reserved liquid and use a potato masher to smash the mixture up. Let the mashed mixture simmer until it reaches your desired consistency. Heat your 2 tablespoons of oil or fat over a heavy skillet on medium heat. Add 2-3 garlic cloves to the pan and cook until brown on both sides. Smash the garlic up with a fork and add 1/2 chopped white onion to the pan. Add salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder to the pan and stir to coat. Add the two cans of beans, liquid and all, to the pan bring to a simmer. Smash the beans into your desired texture with a potato masher. Continue cooking until your desired consistency, adding more liquid where necessary. Add some flavor to the beans as they boil for a rich, nuanced dish. Add other vegetables or additions to your pot before adding the beans. Substitute chicken, vegetable, or beef stock for your bean liquid while cooking for more flavor. Try an Italian-inspired refried bean dish with white beans. Try the whole dish in a slow cooker for an easy, all-day recipe that just have to heat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Puzzle | How to Make a Puzzle | To make a puzzle, choose a picture or design, like a favorite photograph, and have it enlarged and printed. Then, you should glue the picture to a puzzle backing, which could be craft-quality cardboard or plywood. After the glue has dried, spray an even coat of lacquer over the top of the photograph and let it dry. The next day, turn the photograph over and draw a grid on the back with squares that are about 1". Then use a printed off templates to trace and begin cutting puzzle pieces. | Choose a picture or design. You can print a photograph to use for your puzzle image, draw or create your own, or even use a card, poster, or any other printed image. For a photograph, choose a high-resolution image, and size it based on how large you want your puzzle to be. Print it off or have it developed at a photo lab according to your specifications. For a hand-drawn puzzle image, choose a high-quality paper that's the size you want your puzzle to be. Using your favorite medium, draw or paint your image directly onto the paper. You can also create your own puzzle image on a computer, and then print it off like a photograph. Select a puzzle backing. Plywood is more durable and traditional, but this will only work if you have a saw at your disposal and are confident in your skill with that tool. Cutting out a puzzle is delicate work and requires experience. You can also use a good quality cardboard to back your puzzle. This will be much easier to work with, and can be cut with scissors. Craft-quality cardboard can be found at most craft stores. The ideal thickness for a puzzle backing, be it cardboard or plywood, is one-eighth inch (0.3 cm). Look for a piece of backing that's as close to the size of your puzzle image as possible to avoid waste. You can use the cardboard from on old box to back your puzzle, but make sure it's clean, undamaged, and flat. Thin cardboard like that from a cereal box will work for a simple puzzle, but thicker cardboard is preferable. Assemble your tools. Aside from the image and your puzzle backing, you will also need glue, spray lacquer, a ruler, and a pencil. For a cardboard-backed puzzle, you will need sharp scissors or a hobby knife. For a wood-backed puzzle, you will need either a coping saw (a hand saw used for intricate shapes) or a scroll saw, an electric or pedal-operated saw that's good for intricate curves. Liquid craft glue or spray glue will work best for your puzzle because it's multi-purpose and won't damage photographs. If you are using a photograph for your puzzle image, be sure to find lacquer that's safe for it. Attach your image to your backing. Place your backing on a sheet of wax or parchment paper to protect the surface underneath. Place it good side down. Spray or cover the surface of the backing with glue and spread it around so there's an even coat all over it. Place your picture onto the backing. Use your fingers to slide it around so it's centered and straight. With a roller or old credit card, apply even pressure to the picture to help the glue adhere and remove bubbles. Let the glue dry. Glues have different drying times, but give your puzzle several hours to set if possible. Lacquer your image. Take your puzzle outside or to a well-ventilated area. Place it back on the parchment or wax paper. Spray an even coat of lacquer over the image. Check the can for drying time, and allow it to dry. Trim your puzzle border. If your puzzle image is smaller than the backing, begin by trimming down the edges of the backing. For a cardboard puzzle, use your scissors or place your puzzle face up on a cutting mat and use your hobby knife. For a wood puzzle, use your saw to carefully trim the border so that the backing is the exact shape and size as the puzzle image. With a hand saw, place most of the puzzle on a solid, flat surface (like a table) with the side you want to cut overhanging the edge. Firmly hold the puzzle with one hand to keep it in place and use your other hand to hold the saw and cut. Create a grid. Flip your puzzle over and place it image-side down. Use a ruler to mark out and draw a grid pattern made up of squares that are three-quarters of an inch (for a puzzle with more, smaller pieces) or one inch (for a puzzle with fewer, larger pieces). Instead of drawing your own puzzle template, you can print off templates from sites like Tim's Printables. Draw your puzzle template. To create puzzle pieces, begin adding ball and socket shapes (concave and convex half-circles) along the edges of the grid squares so that the pieces will fit into each other when the puzzle is cut. You can also use inverted and protruding triangles, squares, or other shapes. For pre-drawn puzzle templates that you've printed off, glue them on to the back of the puzzle and allow it to dry. Cut out your puzzle pieces. For cardboard puzzles, follow the puzzle piece template you've drawn on the back and use your scissors to cut out the pieces. Or, if you're using a utility knife, put your puzzle face down on your cutting mat and carefully cut the pieces. Or, cut out the pieces with your saw, being careful not to cut yourself. When you have finished, use an eraser to remove any remaining pencil marks. To make it easier, don't cut out pieces individually. Rather, cut entire rows or columns at a time, and then go back and cut out the individual pieces. The lacquer will help protect the image from damage as you're cutting out the pieces, and this is especially important if you're using a saw. | Choose a picture or design. Select a puzzle backing. Assemble your tools. Attach your image to your backing. Lacquer your image. Trim your puzzle border. Create a grid. Draw your puzzle template. Cut out your puzzle pieces. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-For-a-Bird-That-Has-Hit-a-Window | How to Care For a Bird That Has Hit a Window | If a bird just hit your window, watch it for a few minutes to see if it recovers on its own. If it doesn't, you can care for the bird by gently placing it inside a cardboard box, but make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands while you're handling the bird. Then, place the box in a warm, sheltered location away from predators, such as cats, and check on the bird periodically for the next couple of hours. After 2 hours, release the bird outside, or call a wildlife expert if the bird is not able to fly away. | Refrain from interacting with the bird more than is necessary. More likely than not the bird has sustained a concussion, in which case it should be removed from all stimuli. Anything else will make its condition worse. If it has sustained injuries to its limbs, it will require professional assistance anyway. Be prepared. If birds frequently collide into your windows, be sure to keep on hand a towel, a small box (a shoe box is ideal), gloves, and, if possible, safety glasses Observe the bird. Often the bird will only need a couple of minutes to recover. You should stay to watch the bird and ensure that no predators attack it before it recovers. If it does not recover within five or six minutes you should be more proactive. If you are not comfortable handling a bird you should call the local bird or wildlife rehabilitation center immediately. These can be located with the Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Directory: http://wildliferehabinfo.org/Contact_A-M.htm. If the bird has a shoulder injury it might be able to fly for short distances horizontally. However, it will not be able to lift its wings above its shoulders or obtain any elevation in its flight. Shoulder or wing injuries will require skilled medical assistance and months of rehabilitation. If the bird seems to have extensive damage to its limbs, call the local bird or wildlife rehabilitation center. Conversely, if the bird seems unconscious the bird has sustained head trauma and will merely need a safe place to relax. Get a paper towel and cardboard box. Removing all stimuli will significantly increase the probability of the bird recovering from a potentially fatal concussion. You want a small box that will block all incoming light. To make it comfortable you should line it with a paper towel or a soft cotton cloth. If the bird is larger, you can place a towel on the bottom of a paper bag and staple or tape the top the bag, leaving enough of a crack to allow for airflow. However, if the bird is large enough to potentially injury you, you should consider avoiding contact and calling for professional assistance immediately. Pick up the bird. Use gloves and safety goggles if possible. Hold the bird upright so that it can breathe. Use a firm grip without squeezing. Hold by the wings, near the body. Place the bird into the box and shut the box lid. Make sure the box has breathing holes in it. Put the box in a warm sheltered location (out of direct sunlight). Keep it away from predators, including cats. Check on the bird periodically. Observe the box every 20 minutes for about 2 hours. When the bird appears to have recovered take it outside. Let the bird go. After two hours take the box outside to the woods. Remove the lid. Watch to see if the bird flies away. Call experts. If after two hours the bird is not able to fly away you should consult the Wildlife Rehabilitation Directory. Call an expert who can provide specialized care for the bird. Do not keep the bird in your possession for more than two hours. It is illegal to keep a wild bird. Move your feeder. If your feeder is close enough to the window, birds won't be able to pick up enough velocity to hurt themselves when flying into it. If it is far enough away, then the bird will be more likely to recognize that the window is not part of the natural environment. Ideally you should place your feeder either less than 3 feet from the window or more than 30 feet from it. Use white drapery. Birds are drawn to the reflection of the natural environment that they see in your windows. Installing drapes or blinds will obstruct that reflection. This should reduce the likelihood of them flying into your window. You can also place decals on your window. However, to significantly reduce the likelihood of birds flying into the window you will need to have stickers placed no more than 2 inches apart horizontally and 4 inches apart vertically. This would obstruct much of your view. Install a bug screen. These can be doubly effective. They will reduce the reflectivity of the glass, decreasing the likelihood that birds will fly into the window. Furthermore, they will provide cushion and reduce the chance of injury if a bird does fly into your window. | Refrain from interacting with the bird more than is necessary. Be prepared. Observe the bird. Get a paper towel and cardboard box. Pick up the bird. Place the bird into the box and shut the box lid. Check on the bird periodically. Let the bird go. Call experts. Move your feeder. Use white drapery. Install a bug screen. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-an-Introductory-Paragraph | How to Start an Introductory Paragraph | To start an introductory paragraph, give some background information about the subject you'll be discussing. For example, if your essay is about the importance of tattoos in Maori culture, begin with an interesting fact about Maori society or a quote about tattoos. Alternatively, start with a brief story to capture the readers' attention. You can also lead off with a bold or surprising statement, or a fact related to your topic, which will pique the reader's curiosity and make them want to keep reading. | Provide a historical review to get readers oriented. The introductory paragraph is often the best place to lay out how people generally think about a topic. For instance, if your research topic is about how tattoos are central to Maori culture, you might open your intro paragraph with some background information about Maori society, references to the larger body of scholarship on Maori tattoos, or quotes from the first historical accounts about them. This historical statement should help readers who are not well-versed in the topic of your essay to better understand the relevant points of the topic that you'll later debunk, refine, or expand upon. Offer an anecdote to help readers connect with the subject. An anecdote is a brief story that relates either literally or symbolically to the topic you're writing about. For instance, if you're writing about how extremists have been infiltrating a political party, you might start the paragraph with a summation of the Iliad, focusing especially on the Trojan horse ploy. Alternately, you could provide a more literal anecdote. For instance, if your topic is the ecological crisis, you might provide a brief story about how quickly a certain species is going extinct. Write a surprising or bold statement to draw the reader in. A surprising statement is one that shocks or amazes readers. For instance, it could be a statistic like “7 people under the age of 20 are shot every day.” You could also provide an unusual fact. For instance, you might write about how sand shark embryos eat their gestating counterparts while still in the womb. Let a famous person speak to lend weight to your intro. You can almost always find someone who commands authority and respect who has spoken on the issue you want to address. Run an internet search for quotes regarding a particular topic or search for quotes from someone you respect. Politicians, captains of industry, and religious leaders can often provide relevant quotes. If you start your opening paragraph with a quote, you may find it helpful to make a callback to the quote in your closing statement. Consider an ending hook that addresses the meaning of your quote to bring the argument full-circle. Avoid overly broad language. When starting an introductory paragraph, focus sharply on the topic you're writing about. Do not use “cosmic statements.” These include clichés like “There are two sides to every issue,” “Since time immemorial,” and “For many years…” Instead, cite a specific historical range (when relevant) or specific cultural conditions, and keep your writing centered on the subject or issue under examination. For example, instead of “People have been making cloth since the dawn of time,” you might say, “The prehistoric Egyptians were producing high-quality linen cloth as early as 5000 BC.” Use dictionary definitions sparingly. In most cases, starting an intro paragraph with a dictionary definition is uninspired and trite. It will rarely interest readers or provide them with new information. If you feel obligated to delineate more clearly what you're writing about, that's fine, but do it without referring to dictionary definitions. In rare cases, it may be helpful or interesting to start with a dictionary definition. For example, you might do so if you are discussing an extremely difficult-to-define term or concept, or writing about the meaning or origin of a word. Write the start of your introductory paragraph last. Sometimes it is best to say what you want to say or lay out the results of your research in a series of body paragraphs, then analyze what you've written or discovered before crafting your introductory and concluding paragraphs. This will give you more time to consider the connections between your own writing and other material on the topic, or connections between the many elements within your article or essay. Write with confidence. To write with confidence, avoid qualifying language. For instance, do not start your intro paragraph with “I think…” or “I believe” or “In my opinion…” Instead, state the facts as they are. This way, you can convince readers that you are an authoritative voice and your writing is worth reading. Read the start of your intro paragraph out loud. After crafting your intro paragraph, read the whole thing out loud to yourself. This will help you sense whether the start of the introductory paragraph meshes well with the middle and end of the intro paragraph. As you read, listen for logical inconsistencies, unclear passages, missing details, and spelling or grammar errors. Correct them where needed. When reviewing the start of your intro paragraph, be sure that it leads smoothly into your thesis in a meaningful way. Edit the intro paragraph for filler. Only keep passages that demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the topic. Get others’ opinions. Read your paragraph out loud to a few people you know, or have them read it themselves. They may catch errors or inconsistencies that you missed. You can also get their opinion on whether your intro paragraph is interesting enough to grab the reader's attention. Ask questions such as, “Did the wording make sense to you?” or “Does this make you want to keep reading?” Identify what’s important. When starting introductory paragraphs for the news, it is important to provide the five W's (who, what, when, where, why) and the H (how) as soon as possible. Since these are the most important details in a news story, their presence close to the opening of the story will help readers get a better sense of whether they want to continue reading or move on to another article. For example, “On Saturday, a local librarian unexpectedly became a foster mother to 5 kittens when an unknown person left them on the library doorstep. Lucille Jenkins, 35, says she took the kittens in because 'it was the right thing to do.'” Provide an analysis to set your story apart. By starting your intro paragraph with a bit of analysis, you can explore in greater depth the ramifications of a well-known story or a story that has been covered elsewhere. In this case, instead of providing the five W's, you focus more on the “how” of a given topic in recent news. For instance, instead of describing or reporting on the actual details of a public policy and how it moved through the legislative process, you can use the start of your introductory paragraph to explain how the policy will change society or the lives of those affected. Starting with an analytical lede will often also include information regarding who benefits and why, but the primary focus will be on explaining how a news item or event works, rather than merely describing it. Strip away minor details to keep it clear and concise. The standard way to start an intro paragraph in news articles is to provide all the important info up front. Sometimes, though, this means stripping the story down to its barest and broadest components. For instance, instead of starting the intro paragraph with a sentence jam-packed with the who, what, where, why, and other details, you should provide a bare-bones sentence that helps readers understand the broader issue without getting bogged down in details. For instance, instead of writing, “President Jones declared in a joint session of Congress today that he will work with his counterparts abroad to reorganize international fiscal policy and lending practices, making it easier to distribute international aid,” you could write, “A new law aims to fast-track international aid to developing nations.” The details about how the process worked and why the president chose to adopt this measure could come later. This approach is called starting with a blind lede. Set the scene to capture the reader’s interest. Instead of explaining the issue or news event from the typical detached, omniscient perspective, take the reader right into the action. For instance, you might start the intro paragraph to a story about a war by writing, “Craters scarred the landscape. The smell of gunpowder hung in the air. In the distance, the husk of a burned-out automobile belched black smoke.” After describing the aftermath of the battle, you could zoom out to describe the duration of the conflict, reasons behind it, and long-term impact of the fighting. | Provide a historical review to get readers oriented. Offer an anecdote to help readers connect with the subject. Write a surprising or bold statement to draw the reader in. Let a famous person speak to lend weight to your intro. Avoid overly broad language. Use dictionary definitions sparingly. Write the start of your introductory paragraph last. Write with confidence. Read the start of your intro paragraph out loud. Get others’ opinions. Identify what’s important. Provide an analysis to set your story apart. Strip away minor details to keep it clear and concise. Set the scene to capture the reader’s interest. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Candied-Pecans | How to Make Candied Pecans | To make quick candied pecans, mix sugar and salt in a bowl. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat, then add the pecans and coat them. Add the sugar mixture and stir for 5-7 minutes, until the nuts are golden brown, then let cool on wax paper. For a healthier version, toast the pecans in a saucepan on the stove for 2-3 minutes while mixing brown sugar, water, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Remove the pecans and cook the mixture on high for 5 minutes. Add the pecans back in, stir for a few seconds until they're coated, then remove and let cool. | Mix dry ingredients in a small bowl. Add a ½ to 1 cup sugar depending on how sweet you want your nuts to be, as well as up to 1 teaspoon of salt. You can also add other ingredients to spice up the recipe: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon for delicious cinnamon-sugar nuts. Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for spicier nuts. For really flavor-packed nuts, add ¼ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon dried ground orange peel. Melt the 4 tablespoons of salted butter over medium-high heat. Substitute unsalted butter if you are using salt in the recipe. Add the pecans and toss to coat with butter. Add the sugar and spices and stir for 5-7 minutes. You want to keep stirring until the sugar melts and coats the nuts, which should become golden brown and release a strong nutty aroma. Transfer the nuts to a sheet of wax or parchment paper to cool. Either separate them immediately using two forks, or wait until they have cooled and break the nuts apart. Store in an airtight container. Toast pecans over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Toasting will make the nuts more fragrant and flavorful. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Toast until they release a strong nutty aroma, then remove from the pan and set aside. Mix the 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 3 teaspoons of water, ¼ teaspoon of vanilla, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt in a small bowl. Stir to combine. Do not worry if all the sugar and salt don't dissolve. You can also add additional ingredients to spice up the recipe: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon for delicious cinnamon-sugar nuts. Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for spicier nuts. For really flavor-packed nuts, add ¼ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon dried ground orange peel. Cook the sugar mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently. Cook until the sugar dissolves and is bubbling – approximately 5 minutes. Add the pecans and stir until coated in the sugar mixture. This should take only 15 seconds or so. Transfer the nuts to a sheet of wax or parchment paper to cool. Either separate them immediately with forks, or wait until they have cooled and break the nuts apart. Store in an airtight container. Preheat the oven to 250 or 300 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or greased aluminum foil. Lower temperatures will allow for longer baking, bringing out more of the nut's flavor. Mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. You can also put them into a plastic bag and shake it to mix them. Use 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, depending on taste. You can omit the salt, or use up to 1.5 teaspoons, depending on how salty you like your nuts. Use ½ to 1 cup sugar, depending on how sweet you want the nuts to be. You can use white sugar , confectioners sugar for a more even glaze, or ½ white and ½ brown sugar for more flavor. Consider adding other spices. You can make the nuts spicier, or give them more of a holiday feel by adding more spices along with the cinnamon. Add ½ teaspoon cloves and ½ teaspoon nutmeg to give the nuts a winter holiday season aroma. For spicier nuts, substitute a teaspoon of cayenne pepper for the cinnamon. For just a hint of spice, add 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the cinnamon. Whisk the egg white and water together in a separate bowl until frothy. Depending on how much you like vanilla, consider substituting vanilla extract for the water, or add ½ a teaspoon of vanilla extract alongside the water. Toss the pecans in the egg white mixture. Mix the sugar mixture into the pecan mixture. Stir until the pecans are evenly coated. If you mixed your spices in a plastic bag, you can lift out the pecans with a slotted spoon, put them in the spice bag, and shake to coat. Spread the coated pecans onto the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake, stirring every 15 minutes, until pecans are evenly browned. Cook time should range from 30 minutes to an hour. Cook for approximately 1 hour at 250 degrees F. Cook for 30-45 minutes at 300 degrees F. Let the nuts cool on the baking sheet. Store them in an airtight container. | Mix dry ingredients in a small bowl. Melt the 4 tablespoons of salted butter over medium-high heat. Add the pecans and toss to coat with butter. Add the sugar and spices and stir for 5-7 minutes. Transfer the nuts to a sheet of wax or parchment paper to cool. Toast pecans over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Mix the 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 3 teaspoons of water, ¼ teaspoon of vanilla, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt in a small bowl. Cook the sugar mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add the pecans and stir until coated in the sugar mixture. Transfer the nuts to a sheet of wax or parchment paper to cool. Preheat the oven to 250 or 300 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or greased aluminum foil. Mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Consider adding other spices. Whisk the egg white and water together in a separate bowl until frothy. Toss the pecans in the egg white mixture. Mix the sugar mixture into the pecan mixture. Spread the coated pecans onto the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake, stirring every 15 minutes, until pecans are evenly browned. Let the nuts cool on the baking sheet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Suit | How to Buy a Suit | To buy a suit, start by considering your budget, since there are a variety of options at different price points. An off-the-rack suit will cost you the least, and you can always get it tailored for a perfect fit. Made-to-measure suits offer a nice balance between fit and value, whereas custom-made suits are the most expensive option. When you're trying on suits, make sure you can move freely, the fit is right around the shoulders, and the coat is the appropriate length. | Buy a suit off-the-rack, then get it tailored, for the budget option. If you're looking to buy a suit without breaking the bank, off-the-rack is your best option. You can often get a good quality off-the-rack suit for $300-$500 USD. However, it's always worth the extra $50-$100 USD to take it to a tailor's shop for adjustments to fit you better. The closer you are to “average” size (in both height and weight), the better luck you'll have with off-the-rack suits. Even if you're perfectly average, though, no off-the-rack suit is going to fit you just right. You can buy off-the-rack suits for even cheaper, perhaps $100-$200 USD, but the craftsmanship is likely to be poor, meaning the suit won't last nearly as long. Try a made-to-measure (MTM) suit for a nice balance between fit and value. With MTM, an existing suit template will be tailored to fit you, typically based on 1-2 fittings. This means you'll get a much better fit than off-the-rack, while not paying the exorbitant amount it costs to have a suit custom-made from scratch. MTM suits are machine-finished to fit your measurements, meaning you can get your suit with a fairly quick turnaround time—perhaps 2-4 weeks. MTM suits often start in the $500-$1000 USD range. Many major suit retailers now offer MTM options alongside their off-the-rack offerings. Get a bespoke (custom-made) suit for an ultimate fit and a long-term investment. A bespoke suit is crafted from scratch, and primarily by hand, by a skilled tailor. You'll have full control over the material and style of the suit, and you'll typically take part in 5-10 fittings to make sure it fits you perfectly. A bespoke suit should last you for at least 20 years, and maybe many more. Since they're precisely crafted to fit you, they're also easier to adjust should your body proportions change over time. Bespoke suits can take months to craft, and the work comes at a cost. Expect to pay $3000-$5000, and possibly $10,000, for a custom-made suit. Keep in mind that they can easily last you a lifetime, though. Try on suits you can’t afford before moving on to ones you can afford. Start your suit-buying excursion by heading to a few high-end suit retailers and checking out their selections. Even if you're sure the price tags are beyond your means, take the time to note the construction, stylistic elements, and fit of pricey suits. Salespeople at high-end suit stores tend to be quite knowledgeable, so ask them for guidance for picking out a good suit. They'll of course be eager to sell you something, so decide beforehand whether you're willing to be talked into buying a $1500 suit. Check for quality and be willing to pay for it. Once you've moved on to suits that are within your price range, keep a close eye out for signs of quality construction. Check for small details, like the stitching on and around buttons—sloppy work here is a sign of sloppy work overall. Cheaper suits may have glued linings instead of stitched. These won't last nearly as long before separating or bubbling, and you'll end up buying 2-3 suits in the period that a single good-quality suit will last you. Basically, buy the highest quality suit you can afford. For a first (off-the-rack) suit that you want to last for 10 years or more, aim for $500-$750 if possible. Make your first suit charcoal gray, single-breasted, 2-buttoned, and notched. Especially if you're buying your first suit, this is a workhorse style that will serve you well in both more formal and less formal situations. Charcoal gray works equally well in the office, on a date, or at a funeral, as you can mix and match any array of colors in shirts, ties, shoes, and so on. The single-breasted, 2-button, 3 in (7.6 cm)-wide notched-lapel look is a nice balance between more and less formal. It works with a T-shirt and a bow tie. Navy blue is also a good choice, but not quite as universally functional as charcoal gray. Make this your second suit! Figure out what you’ll be doing with the suit to narrow down your options. Do you need a suit you can wear to the office a few times a week, something for a specific event (like a wedding), or something you can pull out of your closet 3-4 times a year when needed? Make sure the suits you're looking at are functional for your needs. If you'll be wearing the suit regularly, prioritize quality construction (for instance, stitching instead of glued seams on the interior), ease-of-movement, and basic colors (like charcoal gray or navy blue) that match just about anything. When buying for more infrequent use, think about seasonality—that is, if you'll be wearing the suit more often in warmer weather, opt for lighter fabrics like linen or cotton. For cooler weather, try heavier fabrics like tweed or cashmere. Check out highly-structured, lightly-structured, and unstructured suits. Suits can range from a very rigid, military-like appearance to being so loose and free that they're nearly shirt-like. Generally speaking, the more structured the suit is, the more formal it will look A highly-structured suit will essentially keep its shape once you take it off, while an unstructured one will lose its shape quite a bit. Lightly-structured suits provide a nice balance and are the most widely functional for both more formal and informal situations. They'll generally keep their shape, but won't look or feel rigid. Compare buttons, lapels, and other more- and less-formal elements. Details like the number of buttons on the front of the jacket may at first seem trivial, but they go a long way toward determining the overall look your suit will present. For instance: Jackets can be single-breasted or double-breasted (in which one side overlaps the other). Double-breasted suits typically denote greater formality. Single-breasted jackets usually have 1, 2, or 3 buttons on the front, and more buttons typically make the suit look more formal. Double-breasted suits nearly always have 2 buttons. Lapels can be notched (with triangular cutouts near the collarbone), peaked (coming to upward-facing points), or rounded (carrying continuously around the neck and chest). Peaked lapels are typically considered more formal than notched, while the formality of rounded lapels depends more on the overall suit. Wear the clothes you’ll be wearing with a suit when trying them on. So, if you'll be wearing your suit mainly with a collared shirt, tie, dress socks, and loafers, put these on when you go suit shopping. This way, you don't have to try to visualize what the suit will look like as part of a full ensemble. Some suit retailers may have shoes, shirts, ties, and other accessories you can borrow while trying on suits, but you're better off wearing your own items. If you need to buy these accessories as well, try them on and buy them along with your suit. Make sure you can move freely in the suit. While slimmer-fitting suits have grown in popularity in recent years, a suit jacket should never feel like a straight jacket. While you don't need to be able to do yoga in your suit, you should be able to raise your arms, sit comfortably, and perform typical everyday tasks in it without feeling constrained. For instance, even if you prefer to unbutton the jacket when you sit down, you shouldn't be required to in order to be able to sit down. Likewise, your trousers shouldn't cling or stretch when you sit. Good tailoring is very helpful here. Even if you buy off-the-rack, having a tailor adjust the suit to fit your body allows it to have a slim look without being too tight in key areas—such as under the arms or at the seat of the trousers. Check that the fit at the shoulders and the coat length are correct. While a good tailor can work wonders with many elements of an off-the-rack suit, it's very difficult to adjust the shoulders of the suit. Whether the shoulders are padded or not, they should drape naturally over your shoulders, and they shouldn't stick out in the back beyond your own shoulder blades—try standing against a wall with your arms down to test this. Sleeve and trouser lengths are easy to adjust, but adjusting the length of the suit jacket itself is more challenging. Generally speaking, when you're standing straight the jacket should completely but just barely cover your rear end. | Buy a suit off-the-rack, then get it tailored, for the budget option. Try a made-to-measure (MTM) suit for a nice balance between fit and value. Get a bespoke (custom-made) suit for an ultimate fit and a long-term investment. Try on suits you can’t afford before moving on to ones you can afford. Check for quality and be willing to pay for it. Make your first suit charcoal gray, single-breasted, 2-buttoned, and notched. Figure out what you’ll be doing with the suit to narrow down your options. Check out highly-structured, lightly-structured, and unstructured suits. Compare buttons, lapels, and other more- and less-formal elements. Wear the clothes you’ll be wearing with a suit when trying them on. Make sure you can move freely in the suit. Check that the fit at the shoulders and the coat length are correct. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Food-for-Your-Border-Collie | How to Choose Food for Your Border Collie | To choose food for your border collie, consider your dog's activity level since an extremely active collie will need more fat, protein, and calories than a less active collie. If you have a puppy, aim for a diet that has 30% protein and use the recommended serving size based on weight to guide your feeding. For a senior collie, give it fewer calories if its activity level has decreased. When choosing a commercial dog food, read the label to look for quality ingredients rather than fillers and byproducts.You'll also want a food that has essential fatty acids, like lard, tallow, or poultry fat, since these ingredients support your dog's energy. | Observe your dog’s activity level. Your border collie will need a wholesome, high-protein nutritional diet that is appropriate for its activity level. Border collies are working dogs, and they typically have higher nutritional needs than other breeds. However, each border collie has a different activity level and receives various degrees of exercise. You should always consulate your veterinarian when determining the best options for your border collie based on its activity level. Your border collie will need more fat, protein, and calories if it is extremely active. If your dog often runs continuously for a 30-minute period, herds sheep, or participates in competitions, it may be considered a highly active dog. An athletic border collie's food should contain 25% protein and 15% fat. Your active, working dog's daily calorie intake should be around 1400 calories. A less active border collie should receive a maintenance diet, or a sufficient amount of nutrients and calories to support their moderate activity level. A maintenance diet requires a minimum of 18% protein and 5% fat. Your dog's calorie intake should be around 996 calories per day. Be cautious about feeding your border collie based on the number of cups, because the calorific content varies greatly between different foods. Instead, feed the amount recommended on the pack and then check your dog's body condition once a week. If the ribs become more difficult to feel, then reduce amount fed by 5 to 10%. If the dog's ribs have become obvious, then increase the ration by a similar amount. Provide a proper diet for a border collie puppy. A playful, growing puppy needs a lot of nutrients and nourishment to support healthy growth. On average, puppies need a diet that consists of 25 to 30% protein. Refer to the recommended serving size based on the puppy's weight, which will be listed on your dog's food package. Be careful not to overfed your puppy. Medium-sized breeds like border collies can develop bone or joint issues if they eat too much when they are pups. Adjust your senior border collie’s diet. As dogs age, they undergo metabolic and body composition changes which may require changes to their diet. Although some senior dogs are not as active, they still require adequate levels of quality protein to help maintain muscle mass. However, their caloric intake may need to decrease to ward off any weight gain. An active senior border collie will require a diet more consistent with the diet they had as adults. Studies have indicated that the caloric requirements for a working border collie do not decline with age, provided that they remain active. As they age, their protein and fat intake should remain consistent. In some studies, border collies that are household pets displayed typical signs of aging and decreased energy levels. The activity level of an older dog declines as it ages and is more likely to rest, take naps, and go on shorter walks, and therefore does not need to burn as many calories throughout the day. A senior border collie should receive about 717 calories each day. Consider your dog’s health issues. Be sure to discuss your dog's particular health problems with your veterinarian. The type of health issue may be alleviated by adjusting its diet. Your veterinarian will consider your dog's daily intake of fiber, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and other nutrients and will adjust these depending on your dog's symptoms or diagnosis. A dog with kidney problems should be fed a diet that is moderate to high fat, contains a moderate amount of high-quality protein, and is low in carbohydrates. A high-fiber diet is recommended for a dog that suffers from frequent constipation or anal gland disease. Border collies may suffer from orthopedic condition called osteochondrosis dissecans, which causes pain in the elbow and other joints. Feeding a border collie puppy too much "growth formula" puppy food or feeding an adult high-protein foods can contribute to this condition. Select a dry dog food. Dry dog food provides an energy-dense meal and offers the required levels of protein, fat, and other nutrients to help fuel your border collie. Dry food is typically budget-friendly and is easier to store and serve, but it is more likely to have added grains than other dog food options. Talk to your veterinarian to see if dry dog food is the best option for your border collie. Feed your border collie canned dog food. Canned food often contains more protein and more moisture than dry dog food, which can help ensure that your dog is well-hydrated. However, canned food often has higher levels of salt and sugar and can contribute to weight gain. Talk to your veterinarian before giving your border collie canned dog food, particularly if it has a weight problem or diabetes. Read the label and look for quality ingredients. When choosing a dog food, read through the list of ingredients printed on the label. Search for real, familiar, wholesome ingredients to ensure that your border collie is receiving a high-quality, optimal diet with minimal fillers and preservatives. By law, the ingredients are listed by weight, and an animal protein should be the first ingredient listed on the label. Be mindful that some budget brands may meet the nutritional requirements, but these are met by using low-quality ingredients that are not easily digestible or beneficial. If an ingredient listed on the label are not familiar to you, it is most likely a filler or a preservative. Fillers will move through your dog's digestive system quickly and will not provide adequate nutrients or energy. Look for an animal protein. Protein helps fuel the body and helps a dog maintain its muscle mass, which is what is needed for an active border collie. Animal proteins contain most of the vitamins and minerals a dog needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Animal proteins such as chicken, lamb, beef, fish, organ meat, and eggs provide the necessary amino acids that are vital for optimal health. When searching for a commercial dog food, be sure that the first ingredient is a meat protein to help fuel your energetic Border Collie. Most dog food companies add plant proteins to dog food, including corn, wheat, and soy. These are difficult for a dog to digest. Look for food that contains essential fatty acids. Fats play an important role in your dog's diet. They provide your dog with energy and soluble nutrients. Fats also make food more appetizing and support a healthy coat. Most fats found in commercial dog foods include lard, tallow, poultry fat, and hydrogenated vegetable oils. Opt for the brand that provides animal fats rather than vegetable oils. A border collie's coat should be shiny and soft. If your dog's coat is dull and dry, it may not be receiving enough fat. Talk to your veterinarian about supplementing your dog's diet. | Observe your dog’s activity level. Provide a proper diet for a border collie puppy. Adjust your senior border collie’s diet. Consider your dog’s health issues. Select a dry dog food. Feed your border collie canned dog food. Read the label and look for quality ingredients. Look for an animal protein. Look for food that contains essential fatty acids. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Out-of-a-Fight-with-Your-Best-Friend | How to Get Out of a Fight with Your Best Friend | To get out of a fight with your best friend, try to stay calm during the fight and reach out to apologize afterwards. Fights can get heated, so try counting to 10 or taking a few deep breaths before you say anything. This can help you think about what you're saying and may stop the fight from escalating. Listen to what your friend says without interrupting them, since interrupting them will only increase tensions. After the fight, take a break for a day or 2 to cool down. Reach out to your friend and explain that you want to talk about things. For example, try writing, “I'm sorry about what happened between us and want to talk to you about it.” When you meet up, apologize to them for your part in the fight, since you'll usually at least be partially responsible for what happened. You should also talk to them about why you behaved like you did during the fight so they can understand what made you angry. | Think before you speak. In the heat of an argument, it's easy to lose your cool and blurt out the first thing that pops into your head. But words really can hurt, and you don't want to say anything that might make the fight worse or permanently damage the relationship. Force yourself to slow down and choose your words carefully. Before you say something, ask yourself if you really mean it and if it's really necessary to say it. For example, you may find yourself wanting to say, “You're a terrible friend!” Do you really think that? Will saying it help resolve your fight? If the answer to either of those questions is “no,” don't say it! Try mentally rephrasing what you want to say before you say it so you focus on their behavior. For example, instead of “You're a terrible friend,” say, “I feel really frustrated with the way you've been acting lately.” This shows your friend you're concerned about how they're behaving but doesn't attack your friend. Try to stay calm. Staying calm during a fight is easier said than done. But if you can manage it, it will go a long way toward keeping the fight from escalating and getting out of hand. Take a few deep breaths or count to 10 in your head if you feel like you're losing your cool. You can also try grounding yourself by focusing on things in your environment. For example, take a second to spot 5 blue things in the room, or focus on the physical sensations inside and outside your body. If you have to, walk out of the room for a few minutes and come back when you feel calmer. You could even say to your friend, “I'm feeling really upset. I need a minute to myself.” Use “I” language. If your friend feels like you are blaming or labeling them, they will probably react defensively. Using language that focuses on you and your feelings will help you feel more in control of your reactions, and will also feel less hostile to your friend. For example: Instead of saying, “You're always standing me up! You're unreliable!” say “I feel really disappointed and upset when we make plans and then you don't show up. I have a hard time feeling like I can rely on you.” Keep it civil. Your best friend probably knows how to get under your skin better than anyone, and you can probably give back just as good as you get. Don't give in to the temptation to belittle your friend or call them names. Even if they're not fighting fair, taking the high road and being the bigger person will help you feel better and may help your friend calm down, as well. Never insult or threaten your friend during a fight. Even if you're really mad at your friend about something, try to focus on their negative behaviors rather than who they are as a person. Try to be respectful of your friend by not interrupting them or shouting them down when they're trying to speak. Avoid exaggerations and absolutes, such as “You never listen to me!” Take a time out for a bit, if you have to. Not all fights are going to be resolved in a single argument. If things are getting out of hand and you just aren't making any headway, it might be time to walk away from each other for a while—even if it's for a few days or a few weeks. Try again when you've both had a chance to cool down. You might say to your friend, “Fighting like this isn't getting us anywhere. Let's take a break and talk about this later.” Identify the cause of the fight. Before you can get out of an argument with your friend, you have to figure out what's causing the problem. Sometimes it's a simple misunderstanding, or maybe one of you did or said something insensitive or hurtful. Take some time to think it over and work out the root of the issue. Think about what started the fight. Is this an issue you've argued about before? Was it a simple event or act that triggered the fight, or is it part of a larger pattern? For example, maybe you and your friend disagreed over which movie to watch, and it turned into a big blow-out. Is there a long-standing pattern of one of you always deciding what you do together? If so, the friendship may be imbalanced, which can lead to tension. Acknowledge your part in the disagreement. There are 2 sides to every conflict, and it's possible that you are at least partially at fault for what happened. It can be hard to admit when you're wrong, but it's an important part of dealing with conflict in a mature and effective way. Even if you didn't start the fight, reflect on how you handled yourself during the argument. Is there something you could have done better? Avoid making assumptions about your friend’s intentions. You might be feeling like your friend is a rude jerk right now, but sometimes the truth is more complicated than you think. Don't rush into a confrontation with your friend with a bunch of expectations and assumptions about what they are thinking and feeling. Instead, give them a chance to explain their side of things. For example, maybe your friend has a habit of telling rude jokes in front of your girlfriend, and it's really starting to tick you off. Is your friend like that around everyone? If so, maybe they just aren't aware of how you and your girlfriend feel about it. If not, maybe it's a sign that they feel insecure about your friendship. Give yourself and your friend some time to cool down. If you've just had a major fight, you and your best friend might not be ready to have a calm, civil conversation just yet. Wait until you've both had a couple days to reflect and get some distance from each other and the argument. Trying to talk about things too soon could just set off another round of fighting. Don't go too long without reaching out to your friend, however. If you don't address the issue, bad feelings may continue to fester, and this could lead to an even worse fight. Reach out to your friend for a conversation. Give your friend a call, send them a text, or shoot them an email. You don't need to say much—just let them know that you're feeling bad about what happened and are ready to talk. For example, you could say, “Hey, I'm feeling really down about our argument a couple days ago. Our friendship is so important to me, and I just want to have a talk and clear the air. Can we meet up this week and chat?” Your friend may not be ready to talk. If they say “no” or give you the brushoff, respect their need for space. If they don't reach out to you first, try again in a couple weeks. If they still aren't ready, wait for them to make the next move. Apologize to your friend for your part in the fight. Apologizing can go a long way toward showing your friend that you're serious about patching things up. Once you and your friend are ready to sit down and have a talk, start by expressing your regret over what happened. Make your apology sincere, and don't make excuses for your behavior. Don't offer fake “apologies” that put the blame on your friend, such as, “I'm sorry you think I was being rude, but you shouldn't have stood me up.” Instead, say something like, “I'm sorry I lashed out like that. I was frustrated, and I said some things I shouldn't have.” If you really feel that you were completely in the right, you can still express sincere regret over the situation. For example, “I feel bad that we've been arguing so much. I don't want our friendship to be damaged.” If you apologize first, your friend may then offer an apology of their own. Try not to get too upset if they don't apologize right away, though. They may still need some time to simmer down. Listen actively to your friend’s side of the argument. Once you've expressed your regret, give your friend a chance to talk and explain their side of the situation. Avoid interrupting them, even if what they're saying upsets you. Try to keep an open mind, and really make an effort to hear and understand what they have to say. This will not only help your friend feel better about things, but may also help clear up any misunderstandings between the 2 of you. Show your friend you are really listening by using receptive body language (nodding and making eye contact) or verbal cues (e.g., “Right,” or “I hear you.”). After your friend has finished speaking, try rephrasing their main points to make sure you understood them correctly. For example, “It sounds like you feel like I try to take control all the time when we do things together, and never let you choose what to do. Is that right?” If you don't understand something, ask for clarification. Say something like, "Help me understand how my decision to invite Maisie made you feel bad." Talk to your friend about your feelings. No matter what happened or who is at fault, it's okay for you to feel upset after a fight with your best friend. Your feelings are valid, and you have a right to express them. Tell your friend how you feel, and explain where you are coming from without labeling or accusing your friend. For example, “When we got together last week, I felt like you weren't interested in what I had to say, and I feel like that a lot when we're together lately. I let my frustration get the best of me, and that's why I stormed out.” Work together to solve the problem. Once you and your friend have a clearer idea of what went wrong between you, put your heads together and look for a way to keep it from happening again. This doesn't necessarily mean deciding that 1 of you is right, or that you both have to agree with each other. It could be something as simple as setting a few ground rules for behavior or topics of conversation when you're together. For example, you might say, “Okay, we're never going to see eye-to-eye on veganism, but I don't want that to put a wedge between us. Let's just agree to respect each other's lifestyle choices and not talk about it when we're together.” If you fought because of something hurtful that you said or did, make a commitment to your friend that you won't do it again. E.g., “I'm sorry that I complain about your parents so much. I know it bothers you, and I'll avoid doing it from now on.” If you fought because of something your friend said or did, let them know what they can do to make things better going forward. For example, “Please don't tell rude jokes around my girlfriend from now on.” Avoid repeating any behaviors that contributed to the fight. Even if you and your friend have cleared the air and made up, you will both need to put in some work to keep it from happening again. Continue to be conscious of the issues that led to the fight in the first place, and don't be afraid to give each other gentle reminders if one of you starts to slip up again. For example, if you fought because your friend wouldn't stop playing on her cell phone when you were trying to have a serious conversation, you might have to remind her to put the phone away now and then. You could say, “Hey, remember how we agreed to keep our phones in our bags during lunch?” Likewise, ask your friend to hold you accountable. For example, “Just tell me to quit it if I start gossiping in front of you again. I know it bothers you, but sometimes I don't even realize I'm doing it.” Try not to dwell on what happened. It can be hard to let go after a major fight, but you'll feel better if you do. There's nothing you can do to change what happened, but you and your friend can both learn from the experience and your friendship can grow stronger as you move forward. Focus on the positive things that came out of your argument. For example, remind yourself that you and your friend learned new things about each other, and be proud of the fact that you were able to talk it through and continue your friendship. Have some quality time with your friend to help the friendship heal. After a fight, it's important for you and your friend to reinforce the friendship and remind yourselves about the good aspects of your relationship. Make a date to do something with your friend that you both enjoy. For example, you might go see a movie you've both been looking forward to, then go out for dinner and have a fun conversation about the movie afterwards. Tell your friend specifically what you love about them. Communicate honestly with your friend at all times. Good communication is key to maintaining a healthy friendship. Don't expect your friend to read your mind, or make the mistake of thinking you can read theirs. If something is bothering you, speak up and let your friend know. Communication goes both ways. Communicate clearly and honestly with your friend, but also don't be afraid to ask them for clarification if you don't get what they're trying to say. Set boundaries, if necessary. Keeping your friendship healthy isn't just your responsibility. Your friend also needs to be respectful and do their part to keep fights and friction to a minimum. Decide what you are and are not willing to put up with from your friend, and establish clear boundaries and consequences for when those boundaries are violated. For example, you might say, “I can't go out to lunch with you anymore if you're going to ask me to cover the bill every time. If you can't afford to chip in, let me know, and we'll plan to do something else.” Don't be afraid to say “no” sometimes. You don't have to feel obligated to go along with whatever your friend wants. Accept that you can’t change your friend. You and your friend will never agree on everything, and you're bound to do things that annoy or upset each other. You'll have an easier time getting along with your friend if you recognize that you can't change how they think, feel, or behave. While you can ask your friend to make changes, it's ultimately up to them whether they do or not. Decide whether you can accept your friend as they are, and go from there. For example, your friend may never be as neat as you, and you might just have to accept that their house will always be a mess when you come over. If it really bothers you, try meeting at your place, instead. Likewise, your friend should not feel that they can control who you are. While they have the right to make requests of you, it's ultimately your choice whether to agree to those requests. This doesn't mean you have to put up with everything your friend does. If your friend does something you just can't deal with, and they refuse to change their behavior, it may be time for you to move on from the friendship. End the friendship, if you have to. Letting go of a friendship is one of the toughest things you can do, especially when it's your best friend. Unfortunately, there are times when maintaining a friendship is more harmful than beneficial. It may be time to end the friendship if: Being with your friend feels more stressful or tedious than fulfilling or joyful. Your friend regularly belittles you, takes advantage of you, violates your boundaries, or refuses to respect your wishes. You don't feel like you and your friend have that much in common anymore. You feel like you can't be yourself around your friend. You and your friend don't trust each other. You feel like you are putting a lot more work into the friendship than your friend is. | Think before you speak. Try to stay calm. Use “I” language. Keep it civil. Take a time out for a bit, if you have to. Identify the cause of the fight. Acknowledge your part in the disagreement. Avoid making assumptions about your friend’s intentions. Give yourself and your friend some time to cool down. Reach out to your friend for a conversation. Apologize to your friend for your part in the fight. Listen actively to your friend’s side of the argument. Talk to your friend about your feelings. Work together to solve the problem. Avoid repeating any behaviors that contributed to the fight. Try not to dwell on what happened. Have some quality time with your friend to help the friendship heal. Communicate honestly with your friend at all times. Set boundaries, if necessary. Accept that you can’t change your friend. End the friendship, if you have to. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Aluminum-Siding | How to Clean Aluminum Siding | To clean aluminum siding, start by mixing water, liquid dish soap, and white vinegar in a large bucket. Then, submerge a long, extendable scrub brush in the cleaning solution. If you don't have an extendable brush, try attaching a car wash brush to the end of an extendable painting pole. Next, scrub the siding with the solution, starting at the bottom and working your way up to the top. When you're finished, spray the siding with a hose to rinse it off. | Check for loose or rotting boards. Replace any boards that show signs of rot. Re-nail boards that are loose. Avoid pressure washing until you've made these repairs. Pressure washing loose or rotten boards can push water through your siding and soak into walls. If your siding needs repairs and you're not comfortable doing them yourself, contact a siding contractor. Check your siding for mildew. Look for gray, green or black stains. Examine any grooves, and the bottom of the siding. Look especially on the north side of the house and any places that don't get much sunlight. A stronger cleanser is needed to destroy mildew. Even pressure washing won't prevent mildew from quickly growing back. Look for chalking on painted siding. Put work gloves on. Rub your gloved hand on the surface of the siding. Examine your glove for a light-colored powder. Consider pressure washing if you find signs of chalking, dirt or grime. Get an extendable siding brush. Find a brush that extends about eight to twenty feet. Alternately, attach a car wash brush to an extendable pole made for paint rollers. You can purchase an extendable brush specifically for cleaning siding, or use a long pool broom. Mix cleaning solution in a bucket. Make sure that the head of your brush fits easily into the bucket you choose. Fill the bucket with hot water and a biodegradable detergent, according to the product's label. Add 3/4 cup of household bleach or vinegar to each gallon of water, if needed. Add bleach or vinegar if your siding shows any signs of mildew. Don't mix bleach with any cleaner that has ammonia in it. You can use a cleaner specifically for siding, liquid dish detergent, or a cleaner such as Spic and Span. Test your cleaner on an area of siding. Wear gloves if your solution contains bleach or a harsh cleanser. Wet a clean white rag in your cleaner solution. Rub it on a spot of siding and see whether it is potent enough to do the job. You may try up to a few mixtures until you find the right strength to clean your siding. Adjust your mixture as needed, adhering to all safety precautions and instructions of the cleaner(s) you chose. Use eye protection if the cleaner instructs you to. Protect any plants below the siding, if necessary. Water any shrubs, grass or other plant life near the house first. Spread waterproof tarps or plastic drop cloths over any such plant life. Remove the covers and water the plant life again once you're finished cleaning and/or power washing your siding. Protect grass or other plants if you're using bleach or a chemical cleaner. Wet the siding with a garden sprayer, if desired. Fill a garden sprayer with your solution. Spray a portion of the siding about twenty feet wide by the full height of the surface. Let the solution sit for several minutes before brushing that portion of siding. Pre-wetting the siding will cut down on the amount of scrubbing you'll need to do. Brush the siding. Submerge your brush in the bucket of cleaning solution. Start at the bottom of the siding and work your way up. Scrub the siding sideways, back and forth. Re-dip your brush in the cleanser as needed. Starting at the top can cause permanent streaking. The siding below the portion you're scrubbing should stay wet. Rinse as you work so that the siding won't dry and have contact with dirty solution that drips down. Spray the siding with a garden hose. Set your hose on a jet stream setting. Rinse the twenty-foot area of siding you just brushed. Start at the top and move downwards. Choose a pressure washer. Obtain a washer that produces pressure of at least 2,000 psi (pounds per square inch). Plan to pick it up with a van, SUV or pickup truck if needed. Consider getting help with loading and unloading it from the vehicle. Talk to the rental agent about how to hook up and operate the washer, and ask for all safety precautions. You can rent a pressure washer at a local home and building supply store. If the washer doesn't come with nozzles, you'll have to get them separately. You'll need fifteen- to twenty-five-degree nozzles. Cover the area. Spread tarp, old sheets, or drop cloths on the ground. Cover any shrubs or plants. If you're siding is painted, the cloths will protect the ground from paint chips. Protect yourself. Wear protective eyewear, strong footwear, and long pants. Follow all instructions and safety precautions for your brand and model of pressure washer. Read the instructions for a pre-operation check, operating procedures, and shutdown procedures. Don't pressure wash your siding if it's painted with paint that may have lead in it. It's vital to protect yourself properly. The spray of a pressure washer is very powerful and hazardous. The force can cause many types of serious injuries. If you're house was built in 1977 or earlier, or if you're not sure that it's lead-free, get the paint tested. Ask your local health department to provide you with safety instructions. Attach the fifteen degree nozzle. Don't use settings finer than fifteen degrees. Never use a zero degree nozzle on a pressure washer. Lock the coupling securely in place. If the nozzle is not securely attached, it can shoot off when you turn on the pressure washer. Turn on the pressure washer. Attach the washer to a regular garden hose. Attach the garden hose to your outdoor faucet. Start the engine. Practice using the washer from about two feet away. Move closer as you find the best distance. Spray horizontally or at an angle slightly downward. Proceed with caution when using a pressure washer, which can dent siding or peel off its finish. Scrub the siding or move to a higher pressure, if needed. If a low pressure wash isn't working well, scrub the siding with a soap solution and follow up with a low pressure rinse. Alternately, do a test wash with a twenty-five degree nozzle in an area of siding that isn't very visible. Make sure no damage occurs to the siding before continuing a full wash. Proceed with a high pressure wash at the risk that you may damage the test area of siding. | Check for loose or rotting boards. Check your siding for mildew. Look for chalking on painted siding. Get an extendable siding brush. Mix cleaning solution in a bucket. Test your cleaner on an area of siding. Protect any plants below the siding, if necessary. Wet the siding with a garden sprayer, if desired. Brush the siding. Spray the siding with a garden hose. Choose a pressure washer. Cover the area. Protect yourself. Attach the fifteen degree nozzle. Turn on the pressure washer. Practice using the washer from about two feet away. Scrub the siding or move to a higher pressure, if needed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-a-Bipolar-Family-Member | How to Deal with a Bipolar Family Member | To deal with a bipolar family member, try your best to empathize with them, even though it's not always easy, since sometimes they don't have control over the things they do because of their illness. You should also try to be supportive of your family member's mental health treatment. If they're not currently receiving treatment, gently encourage them to seek the help of a therapist since therapy and medication are the best ways to manage bipolar disorder. Additionally, you can do things at home to help reduce any triggers that cause your family member to experience a bipolar episode. For example, if your family member is triggered by stress, you could try to create a relaxing environment at home for them. However, don't forget about your own needs. It's important that you focus on taking care of yourself too since you'll have a harder time helping your family member if you're stressed or feeling down. | Understand that some of your family member’s behaviors are linked to the disorder. For example, a person who is chattering on about themselves selfishly or bragging is normally recognized as arrogant or self-centered. This behavior in a person with bipolar disorder is a sign of mania, as are other risky behaviors that may be equally unappealing to you. Recognizing that this is a symptom of the illness, and not an intentional behavior by your family member is helpful in understanding their condition. However, be cautious not to associate every mood your family member has with their illness; people with bipolar disorder can be mad or sad in healthy ways, too. One way you can understand your family member's illness better and show support is to simply ask about their experience of it. Make sure, however, that you use discretion and identify if they feel comfortable talking with you about it before you attempt to engage them. If this is too threatening, you could simply ask how they are doing and gain more information about what they are currently going through. Support your family member in their mental health treatment. Since bipolar disorder is best treated with medication and therapy, it is crucial to be supportive of your family member engaging in treatment. One way to become involved is to participate in your loved one's psychotherapy. Family therapy can be a helpful resource in supporting an individual with bipolar disorder. Communicate with your family member's mental health care provider. If your loved one has signed a release for you to speak with their therapist or doctor, you can notify that person about possible concerns or problems as they arise. You can also gain more information on how to assist your family member. If your family member is not currently receiving mental health treatment, you can encourage or help them to seek treatment. PsychologyToday.com. and the American Psychological Association (APA) are both helpful resources. You can search for therapists or psychiatrists in your area who specialize in bipolar disorder. However, be careful not to push treatment on your family member if they are reluctant (unless they are potentially harmful to herself or others); this can scare them off and disrupt your relationship. Help monitor medication compliance. It is common for individuals with bipolar disorder to avoid taking their medication since the “high” of mania can feel good to them. If you notice that your family member has gone off their medication, the first step would be to notify their psychiatrist or general practitioner as soon as possible. Most likely the doctor will want to speak with your loved one and will inform you of how to proceed. If you are not able to speak with a doctor, you can encourage your loved one to take their medications, or provide incentives (such as special treats or doing something with them that they enjoy) if they agree to be med-compliant. Adhere to a medication regime. Do keep in mind that adherence to a medication regiment is not necessarily just a simple, straightforward matter of choosing whether or not to take a pill. Medications commonly used to treat bipolar disorder frequently cause substantial adverse effects such as forgetfulness, sleepiness, gastrointestinal symptoms, excessive sweating, substantial weight gain, hair loss, skin rashes, sexual problems and other unpleasant and distressing symptoms. If someone you care about has stopped their medication or expresses the desire to discontinue medication, it may be helpful to inquire as to what their reasons are. They may well have compelling reasons, beyond merely “I'm feeling better and I don't need it”. Others may claim that they enjoy the high of hypomania and don't want to take medication that will end their feeling of euphoria. Adverse effects are most commonly experienced when starting a new medication or increasing the dose, however they may occur at any time in treatment and may be a cause of substantial distress or discomfort to the individual. If your loved one is not adhering to their medication regimen because of adverse effects, do encourage them to talk with their doctor to determine whether a change in strength or timing of dose, or an alternative medication might alleviate or minimize the problem to a tolerable level. Assist during a manic or hypomanic episode. If you notice signs that your family member may be experiencing an episode, it is crucial to engage them in harm reduction. Negotiate to reduce harm during risky behaviors (gambling, excessive spending, drug abuse, reckless driving) Keep children, disabled people, and other vulnerable people away so that the antics do not disturb them Speaking with your loved one's medical health clinician, or calling an ambulance or suicide hotline if they are at risk of harming themselves or others Plan for a crisis. It is important to have an action plan for dealing with an emergency to effectively de-escalate a crisis. Have contact info of important relatives who can help, as well as doctor's numbers and hospital addresses. Do not just store this information in your phone in case it loses battery; you should have these numbers written down and on you at all times (such as in a wallet or purse). Give a copy to your family member. You could even develop this plan together when your family member is emotionally stable. Help your family member avoid triggers. A trigger is a behavior or situation that may increase the likelihood of a negative outcome, in this case, a manic, hypomanic, or depressive episode. Possible triggers include substances such as caffeine, alcohol, and other drugs. Triggers can also include negative emotions such as stress, an imbalanced diet, sleep irregularities (sleeping too much or too little), and interpersonal conflicts. Your loved one will have their own specific triggers. You can help by discouraging your family member from engaging in these behaviors, or by helping them prioritize their responsibilities to reduce stress levels. Criticism and critical people are common bipolar triggers. If you live with your family member you could remove substances such as alcohol from the home. You could also attempt to foster a relaxing environment by controlling lighting, music, and energy levels. Exercise compassion. The more educated you become about bipolar disorder, the more understanding and accepting you can be. While it may still be a challenge to cope with this disorder in the family, your concern and thoughtfulness can go a long way in supporting your family member. One way to show that you care is by simply letting your family member know that you are there for them, and you want to be supportive of their recovery. You can also offer to listen to them if they want to talk about their illness. Practice empathy. Putting yourself in your family member's shoes is a helpful way to increase your understanding of their behavior as well as to reduce your negative emotions about or reactions to their mental health. Allow yourself to imagine what it would be like to wake up unaware if that day you would be plummeted into depression or elevated into a frenzied state of energy. Focus on your own mental health. Caring for a loved one with bipolar disorder can sometimes lead to stress and depressive symptoms. Remember that you can only begin to help someone else if you first maintain your own physical and mental health. Be aware of your own behaviors and your underlying feelings about your family member. Give up control. It is important to understand and remind yourself (either aloud or in your mind) that you cannot control your family member's behaviors. They have a condition that you cannot fix. Shift your attention to focusing on your own needs. For example, you could make a list of your own personal goals and begin working toward them. Use coping resources. Coping resources are specific ways to cope with a particular issue, and they are vital to self-care. Coping strategies can include activities you enjoy such as reading, writing, art, music, outdoor activities, exercise or sports. Therapeutic activities can also assist self-care including relaxation techniques (such as progressive muscle relaxation), meditation, keeping a journal, mindfulness, and art therapy. Another way to cope is to create distance or remove yourself from stressful situations when they arise. Consider professional help. If you find that you are having a difficult time coping with your family member's symptoms of bipolar disorder, it may be beneficial to receive your own therapy. Evidence suggests that gaining family therapy, not just education, can help individuals (especially caregivers/parents) deal with having a family member with bipolar disorder. Recognize that bipolar disorder is a biologically based condition. This means it has a strong genetic component and tends to run in families. Therefore, it is not the fault of your family member any more than it would be if hey had a medical condition. Bipolar Disorder is not something your family member can control through will-power alone. Understand the different symptoms of bipolar disorder. There are two main types of bipolar disorder, Bipolar I Disorder and Bipolar II Disorder. It is important to identify which type your family member has to understand their particular symptoms and behaviors. Bipolar I is evidenced by a person experiencing manic episodes that typically last a week or longer. Some symptoms of a manic episode include: heightened/irritable mood, exaggerated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, increased talkativeness, distractibility, increase in goal-directed activity, and engaging in risky behaviors (such as gambling or having unprotected sex with multiple partners). Bipolar II is evidenced by at least one major depressive episode as well as a least one hypomanic episode (similar to a manic episode, but less severe and can last as little as four days). Understand how bipolar disorder is treated. Bipolar disorders are typically treated with a combination of medication and therapy. Psychiatrists or general practitioners often prescribe mood stabilizers such as Lithium to reduce the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) and other clinicians typically assist the individual with bipolar disorder in managing and coping with their symptoms. Typical types of therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy. Gain education on the typical effects of bipolar disorder on the family. Family members of individuals with bipolar disorder may experience burden and lack of energy. Additionally, spouses of individuals with bipolar disorder may experience a lack of support, and many do not seek help. If a family member believes that the person with bipolar has control over their illness this can lead to feelings of burden and dissatisfaction with the relationship. | Understand that some of your family member’s behaviors are linked to the disorder. Support your family member in their mental health treatment. Help monitor medication compliance. Adhere to a medication regime. Assist during a manic or hypomanic episode. Plan for a crisis. Help your family member avoid triggers. Exercise compassion. Practice empathy. Focus on your own mental health. Consider professional help. Recognize that bipolar disorder is a biologically based condition. Understand the different symptoms of bipolar disorder. Understand how bipolar disorder is treated. Gain education on the typical effects of bipolar disorder on the family. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-Justin-Bieber | How to Draw Justin Bieber | To draw Justin Bieber, start by drawing an oval to make the outline of his head. Then, draw his facial features, including his thick, dark eyebrows, his small nose, and his almond-shaped eyes. Next, draw Justin Bieber's hair, which can either swoop across his forehead or be spiked up in the front. Finally, shade and color in your drawing, making his eyes brown and his hair dirty blonde. | Start with a circle. Add the outline sketch for the jawline. Add the facial features outline sketches. Draw the actual lines for the ears and the jawline. Draw the facial features. Justin Bieber's eyes are slightly narrowed. Maybe it's one of his mannerisms because he always narrows his eyes but it suits him though. Add the outline sketches for the famous Bieber hairstyle. Draw the skeleton outline sketch for the body pose. We are drawing a caricature so we will have to draw his tiny body as well. However, drawing caricatures does not always require tiny bodies, what it requires is the likeness of the drawing to the subject and the subject's characteristics. One technique in showing the likeness is targeting the most dominant characteristic of the subject. His fashion, his hairstyle, his accessories, favorite color and so on. Add the flesh. Start drawing the actual lines for the clothes. Erase the unnecessary outline sketches. Erase the unnecessary lines. Add thicker lines on all the edges to make it look more “cartoonish”. Finish the actual lines. Fill in the basic colors. Add the highlights and shadows. Add the background. Start the outline sketches for the head and the face. Add the outline sketches for the hair, face and shoulders. Draw the outline from the forehead to the jawline. Add the actual lines for one eyebrow and nose. Add the actual lines for the left eyebrow. Start drawing the actual lines of the eyes by drawing the upper eyelid. Draw the lower eyelid. Add the irises and pupil. Add the eyelashes. Draw the outline sketches for the mouth. Continue with the neck. Add the actual line for the ear. Add the actual lines for the hair. Justin Bieber changed his hairstyle from his trademark look. Draw the outline sketches for the clothes. Erase the outline sketches. Fill in the basic colors. Add the highlights and shadows for the eyes and brows. Start coloring the hair with the lightest color. Continue with brown. Always keep in mind that in coloring the hair, the lines should always conform to the hair strands. Add dark brown hair strands for the shadow to finish the hair. It is easier to adjust when coloring the hair if you start from the light or bright colors first to the dark colors. Add the shadows on the skin. Continue with the highlights on the skin. Add the basic color of the mouth. Each part of the subject's features has to be drawn in detail to make the realistic approach in drawing. Add the highlights and shadows. Color the clothes with its highlights and shadows to show the texture as well. Add the background. Draw a large, vertical oval. Add guidelines. Draw one halfway down the face, three quarters of the way down the face, and 7/8 of the way down the face. Also draw two lines for the neck. Draw his eyes directly below the highest guideline. Then, add two lines for his shoulders. Outline his hair. Draw the nose, beginning at the second guideline. Finally, draw eyebrows just above the first guideline. Draw the outline of his classic haircut. Draw lips at the last guideline. Also add a shirt collar. Add the rest of the details. Erase guidelines. Color. | Start with a circle. Add the outline sketch for the jawline. Add the facial features outline sketches. Draw the actual lines for the ears and the jawline. Draw the facial features. Add the outline sketches for the famous Bieber hairstyle. Draw the skeleton outline sketch for the body pose. Add the flesh. Start drawing the actual lines for the clothes. Erase the unnecessary outline sketches. Erase the unnecessary lines. Add thicker lines on all the edges to make it look more “cartoonish”. Finish the actual lines. Fill in the basic colors. Add the highlights and shadows. Add the background. Start the outline sketches for the head and the face. Add the outline sketches for the hair, face and shoulders. Draw the outline from the forehead to the jawline. Add the actual lines for one eyebrow and nose. Add the actual lines for the left eyebrow. Start drawing the actual lines of the eyes by drawing the upper eyelid. Draw the lower eyelid. Add the irises and pupil. Add the eyelashes. Draw the outline sketches for the mouth. Continue with the neck. Add the actual line for the ear. Add the actual lines for the hair. Draw the outline sketches for the clothes. Erase the outline sketches. Fill in the basic colors. Add the highlights and shadows for the eyes and brows. Start coloring the hair with the lightest color. Continue with brown. Add dark brown hair strands for the shadow to finish the hair. Add the shadows on the skin. Continue with the highlights on the skin. Add the basic color of the mouth. Add the highlights and shadows. Color the clothes with its highlights and shadows to show the texture as well. Add the background. Draw a large, vertical oval. Add guidelines. Draw his eyes directly below the highest guideline. Outline his hair. Draw the outline of his classic haircut. Add the rest of the details. Erase guidelines. Color. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Adjust-an-Impact-Sprinkler | How to Adjust an Impact Sprinkler | To adjust the pressure, spray pattern, or arc of the water from an impact sprinkler, try controlling the water flow at the source or adjusting the different parts of the head. For example, loosen the hose faucet that it's hooked up to, which will increase the water flow. Alternatively, turning the faucet down will decrease the range of coverage. Another way to alter your sprinkler is to change the position of the diffuser pin, which is the large screw anchored to the base of the sprinkler head. If you want to limit the distance that your sprinkler covers, screw the pin in a clockwise direction until it sits over the water nozzle. You can also unscrew the pin all the way or remove it entirely for a more concentrated stream that will go further. | Adjust the flow of water at the source. The simplest way to change the amount of water coming out of your impact sprinkler is to tighten (clockwise) or loosen (counterclockwise) the hose faucet where it's hooked up. Opening the faucet to increase the water flow will increase the power and coverage of the stream, while decreasing the flow will confine the sprinkler coverage to a smaller area. Use a lower water flow when you want to avoid damaging delicate plants, like flowers and leafy shrubs, with a forceful blast. Change the position of the diffuser pin. The diffuser pin is a large screw anchored to the base of the sprinkler head. If you want to decrease the distance that your sprinkler covers, screw the pin in a clockwise direction until it sits over the water nozzle. For a more concentrated stream that will go further, unscrew the pin all the way or remove it entirely. When inserted, the diffuser pin breaks up the stream, causing it to fan out in a delicate spray or mist. The further the pin projects over the opening, the shorter and wider the spray will be. Raise or lower the deflector shield. Swivel the flat metal square attached to the body of the sprayer head (just beside the diffuser pin) up or down. When the stream hits the downturned deflector shield, it will be redirected into a lower arc perfect for watering nearby plants and patches of grass. If you're trying to water from one end of your lawn or garden to the other, keep the deflector shield up. This will allow the stream to travel in a higher arc and cover longer distances. Use the friction collars to alter the spray pattern. Twist the metal clamps that wind around the base of the sprinkler head into different positions to determine the movement of the sprinkler head. The closer together the collars are, the narrower the watering range. As the sprinkler turns, the wiry metal piece at the base of the head, known as the trip pin, will run up against the collar clamps, causing the sprinkler to reverse direction. Make sure the trip pin stays within the range you want to set for the sprinkler. That way you can water the rose bushes outside your home without dousing the front porch or the garage door. Flip up the trip pin for full 360 degree coverage. If you want the sprinkler to rotate all the way around, simply lift the trip pin until it rests up against the sprinkler head. It will then be able to send out water in a smooth, radial motion. Getting the trip pin out of the way can be helpful if your sprinkler system is located in the center of the area you're watering. Adjust the distance control dial. Some impact sprinkler models feature a separate dial that allows users to manually set the desired spray distance. If your sprinkler has one of these dials, turning it to the left will reduce the force of the stream, while turning it the right will pressurize it to send it further. The approximate distances should be clearly labeled in feet or meters, making it easy to get just the right coverage. Assuming your impact sprinkler doesn't have a distance control dial, you'll get the best custom spray by tinkering with the water pressure, diffuser pin, and deflector shield. Make sure you're using a water source with a pressure of at least 15 psi. Lower water pressures won't have the force needed to make an impact sprinkler system effective. If your sprinklers are falling short or don't seem to be putting out water at a very high rate, you may be better off with a different method of irrigation. You can find out how many psi's you're working with by calling your local water provider or using a pressure gauge that fits over the end of a standard garden hose. Most residential areas have an average water pressure somewhere between 40-60 psi. However, yours might be lower if you get your water from a pump or well. Choose the right sprinkler head. Impact sprinkler heads are usually sold in a couple different materials—plastic and metal. Plastic heads are lightweight, making them easier to turn with a conservative water flow of around 20-40 psi. While they tend to be slightly more expensive, metal heads will be better able to handle the strain of higher pressures. Metal sprinkler heads are also more durable, meaning they'll last longer and experience fewer issues. If you're unsure which type of head will work best for your home, consult with a home improvement or gardening expert while you're shopping for an impact sprinkler system. Clean your sprinkler periodically. A new sprinkler that has stopped performing to its usual standard may just be in need of a good cleaning. Remove the sprinkler head from the base and disassemble it to gain access to the nozzle and swivel bearing. Gently scrub each piece with hot water and a bottle brush to remove any debris or mineral buildup that may be inhibiting the sprinkler's movement. Common symptoms of a dirty sprinkler include a weak stream with normal water pressure, turning to one side and stopping, and failing to rotate at all. A mixture of vinegar and warm water can cut through heavy mineral and sediment deposits that have accumulated inside the sprinkler head. | Adjust the flow of water at the source. Change the position of the diffuser pin. Raise or lower the deflector shield. Use the friction collars to alter the spray pattern. Flip up the trip pin for full 360 degree coverage. Adjust the distance control dial. Make sure you're using a water source with a pressure of at least 15 psi. Choose the right sprinkler head. Clean your sprinkler periodically. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Heal-Relationships-After-Cheating | How to Heal Relationships After Cheating | To heal your relationship after cheating, you'll need to take responsibility for your actions and work on building up your partner's trust. Before you can start healing your relationship, distance yourself from the person you cheated with as much as possible. Change jobs, switch gyms, take a different commute or do whatever is necessary to show your partner that you have ended the affair. It's also important to communicate openly with your partner to begin healing your relationship. Answer their questions honestly and be prepared for an emotional response. They will probably need some time to process your affair, so you might need some time apart. When your partner feels ready, have an honest conversation about the future of your relationship, so that you can both move forward. | Stop cheating. If you are the cheating party, you need to end your affair completely before you can expect to have any chance of healing your relationship with your partner or spouse. This step is non-negotiable. Make any changes necessary to distance yourself physically from the source of your affair. If you cheated with a co-worker, for example, you may need to consider seeking re-assignment or even finding a new job. An affair that started at the gym or in another social setting may require you to change your social habits. Be honest with your partner. Tell your partner what happened and why. You can tell your partner the intimate details of the sexual experience if he or she asks, but it could be too painful to reveal at first. Your partner may not want to know at all. This should be a choice your partner makes, and you should abide by your partner's wishes. Your partner is likely to lash back when presented with your painful admission. While your infidelity will form the core of your partner's hurt, you may find yourself confronted with a whole range of issues as your partner seeks to express his or her pain. If your partner has ever had an affair, news of that infidelity is likely to surface during this initial exchange. Responding with disclosure of this information may be the closest weapon your partner has at his or her disposal. Be prepared for such an admission, and remember that if you feel hurt by disclosure of such information, your hurt is paralleled by your partner's pain regarding your own infidelity. You'll both have significant healing to do. Be honest with yourself. Spend time diagnosing the reason for your infidelity. A wide variety of reasons may have contributed to your affair, from low self-esteem, alcoholism, and sex addiction to the pressures of marital problems or perceived deficiencies in your committed relationship. Conventional wisdom once argued that infidelity was always a sign of something missing in a relationship; it is important to recognize that professionals now believe this is only one among many reasons why people cheat. Regardless of your reason for cheating, you should never blame your partner for your decision. Even if you feel something has been missing in your committed relationship, you made a choice to cheat rather than working out your problems with your partner. Strive for transparency. Your partner will likely have many, many questions. He or she may want to know what were the circumstances of meeting the other person, and whether it was a long term affair or a short, one night stand. He or she will spend time reflecting upon the past months or years of your life together and wonder about your past actions and motives. Total disclosure detailing all the sexual details or your relationship with the other person is not appropriate when you first tell your mate that you've cheated, but it's important to be forthcoming if your partner asks for details. Take your time as a couple to process the many questions your infidelity will bring to the surface. Respond fully and openly to your partner's questions as they come, but expect that new questions will emerge over time. Be mindful of your partner's readiness to hear details even as you fully answer his or her questions. Never cover up information, but if your partner is not yet asking one type of question -- about your motivation for cheating, for example -- exercise patience. He or she may have enough information to take on board. Wait until your partner asks, then carefully provide a transparent response. Give your partner time to process. You've known about your affair for as long as it's been happening. This painful information is new to your partner. Even if he or she had suspicions, only now have those suspicions been confirmed. The time it takes a relationship to heal after cheating varies, but expect that this process can easily take 1-2 years. Have an honest conversation about your relationship's future. Be realistic -- is forgiveness a possibility? If you see any hope for your future, commit to do the hard work that will be necessary to restore trust. When considering your relationship's future, consider the feelings of all those who will be affected by your decision. If your relationship involves children, for example, the stakes may be higher than they would be for a couple. Couples married for decades may have relationship networks and shared experiences that bind them more tightly than those who have dated just a few months or even years. Recognize that even if your partner sees hope for forgiveness, the actual process of forgiveness could take considerable time. Avoid making rash decisions. Give yourself sufficient time to ensure you're making decisions based upon careful reflection and not simply reacting during the heat of an argument. Consult a therapist or counselor. You may find individual therapy an important tool for examining your motives and addressing your own behavior. Couples counseling can be an important step in helping your negotiate the complicated terrain of forgiveness. Counselors or other trusted figures can provide objective, nonjudgmental support to help you process your feelings. A trusted third party also provides a safe referee for the sometimes painful discussions you'll need to have with your partner. Expect to be held accountable. You'll need to make an extra effort to prove your trustworthiness to your partner. Communicate your plans and respond to your partner's requests for information and reassurance. Note, however, that your past history of cheating does not completely eliminate your right to privacy. Be mindful of your partner's need for information, but do not feel compelled to provide a full list of your cell phone and social media passwords or to account for your whereabouts at all times. Such practices perpetuate mistrust rather than allowing you to rebuild your shattered relationship. Give your partner time and space. Do not expect forgiveness -- least of all on your schedule. Your partner will need to learn he or she has reason to trust you. Take a "time out" if you find that emotions are running high. Your partner may need some physical or emotional space to process his or her feelings. Politely leave the room, go for a walk, or give your partner the freedom to distance him or herself for a period of time. Consider scheduling specific windows of time to process difficult feelings. You might set an egg timer for half an hour, for example, and use that limited span of time for discussion. Doing so provides structure and predictability; you can both focus upon the subject at hand without having the conversation degenerate into "venting" or other unproductive behavior. Forgive yourself. Forgiving yourself does not mean you're off the hook for the consequences of your behavior, nor does it exempt you from the hard work of taking steps to change your behavior. Rather, forgiving yourself frees up your mental and emotional energy to move forward. You can then work on healing your relationship and changing your habits. Each day is a new day. When you wake up each morning, remind yourself of your decision to move forward and focus on repairing your damaged relationship. If you find rituals helpful, consider taking a symbolic step such as (carefully) burning or shredding a paper labeled "cheating." Remind yourself of this action when you're tempted to dwell upon your past behavior. You've burned your bridges, literally or metaphorically, and have committed to move forward. If you find yourself wallowing in regret, brainstorm a productive action you can undertake instead. You might consider sending your partner a loving text, performing a chore around the house, or working on a new hobby that helps you constructively redirect your behavior. Recommit to your "new" relationship. Your relationship as you knew it pre-cheating is gone, but if you've decided to move forward with your partner you're now entering a potentially rewarding new period of reconciliation, growth, and development. This new phase in your relationship will bring with it new rules and expectations. Discuss these rules and expectations openly to ensure you are on the same page. Spend quality time together doing things unrelated to your experiences of infidelity. While continued communication and trust-building will be important, your fragile relationship will benefit from spending time and effort on new experiences. Consider activities you've enjoyed in the past that you could reestablish as productive habits. Discuss your goals and interests. Perhaps your partner has always wanted to travel. You might consider spending some time researching trips or even pursuing language or cultural instruction to make that dream a reality. Perhaps he or she has been thinking about running a half marathon. If you can share this vision, commit to achieving this goal together -- or, if you aren't a runner yourself, commit to becoming your partner's top cheerleader. Stay "present oriented. " However painful, your cheating is now in the past. Focus upon the possibilities of your future together while recognizing you're now called to higher standards of accountability and emotional communication. Work toward reestablishing your sense of shared intimacy. If sexual intimacy was part of your relationship in the past, set a goal of reestablishing sufficient trust to renew this commitment. Be mindful that while your relationship is a partnership, the wounded partner needs to set the parameters for this process. Fulfilling intimacy requires considerable trust. Ensure you've been tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Never risk your partner's physical health -- or the emotional devastation that would result from an STD diagnosis. | Stop cheating. Make any changes necessary to distance yourself physically from the source of your affair. Be honest with your partner. Be honest with yourself. Strive for transparency. Give your partner time to process. Have an honest conversation about your relationship's future. Consult a therapist or counselor. Expect to be held accountable. Give your partner time and space. Forgive yourself. Recommit to your "new" relationship. Spend quality time together doing things unrelated to your experiences of infidelity. Stay "present oriented. Work toward reestablishing your sense of shared intimacy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Cook | How to Be a Good Cook | To be a good cook, find reliable recipes, either online or in a cookbook, and practice making them regularly so you learn new skills and get better in the kitchen. You can even work through an entire cookbook you like to learn how to make a variety of foods. You should also work on mastering a few cooking essentials, like sauteeing, carmelizing, blanching, and seasoning. Once you've mastered some basic recipes and skills, try experimenting in the kitchen by adapting recipes or inventing new ones. | Seek out reliable recipes. You need to read recipes before you can start to experiment in the kitchen. Even those cooks you know who claim they don't use recipes, have read their fair share of recipes and even have some saved. A great way to find reliable sources is by researching a specific recipe. Do an online search of something common like “chili” or “baked mac n' cheese.” Read several recipes and choose one that has a good online rating and that looks interesting to you. Comments on websites aren't reliable, but you can generally get a decent idea of how successful a recipe was due to the comments. Ask for suggestions as well. Your friends who enjoy cooking probably have their favorite websites or cookbooks. Don't be afraid to ask. You should also ask your family members. There are certain family recipes that grandmothers like to keep in the family and are usually incredible. Cook several recipes. Once you start to build a repertoire of credible recipes, start cooking. If you are new to cooking, try to cook as much as you can. Most recipes have a difficulty rating and you should use this as a guide and cook easy recipes. There is no need to start ambitiously by making homemade gnocchi. Try cooking some of these basic recipes: Spaghetti and meatballs Garlic bread Frittata Fried chicken Burgers French toast Read the entire recipe before cooking. Work through a cookbook. It helps beginners and pros alike to have a printed out, edited recipe in front of them. Today there are several types of cookbooks that range on skill sets and cuisines. Take a bit of time to consider some of the following recommended cookbooks: Afro Vegan by Bryant Terry. The Ode to Southern Food by Edna Lewis Momofuku by David Chang and Peter Meehan The Zuni Cafe Cookbook by Judy Rodgers There are also great food blogs/websites like http://food52.com or http://smittenkitchen.com Prepare tougher recipes. Once you start to become more familiar with cooking and recipes, you can set out to tackle more complex recipes. You might ruin one or two recipes as you work your way up to become a good cook. The point is to learn and overcome from difficulties in the kitchen. Many recipes termed “advanced,” merely require planning from you and sometimes need to be prepped the night before. Try out some of these dishes that are considered difficult: paella, beef wellington, or mole. These recipes will take a fair amount of time, but you will feel unstoppable if you can finish one of these. Cook all your meals. Improve your cooking skills by forcing yourself to only eat your own creations. This will help you master your favorite dishes, but it will also inspire you to create new flavors. Cook meals in large quantities to eat leftovers at work. Cooking all meals takes planning and will power, but you will learn by cooking a lot! Contain your urge to eat at your favorite restaurants by cooking a similar dish. Expand your palate. A key to being a good cook is to be open to different cuisines from various cultures. You need to experience a wide variety of flavors to help foster your creativity as a cook. Go to a restaurant of a cuisine you have never tried like: Korean, Cuban, Indian, Ethiopian, or Mediterranean. Talk to foodies for inspiration. Seek out your friend who thinks of herself as a foodie and ask for a restaurant recommendation. Try to go out to dinner with this person to get even more of a food experience. Watch cooking shows. Cooking shows are a great way to watch how recipes are made and offer plenty of helpful cooking tips. You can watch the food channel, which is exclusively reserved for television programs catered around cooking and food. There are also plenty of online videos about cooking that range from amateurs to professional chefs. Adapt a recipe. Many times, people who aren't using a recipe have already made that dish by following a similar recipe. Once you've made a recipe a handful of times, try to cook it based on memory. By working through memory, you'll adapt the recipe into your own dish. If you enjoy a particular ingredient in a dish, like celery for example, then add more chopped celery to the dish. Attempt to create a recipe based off the ingredients you own. Try adapting the recipe without buying extra supplies. It might work, or you could fail, but at least you tried. Use spices with intention. A well stocked spice rack can enhance impromptu creations. There are dozens of spices and combinations available to you. Use the following information about some classic spices to help you get started: Basil is a sweet and earthy herb that has many types variants. Basil pairs well with Italian recipes (pasta, red sauce) and also works well in Asian stir fries with peanuts or coconut milk. Curry powder is a variety of different herbs that is great for Indian dishes and varieties. Try curry powder in lentil stew, a breakfast scramble, or in rice/quinoa with cilantro. Cumin is an earthy flavor with a bit of a spice. Cumin is perfect for Mexican dishes like tacos, black bean/refried beans, root vegetables, and on fish (tilapia). Rosemary is sweet and woody. Rosemary goes well with many dishes like meats or potatoes. Rosemary is a good addition to any type of roasting with olive oil. Thyme is an earthy herb. Thyme works well in any bean dish. It pairs well with other spices like bay leaves, lemon zest, and parsley. Make a pan sauce. Take advantage of the residue left in your pan after cooking to create a delicious sauce to accompany your meal. This technique works best after searing meat in a pan. Remove the meat and any excess fat from the pan and turn the heat down to medium. Add some spices and herbs like a chopped shallot, garlic, and yellow mustard seed powder. Cook these down for about five minutes and then add some liquid. One of the best liquids to absorb the pan's remnants and create flavor is alcohol. Add about a ¼ cup of red/white wine or beer. Cook the liquid down while stirring with a wooden spoon to blend all the remnants of the pan into the sauce. After 4-5 minutes throw in some lemon zest, thyme, or rosemary to complete a delicious accompaniment to your meal. Create a sauté. Sautéing is the process of cooking food quickly at a high temperature in a shallow, wide pan. The key to sauteing is cutting all the ingredients into uniform size so that everything cooks evenly. You can sauté meat, vegetables, and even fruit. Heat the pan to medium-high for about 10 minutes and then add your favorite oil/butter (2 tablespoons). Add your chopped food into the pan and cook for about ten minutes stirring frequently. Experiment with the order of when you add certain ingredients. Some like to add garlic and onions last and others like to add it to the pan first. If you are sautéing meat, consider sautéing the meat separately to avoid under-cooking the meat. Once you feel comfortable you can sauté everything in the same pan. Learn how to caramelize. Caramelizing is a useful technique that can be used to many ingredients. Caramelizing is all about slow cooking in a pan to bring out the natural sweetness out of an ingredient. Take caramelizing onions for example: Use thick slices to avoid burning the onion and cook with an even ratio of butter and oil. Cover the surface of the pan, but don't cram too many onions onto the pan. Keep the heat on medium-low throughout the cooking to ensure a successful caramelization without burning anything. This will take close to 45 minutes if done properly. You can do this same technique with a variety of produce like garlic or even broccoli. Sweat your vegetables. Sweating your veggies is very similar to sauteing, but the temperature you use to sweat is lower. You want bring out flavors while tenderizing the veggies, instead of browning them. Heat your pan on medium-low heat and wait about 10 minutes for the pan to heat. Add the oil of your choice (2 tbs), distribute the oil in your pan, and then add your chopped veggies. Throw in a healthy amount of salt and let your veggies sizzle gently, opposed to a loud sizzle. Adjust the temperature if it sounds too loud. Stir the produce frequently to avoid browning. Cook in the pan for about five to ten minutes. You are looking for your produce to soften or become translucent. Blanch your veggies. Another technique for vegetables is blanching. Heat a large cooking pot of water on high heat with a generous amount of salt. Prepare a bowl of ice water and set to the side. Chop your vegetables and once the water is boiling, add them to the pot. Let the veggies cook for 1 ½ to 2 minutes tops. Strain the vegetables in a colander and immediately dump them into the ice bath. The result is perfectly tender vegetables that can easily be thrown into a dish. If you plan to cook the veggies in a different pot, heat them in boiling water for a minute. After thirty seconds in the ice bath, your vegetables are ready. Adjust the flavor. A vital part of cooking is tasting the flavor as you cook. If the dish tastes bitter or bland, add salt to the dish. Try out a pinch or teaspoon at a time until the flavor improves. If you think the dish still needs more flavor try adding acidity or spice to the dish. Add spice by using chopped, fresh peppers (jalapeno or habanero), 1 tsp of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Add acidity near the end of cooking by squeezing a fresh lemon over the dish, or by adding 2 tablespoons of vinegar (rice wine, balsamic, or malt). Another way to boost the flavor of a dish is by adding a splash of wine. Let the dish cook for 5 to 10 minutes in order to cook off the alcohol. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Experimenting in the kitchen won't always produce an incredible meal. All cooks who've took this leap have failed at some point through experimentation. The point is to attempt to move forward into uncharted cooking territories. Organize your space. The best way to prepare for a recipe is by having a clean and organized work space. Begin by cleaning the surface tops of your kitchen and ensure that there aren't any dirty dishes in the sink. Keep your cabinets clean and organized by going through them to check for expired products. Additionally, you want your refrigerator to be clean and avoid keeping expired or too much leftover food. Purchase decent equipment. The first advice you'll hear from cooks on how to become better cooks is to have good knives. Invest in the nicest knives you can afford. It might sound unimportant, but quality knives will expedite your chopping process and make cooking more enjoyable. A good way to check if your knife is sharp enough is if you cry while cutting onions. A knife that is sharp enough won't cause you to cry. Plan out your week. The best way to save money and shop efficiently is by planning out a meal for each night of the week. Once you figure out your meal for everyday of the week, you can start to look at each day's recipe and ingredient list. Compile a grocery list based off your plan. Take this model as inspiration for you as you plan out your week: Monday is pasta night. Tuesday is taco night. Wednesday is Asian stir-fry. Thursday is meat and potato night. Friday is burger night. Saturday is your night to go out. Sunday is leftover night. Shop smart. The best way to shop for multiple recipes is to choose recipes that require similar ingredients. This way you can buy bulk amounts of similar ingredients to cover a lot of grounds. You should also consider the amount of processed food you buy and feed your family. Attempt to stay away from lengthy ingredient lists and especially from GMO (genetically modified products) and high fructose corn syrup. Shop organic when you have the means to. There are ways of shopping for healthy ingredients on a budget. | Seek out reliable recipes. Cook several recipes. Work through a cookbook. Prepare tougher recipes. Cook all your meals. Expand your palate. Watch cooking shows. Adapt a recipe. Use spices with intention. Make a pan sauce. Create a sauté. Learn how to caramelize. Sweat your vegetables. Blanch your veggies. Adjust the flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Organize your space. Purchase decent equipment. Plan out your week. Shop smart. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-Your-Parents-You%27re-Pansexual | How to Tell Your Parents You're Pansexual | It can be nervewracking to tell your parents you're pansexual, but if you prepare for the conversation, it's more likely to go smoothly. Sit down with your parents when they're not busy or stressed and tell them you have some news to share with them. You might say something like, I wanted to tell you that I'm pansexual, which means I like people regardless of their sex or gender. I've felt this way for a while now and I'm hoping you'll support me.” Your parents may be surprised by the news, so give them some time to take it in and respond. They may also have questions for you about your identity. If your parents are mad or they threaten you, don't be afraid to leave and go to a safe place, like a friend's house or even the police. | Think about why it’s important for you to tell your parents. You don't have to have a good reason for wanting to tell your parents that you are pansexual, but it may make the conversation go more smoothly if you can identify why it's important to you that your parents are aware of your sexuality. Whatever the reasons, know that you are a human being that deserves to be loved and respected. Make sure that it is your decision to tell your parents, and that you are not being pressured to tell them by someone else. For example, maybe you've decided that you never want to have kids regardless of the gender of the person you end up with, so you want them to know what to expect from you. Maybe you want to bring around a person that you've been seeing for a while, and maybe this person doesn't fit in with what your parents believe is “normal.” Maybe you feel sad that you aren't being honest with your parents about who you are. Reflect on your parent’s values. Before you have the conversation with your parents, you should think about their values. Are your parents very religious or very conservative? While neither is a definite indication that they will disapprove of your sexual orientation, a very conservative and very religious parent may have a difficult time dealing with this news. While you should be aware of how your parents might react, don't just assume that it will go well or badly. Just try to think about their values to get a general idea of how they might react. Think about any comments they have made about, for example, gay people. Were they positive, negative, or neutral comments? Did they say, “Being gay is a sin!” or did they say something like, “I don't really understand how someone could be gay, but I guess if that's how they feel, then that's how they feel.” Be prepared to explain what pansexual means. Some parents may have never heard the term “pansexual” before. Therefore, be prepared to explain what you mean when you say, “I'm pansexual.” In some scenarios, your parents may have lots of questions for you about what this means and doesn't mean. Being open to talking and explaining your sexuality to your parents may be very important for helping them to understand. Remember, if they are asking questions, it means they are doing their best to understand what is important to you. Do your best to be patient. Have educational resources available. When you have the conversation, your parents will have to deal with complex emotions based on the information you give them. It may be helpful for them if you can provide them with information about pansexuality, as well as ways they can get support in dealing with your news. For example, provide them with the contact information of the group Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays , which offers support to the loved ones of the LGBTQ community. Practice what you want to say. Get right to the heart of what you want to tell them, and practice with a trusted friend or in front of a mirror. You can begin by telling them that you love them, and you are trusting them with this information because you want to have an open and loving relationship with them. Then, just say it. Say something like, “I've spent a lot of time thinking about it, and it's important to me that you know that I am pansexual.” Don't beat around the bush, or you may give the impression that you are ashamed. Be aware that your parents may think this is just a phase. Although you may be sure about who you are, if your parents don't want to accept that you are pansexual, they may blow it off as a phase you are going through. There may not be much you can do to change this belief, but over time they will come to see that this is who you are, and that it isn't a phase you are going through. If you are still struggling to understand for certain whether or not you are pansexual it may be wise to put off telling your parents until you have had some time to become more sure. Your parents may be more likely to dismiss what you say if you don't seem sure, and if you do change your mind about your sexuality, it will help you avoid having a difficult conversation more than once, especially if you are certain they will react negatively. Choose a time and place to have the conversation. If you are not worried that they will be violent with you, you can probably have the conversation at home. If you want to, you could tell them you want to make them dinner one night to discuss something that is important to you. If you are worried about a violent reaction, try to tell them in a public place, such as a park where lots of people spend time with their families. Try to plan a good time to tell them rather than doing it spontaneously. Letting them know you need to talk with them about something important in advance may help prepare them for big news. Don't tell your parents when you are having a fight or not getting along well. If you are angry with one another, there is little chance they will take the news well. Give them time to react. You parents may have already suspected this news, or maybe they didn't. They may start yelling or crying, or they may be happy. Since there is such a wide range of possible reactions, remember that they may have a lot to say right away, or they may be silent for some time. If they don't say anything, don't just start talking to fill the silence. They may even get up and walk away. Don't necessarily assume that this is a bad sign. Just let them go to deal with their own emotions for a while. Try to remain calm and respectful. When they are reacting, try not to get angry with them, just do your best to remain rational and honest. Remember that they need time to accept this information. You probably didn't wake up one day and just realize that you were pansexual. You shouldn't expect your parents to accept it immediately either. How much time they need depends on them. Some may accept it right away, some may need a few days, some may never be able to accept it. Realize that your parents may experience a feeling of loss. If they had no idea you were pansexual because they truly believed you were heterosexual, then they will have to get to know the pansexual version of you. Don't take this personally just try to understand that they need some time to grieve for the loss of the person they (mistakenly) thought you were, and time to accept the “new” you. Be willing and ready to talk. Whenever your parents are ready to talk, be open to them. Try to answer any questions they have about what pansexuality means to you, and how you came to the decision that this is who you are. They may ask questions that feel offensive to you. If it seems that they are genuinely interested in trying to understand, and not just trying to embarrass you, then answer them. Help them understand why this is important to you. Have the educational resources you prepared ready for them, and offer them up if your parents seem as though they are trying to accept your news, but are having trouble understanding what your news means for your relationship. Ensure that you will be safe. If you are worried that your parents will be physically violent with you, then tell them in the presence of an adult who is already aware of the situation, such as a school counsellor. If you don't have that option, tell them in a public place, where people will see if they become violent. Your parents have no right to hurt you because of your sexual orientation. If they threaten to kill or harm you, call the police. Have a place to go. There is really no way to predict how your parents will react. They may kick you out, or they may not. Having a place to stay for a few days to let them mull over what you have told them is a good idea. This doesn't mean you will absolutely have to stay somewhere else, but if it seems like they need some space, or if they ask you to leave, have a plan about where you will go. You could stay at a friends for a few nights, or maybe you can stay with a family member who is aware of the situation. Understand that they may never accept you. Unfortunately, your parents (or other members of your family) may not be able to accept you for who you are. They may even disown you. If this is the case, remember that it isn't the end of the world. Stay with the person you planned to stay with in case of this event, and get on with your life. Talk with other family members about your situation, and you may find they accept you. Even if they don't, eventually you will find a “family” that does accept and love you for who you are. If you are under the age of 18 and your parents kick you out of the house, contact the police or child services in your town. They will be able to help you manage your day-to-day life. If you are kicked out and alone, call 1-800-RUNAWAY. Tell them about the situation, and they will direct you to the nearest safe house. | Think about why it’s important for you to tell your parents. Reflect on your parent’s values. Be prepared to explain what pansexual means. Have educational resources available. Practice what you want to say. Be aware that your parents may think this is just a phase. Choose a time and place to have the conversation. Give them time to react. Remember that they need time to accept this information. Be willing and ready to talk. Ensure that you will be safe. Have a place to go. Understand that they may never accept you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Put-on-Compression-Stockings | How to Put on Compression Stockings | Before you put on compression stockings, sprinkle talcum powder on your legs so the stockings will go on smoothly. Put your hand into one of the stockings and grab the toe, then pull the top of your stocking down your arm. This should turn the top of the stocking inside-out while leaving the toe right-side-out. Carefully slide the stocking off your arm, put on latex gloves to give you a better grip, and place the sock over your toe. Bring the sock over your heel, then slowly roll the stocking up your leg. | Wear compression stockings first thing in the morning. When you first wake up in the morning, your legs have been slightly elevated or at least horizontal. As a result, your legs are likely not as swollen as they might be later in the day. This will make it easier to put on compression stockings. Try elevating your legs while you sleep by resting your feet on a pillow. You can also slightly tilt the foot of your mattress upward by putting a 2x4 piece of wood underneath the mattress end. Sprinkle talcum powder on your legs. If your legs have any moisture on them, you might not be able to pull up the compression stockings. Sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch on your feet and calves to absorb any excess moisture. Put your hand into the stocking and grab the toe. One of the easiest ways to put on compression stockings is to turn the top part of the sock inside out. You'll want to leave the toe of the sock right side out. Reach into the stocking and grip onto the toe. Pull the top of the stocking down around your arm. Pinch the toe so that it stays right side out while pulling the top of the stocking down over your arm. This will result in the top being inside out. Pull the stocking off your arm. Carefully slide the stocking off your arm so that the top remains inside out while the toe is ready for your foot. Sit on a chair or side of the bed. Putting on compression stockings can be difficult, especially if you have trouble reaching your feet. Try sitting down on a chair or on the side of the bed so that you can bend down to reach your feet. Wear latex or rubber gloves. Wearing gloves will make it easier to grip onto the stockings and pull them up. Choose latex gloves such as those worn by healthcare professionals, or similar type gloves. Dishwashing gloves will also work. Put your toes into the sock. Slide your toes into the end of the sock and align the sock so that the toe of the sock is even and straight. Bring the sock over your heel. As your toe holds the bottom of the sock in place, pull the bottom of your sock over your heel so that your entire foot is inside the sock. Slide the stocking up your leg. Use your palms to draw the stocking up and over your calf. The inside-out top part of the sock will roll upward to be right-side out. Your gloved hands will be able to grip the sock better than a bare hand. Do not pull at the top of the sock to get it up your leg. This will likely rip the sock. Adjust the sock as you draw it upward. Make sure to keep the sock straight and smooth while you bring it over your calf. Smooth out any wrinkles as you go. If you are wearing knee-high compression stockings, they should come up to a point 2 finger widths below your knee. Some compression stockings go up to the top of the thigh. Repeat for the other leg. If your doctor has prescribed compression stockings for both legs, follow these instructions to put the sock on your other foot. Try to have the stockings come up to the same point on both legs. Some prescriptions may only require a compression stocking for one leg. Wear compression stockings every day. If your doctor recommends that you wear compression stockings to improve blood flow, then it's likely you'll need to wear them every day. Otherwise, it can be difficult to get them on your feet. Take off your compression stockings when you go to bed every night. Use a sock aid. If you have trouble reaching your feet or putting on your compression stockings, you might benefit from using a sock aid. This is a device or frame that resembles a foot shape. Put the sock over the device and slide your foot into the device. Then remove the device and your sock will be properly placed on your foot. Elevate your feet. If you are having trouble putting on your compression stockings because your feet or legs are swollen, try elevating your feet above your heart for 10 minutes. Lie down on your bed with your feet resting on a pillow Take off compression stockings at night. Before you go to bed, remove your compression stockings. This will give your legs a rest and will also give you a chance to wash your stockings. Pull down the top of the sock. Gently pull down at the top of the sock with two hands. This will pull the sock down your calf so that the sock is inside out again. Remove the stocking from your foot. Use a medical dressing stick to remove the stockings. If you are having trouble getting the stockings off your ankles or feet, especially if you can't reach your feet very well, try using a medical dressing stick to grip onto the compression sock and push it off your foot. This does require some arm strength, which can be difficult for some people. Wash your compression stockings after every use. Hand wash your stockings with laundry soap and warm water. Wring out excess water by rolling your stockings in a towel. Hang them up to dry. Try to get at least two pairs of compression stockings, so you can have one pair to wear while the other is being laundered. Talk to your doctor if you have leg pain or swelling. Leg pain and/or swelling can be uncomfortable to live with, and compression stockings might make your legs feel better. Talk with your doctor to see if this option will reduce your discomfort. If you have poor blood flow in your legs, compression stockings are not the right choice. Wear compression stockings if you have reduced blood flow in your legs. Your doctor will check to see if you have varicose veins, a blocked vein , venous leg ulcers, deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in a deep vein), or lymphedema ( leg swelling ). If one of these conditions is present, your doctor may prescribe compression stockings for you. You may need to wear compression stockings daily for up to two years. Wear compression stockings if you develop varicose veins while pregnant. Almost one-third of pregnant women will develop varicose veins, which are veins typically in the legs and feet that have enlarged because of increased pressure in your veins. Wearing compression stockings can make your legs more comfortable and will promote blood circulation. Ask your doctor if compression stockings will help your condition. Wear compression stockings after surgery. In some cases, compression stockings will be prescribed for patients post-surgery to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), or the formation of blood clots in your veins. If your post-surgery recovery restricts your mobility or requires extended bed rest, your doctor may prescribe compression stockings. Try compression stockings after exercising. While research about the health benefits of wearing compression stockings during exercise is mixed, recovery time after exercising is decreased as blood flow is improved. Many runners and other athletes now wear compression stockings either during exercise or afterwards. It is up to you whether you find them comfortable enough to wear. These are usually sold as compression socks, and are available at sporting goods stores and other athletic supply stores. Determine which pressure grade of stockings you need. The compression in the stockings is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Your doctor will give you the proper pressure grade of stockings so that you are getting the proper treatment. Figure out the length of stocking. Compression stockings are available in varying lengths, including knee-high and ones that reach the top of the thigh. Ask your doctor which length you need. Have your legs measured. Your legs will need to be measured so that you know the proper size of compression stockings to get. Your doctor may measure your legs; if not, a clerk at a medical equipment supply store should be able to help you. Visit a medical equipment supply store or pharmacy. Locate your local medical equipment shop and verify that they carry compression stockings. Compression stockings are also available through some online retailers. It is preferable to visit a professional to get fitted for the proper compression stockings, but if this is not an option, try shopping online for stockings. Check with your health insurance. Some health insurance plans will cover compression stockings. You will likely need a doctor's prescription for these stockings to be covered. | Wear compression stockings first thing in the morning. Sprinkle talcum powder on your legs. Put your hand into the stocking and grab the toe. Pull the top of the stocking down around your arm. Pull the stocking off your arm. Sit on a chair or side of the bed. Wear latex or rubber gloves. Put your toes into the sock. Bring the sock over your heel. Slide the stocking up your leg. Adjust the sock as you draw it upward. Repeat for the other leg. Wear compression stockings every day. Use a sock aid. Elevate your feet. Take off compression stockings at night. Pull down the top of the sock. Use a medical dressing stick to remove the stockings. Wash your compression stockings after every use. Talk to your doctor if you have leg pain or swelling. Wear compression stockings if you have reduced blood flow in your legs. Wear compression stockings if you develop varicose veins while pregnant. Wear compression stockings after surgery. Try compression stockings after exercising. Determine which pressure grade of stockings you need. Figure out the length of stocking. Have your legs measured. Visit a medical equipment supply store or pharmacy. Check with your health insurance. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Paper-Football | How to Make a Paper Football | To make a paper football, fold a sheet of paper in half lengthwise and cut along the fold. Next, fold 1 of the strips in half lengthwise, then fold the lower left corner toward the opposite edge. Flip the triangle over to create another triangle and continue folding triangles until you reach the top. Undo the last fold and tuck it into the triangle, then fold the top corner down to create 2 triangles. Trim 1 inch off the right point, tuck the paper into the pocket, and your football is ready to use! | Fold an 8.5 by 11 inch (22 by 28 cm) piece paper in half lengthwise and then unfold it. Either fold the right side of the paper to the left, or the left side of the paper to the right. Make sure the edges of the paper match up so that you create a neat vertical crease down its center. Unfold the paper once you've made a defined crease. Pinch the crease with your thumb and index fingers and run them along it to make it more firm. To make the crease even firmer, you can unfold the 2 halves, turn the paper over, and fold them again. This will create a defined crease along both sides of the paper. Cut or tear the sheet along the vertical crease. Use scissors to cut along the vertical crease. You can also tear the paper in half by holding the left and right sides and gently pulling them in opposite directions. Either way, the end result should be 2 tall strips of paper that are 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) wide and 11 inches (28 cm) tall. You will only need to 1 strip to create 1 paper football. If you like, you can use the other to create another football later. Use scissors to cut your paper into 2 pieces whenever possible. Fold 1 of the strips in half lengthwise. Start by folding the top left corner about halfway down toward the bottom left corner. Afterwards, bring the top right corner down to the same halfway point toward the bottom right corner. Pull both corners down to their respective opposing corners. Press the crease down after lining up the corners. Place the half horizontally in front of you when you're finished—the piece should now be half as wide and twice as thick. Fold the lower right corner toward the opposite edge of the paper. This fold should form a triangle. The left side of the triangle should run parallel to the width of the horizontal paper. The top edge of the triangle should run perpendicular to the left side of the triangle. Flip the triangle toward the left side of the paper. Use the thumb and index finger of your right hand to grab the triangle by its top right corner. Hold down the bottom left corner of the triangle with your free hand as you begin to flip the triangle to the left. Move your fingers out of the way at the halfway point of the flip and create another thicker triangle. Press down on the top and right creases of the new triangle. Continue folding triangles along the paper until you've reached the end. Move toward the left side of the paper, pressing down on the creases of your new triangles as you go. Give the last creases a good rub once you're left with 1 triangle. Undo the last 2 folds of the paper. With the point of the triangle facing up, pull the first fold downward to make a square. Now, pull the second fold outward from the square. The end result should be a square (or rectangle) attached to a right-angled triangle. Fold the right-angled triangle downward. Afterwards, you should have 2 connected right-angled triangles that form a larger one. Don't worry if it's not a perfect triangle—it takes practice to get it right. Trim about 1 inch (2.5 cm) off the outer point of the righthand triangle. With the tip of the paper facing downward, draw a line 1 inch (2.5 cm) to mark off the corner piece. Use a pair of scissors to make a cut parallel to the height of the triangle (the line from the bottom corner straight upward). You can also tear off the extra paper with your hands. Tuck the right side of the new triangle into the pocket on the left. Hold the 2 outer sides of the left small triangle with your thumb and forefinger. Gently squeeze it to widen the opening. With the point of your paper facing downward, take the tip of the small triangle on the right and tuck it into the pocket that is created by the left. At the end of this step, your larger right-angled triangle (created from 2 smaller triangles) should now be the same size as the smaller ones but with double the thickness. Flatten the paper football with your fingers. Smooth down the creases of the triangle until you have a flat paper football. Now that it's ready, you can start being a champion paper football player. Decorate the paper football if you want to get creative. If you'd like to give your paper football a personalized touch, use a marker or pen to draw stitch marks and other defining features of a football. Brown markers make a great color for football leather, and white or gray works well for the stitches. | Fold an 8.5 by 11 inch (22 by 28 cm) piece paper in half lengthwise and then unfold it. Cut or tear the sheet along the vertical crease. Fold 1 of the strips in half lengthwise. Fold the lower right corner toward the opposite edge of the paper. Flip the triangle toward the left side of the paper. Continue folding triangles along the paper until you've reached the end. Undo the last 2 folds of the paper. Fold the right-angled triangle downward. Trim about 1 inch (2.5 cm) off the outer point of the righthand triangle. Tuck the right side of the new triangle into the pocket on the left. Flatten the paper football with your fingers. Decorate the paper football if you want to get creative. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Repetitive-Bad-Memories | How to Stop Repetitive Bad Memories | Experiencing trauma in your life can lead you to have repetitive bad memories. If you're struggling with this, allow yourself to acknowledge the memories as they come up, then intentionally switch your focus to the present moment and what you are physically feeling until you start to think about something else. If the memories persist, it may help to talk to a therapist about exposure therapy, in which you confront the memories in order to overcome them. | Figure out how memories affect your daily functioning. Sometimes bad memories can overwhelm our thoughts and make it difficult to focus on what's happening in the present. How much time do you spend thinking about bad memories? Do the memories pop into your mind when you're trying to focus on other things? Focusing on bad memories, or ruminating, can hurt your problem-solving skills. For example, you may feel helpless in the face of a work-related hurdle instead of tackling the problem head-on. Ruminating can also lead to unhealthy behaviors like binge drinking or other forms of self medication intended to stop the negative thoughts. Ruminating on bad memories leads to negative thinking patterns associated with depression and anxiety. See if dwelling on memories interferes with your relationships. If your memories are associated with a certain person, you may find it difficult to spend time with him or her without thinking about what happened in the past. Bad memories can interfere with your other relationships, too. Ruminating on the past can make you feel isolated from others. Thinking about bad memories can also inhibit your ability to forge new connections with people. For example, if you are overwhelmed with bad memories about a breakup, you may not feel open to meeting someone new. Determine if thinking about the past affects your ability to look forward. Everyone thinks about the past to a certain extent, but dwelling there too often can impede your sense of hope for the future. If you spend time reliving experiences that already happened, you have less energy to think about what's happening now, and what will happen next. Repetitive bad memories, especially traumatic ones, can create a sense of hopelessness and make it difficult to feel optimistic. You may feel that since something bad already happened, it is bound to happen again. This can affect your ability to take good care of yourself and make plans for your own future. Practice mindfulness to alleviate anxiety caused by bad memories. Mindfulness is a practice used to switch focus to the present moment, and research shows it can help relieve anxiety. With mindfulness, you acknowledge the bad memories as they come up, then mindfully choose to switch your focus to the present. In this way you can interrupt the negative thought process. To practice mindfulness, try focusing on physical sensations you feel in the present moment. Notice the temperature of the air or the pressure of your feet against the ground. Focus on the physical feelings until you're able to stop thinking about the bad memories. You can also practice mindfulness by repeating a positive statement to yourself. Try telling yourself, "I don't have to think about that right now." Consider exposure therapy. The experience of traumatic, painful, and/or frightening events can cause you to push them away in an effort to not feel them. However, letting yourself feel them may help you move forward. This exercise is called exposure therapy, in which you control your symptoms and fear of an anxiety-provoking event by thinking of it. Studies show that exposure therapy can relieve anxiety and fear associated with bad memories, but this form of treatment is best completed under the supervision of a therapist or psychologist. A therapist will be able to help you gauge your readiness to engage in the therapy and figure out how long the sessions should be. A therapist will also know how to bring you back from the memories once you are finished with the session. If you want to try exposure therapy on your own, be aware that it can make things worse. If possible, consult with a therapist to learn more about the process before attempting exposure therapy by yourself. If you try exposure therapy and find that you your bad memories are still consistently present, seek outside help. Recall the bad memory in detail. Set a date and time to try exposure therapy. When you're ready, sit down and think about the event or situation. Try to remember every detail of it from start to finish. Think about what you were wearing, the sounds you heard, the smells in the air, and so on. Continue to sit with the memory for as long as you can. Self-guided exposure may be most effective if broken down into several sessions. You may sit with the memory for just five minutes at first, noticing that you are still safe despite bringing up these painful thoughts. You might increase the time you spend thinking about it each day until you notice yourself not responding as severely as before. Over time, the memories will affect you less and less. If you are having trouble doing this exercise in your head, grab a pen and a notebook and write down the details of the event from beginning to end. Writing a draft may be good enough for a first session. The next time you might read it aloud. If you have to stop due to crying, then always pick up where you left off. If things progress well, you will feel stronger and require fewer breaks each time you read over details of the event. Don't hold back the emotions associated with these memories. Shout, pound on the floor or cry if you have to. Just let the feeling into your conscious mind. Soak it up, absorb your grief or sorrow. Try to let go. After you have sat with these memories, gather your strength to say aloud, "This is the feeling that I dreaded. I've felt it and faced it. Now I have to let the feeling go, and not fight it anymore." Sigh. Take a couple deep breaths, and just let the fear and anxiety you have been maintaining about this event go so that you can heal. Another option for letting go is holding a ritual ceremony. If your repetitive memories relate to a loved one you have lost, performing some sort of ritual like lighting candles for the person or releasing balloons can be a symbolic way of letting go of the pain. If the painful memories involve a traumatic event, you can agree to compartmentalize the pain after you have faced it, and each year on a day of your choosing you can purposely feel all the emotions relating to the event. Over time, you will find yourself mourning less. Letting go is a process and you won't be able to rid yourself of these painful memories overnight. If the memories persist, it is best to get professional help. See a mental health professional. Repetitive bad memories can be an indicator of post-traumatic stress disorder.This is a chronic condition that consists of intrusive thoughts or memories about a traumatic event; avoidance of things that make you remember the event; irrational and persistent negative beliefs about the event; and other symptoms such as a startle reflex or sleep disruption. If any of these symptoms describe the way you have been feeling, you need to contact a therapist or psychologist who has experience with trauma patients. Possible treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder include cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, stress inoculation training, and medications. If you have PTSD, your mental health provider will discuss with you possible treatment options. You may also want to look into Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which can be performed by a qualified mental health professional. This treatment has been shown to reduce the vividness and emotions associated with a traumatic memory. Participate in a support group. You may have reached out to friends or family about these distressing memories, and, maybe, they were able to help. Nonetheless, it can be empowering and helpful to join a support group relating to trauma, grief, or anxiety. Such a group exposes you to others who have encountered and prevailed through distressing situations. You can learn practical coping mechanisms to handle anxiety or stress. You may also make lifelong friends. Surround yourself with positive people. If you truly want to move forward with your life and overcome the fear and anxiety of what happened to you, then your social circle makes a difference. Research shows happiness can be a chain reaction. If others around you are jolly and upbeat, it just might rub off on you. Life is short! Spend it with people whose company you enjoy and who make you feel good about yourself and life. Get in touch with your spiritual side. How you connect with a higher power or the universe as a whole is up to you. Regardless, spiritual practices including meditation, prayer, and worship can be extremely effective at relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression that may come with painful memories. Having faith in the future and working to understand your purpose in life can be life-changing during distressing times. Consider spirituality as a helpful coping resource to help you manage upsetting memories and thoughts in the future. | Figure out how memories affect your daily functioning. See if dwelling on memories interferes with your relationships. Determine if thinking about the past affects your ability to look forward. Practice mindfulness to alleviate anxiety caused by bad memories. Consider exposure therapy. Recall the bad memory in detail. Try to let go. See a mental health professional. Participate in a support group. Surround yourself with positive people. Get in touch with your spiritual side. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-with-a-Tongue-Piercing | How to Eat with a Tongue Piercing | To eat with a tongue piercing, start with liquids like broths, smoothies, yogurt, and applesauce. As the soreness from the piercing subsides, try soft, bland foods like ice cream, baby foods, and mashed potatoes. Additionally, keep your drinks cold at first as hot liquids can aggravate your piercing. You'll also want to avoid spicy or acidic foods, as well as crunchy or overly chewy foods, as they can cause pain if they get into the wound. | Stick to liquids at first. Your tongue may be very sore after the initial piercing. It's a good idea to stick to an exclusively liquid diet at this point. Aim for foods like broths and apple sauce. You can also try things like smoothies and yogurt if you find solid foods bother you. Introduce soft, bland foods. Once some of the initial pain passes, you can transition back into eating soft, bland foods. Stick to things like Jell-O, ice cream, and even baby foods. Warmer soft foods, like mashed potatoes, can be safe if they don't bother you. Remember to stay away from spicy and seasoned foods, too. Some people have a limited tolerance for warm foods while their tongue piercing is healing. Keep your beverages cold. Hot coffees and teas can aggravate a tongue piercing, so stick to cool beverages during the healing process. If you're a coffee drinker, try swapping out your hot coffee for iced coffee while pain persists. Avoid spicy or acidic foods. Very spicy or acidic foods should be generally avoided. They can cause pain if they get into an open wound. Stay away from spicy dishes and avoid acidic foods like citrus fruits. If your pain starts to subside, introduce these kinds of foods back into your diet very slowly. Stay away from foods that are difficult to chew. Anything that's hard to chew is best to avoid while you're healing from a tongue piercing, as such foods can get lodged in your wound and damage the piercing. Hard foods and chewy foods, like nuts or things like caramel, should be strictly avoided while you heal from a piercing. Resume normal eating habits after three to four weeks. Tongue piercings usually heal within three to four weeks with proper care. Within this timeframe, pain should begin to subside. At this point, you can start transitioning back into your normal eating habits. Eat only when you're not rushed. If you're in a hurry to eat, you're more likely to aggravate your piercing. While your piercing is healing, eat small meals only when you have the time to sit down and eat slowly. Tighten the beads first. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water. Then, reach into your mouth and tighten the beads on your piercing. Beads can become dislodged when you chew, so tightening them is necessary to keep your piercing from becoming undone. Chew slowly. Chewing too fast increases the risk of complications. Make slow, deliberate chewing motions when eating with your piercing. Make sure to feel where the food is in your mouth and work to keep it away from your piercing. Use disposable silverware. Disposable silverware, when taken directly out of the package, is less likely to harbor bacteria than regular silverware. If you use silverware, go for disposable varieties to reduce the risk of an infection. Use new disposable silverware every time you eat. See a doctor if you swallow part of your piercing. People sometimes accidentally swallow a bead or other part of their piercing when eating. Usually, the beads are small enough that they pass without complication. However, it's always a good idea to contact a doctor just in case. Recognize the sign of an infection. Even with proper precautions, infections do happen. The following are common signs of an infection: White, yellow, or brown discharge. Swelling. Redness. Intense pain. Talk to your piercer if you develop an infection. A piercer may be able to help you out by recommending ointments. Call your piercer right away as soon as you notice signs of an infection so they can help you clear it up. If the infection is serious, the piercer may recommend you see a doctor to get it treated. | Stick to liquids at first. Introduce soft, bland foods. Keep your beverages cold. Avoid spicy or acidic foods. Stay away from foods that are difficult to chew. Resume normal eating habits after three to four weeks. Eat only when you're not rushed. Tighten the beads first. Chew slowly. Use disposable silverware. See a doctor if you swallow part of your piercing. Recognize the sign of an infection. Talk to your piercer if you develop an infection. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Turtle-Trap | How to Make a Turtle Trap | To make a turtle trap, start by building a 2 feet by 2 feet wooden box with chicken wire over the bottom to allow water into the trap. Then, nail an angled piece of plywood to one side of the box to create a ramp. Next, fix a teeter board to the top of the trap, which will drop the turtle inside when it stands on it. You should also attach a piece of beef or pork to a wire in the trap for bait before positioning the trap in a pond or creek. After you've set it up, check your trap every day to see if you've caught any turtles. | Collect all supplies you need to make your trap. You will need the following: Plywood Chicken wire or hardware cloth Metal dowel rods D 20 nails A fence post or garden stake to anchor the trap Rope or wire Make a square box frame from plywood. Secure it together with nails. While this method is not the only way to make a turtle trap, it is recommended by fish and wildlife authorities. Make sure the box is large enough to house several turtles at a time. A good rule is to make the box at least 2 ft x 2 ft. Ensure that the box is sturdy and well constructed. It will sit in water so you want to make sure it won't come apart. Nail a sheet of chicken wire or hardware cloth over the bottom of the wood frame. This will prevent turtles from escaping. The chicken wire will allow water to enter the trap to keep the turtles wet and comfortable. Nail the chicken wire onto the frame, making sure there aren't any gaps where the wire is loose. Make sure the chicken wire or hardware clot is a fine mesh. You don't want the turtles' feet to get stuck in the wire. Nail an angled piece of plywood to one side of the outside of the frame. This will serve as a ramp. This ramp will allow turtles to crawl up into the trap. Make sure the ramp is long enough and at a small angle so it is not too steep. Make sure the ramp is tightly nailed to the frame. If it falls off, you won't get any turtles into your trap. Obtain a metal dowel rod. You will want to pass it through the center of a board of plywood that is smaller than your trap. This will serve as a teeter board. When you trap a turtle, the turtle will crawl up the ramp onto the teeter board. The weight of the turtle will cause the teeter board to tilt and drop the turtle gently into the trap. Attach the teeter board and rod to the top of the frame of the trap. Screw this in just adjacent to the ramp. Nail D 20 nails into the sides of the trap. Angle these upwards. Space these every 4 inches (10.2 cm), 2 inches above where the surface of the water in the trap will be. Before you do this you will need to put the trap in the water where you will set it up to see where the water line lies. These nails will prevent the turtles from escaping the trap. Suspend a piece of tough dried pork or beef from a wire in the trap. This will serve as bait. The turtles will smell this food and be attracted to the trap. After you set up the trap, check this often to see if you need to replace it. Make sure the bait is secure enough that it is not swept away by moving water. Set up the trap in your desired location. This should be an area where you see turtles resting or feeding along the water's edge. Anchor a fence post or garden stake into the bottom of the pond or creek where you want to set up your trap. Tie the trap to the stake with rope or use strong wire to attach it. Place your trap in the water carefully. Check to make sure it sits in the water with part of it above water. Check your trap everyday to see if you have trapped any turtles. Avoid keeping wild turtles in captivity for too long. You will want to release them to a natural environment. Turtles are wild animals. They will fare better in their own natural environment than in a home or outdoor aquarium. Release turtles by a wild pond or creek. This is their natural habitat. If you can't release the turtles right away, you will need a proper enclosure with enough water, light, shade, and food. Keep the turtles in a proper enclosure. Wild freshwater turtles generally do well outdoors or in a large indoor enclosure. Avoid keeping them in glass aquariums. They tend to be too small. Try a rubbermaid tub with opaque sides. Turtles in glass or see-through containers will obsessively try to climb through or become afraid by activity in the room. Seriously consider on outdoor trap with adequate sun, shade, water, and weeds. A small pond (either natural or homemade in a tub) is best. Make sure your enclosure has enough substrate or soil bedding. This acts as a comfortable cushioning for the turtle. A mixture of potting soil, sand, leaf mulch, and sphagnum moss is recommended. Keep this misted everyday to hold humidity. Turtles need a moist, humid environment. Turtles will burrow or nest into the substrate. This makes them feel comfortable. Make the substrate deep enough that the turtle can completely bury itself. Put some flat rocks in the enclosure. This will allow the turtles to sun themselves. Make sure you keep the terrarium or enclosure misted daily. It is very important to keep the turtles habitat very moist or they can develop respiratory problems. Give the turtles a pond or pool to swim in. Make sure the water is warm so that the turtle does not become disabled if it falls into the water. A shallow pool in a plastic tub will suffice for a pond. Turtles will swim for an hour or more a day. Turtles tend to defecate in their water so it is very important that this is changed everyday. Make sure the enclosure has controlled temperature and light. Outdoor enclosures will need to be heated if the temperature drops below 60 degrees. A ceramic heater will help to keep a colder enclosure warm enough for the turtles. All enclosures should provide a cool area and warm area. In hotter climates, make sure that the turtles have an area where there is lots of shade and soil for burrowing. This will help to keep them from getting overheated. Keeping the enclosure misted will help this issue also. Light is also necessary for keeping the turtles healthy and comfortable. Make sure the turtle has a sunny area in an outdoor trap or buy an incandescent bulb for an indoor enclosure. Feed the turtle a variety of foods. Turtles like to eat insects, vegetables, fungus, weeds and even snails. Try feeding the turtle a small "salad" with some lettuce, grated carrot, and a live earthworm. You can also feed them mushrooms and strawberries. You can buy live insects to feed the turtles at pet stores. Feed the turtles on a flat rock instead of in a dish. This is a more natural way for turtles to eat. If a turtle is reluctant to eat, try misting or wetting the turtle ahead of time. Feed them in a warm area of the enclosure. | Collect all supplies you need to make your trap. Make a square box frame from plywood. Nail a sheet of chicken wire or hardware cloth over the bottom of the wood frame. Nail an angled piece of plywood to one side of the outside of the frame. Obtain a metal dowel rod. Nail D 20 nails into the sides of the trap. Suspend a piece of tough dried pork or beef from a wire in the trap. Set up the trap in your desired location. Avoid keeping wild turtles in captivity for too long. Keep the turtles in a proper enclosure. Make sure your enclosure has enough substrate or soil bedding. Give the turtles a pond or pool to swim in. Make sure the enclosure has controlled temperature and light. Feed the turtle a variety of foods. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Flax-Seed | How to Use Flax Seed | To use flaxseed in your diet, start by adding 1 tbsp to your food each day so your body can get used to it. Otherwise, you may experience abdominal discomfort. You will get more nutritional benefits if you grind the flaxseed before you eat it, and it will be easier to digest. You can then sprinkle the ground flaxseed on your yogurt, cereal, or salads, or bake them into muffins, cookies, and cakes. If you're adding the flaxseed to a smoothie or glass of juice, soak them in water overnight to give them a soft, chewy texture. | Start with a small dose of flaxseed. Ground flaxseed, also referred to as “milled flaxseed” or “flax meal”, can cause bloating and abdominal discomfort if you do not give your body time to adjust to it. If you are just starting to use flaxseed, start with 1 tbsp (14 g) a day, and gradually add more to your diet. Do not exceed 2 to 4 tbsp (28g to 56.7g) of flaxseed a day. Consume ground flaxseed, rather than whole flaxseed, if possible. You can consume whole flaxseed and still receive some nutritional benefits. But grinding the flaxseed will ensure your body digests the seed and processes it properly. This will allow your body to receive the maximum amount of health benefits from the flaxseed. Avoid flaxseed if you have bowel problems. Flaxseed can cause bloating and abdominal discomfort. If you have existing bowel issues like acute or chronic diarrhea, diverticulitis (colon disorder), or inflammatory bowel disease, avoid flaxseed as it can make these conditions worse. Do not take flaxseed if you have a known allergy or sensitivity to flaxseed. You should also avoid this seed if you are allergic to flaxseed oil, or any other members of the Linaceae plant family. Allergic reaction symptoms include itchy palms, hives, itchy eyes and weeping, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting after consuming flaxseed. Talk to your doctor before you take flaxseed if you are on other medications. Check with your doctor before you consume flaxseed to avoid other health issues. If you currently have breast cancer, limit flaxseed to 2-3 Tbsp per day and avoid flax supplementation. Talk to your doctor and health care team before beginning this regimen. Buy ground flaxseed in bulk. Look for whole flaxseed if you have access to a coffee grinder or small powerful blender, like a Ninja or Bullet, as whole flaxseed will pass through your body without being digested and you will not get the healthy benefits of this superfood. Buying ground flaxseed is also a good option as you will not have to grind the flaxseed yourself. Grind whole flaxseed in a coffee grinder before use. You can also use a mortar and pestle to grind up the flaxseed. Don't worry about making the flaxseed very fine or ground, simple break up the seeds so they form smaller pieces that your body can digest. Consume ground flaxseed with other liquids. You can put the ground flaxseed in a liquid or consume it with a liquid on the side. Your intestines may be obstructed if you consume flaxseed without enough water or liquid. Soak the seeds before you put them in smoothies or juices. Soaking the ground seeds will give them a soft, chewy texture that blends well in your smoothie or juice. Put one heaping spoonful of ground flaxseed in a bowl. Pour enough water to submerge the seeds and cover the bowl. Leave the flaxseed to soak overnight. Add the swollen seeds to your morning smoothie or juice. Blend or stir them into the smoothie or juice. Flaxseed has a nutty flavor that pairs well with fruit and vegetable smoothies. Sprinkle flaxseeds on your yogurt or cereal. Ground flaxseed also pairs well with low fat yogurt or sugar free cereal. You can also add ground flaxseed to hot oatmeal for a nutty and healthy kick. Add toasted flaxseed to salads and soups. Toast the ground flaxseed in the oven on a sheet pan or in a small toaster oven. Be sure not to burn the flaxseed. Sprinkle them on your salads and soups for a crunchy, nutty taste. Bake flaxseeds in muffins, cookies, and cakes. Ground flaxseed is a great option for a low carb, high fiber diet. Using flaxseed in muffins, cookies, and cakes gives your baked goods a nice moist texture that is also good for you. Try this one minute flax muffin recipe. Mix ¼ ground flaxseed with ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon Stevia (or other sugar supplement), 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon coconut oil in a mug or small, microwave safe bowl. Microwave the mug or bowl for one minute on high. You also add frozen fruit like frozen blueberries or strawberries to the mixture. If you include frozen fruit, microwave the mug or bowl for one and a half minutes on high. Put a small amount of butter on the muffin and enjoy a low carb, high fiber snack. Keep ground flaxseed in an airtight container. The ground flaxseed will keep for several months in an airtight container. Refrigerate whole seeds. Keeping whole seeds in the refrigerator will keep them fresh and ready for grinding. Look for flaxseed oil at your local health food store. Flaxseed oil is an easy and safe way to ingest flaxseed without having to grind the seeds. It's also a good moisturizer for your skin. Mix flaxseed oil in salad dressings and soups. You can also drink 2-3 teaspoons of flaxseed oil a day in a glass of water or a smoothie. Do not cook with flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil has a low smoke point so it does not hold up to the high heat of a burner and is not recommended for cooking on the stove. Put flaxseed oil in the refrigerator after use. Flaxseed oil can become unstable if exposed to heat, so keep it cool in the refrigerator after you use it. | Start with a small dose of flaxseed. Consume ground flaxseed, rather than whole flaxseed, if possible. Avoid flaxseed if you have bowel problems. Do not take flaxseed if you have a known allergy or sensitivity to flaxseed. Talk to your doctor before you take flaxseed if you are on other medications. Buy ground flaxseed in bulk. Grind whole flaxseed in a coffee grinder before use. Consume ground flaxseed with other liquids. Soak the seeds before you put them in smoothies or juices. Sprinkle flaxseeds on your yogurt or cereal. Add toasted flaxseed to salads and soups. Bake flaxseeds in muffins, cookies, and cakes. Keep ground flaxseed in an airtight container. Refrigerate whole seeds. Look for flaxseed oil at your local health food store. Mix flaxseed oil in salad dressings and soups. Do not cook with flaxseed oil. Put flaxseed oil in the refrigerator after use. |
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