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https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Kitty-Litter | How to Choose a Kitty Litter | If you're not sure what kind of kitty litter to get, go with a clay-based litter for a simple and popular choice that absorbs quickly. For an eco-friendly option, choose a plant-based or recycled litter, like wood pellets, wheat, or corn cobs. Alternatively, you might want a silica crystal litter if you live in a small space since this material is the easiest to clean and absorbs odor very quickly. You'll also want to watch your cat's preference, as it might not like the texture or smell of a particular brand. In this case, your cat will stop using the litter box, so try to find a type of litter that your cat likes. | Go for traditional clay-based litter. Traditionally, cat litter is clay-based. Clay is one of the most popular kinds of litter on the market and is a simple choice that works for most cats. It absorbs water quickly, making cleaning out urine easy, and is easy to find at most grocery stores. It may make sense to start with a clay-based litter and see how your cat takes to it. The one downside to clay-based litters it that they can be dusty. If your cat is prone to sneezing or coughing, or has an underlying condition like asthma, stay away from clay-based litters. Look into plant-based or recycled litters. If you're environmentally conscious, or if your cat does not take to clay-based litter, look for more natural options. Many litters are made from plant-based or recycled materials. Try something like wood pellets, wheat, corn cobs, or litter made from recycled materials. The major advantage of these litters is they're more environmentally stable and some cats may respond better to natural litters. If ingested, these litters may be safer than other brands. However, natural litters tend to be more expensive. If you're on a budget, it may be difficult to stick with natural litters. In general, natural cat litters tend to be flushable. Try silica crystal litter if you live in a small space. Silica crystal litters are litters made of synthetic materials. They're good at soaking up urine and dehydrating feces so it's easier to clean. Silica crystal litters make most sense if you're living in a smaller space as they absorb odor very easily. A downside to silica crystal litters is that many cats dislike the texture. If your cat starts eliminating outside the litter box after you get a silica crystal litter, opt for a different litter type. Silica crystal litter is also more expensive and non-flushable. Pay attention to how your cat responds to different materials. Trial and error may be necessary to pick a litter that works for your cat. Cats have preferences about their litter and may dislike the texture or feel of a particular brand of litter. If your cat stops using their litter box after you purchase a litter, try a different brand. With some experimentation and patience, you should be able to find a litter your cat will use. Choose a lightweight litter. A lightweight litter may produce less dust. It can also be easier to carry back from the grocery store if you have a long walk. Some litters are specifically labeled as "lightweight", but some materials are naturally light weight. Corn and grass-based litters tend to be naturally lighter than other varieties. Grass-based litters are particularly good at absorbing odor, in addition to being lightweight. They can work great in small places where smell may become a problem. Look for multi-cat variations of common litters. Most common litters have special blends made for multi-cat households. If you have multiple cats living in the same house, opt for multi-cat litter. These often help better suppress odor. If your cats are having litter box issues due to sharing a litter box, opt for a multi-cat variety of your chosen litter. Look for an odor-absorbing litter. Whichever material you choose, look for a litter that's odor-absorbing. This will prevent the smell of a litter box from seeping into your home. If a litter is odor-absorbing, it should say somewhere on the label. Decide between clumping and non-clumping litters. The question of clumping and non-clumping litter depends on your personal preference and which litters your cats take to. Clumping litter can make cleanup easier, as it absorbs urine. With clumping litter, you can scoop out the litter box rather than replacing all the litter each time you clean it. However, the major downside of clumping litter is that some cats simply do not like it. If you notice clumping litter gets caught in your cat's paws, switch to a different brand. You may notice litter on your cat's paws after the use clumping litter. You may also see a lot of litter scattered throughout your home after trying clumping litter. Avoid scented litters. Odor-absorbing litters are fine, as they keep odor away. However, scented litters are not recommended. They can cause irritation for cats and many cats are repelled by the smell of scented litter. A cat is more likely to eliminate outside the box if you use scented litter. If the smell of your cat's litter box is very strong, try putting up air fresheners near the box instead of using clumping litter. Clean the litterbox often. Even if you purchase a litter that is very good at absorbing odors, it is important to keep the litter box very clean to ensure that your cat will still use it. Some cats are pickier about cleanliness than others, so you should keep this in mind. You should scoop the litterbox every day or every couple of days in order to cut down on odors in your home and keep your cat comfortable. Once every week or so, empty the entire box, scrub it with soap and hot water, and fill it with fresh litter after it dries. Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning the litter and disposing of it , to protect yourself from harmful dust and bacteria. Try to find dust-free litters. Dust-free litters are generally safer and more comfortable for your cat. Dust can cause respiratory problems in cats like sneezing and coughing. When possible, opt for a dust-free litter. Watch for signs of an adverse reaction. Cats may occasionally react poorly to a particular type of litter. If you notice reactions like sneezing, coughing or general irritation, switch litter brands. Commercial litters are usually safe for the majority of cats. However, there is always a slim chance your cat may have an allergic reaction to a litter. Contact your vet if your cat swallows litter. Cats may sometimes eat or swallow litter. If you notice a substantial amount of litter is gone from the box, your cat may have eaten its litter. Contact your vet right away and make an appointment for evaluation. If treatment is necessary, your vet will make a recommendation. Some cats develop a syndrome called pica, in which they eat non-edible items. If your cat has pica, you and your vet can decide on a treatment plan together. | Go for traditional clay-based litter. Look into plant-based or recycled litters. Try silica crystal litter if you live in a small space. Pay attention to how your cat responds to different materials. Choose a lightweight litter. Look for multi-cat variations of common litters. Look for an odor-absorbing litter. Decide between clumping and non-clumping litters. Avoid scented litters. Clean the litterbox often. Try to find dust-free litters. Watch for signs of an adverse reaction. Contact your vet if your cat swallows litter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Stuck-Brake-Light | How to Fix a Stuck Brake Light | Before you fix a stuck brake light, make sure to disconnect the battery to ensure you don't shock yourself or damage anything you work on. When the vehicle is safely shut down, start by disconnecting the wiring harness by pressing on the plastic release and pulling back on the plastic housing. Once the wiring harness is disconnected, remove the switch from the brake pedal linkage so you can slide the new switch into place. Use the mounting hardware that held the previous switch in place to secure the new one in the same way. Finish by plugging the brake light switch pigtail into the new switch and reattach any other connections you may have needed to disconnect for your specific vehicle. | Disconnect the battery. Before doing any work on the electrical system in your vehicle, you should always disconnect the battery. This will ensure you don't shock yourself or damage anything as you work. Use a hand or socket wrench to loosen the nut securing the ground cable to the negative terminal of the battery. Slip the cable off and tuck it to the side of the battery. You can locate the negative terminal by finding the letters “NEG” on the battery or looking for the negative (-) symbol. You will not need to disconnect the positive terminal. Put on eye protection. You will need to look around on the underside of your dashboard for this project, so it's important that you put on eye protection to ensure no debris falls into your eyes. You will not need gloves for this project, but may choose to wear them to avoid poking yourself with wires. Goggle style eye protection offers the highest level of protection. Glasses style eye protection will suffice for this task. Locate your brake pedal switch. The brake pedal switch is a button located along the shaft of the brake pedal, above the foot pad. As you press the pedal, the shaft presses the button, which turns on the brake lights. If you are unsure where to locate your brake pedal switch, refer to the service manual for your specific vehicle. The switch will have a wired pigtail coming off of it and will be mounted directly behind the brake pedal. Disconnect the wiring pigtail from the switch. The wiring pigtail for the switch will be held in place with a plastic housing. Press on the clip release on the plastic housing to allow the pigtail to disconnect from the switch, then pull on the plastic portion of the pigtail to disconnect it. Do not pull on the wires themselves as it may disconnect or tear them away from the pigtail harness. Be very careful not to break the plastic clip. Visually inspect the wiring. Look inside the pigtail harness for signs of burning or melting. If the wiring has overheated, the pigtail may have been damaged, resulting in the brake light staying on permanently. Any signs of damage inside the wiring pigtail could cause issues with your brake lights. A damaged pigtail will have to be replaced in order to make your brake lights function properly. You may need to order the brake light switch pigtail from a dealership for some vehicles if they are not carried at your local auto parts store. Test the return of the switch. The switch itself is a long button that is pressed when you press the brake pedal down with your foot. While under the dashboard, press in on the pedal or on the button itself and see if the button pops back out when you release it. If it doesn't, it likely means that the button is sticking in the “on” position. If the button is sticking in the “on” position, it will leave the brake light on all the time. Have a friend stand behind the car to see if pressing and depressing the switch has any effect on the brake lights. If the button doesn't affect the lights, there may be a blown fuse or the switch itself may have gone bad. Ensure the wiring harness is disconnected. Before removing the brake light switch, you need to be sure the pigtail is disconnected. If you already disconnected it to inspect it for damage, leave it hanging as you remove the switch. If not, disconnect it now by pressing on the plastic release and pulling back on the plastic housing. Unless the pigtail harness needs to be replaced, you will reuse it with the new brake light switch. If you break the release, you may be able to use electric tape to hold the pigtail in place upon reassembly to avoid purchasing a new one. Remove the switch from the brake pedal linkage. Different vehicles mount the brake light switch to the pedal linkage in different ways. If it is not readily apparent how to remove the switch from the pedal, refer to the service manual for your specific year, make and model vehicle. The switch is usually held in place with one or two small bolts. Be careful not to lose the mounting hardware. You will need to reuse them when installing the new switch. Slide the new switch into place. With the old switch removed, slide the new switch into place exactly where the old one was. Use the mounting hardware that held the previous switch in place to secure the new one in the same manner. Replace the bolts that secure the switch if they were damaged in the process of removing them. Reconnect the switch to the linkage and the harness. Plug the brake light switch pigtail into the new switch and reattach any other connections you may have needed to disconnect in your specific vehicle. The switch should now be in place behind the shaft of the brake pedal and connected to the vehicle. Reconnect the battery and start the vehicle. Have a friend stand behind the vehicle while you test the new brake light switch to confirm it's working. Locate the appropriate fuse box. Most vehicles have at least two fuse boxes located throughout the body. One is often under the hood with a second fuse box on the driver's side of the cabin. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual to determine which fuse box houses the fuse for your brake lights. You may need to remove a fuse box cover or pieces of the interior trim to access the fuse box. If you do not have an owner's manual for your vehicle, try referring to the automaker's website. Identify the fuse for the brake lights. Use the diagram in your owner's manual or on the inside of the fuse box cover to determine which fuse powers the brake lights. A bad brake light fuse may have resulted in the lights being stuck on or off. There may be more than one fuse for your brake lights. If that is the case, you will need to check each of them. Remove the fuse and inspect it for damage. Use a pair of needle nose pliers or plastic tongs to remove the fuse from its spot in the fuse box. Look into the fuse if it has a clear housing. If the metal is broken or burned inside the fuse, it will need to be replaced. If you can't look inside the fuse, inspect the ends for damage or signs of burning. Most automotive fuses have translucent covers to allow you to inspect them. If the cover itself is damaged so you can't see through it, the fuse is likely bad. Replace a damaged fuse with one rated for the same amperage. Identify the amperage required for your brake light fuse by looking at the chart. Most automotive fuses are between 5 and 50 amps, with a number listed along the top of the fuse. Insert a new fuse in the spot you removed the faulty brake light fuse from. Once done, replace the lid to the fuse box and any interior pieces you may have needed to move to get to it. Reconnect the battery and start the vehicle. Have a friend stand behind it to check to see if the brake lights function properly. | Disconnect the battery. Put on eye protection. Locate your brake pedal switch. Disconnect the wiring pigtail from the switch. Visually inspect the wiring. Test the return of the switch. Ensure the wiring harness is disconnected. Remove the switch from the brake pedal linkage. Slide the new switch into place. Reconnect the switch to the linkage and the harness. Locate the appropriate fuse box. Identify the fuse for the brake lights. Remove the fuse and inspect it for damage. Replace a damaged fuse with one rated for the same amperage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher | How to Clean a Brita Pitcher | To clean your Brita water pitcher, you'll need to take it apart and wash all of the pieces by hand. Unfortunately, Brita water pitchers aren't dishwasher safe. Start by taking off the lid and washing it in your sink with hot water and dish soap. Remove the filter from the top and set it aside on a clean surface so it doesn't get contaminated. Then, take out the water reservoir and wash it with dish soap, hot water, and a soft cloth. Wipe the inside and the outside of the reservoir with the cloth. After that, you can wash the pitcher by hand under hot water. Use dish soap and a soft cloth to wipe the surface of the pitcher on the inside and outside. Finally, rinse all of the pieces under cool water to wash away the soap and reassemble them. | Remove the lid and wash it. Take the lid off the pitcher and wash it in the sink with hot water and your basic dishwashing detergent. Wipe it down with a washcloth or sponge, making sure to get into the crevices of the lid as best as you can. For pitchers with electronics in the lid, be sure to not submerge them in water. For Brita pitchers that feature a chrome lid, mix one teaspoon of vinegar into a cup of warm water and gently wipe the lid down with a soft cloth dipped in the water. Remove the filter and set it aside. The filter does not need to be washed, but rinse it off with warm water if you want to. Set the filter on a clean surface so you don't contaminate it. Remove and wash the reservoir. Take the water reservoir out of the pitcher, if it has one, and put it in the sink. Using a mild dish detergent and warm water, wipe the reservoir down with a soft cloth. Be sure to wipe the inside and outside of the reservoir, as well as the cradle where the filter sits. Wash the pitcher by hand. Wash the pitcher in the sink with hot soapy water. Plastic Brita pitchers are not made to withstand excessively hot water, so never clean your Brita filter by putting it in the dishwasher. If you do, your pitcher is likely to melt and warp, making it useless. Use a mild dish detergent and a soft cloth. When you wash the pitcher, use a basic dishwashing soap that is non-abrasive. Any type of liquid dish soap with mild cleaning ingredients works fine. Use a soft cloth or sponge as opposed to steel wool or any other harsh scrubbers. Dawn, Palmolive, and Joy are examples of mild dish soaps which are good to use. Rinse the pitcher and dry it upside down. After you have washed the pitcher, rinse it thoroughly. To let the pitcher dry, set it upside down in a drying rack or on a clean towel on your counter or table. Drying the pitcher with a towel may leave small fibers which will get into your water. If you are in a hurry, dry the pitcher with a paper towel to avoid leaving cloth fibers. | Remove the lid and wash it. Remove the filter and set it aside. Remove and wash the reservoir. Wash the pitcher by hand. Use a mild dish detergent and a soft cloth. Rinse the pitcher and dry it upside down. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Good-Looking-Hair-(Milk-Conditioning) | How to Get Good Looking Hair (Milk Conditioning) | If you want to get good looking hair through milk conditioning, start by pouring whole milk into a small spray bottle and spraying the milk evenly throughout your hair. Wait at least 30 minutes or slightly longer if you have thick hair, and then wash your hair as normal, preferably with cool water for best results. Continue milk conditioning consistently to maintain the new silky-smoothness. | Decide which products you'd like to use for your conditioner. Milk conditioning can be used with just milk, but you can also use other items in your pantry for a natural hair mask to get beautiful, shiny hair. For regular milk conditioning, whole milk works best. You can use lowfat milk for fine hair, and cream for very coarse hair. Put it in a small spray bottle and spray over your hair, waiting 30 minutes before washing it out with shampoo. Add honey to your milk conditioner. Adding honey can seal moisture in your hair, and is a fan favorite for the combination conditioner. Milk-and-honey conditioner works great repairing damaged hair. Combine two cups of warm whole milk with two teaspoons of honey and stir until combined. Pour it over your hair and let it sit for 30 minutes. Use coconut milk instead of regular milk. Coconut milk can be used with essential oils to create a mask to fix dry hair. For this recipe, you may want to purchase essential oils to add to your mixture, if you desire. Refrigerate one can of unsweetened coconut milk overnight, before applying it to dry hair starting at the roots. Let it sit for 20 minutes before you rinse and comb the coconut milk out. Try new fruits in your conditioners. When used properly, food and fruits can be used to create mixtures to treat your hair. Foods and fruits like bananas, avocados and olive oil can all be combined to treat dry, damaged and frizzy hair. Blend one banana with one tablespoon of your choice of olive oil, coconut oil or almond oil. Once the combination reaches a paste-like substance, you can apply it to your hair and leave it for 30 minutes before shampooing and conditioning as usual. Mash up a whole avocado with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil and apply to all parts of your hair. Secure in a loose bun with a shower cap and leave it for 30 minutes, before rinsing in the shower with shampoo and conditioner. Create an all-natural shampoo. Since you're using milk conditioning for your hair, you may be interested in exchanging the harsh chemicals in your shampoo with all-natural ingredients as well. Eggs and apple cider vinegar are great options for mixing shampoos. Separate two egg yolks from their whites, and whisk the yolks before applying them to your hair. If you'd like to leave them in for several minutes, you can whisk the yolks with one tablespoon of mayonnaise for a pre-treating cream. Apple cider vinegar is a good tool to mix with water while you're in the shower to use in lieu of shampoo. You can use 1/2-1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water, doubling these measurements to cover the length of your hair. Apply milk thoroughly throughout your hair. Using the spray bottle, spray some milk evenly throughout your hair. If you'd like, you can use a brush to brush it through your hair, but you may need to spray some more. Try to use a clean brush and make sure to clean and remove any hairs after every use. Milk-hair in your brush will go bad quickly and easily develop bacteria that could get you sick. Wait at least 30 minutes. Allow your hair to absorb the milk for the best results. You should apply the milk product with plenty of time before your shower. For thicker and longer hair, you may want to wait longer than 30 minutes. Try not to let your hair sit for too long without washing. You don't want any accidental stickiness to develop in your hair. Take a shower. It's time to wash all that milk out of your hair. Prepare a shower as normal, with your towel ready for when you get out. Hot showers may be comfortable, but they could cause damage to the hair you're trying to strengthen and repair. Taking cold showers refines hair and skin, and if you're trying to use all-natural ingredients for your healthy hair, it can be a great addition to your hair care. Wash your hair. Although it may seem scary to wash out the natural ingredients that you're using to strengthen and shine your hair, the truth is you have to wash out the milk and any the ingredients you may have used. The treatment set in your hair while you waited 30 minutes before showering, so if you don't wash it, you'll just end up with sticky, smelly hair. You can use other natural ingredients in lieu of shampoo. A beaten egg can be applied from your scalp through the length of your hair, and leave it in for a few minutes while you take the rest of your shower. Towel dry your hair. Even if you style your hair while it's wet, you'll need to pat-dry the significant wetness in your hair. Make sure there are no droplets coming from the ends of your hair before you style or blow dry it. Blow-drying, straightening and curling your hair causes heat damage to your locks. Milk and honey can help repair this damage, but it still might not be a great idea to use these hair styling products every single day. Style as usual. If you can, avoid styling with heat products. Heat can cause damage to your hair if you use it too much. Also avoid brushing wet hair. Wet hair is much more easily damaged than dry hair. Try using your fingers to remove tangles, as this may actually help strengthen your hair. Do not use product on your hair daily. Your hair actually contains natural oils that are stripped when you wash them. When the oils pile up, your hair gets oily which is not desired. But stripping your hair of its natural oils every day is equally as harmful to your scalp. You should still clean your hair while you shower every day. Every now and then, you should bypass the shampooing process and focus on just water and friction from your hands, or solely conditioning. Continue using milk as a conditioner. Maintain your hair's new silky smoothness by continuing the milk-conditioning process consistently. This can repair your hair over time and leave your hair deep-conditioned for longer. There may be a time for a week or so after you stop using harsh chemical conditioner that your hair feels funky or oily. If you continue using milk conditioner, this transition period should go away. | Decide which products you'd like to use for your conditioner. Add honey to your milk conditioner. Use coconut milk instead of regular milk. Try new fruits in your conditioners. Create an all-natural shampoo. Apply milk thoroughly throughout your hair. Wait at least 30 minutes. Take a shower. Wash your hair. Towel dry your hair. Style as usual. Do not use product on your hair daily. Continue using milk as a conditioner. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-Steampunk | How to Dress Steampunk | To dress steampunk, start by putting together a classic Victorian outfit, which can include things like a vest, corset, top hat, overcoat, or dress. Then, accessorize your outfit with things like leather straps, belts, buckles, gloves, and goggles to make it steampunk. You can also make yourself a steam-powered jetpack or steampunk-themed gun to carry around with your outfit. Once you're all dressed up, finish your look by styling your hair up if it's long or slicking it over to the side if it's short, which will give your outfit an elegant finish. | Imagine a character you want to be. The first step in planning out a successful steampunk character is thinking up a vibrant, interesting character you want to dress as. Because steampunk can be so broad, you can choose to settle for an archetype. Do you want to be a gentleman steampunk? What about a mad inventor, or an aviator? Thinking up an interesting role for your character to play in this imagined world will make it easier to come up with interesting costume ideas. Learn about the origins of Steampunk. Steampunk is seen to have originated from writers Jules Verne and other writers who made their then-contemporary Victorian aesthetic futuristic. Steampunk is influenced in equal parts by history and fantasy. There should be a real-life counterpart to most of these possible archetypes. Look up photos from the Victorian era or early 20th century and look at the things they used to wear. You can use those examples to inform your final costume. Begin with a Victorian outfit and add from there. Steampunk fashion is essentially a science fiction take on old Victorian elegance. If you're having trouble knowing where to start, it may help to start out with a purely Victorian theme, adding the extra doodads once a foundation is ready. Vests, overcoats and corset-aligned dresses make up the basis of Victoriana. Bowties, top hats and tweed vests are all part of male Victorian fashion. Corsets and dresses are a staple of female Victorian fashion. Anything that attracts attention while retaining elegance may be seen as falling in line with a Victorian fashionista's ideology. Vivid colours such as deep red, royal blue and sea green were commonly used. These colours may be used in contrast with the "industrial" colours of steampunk. Include some punk aesthetic in your costume. It's important not to forget the "punk" aspect of steampunk. Although some in the subculture choose to ignore the punk rock aesthetic, some people have had great success with sprucing up their costumes thanks to punk styles, including dyed hair, piercings, ripped clothing and tattoos. Mix steampunk with ideas from other fandoms. If you're keen on cosplaying in general, chances are you have items from previous costumes laying around. It's not uncommon for individuals to combine steampunk's distinctive look with that of other cultures or fandoms. Star Wars is a common thing to combine with the steampunk aesthetic. Be yourself. Above all, the point of steampunk is ultimately to have fun. Even if you're preparing for a big convention, remember to relax! Creating a costume should be an enjoyable experience. Even if your first attempt doesn't work out the way you may have wanted, you're still gaining valuable knowledge that you can put towards your next project. Look up costume ideas for inspiration. Thanks to the internet, it's never been easier for subcultures to thrive. While you're in the beginning stages of your outfit design, it's always a good idea to check out the costumes of other successful steampunks. Many steampunks will include a quick rundown of the supplies they used to realize their costume. Sites like Etsy are well-known for their Steampunk communities. If you're stuck with your costume and particularly admire the work of one cosplayer, you may stand to gain from getting in touch with the person. Ask for tips on the specific type of costume you're going for. Most steampunks are very friendly towards others in the fandom. Raid a thrift store for your costume. Thrift stores are perfect when you're trying to put together a costume. If you have a strong idea of the character or items you need, it's a simple matter of diving into one or more thrift stores and finding items that at least approximate what you are looking for. Costume stores acknowledge the popularity of steampunk. If you're willing to spend a bit more money, you can find steampunk-specific articles as well. Consignment stores are another budget-savvy way of building up a costume quickly. Check your own closet, too. If someone in your family owns an old coat, you can use that as the basis for your costume. Old, well-worn clothing is great, because it adds to the rustic quality that steampunk aims for. Augment your costume with colourful fabrics. While you can find the majority of your costume at thrift stores, DIY steampunkers may choose to go the extra mile and add onto their costumes. Common steampunk fabrics include leather, brocade, wool, cotton. All of these may be found at fabric outlets. Fabrics should be sewn or taped to embellish your basic costume with a steampunk look. Common steampunk colours include browns, bronzes, dark golds, burnt ambers, dark purples, dark forest greens, and deep burgundies. Also, dark teals, creams and just colors that appear to be greyed, worn, or "rusted" in any way. Incorporate a vest or a corset into your outfit. For men, a vest under an old-fashioned overcoat is a great place to start for a costume. For women, corsets are notably common. Although a corset was traditionally seen as an elegant item for social occasions, you can reconfigure the corset to match a variety of character roles and situations. Vests and corsets aren't as commonly used in today's fashion. With that said, their archaic appeal ca be combined with a ton of other fashion styles. Sewing on a utility belt to a corset is a good idea if your character assumes a mechanical role. Sew gadgets onto your costume. Effective use of fabrics in modifying parts of a costume depends on having a strong idea of what you want to do. Use your character's role as an inspiration. For instance, if your character is an aviator or soldier, you can sew leather strips to the outside of the coat to give the outfit a more protective look. Begin with a regular piece of clothing, and spruce it up in a steampunk style. Reinvent your costume as you go along. Most DIY costumes end up at least a bit differently than the way they were first imagined. As you go on, don't be afraid to switch it up as you see fit. If you are new to the process of costume making, you'll be able to put new skills to better use. Tweak your plan to suit your improved costume-making skills. Dye your fabrics for a more authentic look. Fabric dyes are available at any well-stocked arts store. If you want to go with a fully DIY approach, you can dye things at home using a mordant commonplace kitchen supplies like tea bags and onion skins. Style your hair accordingly. Hair is an important part of any costume, especially if your character is supposedly of upper stock and class. For women, doing your hair up can give your character an added elegance, even if the costume itself is intentionally ratty. Punk-oriented hairstyles also work great in steampunk costumes for the purpose of contrast. Pinning your hair up will give your hair an elegance loo if you're playing a woman character. In true steampunk fashion, you can let strands of hair hang loose to add to the costume's industrial feel. If you're playing a male character, combing your hair over to the side and gelling it in place will evoke a high class elegance. Don't underestimate the importance of makeup in a good costume. Make your own steampack. If it suits your character, a steam-powered jetpack can be fashioned by gluing old coffee cans together and painting them over. A compass or broken wristwatch can be reworked to approximate a steam gauge. Affix leather shoulder straps to the coffee cans so that you can wear the pack on your back. Brown or black nylon straps will also do the trick. Make a steampunk-themed gun. A steampunk gun can be made by using the basic form of a nerf gun. Get a nerf gun or plastic water gun. In order to make it steampunkish, you'll need to simplify its appearance. To do this, sand down the original model's details as much as you can. From there, paint it in a golden brown or one of the other typical steampunk colours. When that is done, you can paint gauges, industrial imperfections (like metal scratching) and other details using different shades of the colour your originally used. A coat of primer paint may be needed before using your colour paint. Plastic guns can be bought cheaply from a dollar store. Create steampunk goggles. Goggles are arguably the most recognizable trope in steampunk fashion. A pure Victorian costume can easily be "steampunked" by adding goggles. Your goggles should be large and cumbersome. If you prefer not to wear the goggles over your eyes, you can strap them around your forehead or wear them over a top hat. To make a set of your own, take a strip of leather that can cover both eyes comfortably. Secure the back either using a shortened belt (with two buckles attached to either side of the goggles) or a knotted string, tied through two holes on either end around the end when worn. Cut out two eye holes and glue on metal eyelets or rings as accents. Paint your goggles when done for a more steampunkish look. You can make glass eyelets by taking mason jar lids and cutting out the centre. Most glass cutters can offer grey-smoked plexiglass for your goggles at a cost. Due to the increasing popularity of steampunk culture, costume stores should have some pre-fabricated steampunk gadgets at hand for sale. Goggles are very popular and can be found from a professional outlet. Walk with a cane or parasol. When you're walking around in dress, you can be made to appear more interesting if you have something to hold and carry around. A walking cane is a great choice for men, and for ladies, a parasol or quaint umbrella is a good fit for most costume ideas. *The cane or umbrella may be reconfigured to look like it has a more important, steampunk-oriented function by adding a compass or other hardware to look like a gauge. Add-ons to your props can be done with soldering, taping or gluing, depending on the materials in use. | Imagine a character you want to be. Begin with a Victorian outfit and add from there. Include some punk aesthetic in your costume. Mix steampunk with ideas from other fandoms. Be yourself. Look up costume ideas for inspiration. Raid a thrift store for your costume. Augment your costume with colourful fabrics. Incorporate a vest or a corset into your outfit. Sew gadgets onto your costume. Style your hair accordingly. Make your own steampack. Make a steampunk-themed gun. Create steampunk goggles. Walk with a cane or parasol. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-a-Diabetic-Emergency-in-Cats | How to Prevent a Diabetic Emergency in Cats | To prevent a diabetic emergency in your cat, keep track of its blood sugar daily by using a blood glucose meter or a urine dipstick to ensure there are no changes. You can control your cat's blood sugar by feeding it the same amount of food at the same time each day. The best food for a diabetic cat is canned food, since this is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. If your cat needs insulin shots as part of its treatment, administer them at the same time each day and designate this job to one family member to prevent giving it too much. In case of an emergency, keep some corn syrup or honey easily accessible so you can give this to your cat if it's not alert enough to eat. | Feed your cat controlled meals. An important part of managing diabetes is keeping your cat's diet healthy and consistent. Feed your cat the same amount of food at the same times each day to control its blood sugar. If necessary, set alarms on your smartphone to make sure you remember when to feed your cat. Opt for high protein, low carb cat food (e.g. canned food instead of dry cat food). Alternatively, you can also get a prescription food from your vet. The amount that you feed your cat should be determined based on its size and energy output (e.g., a cat with reduced mobility will require less food than a playful, active cat). Use a blood glucose monitor to test your cat. Keep track of your cat's blood sugar at home by using a blood glucose meter. These meters use blood procured from a tiny prick to your cat's ear to assess glucose levels. Brace your cat gently but firmly with one arm before taking blood, and praise and pet it for its cooperation. At-home monitoring should be undertaken only with your vet's permission. They will show you how to administer the test, and they will need regular updates on the results so that they can interpret the data and adjust treatment as necessary. Another way to measure your cat's blood glucose is to test its urine with urine dipsticks (available from your veterinarian). Schedule insulin shots. If you have to give your cat insulin shots as part of its diabetes treatment, make sure to administer them at the same time each day. To make this easy, give your cat the injections around already-scheduled mealtimes. Your cat might be more amenable to receiving the shot if it knows that its meal will be following right after. To avoid giving your cat too much insulin or "double-dosing," designate one family member to be in charge of administering the daily injections. Download a pet diabetes app. To make managing your cat's diabetes simpler, download a pet diabetes app for your phone. Such an app can help you develop a regular schedule around meals and injections, monitor your pet's glucose levels, track its food and water consumption, set alerts, and record and relay information to your veterinarian. Pet Diabetes Tracker, for instance, is a free app available for iPhone, iPad, and Android. Maintain a consistent amount of exercise. Make sure that your cat maintains a regular amount of exercise by engaging it in short periods of play every day. Set aside at least 10-15 minutes for small intervals of activity (e.g., chasing or hunting games). If your cat does not show interest in playing, look online or in pet stores for new toys to get its attention. Treat infection or disease as it occurs. Be vigilant about treating any illnesses or medical issues that your cat may experience to keep it at peak health. Health issues outside of your cat's diabetes may reduce the effectiveness of its diabetic treatments and should be dealt with promptly. Follow your veterinarian's advice on how to manage any ailments your cat may face and be proactive about monitoring its health. Recognize the physical signs of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can strike your cat quickly even when you make the effort to prevent it. Too much insulin, a change in diet, infection, increased exercise, or other diseases can bring it about. Look for the following physical signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia: Muscle twitching Seizures Weakness Inappropriate elimination (outside of the litter box) Observe changes in behavior. Sudden changes in your cat's behaviour may indicate a hypoglycemic attack. Symptoms like anxiety, depression, and restlessness are common, but may be too subtle to pick up on. Take note if your cat: Breaks out of its daily routine Is irritable Vocalizes more or less than usual Avoids cuddling or letting you pet them Watch for reduced energy levels. Lethargy and weakness are possible signs of an impending hypoglycemic attack. If your cat refuses to engage in play or move around for incentives like treats, take note and look for other signs of a hypoglycemic attack. Call your veterinarian to gauge whether emergency medical care is necessary. Feed your pet. If your pet is alert, feed it a meal to regulate its blood sugar. If your cat is not alert enough to eat, give it a tablespoon of corn syrup or honey to lick to perk it up. Once your cat is responsive enough, feed it its normal food. Never pour syrup or honey directly into your cat's mouth as it might cause choking, or get absorbed into the lungs. Rub syrup or honey on its gums. If your cat is unconscious, rub corn syrup or honey on its gums to try to revive it (which should occur within 1-2 minutes of the sugar being absorbed into the gums). If it wakes up, try to feed it some of its regular food and bring it to your veterinarian as soon as possible. If your cat does not wake up, or if it experiences seizures, bring it to the nearest emergency animal clinic immediately. Make an emergency plan. Make a plan for veterinary emergencies beforehand to prevent panic or uncertainty in a crisis. Write down the name, phone number, and address of the two nearest 24 hour emergency care pet clinics. Place the information on the fridge or another easy-to-spot place so that it will be accessible in an emergency. Getting veterinary care. If your cat is unconscious or has seizures, do not hesitate to bring it to an 24 hour emergency veterinary clinic immediately. If your cat is conscious but sluggish during an attack, wait for it to stabilize then transport it to your veterinarian as soon as possible. If your cat misses an insulin shot, or is given too much insulin, contact your veterinarian for see when it should receive the next dose. | Feed your cat controlled meals. Use a blood glucose monitor to test your cat. Schedule insulin shots. Download a pet diabetes app. Maintain a consistent amount of exercise. Treat infection or disease as it occurs. Recognize the physical signs of hypoglycemia. Observe changes in behavior. Watch for reduced energy levels. Feed your pet. Rub syrup or honey on its gums. Make an emergency plan. Getting veterinary care. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-an-iBook | How to Create an iBook | To create an iBook, start by downloading the iBooks Author app, then open it and select a template. Next, upload a cover image and type in the book title and author's name. Then, click on "Chapter 1" and start filling your book with content by typing text directly in the fields pre-selected by the template. Add as many sections as you like and consider inserting images and video clips to make your book even more engaging. Finally, export your completed file as a personal iBook! | Download iBooks Author. You can find this free program by searching the App Store on your Mac computer, then download and install it. iBooks Author is an easy, intuitive way to create iBooks that's great for beginners. You can try other apps instead, if you're already familiar with them, including: Adobe InDesign Book Creator for iPad Tumult Hype Open iBooks Author and select a template. The program includes many preset templates that make it easy to just plug in content. Templates pre-determine things like where to place text and images, and how your table of contents should appear. You'll be prompted to choose one when you open the program. Scroll through the choices until you find one you like. Start things off with a great cover image. The first thing you'll see in your template is a page prompting you to select a cover image and add it to a field. You can add an image in a couple of ways: Drag an image from your computer's desktop and drop it onto the cover page field. Click the cover page. A dialog box will open up and ask you to select the image file you want, wherever it is stored on your computer. Identify your book with the author’s name and a unique title. If the cover image you are using doesn't already include the title and author's name, you can add these by selecting the fields marked for this on the title page. When you're done, click “next” and add the same information to the iBook's title page. You may see “dummy text” beginning “Lorem ipsum…” filling the space of the title page fields. If so, just delete it and add the text you want. Now's a good time to save your work if you haven't already. Select “File” at the top left, then “Save As,” and give your file a unique name. Make sure to save your work regularly. If your template includes a table of contents page, you can enter its information in the same basic way as the title page's. Start filling your book with great text. In the left column of iBooks Author, you'll see a place to click and add “Chapter 1” (use this whether or not your book is actually divided into chapters). Once you have this selected, click the plus sign (“+”) at the top left to start adding text. You can do this in several ways: Type text directly on the iBook page by entering it in the fields preselected by the template. Open up a file, select the text you want, and drag-and-drop it onto the iBook page. Copy the text you want from a file, then paste it into the preset field in your iBook. Add new sections, if desired. If you have a multi-chapter or multi-section book, when you are finished entering in the text for the first section, click “Chapter 2” for the next (then “Chapter 3,” and so on). Enter text in the same way as you did for the previous section. Enrich your book with media. It's easy to add images to your iBook. Click the “Widgets” button and choose “Gallery.” A dialog box will pop up, prompting you to select the image file you want to add. Select the file stored on your computer, and repeat until you have all the images you want to add. Close the dialog window. To actually insert an image, just drag it from the gallery to the spot you want it to appear in your iBook. You can also include video clips or similar media. Just add them to the “Gallery” and insert them into your iBook in the same way. Check the progress of your iBook. Click the “Preview” button at the top of the iBooks Author screen, and you'll be able to see exactly what your iBook will look like once it's published. It's a good idea to use this feature every so often as you work, just to make sure everything looks in order. Export your file as a personal iBook. Once your book is done, if you just want to create an iBook for personal or limited use (such as sharing it with a group of students), select “File” then “Export.” You'll be prompted to save the completed file as a particular type. The iBook file type is Apple's proprietary file type, readable on iPads and other Apple devices. The ePub format is readable on a wider range of devices, both Apple and non-Apple. You can also save your work as a PDF or text file. However, these can be more cumbersome to read on most electronic devices. You can share your iBook via a personal website, by emailing as an attachment, by uploading it to cloud storage, or any other convenient method. Publish your book if you want to sell it. If you want to sell an iBook via either the iBooks or iTunes store, you must first have a program called iTunes Producer downloaded and set up. Look for this in the App Store. Hit the “Publish” button in iBooks Author when you are ready to publish, and follow the prompts. The “Publish” feature will allow you to upload your work to the iTunes/iBooks stores in either iBook or ePub format. You can sell your iBook via a personal site or other venue. However, it must be in the ePub format. You can only sell iBooks in the iBooks format via official Apple venues. When setting up iTunes Producer, you'll need to include banking account information for tax purposes and for the financial agreement with Apple. According to this agreement, you receive 70 percent of your sales, while Apple gets a 30 percent portion. | Download iBooks Author. Open iBooks Author and select a template. Start things off with a great cover image. Identify your book with the author’s name and a unique title. Start filling your book with great text. Add new sections, if desired. Enrich your book with media. Check the progress of your iBook. Export your file as a personal iBook. Publish your book if you want to sell it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Beat-Piriformis-Syndrome | How to Beat Piriformis Syndrome | If you're struggling with piriformis syndrome, take frequent rest breaks to minimize pain and give your piriformis muscles time to heal. You can also soothe pain and improve your circulation by taking a warm bath or putting a heating pad over your hips and buttocks. To help limber up your aching muscles and relieve discomfort, do piriformis stretches 3 times a day. After you stretch, apply ice to the affected area for 20 minutes to prevent pain and swelling. Finally, avoid sitting or standing in positions that aggravate your pain as much as possible. | Rest your muscles. If you are having pain and discomfort from piriformis syndrome, then one of the best things you can do is rest your body. Piriformis syndrome may be the result of irritation or injury from exercise or other forms of strenuous activity. If you have a physical job or you like to exercise every day, then this advice may be a challenge for you. But it is important to rest to avoid further damage or irritation to the piriformis and to allow it to recover. Use heat therapy. Heat therapy is an effective way to help soothe pain and discomfort caused by piriformis syndrome. Heat therapy is also an effective way to warm up your muscles before stretching them. Try using a heating pad on the affected area or take a warm bath to cover more areas at once. Perform piriformis stretches. Certain stretches have been found to be effective at relieving some of the pain and discomfort associated with piriformis syndrome. For best results, you will need to perform the stretches three times per day. To perform a piriformis stretch, you will need to lay on the floor with your knees bent and both of your feet flat on the floor. Then, pull your right leg in towards your chest and use your left hand to pull the leg over to the left side of your body. Hold the stretch for five to 30 seconds, depending on your abilities. Repeat the stretch on the other leg. Apply ice. After stretching, applying ice can be an effective way to reduce pain and swelling associated with piriformis syndrome. To use ice, wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables in a thin cloth or paper towel. Then place the ice pack on the most painful area. Leave the ice pack in place for about 20 minutes and then remove it. Wait for at least 2 hours to reapply. Make yourself comfortable. Piriformis syndrome may be agitated by sitting or standing in certain positions, so you will need to make sure to avoid these positions. Do what you need to do to make yourself comfortable while sitting and standing. Try sitting on a cushion or comfortable chair if sitting feels painful to you. If you have trouble standing, consider using crutches or a cane to help support your weight while you stand. Get a diagnosis. Getting a diagnosis is the first step in treating any condition. There are no tests to confirm whether or not you have piriformis syndrome, so your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you to explain all of your symptoms. Your doctor may also want you to have an MRI to rule out any other possible causes of your symptoms. Do physical therapy. A physical therapist can design a program developed to meet your specific needs and guide you through exercises that will efficiently stretch your muscles and relieve pain. Get started early with physical therapy to get the greatest benefit. Consider alternative therapies. Massage and trigger point therapy may offer relief for piriformis symptoms. In some cases, piriformis symptoms might actually be caused by trigger points, or muscle knots. These knots may be found in the piriformis or gluteal muscles, and the pressure they cause can lead to pain at the site of the knot or even elsewhere on the body. Locate a health professional who is trained in trigger point therapy (a doctor, massage therapist, physical therapist) and see if this is the source of your pain. Talk to your doctor about medications. Your doctor may recommend certain over-the-counter and prescription medications to help you deal with pain. For example, some doctors may prescribe a muscle relaxant to help ease the discomfort of your piriformis syndrome. Ask your doctor about taking ibuprofen or naproxen for occasional piriformis pain as well. Ask your doctor about injections. Some injection treatments have been found to be helpful in cases of piriformis syndrome. Ask your doctor if an injection treatment might be useful in your situation. The two main injection treatments for piriformis syndrome include anesthetic injection and Botox injection. Anesthetic injection. A pain relieving substance such as lidocaine or bupivacaine may be injected into the piriformis to help relieve pain. Botox injection. Botox injections have also been found to be effective in reducing pain and discomfort from piriformis syndrome. Consider electrotherapy. Electrotherapy has been found to be effective in some cases of piriformis syndrome. Ask your doctor or physical therapist about the possibility of using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current Stimulator (IFC) to help treat your piriformis syndrome. Discuss surgery with your doctor as a last resort. Surgery has provided long-term pain relief for some sufferers of piriformis syndrome, but as with any surgery, there are some serious potential side effects to this treatment. It is best to exhaust all of your other treatment options before looking into surgery for piriformis syndrome. Warm up before you exercise. Taking five minutes to warm up your muscles can help to prevent injury and it is also a good way to prevent piriformis syndrome. Make sure that you allow your body some time to warm up before you do anything too strenuous. To warm up, just do a lighter version of the type of exercise you are about to perform. For example, if you are about to go for a run, spend five minutes walking briskly. Stick to flat surfaces when you run and walk. Uneven surfaces can cause you to strain your muscles more than flat surfaces do. To avoid this potential risk factor, choose flat surfaces to exercise on. For example, if you live in a hilly area, go to a track to walk or run. Stretch after you exercise. Muscles tighten up when we exercise, so it is necessary to stretch after a workout to loosen them up again. After you finish exercising, take a few minutes to stretch all of your major muscle groups. Stretch your neck, arms, legs, and back. Stand up straight. Poor posture may also lead to the development of piriformis syndrome, especially during exercise. Take extra care to stand up straight and tall when you are walking or running. Pay attention to your posture all other times as well. Stop exercising if it causes pain or discomfort. Overdoing it may lead to the development of piriformis syndrome, so it is important to know your limits. If you begin to feel pain and/or discomfort during your workout, then stop and take a break. If the pain continues after you resume, then do not do any more exercise. Rest and wait for the pain to subside. If it does not subside, then call your doctor. | Rest your muscles. Use heat therapy. Perform piriformis stretches. Apply ice. Make yourself comfortable. Get a diagnosis. Do physical therapy. Consider alternative therapies. Talk to your doctor about medications. Ask your doctor about injections. Consider electrotherapy. Discuss surgery with your doctor as a last resort. Warm up before you exercise. Stick to flat surfaces when you run and walk. Stretch after you exercise. Stand up straight. Stop exercising if it causes pain or discomfort. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Eiffel-Tower | How to Make an Eiffel Tower | To make an Eiffel tower, start by taping a picture of the Eiffel tower on a flat surface and covering it with clear plastic. Next, glue individual thin wood pieces over the lines of the drawing to create one side of the tower. After the glue dries, slide the base piece off and repeat this process 3 more times. Then, create the middle and top sections in the same way you made the base. To assemble your model, glue the base pieces together to form a square and repeat for the middle and top sections. Finally, stack and glue the 3 sections together. | Find a line drawing of the Eiffel tower. The drawing needs to be of the Eiffel tower from the side and straight-on. The lines must also be sharp and clear. Do not use a blurry or low-quality drawing. Do not use photographs; the trees, people, and buildings will get in in the way. Do not use a drawing that includes more than 1 side of the Eiffel tower. You will make each side 4 times, then glue it together to make a 3D tower. Enlarge the drawing, if necessary. The drawing will be your final template, so make sure that it is the size you want your tower to be. If you found your drawing in a book, you may be able to enlarge it using a photocopier. If you found your drawing online, then use an image editing program , such as Photoshop or Paint, to make the drawing bigger. Photoshop, or a similar program, will be your best choice for enlarging the image because you can set the size to inches or centimeters. Trace, photocopy, or print the drawing. If you are good at drawing, you can trace the drawing using tracing paper and a pen or pencil. If you found the drawing in a book, then you should photocopy it. If you found the drawing online, print it out instead. If you are printing a large image, be aware that you may need to print it out on multiple pages. Tape or glue multiple pages together to create a single image. Make sure that the lines flow smoothly into one another. Do not overlap the lines or leave gaps between them. Tape your drawing to a flat work surface. Place your drawing on a table, and tape down the bottom corners. If your drawing is on a single sheet of paper, tape down the top corners as well. If your drawing is on multiple sheets of paper, leave the top corners alone. If your drawing spans multiple pages, you will need to shift these pages down and re-tape them as you move from section to section. Cover your template with a piece of clear plastic. This will allow you to glue your pieces to the template, then peel them off. A page protector or clear page (like the kind you'd use in an overhead projector) will work the best. Place the plastic over the base of your drawing, and secure the edges to your table with tape so that it does not slide around. You can use wax paper, parchment paper, or even freezer paper, as long as the drawing is dark enough. You must be able to see the lines clearly. Use wood if you want to make a traditional model. This is one of the more advanced materials because it requires a lot of cutting and precision. You will need to work with thin strips of balsa wood as well as coffee stirrers ( not craft sticks), and tooth picks. You will also need to know how to bend balsa wood into curves. To curve balsa wood: soak it in hot water for 1 hour, then bend it to your desired shape. Hold it in place with tape or string until it dries before using it. Try dried pasta and spaghetti as an alternative to wood. Use thick noodles for the frame, and thin noodles for the details, such as railings and lattices. If you need to make a curved piece, cook the noodle long enough for it to become flexible, curve it into your desired shape, then let it dry. Use thin cardboard if you don't want to use wood or pasta. Choose a thin cardboard, such as illustration board or Bristol board. You will also need a sharp craft blade to cut it, and a cutting mat to work on. Transfer your template to the cardboard directly and skip the plastic cover. Do not use thin cardboard that is only white on the outside and brown on the inside. Have several craft blades handy. You will need to change them out as they will dull quickly. Dull craft blades won't make nice cuts. Try hot glue if you are making a small model. This is best for models that are smaller than a standard sheet of printer paper, about 11 inches (28 cm) tall. Do not use hot glue on anything larger than that, it may collapse. If you want to make a larger model, try any of the other materials listed above. Note the bottom, middle, and top sections. The Eiffel tower has 3 distinct sections: a base, middle, and top. These sections are divided by 2 horizontal railings. Of these sections, the top is the tallest, and includes a small roof. Pay attention to these sections, as you will be working on them individually. Glue the pieces to make the base's frame. Cut your desired material down for the angled sides of the base. Place a drop of white glue on the top and bottom of each piece, then set it down on the template. Make sure that pieces line up with the lines on the template. If you are making a cardboard model, cut out the entire base shape first. This includes the top, bottom, and side edges, as well as the arch. If you are making a model out of hot glue, trace the entire outline of your tower with hot glue, then let it set. Glue the pieces for the horizontal, vertical, and crisscrossing lines. Cut and glue each piece 1 at a time, otherwise the pieces will get mixed up. Do the horizontal lines first, then the vertical ones. Finish off with the crisscrossing lines. Use the glue sparingly: a single drop at each end of your stick/noodle will be plenty. Do not overlap the crisscrossing pieces or you will get too much bulk. Cut and glue the bars separately. If you are making a cardboard model, start off with the larger spaces, then move on to the small ones between the crisscrosses. If you are using hot glue, follow the same process: horizontal lines first, then the crisscrossing lines. You can overlap the crisscrossing lines, however. Let the glue dry and turn clear. How long this takes depends on the type of glue that you are using. If you are worried about the glue not being strong enough, you can reinforce all of the joints with a single drop of glue. Skip this step if you are making a cardboard model. It might be a good idea to switch to a new blade if the old one is no longer giving you clean cuts. This step should only take a couple of minutes for hot glue at the most. Slide the finished piece off of the template. Use a thin, metal spatula or a ruler to separate the piece from the plastic covering the template. If you notice any glue stuck to the plastic, scrape it off with your fingernail. If you made a cardboard model, simply pick the piece up and set it aside. Create another template on another piece or section of cardboard. If you made a hot glue model, peel the glue off with your fingernail. Cut or pull off any threads left by the hot glue. Repeat the process 3 more times. You will need 4 identical pieces for the base. If you are making a cardboard model, you will need to create a new tracing each time. If you are making a stick, pasta, or hot glue model, you can simply work on top of the old template. Repeat the process to make the 4 remaining sections. You will need 4 pieces for the middle section, and 4 pieces for the top section. If you are using a craft blade, be sure to switch it out for a fresh one whenever the old one starts to create ragged cuts. Skip this step if you made the entire model on a single sheet of paper. This includes hot glue models. Create additional pieces, such as the roof and railings, if desired. Whether or not you do this depends on how detailed you want your Eiffel tower to be. Use the same method as you did when creating the sides of the tower: start with the outline, then fill it in with vertical or crisscrossing lines. When making the roof, create each of the 4 walls and 4 roof triangles separately. Glue the base pieces together to form a square. Draw a line of glue along the inside edge of your first base piece. Place the next piece against it to form a right angle. Glue the final 2 pieces to complete the square. Make sure that the top and bottom edges are aligned. Use hot glue or super glue for paper, wood, and pasta models. Tacky glue will work, but you'll need to hold the pieces until they dry. Use hot glue for hot glue models. Work 1 side at a time, or the glue will set too fast. Repeat the process for the middle and top sections. If you need to, use cans, bottles, and blocks to support the pieces as they dry. If you a hot glue model that is all 1 piece, skip this step. Stack and glue the 3 sections together. If you made platforms and railings, glue them down to the top of the base and middle sections first. Let them dry, then stack and glue all 3 sections together. Skip this step if your model is all 1 piece. Glue on any additional railings. If you made additional pieces, such as railings, you should glue these on as well. Make sure that you align the railings with their designated places on your template. The bottom edge of each railing should align with the side edges of each side piece. Use a fast-setting glue for this, such as super glue or hot glue. A thick glue, such as tacky glue will also work, but you will need to hold the piece until the glue dries. Assemble the roof, if you made it. Glue the walls for the roof together to make a square first. Next, glue the top of the roof to make a pyramid. Glue the pyramid to the walls. Let it dry completely, then glue the entire piece to the top of your tower. If you made a tower out of hot glue, you can make a small, triangular mount using hot glue, then glue it to the top of your tower. Add the spire to the top. Use a toothpick for wood or cardboard models, and a thin noodle for pasta models. Glue the spire to the top of your model with a thick or fast-setting glue. Super glue, tacky glue, and hot glue are great options. You may have to hold the spire for a few moments as the glue sets. If you made a hot glue model: draw a thin line of hot glue on a piece of plastic, parchment paper, or wax paper. Let it harden, then peel it off. Glue it to the top of your tower. | Find a line drawing of the Eiffel tower. Enlarge the drawing, if necessary. Trace, photocopy, or print the drawing. Tape your drawing to a flat work surface. Cover your template with a piece of clear plastic. Use wood if you want to make a traditional model. Try dried pasta and spaghetti as an alternative to wood. Use thin cardboard if you don't want to use wood or pasta. Try hot glue if you are making a small model. Note the bottom, middle, and top sections. Glue the pieces to make the base's frame. Glue the pieces for the horizontal, vertical, and crisscrossing lines. Let the glue dry and turn clear. Slide the finished piece off of the template. Repeat the process 3 more times. Repeat the process to make the 4 remaining sections. Create additional pieces, such as the roof and railings, if desired. Glue the base pieces together to form a square. Repeat the process for the middle and top sections. Stack and glue the 3 sections together. Glue on any additional railings. Assemble the roof, if you made it. Add the spire to the top. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Green-Card | How to Get a Green Card | One way the most common and simplest ways to get a green card is through family. If you're directly related to a US citizen, your relative can petition for you to live in the US. You may also be eligible to get a green card through your job if you've received a permanent offer in the US, you fall into a special job category such as a translator, or you have a extraordinary skill. Lastly, you may qualify for the refugee or asylee category. If you need to file an immigrant petition, you will have to obtain a visa, file an application, and pay a filing fee. | Determine whether you can get a green card through family. This is one of the most common ways to get a green card, and in many ways the simplest. If you're directly related to a US citizen, US immigration law allows your relative to petition for you to be able to live in the US. Many obtain a green card as the immediate relative of a US citizen. If you're a US citizen's spouse, unmarried child under the age of 21, or parent of a US citizen over the age of 21, your relative may be able to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. You would then follow up by going through the "Adjustment of Status" process to become a permanent resident of the US. The procedure is slightly different for people not already in the United States, and is referred to as "consular processing"; a visa is administered by the US Department of State, and you would become a permanent resident once you are admitted into the US. The procedure is similar, but slower, if you are trying to get a green card through an immediate relative who is a permanent resident, but not yet a US citizen. If you turn older than 21 or get married, your status as an immediate family member changes, and this can delay getting your green card under the "family" category. You can also get a green card through special family situations including being a battered spouse or child, a widow or widower of a US citizen, or a child of a foreign diplomat born in the US. Determine whether you are eligible to get a green card through a job. This general category is divided among many subcategories, but essentially entails all instances of green cards being issued for purposes related to a job offer, investment or having a specialized job. Determine whether one of the following situations applies to you: You've received a permanent job offer for employment in the US. If this is the case, your employer will need to get a labor certification and fill out Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. You want to get a green card through investment. If you're an entrepreneur and have made an investment of either $1,000,000 or $500,000 in a targeted employment area, and plan to create at least 10 jobs for US citizens, you can apply for a green card through investment. You'll need to fill out Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur. You have extraordinary abilities and want to self-petition for a green card. Very talented or extraordinarily skilled people who are considered to be the best in their field (Nobel Prize winners, top athletes, etc.) can self petition for a green card. This is an extremely rare category. You fall into a special job category. If you're an Afghan or Iraqi translator, an Afghan or Iraqi who assisted the US government, a member of the armed forces, or fall into another special category, you can get a green card that way. Determine if you have fall into the refugee or asylee green card category. If you entered the US as a refugee or an asylee, or as an immediate family member of an asylee, you can apply for a green card 1 year after entering the country. If you're in the country as a refugee, it is mandatory to apply for permanent status after being in the country for a year. If you're in the country as an asylee, it is not mandatory to apply for green card status. File the correct petition. Once you figure out what immigrant category you belong to, you'll need to have your family or employer file an immigrant petition for you. In rare cases, you'll file one yourself. If you're obtaining a green card through your family, your relative must file Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative. If you're obtaining a green card through your employer, your employer must file Form I-140, Petition for an Alien Worker. If you're an entrepreneur investing money, you need to file Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur. If you're in a special category such as a widow or widower, file Form I-360. If you're a refugee or asylee, you most likely don't need an underlying petition if you meet the requirements to adjust status. Check visa availability in your category. Once your relative, employer or you yourself file your initial petition, you need to check to see whether a visa is available before filing the remaining application forms. The number of visas available differs according to your immigrant category and the country from which you are emigrating. There are an unlimited number of visas available for people applying for a green card through immediate relatives. There is a limited number of visas available to those applying for green cards through family that is not immediate and for employment purposes. You will receive a priority date and be put on a waiting list until a visa becomes available. You'll receive a "Visa Bulletin" that will allow you to check your place in the visa queue. File Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residency or Adjust Status. You have to wait for a visa to become available before this form can be filed. Read the instructions on the form and make sure to submit all of the required documents and information. Be sure to send your forms to the correct address. If you're applying for a green card through an immediate family member, you can file form I-485 at the same time your relatives files your petition, since there are unlimited visas available in your category. There is a filing fee of $1070. Get your biometrics taken. You'll receive a notice calling you to go to an Application Support Center for an appointment during which you'll be fingerprinted, have your picture taken, and have your signature taken. The center will use this information to do a background check. Eventually your biometrics will be used to process your green card. Go to your interview. In some cases you might be called in for an interview with the USCIS office to answer questions about your application. If you receive a notice, make sure you attend the appointment. The notice should include the date, time and location of the interview. In some cases your family member who filed your green card petition might be asked to come to the interview as well. Bring your travel documents, passports, and all other relevant documents to the interview. Wait for your final decision and get your green card. The USCIS will review all of your paperwork, assess your interview if applicable, and make sure you meet all of the requirements to become a permanent resident. Once they make a decision, you'll receive a notice in the mail. If your application was denied, you may be able to file an appeal. If your application is accepted, you'll receive further instructions about getting your green card, including information on when it needs to be renewed. | Determine whether you can get a green card through family. Determine whether you are eligible to get a green card through a job. Determine if you have fall into the refugee or asylee green card category. File the correct petition. Check visa availability in your category. File Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residency or Adjust Status. Get your biometrics taken. Go to your interview. Wait for your final decision and get your green card. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Homemade-Battery | How to Make a Homemade Battery | To make a homemade battery, start by filling a non-metal cup almost all the way with canned soda. Next, cut a 3/4-inch-wide strip of aluminum from the side of the soda can and place it into the soda. Situate a copper strip purchased from a hardware store in the soda on the opposite side of the cup. Then, attach lead wires to the 2 metal strips to test your battery with a voltage meter! | Gather your materials. For this battery, you will need one unopened can of soda (any type will do), one plastic cup (6 to 8 ounces), and one 3/4-inch-wide strip of copper that's slightly longer than the height of the cup. In addition, you'll need a pair of scissors, a voltage meter, and two electrical lead wires with alligator clips at both ends. If you don't already have these materials around your house, you can purchase them at a hardware store. You can substitute the copper strip with several pieces of copper wire stuck together or bent in a zig-zag fashion to reach the desired width. Fill the plastic cup roughly 3/4 full with soda. Note that the cup doesn't absolutely have to be plastic. It just has to be non-metallic. Styrofoam and paper cups will also work. Make sure the soda can is completely empty. Discard (or drink) any soda that remains in the can. Turn it upside down in the sink and give it a few extra shakes to make sure that all the soda is out. Cut a strip of aluminum from the soda can. Cut a 3/4-inch-wide strip from the side of the soda can. Ensure that's it's slightly longer than the plastic cup's height; if this isn't possible, don't worry — you can just bend the top of the strip and let it hang over the edge of the cup and into the fluid. Instead of cutting the can, you may purchase aluminum strips from a hardware store. Aluminum foil is not an effective replacement for an aluminum strip; don't use it! Sand the aluminum strip (optional). You can skip this step if you bought the aluminum from a hardware store. If you cut the strip from a soda can, you'll need to sand off the coatings (i.e. paint, plastic) on both sides of the strip. Place the strips into the solution. Ensure that the strips do not touch each other. Place them across from each other — not side by side or overlapping — in the cup. Ideally you've cut the strips long enough that their tops sit above the soda, extending slightly past the rim of the cup. If the strips do not extend past the cup's rim, you can bend each strip lightly so that it hangs off the edge of the cup. Attach lead wires to metal strips. Attach one lead wire to one metal strip by opening the alligator clip and closing it on the strip. Then, attach a different lead wire to the other metal strip, again using the alligator clip. Be careful not to let the alligator clips touch the soda. It doesn't matter which color of wire attaches to which strip. Test the battery. Following the instructions that come with your voltage meter, connect a lead wire from each metal strip to the voltage meter. The meter should read your battery's voltage at roughly 3/4 of a volt. Gather your materials. For this battery, you'll need one plastic cup (6 to 8 ounces), two 3/4-inch-wide strips of metal that are taller than the cup, and one tablespoon (14.79 ml) of salt. Each strip must be a different type of metal, but you can choose which type: zinc, aluminum, and copper are popular choices. In addition, you'll need a pair of scissors, a voltage meter, and 2 electrical lead wires with alligator clips at both ends. A variation on this recipe is to add one teaspoon (4.93 ml) of salt, one teaspoon (4.93 ml) of vinegar, and a few drops of bleach to the water instead of one tablespoon (14.79 ml) of salt. If you choose this variation, be careful, as bleach is a hazardous chemical. Metal strips, electrical lead wires, and voltage meters are available at hardware stores. You should also be able to find lead wires at shops that sell electrical components. Fill a plastic cup 3/4-full with water. Note that the cup doesn't absolutely have to be plastic. It just has to be non-metallic. Styrofoam and paper cups will also work. Add 1 tablespoon (14.79 ml) of salt to the water and stir. It's the same process if you decide to follow the salt, vinegar, and bleach variation. Place the two metal strips into the cup. Ensure that the strips are touching the saltwater and extending past the cup's rim. If the strips are too short, bend them so that they hang off the cup's rim and dip into the solution. Attach the lead wires to the metal strips. Attach one lead wire to one metal strip using an alligator clip. Then, attach a different lead wire to the other metal strip, again using the alligator clip. Be careful not to let the alligator clips touch the water. It doesn't matter which color attaches to which strip. Test the battery. Following the instructions that come with your voltage meter, connect a lead wire from each metal strip to the voltage meter. The meter should read your battery's voltage at roughly 3/4 of a volt. Gather your materials. For this battery, you'll need some copper wire, 15 sheet metal screws, an ice cube tray, and water. In addition, you'll need a pair of scissors, a voltage meter, and two electrical lead wires with alligator clips at both ends. You'll wrap each screw in copper except for one, which you will use as a negative terminal (to which you will attach one of the lead wires once the battery is complete). How many screws you use will depend on how many ice cubes your tray is meant to hold. The tray in this example can hold 14 ice cubes. As long as they aren't copper, you can use any type of metal screw. Zinc-coated (galvanized) or aluminum work well. As for size, aim for screws that are around one inch in length. Wrap copper wire around 14 of the 15 screws. Wrap a piece of copper wire two times around the top of each screw, just beneath its head. After wrapping the wire around a screw, use your finger to bend the wire into a hook. You'll use this hook to clip the screw to the edge of its ice cube tray compartment. You can either pre-cut the copper wire into pieces long enough to wrap around each screw (with a bit extra for the hooks), or you can work with it long, cutting it as you finish each screw. Attach one screw to each ice cube tray compartment. Each ice cube hole will act as a single cell in your battery. Affix one screw to the edge of each cell. Ensure that there is only one screw in each cell. Attach positive and negative terminals to one end of the tray. On one end of the tray, hook a piece of copper wire to the outer edge of one of the cells. On the same end of the tray, place a screw in the cell next to the one in which you just placed the copper wire. Ensure that the screw sits above the rim of the tray, as you will need to attach a lead wire to it. Fill each cell with water. Ensure that the cells are full enough that the copper wire hooks and screws are touching the water. Attach lead wires to positive and negative terminals. Attach one lead wire to the copper wire terminal using its alligator clip. Then, attach a different lead wire to the screw terminal, again using its alligator clip. Be careful not to let the alligator clips touch the water. It doesn't matter which color attaches to which terminal. Test the battery. Attach the other ends of the lead wires to your voltage meter. The 14-cell battery that you've just made should measure roughly 9 volts. Boost the voltage. You can boost the voltage of your battery by switching your conductive solution to saltwater, vinegar, bleach, lemon juice, or lime juice, or by using more copper. Gather your materials. For this battery, you'll need one copper plate and one aluminum plate -- both roughly the size of your hands. You'll also need two electrical lead wires with alligator clips at both ends, and you'll need a voltage meter. You can purchase the metal plates, wires, and voltage meter at a hardware store. Place the aluminum and copper plates on a piece of wood. If you don't have a piece of wood, you can also place the plates on another non-metallic surface — for example, plastic. Connect the plates to a voltage meter. Using the alligator clips, connect the copper sheet to one end of the voltage meter, and the aluminum sheet to the other end of the voltage meter. If you're unsure of how to connect items to your specific voltage meter, check its instruction manual. Place one hand on each plate. When you place your hands on the metal plates, the sweat on your hands should react with the metal plates to produce a reading on the voltage meter. If the meter doesn't show a reading, reverse your connections: attach the copper plate to the terminal that the aluminum plate was connected to, and vice versa. If you still struggle to get a reading, check the connection and wiring. If everything is working well, it could be that the plates are oxidized. To remove oxidization, clean the plates with a pencil eraser or steel wool. | Gather your materials. Fill the plastic cup roughly 3/4 full with soda. Make sure the soda can is completely empty. Cut a strip of aluminum from the soda can. Sand the aluminum strip (optional). Place the strips into the solution. Attach lead wires to metal strips. Test the battery. Gather your materials. Fill a plastic cup 3/4-full with water. Add 1 tablespoon (14.79 ml) of salt to the water and stir. Place the two metal strips into the cup. Attach the lead wires to the metal strips. Test the battery. Gather your materials. Wrap copper wire around 14 of the 15 screws. Attach one screw to each ice cube tray compartment. Attach positive and negative terminals to one end of the tray. Fill each cell with water. Attach lead wires to positive and negative terminals. Test the battery. Boost the voltage. Gather your materials. Place the aluminum and copper plates on a piece of wood. Connect the plates to a voltage meter. Place one hand on each plate. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Scratch-from-a-Granite-Countertop | How to Remove a Scratch from a Granite Countertop | Don't panic if you've noticed a scratch in your granite countertop, since there are a few ways you can try to remove it. If the scratch is less than half an inch long or you can barely feel it with your hand, you may be able to get rid of it. If it's a large or deep scratch, you'll probably need to hire a professional. If your countertop is polished, try buffing the scratch with a commercial polishing paste. If it's unpolished, try lightly buffing the scratch with low-grade steel wool for a couple of minutes. Once you've finished, test the seal of your surface by sprinkling a few drops of water onto the scratch and waiting 15 minutes. If the water has spread or left a dark spot on your counter, you'll need to use a sealer product to seal it. | Wash the scratched area. Depending on the state of your counter top, you may only need to clean your counter top with warm water and a mild soap to remove any dirt, grime, or buildup from it. This will allow you the clearest view of the scratch so you can decide whether or not this is a DIY fix or something requiring a professional. You'll want to remove any buildup has occurred inside the scratch. To do so, you may have to allow your counter top to soak in a mild cleaner before wiping the cleaner away. Stubborn grime that is firmly lodged in your scratch can be scraped out with a small tool or cleaning implement, like a toothpick or a cotton swab. Use cleaner and your tool to completely cleanse the scratch of buildup. For especially greasy counter tops, you may have to resort to more extreme measures. You can use acetone on your granite to ensure a good degreasing. Make sure there is good ventilation in the room before applying your acetone to prevent the harmful fumes from building up. Investigate the scratched area. The color of your granite can have an impact on the visibility of scratches; scratches in light colors will likely be more apparent than those in darker colors. You may want a ruler or a tape measure on hand so you can more precisely evaluate the size and depth of your scratch. If the scratch you are dealing with appears to be quite small, apply some water to it. If the water makes your scratch disappear, it's highly likely you can remedy this scratch on your own. Scratches that are larger than ½ inch (1.25 cm) long and 0.08 inch (2 mm) deep are considered to be serious blemishes in your stone. It's unlikely you will be able to remove these yourself. Contact a professional, if necessary. The dealer or contractor who sold and/or installed your granite counter tops may also do restoration and repair work. You might see if he can assist your in your granite repair or recommend someone who is qualified to do the same. Deep scratches will need to be ground down with diamond pads until the top layer of the granite with the scratch in it is removed. Then the surface must be repolished evenly. Both of these processes, if done incorrectly, can further damage or even ruin your counter top. Remove etching with polishing paste. This measure should only be taken if your counter top is already polished. Etching occurs when a substance corrodes your counter, leaving behind a very slight mark on it that often looks like a stain, cup ring, or small blemish. If you can barely feel the scratches in the surface of your counter, a polishing paste may be your best alternative. Make sure your counter top is completely free of soap or any other cleaning agent you used to clean the scratch. These substances may interact with your polishing paste unfavorably. Follow the directions on your polishing paste. Different brands will require different procedures for you to achieve best results. Generally, you should use a small amount of polishing paste to begin with and apply moderate pressure when polishing. In most cases, you'll only need a little of your granite polishing agent to remove etching. Use fine grade steel wool to buff out your scratch. Using a coarse grade sandpaper, steel wool, or buffing paper could result in damage to your granite counter top. As a general rule, to protect your granite, you should start with the most moderate grade available. In this case, you should use a dry piece of #0000 steel wool to buff out your scratch(es). Use moderate pressure when buffing and small, circular motions that centralize around your scratch. After several minutes of buffing, if you still notice no change in the appearance of your scratch, you'll have to make use of other measures. NOTE: more aggressive buffing procedures, using specialty granite sanding tools, can be used to remove your scratch. However, if improperly or inexpertly performed, these methods can result in permanent deformation of your granite. Test the seal of your granite after buffing. Buffing can remove the top coating of your granite, which is also called the seal. You can gauge whether or not your counter top needs to be resealed with a simple drip test. Simply... Sprinkle a few droplets of water on your counter. These should form water beads along the top of its surface. Allow the water to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. If the water has spread or left a dark spot on your counter, it's time to reseal your granite. Reseal your granite counter top, if necessary. Your local hardware store should have a counter top sealer suitable for your granite. You should always follow the instructions that come with your sealer, but in most cases, to reseal your countertop you should: Re-clean the area with a mild soap and water. Your hands may have transferred dirt, oil, or grime back to the counter top. Cleaning again will prevent these from being trapped beneath the seal. Allow the counter to fully dry before sealing. Apply your sealer. In most cases, this will be done with a brush, though your sealer might recommend using a cloth for application. Most sealers only require about 15 minutes before adhering to the surface of your counter. Then you can wipe any excess sealer away with a dry cloth, and buff the area with small circular motions using a microfiber cloth. Fill in the scratch with an acrylic repair kit. These kits are specifically intended to repair small scratches or pits in your granite by filling the afflicted area with a hard drying clear acrylic patch. For this kind of treatment to be effective, you'll need the scratch to be deep enough for the acrylic to take root. Scratches that you can feel obviously with your fingers are good candidates for acrylic repair. Very light scratches and etching can best be remedied with a polishing agent or light buffing. There are many different kinds of acrylic granite repair kit, including gels specifically formulated for counter tops. You'll have to follow the instructions labeled on yours carefully when applying it to the scratch. In some cases, the application of your acrylic may be as simple as administering it to your scratch, chip, or pit, waiting a designated period of time, and wiping away excess. Conceal small scratches with a stone color enhancer. A color enhancer can brighten the color of your granite to its original hue, but a color enhancer can also hide small scratches that appear over time. This treatment can work especially well for scratches that are invisible when wet. You should follow the directions that came with your color enhancer, but generally you should: Make sure the area you are about to color enhance is clean and free of any residue. The surface should also be dry unless otherwise indicated by your enhancer. You may want to test your color enhancer before applying it to a highly visible part of your counter. Use a small amount of enhancer on an out of view spot to make sure the enhanced color is to your liking. Use a clean rag to administer your color enhancer. Allow the enhancer to sit on your counter top for the time indicated in the instructions - usually about 15 minutes. Then wipe away any remaining enhancer with a clean rag. Hide your scratch with a permanent marker. This works especially well for black granite. Scratches often leave behind a color that is lighter than the surface of your stone, but these can be rendered invisible with a permanent or paint marker matching the color of your counter. All you need to do is... Color in the scratch with your permanent or paint marker until the scratch is no longer clearly visible. Then wipe the area with a cloth dampened with denatured alcohol to erase any unnecessary color. | Wash the scratched area. Investigate the scratched area. Contact a professional, if necessary. Remove etching with polishing paste. Use fine grade steel wool to buff out your scratch. Test the seal of your granite after buffing. Reseal your granite counter top, if necessary. Fill in the scratch with an acrylic repair kit. Conceal small scratches with a stone color enhancer. Hide your scratch with a permanent marker. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-a-Rabbit-Not-to-Scratch | How to Teach a Rabbit Not to Scratch | To teach a rabbit not to scratch, gain its trust by approaching it slowly, sitting next to its cage, and giving it bits of fruit by hand every day so your rabbit learns that you're not a threat. Since rabbits are territorial and may scratch if you try to reach into their cages, open your rabbit's cage and allow it to come out when it's ready. If your rabbit does try to scratch, use body language, like stomping your foot or turning your back, to show your displeasure. You can also tell your rabbit “No” as you stomp or turn away to establish that this behavior is not wanted. However, never yell at or harm your rabbit, as this will only reinforce the idea that you're a threat. | Approach your rabbit slowly. Rabbits are less domesticated than many animals you may be accustomed to dealing with. While your cat is not intimidated by you as you approach, a rabbit likely is. In order to establish that you are not a threat to your rabbit, take your time with it. Start by sitting next to the rabbit while it is still in its cage and let it get accustomed to your presence. Speak to it so it can get used to the sound and vibration of your voice. Give the rabbit treats like bits of banana or apple. After the rabbit is accustomed to having you around, open the cage and pet it softly to demonstrate that you are not a threat. Spend time with your rabbit. In order to establish the trust you need your rabbit to have for you, you should spend time with it every day. Trust takes time, and you need to continue to spend time with your rabbit to maintain it. Try to spend several minutes a day with your rabbit to establish and maintain trust. Incorporate other people so the rabbit learns to trust people, instead of just you. Respect your rabbit’s territory. If your rabbit scratches at you when you try to remove it from its cage, it may be because rabbits are very territorial animals. Giving your rabbit domain over its cage may reduce its aggressive tendencies. Instead of opening the cage and taking the rabbit out, try opening the cage and allowing the rabbit to leave on its own. Using treats to entice the rabbit out of the cage is a great way to give it the space it wants while still removing it on your schedule. Use body language to teach the rabbit lessons. Rabbits are keenly aware of their surroundings and will recognize changes in your body language. If you want to indicate your displeasure with something the rabbit is doing, change up your body language so it recognizes a difference. Stomping your foot is an audible way to get the rabbit's attention and demonstrate that you are not happy with what it's doing. The rabbit may react fearfully to this the first few times, so be sure to give it space. Turning your back to your rabbit will let it know that you are unhappy with it and over time can adjust the rabbit's behavior. Say no to your rabbit. Rabbits are not able to understand English commands like other species, but you can demonstrate your displeasure with your rabbit's scratching by using the same audible sound and tone in conjunction with stomping your foot or turning your back. Say no with the same tone and volume each time you use it. Using it in conjunction with stomping or turning your back will help establish that hearing your say “no” is a negative thing on par with other methods you use to train the rabbit. Teach the rabbit what’s unacceptable by ignoring it. When your rabbit does scratch you, the way you react can teach it what does and does not work. While negative reinforcement does not work with rabbits, ignoring them does. If the rabbit scratches you to get your attention or voice its displeasure with a situation, ignore it. If you react, the rabbit will learn that scratching is an effective method to get your attention. Never strike a rabbit. Although you may be tempted to swat at your rabbit when it scratches you, doing so will only reinforce the rabbit's fears that you are a threat. Hurting the rabbit will cause it act more aggressively in your presence. Even just tapping your rabbit on the nose could lead the rabbit to believe that you are a physical threat, causing it to scratch to try to get away from you. Your rabbit must feel comfortable in your presence in order to prevent bad behavior. Have your rabbit fixed. Rabbits can become dramatically more aggressive once they reach four months of age, as this is when they enter the mating stage of their life. If you do not have your rabbit fixed at this age, hormones can make the rabbit very aggressive. Rabbits are calmer and more docile after being fixed, which makes them better pets and reduces problem behavior. Fixing your rabbits will make it so you can safely keep more than one rabbit together without violence or reproduction issues. Recognize the difference between anger and fear. While rabbits may be capable of experiencing anger, it is highly unlikely that your rabbit is angry or doesn't like you. It's much more likely that your rabbit is simply afraid. Young rabbits may not know the difference between you and a predator, so they may try to escape your grasp by scratching or biting. Only once a rabbit is comfortable around you will it stop scratching to escape. Work within your limits. Rabbits do not possess the intelligence of most dog breeds, so training a rabbit in a similar fashion will not yield similar results. Rabbits are, first and foremost, wild animals that are concerned with survival. Rabbits are not extremely trainable animals, so you should still keep things you don't want scratched or bitten out of their reach. “Rabbit-proofing” your house by limiting the rabbit's access to things you don't want ruined is the only completely effective way to prevent rabbits from scratching or biting through things you don't want them to. Think like a rabbit. Rabbits don't perceive the world in the same way that you do. Rabbits think in terms of patterns. They observe your behavior as well as their own, and come to expect the same results from the same behavior. If your rabbit regularly scratches you, pay attention to what you are doing leading up to it scratching. You may be frightening it without realizing. Once you note what of your behavior elicits the rabbit's scratching, try not use that behavior anymore. Understanding that rabbits learn in patterns can make it easier to train the rabbit. When it scratches you, turn your back and say no. When it doesn't scratch, reward it with affection. Eventually it will learn the pattern. Be patient. While rabbits can learn not to scratch, changes don't happen overnight. Continue to exercise the methods you choose to teach the rabbit that scratching isn't appropriate behavior until the rabbit's behavior actually changes. Use the same methods to indicate the rabbit is misbehaving consistently to help it learn faster. If you choose to stomp and say no, do that every time. Switching it up will slow the learning process. It can take weeks for a rabbit to develop trust, then longer for it to change its behavior based on your training. Remember that you aren't just changing the rabbit's behavior, you are changing its perception of the world and reducing its fear of humans. Such deep changes take time. | Approach your rabbit slowly. Spend time with your rabbit. Respect your rabbit’s territory. Use body language to teach the rabbit lessons. Say no to your rabbit. Teach the rabbit what’s unacceptable by ignoring it. Never strike a rabbit. Have your rabbit fixed. Recognize the difference between anger and fear. Work within your limits. Think like a rabbit. Be patient. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Doves-Entertained | How to Keep Doves Entertained | To keep your dove entertained, let it out of its cage to walk around with supervision once per day. Keep at least 3 toys in its cage, like ladders, swinging perches, and small wooden toys that it can arrange and rearrange repeatedly. Doves are natural foragers, so give it some foraging toys with treats hidden inside for your dove to hunt. They can also recognize their own reflections and enjoy watching themselves in mirrors, so give your dove a few mirrors in its habitat for extra entertainment. For a dove, this is like watching television! You should play with your dove and talk to it every day, and leave a radio on when you leave the house to make it feel less alone. | Let your dove have a walk-around. If you have a dove in a cage, make sure you let them out once a day to walk around. Hang out with them while they walk around, making sure they don't get into anything they're not supposed to. Keep your doves away from toxic substances, open water sources (toilet, etc.), heaters or fireplaces, ceiling fans, glass and mirrors. Make sure they don't escape through an open door or window. Watch out for other pets like cats, dogs, and snakes, as well as wild animals like raccoons or hawks that may try to get to your doves. Play with your bird. You can use the toys that are already in your bird's aviary or cage, or you can have special toys that you only play with together. This will tell your bird it's time to interact with you. Talk to your bird frequently. Even if your bird is locked safely in its cage, talk to it! You can ask how it's doing, describe what you're doing, or just chat. It will learn to recognize your voice and will love the interaction. Keep at least three toys in the dove cage. Three toys gives your bird a bit of variety but still leaves them enough room to play. Doves generally prefer ladders and swinging perches for toys. They also like small wooden toys that they can re-arrange repeatedly. You can dye wooden toys with food-safe stains, but avoid painted wood. The paint can chip off and choke or poison the dove. Avoid choosing toys that are small enough that the dove could choke on or swallow. Use foraging toys. These are toys that have space for you to hide food or treats for your dove. Because doves are natural foragers, the chance to work a little bit before they get their food will feel natural to them. You can also hide some of their food around the aviary or dovecote (if that's their habitat) so they have to forage for it. Place mirrors in their habitats. Doves can recognize their own reflections in mirrors, and they may use them in a similar way to how we watch TV. Place a few mirrors around their habitats and watch them entertain themselves. Leave the TV on when you’re not home. Having noise in the house will prevent them from becoming bored even if you're not home. Don't leave the TV on a nature channel though – your bird might be scared by images of predators. The TV volume should be slightly lower than the volume you normally use. Let them listen to the radio. You can place a small radio near your bird, and turn it on when you leave the house. The bird will recognize that there are human voices, especially if you talk to your bird frequently. You could also play soothing bird sounds to your doves. If the radio is near your doves, it doesn't need to be up very loud - on a medium setting is fine. You can also choose to play music designed for birds on CD or on websites like YouTube. Place their cage somewhere with a view. This might mean near a window, or where they can look out on your home and see what everyone is doing. This will keep their interest and prevent them from getting bored. If you put the dove cage near a window, be sure to protect them from drafts as well as direct sunlight, which could cause them to become too hot. Make sure they can see each other. If your doves share a cage, they'll obviously be able to see each other. But if they don't, make sure their cages face one another. They'll be able to watch each other and interact, mainly through cooing and chirping. Let your birds out at the same time. If you have multiple doves, give them a chance to walk around at the same time. You can play with them with the same toy, or have toys that are specific to each bird. Be wary of adding other birds. Doves are territorial and might attack new birds. It's best to have a separate cage for any new birds, and only introduce them to each other during play time. If you do want them to meet, make sure you stand there to observe their behavior to prevent any injury. | Let your dove have a walk-around. Play with your bird. Talk to your bird frequently. Keep at least three toys in the dove cage. Use foraging toys. Place mirrors in their habitats. Leave the TV on when you’re not home. Let them listen to the radio. Place their cage somewhere with a view. Make sure they can see each other. Let your birds out at the same time. Be wary of adding other birds. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Respect-Other-Cultures | How to Respect Other Cultures | Respecting other cultures is all about keeping an open mind and learning about different ways of life. Try reading a book or watching a documentary on different cultures and religions to see how people live differently in other parts of the world. You can also make friends with people from different backgrounds and ask them about their culture. For example, if you go to school or work with a Muslim person, say something like, “Can you tell me about the prayers you do? I'm really interested in different religions.” If you hear someone else make an insensitive comment about another culture or religion, calmly correct them. For instance, you could say, "I know you mean well, but that kind of comment is offensive to myself and others." | Practice self-awareness. One of the most important ways to learn to become respectful of other cultures is to spend some time reflecting on your own beliefs and biases. Each of us has what is known as a "filter". The filter impacts how we see other cultures. Your filter describes the way you view the world. Many different factors can affect your filter. Some factors that affect your view, or filter, are ethnic background, religion, and age. Your filter is also affected by your income level and your education level. Spend some time reflecting on your filter. Ask yourself questions such as, "How does my income affect the way I look at others?" or "Do I have any biases because of my religion?" Becoming more self-aware can help you realize new things about your own culture. This, in turn, can open your eyes to appreciating cultural differences. Read a book. In order to respect other cultures, it is important to understand something about them. You can expand your knowledge by doing some research. Start by reading about the culture you are interested in. For example, if you are interested in Japanese culture, look for a book on the history of Japan. Background knowledge of the history can help you comprehend the culture. You can also try fiction. Reading a fictional account of a new culture can give you a more clear understanding of what life is like in that culture. Try reading Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" for an interesting story about life in Nigeria. Or consider reading Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love" to learn about Italy, India, and Indonesia. Ask your local librarian for guidance. Ask for recommendations for both fiction and non-fiction works. Study religion. Religion is an important part of many cultures. Learning more about a different religion can help you understand cultures other than your own. Take some steps to learn more about religion. Attend a different type of worship. If you are Catholic, you might have only experienced a traditional Catholic mass. Visit a different type of worship service. For example, visit a Jewish synagogue or go to a mosque. Make sure to inquire as to whether visitors are allowed at services. Also take care to ask about any guidelines for dress or behavior. Do your research. Read books and newspaper articles about different religions. For example, you could read about what it means to be a Buddhist. Take a class. Furthering your education is a great way to learn to respect other cultures. You could take a traditional course at your local community college. For example, you could take a course on Russian literature. Colleges also offer classes in topics such as the history and religions of other cultures. Many of these types of classes are even available online, and some are free. Ask a friend to take a class with you. The two of you could have fun learning to speak beginning Spanish. Talk to a new person. Make an effort to have a conversation with someone from another culture. Meeting someone new, or having an in-depth talk with someone you know, will help you gain a more personal understanding of another culture.This can help deepen your respect. Try to place yourself in situations where your will be around people from many cultures. If you are in college, your campus might sponsor multi-cultural awareness events. Make it a point to attend. Make an effort to make new friends. Join a new sports team or spend time in a diverse neighborhood. Take time to talk to people. Listening to their stories and experiences is a great way to connect with a new culture. Become an ally. A great way to show respect for other cultures is by becoming a cultural ally. This means that you identify yourself as someone who respects cultural autonomy and will speak up to protect the rights of people in other cultures. You can be an ally at school, work, and in your community. Often, people in the cultural minority suffer discrimination. You can show that you will not respect discrimination in any form. For example, maybe one of your coworkers makes culturally insensitive jokes. You can try saying, "Bob, I know you mean well, but that kind of comment is offensive to myself and others." Stand up for the rights of others in your community. For example, if your city tries to block the building of a mosque, attend a city council meeting and make your voice heard. Correct misunderstandings. You might have some prior assumptions about other cultures. For example, if you are traveling in India, you might start to think that people are not honest. It can be really difficult to get a thorough answer to a direct question. However, in India, it is common and polite to not always directly answer questions. Take time to observe other people interacting so that you can personally observe cultural differences. Many British people think that Americans are fake. That is because Americans typically tend to be more outwardly optimistic than people from other cultures. When you are speaking to a British person, take time to speak genuinely. You can teach each other about your cultural differences. Your own cultural filter might make you nervous to approach a woman wearing a hijab. But don't be afraid to go up to her on the bus and say, "Excuse me, is this seat taken?" Ask questions. The best way to learn about new cultures is by asking questions. Don't be afraid to ask someone about their customs or beliefs. Just make sure to do so in a respectful manner. Maybe you have a coworker who has a habit of bringing interesting foods for lunch. Try saying, "What is that you're eating? It smells great." Perhaps you have a co-worker who routinely arrives at the office later than others. Instead of assuming that she is lazy, ask a friendly question. You might learn that your boss has agreed to accommodate her prayer schedule. If you have a friend who is from Japan, ask him about the custom of bowing. He will likely be delighted to talk to you about his culture. Keep an open mind. Try to not let any preconceived notions color your feelings towards people from other cultures. Show respect by making every effort to keep an open mind. For example, go into a new experience ready to learn something new. Maybe you are traveling in Asia. The food might not be what you are used to, but be willing to try new things. Be aware that just because people behave differently does not make them better or worse than you. For example, Middle Easterners often engage in more elaborate greetings and small talk than most Americans. Be willing to participate in new types of conversations. You'll likely learn something, and you might also enjoy it. Outwardly demonstrate your respect. Do not roll your eyes or scowl when you encounter an unfamiliar sight. Teach your children to be respectful. The best way to learn respect is to be taught about different cultures at a young age. If children grow up understanding different cultures, they will be less likely to discriminate as adults. Take time to teach your kids about other cultures. If your child comes home from school and asks you why his friend can't play on Saturdays, you can use that as a teaching moment. Explain that some faiths or cultures observe Saturday as a holy day. Look for a school that teaches multiculturalism. Before enrolling your child, ask if there are multiple languages taught, or if the kids will be exposed to different kinds of art. Set a good example. If you behave with kindness and respect, your children are more likely to model that behavior. Eat new foods. Food is an important part of each culture. To many people, food represents not only nourishment, but history and heritage. Make an effort to try foods from other cultures. Ask some friends to join you at an Ethiopian restaurant. Not only will you get to experience delicious food, but you will probably have fun eating with your hands. Ask your Orthodox Jewish friend to tell you about her favorite Kosher meal. Ask about how it is prepared. Try cooking something new each week. You can make dinners from around the world and involve your family in your cultural exploration. Experience a new cultural activity. Different cultures have different leisure activities. Try joining a rugby team or go to a pub to watch soccer (football). You'll likely meet some people from elsewhere in the world. Listen to a new type of music. Consider attending a recital of African tribal music or listening to an Italian opera. Watch a foreign film. Go to a local art house and see a film with subtitles. Look at different types of art. When your local museum as an exhibit of Egyptian art, make a point to go. Learn some new words. If you can speak the language, you will be better able to communicate with people from other cultures. Also, learning some key phrases can help you feel more at ease if you are traveling abroad. Learn new greetings. Your new neighbor will feel very welcome if you make an effort to greet them with a friendly "Bonjour!" or "Konnichiwa!" instead of hello. Take a class. Many community centers offer affordable (or free) language courses. Take advantage of their offerings. You can also take online courses or download a translator app for your phone. Travel. One of the most effective ways to learn about another culture is through travel. By traveling abroad, you can immerse yourself in the daily life of a new culture. Don't be afraid to explore new areas of the world. Be a respectful traveler. For example, if you decide to travel to the United Arab Emirates, be aware that women are expected to dress modestly. Try some "local" activities. When you travel, there are many typical tourist sites that you will want to see. But don't be afraid to ask a local to point you towards their favorite neighborhood. Be aware of your safety. You want to enjoy yourself, but make sure that you are always aware of your surroundings and using common sense. | Practice self-awareness. Read a book. Study religion. Take a class. Talk to a new person. Become an ally. Correct misunderstandings. Ask questions. Keep an open mind. Teach your children to be respectful. Eat new foods. Experience a new cultural activity. Learn some new words. Travel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Film-Actor | How to Be a Film Actor | If you already know how to act and are trying to make the jump to professional film acting, move to a major production center like LA, New York, Toronto, or Paris. Start small by getting a non-acting job in the industry or working as an extra. Audition for everything you can, accept any role, and work your way up the ladder! | Take acting lessons. Acting is an art and a craft that requires lots of skill and technique, and classes are a great place to learn the basics. There are also acting camps that you can go to in some cities, and these will dedicate even more time to teaching you how to be an actor. Acting classes are also beneficial for children who want to get into film acting, because they look good on a resume and are a good place to network. In class, you'll learn things like how to: Be confident and overcome shyness and stage fright Project your voice and have a good stage presence See things from different perspectives so you can bring characters to life Participate in local theater. Like with any job, actors need to have a resume that highlights their acting experience and capabilities. You can gain this experience from drama clubs, community theater, school productions, dinner theaters, and even church productions. Many of these sources put on multiple plays every year, so check back often to see if they are auditioning for roles. Even if there's nothing available in terms of acting roles, you can always get involved by joining the crew. You can also get experience and get comfortable on the stage by taking part in improvisation nights, talent shows, and open mic nights in your city. Hone the skills of a film actor. There are a number of ways that acting for film is different from theater and other kinds of acting. To become a successful film actor, you need to learn and practice the different skills that are unique to the craft. Whereas some actors get stage fright, others freeze up in front of the camera. Getting comfortable working in front of the camera will take some time, but just remember that the producer, director, and fellow actors are your live audience. Try to focus on them instead of the camera. With film acting, there's a delicate balance between making sure the camera captures your body language and facial expressions while also acting naturally and as though the camera weren't there. Your interactions and dialogues with other actors also need to be as natural as possible. Practice this by rehearsing various roles, characters, and dialogues with friends and colleagues in your time off. Because most film making means taking multiple cuts for each scene, you also have to be patient and have the stamina to consistently deliver excellent performances, even when you're re-shooting the same scene for the twentieth time. Find a mentor. There's nobody better than an experienced actor to help set you on the right path, because this person has already experienced exactly what you're going through. Ask around at your community theater or drama club to see if there are any established actors who might take you under their wing. Mentors can give you pointers, introduce you to others in the industry, teach you tricks of the trade, give advice about where to find roles, and help you hone your craft. Enroll in a bachelor of fine arts program for acting. When you major in acting, drama, or theater at college or university, you'll get a performance-based education that teaches you about the history, techniques, and theories of different acting types. Post-secondary education in acting can help you get a job because it: Gives you hours of rehearsal and performance time Teaches you how to make characters your own Teaches you how to research to make roles authentic Shows your dedication and patience Can help you find connections in the business Can make you a better actor Find a non-acting job in the industry. It's not always possible to jump into the entertainment industry and get a job as an actor right away. Many of the famous actors out there today got their start by working in the industry and on-set doing things other than acting. Apply for jobs doing stunts, on the crew, or as a prop person. Look for full-time jobs, internships, mentorship programs, and apprenticeships in the entertainment industry. You can also look for administrative and assistant positions at production companies. Make friends in the business. Sometimes your connections in the industry can be just as important as any talent that you have, so the more people you know, the easier it will be to get an acting job. Ways to meet people include: Through work At parties and social events At auditions, on sets, and in acting classes Through social media Consider moving to a major production center. The two main film centers in North America are Los Angeles and New York, and thousands of films are shot in these cities every year. Thanks to the number of films being produced in these cities, you'll have a much better chance of getting an acting job here than in a small town where films are never made. Other cities in the U.S. where lots of movies are filmed include New Orleans, Albuquerque, Pittsburgh, Austin, Atlanta, and Boston. Canadian cities that are popular filming and production locations include Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. A few international movie cities are Paris, Prague, Madrid, London, Barcelona, and Sydney. India and Nigeria are also huge producers of movies, and plenty of films are shot on location in Morocco. Get headshots. Because acting is such a physical and appearance-based profession, it's important for actors to have headshots available when they're trying to get a casting call or make new connections. Headshots are eight-by-10-inch photographs of the head and bust. You should spend the money to have them done by a professional photographer, and you should be well-dressed, kempt, and look professional when you have them done. Once you have your headshots, always staple one to your resume and give it to the casting director any time you audition for a part. Get yourself an agent. Having an agent isn't strictly necessary to land roles, but an agent's sole job is to help you find work, and this can facilitate you finding your first few gigs. Check online to see if there are agents in your area taking on new clients. Just be careful about the agency you join. Agents make money when they find gigs for clients, so don't accept help from someone who wants a membership fee. Get work as an extra. Extras are the background actors in movies, so they don't usually have speaking parts. However, it's sometimes a paying gig and it can get you exposure, and there are famous actors out there who were discovered while working as extras. To find work as an extra, check publications, casting calls, newspapers, and the internet to see if there are any nearby movies being filmed that require help. Look for films shooting in your area. If you live in a smaller town rather than a major movie production hub, there's always a chance that your city will be chosen as the filming location for a big movie. Otherwise, look for art houses, colleges, and other production studios nearby that might require actors from time to time, and audition any time there's an opportunity. To find out about possible roles, check local and community papers, bulletins, theaters, and colleges. If a large production does happen to be filming in your city, contact the casting company to ask about auditions for parts or extras. Audition for everything you can. Auditions are tough and nerve-racking, but unless you're a big-name actor, it's usually the only way you'll get a part. Like everything, auditions take practice, and the more you do, the easier it will be to make a good impression when you're auditioning for bigger roles. Audition for any role you can, no matter how small the part or how low-budget the film. It doesn't matter if you don't want the part—audition practice is invaluable, and the role could end up being a good opportunity. When you go for the audition be prepared by knowing your lines, scenes, the basic storyline, and the character you're playing. Accept any role you're offered. When you're first getting started in the acting industry and haven't yet made any sort of name for yourself, you need all the exposure you can get. This means taking on any acting job you can get, no matter how silly, low-budget, or unsuccessful the movie is. The more auditions you do the more roles you'll get, and the more parts you have, the more likely it is that you'll get noticed and be given more opportunities as an actor. | Take acting lessons. Participate in local theater. Hone the skills of a film actor. Find a mentor. Enroll in a bachelor of fine arts program for acting. Find a non-acting job in the industry. Make friends in the business. Consider moving to a major production center. Get headshots. Get yourself an agent. Get work as an extra. Look for films shooting in your area. Audition for everything you can. Accept any role you're offered. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wake-Up-from-a-Bad-Dream | How to Wake Up from a Bad Dream | If you have regular nightmares, you can learn to lucid dream to stop the bad dream or wake up from it. You'll need to do at least 10 reality checks throughout the day to help you get lucid. To do a reality check, ask yourself if you're dreaming and look for any signs in your environment that you are. One way is to look at your hands and check that you have the right number of fingers, since this will often change in your dreams. In particular, do a reality check whenever you get scared or anxious, which will train your brain to do it when you get scared in your dream. Once you've gotten in the habit of doing reality checks during the day, you'll be able to do them while dreaming. When you know you're dreaming, you can control what happens in your dream. You can change the dream environment so it's more peaceful or lie down and close your eyes within a dream to wake yourself up back to reality. | Do a “reality check. ” The key to forcing yourself to wake up during a troubled dream is, in the first place, to realize that it is not real – that it is a dream. This is called becoming “lucid.” Lucid dreaming requires two things: dreaming and recognizing the fact that you are dreaming. The best technique to achieve this is to look, listen, and pay attention to details. Are you in a place or with people that you tend only to see in dreams? Does something not fit? Are you being chased by a monster or having a conversation with a long-dead relative? These are signs that you are dreaming. Always follow your reality check with the question, “Am I dreaming?” This will focus your mind squarely on apprehending if you are in a dream. Look for “dream signs. ” Another related way to become lucid is to look for and recognize “dream signs.” This term was coined by a psychophysiologist named Stephen LaBerge to refer to elements of dreams that hint that you are dreaming. Look around. Do you see anything out of the ordinary? Some dream signs will be obvious. Anything supernatural like flying or breathing underwater, seeing alien worlds, or being able to understand a foreign language that you do not know is a dead give-away. However, some dreams are incredibly realistic. Pay particular attention to your environment and behavior. Decide that, yes, you are dreaming. Sometimes people who are a “pre-lucid” state decide incorrectly that they are not, in fact, in a dream. For example, if you try a “reality check” and pinch yourself but dream that you feel the pinch, you may conclude you are not dreaming. It is only when you have answered positively that you are lucid and able to exert some control over the dream. Try to wake up. Once you have achieved lucidity, it is possible to act within and sometimes to control your dream. Acknowledge that it is possible, and encourage yourself to succeed - dreams, after all, are purely psychological so waking up from them is too. First of all, throw your head back and try to open your eyes. Concentrate on waking up. Use as much willpower as you can muster. Don't worry if this fails – in a lucid state you have many options. If you want to wake up, read something like a book or a sign. Many people find that they cannot read during dreams or that the text changes. Concentrate on the words and the letters. This usually activates a portion of your brain that is disabled in REM sleep. Control the dream. Lucid dreaming allows you to realize that you are in control and often lets you direct a dream. The possibilities are, quite literally, endless. Exert your will toward changing the dream or at least the scenario. You might turn the tables on your nightmare, for example, by shrinking the monster that is chasing you. You might also escape by flying away. Try to blink. This will focus your mind on the act of waking. Close your eyes and wait a few seconds before reopening them. Try this several times. You might also try to ignore the nightmare. Close your eyes, tightly and try to think about the real world or a different scenario. Think of your bedroom like what is it like when you wake up. Talk to yourself and then try to open your eyes. If you can, escape the dream. You might try flying but also teleporting, willing yourself to a different location, running through a wall, or sinking down into the ground. Find a lull in the action, close your eyes, and listen to the activity of the dream fade away. If you find yourself on the brink of consciousness, focus hard on the light at the end of the tunnel - the fuzzy shapes of your bedroom - and bring yourself to them. To avoid falling asleep back into the dream, sit up in your bed, blink a few times, and focus on a clock or object. Wait out the dream. If all else fails, wait until the dream ends. Human dreaming occurs during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep, and we typically dream for only about two hours per night, broken up into several REM cycles. Contrary to popular belief, moreover, time in dreams is not compressed. The activity in a dream takes about as long as if it were occurring in real time. All you need to do, then, is to wait anywhere from ten minutes to an hour and the dream will naturally end. Reduce your stress. It is fairly normal to have a bad dream once in a while. However, if you find that you are having recurrent nightmares, it may be a sign of an underlying problem in your life. You will have to treat this issue in order to thwart future troubled dreams. Are you very stressed, for example? Excessive anxiety can cause or exacerbate nightmares. Try to put your anxieties to rest before you go to bed and practice good sleep hygiene. For example, establish a relaxation routine for the evening. Have a regular sleep schedule. Play gentle music for a couple of hours before bed or take a soothing bath. Don't watch horror movies or read a disturbing book, as these may trigger bad dreams. You unfortunately cannot prevent your child from having nightmares. But you can be reassuring and set a similar routine for them. Put them to bed at the same time and make them feel safe, with a soothing bath beforehand, a hug, or a bedtime story. Make bed a comforting place, with their favorite stuffed animal or toy. Perhaps use a nightlight. Learn to have regular lucid dreams. It is possible to teach yourself to have habitual lucid dreams, and therefore to have more control whenever you have a bad one. One method is to envision yourself dreaming lucidly while awake. The idea is to increase your mindfulness and awareness so that, when you do dream, you are more likely to become lucid. Another method is called Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreaming or MILD. This is done in a waking state. When you wake up, do something active like reading or walking about the room, then lie down and go back to sleep. Then, make a clear intention to resume the dream lucidly, telling yourself that, the next time, you will remember you are dreaming. See a sleep specialist or psychologist. Sometimes recurrent nightmares are linked to serious disorders like Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, other mental illnesses, or to problems in the REM sleep cycle. These issues can be treated in a variety of ways depending on your situation, ranging from establishing better sleep routines to therapy or medication. See a sleep specialist or psychologist if you think that your bad dreams are part of a pattern. You may have to undergo an in-patient sleep study or a psychological exam in order to get a diagnosis. “Script” your nightmares. Dream scripting or so-called “imagery rehearsal therapy” is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. The idea is that a patient, while awake and working with a therapist, rewrites the ending to a remembered nightmare so that it is happy, or at least non-threatening. Then, they rehearse the ending in their minds so that the rescripted dream will supplant the original nightmare. Studies show that this type of treatment can significantly reduce the number of nightmares in patients, as well as symptoms of PTSD. | Do a “reality check. Look for “dream signs. Decide that, yes, you are dreaming. Try to wake up. Control the dream. Wait out the dream. Reduce your stress. Learn to have regular lucid dreams. See a sleep specialist or psychologist. “Script” your nightmares. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-an-Astronaut | How to Draw an Astronaut | To draw an astronaut, start by sketching a circle at the top of your paper, which will serve as the helmet. Next, draw a rectangle that slightly overlaps the bottom of the circle to make the astronaut's torso. Then, draw 2 square-like shapes coming off the top right and left side of the rectangle to make the arms. After that, draw 2 sets of 3 squares lined vertically beneath the rectangle for the legs. Finally, draw a horizontal oval inside the helmet for a visor, give the astronaut a backpack, and fill in the hands. | Draw a large circle. Sketch a large circle near the top of your paper. Keep the circle as evenly round as possible. This first circle will eventually become the outer perimeter of the astronaut's helmet. Place a rectangle beneath the circle. Draw a rectangle that overlaps the bottom fifth of the circle. The size of the rectangle should be similar to the size of the shape. Also note that the height of the rectangle should be only slightly longer than its width, making it just a little too long to consider it a square. This portion will eventually become the astronaut's torso. Connect two sets of smaller quadrilaterals to the rectangle. Draw one square-like shape coming off from the top right side of the rectangle, then connect a second similar shape to the far side of the first. Repeat on the top left side of the rectangle, as well. These will become the arms of the astronaut. The total length of both quadrilaterals in one set should roughly match the height of the original rectangle, and the width of each one should be close to its height. The exact placement and direction of these quadrilaterals will vary based on personal choice, though. If you want the arm to be straight, draw the set pointing outward and at a slight downward angle. If you want the arm to be straight up, draw the set pointing outward and at a slight upward angle. If you want the arm to curve, draw the first quadrilateral pointing outward, but slant the sides of the second quadrilateral so that bends in the appropriate direction. Place two more quadrilateral sets beneath the rectangle. Draw a series of three quadrilaterals beneath the rectangle on the right side. Draw another series of three quadrilaterals on the left side, too. These will become the legs. The first quadrilateral should connect to the bottom of the rectangle, and it should also be the largest. The second in the set should angle slightly inward and be two-thirds the size of the first. The final in the set should angle slightly outward and match the size of the second. These will become the astronaut's boots. Smooth out the lines of the body. Trace over any sharp corners to create a more rounded figure, then erase any pencil lines that do not belong. Flatten the bottom of your starting circle, giving it rounded corners. Erase most of the connecting lines between the quadrilaterals in the arms and legs. The only connecting lines you should leave are those between the torso and upper legs, and those between the lower legs and boots; make these connecting lines rounded instead of sharp. Create a visor in the helmet. Draw a horizontal oval in the large beginning circle. The sides and bottom of this visor oval should be close to the perimeter of the outer helmet, but they shouldn't touch. Furthermore, there should be about twice as much space between the top of the visor and the top of the helmet. Give the astronaut a backpack. Draw a large rectangle behind the astronaut. This backpack rectangle should start just beneath the top of the helmet and end slightly above the astronaut's waistline. Depending on the angle of the astronaut, you may need to add dimension to the backpack by adding sides or a top that point toward an invisible vanishing point. Note that the lines of the backpack should all remain behind the figure of the astronaut; do not overlap them. Add hands. Draw one hand on the end of each arm. Astronauts wear gloves (not mittens), so you'll need to draw the fingers of each hand, too. If you're viewing the astronaut from the front and viewing his hands from their sides, however, you can simplify the shape of each hand into an "L" shape, with the thumb facing down for each one. This should mimic the side view of the hand well enough. Define the boots. Sketch a line beneath each boot. This line should run parallel to the bottom of the boot. It should also connect the inner back corner to the outer from corner. Essentially, this is the sole of the boot. When viewed from the top, the sole should be a solid shape. If viewed from the bottom, it needs to have parallel rows of "grip" lines. Define the helmet. Draw a parallel line beneath the bottom of the helmet. Connect this line to the bottom of the helmet using two short perpendicular lines, keeping the corners rounded. This portion represents the helmet ring. When locked into place, the astronaut's helmet will stay on. When unlocked, the astronaut can remove his helmet. You can leave the ring as it is or add another small rectangle in the center of it for further detail. Place an antenna on the backpack. Draw a short, curved line poking up from one top corner of the backpack. Add a small circle to the top of this line. The overall length of the antenna should be no longer than one-third to one-half the height of the backpack itself. Add bands and cuffs. Create bands around both sleeve cuffs and both shoulders. To create the cuff bands, simply draw a parallel line to the inside of each sleeve line. To create a shoulder band, draw two parallel lines that extend from one bottom corner of the helmet down to the armpit of the same side. Repeat on both sides. Note that the shoulder bands are actually the bands of the backpack. Draw panels on the suit. At minimum, you should draw one panel on the center of the astronaut's torso. You may also draw a second panel on the upper portion of one arm. The panels do not need to be complex. Simply draw a square or rectangle in the appropriate spot, then accent the rectangle with smaller rectangles or circles to represent buttons. Sketch the face, if desired. Since the sun visor of the helmet is usually difficult to see through, you do not need to add a face. You can still do so if you'd like to, though. Gauge the size of the visor in comparison to the rest of the body to determine how large the face should be. If you have a relatively small visor space to work with, simply draw the eyes and nose of the astronaut. If you have a large visor space, define the shape of the head inside the visor and add a full face (eyes, nose, mouth, and ears). Color the drawing. The sketch itself is done at this point, but you can make it more vibrant by adding color. Use any coloring medium you feel comfortable with. Have fun with this part of the drawing, but keep in mind a few points: Most suits are light and plain colored, so opt for a white, light blue, or light gray when coloring the body of the suit. The visor should be dark. If you did not draw a face, consider using dark blue or black. If you did draw a face, tint the visor glass with a light blue that's slightly darker than the shade of the overall suit. Most of the equipment will be plain in color, as well (blacks and grays), but you can add a small splash of brighter color to the control panel buttons and sleeve cuffs. Admire your work. Assess the drawing and determine if there are any more changes you'd like to make or details you'd like to add. If everything looks the way you'd like it to look, the drawing is now finished. | Draw a large circle. Place a rectangle beneath the circle. Connect two sets of smaller quadrilaterals to the rectangle. Place two more quadrilateral sets beneath the rectangle. Smooth out the lines of the body. Create a visor in the helmet. Give the astronaut a backpack. Add hands. Define the boots. Define the helmet. Place an antenna on the backpack. Add bands and cuffs. Draw panels on the suit. Sketch the face, if desired. Color the drawing. Admire your work. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stretch-the-Calves-of-Boots-with-Zippers | How to Stretch the Calves of Boots with Zippers | If you need to stretch the calves in a pair of zippered boots, spray one of the boots with stretching spray and insert a calf stretcher into it. Once the stretcher is in place, twist the handle to expand it so it fits the calf of the boot snugly. Leave the calf stretcher in the boot for at least 2 hours, but the longer you can leave it in, the more the boot will stretch. When you're finished, repeat with the other boot. | Examine the zipper to see if it’s strong enough for stretching. If your zipper is shoddily constructed, or if it's not sewn in well, you may damage it by using too much pressure with the boot stretcher. Insert a calf stretcher into the boot. Make sure you are using a stretcher designed for the calf of a boot and not one for the toes or instep. A calf stretcher will look tall and thin. Spray the boot with stretching spray if you want extra stretch. You don't have to use a stretching spray, but it will help soften the fabric and you will achieve better results. Twist the handle or wheel to widen the boot stretcher. Depending on the style of boot stretcher, you may have a lever or there may be a small wheel in the center. Use these to adjust the stretcher until it fits snugly in the calf of the boot. Leave the stretcher in for at least 2 hours or overnight. For best results, you want to leave the stretcher in for as long as possible. If you sprayed your boots with stretching spray, you'll want to leave the stretcher in until the spray dries. Zip up the boots as far as you can and wear them if they almost fit. By wearing the boots zipped up as far as they will go, you will slowly stretch the fabric around the zipper as well as the boot itself. After about 15 minutes, see if you can tug the zipper up a little higher. This is perfect if you only need a little extra room. Purchase a zipper extender to widen your zipper. There are products on the market which are specifically designed to attach to your existing zipper, creating a V-shape which gives your calf more room. Spray the boot with stretching spray to relax the fabric. A stretching spray helps loosen the material of the boot. Spray the boot thoroughly, then put on a pair of thick socks and put the boots on. Zip them up as far as you can and leave them on for about 5 minutes. Repeat the process if necessary. Submerge leather boots in water then wear them for a custom fit. Leather will take on a new shape when it gets wet, so wearing your leather boots while they're wet is an easy way to get them to conform to your calves. Just make sure you get the boots fully submerged in the water so they don't get obvious water marks. Heat the shoes with a blowdryer to stretch them using heat. Put on a pair of thick socks to protect your feet, then put on your boots and zip them up as far as you can. Blast them with your hairdryer for about 30 seconds, being sure to move the nozzle around so you don't damage the shoes. The heat should help relax the fabric, allowing the boots to stretch around your calf. Leave the shoes on until they cool so they don't shrink back to their original size. If your boots are made of leather, follow up with a leather conditioning spray. Do not use this method on delicate materials like patent leather. Place a bag of water in your boots and put them in the freezer for a cold fix. Since water expands as it freezes, you may be able to stretch out your boots by filling a plastic bag halfway with water, then placing it in the calf of your boot and freezing it. Thaw the ice for at least 20 minutes before removing the bag. Visit a cobbler to have a panel inserted in your boots for professional help. You can have a special panel professionally inserted into the boot to widen the calf. You might have to visit the shoe repair shop more than once for measurements and fittings. A less expensive option may be to have the cobbler remove the zipper, then reinstall it along with extra fabric or elastic. | Examine the zipper to see if it’s strong enough for stretching. Insert a calf stretcher into the boot. Spray the boot with stretching spray if you want extra stretch. Twist the handle or wheel to widen the boot stretcher. Leave the stretcher in for at least 2 hours or overnight. Zip up the boots as far as you can and wear them if they almost fit. Purchase a zipper extender to widen your zipper. Spray the boot with stretching spray to relax the fabric. Submerge leather boots in water then wear them for a custom fit. Heat the shoes with a blowdryer to stretch them using heat. Place a bag of water in your boots and put them in the freezer for a cold fix. Visit a cobbler to have a panel inserted in your boots for professional help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Mysterious-to-a-Guy | How to Be Mysterious to a Guy | If you want a guy to think you're mysterious, it's important to be spontaneous and open to trying new things, such as rock climbing or a new type of food. At a party, catch his eye just for a moment and then look away. Once you're on his mind, leave the party early to give him a chance to miss you. The next time you talk, answer his questions concisely so you leave him wanting to know more. | Have self-confidence. Having a strong sense of yourself, being secure and sincere in your interactions with others may not always be easy, but it is a very attractive quality. Self-confidence gives the impression that you are happy with yourself and do not need others to validate you. Confidence is often communicated non-verbally. Stand up tall with your shoulders pulled back, don't slouch or bow your head. Speak slowly and clearly. Speaking too quickly can indicate a lack of authority. Speaking slowly adds gravitas to what you say, making people think what you have to say is important. Make eye contact. Catching his eye for just a few seconds is a great way to signal that you are interested in him. The key is to spark his curiosity without giving too much away. Remember to keep it subtle, staring at someone is not mysterious. The eyes are the most expressive part of the face. Be aware of the micro-expressions you make with your eyes, including sarcastic eye-rolling or scrunching up your eyes in disgust. Keep these to a minimum and you will appear mysterious and unreadable. Watch your body language. Maintain neutral, relaxed body language where possible. The goal is not to be completely expressionless and aloof, but to appear calm and self-possessed so that you leave people wanting to know more about your hidden depths. Arms and hands are important. Avoid fidgeting with your hands, which can convey anxiety, instead place them in a neutral, comfortable position. For example, if you are sitting, gently hold your hands in your lap. If standing, let your hands rest comfortably at your side. Don't be completely closed off, you will appear aloof rather than invitingly mysterious. For example, folding your arms, crossing your legs and turning your torso away from someone indicates that do not want to engage with them. Hold back sometimes. A key way to create mystery is to hold back a little when it comes to social events. Try to strike a balance between creating meaningful relationships and being present, but avoiding becoming so familiar that your presence is appreciated less. Accept invitations when you want to, so that people can get to know you and enjoy your presence, but say no to a few as well. Give him a chance to miss you. Leave a party early. Be as fun as possible while you are there but leave early. Make it seem as if you have somewhere important to be, but don't reveal the details. Don't document everything on social media. Social media can be a fun and a great way to interact with people, but keeping certain things private will create a sense of mystery about you. Don't offer unnecessary explanation. When talking, don't give an excess of details or go off on a lengthy diversion. The trick to appearing mysterious is to give them just enough information that they want to know more! Give short, direct answers to questions but do not offer much detail. For example, when someone asks, "Are you from around here?" Answer simply, "No, I'm not." Answer in a friendly tone to intrigue them and invite more questions rather than appearing rude and abrupt. Ask the other person questions about themselves. People generally enjoy talking about themselves and feeling like the other person is truly listening to them. This is a great way to get to know him while maintaining your own aura of mystery. Be open to adventures and new experiences. A certain amount of unpredictability is a fantastic way to cultivate mystery. Although being unpredictable can be negative at times, for example, if you are unreliable or flaky; spontaneous people, who are unpredictable in a positive way, are often intriguing and alluring. Start a dance party at an unlikely moment. It might feel silly at first but the more you do it the more comfortable you will feel. Go to a restaurant and order the craziest thing on the menu. Encourage others to join you in your spontaneous actions. Perhaps you will have a positive effect on them. At least they won't be bored! Confound his expectations of you. Getting to know someone gives you an awareness of their habits and routines. While there is comfort in this, after a while it can make them appear boring and familiar, which is the opposite of mysterious. Mix it up every once in a while to keep him guessing about you. Suggest an activity he wouldn't think you'd enjoy. If you always appear professional and corporate, suggest rock climbing or go-karting. Show your playful side. Make an unlikely quip or comment. This is particularly effective if you have been holding back and appearing mysterious in other forms of communication. A well-timed, witty aside shows people you have a sense of humor and they'll want to know more! Try to see the humor in unfortunate or absurd situations. Don't be offensive. Recognize that laughing is often a good way to deal with uncomfortable emotions. Ditch the schedule. When we settle into relationships, often we become comfortable and establish a routine. This is part of a healthy relationship, but sometimes the mystery can slip away and you don't feel that sense of excitement we once did. There are benefits to stepping outside your comfort zone every once in a while, you'll cultivate mystery in your relationship and re-ignite that spark of curiosity. For example, turn off the TV and go out on a date. Pick something new that neither of you have tried before. Start a new hobby, find something that you both enjoy. Surprise each other. Catch your partner off guard by doing something unexpected for them. Mix up the typical roles in your relationship. For example, if your partner has always asked you to go to drawing classes with them but you've always said no, say yes! Buy them a gift for no reason. You don't have to spend money, you can make something for them. Keep some things private. The key is to balance feeling comfortable, secure and familiar with someone, whilst also keeping a sense of novelty and mystery in your relationship. For some people, keeping bodily functions and bathroom matters private is important. Consider how you feel about this, every relationship is different. Spend some time apart. Relationship experts agree that it is healthy for a relationship and helps maintain that vital sense of mystery. Remember that you are two separate people with different interests and you don't need to do everything together. | Have self-confidence. Make eye contact. Watch your body language. Hold back sometimes. Don't offer unnecessary explanation. Ask the other person questions about themselves. Be open to adventures and new experiences. Confound his expectations of you. Make an unlikely quip or comment. Ditch the schedule. Surprise each other. Keep some things private. Spend some time apart. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Hunter-Boots | How to Clean Hunter Boots | To clean Hunter boots, start by knocking them together outside to get off any excess dirt. Then, spray the boots with warm water and dish soap and let them sit for 3 minutes before wiping them down with a clean rag. Next, wipe off the boots with a new, dry rag to remove any leftover soapy residue. If the boots still have scuff marks, gently rub them with a clean pencil eraser to get them off. | Take the boots outside and knock them together to remove excess dirt. Hold the top of 1 boot in each hand. Knock the boots together several times so that the heels collide. Any large pieces of debris or mud will fall to the ground. It's essential to do this outside to avoid making a large mess inside your home. This will save you a lot of time during the cleaning process because there will be less mud to remove. Mix warm water with dish soap in a spray bottle. Measure out 1 L (0.26 US gal) of warm water in the spray bottle. Add 4.9 mL (1 tsp) of dish soap into the spray bottle with the warm water. Close the bottle and shake it well to make the mixture bubble. Spray the boots with the dish soap mixture and let it sit for 3 minutes. Place the boots into either a utility sink or a large plastic container. Spray the full exterior of the boots, including the soles. Be careful not to spray the mixture inside the boots. If you clean your boots in a plastic container, you can simply pour the mud and water outside when you are done. Use a clean rag to wipe the dirt off the boots. After 3 minutes, use a rag to wipe the soap and dirt away. Start at the top of the boots and work your way down towards the soles. Rinse out the cloth with water if it gets too dirty. If your boots have zippers, use the rag to gently brush down the zippers. This will remove any stuck dirt. Scrub the soles of the boots with a scrubbing brush if necessary. If there is still dirt left on the soles of the boots, add more water and scrub it away using a brush. In most cases, however, using a rag with warm soapy water will be enough to clean the soles. Wipe the boots with a clean rag and then let them air-dry. Take a clean rag and gently wipe the soapy water off the boots. Then place the boots upright in the shade to finish drying. You cannot dry Hunter boots in a dryer. Avoid drying or storing your Hunter boots directly in the sun. This is because the heat can damage the rubber which will shorten its lifespan. Rub an eraser on any scuff marks to remove them. Gently rub a clean pencil eraser over any scuff marks on the exterior of the boots. Use the same motion that you would to remove pencil markings. Wipe the boots with a clean rag to remove the eraser debris. Wear socks with your boots at all times. Socks help to absorb moisture and odor from inside the boots. This will help to keep the interior clean over time. Never leave wet socks inside your boots, as otherwise, mildew will form. Stuff your boots with newspaper if they get wet on the inside. Bundle up newspaper sheets and tightly stuff them inside each boot. Remove the newspaper after a few hours and let the boots air dry for 24-48 hours. The newspaper will soak up the excess water. This will prevent mold from growing inside the boots. Alternatively, you can use moisture absorbing packets such as silica packets or cedar balls to soak up the excess water. Use diluted vinegar to remove unpleasant odors from your boots. Mix together a solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, with equal parts of each. Mist the full interior of the boot lightly, right down to the toe and then gently mop up any excess liquid using a paper towel. Once you have removed as much liquid as possible, leave the boots in a cool place for 24-48 hours to fully dry. Don't worry about the strong smell of the vinegar. The smell of vinegar disappears once it dries. If you can still smell a bad odor after cleaning the boots with vinegar, repeat the process of misting the interior and drying the boots again. This should fully clear away the smell. Place baking soda into each boot to absorb moisture and odors. Sprinkle 2-3 teaspoons (14-21 grams) of baking soda into each boot. Make sure that is spread out from the heel to the toe. Leave it there overnight and simply shake your boots out upside down in the morning to remove any excess powder. You can use baking soda in your Hunter boots as regularly as necessary. You will probably need to use it more often if you wear your boots during warmer, summer months. Use the official care kit for the best chance at removing the rubber bloom. The company that sells Hunter boots also sell many care supplies that are specially designed to remove the white, powdery film that happens from time to time. Spray your boots with the rubber buff product and use a cleaning cloth to rub it into the exterior of the each boot. Once your boots have dried, apply the boot shine product using a circular motion to make your boots look new and shiny. Rubber bloom is a completely normal process that happens with Hunter boots and it doesn't mean that your boots are damaged. It occurs when insoluble particles from high quality rubber rise to the surface of the material. Only the appearance of the boots is affected. Apply a tire cleaning product for a quick way to remove rubber bloom. Find a product that is especially designed for rubber tires, as this will be able to buff both your boots and car tires. Spray a tire cleaning product onto a clean rag and buff the exterior of the boots using a small, circular motion. Alternatively, rub the boots with tire cleaning wipes to remove the rubber bloom. Let the boots air-dry in the shade after using either tire cleaning spray or wipes. You can purchase tire cleaning products from automotive stores and many department stores. Use 1 tsp (4.9 ml) of olive oil for an easy home remedy. Pour the olive oil onto a clean rag. Rub the olive oil all over your boots, excluding the soles as this would make them slippery. The boots will absorb the oil, so they won't feel greasy to touch once they have dried. Although using olive oil has mixed results for removing rubber bloom from Hunter boots, this solution is worth a try if you don't want to spend money on the official care products. | Take the boots outside and knock them together to remove excess dirt. Mix warm water with dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the boots with the dish soap mixture and let it sit for 3 minutes. Use a clean rag to wipe the dirt off the boots. Scrub the soles of the boots with a scrubbing brush if necessary. Wipe the boots with a clean rag and then let them air-dry. Rub an eraser on any scuff marks to remove them. Wear socks with your boots at all times. Stuff your boots with newspaper if they get wet on the inside. Use diluted vinegar to remove unpleasant odors from your boots. Place baking soda into each boot to absorb moisture and odors. Use the official care kit for the best chance at removing the rubber bloom. Apply a tire cleaning product for a quick way to remove rubber bloom. Use 1 tsp (4.9 ml) of olive oil for an easy home remedy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-Trees-by-Leaves | How to Identify Trees by Leaves | One of the easiest ways to identify different kinds of trees is by looking at their leaves. When you're examining a tree's leave, the first thing you should take into consideration is the type of leaves it has. The most common leaf type is a broadleaf, which is large and flat, but there are also needle, cactus, and scale types. You can also study how the leaves are arranged, noting if each leaf is by itself or if they are in bunches. The leaf's shape can also be a clue, so note whether the leaves are heart-shaped, oblong, elliptical, or something else. Write down all of these characteristics or take a few pictures of the leaves. Then, look for the leaves in a tree field guide or on a tree identification website to identify what kind of tree you're dealing with. | Determine the leaf type. The most common leaf type is a broadleaf, which is wide and flat. But leaves also come in needle, cactus, and scale types. Needle leaves are long and pointed like a pin, cactus leaves are thick and usually covered in spines, and scales leaves are thin, oblong leaves that primarily belong to cypress trees. Compare your leaf to the different basic leaf types to narrow down what species your leaf might be. If you have found a needle leaf, for example, it may be from a pine tree. Study the leaf arrangement. Some leaves are singular, while others are arranged in bunches of 2, 3, or more. Note whether the leaves are arranged in a group or on their own and, if in a group, how many leaves are in each section. If you have found leaves arranged oppositely in pairs, for example, you may have found a red maple leaf. Identify the leaf shape. Leaves come in a variety of shapes, and the distinct shape can be key in differentiating one leaf from another. Determine whether the leaf is heart-shaped, linear, oblong, elliptical, or another common leaf shape. If you have found a heart-shaped leaf, for example, it may be a black tupelo leaf. Analyze the leaf's blade edges. Leaf blades differ based on the types of edges surrounding it. Noting whether the leaf has a smooth edge, jagged edge ("toothed"), or an edge that appears to have large chunks taken out of it ("lobed") can help you better search for the leaf online or in field guides. If you found a leaf with lobed edges, for example, it may belong to an oak tree. Look at the leaf's vein patterning. Veins run along the blade in specific patterns that resemble wrinkles or tubes. Compare the markings that the veins make to photos in your field guide or identification app to distinguish between similarly-shaped leaves. The "midrib" is the large, raised vein that runs along the center of the leaf. The shape and size of the midrib can help differentiate the leaf from other tree leaves. If you have found a leaf with curved veins, for example, it may be a leaf from a dogwood tree. Check the leaf's petiole, the stalk that connects the leaf to the tree. Petioles can come in different shapes as well as textures. Some are long, thick, and spongy, while others are short, thin, and rigid. Make a list of the leaf's petiole characteristics and compare it against the trees that you see in identification guides. If the leaf has a notably short petiole, for example, it might be from a chokecherry tree. Record whether the leaf has a stipule. Stipules are 2 small flaps that grow at the base of the petiole in some trees. If the tree that you're trying to identify has a stipule, remember that to make spotting the plant in an identification guide easier. If your leaf has ovate-shaped stipules, for example, it could be a sweet birch leaf. Write down the key physical traits of your leaf. You can compare the physical traits as you use plant identification tools to find a match. Include descriptions of the leaf's prominent features, the climate you found it in, and what season it was when you found the leaf. Take a few pictures of the leaves so you can compare them to other tree photos later. Search for your leaf in a tree field guide. Buy or borrow a field guide that focuses on plants in your region or climate. Compare the plant descriptions and pictures to your tree leaf, then follow up the most likely matches with online research. Try using a tree identification website. Tree identification sites help users identify tree by entering its characteristics and comparing the results to the thousands of tree species in their database. Use the notes you wrote and pictures you took of your leaf to utilize any of these popular tree ID sites: What Tree is This?: https://www.arborday.org/trees/whattree/ USDA Plant Database: https://plants.usda.gov/java/ Leaf ID: http://www.leaf-id.com/ Identify By Leaf: https://www.oplin.org/tree/leaf/byleaf.html Discover Life: http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?guide=Trees Try using a plant ID app. Much like identification websites, smartphone apps work by allowing the user to write descriptions about the tree leaf they have discovered and find the most likely match. Some apps even allow the user to take pictures of the leaf and compare it to others in the app database. Try one of the following popular Plant ID apps: Leafsnap Virginia Tech Tree ID What Tree is That? PictureThis PlantNet Botany Buddy Visit a local plant nursery or botanist. Someone who has spent years studying plants might be able to help you identify your plant by the leaves. Bring a photo of the tree leaf to a gardening specialist at a plant nursery or a botanist to get a professional opinion on what the plant is. Most colleges and universities have a department of biology with at least a few plant specialists. If you don't have any botanists or gardening specialists in your area, try posting your question on a message board for plant enthusiasts. Recognize oak leaves by their dark green, glossy leaves. Oak leaves and acorns are both poisonous, and they're known to cause agitation, liver damage, and abdominal pain. Oak leaves are usually deeply lobed and a dark, rich green color. Oaks can be found in the Americas, Asia, Europe and part of North Africa. Oak leaves are poisonous to both humans and most animals, and they should never be grown near livestock. Watch out for oleander leaves, which grow in pairs or groups of 3. Oleander trees are extremely poisonous and often fatal. Ingesting an oleander leaf or branch can cause heart problems, digestive upset, and even death. Oleander leaves can be identified by their long and thin blades, leathery texture, and tendency to grow in pairs or groups of 3. Oleander plants are native to the Mediterranean region but is a common ornamental tree in gardens all over the world. Note the Ohio buckeyes' broad, bright leaves with jagged edges. Ohio buckeyes are highly poisonous trees that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, paralysis, and death. The leaves are arranged in pairs of 5-7, resembling fingers on a hand, and are a bright green color with jagged edges. Buckeyes are the state tree of Ohio, and the plant is native to the midwestern United States. Watch for the chokecherry tree's curved veins and short petiole. Although chokecherry berries are safe to eat, every other part of the plant (including the berry pit) is poisonous. Chokecherry leaves are wide and flat, with curved veins, a fine-toothed edge, and a petiole less than 1/3 the length of the entire leaf. Chokecherry plants are also poisonous to horses and cattle, causing labored breathing, muscle spasms, and death in extreme cases. Spot Manchineel leaves by their shiny, fine-toothed leaves. Manchineel trees, among the most poisonous plants in the world, ooze a toxic sap that can cause blistering, respiratory problems, or death in humans. Manchineel leaves can be recognized by their long petiole, shiny yellow-green blade, and thinly serrated edges. Manchineel trees are native mainly to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, though they can also be found in the southern United States. | Determine the leaf type. Study the leaf arrangement. Identify the leaf shape. Analyze the leaf's blade edges. Look at the leaf's vein patterning. Check the leaf's petiole, the stalk that connects the leaf to the tree. Record whether the leaf has a stipule. Write down the key physical traits of your leaf. Search for your leaf in a tree field guide. Try using a tree identification website. Try using a plant ID app. Visit a local plant nursery or botanist. Recognize oak leaves by their dark green, glossy leaves. Watch out for oleander leaves, which grow in pairs or groups of 3. Note the Ohio buckeyes' broad, bright leaves with jagged edges. Watch for the chokecherry tree's curved veins and short petiole. Spot Manchineel leaves by their shiny, fine-toothed leaves. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Conclusion-for-a-Biography | How to Write a Conclusion for a Biography | Writing the conclusion of your biography assignment is an opportunity to bring your points together and leave a lasting impression on your readers. Use your conclusion to summarize your subject's achievements and the impact they had on the world. For example, if you're writing a paper about Jane Austen, you could mention her influence on modern literature and the lasting popularity of her novels. You can also revisit the opening scene or a key event from your biography to link your conclusion back to your introduction. If you find a good quote from your subject or one of their critics that highlights your thesis, include this in your conclusion. | Summarize the subject's most memorable actions. The conclusion of a biography should remind the reader of the subject's achievements or actions. Briefly describe their greatest achievements so that the reader can remember why it is important or enlightening to learn about their life. A conclusion in Jane Austen's biography, for example, should mention that she wrote 6 novels, some of which are regarded among the memorable and influential works of English literature. Describe the subject's impact. It is important to describe the impact the subject had during their lifetime. If their actions caused political reform, describe the laws, changes, or conflicts that that took place because of their actions. If they enacted important societal changes, mention how their actions changed the cultural mindset. A biography about Martin Luther, the 16th-century monk who lead the Protestant Reformation, should mention his impact on the development of religious beliefs throughout Europe. Not only did he challenge the ruling Catholic Church, but he made the Bible more accessible to all individuals, not just the clergy. A conclusion should mention that his actions influenced religious beliefs during the Renaissance. Discuss the subject's legacy. If your subject's work, actions, or opinions had a wide-reaching influence that impacted future generations, mention that in the conclusion. Perhaps their work lead to the development of laws that are still in use today, or perhaps their opinions helped eradicate unfair societal norms. A biography of Susan B. Anthony, for example, could mention that her actions and beliefs influenced generations of women and their continued fight for gender equality. A conclusion of the biography of Albert Einstein could mention that his theories and publications have influenced the development of quantum theory and generations of scientists who work toward unifying his theories of the universe. A biography of author Upton Sinclair could mention that his novel The Jungle influenced the American public health system and helped create laws for regulating the food and drug industries. Explain what the subject learned or achieved throughout their life. While a biography on an important historical figure may include details about their legacy, a biography about a family friend or person who is unknown to the general public may not. In this case, mention what the person learned or achieved in their life, or note experiences that transformed them. For instance, a biography written by your grandmother may focus on how moving to a metropolitan area when she got married changed her perspective on women in the workforce. If you're writing the biography about yourself, note the greatest life lessons you've learned or the biggest achievements you've had so far. Humanize the subject. Sometimes reading about important figures or influential people can make the subject appear unrelatable to the reader. Use your conclusion to briefly mention personal details, stories, or accounts that you mentioned throughout the biography. Bringing these personal details into the conclusion can make the subject more accessible to the reader. Discuss how they loved visiting their grandmother, or mention that their favorite place was a quiet cabin in the mountains. Mention their challenges. While reading a biography, the reader may forget that each person has had their own difficulties and personal struggles to overcome. If a subject has been greatly influenced by a personal tragedy or was fired from several jobs during their lifetime, consider mentioning that in the conclusion. The late Nelson Mandela led an influential, prominent, and successful life as a South African activist and former president. Although he earned many awards and honors, he admitted that he was not a very good student when he was trying to earn a law degree. A reader may be able to better understand that Nelson Mandela had to work hard during his life. Describe their hobbies or passions. If the subject's hobbies, passions, or interests played an important role in their life, incorporate that into the conclusion. Perhaps reading particular books inspired them to write their own popular novel, or maybe their love for animals inspired them to work to protect endangered animals. Weave their personal interests into the conclusion by acknowledging how those interests influenced their work or life decisions. Recap your key points. Your thesis, or the main point or claim, most likely guided how you organized the biography. To remind the reader of your thesis, summarize its key points within the conclusion. Reminding the reader of your thought process will help make a stronger case for your thesis and help the reader understand the goal of the biography. Briefly remind the audience of the key points that influenced your thesis. Perhaps your subject moved a lot as a child, and you believe the subject's bestselling novels were influenced by this. Point out that the main character in the novel is often on the go, and that was the basis for your thesis. Refrain from introducing new ideas or details. Do not use the conclusion to add new details, facts, or stories that were not referenced in the biography. Introducing new information at this point may confuse the reader or leave them with unanswered questions. Focus on referencing information that you already discussed. Cite brief examples to support your thesis. The biography's main idea should be reinforced and supported in the conclusion. Briefly remind the reader of the evidence you provided in the biography. Use the biography's themes, patterns, or messages to support your thesis. If you believed that the subject's actions later in life were a result of their experiences during war, briefly reassert what major decisions you think were affected. Perhaps they participated in anti-war protests, founded an organization that promotes peace, and worked to uphold human rights. Make a note that their actions revolved around establishing peace. Remind the reader what makes the subject unique or special and what life events demonstrate these qualities. Avoid using transitional phrases. Avoid including phrases like, “in conclusion,” “therefore,” and “finally” in your conclusion. Phrases such as these may make the reader feel as though the ending is abrupt and has been hurried along. Try to leave your reader with an ending that seems natural. Instead of saying, "in conclusion," try to provide your reader with a subtle transition instead. Conclude by saying, "Because of the magic and popularity of her novels, I believe that J.K. Rowling will continue to influence young readers for generations to come." Use direct quotes from your subject if they will strengthen your thesis. If it makes sense for the biography you are writing, pull quotes from the subject's letters, interviews, or essays to support your thesis or your belief in their impact. Choose a pertinent quotation, but do not take a quote out of context simply to add strength to your thesis. This is an exception to the rule of not adding new information to the conclusion, as quotes shouldn't be repeated throughout the biography. Provide closure. Give the reader a satisfactory and fulfilling conclusion by offering them a sense of closure. Revisit the opening scene from the biography so the reader can experience it again now that they have more information. Reiterate a key event, important publication, or central accomplishment that encapsulates their life story. Conclude with a sense of hope or continued progress. Allow your reader to imagine that this person's life story will continue influence the lives of others. If your subject is still alive, for example, provide a hopeful ending by saying “Elizabeth continues to fight for the rights of those who have been repressed by being a vocal leader in the United States Senate.” | Summarize the subject's most memorable actions. Describe the subject's impact. Discuss the subject's legacy. Explain what the subject learned or achieved throughout their life. Humanize the subject. Mention their challenges. Describe their hobbies or passions. Recap your key points. Refrain from introducing new ideas or details. Cite brief examples to support your thesis. Avoid using transitional phrases. Use direct quotes from your subject if they will strengthen your thesis. Provide closure. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Chigger-Bites | How to Avoid Chigger Bites | To avoid chigger bites, wear a long-sleeved shirt, and tuck it into your pants to keep your waist from being exposed. Additionally, wear shoes and socks to protect your feet and ankles. You should also wear long pants, tucked into a pair of high socks if you're near a marsh or swamp. For added protection, spray your clothes and any exposed skin with an insect repellent that contains DEET. Then, after exposure, take a warm shower to wash away any chiggers that may have gotten onto your body. | Avoid spots where chiggers are commonly found. In the United States, chiggers are most common in the humidity of the Southeast and the Midwest. Chiggers thrive on warmth and moisture. Avoid walking through brush, tall grass, and weeds. Avoid marshes, swamps, and wooded habitats with rotting leaves and stick piles. Chiggers often wait in the underbrush and low shrubs to attach to small animals, which are their natural hosts. Stay away from bushes and vines that might brush against your body and deposit chiggers. Chiggers rarely move very far from the sites where they hatch, resulting in patches of chiggers in damp and warm areas. Sit strategically. Avoid sitting or lying directly on the ground during the summer months. Instead, bring a folding chair or blanket to spread beneath you. Avoid perching on stumps or logs. Instead, sit on an object that is dry and hot, such as a rock that is warm from the sun. Plan activities when chiggers are least active. Chiggers are most likely to bite in the afternoons of the spring and summer, when the ground temperature is between 77–86 °F (25–30 °C). They become inactive below 60 °F (15.6 °C), and die when the temperature drops below 42 °F (5.6 °C). During chigger season, plan outdoor excursions when the weather is cool or dry. Dress to prevent chigger bites. Wear long pants and shirts with long sleeves when in a chigger habitat. Tightly woven fabric with minimal openings provide the most protection. Tuck your shirt into your pants to keep your skin from being exposed, as chiggers often target the waistband area. Chiggers also target the thin skin on your ankles, around your crotch, under your arms, and behind your knees, so keep those areas covered. Wear shoes and socks to avoid chigger bites on the feet and ankles. If you will be in a particularly high-risk area for chigger bites, such as a marsh or swamp, tuck your pants into a pair of high socks to prevent chiggers crawling onto the ankle. Use a bug repellent as a barrier. Buy an insect repellent containing diethyl meta-toluamide (DEET) or Permethrin at any store that sells camping supplies. Spray an insect repellent that contains DEET around the tops of your socks, your waist, and at your ankles to keep chiggers from getting under your clothes. DEET may be applied to clothing or skin, but should be washed from the skin as soon as possible. Spray a repellent that contains Permethrin on your clothes only. Carefully follow the instructions when using Permethrin and DEET. Permethrin can cause burning or itching if it comes into contact with your skin, and DEET can do the same if left on the skin for hours. DEET and Permethrin are not classified as carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic to humans. Look for lotions and sprays that advertise repelling chiggers or red bugs specifically, in addition to ticks and mosquitoes. Apply sulfur. If you are wary of the chemicals in DEET and Permethrin, you can try dusting your clothing with sulfur powder. It will, however, smell like rotten eggs. Powdered sulfur can be purchased at any pharmacy, nursery, or feed store. Shower after exposure. Take a warm shower or bath soon after having been in a potential chigger habitat to wash off any chiggers that may have attached to your body. Contrary to popular belief, chiggers do not burrow under the skin, and can be easily brushed or washed off the body. Thoroughly rubbing your skin with a towel also helps dislodge chiggers. Wash your clothing after tromping through chigger territory. You will want to clean any lingering mites off your clothing, as well as any repellent you have applied. Keep outdoor areas well-groomed. Mow long grass to cut down on chigger-infested foliage. Keeping your grass short allows sun to penetrate your lawn, drying out the grass and dirt. Chiggers thrive in moisture and avoid high heat. Treat your lawn with a mild insecticide. Apply a few ounces of dish soap in a gallon of water to areas near bushes to curb the populations of chiggers and other pest populations. Use chemical pesticides containing permethrin, cyfluthrin, diazinon,and carbaryl sparingly, as they may wipe out healthy insect and animal populations. Discourage rodents. Chiggers live on rodents and small animals that live in brush and woodpiles. Remove any brush and wood debris from your yard. Use gardening gloves and wash your skin with soapy water after working. Put up a fence if you have a serious chigger-host problem. Secure the lids of your trash cans to discourage visits from small animals. | Avoid spots where chiggers are commonly found. Sit strategically. Plan activities when chiggers are least active. Dress to prevent chigger bites. Use a bug repellent as a barrier. Apply sulfur. Shower after exposure. Keep outdoor areas well-groomed. Treat your lawn with a mild insecticide. Discourage rodents. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Mindful | How to Be Mindful | To be mindful, start by listening to and checking in with yourself, asking yourself how you're feeling or whether you're stressed out, for example. When you're tense, take deep, calming breaths or a break from what you're doing to let your body and brain relax. You can also be mindful by listening to what other people say. Try to speak face-to-face to other people, look them directly in the eye, and quiet your inner voice so you can really pay attention to what they're saying. | Train your mind. Mindfulness is the habit of consciously paying attention to what is going on around you. Being mindful takes practice. There are many ways that you can train your mind to increase your mindfulness every day. Think about all of the things you do on a daily basis: you eat, you breathe, you move, you speak. These are just a few examples. Imagine if you begin to be more aware of each part of your day. Think about what you might notice if you begin to truly pay attention to the small parts of your life. This is your first step towards being more mindful. Practice being mindful during your routine activities. For example, pay attention to each step as you make your morning coffee. Then, be aware of how your senses react while drinking your coffee. Each day, try being mindful of a new part of your routine. Try being mindful during your morning shower. Actually think about your senses. Does the warm water feel good? Do you like how your shower gel smells? Pay attention to the sensations involved in each part of your daily routine. Be brief. Your mind actually works better in short bursts of activity, so keep your practice sessions short. Studies show that it is more productive and useful to break up lengthy stretches of concentration. You will actually be able to be more mindful if you keep your practice sessions short. For example, focus on picking out an outfit for work, but then let your mind wander while you go through the motions of actually getting dressed. Try meditation. Meditating can be very beneficial for your brain. Practicing meditation can help you more effortlessly be mindful, as it will become your brain's default setting. Learn about meditation, and find a training method that is right for you. Meditation is most effective when you formally train your mind how to practice it. Try finding a book or audio book that will guide you through a series of meditations. You can also take guided meditation courses offered by professionals. To get started, find a calm, quiet space to meditate. Close your eyes, and sit comfortably. Choose a mantra to focus on (a mantra is a word or sound you repeat, either out loud or inwardly). Popular choices are "ohm" and "love". Improve your relationship. Your romantic relationship affects all aspects of your life. Research shows that couples who are more mindful are happier and more physically healthy. Ask your partner to join you in trying to become more mindful. Try meditating with your partner. The simple act of engaging in mindfulness at the same time and the same place can help you bond. Another way to increase your mindfulness is to practice your communication skills with your partner. Focus on really hearing one another. Listen carefully. Truly hearing what someone else is saying is one of the best ways to be mindful. Often when you are conversing with someone else, your inner-voice is active while they are talking. Sometimes you are judging their words, or maybe half thinking about something else. Mindfulness is truly paying attention when someone else is talking. If possible, have important conversations face to face. Make eye contact. This will help you bond with the person you are listening to, and help you absorb what they are saying. Monitor your health. Being aware of your physical health is an important part of being more mindful. Pay attention to your body, and be aware of energy levels, hunger pangs, and aches and pains. Tuning in to signals from your body will help with your overall well-being. Practice mindful eating by consciously being aware of the foods you choose to eat. You should think not only about your likes and dislikes, but also consider nutritional value. Additionally, be aware of the act of eating and note how your senses (sights, smells, taste) respond to different foods. Be aware of your feelings. Mindfulness in the work place is a great quality to cultivate. Being more mindful can make you more productive at work, and can also decrease your stress. One way to be more mindful is to check in with your emotions, and take note of how you feel when you're at work. Get in the habit of checking in with yourself. You may be stressed out during the day without even being aware of it. Be mindful, and pay attention to signs of tension. If you find your heart race increasing, or that your shoulders are tense, take a minute to remove yourself from the stressful situation and calm down. Focus on breathing. Being aware of your breath is very important to being more mindful. Taking deep, calming breaths can help you focus and can also help to lower your blood pressure. Before a big meeting, try taking some several deep breaths to gain your composure. Try setting aside two three minute periods per day to practice your breathing. You can do this at your desk. Simply set aside your work for three minutes and allow yourself to concentrate fully on breathing. Take a break. Research shows that you are actually a more productive person when you allow yourself to take regular breaks. It is important to allow your brain to relax. Part of being mindful is realizing when you need to let your mind drift. It is ideal to take one ten-minute break every hour. If you can't manage that, try taking several thirty-second mini-breaks. During this brief timeouts, let your mind drift and indulge in some daydreams. Use visualization. This technique can help you be a less stressed, more effective person. Try visualizing yourself doing something great. Perhaps you are delivering an outstanding presentation or cooking an amazing dinner for your family. Whatever you see, make sure you are visualizing your best self. Use the right language. Pay attention to both your words and your body language. You want to communicate that you are present and connected to your co-workers, friends, and family. This will make you a more effective communicator, and increase your mindfulness. Watch the words that you use in workplace conversations. When you use words like being "swamped" you are telling yourself and your co-worker that you are experiencing a negative situation. Be mindful, and use positive language. Try saying that your schedule is "full" instead. Breathing is an important part of your body language. If your breathing is erratic, it signals to your body and others that you are under stress. This is not a positive image to project. Learn about mindfulness. Try doing some reading about mindfulness. There is no set definition, so you'll want to get information from a few different sources. Remember, mindfulness is about being aware, but non-judgmental.Learning about the concept will help deepen your practice. Know the benefits. Practicing mindfulness can have positive impacts on both your mind and your body. People who are more mindful are shown to have lower blood pressure and reduced anxiety. It can also help to increase your memory and lessen symptoms of depression. Change your habits. In order to become more mindful, it is likely that you will need to make some changes to your daily life. Try forming new habits to aid in your practice. Remember, new habits take about two months to truly take hold. Be patient with yourself. Add a daily walk to your routine. Being outside is a great time to practice being mindful. Turn off your headphones and unplug while talking a stroll each day. Consciously add breaks to your day. Even when you're not at work, you need several time-outs throughout the day. Give yourself permission to do nothing for at least a few minutes at a time. Let your thoughts wander. Acknowledge your progress. Speak positively to yourself. When you have negative thoughts, acknowledge them and let them go. Focus on saying positive things in your inner dialogue. Note the good aspects of each situation. When you feel frustrated by your progress, acknowledge how you feel. Then purposefully shift your attitude into congratulating yourself on the progress that you have made. | Train your mind. Practice being mindful during your routine activities. Be brief. Try meditation. Improve your relationship. Listen carefully. Monitor your health. Be aware of your feelings. Focus on breathing. Take a break. Use visualization. Use the right language. Learn about mindfulness. Know the benefits. Change your habits. Acknowledge your progress. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Chinch-Bugs-Without-Chemicals | How to Treat Chinch Bugs Without Chemicals | To treat chinch bugs without chemicals, start by raking your lawn, then vacuuming it to try and catch the infestation before it spreads. Alternatively, spray your lawn with a mixture of 2 ½ tablespoons of mild dish soap for every gallon of water on a cool morning or evening to minimize any damage to your plants. Next, spread a flannel sheet over the soapy area and leave it there for 10-15 minutes to catch the bugs as they run for cover. Finally, vacuum the bugs from the sheet, or drown them by putting the sheet in a bucket of soapy water. | Check the chinch bug population. Before you begin, get an idea of how bad the problem is, and whether chinch bugs are the ones responsible. Cut the base off a coffee can and push it two inches (5 cm) into the turf. Pour in soapy water until it stays filled. Repeat in several areas of your lawn, especially at the border of yellow patches. Return after ten minutes and count chinch bugs floating on the surface: 5+ chinch bugs per can: a serious infestation. Continue to the next step for treatment. 2–4 chinch bugs per can: low-level infestation. Improve lawn health and test again later. Treat immediately if your lawn is in poor health. 0–1 chinch bug per can: no treatment necessary. If your lawn is in poor health, there is probably another cause. Alternatively, you might also take a close look at the lawn with a magnifying glass. Vacuum the lawn. This can be effective if you catch the chinch bug infestation early, before they've spread throughout your lawn: Rake the lawn vigorously for 2 ft (60 cm) on all sides of the damaged area, toward the center. Vacuum the damaged area and surroundings. Water thoroughly. Buy or make a soap treatment. Insecticidal soaps are considered safe and appropriate for organic farming. A homemade soap treatment is actually more likely to damage your garden, but pure castille soap or mild Ivory or Dawn products (not extra-strength, grease-cutting, or anti-bacterial) are usually safe in a solution of 2½ tbsp dishwashing liquid per 1 gallon water (40 mL per 4 L). Mix in a clean sprayer, then shake or stir vigorously to combine. If using an insecticidal soap, dilute it following label instructions instead. This method also works best if you catch the infestation early and use it to target small areas of lawn. If you have hard water in your area, the soap may fail to mix in, leaving a scum on the surface after the water settles. If this happens, make a new mix using distilled or bottled water instead. Using a commercial insecticidal soap for chinch bugs is not legal in Canada, although this may just be an oversight. Homemade soap treatments are allowed. Any soap can cause damage to aquatic life. Do not apply it where the water could run off into a storm drain. Spray the soapy water onto your lawn. Drench the damaged area of your lawn using a spray bottle or hose attachment. For best results, do this on a cool, still morning or evening. In windy or hot weather (especially above 90ºF / 32ºC), there is a much higher chance of damaging your plants. Try to avoid getting the soap in contact with nearby plants. Some trees and flowers are particularly vulnerable to soap damage, especially during times of drought. If you're concerned about potential damage, test a corner of your lawn first and check on it after 24 hours. Spread a flannel sheet over the soapy area. The chinch bugs will run for cover and get caught in the nap of the flannel. Return after ten or fifteen minutes to vacuum the pests off the sheet, or drown them by putting the sheet in a bucket of water. Repeat as needed. Monitor your lawn to check for more chinch bugs or expanding damage. If necessary, repeat the soap treatment once a week, or once every three or four days for severe infestations. The soap breaks down quickly, so your lawn should be back to normal soon. You may want to check your soil pH after treatment is finished, since soap is alkaline. Encourage big-eyed bugs. These predators are not available for purchase, but they often arrive during an infestation to feed on chinch bugs. Providing a variety of flowering plants encourages them by giving them places to hide and feed. These predators look very similar to chinch bugs. They tend to be smaller and faster, with larger eyes. If you're still seeing a lot of chinch bugs but your lawn seems healthy, you might be misidentifying this predator species. Use other predatory insects. Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps all feed on chinch bugs or their eggs. While they do not target chinch bugs as effectively as big-eyed bugs, they are all widely available for purchase. Beneficial nematodes (roundworms) may also help. These are proven to control grubs, though there aren't yet studies on their effectiveness for chinch bugs. You can buy beneficial nematodes at many home and garden stores. Try natural oil treatments. A neem oil product can control chinch bugs with little effect on plants and beneficial insects. Spray on the oil during cool, humid evenings, since it can break down or burn plants in direct sunlight. Some essential oils such as rosemary, lemongrass, cinnamon, or citrus oils can also help, but have not been studied as thoroughly. Dilute about 20 drops of oil in 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water, then spray onto your lawn. Sprinkle on diatomaceous earth. This can kill beneficial insects and earthworms and can take weeks or months to solve the problem, so use it only as a last resort. Wear safety goggles and a dust mask to avoid irritation, and try not to create too much dust. Wash your hands after applying. Use garden-grade or food-grade DE only. Swimming pool grade DE is a more significant respiratory hazard. Non-heated DE containing less than one percent crystalline silica is the safest option. Try applying DE with a bulb applicator. This will reduce the risk of getting the dust in your eyes, nose, and mouth. Apply DE to wet grass, as well, either after it rains or you've watered the lawn. This ensures that the small particles stick to the grass. Water deeply but infrequently. Dry, sunny lawns are the chinch bugs' ideal home, and drought stress will make it harder for your turf to resist them. The ideal watering schedule depends on your climate and grass species, but start with 1 inch (2.5 cm) a week divided among one to three sessions. A healthy lawn receiving enough moisture should bounce back after you step on it. Too much water can backfire and make the problem worse, especially with hair chinch bug infestations (found mostly in the northern US and Canada). If you think your lawn is too wet, delay watering until the grass edges just begin to curl. Moist conditions also encourage naturally occurring Beauveria fungus, a parasite that kills chinch bugs. Provide shade. Chinch bugs are not partial to shaded areas. Put up a shade cloth, or plant trees and bushes to reduce the amount of direct sunlight your lawn gets each day. If your lawn is a light-loving variety, consider shading just the most vulnerable areas: the green grass at the border of expanding yellow patches. St. Augustine grass, the southern chinch bug's favorite food, has excellent shade tolerance. It should thrive under a 30% shade cloth. Keep your grass tall. In general, grass is at its healthiest when allowed to grow to a height of 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm). This is especially true during a chinch bug infestation, since tall grass will keep the ground dark and moist — two qualities this pest dislikes. If your lawn is in particularly bad shape, you could skip mowing entirely until it recovers. To reduce stress on your grass, use a sharp lawn mower blade and remove no more than ⅓ of the grass blade each mowing. De-thatch your lawn. Thatch is the spongy, brown layer of organic material that forms between grass blades and soil. Chinch bugs live in thatch and hibernate in it during cold winters. Aerate your yard once or twice a year to keep thatch levels to ½" (1.25 cm) thick or less. If the thatch is more than an inch thick (2.5 cm), cut through it with a vertical mower or dethatching rake. This is especially important in fall, to reduce areas where chinch bugs can overwinter. Avoid over-fertilizing the lawn. Chinch bugs and other sap-drinking insects thrive on plants with high levels of nitrogen. Switch to an organic slow-release fertilizer, or a fertilizer with only 5 or 10% nitrogen (N). You can probably add significantly less fertilizer than the label recommends without causing harm. Try this, and increase the amount again if the grass turns light green. Clear debris in winter. In cold climates, chinch bugs overwinter underneath leaf litter or debris. Some of them will likely survive under the thatch even on a clear lawn, but raking up leaves is an easy way to make it harder for them. Control weeds in spring. If the bugs are grey-brown or blackish-brown and tiny (about ⅛" or 4 mm long), you probably have "false chinch bugs." These only swarm turf in the summer, after the weeds they prefer to feed on have died. To keep their numbers down, keep your lawn and surrounding areas clear of weeds in spring, especially London rocket, other mustard plants, Russian thistle, and sagebrush. False chinch bugs are most common west of the Mississippi in dry regions, but can be found throughout the United States, southern Canada, Mexico, and the West Indies. Adjust lawn pH. The ideal soil pH for most turf is between 6.5 and 7.0. Test your soil with a pH kit from a garden store, and get it within this range by adding lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower it). Keeping pH within this range will keep your lawn healthy and able to absorb nutrients, helping it survive pest damage. For best results, send a soil sample to a soil testing laboratory to find out the exact nutrients your soil is missing. | Check the chinch bug population. Vacuum the lawn. Buy or make a soap treatment. Spray the soapy water onto your lawn. Spread a flannel sheet over the soapy area. Repeat as needed. Encourage big-eyed bugs. Use other predatory insects. Try natural oil treatments. Sprinkle on diatomaceous earth. Water deeply but infrequently. Provide shade. Keep your grass tall. De-thatch your lawn. Avoid over-fertilizing the lawn. Clear debris in winter. Control weeds in spring. Adjust lawn pH. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Indian-Citizen | How to Become an Indian Citizen | To become an Indian citizen, go to the website for the Foreigners Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and click "Apply Online." Next, select and complete the form that applies to your situation, depending on whether you're of Indian descent, if you're gaining citizenship by marriage, or if you're becoming a citizen through naturalization. Then, scan the required documentation, like your passport and residential permit, and submit it with your application. | Use Form-I if you are of Indian descent. If you have been living in India for at least 7 years, you will use section 5(1)(a). If you've lived outside of India, you will use section 5(1)(b) Indian descent is defined as a person who was born after August 15, 1947 in India or a territory that became a part of India or if she has a parent that fulfills that qualification. Use Form-II if you want to gain citizenship by marriage. In other words, you can become an Indian citizen because you are legally married to an Indian citizen. You must have been living in India for 7 years. You will use section 5(1)(c). Fill in Form-III if you are a child of Indian parents. To use this form, your parents must be registered as citizens, not just born in India. This form can apply to minor children or adult children. Parents of minors applying for citizenship should use the plain Form-III under section 5(1)(d). If your parents are registered as citizens under 5(1)(a) or 6(1), you should use Form-III-A under section 5(1)(e). If your parents were previous residents of Independent India and you have been in India a year prior to applying, you will use Form-III-B and file under section 5(1)(f). Apply with Form-XII for naturalization. You can become a citizen of Indian by naturalization if you've lived in the country for at least 12 years. You make this application under section 6. You may not have been living in India illegally. You may be able to file for citizenship earlier if you've made a significant contribution to the world, especially in literature, art, philosophy, or science. Find the application online. The easiest way to apply is online on the website for the Foreigners Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Once you click "Apply Online," you'll be taken to a page where you can choose the correct section to apply under. If you prefer not to apply online, you can apply in person by first downloading the forms and filling them out. Generally, you apply where you reside in India. You will submit your application to the Collector/District Magistrate. Pick the appropriate section. Using the information provided in the first section, find the appropriate section. Clicking on that section will bring up a page detailing what documentation you need to provide. Gather your documentation for citizenship by registration. In general, you need a copy of your passport from another country, as well as a copy of your Residential Permit, otherwise known as an LTV. From there, what you need deviates a bit. For section 5(1)(a), you also need proof of your parent's citizenship by having a copy of their passports or birth certificates. You should provide your Declaration and Oath form, from the Citizenship Rules; through these two items, you declare that you are eligible for the type of citizenship you're seeking (basically swear that your statements are true) and pledge allegiance to the Constitution of India. You also need 500 Rupees. You'll need these same items for 5(1)(d), except the fee is only 250 Rupees and proof of guardianship, if applicable. For section 5(1)(c), you'll also need a copy of your marriage certificate, plus proof of your spouse's citizenship (copy of passport or birth certificate). In addition, you'll need your Declaration and Oath, as well as 500 Rupees. Under section 5(1)(e), you'll also need proof of your parents' citizenship under sections 5(1)a or 6(1), your Declaration and Oath, and 500 Rupees. Under section 5(1)(f), you need to provide evidence that your parents were citizens under Independent India (copy of Indian passport or birth certificate), along with your Declaration, Oath, and 500 Rupees. For section 5(1)(g), you need to show a copy of your Registration as an Overseas Citizen of India instead of your Registration Permit. You also need your Declaration and Oath, as well as 500 Rupees. Gather your documentation for citizenship by naturalization. If you are apply for citizenship by naturalization, you will still need to show a copy of a passport from another county, as well as your Residential Permit (LTV). However, you also need three affidavits: one from you and two from other Indians. These affidavits must establish your character, using the specific language provided by the application. In addition, you'll also need to show you know at least one of India's languages, proven with two language certificates. Finally, you need to provide proof that you made your intentions of applying for citizenship known through the newspaper; you'll need at least two newspaper clippings from your district. The fee for this application is 1500 Rupees. Scan your paperwork into your computer. When you apply online, you will need to have your documents already scanned into the computer. Ensure the file sizes are under 1 megabyte apiece. Documents can have more than one page if they are longer than a page. Get a passport-size photo. For uploading, your photo should only be 100 pixels by 100 pixels. It also needs to be a jpg and under 20 kilobytes. Fill out the application. You will need biographical information about you and your parents, as well as your spouse. You will also need to provide information on your employer and your passport, as well as how long you've resided in India. The application has a section on your criminal background, as well. Pay the fee. You will pay the fee to the State Bank of India under the heading number of 0070-Other Administration Services-Other Services-Receipts Under the Citizenship Act. You will need the Bank Challan, which is the official receipt of payment. You can download the receipt to be filled out on the same website where you download citizenship forms. Wait for approval. The government will review your application and determine if you are eligible. If you are missing some paperwork, the government will give you a chance to provide what you are missing. You should be notified within 2 months whether you are accepted for citizenship or not. Renounce your previous citizenship. Once you have been accepted, you must renounce citizenship through that country. You must prove to the Indian Government that you have made that renouncement, as well as fill out Form-V and pay a fee. Once you have done so, your citizenship will be complete. | Use Form-I if you are of Indian descent. Use Form-II if you want to gain citizenship by marriage. Fill in Form-III if you are a child of Indian parents. Apply with Form-XII for naturalization. Find the application online. Pick the appropriate section. Gather your documentation for citizenship by registration. Gather your documentation for citizenship by naturalization. Scan your paperwork into your computer. Get a passport-size photo. Fill out the application. Pay the fee. Wait for approval. Renounce your previous citizenship. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Oven-Size | How to Measure Oven Size | The best way to measure the size of an oven is to measure the height, width, and depth of the oven with a tape measure. Don't include knobs, handles, and the back splash control panel in your measurements. If you're buying a new oven, measure the narrowest door along the path to your kitchen to make sure the oven will fit through it. | Start by measuring the bottom of the oven to the top to get the height. If the oven has a back splash control panel, only measure to the top of the cooking surface. The cooking surface is the flat top of the oven with the burners on it. Write the measurements down in a notepad as you go so you don't forget them. Measure from the front of the oven to the back to get the depth. If the oven has handles, knobs, or a control panel on the front of it, exclude them from the total depth. Only measure from the flat front of the oven to the back. If you're measuring a wall oven, you may need to unscrew the oven from the wall and slide it out 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) so you can measure along the side of the oven. Measure from one edge of the oven to the other to get the width. If the oven has an extended lip around the cooking surface, don't include it in your measurement. Measure the dimensions of the space the new oven will go in. Do this before you go oven shopping so you know what size oven to look for. If you're installing a new oven in between two countertops or in a wall, measure the height, width, and depth of the space using a tape measure. Measure the narrowest door along the path to your kitchen. You'll need to choose an oven that has a width or depth that's smaller than the width of the narrowest door frame or you won't be able to get the oven into your kitchen. If you have a particularly narrow door, you may be able to temporarily remove it from the frame so there's more space to fit the oven through. Get an oven with 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) smaller dimensions than the space. If you get an oven with the exact same dimensions as the open space you want to put it in, it may not fit. Make sure you don't get an oven that's too much smaller than the open space or there will be noticeable gaps on the sides. | Start by measuring the bottom of the oven to the top to get the height. Measure from the front of the oven to the back to get the depth. Measure from one edge of the oven to the other to get the width. Measure the dimensions of the space the new oven will go in. Measure the narrowest door along the path to your kitchen. Get an oven with 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) smaller dimensions than the space. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-a-Ferret-from-Stealing-Things | How to Stop a Ferret from Stealing Things | The best way to stop your ferret from stealing things is to provide it with toys to steal instead. Look for toys that are similar to what your ferret normally likes to steal. For example, you might put out some old keys if your ferret likes shiny things or an old sock if your ferret likes soft things. Place these toys around your home where your ferret can find and take them. Then, if you catch your ferret stealing something of yours, take the item, sternly tell your ferret “no,” and spray it with water. | Identify what your ferret likes to steal. Some ferrets like fuzzy, soft objects, while others prefer shiny things. Finding out what your ferret has the habit of stealing will help you replace the stolen object. Watch to see what your ferret spends more time playing with, and see if any of your shiny or fuzzy possessions mysteriously disappear. Arrange objects for your ferret to “steal. ” If your ferret likes hoarding soft things, give it old socks, rags, and tennis balls to “steal.” Go to your nearby pet store and purchase some stuffed animals for it to drag around. If your ferret is enamored with shiny things, give it old keys. Make sure you don't give it something it can accidentally ingest, like aluminum foil. Firmly tell your ferret “no” if you see them steal something. If your ferret steals something and you catch them in the act or entering their nest, take the object from its mouth and firmly tell it “no.” Employ your favored disciplinary method , which can include softly squirting water on its face or withholding playtime. Never withhold food or water from your ferret as punishment. However, your ferret may stop stealing things when you're around, then sneak off with them when you're in another room or out of the house. Provide plenty of mental stimulation for your ferret. Spend time playing with your ferret each day to ensure it is mentally stimulated. You can even spend time actively training your ferret or provide puzzle toys. Keeping your ferret from becoming bored can reduce the likelihood that it will steal things from you. Close all drawers, cabinets, and doors. If you don't want your ferret to get in somewhere , make sure you're careful to close the door and keep it closed. This is especially applicable for cabinets and drawers, which ferrets can sometimes open. Use locks or lean heavy things against them to prevent your ferret from getting inside. Purchase a closed laundry hamper. Ferrets especially love stealing worn clothes and socks because they tend to smell more strongly. Prevent clothing theft by purchasing a laundry hamper with a lid. Place shoes in out-of-reach locations. Depending on how large your ferret is, it may even try to steal shoes and drag them to its hiding spot. Prevent this from happening by putting your shoes in a shoe rack and putting your socks in a laundry hamper as soon as you get inside. Supervise your ferret when it’s out of its cage. Ferrets should be let out of their cages for a few hours every day. However, during that time, make sure you know where your ferret is and keep an eye on what it is doing. It could be stealing one of your possessions, or it could even be crawling into a space that could lead to pain or injury. Watch your ferret for clues. If your ferret regularly runs away when you give it food or a treat, watch it to see which room it goes into or which area it prefers. Then, when it's in its cage, go through that area and look for a stash. Pinpoint likely locations. Ferret commonly make their stashes behind furniture or curtains, beneath couches and beds, or in dark locations like closets or pantries. Regularly check for stashes and remove necessary items or stockpiled food, but leave the non-harmful things behind! Ferrets can get very annoyed or even distraught if their stash is disturbed. Don’t leave food lying around. If your ferret is regularly stashing food, remove its food as soon as it seems to be finished eating, even if there's more food in the bowl. Leftover food will probably be stashed for later use. If you choose to try and prevent food stashes by removing your ferret's bowl during feeding, make sure you feed it the rest of the food later in the day! Clean frequently. Sweep and vacuum your house and any possible stash locations frequently to ensure you don't have old food spoiling. If you find a stash, remove the spoiled food but leave the rest. Keep an eye on any known stashes to prevent food from rotting. | Identify what your ferret likes to steal. Arrange objects for your ferret to “steal. Firmly tell your ferret “no” if you see them steal something. Provide plenty of mental stimulation for your ferret. Close all drawers, cabinets, and doors. Purchase a closed laundry hamper. Place shoes in out-of-reach locations. Supervise your ferret when it’s out of its cage. Watch your ferret for clues. Pinpoint likely locations. Don’t leave food lying around. Clean frequently. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Cat | How to Draw a Cat | To draw a cartoon cat, draw an oval for the body and a circle for the head, including a cross on the circle to guide you when drawing the face. Using the guidelines, draw the eyes, nose, whiskers, and mouth of the cat, and add 2 triangles on the top of the circle for ears. Then, draw the outline of the legs and paws, making the hind legs more circular. On the back of the cat, draw the tail, and then darken the outline. You can add details like tufts of fur or a collar before coloring in the drawing. | Sketch the main shapes. Sketch a circle for the head. The body is a rectangle with a curved line at the end near to the head. A big fat oblong is drawn for the thigh area. Sketch the basic feature of the face. Add the mouth area, ears and face guidelines. Try to make the muzzle short and squarish. Add more features of the head. Add the eyes and make sure they are at the cross-section of the face's guidelines. Now add the nose. Sketch oblongs and circles for the thighs, legs and paws. Add also the tail. Draw the main features of the cat. Use lines to indicate a pattern in the cat's fur. Erase the draft lines and add more details. Color the finished cat. Use colored pencils, crayons, markers or watercolors Draw an outline of the head and body. Use a circle for the head. Add a crossed vertical and horizontal line at the center of the head. Add a big oblong shape for the cat's body. Add the eyes using two small circles, sketch the nose and mouth. Sketch two half almond shapes protruding on each side of the head. Sketch an outline of the cat’s limbs. Make the hind leg circular. Sketch the tail, make it long and curved. Darken the eyes and add whiskers. You can also add a collar on the neck. Sketch the body and add a few furry details. Color and complete. Sketch a circle and an oblong. These will serve as the guide for the head and the body. Add the guidelines for the face. Add the nose area, guidelines for the face, and the ears. Sketch circles and oblongs for the thighs, the legs, and the paws. There is 3 oblongs used in the picture for each leg. Add the guide for the face. Draw the main features of the cat. Use irregular lines to indicate the fur. Erase the draft lines and add more details. You can add more details like whisker and fur. Color and Complete
Draw an outline of the body. Sketch a circle for the head and add two crossed lines at the center. Use a much bigger circle for the body and a curved line attached to it on the back. Sketch the outline of the face. Make the cheeks appear plumped and the ears pointy and protruding on each side of the head. Add two small oblongs on the lower part of the head, add a curved line connected to these circles. This will be your guide in drawing the nose and the mouth. Draw another pair of two small oblongs at the bottom of the body's outline and add a long rectangle shape on one side. Draw details of the face. Make the eyes almond shaped, draw the nose and in framing the face, draw small strokes to make the cat appear furry. Add the cat’s whiskers and brows using longer strokes. Sketch the limbs, tail, and nails. Remember to use small strokes to make it appear furry. Sketch the rest of the body with small strokes. Erase unnecessary lines and color the drawing. | Sketch the main shapes. Sketch the basic feature of the face. Add more features of the head. Sketch oblongs and circles for the thighs, legs and paws. Draw the main features of the cat. Erase the draft lines and add more details. Color the finished cat. Draw an outline of the head and body. Add the eyes using two small circles, sketch the nose and mouth. Sketch an outline of the cat’s limbs. Sketch the tail, make it long and curved. Darken the eyes and add whiskers. Sketch the body and add a few furry details. Color and complete. Sketch a circle and an oblong. Add the guidelines for the face. Sketch circles and oblongs for the thighs, the legs, and the paws. Add the guide for the face. Draw the main features of the cat. Erase the draft lines and add more details. Color and Complete
Draw an outline of the body. Sketch the outline of the face. Add two small oblongs on the lower part of the head, add a curved line connected to these circles. Draw details of the face. Add the cat’s whiskers and brows using longer strokes. Sketch the limbs, tail, and nails. Sketch the rest of the body with small strokes. Erase unnecessary lines and color the drawing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dehydrate-Pineapple | How to Dehydrate Pineapple | To dehydrate pineapple in the oven, start by slicing the top, bottom, and outer skin off of a fully ripe, fresh pineapple. Next, slice off any eyes, or prickly brown dots, that you see on the flesh and cut the pineapple into thin chunks. Then, cover baking sheets with parchment paper and scatter the cut pineapple in a single layer on top. Finally, bake the pineapple at 150 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 to 36 hours to dehydrate it. You'll know it's done when the fruit is chewy and slightly flexible. | Purchase several pineapples from a supermarket. You can wait for a sale when the supermarket is overstocked and get pineapples for $.99 per lb. or less. Let your pineapple ripen fully. Once the pineapple starts to have a strong, sweet smell, the sugars are concentrated and it is ready for dehydration. Drying it too early will result in sour pineapple slices. Remove the top and the bottom from the pineapple. Set the pineapple on its side on your cutting board. Slice approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the spiky green top of the pineapple and 1 inch above the bottom section. Slice off the tough skin. Set the pineapple upright on your cutting board. Cut straight down from the top of the pineapple to the bottom in 1 slice. Try to cut just inside the hard outer layer. Turn the pineapple and repeat until you have exposed the flesh of the pineapple. Remove the “eyes. ” Notice how the prickly brown dots on the pineapple form at a diagonal line from top to bottom. Take your knife and cut approximately 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) into the pineapple at an inward angle from the right. Go to the other side of the line of eyes and cut at an inward angle from the left. Peel back the strip of eyes and discard it. Then, find the next diagonal strip and repeat. When you finish cutting the eyes out of the pineapple, the surface will form a spiral pattern around the entire parameter. This method of cutting a pineapple takes some practice, but it will result in more flesh being saved than cutting deep enough to remove the eyes and the skin together. Slice your pineapple in rings or chunks. If you want your pineapple to be dried in rounds, slice the pineapple horizontally and thinly. Then, cut out the center with a paring knife. If you want to dry the pineapple in chunks, cut vertically, separating the flesh from the hard center, then cut into thin chunks. The thinner, the better when drying. It will dry faster and more evenly. Preheat your oven to the warming or low setting. Try to aim for 150 degrees Fahrenheit (66 degrees Celsius) for best results. Set the oven no higher than 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius). Dehydrating works best when set at low heat for a long time. You do not want to cook the pineapple. Cover 1 to 2 baking sheets with a layer of parchment paper. Use as many baking sheets as you can fit in your oven. Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Set it for 24 hours. It may take up to 36 hours. Test to see if it is done. If it is chewy throughout and slightly flexible, it is done. Purchase a dehydrator. You can find them on sale on internet sites, like Amazon. They are also available in box stores and at kitchen specialty stores. If you plan to dehydrate fruit regularly, or even try making jerky, a dehydrator can make inexpensive snacks all year. Purchase pineapple. One pineapple may be enough to fill your dehydrator trays. If you have a large dehydrator, you should opt to buy several pineapples at once to double your quantity of preserved fruit. You can also dehydrate cans of dried pineapple. They are more likely to contain extra sugar, salt and preservatives, so choose the whole fruit if you want a natural snack. Cut the pineapple. Remove the skin and eyes using the process above. Slice it into rounds or into thin chunks. Your slices should be no more than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick. Plug in your dehydrator. Choose a medium setting. The temperature should be about 135 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celsius). Place the pineapple sections on the dehydrator trays. Ensure there is some space between the pineapple chunks. Allow the dehydrator to run for about 35 hours. Remove and store your dried pineapple for several months. | Purchase several pineapples from a supermarket. Let your pineapple ripen fully. Remove the top and the bottom from the pineapple. Slice off the tough skin. Remove the “eyes. Slice your pineapple in rings or chunks. Preheat your oven to the warming or low setting. Cover 1 to 2 baking sheets with a layer of parchment paper. Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Purchase a dehydrator. Purchase pineapple. Cut the pineapple. Plug in your dehydrator. Place the pineapple sections on the dehydrator trays. Allow the dehydrator to run for about 35 hours. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Verbally-Give-Two-Weeks%27-Notice | How to Verbally Give Two Weeks' Notice | To give your two weeks' notice verbally, choose a good time and keep your explanation simple. Try to catch your boss in a good mood when they're not too busy or stressed. Consider telling them on a Friday so they can have the weekend to digest the news before you see them again. Remember to remain positive and professional when you break the news, even if you have a poor relationship with your boss. You don't need to give them all the details. Just say something like, “I want to let you know that I've accepted a new marketing job that begins in 2 weeks.” Always thank your boss for the opportunity and the experience they've given you in your current job so you part on good terms. You should also ask your boss if you need to provide written notice and who you should address it to, since companies have different policies on this. | Pick the right time. Hopefully, you'll catch your boss in a good mood, but there's no guarantee. Think about giving notice on Friday. This leaves the weekend for your boss to cool down and adjust to the news. If you have a formal relationship with your boss, you might need to schedule a meeting with his secretary. Tell the secretary you need to schedule a short meeting and that it's important. Also give notice when you are coming to the end of large projects. You need to leave your job gracefully , which means wrapping up loose ends on any unfinished work. Try to give more than 2 weeks' notice if possible if you're in a senior position. Prepare what you want to say. You're probably nervous about quitting your job. Accordingly, you should prepare ahead of time what you will tell your boss. You should follow these rules: Don't go negative. Now is not the time to unload on your boss, even if you hated your job. The past is in the past, and you need to adopt a positive attitude. Keep it simple. You don't need to go into a long, detailed story about why you are leaving. You've decided to make the switch—that's all your boss is entitled to know. Identify something you're grateful for. If possible, you should thank your boss for giving you the job. Mention one or two things you've learned. Start with small talk. When the big day arrives, walk confidently to your boss' door and knock. Say, “Greg, can we talk for a minute?” Smile and shut the door behind you for privacy. As soon as you sit down, begin with some small talk about the upcoming weekend or any big event. Hopefully, you haven't told anyone else at work that you have accepted a new job. If you have, then your boss might already know. Also, your new employer might have called for a reference. If your boss says, “You're leaving, right?” just roll with it. Smile and nod your head. Break the news. Screw up your courage and tell your boss that you're leaving. Start by saying something positive before stating that you're leaving. Try ending the conversation on a positive note by offering to help or train employees. Use simple language so that you are easily understood, and avoid being overly apologetic. For example, you can say, “I've had a great time working here and learning from you, and I'm ready for my challenge. I've accepted a new position at XYZ Company and begin in 2 weeks. I'm more than happy to help find and train someone to fill my place.” Give your boss a second to respond, if they have anything to say. Rebuff any counteroffer. If you were a good employee, you should expect your boss to try and keep you. They might make a counteroffer for more money or more time off. You should politely decline and explain that you've made up your mind. For example, you can say, “Thanks for the offer, but I've already made up my mind. It's not really the money, but the opportunity to advance. They said they'd consider me for a promotion after three months and I'm excited to get started.” Thank your boss. Your boss is a future reference, as well as a potential business associate in the future. In fact, you don't know where your paths will cross again. Accordingly, you want to leave on the best terms possible. To that end, thank your boss for the help they have given you. For example, you can say, “I'd never have gotten this job if you hadn't hired me right out of college. I really appreciate it. What I've learned here will be the foundation of my success.” Check how you should tell others. Before leaving, you want to clarify how the rest of the office will be told. If it's a big company, your boss might want to send an email. If you work in a small office, your boss might want to tell everyone at a team meeting. Ideally, you will tell people who are important to you in person. Ask your boss to hold off on the email until you've had a chance to speak to them. Ask if you need to tell Human Resources. Every company is different. You might need to write a letter to Human Resources to make your resignation official. Ask your boss if you need to write a letter and who you should address it to. Tell your mentors first. Identify anyone who has acted as an official or unofficial mentor. Also identify people who maybe helped you get the job in the first place or helped you get a promotion. You should tell these people that you are leaving your job. Stop by their office so you can talk in person. You should also make sure they have your new work email address. Mentoring should continue even after you leave your job. Remember to thank them for helping you. Say something like, “You've been the best sounding board, Kathy. I hope we stay in touch.” Let close colleagues know. You should next tell colleagues you were close to. Chances are you'll maintain some sort of relationship outside of work, so you don't want them to be insulted that you haven't told them personally. Stop into their office and break the news. Tell a consistent story. You aren't obligated to tell others why you are leaving, but they will want to know nonetheless. Accordingly, you should settle on a story and stick with it. Your colleagues will talk to each other and compare notes. Don't tell one person you're leaving because you can't take the stress but tell another person you're leaving because the commute is shorter. Ideally, you should settle on a story that is non-controversial. For example, you can simply say, “They promised promotion opportunities which I want to pursue.” Everyone can understand why you would want to leave for that reason. Whatever you do, don't badmouth anyone, not even over drinks after work. If you need to vent, then call up your parents or therapist. Send an email to other people individually. If other people need to know that you're leaving, you can let them know by email. Keep it brief and friendly. Tell them your last day and ask them to contact you if they have questions. For example, other team members you work with occasionally should probably get an individual email. They might need to check about the status of a project. If you're pressed for time, you can send one email and blind copy everyone on it. However, individual emails are better if you have time. Avoid a company-wide email. Never send out an email to people you don't know. In larger companies, it's particularly awkward to read a good-bye email from someone you've never met before. Let your boss or Human Resources inform these people that you are leaving. Absolutely fight the urge to trash the company in a good-bye email. No matter how angry you are, nothing good has ever come from these stunts. Sometimes, they even end up in the news. Format your letter. Set up your letter as a standard business letter. Choose a font that is readable, such as Times New Roman 12 point. Your boss should have told you who to address the letter to. If you don't know, then call Human Resources to check. Don't delay writing the letter. You should draft it as soon as you tell your boss. Get to the point. In the first sentence, you should state that you are leaving and identify your last day. You don't want the give the impression that you're open to a counter-offer or other negotiations to keep you with the company. For example, you can write, “I hereby resign as marketing assistant at ABC Corporation, effective May 22, 2017.” Express gratitude. Even if you're writing the letter to Human Resources, you should thank the company. This letter will go in your personnel file, and you don't want to come across as ungrateful. You can thank your boss for hiring you and for anything else that you're genuinely grateful for. For example, you can write, “I can't thank you enough for hiring me nine months ago as your marketing assistant. This job allowed me to put my college education immediately to work, while teaching me more than four years of college ever could.” Set the record straight. There might be negative comments or performance evaluations in your personnel file. Now is the time to correct the record by providing context. For example, if you've been criticized in the past for being tardy, you can subtly explain why. You can write something like, “This company has been incredibly understanding. Even when I was going through chemotherapy and missing some time at work, I still managed to finish all of my work, thanks to the thoughtful staff at ABC Corp.” Remember to keep it brief and professional. You shouldn't give a long-winded defense in which you go point-by-point and rebut every criticism ever made of you. Instead, explain away one or two of the major criticisms. End the letter warmly. Repeat how grateful you are for having had the chance of working the job, and then give the company your warmest regards. Also let the company know whether you're open to them contacting you with questions. If you are, provide your phone number and email address. For example, you can write, “Thanks again for the nine months to learn and grow with this company. I wouldn't be where I am today without the help of my direct supervisor, Greg Jones, and my co-workers Caron Smith and Abbi Johnson.” Distribute the letter. Make a copy of the letter for your records and then hand deliver it to Human Resources. You should also give your boss a copy of the letter so that they can read what you have written. | Pick the right time. Prepare what you want to say. Start with small talk. Break the news. Rebuff any counteroffer. Thank your boss. Check how you should tell others. Ask if you need to tell Human Resources. Tell your mentors first. Let close colleagues know. Tell a consistent story. Send an email to other people individually. Avoid a company-wide email. Format your letter. Get to the point. Express gratitude. Set the record straight. End the letter warmly. Distribute the letter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Your-Driving-Record | How to Clean Your Driving Record | If you want to clean your driving record, try asking your local DMV what you'll need to do in order to have violations removed from your record. In some states, you may need to complete prerequisites, like taking a state-approved driver improvement course, before they will wipe your record. Once you've completed the requirements, fill out a request form and pay the expungement fee, which can both be done at your local DMV. If you want to contest a recent offense, consider contacting a traffic attorney who can help you defend yourself in court. | Pull a copy of your driving record. You need to see what is on your driving record before you go about removing violations. You can get a copy of your record in the following ways: Order from your nearest Department of Motor Vehicles. Stop in or look on the website. Many states let you order a copy of your driving history in person or online. You usually have to pay a fee. Order online. The website DMV.com has partnered with Backgroundchecks.com. They are not affiliated with your state government, but you can order a copy of your driving record from their website for a fee. Contact your auto insurer, who typically can provide you with a free copy. Identify how long offenses stay on your record. Each state decides how long a traffic violation will stay on your record. For example, in Minnesota, serious speeding violations (15+ mph over the limit) stay on your record for 15 years. In Washington, most convictions stay on your record for five years. However, alcohol-related convictions and vehicular assault/homicide convictions stay on your record for life. Look on your state's DMV website to see if you can find this information. Ask the DMV if you can remove convictions. It's up to every state whether they will expunge convictions from your driving record or not. Oklahoma, for example, will not remove convictions. Instead, they make you wait three years for the convictions to fall off your record. You may need to fulfill certain prerequisites in order to get your convictions removed, such as completing a state-approved driver improvement course and maintaining a clean driving record for a certain period of time. This varies by state. Check that you meet the requirements. The DMV should let you know what requirements you must meet. For example, in Maryland, you must satisfy the following: Three years without another conviction for a moving violation or criminal offense involving a motor vehicle. No license suspension or revocation. No conviction for DWI, DUI, or failing to remain at the scene of a crime that results in death or bodily injury. Complete a request form. Your DMV will provide you with the form to fill out. Each state's form is different, but you will generally be asked for the following information: full name address date of birth driver's license number certification that you meet the requirements signature Submit the required fee. Your state might require a fee for a manual expungement. Call the DMV ahead of time or check their website for the amount and acceptable methods of payment (cash, credit, debit, check). Your request will be reviewed and you should receive a decision in writing. If you haven't heard anything after a couple of weeks, contact the DMV. Check if a course removes points. In some states, you can have points removed from your driving record if you take a driver safety course (also called a defensive driving course). You should check before signing up for a course. You might also be able to have tickets dismissed if you take a course. If you've received a ticket, you can ask the judge in court whether you can take a driver safety course. Also check online. Your state's DMV website should tell you whether you can use a driver safety course to clean up your record. Confirm that you are eligible. Your state may limit who can use a defensive driving class to remove points or convictions from their records. Check with your DMV whether you are eligible. For example, states might give you a window of time to take the course. If you wait too long, then you can't take it. Other states might require that you elect to take the course when you pay the fine. If you don't, then you can't take the course. Find an appropriate course. There are many courses offered, but you need one that your state will accept. Ask if the state keeps a list of pre-approved courses. If so, select a course from the list. Make sure the course works for your schedule. If you don't attend, then you won't clean up your record. Depending on your state, you may be able to take the course online or in a classroom. Choose the best option that works for you. However, don't assume an online class will be “easier.” You might find it harder to focus when taking a class online. Complete the course. Courses can last four to twelve hours and cover a variety of topics, including alcohol or drug abuse, traffic laws, sharing the road, and developing positive driving habits and attitudes. Make sure to get a certificate or some other proof that you have completed the course. Present your certificate to the DMV and keep a copy for your records. Document the surrounding circumstances. Another way to keep a clean driving record is to fight any tickets before they get on your record. This is particularly important if you've been charged with a DUI or other offense that will stay on your record for a long time. Begin by documenting the circumstances surrounding your arrest: What were you doing? Where was the officer? What did the officer say? Did you consent to any search, including a breathalyzer test? Did the officer ask for consent or immediately start searching your vehicle? Contact an attorney. Serious offenses like DUI need serious legal help. However, you will also benefit from a traffic attorney even if you are fighting minor tickets. You can find a traffic attorney by contacting your nearest bar association. Ask for a referral. You'll have to pay for a lawyer, so calculate whether the money is worthwhile. If you are set to lose your license because of a DUI, then paying several thousand dollars might be worth it. However, paying that kind of money to fight a speeding ticket might not. Ask whether a lawyer will help coach you through the process. Most states let lawyers offer “unbundled” legal services. Under this arrangement, the lawyer will do discrete tasks, such as draft a discovery motion or give you advice about the strengths and weaknesses in your case. You then do all other tasks. Ask for discovery from the police. You should be able to get certain documents from the police to help you prepare for trial. In particular, request the officer's notes. These notes should contain information about why the officer stopped you. The process of requesting these documents is called “discovery.” Usually, you'll have to file a motion with the court. Check to see if there is a form you need to fill out. If you don't know how to request discovery, consult with a traffic attorney—or hire the attorney and let them handle the case for you. Note that few defendants make discovery motions in traffic court. Your request may be ignored. Move for dismissal if the officer doesn’t show up. In some states, you can get the case dismissed if the officer doesn't show up to testify against you. In other states, however, the judge will reschedule the case if the officer doesn't show. Regardless, you should still ask for a dismissal. Come up with a defense theory. You can attack the state's evidence in a variety of ways. Carefully analyze your evidence and choose the best approach based on the facts: Attack the officer's observations. The officer might not have been in a good position to accurately see what you were doing. When possible, introduce doubt as to the officer's vantage point. For example, if the officer was hidden behind a tree at night, then they might not be 100% sure your car was speeding. Question the validity of any speed reading. The officer might not have used the radar or laser properly. Question their training and whether they carefully calibrated the machine so that it would record speed accurately. Justify your actions as necessary. You might have swerved into another lane to avoid a pedestrian or an erratic vehicle. Avoid excuses that don’t work. Some defense theories won't work on a judge, so don't try them. For example, avoid making any of the following arguments: The officer is lying. The judge won't believe you unless you have proof. You claim everyone else was speeding. That won't get you off the hook. You argue no one was hurt so you shouldn't be held responsible. You're being prosecuted to deter you from potentially harming someone in the future. You claim you don't know what the law is. Ignorance of the law isn't an excuse. It's best to simply apologize and illustrate how your behavior has changed since the incident, if possible. Apologizing rather than getting defensive is likely to be most pleasing to the officer, which may result in the dismissal of the case. | Pull a copy of your driving record. Identify how long offenses stay on your record. Ask the DMV if you can remove convictions. Check that you meet the requirements. Complete a request form. Submit the required fee. Check if a course removes points. Confirm that you are eligible. Find an appropriate course. Complete the course. Document the surrounding circumstances. Contact an attorney. Ask for discovery from the police. Move for dismissal if the officer doesn’t show up. Come up with a defense theory. Avoid excuses that don’t work. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Account-for-Share-Buy-Back | How to Account for Share Buy Back | A share buyback is when a company buys up its own stock from investors in order to increase the value of the remaining shares or to increase assets and equity. In order to account for share buyback, you need to calculate how the shares you purchase affect the rest of the stock. Start by determining the number of shares you want to buy back so you can figure out the total you'll be paying for them. For example, if you want to buy back 100 shares at $5 a share, then you'll have to pay $500. If you choose to resell the stock later you can sell them at a higher value to make a profit. You can also retire the shares, which would then increase the value of the remaining shares that still exist because there are now fewer total shares. | Repurchase the shares of stock you want to buy back. You will have to determine the number of shares you want to buy back in order to figure the total you will be paying out in cash in exchange for the shares. So, if you buy back 10,000 shares of stock at $15 per share, you will pay out $150,000 in cash. Record the transaction in the treasury stock account. You will label the debit (the amount you paid to buy back the stock) as "treasury stock." Underneath, notate a credit for the same amount in cash. Using the example of 10,000 shares from step one, you will label a debit of $150,000 as "treasury stock," and a credit for the same amount as "cash." Treasury stock is a contra-equity account. It is not treated as an asset, because a company cannot legally invest in its own stock. Rather, treasury stock is presented on the balance sheet, where it reduces the total amount of owner's equity. If the shares are purchased with another asset (for example, land instead of cash), that asset account should be credited instead. Understand that you may choose to resell the stock. If you do not resell the stock, you must retire it. Should you resell it, you will list the resale as a cash debit for the sale amount, plus a credit for any additional paid-in capital (that is, profit from reselling the stock at a higher value) in the treasury stock account. You will list the sale amount minus the additional paid-in capital as a credit for that amount marked "treasury stock." Reselling the 10,000 shares in the example from step one at $17 per share would mean you would notate the resale as a cash debit in the amount of $170,000, along with an additional paid-in capital credit of $20,000 and a treasury stock credit of $150,000. Understand that you may retire the shares. Retiring the shares requires you to notate in the treasury stock account the par value of the common stock—which is the face value of the stock—as a debit. If your 10,000 shares of stock from the example in step one had a par value of $1 each, you would notate that as "common stock, $1 par value" along with a debit in the amount of $10,000. You would list the amount paid above the par value as an additional paid-in capital debit, which would mean $140,000 for the example in step one. You would need to notate a treasury stock credit in the full amount, which would be $150,000 for the 10,000 share example. Buy back the number of shares of stock your board has decided on. Multiply the number of shares by the price per share to determine the amount of money you will have to pay out. If you were buying back 10,000 shares with a par value of $1 originally sold for $12 each at $15 per stock, you would pay out $150,000. Record the transaction. You will need to list the common stock as a debit for the par value, so 10,000 shares with a par value of $1 would be listed as "common stock, par value $1" with a debit amount of $10,000. Notate the original sale price minus the par value as additional paid-in capital. Since the 10,000 shares in the example were originally sold at $12 per share, the additional paid-in capital debit amount would be $110,000. The remaining $30,000 from the 10,000 shares bought back at $15 per share will be notated as a retained earnings debit. Finish the notation with a cash credit in the full amount—the example would be a cash credit of $150,000. Understand that the common stock and additional paid-in capital amounts are eliminated. Using the constructive retirement method for the buy back of shares eliminates the common stock and additional paid-in capital amounts so they can be written in as a credit along with the retained earnings. This method is used when it is assumed that the stock will not be reissued. | Repurchase the shares of stock you want to buy back. Record the transaction in the treasury stock account. Understand that you may choose to resell the stock. Understand that you may retire the shares. Buy back the number of shares of stock your board has decided on. Record the transaction. Understand that the common stock and additional paid-in capital amounts are eliminated. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Turn-Off-Voicemail | How to Turn Off Voicemail | If you want to turn off your voicemail, go into the settings on your phone and scroll through the options until you find the setting that relates to the voicemail. Some phones will allow you to turn off the voicemail from the settings. If your phone doesn't have this option, contact your provider and ask if they have a way to turn it off for you. | Access your Voicemail settings. Some phones offer an option to turn off your voicemail via the settings. The particular type of voicemail settings you'll have to access will depend on the type of phone and service you're using. Access your options list, and select the tab that relates to Voicemail. Virtually all phones will have some options tab relating to the voicemail utility; it's just a matter of finding out whether the phone offers an ability to deactivate the voicemail. If you're unsure whether your phone has this capability, you can usually find answers by searching 'voicemail' in the index of the product manual, or looking up the specific product info online. T-Mobile phones often have this capability, listed as Visual Voicemail. Many Verizon phones have it listed under "Account Services - Phone Extras". Deactivate your Voicemail via settings. If you're lucky, your phone will come with an option to deactivate your voicemail service. Checking the voicemail settings and looking for a 'Turn Off' or 'Deactivate' option is a good first step regardless of the type of phone you're using. If you find the right option, select it and the phone will turn off its voicemail function for you. You can always reactivate your voicemail through the same means if there comes a time you'd prefer to have it back. Input a phone code. If your phone doesn't offer a voicemail settings tab, other options are available. Some providers, like Rogers, allow you to deactivate your phone via a number you can call through the phone in question. In the case of Rogers for instance, dial *93 and call it. Wait for two beeps; this will confirm that your request has been acknowledged and accepted. From there, hang up. Your voicemail should now be deactivated. If you want to reactivate your voicemail after having turned it off in this fashion, follow the same steps, this time dialing *92 instead. iPhone voicemail may be disabled in similar fashion. Input #404# into your call box and press "Call". This should deactivate your phone service for the meantime. Test to ensure your voicemail is deactivated. Once you've gone through the motions of turning off voicemail one way or another, it is good form to check for yourself that it's done. Call the number in question from another phone, or get a friend to call you. Don't answer the phone, and see if the calling line is prompted to leave a message. If no voicemail option is offered, you'll know you have succeeded. Contact a representative. If you're ever in doubt, calling your service provider's hotline will put you in touch with a representative who will be able to help you out with your situation firsthand. The hotline information will be available on the website of your service provider. If you're not sure who your service provider is, check your phone's homepage or your billing information. Service hotlines are free of charge, and should be referred to whenever you're grappling with a phone hassle. Some providers, like Three UK, have special hotlines reserved for people wanting to modify or remove their voicemail. In the case of Three UK, you can call 333 to get started with the process. Set some time aside for this if you decide to call. Depending on the time of day, traffic can be high and you may be waiting a while to get in touch with someone. Tell the representative what you want. Be clear and specific with your intentions. Once the representative comes on the line, let him know that you wish to have your voicemail disabled without any other changes to your plan. Specifying that you have no desire to change anything else will help streamline the process. On the other end, the representative will access your phone info and make the desired changes. They will let you know once the change has gone through. Test to make sure the voicemail is deactivated. After you get off the phone and the service representative has informed you that the voicemail has been turned off, it's still a good idea to make sure yourself. Whether calling your phone from another number or getting someone else to call for you, give your phone a test run. Don't answer the incoming call with your phone. If the calling number is not prompted to leave a message, the process has worked. If not, you need to call the service provider again and tell them the problem hasn't been solved. | Access your Voicemail settings. Deactivate your Voicemail via settings. Input a phone code. Test to ensure your voicemail is deactivated. Contact a representative. Tell the representative what you want. Test to make sure the voicemail is deactivated. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-a-Shy-Girl-Out | How to Ask a Shy Girl Out | If you really like a girl but she's shy, try asking her out casually when she seems comfortable. Wait until you've gotten to know each other a bit so she'll be more relaxed around you. When you're ready to ask her out, get her alone so she won't be worried about other people watching. Try complimenting her first, like telling her she looks nice or that she makes you laugh. Then, ask her out on a date by saying something like "Want to hang out this weekend? We can go for dinner or watch a movie if you want.” It's natural to be nervous, but you'll feel relieved once you get it over with. Don't take it personally if she's not interested. Just say, “That's cool. I understand.” | Try to make her laugh. When getting to know a shy girl, it's important to make her feel comfortable around you. She will be more willing to open up to you if you make her feel comfortable. An easy way to do this is to make her laugh. Tell jokes and act goofy, but don't make fun of her. Make sure your humor comes from a place of kindness and isn't cruel to anyone. If you're in school together, make jokes about the class or school in general. Friendly joking, especially if it's complimentary, is a great way to break the ice and help someone overcome their self-consciousness. Avoid pointing out her shyness. Her shyness or quietness may be a predominant part of her personality, but it is best not to point it out to her; she is likely very aware of it. Poking fun at her shyness or asking her why she doesn't talk more could make her become even quieter. Instead, encourage her to talk about herself. Ask her questions about herself. Conversation may be difficult for her at first, so try to initiate a conversation by asking her questions about herself. Choose questions that she can easily answer as these might encourage her to open up to you. Ask her about her interests, dreams for the future, her childhood, and what her family is like. Try to ask follow-up questions to show that you are really interested. For example, if she says that she would like to be an engineer one day, ask her exactly what type of engineering she'd like to go into. If she tells you something interesting about herself, respond in a sincere, complimentary way. For example, if she tells you she wants to be an engineer, say, “Wow, that's so awesome!” Don't push her if she doesn't seem to be comfortable with a question. Chat with her regularly. Once she begins to open up to you, try to have regular conversations with her. This way, you can form a friendship with her. You can talk about simple things, like homework or how her day was. While she is talking, be a great listener and be supportive of the things she tells you. Don't interrupt her. Let her say what she wishes to say at her pace. Talk only a little about yourself. She can find out more later, and a little mystery is a great thing. Make an effort to spend extra time with her. Along with having regular conversations, spend time with her as much as she feels comfortable with. You can be study buddies, and pick each other's brains for ideas and solutions to schoolwork or college assignments. Or, you can attend a performance, games of hers, or whatever activity she enjoys to show your support. Sit with her in the cafeteria at lunch and simply chat about everyday life. Compliment her on her reading choices and talk about books together. Get to know her friends. They will be a useful source of support and information as you get to know each other better. They can also serve as a source of reassurance to her, helping her to realize that you mean well and are worth letting down her barriers for. You should, however, show that you are genuinely interested in her friends instead of acting like you just want to impress the girl you're interested in. Ask if you can join her when she is hanging out with her friends. Don't push it if she says no. She might think you like one of her friends if you put too much emphasis on spending time with them. Try to spend time with them only when she is around—at least at first. Say positive things about her to her friends. Wait until she is alone. Asking her out while she is in a group or around people in general may embarrass her. Instead, wait until you have the opportunity to spend some time alone together. It should be your goal to make her feel as comfortable as possible when you ask her out. Approach her in a casual manner. At this point, you should have built up some kind of relationship with her. Act like you usually do around her. Acting too nervous or overbearing could make her feel uncomfortable. Approach at a time when you normally see her. If you want to make the moment special, you could ask her to go for a walk in the park first Start with a compliment. This is an easy way to give her an idea that you like her and think highly of her. You can compliment her looks by saying “You look beautiful today.” Or, you can compliment aspects of her personality. For example, you could say “I think you are incredibly smart and kind.” Don't overdo the compliments. One or two nice compliments to begin with is enough. Ask her to go a date with you. You can ask her as casually or as formally as you'd like. If you want to be casual, say something like "Hey we can grab dinner later if you aren't busy.” If you want to make sure your intentions are clear you can say, “I'm really starting to like you, and I would like to take you out on a date if that's okay with you.” Give a positive reaction to her answer. If she says no, simply back down and say maybe another time. If she says yes, act pleased and make plans. Either way, you should react in a way that makes her feel comfortable. Don't be angry with her if she says she's not interested. Take her somewhere quiet. Taking her to a party is probably not the best date idea for a shy girl. Instead, take her somewhere quiet where she can open up to you. For example, take her for a walk in the park or to a picnic in the park. If you aren't sure what she'd want to do, you can ask her if there's somewhere she has been wanting to go. Go out for ice cream or a movie. If the park is a little too quiet for her, you can suggest going out for ice cream. It's stress-free and there are some people around. A movie is another low-key date idea because it's something you can do together without feeling the pressure to talk. If she doesn't like ice cream, suggest going out for lunch or dinner. Take things slowly. Even if the date goes very well, do not move very fast with a shy girl. Moving too fast could be overwhelming for her. For example, don't go in for a kiss without asking permission. If you feel like she's having a good time with you, ask if she'd be okay with holding your hand. You can move on from there if she seems okay with holding your hand. Ask her to be your girlfriend. Depending on how the date or dates go, you may want to ask her to be your girlfriend. First, try to get an idea of how she feels about you. You can ask if she enjoys spending time with you. Or, if she has opened up to you a lot, ask her if she likes you in the same way that you like her. If she does, ask if she would like to be your girlfriend. For example, you could say “I've really enjoyed getting to know you. I've come to like you a lot, and I was wondering if you would like to be my girlfriend?” | Try to make her laugh. Avoid pointing out her shyness. Ask her questions about herself. Chat with her regularly. Make an effort to spend extra time with her. Get to know her friends. Wait until she is alone. Approach her in a casual manner. Start with a compliment. Ask her to go a date with you. Give a positive reaction to her answer. Take her somewhere quiet. Go out for ice cream or a movie. Take things slowly. Ask her to be your girlfriend. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Hand-Pain-from-Excessive-Writing | How to Prevent Hand Pain from Excessive Writing | To prevent hand and wrist pain from excessive writing, take regular breaks for a few minutes every hour or so and try not to use your hands and wrists during this time. You can also exercise your hands and wrists by reaching your hand out with your fingers facing upward and using your opposite hand to gently bend the fingers backward for 15 seconds. To reduce cramps, stretch your fingers by moving them away from each other and back again. | Choose a pen or pencil that is comfortable. In general, look for a wider barrel (larger diameter) with a padded grip. Make sure the pen writes smoothly, without skipping or dragging along the page. Avoid buying pens that rattle or leave behind blotches of ink. Light pens are easier to balance, making them more ideal for writing for longer periods of time. For pencils, try heavier grades of lead like 2B, which allow for lighter grips. Grasp the pen loosely. Do not clench your fingers around the pen or grip it too tightly. You don't need to strangle it—just pull it against the page. Imagine you're writing with a quill. Remember: people wrote for hours using quills, and they definitely weren't holding them tightly. Hold the pen from the back, leaving more space at the side of it with the writing tip. Fountain pens are ideal for most writers, as they don't require a lot of pressure against the page. Avoid ballpoint pens if you're not comfortable with them, as their design requires you to apply more pressure against the page. They also tend to be made cheaply. Write slowly when you start using new grips. If you've been using improper grip and are just beginning to get used to a new one, always start slow. It's going to take a while for your muscle memory to start developing, so work your way up to faster speeds only when you have your positioning right and your writing is neat. Don't get discouraged and switch to improper writing techniques, even if you're faster at them. Press the pen gently against the page. Get a good pen so you don't have to press hard, then pull the pen lightly and evenly against the paper. If you prefer to use a pencil, try the next softest lead. Try a gel or rollerball pen. If you write often for long periods of time, these are great investments. Some gel and liquid inks may also flow smoothly enough to help discourage you from clenching and pressing. Write with your arm, not your fingers. Writing is not drawing! Keep your hand and wrist still, and move your whole arm using the elbow and shoulder (like you are writing on a whiteboard). Avoid using your finger muscles—this might seem counterintuitive, but your fingers should only be used to support your pen or pencil. The most common grip is between your first and middle fingers, using your thumb to hold the pen or pencil in place. Another grip is placing your middle and index finger on top, using your thumb to hold the pen or pencil in place. Calligraphers (who are very practiced writers) hold their writing instruments with their thumb and forefinger, resting the pen gently on top of their forefingers' knuckle. Look at your hand position and evaluate it. You may not have paid much attention to how to hold a pen since you were in early elementary school, but pay attention now. Is your hand position neutral? Try to hold your wrist straight and don't turn or bend it as you write. Are you reaching or straining in any way to reach the page or the desk? Move the desk, chair, and paper until you are comfortable. Is the rest of your work space comfortable? Are the chair and desk at the right heights for you? Can you see and reach the page without straining or crouching? Are other items you need (such as the stapler or telephone) within easy reach? Is your wrist, arm, and elbow supported, at least when you are not actively writing? Practice good posture. Sit up straight with your shoulders back, your chest out, and avoid leaning over the desk. If you lean over your work, your neck, shoulders, and arms will tire out much faster. For longer writing sessions, vary your posture. Lean one way and the other in your chair, and try to lean back every now and then. Always make sure you can breathe properly—slouching can lead to reduced oxygen levels because the position causes you to breath from the top of your lungs instead of the bottom, which isn't as effective due to less gravity. Take breaks to put less strain on your body. Leave yourself extra time for writing. Unless this is the big, final test and you have no choice, stand up every hour (or less) and walk around for a minute or two. Relax your hands, arms, and wrists during this time. Take walks outside if you have the time. Set down the pen any time you're not writing. For instance, if you pause for a few moments to compose your next thought, set the pen down, relax your hand, recline in your chair, and even stand up and walk around a bit. Take the time to do some quick hand and finger exercises. Limit total daily writing time. If you've been writing for several hours, come back later or even the next day. Try and spread out the total writing time across as many days as possible. This is tough when it comes to school and work, but you should do it whenever you get the chance. If you have a lot to write , try writing in several smaller sessions rather than one long one. Engage in a different activity the next day. If a test , writing assignment, or some important thought kept you writing extensively yesterday, use today to get some exercise. Take a stroll outside and get enough outside time to relieve stress. Decreasing stress by getting outside and doing other activities is especially important for creative writing and preventing writer's block. Lift your wrist as high as it will go with fingers dangling. Image that you're hanging a cloth ribbon on a clothesline above your head. Lift your fingers, drop your wrist, and slowly lower your wrist. Be sure to lower your wrist as far as it will go. Imagine that you are smoothing out the ribbon. Afterwards, slowly raise your hand again, as if you have a balloon attached to your wrist. Repeat the process from the beginning with your opposite arm about 5 to 100 times. Perform hand/finger tendon glides regularly. This exercise begins with extending your fingers straight. Then, make a fist, and extend your fingers straight again. Do this repeatedly, but each time you make a fist, alternate between the 3 choices: a straight fist, full fist, and hook fist. Conduct simple hand exercises with your writing hand. For example, grab the pen or pencil and twist it between your fingers. You can also open and close your hand, and gently stretch your fingers by moving them away from each other and then back together again. Regularly exercising your writing hand is important to prevent cramps. Reach out a hand with your fingers facing up and palm forward. A simple way to remember this first movement is pretending you're signaling a stop sign. Afterwards, use your left hand to gently pull your fingers toward you, bending your right hand back. Hold this position for around 15 seconds. Repeat this exercise with both hands. Extend one of your hands in front of you and point your fingers down. Your palm should be facing your chest, and your fingers straight downwards. Take your opposing hand and gently press your fingers toward you. Hold this position for around 15 seconds. You can also do this exercise with your palm facing away from you and your fingers pointed up. In this case, you still press your fingers toward you. Squeeze a stress ball to exercise your wrists and fingers. A stress ball is an easy way to stretch your fingers and wrists, while also strengthening them. This can help with stamina and reduce the likelihood of experiencing pain from writing. Most big-box stores and popular online suppliers sell stress balls Interlace each of your fingers and stretch outward. Make sure your palms are facing away from you when you stretch your arms out in the opposite direction. Then, while holding your arms outward, reach them toward the ceiling, keeping your shoulders lengthened in line with your back. Hold this position for around 10 to 15 seconds. This exercise stretches your fingers, hands, and forearms, and also improves circulation. Talk to your doctor if you experience frequent pain. If you're experiencing pain that doesn't respond to measures you can take yourself, talk to a doctor. If most of your writing is for school or work, ask whether accommodations or arrangements can be made. Your doctor can make recommendations and help you implement them to make your work more manageable. Some solutions include a workspace more suited to your size or work habits (e.g. a chair and table of a more suitable height, a slanted or elevated work surface), a different selection of writing implements, and a different means of writing (such as dictation or typing in lieu of writing longhand). Doctors can also refer you to an expert for an ergonomic evaluation and suggestions about your workspace and work habits. Splint your finger if arthritis flares up. Keeping on a splint for 2 to 3 weeks can help reduce inflammation during arthritis flare-ups. Measure the size of your finger to determine the size of splint to purchase and tape it to your finger using medical tape. Make sure the injured finger is properly supported and kept in a straight position. You can also create a homemade splint using 2 straight, narrow objects (like two pieces of cardboard) by taping one to the top of your finger and one to the bottom. If your fingers are tingling or numb, seek medical attention. These are signs that you're not getting enough oxygen and blood flow to the injured area. Apply a splint to your wrist to reduce inflammation. If you start to experience wrist pain, purchase a wrist splint to hold it in a neutral position and ease inflammation. You can also create a makeshift splint at home by gently wrapping your wrist with padding, such as clothing, and then securing a rigid object to the top or bottom. Local pharmacies and online suppliers sell many kinds of splints. Wear your splint for 2 to 3 weeks at nighttime. Symptoms are typically the worst at night because your hand bends more when you're sleeping. Splints don't always work, but don't have side effects like medication-based treatments. Purchase nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs curb hand pain by blocking the enzymes that drive inflammation. Use topical NSAIDs like Voltaren if you can—some experts believe that they pose less health risks than oral NSAIDs like Advil and Motrin. NSAIDs are not effective for carpal tunnel syndrome. Using NSAIDs for long-term treatment of pain has been linked to stomach bleeding, ulcers, and increased risk of heart attacks. Anti-cholinergic drugs like Artane and Cogentin are more suitable for writer's cramp (or hand dystonia). Ask your doctor about corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. These injections go right into the affected joints to ease inflammation. They can provide relief lasting for up to a year, although some people report diminishing returns as injection number goes up. Steroid injections are typically used to treat tendonitis, arthritis trigger fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff tendonitis. Side effects of corticosteroid injections include a "flare," which is pain felt 1 or 2 days following the injection, as well as increased blood sugar, skin thinning, skin lightening, tendon weakening, and in rare cases, allergic reactions. | Choose a pen or pencil that is comfortable. Grasp the pen loosely. Write slowly when you start using new grips. Press the pen gently against the page. Write with your arm, not your fingers. Look at your hand position and evaluate it. Practice good posture. Take breaks to put less strain on your body. Set down the pen any time you're not writing. Limit total daily writing time. Engage in a different activity the next day. Lift your wrist as high as it will go with fingers dangling. Perform hand/finger tendon glides regularly. Conduct simple hand exercises with your writing hand. Reach out a hand with your fingers facing up and palm forward. Extend one of your hands in front of you and point your fingers down. Squeeze a stress ball to exercise your wrists and fingers. Interlace each of your fingers and stretch outward. Talk to your doctor if you experience frequent pain. Splint your finger if arthritis flares up. Apply a splint to your wrist to reduce inflammation. Purchase nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ask your doctor about corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Ferret%27s-Ears | How to Clean a Ferret's Ears | To clean a ferret's ears, start by getting a ferret-safe ear cleaning solution from your local pet store. Then, place the bottle in warm water for 10 minutes so the solution isn't cold when you use it. Next, pick up your ferret by the scruff, which is the loose skin on the back of its neck, and gently wipe its ears with the cleaning solution using a cotton swab. Avoid pushing the swab down into your ferret's ear canal, and just focus on the outer folds of the ear. | Purchase a ferret-safe ear cleaning solution. Head to a pet store or search an online supplier for potential products. Stick with products that are safe for use with kittens or rabbits. If you're unsure, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation for a reliable product. Make sure the product is labeled for kittens and not just cats and dogs. Never use rubbing alcohol or preparations that are designed to dry out the ear. Avoid mineral oil, which can increase oily ear buildup. Occasional hydrogen peroxide use is OK but has a tendency to dry the ear out. Place your bottle of cleaner in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes. Cold drops will irritate you ferret—its body temperature is 101 to 103 °F (38 to 39 °C) and doesn't react well to cold. Let your cleaner sit in warm water to increase its temperature and give your ferret as painless an experience as possible! Make sure your cleaner is never 70 °F (21 °C) or less when you apply it to your ferret's ears. Ask a friend for help cleaning your ferret's ears. Most ferrets will resist having their ears cleaned, and it's a lot easier to do it with help from a friend. Ask them to hold the ferret still while you clean its ears. If you don't have a friend to help, use one hand to scruff the ferret and the other to clean its ear. This will take practice, especially during the first few cleanings when your ferret is most jumpy. Use treats as a distraction to settle your ferret down. Pick up your ferret by the scruff. The scruff is the loose portion of skin on your ferret's neck located just above its shoulder blades. Grip this area firmly and hold your ferret to its feet so that it can't touch any surface. At this point, your ferret should go limp—if it doesn't your not doing it properly. Hold your ferret over a counter or table so it won't fall to the floor if you lose your grip. Clean your ferret's ears with a cotton swab and ear-cleaning solution. Start by moistening the cotton swab with your solution. Now, gently wipe the tip through all of the crevices in your ferret's outer ear. Take several swabs if you need to and make sure to remove debris from all of the pockets and folds in the outer ear. Only clean the parts of your ferret's ear that you can see. Never push the cotton swab into the ear canal, even if you can see wax in it. When your cotton swab gets too soaked with cleaning solution, use a dry cotton swab to remove the excess. Clean your ferret's ears every other week. Regular cleaning for your ferret's ears will reduce wax buildup and minimize odors. Try to time the cleanings during or after bath time for the best results. If you clean your ferret's ears during bath time, make sure that you remove any extra water and soap residue. Keep an eye out for ear wax buildup. Your ferret's ear has three parts: the inner ear, the middle ear, and the outer ear. When you clean your ferret's ears, you'll be working with the outer ear, which is where most problems—parasites, infections, and occasional tumors—develop. Ear wax is typically orange, light brown, or reddish in color. If you don't clean remove it regularly, your ferret can experience hearing loss, infections, pressure, and ear mites. Remember that different ferrets have varying amounts and colors of ear wax. A strong odor from the ear is a sign of ear wax. Clean your ferret's ears when you notice signs of wax buildup. Look out for signs of ear mites. Dark brown, reddish black, or black ear wax are signs of ear mites. When wax buildup gets out of control, ear mites can develop. In addition to its color, ear mite-infested wax differs from standard ear wax in its stronger, more distinct odor. Ear mites cause ferrets to rub their ears on the floor, shake their heads, scratch their ears, and walk with their head tilted. Use a magnifying glass to look for adult mites. Just remember that a veterinarian's microscope is the only way to see mite eggs and larva and thus the most accurate examination. Visit a veterinarian if you find signs of ear problems or ear mites. If you notice dark wax, crust around the ears, scratching at the ears, or your ferret is becoming withdrawn, visit a veterinarian. Be sure to visit one with experience attending to ferrets. Always check with your veterinarian before administering any medication for ear mites. If your ferret is tilting its head, don't try to treat its ear issues on your own. Always take your ferret to the vet to find out why it's tilting its head. Head tilt can be a symptom of a middle or inner ear infection, which needs treatment. Additionally, if the ear drum is ruptured, putting drops in your ferret's ear can cause serious issues. Administer miticide medication to treat ear mites. Make sure the medication is safe for rabbits or kittens—0.05% Pyrethrins is the standard. Squirt the applicable amount of solution into the ear canal, which is part of the outer ear. Afterward, rub it in and repeat the process daily for 14 to 21 days. Take care when applying the medication—ferrets will usually struggle and shake their head as you squirt it, which can cause it to spray everywhere. Purchase miticide medication from pet stores. Ask your veterinarian about once-a-week ivermectin treatment for 2 to 3 weeks if you're not comfortable applying ear medication on your own. | Purchase a ferret-safe ear cleaning solution. Place your bottle of cleaner in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes. Ask a friend for help cleaning your ferret's ears. Pick up your ferret by the scruff. Clean your ferret's ears with a cotton swab and ear-cleaning solution. Clean your ferret's ears every other week. Keep an eye out for ear wax buildup. Look out for signs of ear mites. Visit a veterinarian if you find signs of ear problems or ear mites. Administer miticide medication to treat ear mites. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-Kudzu | How to Kill Kudzu | To kill kudzu, mow your lawn once a month and remove all the plant material after mowing to prevent the kudzu from taking root and growing again. Alternatively, use a shovel or pickaxe to dig up and remove the roots. If the kudzu is growing on a tree, cut it off with pruning shears before digging up the roots. You can also apply an herbicide containing glyphosate and triclopyr near the roots, since these chemicals are effective at killing kudzu. | Mow down kudzu. In some cases, kudzu can be controlled by continual mowing. Mowing kudzu can be time consuming, but it is sometimes more effective than pesticides for eradicating the plants. You can use mowers or mechanical clippers to cut kudzu vines down to ground level. During growing season, you should cut down kudzu vines once every month. Eventually, the plant will become exhausted and cease to grow. Once you're done mowing down kudzu, it's important to remove all plant material after it's trimmed down. Kudzu plants can reroot and begin growing again if not removed. You can burn kudzu materials, feed them to local cows or goats, or place them in plastic bags and dispose of them at a local dump. Be consistent if you choose to cut kudzu root. One or two cuttings will do little to stop kudzu. You must exhaust the plants over a series of months or years for this method to be effective. Dig up and remove the roots. It's also a good idea to dig up kudzu at the root. This is another time consuming, but effective, means of preventing kudzu from regrowing. You do not need to remove the entire root. You just need to remove the root crown, which is the portion of the root that kudzu grows out of. A shovel or pick axe are the best tools to use when removing the root crown. If you notice there are several smaller root crowns at the base of a kudzu vine, pruning shears may work well. To find the root crown, follow a kudzu vine until you find where it roots into the soil. If you dig slightly, you should see new buds stemming. This is the root crown. Cut into the soil just below this area to remove the crown. Make sure you remove all of the root crown. If you don't, the kudzu can easily grow back where parts of the crown were left. Cut kudzu vines off of small trees. If you notice kudzu growing on a tree, manually cut the kudzu off using pruning shears. Then, apply herbicide near the kudzu roots, at a safe distance from the sapling. If you're uncomfortable using herbicide, you can also dig up the roots of the kudzu. Allow cattle or goats to graze on kudzu. If you have cattle or goats, you can allow your livestock to control kudzu plants. Cattle and goats should graze on kudzu and it is not harmful for these animals. Much like mowing, continual grazing will wear down kudzu to the point it stops growing. Choose the right herbicide for your needs. There are a variety of different herbicides on the market. Make sure you select one specifically designed to get rid of kudzu plants. You want something with the active ingredients glyphosate and triclopyr, as these chemicals are effective at killing kudzu. The following commercial products have been proven effective for the treatment of kudzu: Bayer Advanced Brush Killer Plus Concentrate Ortho Max Poison Ivy and Tough Brush Killer Concentrate Roundup Concentrate Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer Roundup Pro Roundup Pro Concentrate Use protective gear when applying herbicides. Herbicides can be dangerous to the bare skin. Make sure to wear protective gear, like safety goggles and protective gloves, before treating kudzu with herbicide. You should also read the instruction manual on any herbicide you purchase. Some herbicides must be diluted in water before use. The instruction manual will also provide you with useful information on how to safely apply your chosen herbicide. Apply herbicide in the spring and late summer. Spring is a great time to apply treatment because kudzu will be vulnerable from its winter dormancy. Treat the kudzu again in the late summer, and repeat the two treatments annually until the plant is dead. Keep in mind that the plant won't die from a single treatment. Spot spray small outbreaks. You may have a small kudzu outbreak. A tiny amount of kudzu may be creeping up on a fence, for example. As you want to limit the use of herbicide as much as you can, do not aggressively treat small outbreaks. Instead, spot spray with a backpack sprayer. Spray towards the ground from which the kudzu spreads. You can also use spot treatment as a follow up treatment after you've targeted large patches of kudzu. Spray open patterns in a crosshatch pattern. In the event you have large patches of kudzu growing on the ground, you'll want to spray in a crosshatch pattern. A crosshatch pattern is marked by a series of intersecting parallel lines. Spray roughly half the solution in one direction in straight lines. Then, spray and half the solution in the other direction in lines perpendicular to the first. Do follow up treatments. Kudzu is rarely eradicated with a single treatment. In order to completely destroy kudzu, you need to do several treatments. There is no herbicide available that will successfully remove kudzu in a single treatment. For younger, smaller roots, a few rounds of treatment may be enough to eliminate kudzu. For larger, older plants, you may need to treat kudzu several times a year for a few years to eliminate the plant. Do not use herbicides on kudzu invading trees or other plants. Kudzu often creeps up trees or individual plants. You should limit herbicide treatments to kudzu growing on level ground, or creeping up a manmade object like a fence. If you spray herbicide on a plant like a tree, the herbicide will end up harming this plant as well as the kudzu. Remove kudzu during the correct times of year. Regardless of the method you use, you want to make sure you remove kudzu at the right times of the year. Kudzu should be treated several times throughout the year. In late spring or early summer, begin your kudzu treatment once the leaves have fully expanded. New kudzu will usually emerge from the first kudzu plants. This should be treated again in later summer or early fall to prevent a reoccurrence. Use herbicide conservatively. If you choose to use herbicide to treat kudzu, be careful. Only use herbicide in select areas and only apply the recommended amount. Read instruction manuals that come with your herbicides carefully, especially the safety instructions. Keep away from animals and children. Chemicals in herbicide can be toxic if ingested or touched. Make sure to use mild herbicides in residential or environmentally sensitive areas. If you're working in residential areas, make sure you choose mild herbicides. You also want to make sure use of herbicides is permitted in any area you choose to spray. You can contact your local Department of Natural Resources for more information. | Mow down kudzu. Dig up and remove the roots. Cut kudzu vines off of small trees. Allow cattle or goats to graze on kudzu. Choose the right herbicide for your needs. Use protective gear when applying herbicides. Apply herbicide in the spring and late summer. Spot spray small outbreaks. Spray open patterns in a crosshatch pattern. Do follow up treatments. Do not use herbicides on kudzu invading trees or other plants. Remove kudzu during the correct times of year. Use herbicide conservatively. Make sure to use mild herbicides in residential or environmentally sensitive areas. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Viscose-Rug | How to Clean a Viscose Rug | To clean a viscose rug, start by running your hand along it to determine which direction the rug's fibers run in. Then, push a carpet sweeper across the rug in that direction to pick up any dirt or debris. Just avoid going over the fringe on the rug with the carpet sweeper since it could get tangled. Instead, sweep over the fringe with a broom. If your rug has any stains, clean them with dish soap, water, and white vinegar. | Run your hand along the rug to get the direction of the nap. The nap or pile is the natural direction that the rug's fibers run. Running your hand across the surface of the rug will give you an indication to how the rug's fibers lay. Agitating the rug against the pile can loosen the rug's fibers and distort your rug. Push a carpet sweeper in the direction of the nap. High power vacuum cleaners and vacuums with beater brushes can damage the fibers in a viscose rug. Instead, use a non-electrical rug or carpet sweeper and run it along the direction of the rug's nap or pile. This should lift up any remaining crumbs or dirt stuck in the rug. You can go over the rug several times if it's still dirty. You can find an inexpensive carpet sweeper at many department stores or online. If you don't have a carpet sweeper, you can use a soft broom, such as a window washing broom or hand broom. Keep in mind that viscose is not a strong material. It won't hold up well if you vacuum it often or put it in a high traffic area. When you need to clean it, don't scrub very hard or overwork the fibers. Sweep the fringes with a broom. Do not go over the fringes on the rug with a carpet sweeper or vacuum because you could detach the fringes from the rug. Instead, use a broom or brush and brush the dirt and debris from out of the fringes. Use a dustpan to collect and dispose of the leftover dust. Use a mild dish soap to clean spills. Test the dish soap on a small part of the rug before using it. If you notice discoloration or staining, don't use it. If there is a larger area that you need to clean, mild dish soap and water is a good solution. Saturate a rag with cold water and a drop of pH neutral dish soap, then rub the rag in the direction of the nap. When you're done, blot over the area with a dry rag until it's dry. Do not use detergents because they can stain and alter the color in your rug. Spot clean with white vinegar, water, and dish soap. Cleaning spills as soon as they happen will cut down on the size and severity of the stain. For especially tough stains, try spot cleaning the area with a mixture of water, white vinegar, and mild dish soap. Mix the solution together and skim the bubbles on the top of the solution with a rag. Use the rag with the bubbles on it to wipe down the stain then immediately remove the solution with a clean, damp rag. Do not oversaturate the rag in the solution or you may damage your rug. As an alternative to a vinegar solution, a citric acid solution will also treat stains. Since water can yellow your viscose fibers, you might prefer to use a specialized citric acid solution that won't yellow your viscose. You can also spray a fabric softener on the rug after spot cleaning it to keep it soft. When you use fabric softener, put it in a spray bottle, then dilute it with water. Spray a little bit of fabric softener onto the rug. Next, use a soft bristle brush to hand groom the rug, brushing it in the direction of the grain. Limit how often you machine clean your rug. Viscose is a weak material, so it can easily get damaged. Using a machine to clean your rug increases the risk of damage, so only do it when the rug is very dirty. It's best to maintain the cleanliness of the rug so you don't have to deep clean it. Secure the carpet or rug to the floor or a flat surface. Use clamps to secure the carpet to a flat surface, or put the carpet on a mounting board so that it doesn't move around as you clean. You can purchase a mounting board at most rug stores or online. Rent or purchase a carpet cleaning machine. You can rent or purchase a carpet cleaning or rug cleaning machine at major home improvement or department stores. These machines come with a hose and cleaning nozzle that transfers and vacuums cleaning solution on your carpet. Rent a machine that uses cold water, because hot water can damage viscose rugs. Mix carpet cleaning chemicals with water to create a cleaning solution. You can find anionic detergents or other cleaners made specifically for viscose rugs online or at rug stores. Purchase cleaning chemicals that are made specifically for viscose and read the instructions on the back. Mix the cleaning chemicals with cold water in a bucket before transferring the solution to the basin in your carpet cleaning machine. Hot water can shrink your rug. When you're finished combining the chemicals, make sure to mix them together so that they become well incorporated. Drag the head of the carpet cleaning machine across the carpet. Pull the trigger on the head of the carpet cleaning machine to eject the cleaning solution into the carpet. Make sure that you go with the nap so that you don't displace any of the fibers of the rug. The dirt and grime in the rug should start coming up. Make sure that you get a carpet cleaner that can wash rugs with cold water, so that you don't shrink your rug. Use the carpet cleaner to vacuum up the solution. Once you've run the carpet cleaner from one end of the rug to the other, go down the same path but this time with only the vacuum running. This should suck up all of the dirty water and dirt from your carpet. Repeat the steps until the entire carpet is cleaned. Continue to go up and down the carpet with the cleaning solution and carpet cleaner until the entirety of the carpet is cleaned. Hang the carpet to dry. Flip the carpet over and hang it on a railing to let it to air dry. Do not apply direct heat to the carpet or you could damage it. Get your carpet professionally cleaned if it's in poor condition. Viscose rugs are fragile and can be discolored or destroyed very easily. If you own a viscose rug that is important to you personally, consider getting it professionally cleaned rather than doing it yourself. This will ensure that your rug won't be damaged. Professional carpet cleaners will have the chemicals and tools to clean your viscose carpet. Blot spills as soon as they happen. Use a clean rag or paper towel and blot over the surface of the spill. The faster you're able to blot stains, the less time they will have to seep into the fibers of the carpet. Do not rub or agitate the stain, or you may push the liquid deeper into the carpet. Keep your rug out of damp areas. When viscose rugs are exposed to dampness for a long period, they are easily destroyed. Avoid putting viscose rugs in places like the basement, bathroom, or outside, where they could be exposed to a lot of moisture. | Run your hand along the rug to get the direction of the nap. Push a carpet sweeper in the direction of the nap. Sweep the fringes with a broom. Use a mild dish soap to clean spills. Spot clean with white vinegar, water, and dish soap. Limit how often you machine clean your rug. Secure the carpet or rug to the floor or a flat surface. Rent or purchase a carpet cleaning machine. Mix carpet cleaning chemicals with water to create a cleaning solution. Drag the head of the carpet cleaning machine across the carpet. Use the carpet cleaner to vacuum up the solution. Repeat the steps until the entire carpet is cleaned. Hang the carpet to dry. Get your carpet professionally cleaned if it's in poor condition. Blot spills as soon as they happen. Keep your rug out of damp areas. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Say-Goodbye-in-Spanish | How to Say Goodbye in Spanish | To say goodbye in Spanish in a casual or informal way, say “Te veo,” which means “I'll see you.” If the person is someone you see only once in awhile, or someone you won't be seeing for a long time, use “adiós, “ which is similar to “farewell.” Alternatively, use a phrase with “hasta,” such as “Hasta mañana” for “see you tomorrow” or “Hasta luego” for “see you later.” You can also say “Buenas noches” if you're parting from someone in the evening or at night. | Start with the basics. The word you've probably heard before, or learned in a phrasebook, is adiós. You can think of adiós as approximately equivalent to "farewell" in English. In practice, this word isn't used as much as you might think. Typically Spanish speakers use it if they won't be seeing the other person for a longer period of time, if ever again. For example, if you were ending a relationship with a significant other, you might say "adiós." Say goodbye in a casual or informal way with "te veo. " This phrase uses the familiar tú form of "you" and basically means "I'll see you." Pronounce it tay VAY-oh. This is a casual form that shouldn't be used with anyone you're expected to address formally, such as your teacher or boss. You also can say "nos vemos" (nohs VAY-mohs), which literally means "we see ourselves." The phrase's actual meaning is more like "we'll see each other later." Say "bye" to your friends with chau. Sometimes spelled "chao," this is another friendly, informal way to say goodbye. It's technically an Italian word, but is used among Spanish speakers casually – similar to the way English speakers would say "peace" or "peace out." Use a phrase with the word hasta. In Spanish, "hasta" means "until." There are several phrases using this word that can be used to tell someone goodbye. Some of these phrases specifically say when you will next see the person. Hasta mañana means "until tomorrow." Pronounce it AHS-tuh men-YAHN-uh. This phrase is appropriate in both formal and informal settings. You also can use hasta with a specific day. For example, you might say "hasta el martes," to mean "see you on Tuesday." Hasta luego (AHS-tuh loo-WAY-goh) is less specific, meaning "until later" or "see you later." Another way to say "until later" is hasta más tarde (AHS-tuh mahs TAR-day). You also can say hasta pronto (AHS-tuh PRAHN-toh), which means "until soon" or "see you soon." This phrase is used less often than "hasta luego." If the person to whom you're speaking has mentioned the time when the two of you will next see each other, you can say "hasta entonces" (AHS-tuh ehn-TAHN-says), which means "until then." Avoid "hasta siempre" (AHS-tuh see-IMP-rray) in most circumstances. While the phrase "hasta siempre," meaning literally "until forever," is well known, it's not a phrase you want to use to say goodbye to someone because of its strong connotation of permanence. This phrase is more typically used when a couple is separated by death. Tell someone "good night" by saying "buenas noches" (boo-EHN-uhs NOH-chays). Just as in English, if you are parting from someone in the evening, it is common to say "good night" rather than "goodbye." Unlike in English, buenas noches is used as both a greeting and a farewell. Depending on the context, it might mean "good evening" or "good night." The phrase is generally appropriate anytime after dinner. Ask native speakers about local slang. Different Spanish-speaking countries, and even regions within a country, may have different slang phrases commonly used to say goodbye. When you're traveling, ask someone around your age what phrases are popular. Learning a few slang greetings can help you blend in, especially if you'll be staying in the area for a longer period of time. For instance, the phrase "pura vida" in Costa Rica can be a way to say goodbye. Use atentamente to close business correspondence. If you are writing a formal letter to a government department or business, the closing atentamente is the closest thing to saying "sincerely" in English, and the most commonly used. You also can say "le saluda atentamente," which is more like "sincerely yours." If the letter is addressed to more than one person, write this "les saluda atentamente." Write cordialmente in more casual business correspondence. The closing "cordialmente" typically is used after you've established a more familiar relationship with the person to whom you're writing. It's appropriate for repeated correspondence when you have a regular business or collegial relationship with someone. Try more affectionate closings for personal letters. Closings for Spanish correspondence typically are more affectionate than those used in English, if you think about the direct translation of the words. There are other warm closings for personal letters, such as "un abrazo" (a hug), "cariñosos saludos" (similar to "kind regards"), or "afectuosamente" (affectionately). Use besos y abrazos when writing to close friends and family. The Spanish phrase "besos y abrazos" literally means "kisses and hugs." As you can probably imagine, this closing is more appropriate if you're writing to someone you would actually hug or kiss on a regular basis. Some other closings you can use with family and close friends include "con todo mi cariño" (with all my caring) or "con todo mi afecto" (with all my affection). Learn the noun form of goodbye. In English, you use the same word whether you're actually saying goodbye to someone or talking about saying goodbye. Spanish has a different word you should use if you're talking about saying goodbye. The noun form of goodbye in Spanish is "la despedida." For example, you might say "Supongo que es la despedida," or "I guess this is goodbye." If you're talking about someone "saying goodbye" to something, use the word despedirse. For example, "puede despedirse del triunfo" means "he can say goodbye to his chances of winning." Use cuídate (coo-EE-dah-tay) if you want to tell someone to "take care. " In English, rather than saying goodbye specifically, you often tell the person to take care of themselves. The word cuídate in Spanish expresses the same thing. As in English, you also can combine this with other greetings. For example, you might say "¡Te veo, cuídate!" meaning "See ya, take care!" Tell the person to have a good day. As in English, it's fairly common for Spanish speakers to say "have a nice day" rather than just "goodbye" or "see you later." A way to say this in Spanish is "¡Bueno, que tengas un buen día!" Seal it with a kiss. In Spanish-speaking countries, it is a cultural tradition to greet others as well as say goodbye with a kiss on the cheek. In Latin America, people usually give each other one kiss on opposite cheeks. In Spain, two kisses – one on each cheek – are common. If you are in a Spanish-speaking country, don't be taken aback if a stranger or someone you've just met kisses you goodbye. It's a basic cultural expression. | Start with the basics. Say goodbye in a casual or informal way with "te veo. Say "bye" to your friends with chau. Use a phrase with the word hasta. Avoid "hasta siempre" (AHS-tuh see-IMP-rray) in most circumstances. Tell someone "good night" by saying "buenas noches" (boo-EHN-uhs NOH-chays). Ask native speakers about local slang. Use atentamente to close business correspondence. Write cordialmente in more casual business correspondence. Try more affectionate closings for personal letters. Use besos y abrazos when writing to close friends and family. Learn the noun form of goodbye. Use cuídate (coo-EE-dah-tay) if you want to tell someone to "take care. Tell the person to have a good day. Seal it with a kiss. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Solve-Logarithms | How to Solve Logarithms | To solve a logarithm, start by identifying the base, which is "b" in the equation, the exponent, which is "y," and the exponential expression, which is "x." Then, move the exponential expression to one side of the equation, and apply the exponent to the base by multiplying the base by itself the number of times indicated in the exponent. Finally, rewrite your final answer as an exponential expression. | Know the logarithm definition. Before you can solve logarithms, you need to understand that a logarithm is essentially another way to write an exponential equation. It's precise definition is as follows: y = log b (x) If and only if: b = x Note that b is the base of the logarithm. It must also be true that: b > 0 b does not equal 1 In the same equation, y is the exponent and x is the exponential expression that the logarithm is set equal to. Look at the equation. When looking at the problem equation, identify the base (b), exponent (y), and exponential expression (x). Example: 5 = log 4 (1024) b = 4 y = 5 x = 1024 Move the exponential expression to one side of the equation. Set the value of your exponential expression, x , to one side of the equal sign. Example: 1024 = ? Apply the exponent to the base. The value of your base, b , needs to be multiplied by itself by the amount of times indicated by your exponent, y. Example: 4 * 4 * 4 * 4 * 4 = ? This could also be written as: 4 Rewrite your final answer. You should be able to rewrite the logarithm as an exponential expression now. Verify that your answer is correct by making sure that both sides of the equation are equal. Example: 4 = 1024 Isolate the logarithm. Use inverse operations to move any part of the equation that is not part of the logarithm to the opposite side of the equation. Example: log 3 ( x + 5) + 6 = 10 log 3 ( x + 5) + 6 - 6 = 10 - 6 log 3 ( x + 5) = 4 Rewrite the equation in exponential form. Using what you now know about the relationship between logarithms and exponential equations, break the logarithm apart and rewrite the equation in a simpler, solvable exponential form. Example: log 3 ( x + 5) = 4 Comparing this equation to the definition [ y = log b (x) ], you can conclude that: y = 4; b = 3; x = x + 5 Rewrite the equation so that: b = x 3 = x + 5 Solve for x. With the problem simplified into a basic exponential equation, you should be able to solve it as you would solve any exponential equation. Example: 3 = x + 5 3 * 3 * 3 * 3 = x + 5 81 = x + 5 81 - 5 = x + 5 - 5 76 = x Write your final answer. The answer you got when solving for x is the solution to your original logarithm. Example: x = 76 Know the product rule. The first property of logarithms, known as the "product rule," states that the logarithm of a multiplied product equals the sum of the logarithms of both factors. Written in equation form: log b (m * n) = log b (m) + log b (n) Also note that the following must be true: m > 0 n > 0 Isolate the logarithm to one side of the equation. Use inverse operations to shift the parts of the equation around so that all logarithms are on one side of the equation while all other elements are on the opposite side. Example: log 4 (x + 6) = 2 - log 4 (x) log 4 (x + 6) + log 4 (x) = 2 - log 4 (x) + log 4 (x) log 4 (x + 6) + log 4 (x) = 2 Apply the product rule. If there are two logarithms added together in the equation, you can use the product rule to combine the two logarithms into one. Example: log 4 (x + 6) + log 4 (x) = 2 log 4 [(x + 6) * x] = 2 log 4 (x + 6x) = 2 Rewrite the equation in exponential form. Remember that a logarithm is just another way to write an exponential equation. Use the logarithm definition to rewrite the equation in its solvable form. Example: log 4 (x + 6x) = 2 Comparing this equation to the definition [ y = log b (x) ], you can conclude that: y = 2; b = 4 ; x = x + 6x Rewrite the equation so that: b = x 4 = x + 6x Solve for x. Now that the equation has become a standard exponential equation, use your knowledge of exponential equations to solve for x as you usually would. Example: 4 = x + 6x 4 * 4 = x + 6x 16 = x + 6x 16 - 16 = x + 6x - 16 0 = x + 6x - 16 0 = (x - 2) * (x + 8) x = 2; x = -8 Write your answer. At this point, you should have the solution for the equation. Write it down in the space provided for your answer. Example: x = 2 Note that you cannot have a negative solution for a logarithm, so you can discard x - 8 as a solution. Know the quotient rule. According to the second property of logarithms, known as the "quotient rule," the logarithm of a quotient can be rewritten by subtracting the logarithm of the denominator from the logarithm of the numerator. Written as an equation: log b (m / n) = log b (m) - log b (n) Also note that the following must be true: m > 0 n > 0 Isolate the logarithm to one side of the equation. Before you can solve the logarithm, you need to shift all logs in the equation to one side of the equal sign. The other parts of the equation should all be shifted to the opposite side of the equation. Use inverse operations to accomplish this. Example: log 3 (x + 6) = 2 + log 3 (x - 2) log 3 (x + 6) - log 3 (x - 2) = 2 + log 3 (x - 2) - log 3 (x - 2) log 3 (x + 6) - log 3 (x - 2) = 2 Apply the quotient rule. If there are two logarithms in the equation and one must be subtracted by the other, you can and should use the quotient rule to combine the two logarithms into one. Example: log 3 (x + 6) - log 3 (x - 2) = 2 log 3 [(x + 6) / (x - 2)] = 2 Rewrite the equation in exponential form. Now that there is only one logarithm in the equation, use the logarithms definition to rewrite the equation in exponential form, thereby removing the log. Example: log 3 [(x + 6) / (x - 2)] = 2 Comparing this equation to the definition [ y = log b (x) ], you can conclude that: y = 2; b = 3; x = (x + 6) / (x - 2) Rewrite the equation so that: b = x 3 = (x + 6) / (x - 2) Solve for x. With the equation now in exponential form, you should be able to solve for x as you usually would. Example: 3 = (x + 6) / (x - 2) 3 * 3 = (x + 6) / (x - 2) 9 = (x + 6) / (x - 2) 9 * (x - 2) = [(x + 6) / (x - 2)] * (x - 2) 9x - 18 = x + 6 9x - x - 18 + 18 = x - x + 6 + 18 8x = 24 8x / 8 = 24 / 8 x = 3 Write your final answer. Go back and double-check your steps. Once you feel certain that you have the correct solution, write it down. Example: x = 3 | Know the logarithm definition. Look at the equation. Move the exponential expression to one side of the equation. Apply the exponent to the base. Rewrite your final answer. Isolate the logarithm. Rewrite the equation in exponential form. Solve for x. Write your final answer. Know the product rule. Isolate the logarithm to one side of the equation. Apply the product rule. Rewrite the equation in exponential form. Solve for x. Write your answer. Know the quotient rule. Isolate the logarithm to one side of the equation. Apply the quotient rule. Rewrite the equation in exponential form. Solve for x. Write your final answer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Pug-Puppy | How to Buy a Pug Puppy | To buy a pug puppy, contact local breeders and avoid puppy mills. Speak with a few different breeders and go with one that allows you to visit their facility in person. A good breeder will be able to produce credentials, health certificates, and pedigrees, so don't be afraid to ask. They should also be knowledgeable and eager to go over information with you. Finally, meet the pups and observe them carefully for physical issues and personality characteristics before making your decision. | Make sure a pug puppy is right for you. Pug puppies come with a unique set of needs. Puppies in general require more care than an adult dog. Before embarking on your journey to find a pug puppy, consider whether you can accommodate one at the moment. Make sure you have time for a puppy. Puppies need extra feeding, as well socialization and training. If you have a very busy schedule, you may want to wait for things to settle down before getting a puppy. Pugs, as a pet, require some maintenance. The folds in their faces need regular cleaning, and they're also prone to a great deal of shedding. Make sure you can live with frequent grooming, and accept the fact your house will never quite be hair-free. Familiarize yourself with potential future health problems. Like all breeds, pugs are prone to certain health problems. While a good breeder is adept at breeding out such problems, there are certain problems that are hard to breed out. These are usually simply due to how a pug is built. Learn the risks associated with pugs and make sure you're prepared to deal with them down the road. All pugs, regardless of breeding, are prone to eye problems. Pug's distinctive, bulging eyes expose a large area of their corneas, which puts their eyes at risk of drying out or forming ulcers. You may have to deal with frequent vet visits to deal with eye issues. Pugs are very prone to overheating because their flattened faces makes it hard for them to breathe. This problem can be even worse in hot weather, and overheating can cause serious health issues for a pug. Behaviorally, pugs are a more social breed. They are more prone to separation anxiety issues than other breeds. If you're gone a lot, a pug may not be the right dog for you. Avoid bad breeders and puppy mills. When searching for a breeder, there are a few places to scratch off your list right away. Puppy mills and very obviously bad breeders should be avoided. You're more likely to get a pug with existing health problems, or the risk of developing health problems down the road. In general, do not trust a breeder who simply sells dogs online from any given buyer. A breeder who does not ask any questions is probably not a good breeder. Responsible breeders want to make sure their dogs go to good homes. Puppy mills sometimes sell puppies to pet stores, so avoid buying a pug from a pet store. Puppy mills may also sell pugs online. If you can simply look at a picture of a puppy and purchase it, this is probably a puppy mill. Seek out and contact local breeders. Start your search locally. If you're lucky, you will be able to find a breeder who lives nearby. Look for ads in the newspaper, online, at local pet stores and veterinary clinics, and at any local pet clubs. A breeder in your area is convenient, as you will not have to travel far to see the puppies. Just because someone is a local breeder, do not assume they are an ethical one. Make sure to visit any breeder in person and look at the puppies physically before purchasing one. Locate reputable breeders online. Unfortunately, not all areas have pug breeders close by. In some cases, you may have to travel to meet and select a puppy. There are many places you can look online to locate the nearest pug breeder. The Pug Dog Club keeps a list of reputable breeders online. You can search for the closest breeder there. The American Kennel Club also has a database of dog breeders. You can search there by breed. Remember to have patience. Even if you find a good breeder relatively close to you, they may not have puppies available for awhile. You may have to wait a few months before taking home your pug puppy. Learn how to identify reputable breeders. Call a few breeders during your search. Pay close attention to your interactions. Learn the signs of a good breeder. Only work with breeders who are responsible and care about their dogs. A good breeder is eager to have you visit. Their facilities should be clean and spacious. They will be flexible in scheduling a time for you to see the puppies. A solid breeder will usually only breed one type of dog, or only a few types of dogs. The breeder should be very knowledgable of pugs. During your initial conversation, the breeder will want to go over some basic pug care information with you. Good breeders do not have anything to hide. Not only will the be willing to let you see the dog's pedigree and meet their parents, they will actually encourage this. Ask the breeder the right questions. When you select a breeder to meet up with, make sure to ask a variety of questions. You want to make sure their puppies are a good match for you and your home. You also want to make sure the breeder is responsible and that the puppies are in good health. Ask to meet the dog's parents. Interacting with a dog's mother and father can give you a sense of your puppy's future temperament. Ask questions about the breeder's credentials. Ask how long they've been breeding pugs. A more experienced breeder is more likely to produce healthier puppies. Ask about the puppy's parents. Make sure the parents do not have any inheritable diseases. Ask if you can see the health certificates for the parents on request. You should also ask about what treatment the puppies have received. Have they been vaccinated or de-wormed? Have they been spayed or neutered yet? Check your puppy's eyes, breathing, and gait. When you get a chance to interact with the puppies, look closely at the puppy's you like. Pugs are prone to certain abnormalities. You can detect a potential issue by examining the dog's eyes, as well as how it breathes and moves. The eyes should not have any obvious problems. Watery eyes, squinted eyes, or glazed over eyes are signs of poor health. Hold the puppy close to you to hear it breathe. Raspy, labored breathing is generally a bad sign. Watch the puppy moving and at rest. It's not uncommon for pugs to breath through their mouths when running around. However, a resting puppy should be able to comfortably breath through its nose. There should be no signs of limping or an uneven gain if the puppies are old enough to walk. If you notice a puppy walking funny, listen for a clicking noise from the hips. This indicates the dog may develop hip problems later in life. Select the pug with the right temperament. As you interact with the puppies, aim for one with a good temperament. You want a puppy that's not too shy, but also one that's not overly rambunctious. Select a puppy that's friendly, but relatively relaxed. You want a puppy that allows you to pick it up without squirming. A very aggressive or very standoffish puppy can be a problem. Once you've selected two or three pugs you like, request one-on-one time with them. You want a puppy that is friendly away from its litter. A friendly puppy will wag its tail, allow you to pet it, and look at you when you talk. Expect a lot of questions from the breeder. A good breeder will be as scrutinizing of you as you are of them. Breeders want to make sure their dogs go to good homes, so don't be put off if a breeder asks you a lot of questions. This is a good sign. The breeder wants to make sure you will take good care of the puppy. The breeder will want to know what experience, if any, you have with raising pugs. They will also want to know about your general lifestyle and how you plan to care for the dog. If this is your first pug, don't panic. A breeder is unlikely to reject you simply because you don't have specific experience with pugs. As long as you've done some research on the breed, the breeder will probably be willing to sell to you if you're responsible. Request health certificates and pedigrees. A good breeder will always be willing to provide this information. After selecting the puppy you want, ask for its pedigree as well as a certificate of health. These papers should assure you the puppy is in good health, and that its family tree is relatively free of inheritable conditions. A health certificate is also good for practical reasons. Puppies need frequent vet visits. You should have a certification on hand showing what vaccinations and other treatments your dog has already received. Purchase the right supplies. As you prepare to bring your puppy home, make sure you're ready. Your puppy should enter your home with all the supplies it needs to thrive ready. You will need the following: A crate to transport your puppy home and for crate training later Bedding Baby gates Collar, leash, and identification tag Toys Bowls Grooming supplies (i.e., nail clipper, brush) Carpet cleaner and pet odor remover Make sure your home is safe for a pug puppy. Before bringing your dog home, you will need to pug proof your house. Pugs are inquisitive animals and prone to getting into things. You want to make sure your pug cannot get into any dangerous substances or places. Make sure all electrical wires are covered or out of reach. Keep things like household cleaners and detergents out of reach. Place them in high kitchen cabinets. Prevent access to staircases, as young pugs can easily slip and fall on the stairs. Read and sign a contract with the breeder. A good breeder will present you with a contract prior to purchase. This outlines your basic responsibilities and the breeder's return policy. Read the contract carefully before signing. If there's anything you don't understand, ask the breeder. Make sure there is a clause in the contract that states you can return the pug if it has an inheritable disorder. You want the option of returning a dog in the event it has a health problem you cannot afford to treat. Bring your puppy home. Once the contract is signed and your home is ready, you can bring your new friend home. You can now enjoy your pug puppy, and begin the process of training and caring for your new lifelong friend. | Make sure a pug puppy is right for you. Familiarize yourself with potential future health problems. Avoid bad breeders and puppy mills. Seek out and contact local breeders. Locate reputable breeders online. Learn how to identify reputable breeders. Ask the breeder the right questions. Check your puppy's eyes, breathing, and gait. Select the pug with the right temperament. Expect a lot of questions from the breeder. Request health certificates and pedigrees. Purchase the right supplies. Make sure your home is safe for a pug puppy. Read and sign a contract with the breeder. Bring your puppy home. |
https://www.wikihow.mom/Teach-a-Baby-Sign-Language | How to Teach a Baby Sign Language | To teach your baby sign language, start when they're able to sit up without using their hands for support. Then, perform signs for things like eating, drinking, mom, and dad, in front of your baby. As you show your baby each sign, say the word out loud to help them associate it with the object or activity. After you've shown your baby the sign several times, gently take their hands and show them how to perform it. | Know when your baby is ready to learn how to sign. There's no concern of starting too early, but there is a point at which your baby is better able to start picking up what you're putting down. The best benchmark is your baby's ability to sit up without use of their hands. At this point, they are able to begin reading and processing the concept of signing, and may even be able to start copying the signs you make. For some babies, this will occur as early as six months. Many babies will begin reading and using signs at around nine months old. Look for signs your baby is already making. Chances are, your baby has learned a sign without your intentionally teaching it – most commonly, waving hello or goodbye to people is something babies simply pick up. If this is occurring, take it as a sign your baby will be especially receptive to sign training. Watch for signs of increased interest by your baby. Lots of children will begin showing interest in regular things you do. For instance, if they start to coo or wave their arms around whenever you start running the bathwater, recognize that they are excited by the action and are trying to communicate. Know that babies will also want to sign about things they are excited about, in addition to their more basic needs. Take these signs of increased interest as indication that your baby will be receptive to training about how to communicate. Pick a limited number of signs to learn first. Before you begin attempting to teach your baby to sign, make a list of the words you would like to teach. Shorten this list by choosing only the words or ideas that would be the most useful to be able to mutually convey to one another. These should be the basic and most important signs, such as "eat" and "drink." Learn signs by looking them up online. While there are lots of sources of booklets and examples of signs that could work, the most reliable and useful are likely those inspired by American Sign Language (ASL). Michigan State University's online ASL database provides the necessary material to learn more words than you could possibly learn, let alone teach to your baby! You can also make up your own signs, or adapt ASL signs into simpler versions, especially for basic activities such as eating. For instance, pinch your fingers and thumb together and touch your lips while saying “eat” to sign for eating. Use signs in immediate proximity to an associated action. Practice signs yourself. Be sure you know a sign and are able to execute it clearly before using it with your baby. Once you have it down, start using the sign in front of your baby. Initially, the goal is simply conveying the concept that certain hand signs indicate certain things. Right before you nurse your baby, sign “milk” – or before feeding, sign “eat.” Sign in the air, on whatever you're signing, or even right on the baby. For instance, if signing “milk”, sign with your hand right in front of your breast or bottle. Stick to simple signs. You'll start with the most basic and common parts of your baby's life, most likely having to do with eating. Expect to incorporate new signs slowly, and keep new signs simple too. Include fun signs and signs for important humans too. It's especially satisfying to teach your baby a sign for “mom” or “dad.” Know that no sign is too simple. Even informal gestures that might not even be considered “signs” can provide a helpful way to increase communication with your baby, including simple pointing. Be constant and consistent with your signing. Use a sign every time the associated action is performed. Eventually, your baby will start to use these signs as well! Don't stop using a sign your baby has learned. They'll actually pick up new signs more quickly as they become familiar with the process of learning new signs. The key to helping your baby pick up a new sign is showing them that they can get their needs met by using the sign. Accordingly, be disciplined about always associating signs with the corresponding behavior. Say the corresponding word out loud as you sign. Conceptualize your signing as a physical emphasis of the word you're speaking. Your child will eventually transition from signing to speaking, and speaking while signing will help this transition go more smoothly. Know that signing will not postpone or otherwise detrimentally affect your child's verbal development in anyway. Show your baby how to make the signs. While teaching your baby signs, gently take their hands and help them make the sign. This helps them learn the sign in addition to encouraging positive bonding. For instance, if you want to teach your baby to sign “milk,” position their hands so the palms are facing each other and the thumbs are pointed upwards. Gently manipulate their hands into fists. Then, open their hands back up. Practice it several times. Be patient while waiting for your baby to sign back. It may take months for your baby to independently make a sign back at you. However, know that a baby's lack of signing does not mean they are not learning the meaning of the signs and words you're saying with them. They simply may not be able to perform the physical act of signing yet. Know that your baby is probably trying to sign at you before they're able to do so. The ages at which babies are able to physically execute specific signs caries widely. Some babies may not be able to sign until they're a full year old – this does not indicate slow development in any way whatsoever. Once your baby begins to sign, they will likely begin to use a flurry of different signs if you've been consistently associating different signs with different things. Sign when your baby is paying attention. There are certain times of the day when your baby will be especially receptive to training. These are mealtime, during baths, and at bedtime. Perhaps unsurprisingly, your baby will be most concerned with eating and drinking when it is very young. Especially while your baby is nursing, use meal time to teach your baby signs. “Milk” is a great first sign to use, because your baby will be especially motivated to learn anything that will indicate its desire for the opportunity to gulp down some nourishment. Eating also provides a great natural opportunity to increase vocabulary, as your baby's diet will slowly expand, offering the chance to learn new signs for new foods along the way. Bath time offers the perfect chance to teach the sign for “toy” or “water.” While these words aren't associated with needs, they are among those items that will likely greatly interest your baby. Convey excitement as you sign. If you're bored while your signing or convey signs without emotion or excitement, your baby is much less likely to pay attention. In particular, make a point of acting happily when your baby begins to sign. Even if the signs aren't decipherable, be visibly excited whenever they've seemingly begun to consciously try to make their hands do certain things. Incorporate both facial expressions and body language to convey excitement. Use every means of expression, including the tone of your voice, to indicate that you are having fun when you are trying to communicate with you baby. Start saying “no” to your baby. The concept that you cannot have something is one of the harder ideas to teach to a very young human – for you as a parent and for the baby to learn. However, it's a vital thing to teach your child. Particularly when your baby learns the sign for an object such as a toy and keeps using the sign all day, take the opportunity to tell them no. Don't worry that your saying “no” will discourage them from signing. Your baby will not think you're talking about their sign-making – if they know the sign means something, they will come to interpret your “no” as a denial of whatever they are signing. Get others on board with signing. If a babysitter or other caregiver sometimes performs actions of behaviors that you have signs for, see if they're willing to use the sign as well, as this will boost your baby's learning process. Some daycares already use signing with babies that they often care for. Beware the haters. Some people simply don't realize how smart babies are, and will doubt you baby's ability to sign. Don't let this bother you; if they're willing to listen, explain that at the very least, it's fun and likely diminishes the baby's frustration. Don't worry about a caregiver that doesn't sign with your baby. This will not detrimentally affect the baby's learning process. Consider leaving a visual booklet of the signs you use with your baby to make it easier for a babysitter to sign too. Keep expectations realistic. Know that signing essentially provides a way for babies to express themselves. Especially prior to the development of the verbal skills humans usually rely on to communicate, the inability to convey what you need or what you're feeling can be incredibly frustrating. By offering a way for your baby to communicate, you will likely reduce the distress they may otherwise feel. Babies who sign may even have fewer crying episodes or temper tantrums. In addition, it's a certain fact that babies develop both an understanding of language and their physical motor skills—not to mention full operation of their hand muscles—before they are able to speak. Don't fall for the hype. Stated simply: there are lots of claims made about baby sign language that are not based on anything other than the fact that a lot of websites – and companies – like to repeat the claim. More to the point, signing with your baby has not been proven to accelerate speech development or increase your baby's intelligence. Further, it is unlikely that your baby will learn from signing videos, despite websites and apps that promote this idea and sell materials that purportedly teach your baby to sign. You baby is far more likely to learn signs from your positive association of certain signs with certain things. Don't get spooked if your baby's signing behavior seems to get de-railed. Your baby may simply stop signing out of nowhere, or simply use the same sign for all sorts of things. Babies can become entirely focused on certain things – especially the ability to execute a new physical feat like standing, that they will sometimes abandon other energy or attention demanding things like signing. If your baby uses the same sign for different things, don't worry about it. In fact, this reflects a developmental process similar to that you will observe as your child begins to speak – much like using sounds that are similar before words are completely grasped. Stay consistent with how you're signing and they will develop a more nuanced understanding of differences between either signs or concepts that they may associate with one another at first. Get more information on baby sign language. There are plenty of sources of information online that cover how to learn and teach ASL to your baby, as well as more commercially-motivated organizations that sell materials as well. Default to the freely available information provided by organizations who base their materials off of American Sign Language website. | Know when your baby is ready to learn how to sign. Watch for signs of increased interest by your baby. Pick a limited number of signs to learn first. Learn signs by looking them up online. Use signs in immediate proximity to an associated action. Stick to simple signs. Be constant and consistent with your signing. Say the corresponding word out loud as you sign. Show your baby how to make the signs. Be patient while waiting for your baby to sign back. Sign when your baby is paying attention. Convey excitement as you sign. Start saying “no” to your baby. Get others on board with signing. Keep expectations realistic. Don't fall for the hype. Don't get spooked if your baby's signing behavior seems to get de-railed. Get more information on baby sign language. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Membrane-from-Ribs | How to Remove Membrane from Ribs | To remove membrane from ribs, place the ribs curved side down on a cutting board. Toward the center of the rack, slide a sharp knife between the membrane and the bone, and flip knife vertically and turn it 30 degrees to use the dull edge to separate the membrane. Carefully slide your finger between the membrane and bone, using a paper towel to help you grip the membrane tighter. Begin peeling the membrane away, using one hand to pull and the other to hold the ribs in place. Once the membrane is removed, discard it and begin preparing the ribs. | Unwrap your ribs. Remove your ribs from their butcher paper and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the soiled paper towels in the trash. Resist the urge to rinse the meat, which can cause cross-contamination in your kitchen and prevent browning. Turn the rack of ribs so it is curved side down. Place your ribs on a clean surface, such as a cutting board or baking sheet. Orient the ribs so the concave side is facing up and the curved side of the ribs is flat against the board or baking sheet. You'll know the ribs are the right way up when the side with the thick white membrane is facing you. Use a sharp knife to get beneath the membrane. Locate a rib near the middle of the rack by feeling for a firm bone with your fingertips. At the base of that rib on the side closest to you, hold your knife horizontally and push the sharp tip of a paring knife between the rib and the membrane covering it. Press the knife between the rib and membrane until the entire blade is covered by membrane. Take care not to press the sharp tip of the knife through the membrane. Lift the membrane with the dull edge of the knife. Turn your paring knife vertically against the rib so the flat, unsharpened edge of the knife lifts the membrane slightly. The sharp edge of the knife will be against the rib bone. A small space of air should open up between the bone and membrane. If you're not confident in your knife skills, slide a dull butter knife into the gap created by your sharp knife to loosen the membrane. This lessens the chances you accidentally cut through the silver skin. Tilt the knife up at a 30-degree angle. Press the sharp side of your knife against the rib bone and lift upward with the handle of the knife. Keep the sharp side of the knife in contact with the rib. This hinge motion will help lift the membrane further. Remove your knife from the ribs and set it aside. Work your finger into the gap between the bone and membrane. Press your index finger into the space the knife has opened up under the membrane. Wiggle your finger from side to side to separate the membrane further and enlarge the gap. Try to lift enough of the membrane with your finger so that there is a grip-able flap of membrane tissue. Use a paper towel to grip the membrane. Place a clean paper towel on top of your dominant palm so it covers your index finger and thumb. Grasp the paper towel in your hand, and use it to grip the loose edge of the membrane between your thumb and index finger. The paper towel will give you extra traction while holding the strong and slippery membrane. Work your fingers beneath the membrane to the other side of the ribs. Hold the ribs steady with your non-dominant hand, and pull up on the membrane flap using the paper towel in your dominant hand. As you lift, press the fingers of your non-dominant hand through to the other side of the rib. Your fingers will emerge on the other side, creating a small loop of membrane. If the membrane starts to tear as you lift up, use your knife to separate the rib and membrane on the opposite side of the ribs to meet the side you've been working on. Pull the membrane up and away from the ribs. Slip two fingers of your dominant hand into the membrane “handle” that's been formed by the space between the rib and the membrane. Press down on the ribs with your other hand, and pull the membrane straight up and off the ribs. It should come off in one piece. If your rack of ribs is very long, readjust your grip on the membrane as needed, moving closer to the edge to lift the membrane all the way off. If your grip slips as you pull up on the membrane, grab a paper towel and grip through that for more traction. Discard the membrane. Throw the thick, silvery membrane that comes away from the ribs into the trash. Your ribs are now clean and ready to be seasoned and cooked to suit your taste. | Unwrap your ribs. Turn the rack of ribs so it is curved side down. Use a sharp knife to get beneath the membrane. Lift the membrane with the dull edge of the knife. Tilt the knife up at a 30-degree angle. Work your finger into the gap between the bone and membrane. Use a paper towel to grip the membrane. Work your fingers beneath the membrane to the other side of the ribs. Pull the membrane up and away from the ribs. Discard the membrane. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Letter-to-Your-Attorney | How to Write a Letter to Your Attorney | To write a letter to your attorney, start by writing your address, and, if applicable, your email and cell number in the upper left corner of the page. Under this information, include the date and your attorney's name and address. Finally, include your case number or your full name. As you begin your letter, write a phrase of introduction, such as “Dear Mr. Jones,” and proceed to your main questions. At the end of the letter, write a closing phrase, such as "sincerely." | Understand your purpose. There are many reasons why you may wish to contact your attorney. Understanding that reason is key to determining whether a letter is the appropriate course of action and, if so, to writing a letter that clearly communicates your message. If you merely wish to inquire about the status of your case, a formal letter is not necessary. Your lawyer is obligated to keep you reasonably informed about the status of your case and will likely contact you whenever there is news to report. If you have not heard from your lawyer in a while, send him a quick email or leave him a voice mail message asking for an update. If your lawyer has requested that you write him a letter, follow his instructions his exactly. For example, if he sends you a list of questions to answer, simply answer his questions one by one as clearly as possible. Do not worry about formatting the letter in any special way or typing it unless your attorney requests that you do so. If your lawyer has asked that you write him a letter giving your consent to his requesting documents on your behalf, you should ask your lawyer to write the letter for you. This kind of letter may need to meet certain criteria to be effective and your lawyer is the one who will know what the letter needs to include. Your only role should be to revise and sign the letter once you have received a draft. If you are concerned your lawyer is not working on your case, write him a polite but firm letter explaining your concerns. If you feel more comfortable emailing or calling him, that would be fine as well. You are under no obligation to express your concerns in a formal letter. If you want to fire your lawyer, send him a letter that clearly states you are terminating the relationship and that the lawyer is to cease working on any pending matters. You should also ask that he return all of the documents regarding your case and pay you refund for any unfinished work. Lead with the most important point. Once you have confirmed that writing a letter will serve your purpose, write an opening paragraph that explains why you are writing and stating any questions or requests. If you wish to fire your attorney, state that clearly in your opening paragraph: "I'm writing to terminate our attorney-client relationship." If you have a legal question for your attorney, ask it up front: "I'm writing to ask you a question about my immigration case. I'm wondering how my departure from the U.S. will affect my legal residence status." Fill in the middle with your reasons. Once you have explained your purpose, the proceeding paragraphs should explain your reasons for making a particular request or asking a particular question. If you begin your letter with a paragraph stating that you would like to terminate your relationship with your attorney, write one or two paragraphs that explain why you are unhappy with him. Wherever possible, refer to specific examples. If you are writing your attorney with a question, provide your attorney with the necessary context for understanding why you are asking your question. For example, "The reason I am asking this question is that I'm planning to leave the United States next month to care for my mother who is sick." Close with a paragraph that summarizes your main point. If you are making a request, be sure to repeat it in the final paragraph. This will remind your attorney of what you are asking from him. For example: "For these reasons, I would like to terminate our attorney-client relationship and I ask that you return my file to me as soon as possible." Use simple language. Your main goal in writing to your attorney should be to communicate your message as clearly as possible. Do not worry about impressing your attorney by using big words or complicated sentences. You want to make sure your attorney understands what you are saying so that he can comply with your request. For example, instead of “enclosed herewith please find,” just say, “I've enclosed” or “Here is....” Keep it short. Think about your purpose in writing the letter and include only the information necessary to achieving that purpose. Anything beyond the essential information could confuse your attorney and cause him to misunderstand what you are requesting. Avoid unnecessary tangents, like telling your attorney about problems you have been having with your wife, unless they relate to your case. Decide whether to follow "full block" or "modified block" format. Either format is appropriate for a formal business letter. Full block format means that all elements of the letter are left-justified so that the start of each line is at the left-hand margin. Modified block format means that some elements of the letter are shifted over to the right. Write your address. At the top of the page, on either the left corner (if using full block format) or the right corner (if using modified block format) write out your address. If applicable, also include your e-mail address and cell phone number. Write the date. On the left side of the page, directly beneath your address, write the date of the day you are writing the letter. The date should be placed on the left regardless of whether you are using full block or modified block format. Write the date in word rather than number form, as in June 8, 2015 instead of 6/8/15. Allow for two spaces beneath the date. Insert your attorney's name and address. On the left side of the page, two spaces beneath the date, write your attorney's full name and address. Your attorney's name and address should be placed on the left regardless of whether you are using full block or modified block format. If there is a paralegal that is working on your specific case, you may wish to write to include it in parenthesis next to the attorney's name. Reference your case number. Beneath your attorney's name and address, on the left hand side, include a subject line referencing your case number. Highlight the subject line in bold so that it appears prominently on the page. If you don't have a case number, write out your name (or the name of the main client on the case) in the subject line. This will help the attorney and the attorney's staff locate your file. Greet your attorney. By way of introduction, write out a phrase greeting your attorney by his last name. For example: "Dear Mr. Jones" or "Dear Ms. Fisher" Position the greeting on the left side of the page. Follow the greeting with a colon, i.e. "Dear Ms. Fisher:" Write out the body of the letter. If you have already prepared a draft of the letter, simply insert the text of that draft. Lead with the main purpose of your letter and then explain the reasons for your question or request. Be specific when referencing relevant information including names, dates and places. The more information you include, the better your attorney will be able to assist you. Keep to one main topic per paragraph, even if you have several issues to discuss in the letter. End the letter in two or three sentences as politely as you can, even if your letter to your attorney is a complaint about the service you have received. Close the letter. End the letter with an appropriate closing phrase. "Sincerely" is an example of an appropriate closing phrase. Place a comma after the closing phrase (i.e. "Sincerely,"). The closing should be aligned with your address. If you are using full block format, place it on the left side. If you are using modified block format, place it on the right. Type your full name. After your closing phrase, write out your full name. Align your name on the same side as your closing phrase. If you are using full block format, place it on the left side. If you are using modified block format, place it on the right. Insert several blank lines between your closing phrase and your name. Sign the letter. Print out the letter, then use a blue or black pen to sign your name between the closing (i.e. "Sincerely") and your full name typed name. Keep a copy of the letter. Print an extra copy of the letter to keep for your personal records. That way, if the letter gets lost in the mail or your attorney denies having received it, you will have proof that you sent it. | Understand your purpose. Lead with the most important point. Fill in the middle with your reasons. Close with a paragraph that summarizes your main point. Use simple language. Keep it short. Decide whether to follow "full block" or "modified block" format. Write your address. Write the date. Insert your attorney's name and address. Reference your case number. Greet your attorney. Write out the body of the letter. Close the letter. Type your full name. Sign the letter. Keep a copy of the letter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-a-Girl-Likes-You-in-School | How to Tell if a Girl Likes You in School | It can be hard to tell if a girl at school likes you or is just being friendly, but by reading her body language and chatting with her a bit, you'll have a better sense of her feelings. If a girl likes you, there's a good chance she'll pay close attention to you when you're talking and she might sneak a few extra glances at you even when you're not! Another way to tell if she likes you is if she often sits or stands near you. When you think a girl likes you, try some light flirting to test the waters. For example, tell her that you like what she's wearing. If she's interested, she might say something like “Thanks! I'm glad you noticed,” or “Thanks. I like your outfit too.” However, if her response is curt, then you might want to back off a bit. | Watch to see if she pays attention to you when you speak. If a girl likes you, there's a good chance that she'll seem attentive and focused while you're talking in class, or if the two of you are in the same group conversation. Be nice and friendly, and also pay attention when she talks. Be aware that this doesn't necessarily indicate a romantic interest. But, it's a good sign that a girl respects your opinion or likes talking with you, which can indicate that she does like you. Pay attention if you catch her glancing your way frequently. While this certainly isn't a guaranteed way to tell if she's attracted, it's true that if a girl is interested in you, you may catch her casting a few glances your way. If you happen to catch her eye, smile to indicate that you like the attention and that she shouldn't feel embarrassed. For example, a girl might look at you out of the corner of her eye a few times over lunch break. If she does, talk to her! Notice if she often sits or stands near you. If a girl is interested in you, she may try to position herself near you. That way, you and she will have a better chance of ending up in conversation. Act normal if this happens. Try not to get flustered, and just say hi at some point. On the other hand, if she doesn't stand near you, it may indicate that she's shy or would like you to say something to her first. Notice if she touches you. Physical touch is significant and can carry a lot of meaning. For example, if you make a girl laugh and she puts her hand on your arm, this may indicate that she likes you. But, if she doesn't touch you, it doesn't mean she isn't interested. Instead, try chatting with her. Reach out through online messaging. If you don't have a girl's phone number—and aren't ready to ask for it yet—a good route to communicate with her is through online messaging through sites like Facebook or Gmail. Send a short, friendly message that says something like, “Hey Sarah, how are you holding up with this chemistry homework?” Online chatting is a casual way of talking to someone and allows the girl a level of control over the conversation. If she's not interested in the conversation, she can just close the chat session, or not respond to your message. This would be a good indication that she's not interested in you. See if she starts online chats. You don't have to start every online conversation with her. If you see that you're both online (e.g., both on Facebook), wait a few minutes and see if she initiates a conversation with you. If a girl is interested—either platonically or romantically—she'll probably reach out and say hi. Don't lose hope if she doesn't start a conversation, though. She could be busy, or hoping you'll reach out to her. Send a short message with a question; something like, “Hey, what did you think of the history lecture today?” Notice how she responds if you lightly flirt with her. Light flirting can be a fun, easy way to tell if a girl is into you. If she appreciates the attention, she may flirt back, or at least be excited about the compliment. For example, when you're already chatting or texting with her, say something like, “BTW, I thought you looked great in school today. I love your new dress!” Take it as a good sign if she replies with, “Thanks, I'm so glad you noticed!” or “You didn't look half bad yourself….” On the other hand, if she responds with a dry “Ok,” or “thanks,” she may not appreciate the flirting. Don't be explicit when you flirt, and avoid anything too pushy or obvious. Ask her about herself. People usually love to talk about themselves, and feel flattered when another person takes an interest in them. It's also a great way to learn about a person and see if there's any chemistry between you. Ask her questions and get to know her. Great opening questions include: “Which school did you go to before you came here?” “I didn't see you on the bus; does somebody drive you to school?” “Have you taken Algebra with Ms. Smith?” If she doesn't know you or doesn't seem interested in sharing, back off. You don't want to come off as creepy. Ask her a simple question. If a girl likes you, she'll want to talk to you. Say something like, “Is this seat taken?” or “Do you know what the cafeteria is serving for lunch today?” If she replies with more than a short, 1-word answer, that's a good sign! Continue the conversation that you just started. Remember that girls can be shy, too! It may take a few short conversations over a period of a few weeks for her to start opening up to you. Don't take it as a bad sign if she doesn't launch into a full-blown conversation with you right away. Notice if she compliments you. For both guys and girls, it's common to compliment someone if you're interested or find them attractive. Pay attention even to subtle compliments, which could be as innocuous as, “Wow, you did a great job on the math homework,” or “Your hair looks cool today, are you styling it any differently?” It's always nice to return compliments, too. This can let a girl know you're interested. If she compliments your jacket, for example, say “thank you,” and then tell her you like her earrings, for example. Pay attention if she frequently initiates conversations with you. If a girl likes you, she may attempt to talk to you and start conversations. If she has a question, take note if she goes out of her way to ask you instead of anyone else. This shows that she has an interest in you as a person, and wants to get to know you better. As with nearly all of these signs, starting conversations could indicate that a girl has either a platonic or romantic interest in you. There's no real way to know for sure without taking a direct approach, like asking her out. Listen to her ideas and let her know you’re interested in hanging out. If a girl likes you or is interested in spending more time together, she may casually bring up events or places where the two of you could hang out. She may not be asking for a date at this point, but the hang-out can still be a fun, low-key to spend time together and see if there's a mutual attraction. For example, if she says “I really want to see that new Marvel movie this weekend!” say something like “I've been wanting to see it too! Any chance you're free to see it on Saturday evening?” Ask her out and see what she says. Get it out of the way! Body language and verbal clues can be helpful, but until you ask a girl out, you won't actually know how she feels about you. If you're nervous, you don't have to ask her out on an official date. Instead, ask her if she'd like to get a coffee or have some other low-pressure interaction. Say something like, “I've enjoyed talking with you over the past few days. Any chance you'd be interested in grabbing a soda together after school?” | Watch to see if she pays attention to you when you speak. Pay attention if you catch her glancing your way frequently. Notice if she often sits or stands near you. Notice if she touches you. Reach out through online messaging. See if she starts online chats. Notice how she responds if you lightly flirt with her. Ask her about herself. Ask her a simple question. Notice if she compliments you. Pay attention if she frequently initiates conversations with you. Listen to her ideas and let her know you’re interested in hanging out. Ask her out and see what she says. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Good-for-a-Party | How to Look Good for a Party | To look good for a party, first make sure you are meeting the appropriate dress code. If you are not sure what to wear, try a classic look that's always in style, like a black dress or collared shirt and casual slacks. You can also coordinate your look with friends if you aren't confident what to wear, so you all can look great together! Once you have your outfit, take a little extra time to groom your hair and nails to ensure you look your best. Most importantly, be comfortable so you can have a great time. | Groom your hands and feet. Finger nails can play a big role in your overall look. Before the day of the party, make sure you clean up your fingernails. This includes trimming your nails and removing old nail polish. If you are wearing shoes that show your toes, be sure to clean up your toenails as well. Girls, try finding a pretty nail polish shade that compliments the outfit you will be wearing. Make a hair appointment. If you have not had a recent haircut, at least in the past six weeks, be sure to make an appointment so you can trim off any split ends or shape up your current style. If you dye your hair make sure you touch up your roots. Figure out how to get there. Planning your transportation will prevent any unnecessary stress when getting ready for your party. If possible, try carpooling with a friend who is also going. See how far away the party is so you can leave yourself plenty of time to arrive. If you are wearing a more detailed hairstyle with products, take a car to protect your hair. Depending on where the party is can help you decide to walk, ride a bike, take public transportation, or drive. Schedule the party in your planner. Find out if there is anything already happening in your schedule the day of the party that you need to arrange for. You may also want to write down the date of the party to prevent the conflict of double-booking yourself. If needed, plan for a babysitter in advance. Find out the dress code. Don't wait until the night of the party to figure out what you are going to wear. It is helpful to plan at least a few days in advance to prevent rushing around to find an outfit. If you can, ask the host of the party or a friend what the dress code is like so you know if you need to dress formal or casual. Here are some key pieces of your outfit to plan. If it's casual, consider jeans and a nice shirt. If it's formal, wear a fancier button up shirt or blouse, dress, slacks, or a tie. If you're outside on a warm day, dress in lighter fabric so you don't get too hot. Choose a classic look. If you can't figure out exactly what the dress code is because you don't know the host or you don't want to ask your date, there are looks you can find that are timeless and work for almost any occasion. Girls can always depend on the little black dress. Find a simple black dress that is knee length. You can add a necklace and heels to dress up the look or wear flats to keep it casual. The "go to" for guys can be a button up collar shirt with nice dress slacks. Depending on the season, be sure to dress appropriately to the temperature outside. Coordinate with friends. If you have friends or a date who are also attending the party, you can plan together so that you look good as a group, but don't match too much by wearing the same outfits. If going with a date, try matching the color of his tie to the color of her dress. Create the perfect outfit. Think about the types of clothes that are most flattering on you. Everyone has a unique body type and finding the clothes that best suit you will help you look even more amazing. Be sure to wear clothes that fit well and aren't too tight so that you don't have to tamper with them all night. Pick something that makes you feel confident. Don't choose anything that has a stain or tear in the fabric. Black is flattering on every body type, but don't be afraid to wear color! Wear comfy shoes. If you have a favorite pair of shoes but they hurt your feet, leave them at home. Whether you decide on heels, sneakers, or flats, make sure your feet are comfortable, especially if it is a dance party. Chances are you will be keeping your shoes on and you want to be able to feel good at the party. Coordinate your footwear with the rest of your outfit. If you're dressed more formally, your shoes should also be formal. Start getting ready early. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare (you'll need at least an hour, depending on how fast you can get ready). By giving yourself enough time, you can do everything you want without rushing and messing up your hair, makeup, or outfit. Start early to avoid stress! Here are tasks you can do earlier in the day and not last minute. Iron your clothes. Choose the hairstyle you want to wear. Be sure you have everything you want to bring with you ready. Clean up. It is important to take a shower and brush your teeth so that you look and feel your best. Wash your body, face, hair, and shave if needed.You may want to do this a few hours before everything else, that way you'll give your hair time to air-dry. Apply a moisturizer to you face and body so your skin looks great and feels hydrated. Use deodorant; chances are you'll be sweating a bit. If wearing perfume or cologne, make sure you don't over spray. Pump a couple of sprays in front of you and then gently step into the scent so that it covers your whole body lightly. Style your hair. Depending on the event, you may want a more styled look that requires products and a bit more time to complete. There are many great online tutorials that offer steps on how to create the hairstyle you want. Girls : Blow dry your hair and straighten it , curl it , braid it , or scrunch it. If you have naturally beautiful hair or you like your natural texture, wear it as is. If you want, accessorize with a cute headband or hair clip. Guys : Brush your hair. If you'd like, apply a bit of gel in it so it stays nice, just make sure not to put on too much. If you want, throw a hat on as well. Finish the look with makeup. If you want, put on some makeup to polish your party look. What you wear is up to you. If the party is during the daytime and outside, a lighter makeup look will work best. For a simple look, try using some lipgloss and blush. For a nighttime party, consider experimenting with eyeshadow, eyeliner, or mascara for a bolder look. Check yourself before you leave the house. Make sure you have everything needed for the night such as your wallet, keys, and cell phone. Also, remember that less is more. Having too much of something can be a bad thing including perfume, accessories, and items in your purse/bag. It is always a smart idea for girls to take off one piece of jewelry before they leave, this prevents an overdone look. If you are wearing lipstick, remember to bring the tube with you so you can reapply it later if needed. Have a positive attitude. Remember that the best thing you can wear to a party is a smile and good attitude. Leave all of your troubles and concerns at home and simply try to enjoy yourself. People like to spend time with those who are smiling and happy, so try to bring the best version of yourself to the party. | Groom your hands and feet. Make a hair appointment. Figure out how to get there. Schedule the party in your planner. Find out the dress code. Choose a classic look. Coordinate with friends. Create the perfect outfit. Wear comfy shoes. Start getting ready early. Clean up. Style your hair. Finish the look with makeup. Check yourself before you leave the house. Have a positive attitude. |
https://www.wikihow.fitness/Strengthen-Tendons | How to Strengthen Tendons | To strengthen your tendons, start with heel drops, which are an easy but effective way to make your tendons strong. Begin by standing on a raised surface, like a step, hanging the balls of your feet and heels over the edge. Raise your feet right up on your toes, then lower your heels and hold before rising again. Next, try squat workouts because they're one of the best ways to strengthen your tendons. Stand straight with your feet flat and shoulder-width apart, pointing your toes slightly outward. Slowly bend your knees and lower yourself downward. Keep lowering until your hips are below your knees. Hold for 10 seconds, with your arms out in front of you for balance. After 10 seconds, rise and repeat. You can vary your squat workouts by using just one leg while holding a bar for support. | Add squats to your workout. One of the best ways you can strengthen the tendons in your legs is through a workout that includes a healthy dose of squats. To perform a squat, stand up straight with your feet flat and shoulder-width apart and your toes pointed slightly out. Slowly bend your knees and lower yourself as though your were attempting to sit in a chair. You want to lower yourself until your hips are situated lower than your knees. Hold this position for ten seconds before rising. You may need to lift your arms out in front of you to act as a counterbalance. You can vary and add complexity to squats in many ways. Try doing the squats facing down an incline such as on a ramp, or try doing one-legged squats while holding onto a bar for support. Do barbell squats. If standard squats are already a large part of your routine, you can increase the weight you squat by doing barbell or dumbbell squats where the weight is held on the shoulders and a limited range of movement is used. Use a power rack to set the barbell height just below shoulder level, brace the bar across the shoulders behind your neck, lift off the rack by pushing with your heels and straightening your torso, then do a partial squat starting at only about 4 inches (10.2 cm). Barbell and dumbbell squats are considered advanced technique exercises, so it's a good idea to have a trainer around before attempting. You may also want to wear knee wraps for additional support. Do daily heel drop exercises. Heel drops are easy exercises that require little time and no gym equipment at all, and they're great for strengthening Achilles tendons. Stand on a raised surface such as a step with the balls of your feet on and your heels off. Raise all the way up on your toes, and then slowly lower your heels as far as you can and hold this bottom position before rising again. You can perform this exercise with your knees either straight or slightly bent. The different stance will work different muscles, but both are great for your tendons. You can add variety and complexity to this exercise by doing single-leg heel drops or even by adding weight from holding a dumbbell. Three sets of fifteen reps each is enough to see and feel results. Do sets of behind-the-neck presses. This is a great exercise for strengthening tricep and shoulder girdle tendons. Use a power rack to bring a loaded barbell onto the shoulders as with as barbell squat. With your feet directly under your hips, bend at the knees just a few inches, and then reverse direction with power to straighten out and lift the barbell to full extension above your head. Use your legs to absorb the impact as you return to the starting position with the barbell resting on your shoulders. This exercise can lead to injury with improper form, especially in one's rotator cuffs, so practice form with a trainer with regard to weight and reps. Do sets of lying triceps extensions. This is another great exercise for tricep tendons. Lay down on your back on a workout bench. Lift the loaded barbell with an overhand grip straight up at full extension—perpendicular to your torso and the floor—with your elbows tucked in. Keep your upper arms stationary and bend at the elbows, so you bring the bar down until it nearly touches your forehead before returning to the starting position. Many people find an E-Z curl bar more comfortable for lying tricep presses. Perform partial reps. In addition to targeted exercises, you can target tendons even further with partial reps. A partial rep focuses on a limited range of motion. By limiting the range of motion to only a few inches, you will be able either to use more weight or to perform more repetitions, which helps to strengthen tendons. For a barbell squat for instance, try only squatting only about four inches instead of bringing yourself further down. Since half or quarter reps allow for more weight, you should make use of a power rack to avoid injury. Perform sets of exercises that target the same muscle groups on particular days. For instance, on Monday you may work out your shoulders, on Tuesday you may work out your chest, rest on Wednesday, work out your thighs and legs on Thursday and work out your arms on Friday. Consistently working all core muscle groups also means consistently working all of your core tendons, which will not only add to strength but also tendon flexibility, which is important in avoiding injury in any fitness regimen. Consult a physical therapist. One of the most common reasons outside of committed personal training for which people seek to strengthen tendons is after a tendon injury. If you have an injury you suspect may be related to a tendon, first see your primary care physician for a diagnosis. If you are correct, your doctor will likely refer you to a physical therapist who can assign the proper exercises for rehabilitating the tendon. Many tendon injuries can require several weeks of limited use rather than exercise to strengthen the tendon, so it is especially important that you consult with a professional. You may unwittingly exacerbate the problem by trying to strengthen a tendon that actually requires rest. Practice full extension exercises without weights. Tendons receive the most work at the ends of their ranges of motion. For instance, you feel the most stretch in your Achilles tendon when you bend your ankle to full flex such as in a lunge exercise. To begin gently working tendons, do full extension exercises without any weight. Vary the movements as well. If you are strengthening your wrist tendons, for example, make sure you're not only full extending your wrist from side to side and up and down, but you should also turn your arm over and do the extensions in the reverse direction. You want to practice these exercises around the injured tendon for approximately ten minutes at a time as long as no pain is involved. If the movements begin producing pain, take a break from them for a day or two, and if the pain persists, contact your physical therapist. Tendons receive the most work at full extension, so you can add to the exercise by pausing at the ends of your range of motion for ten seconds. Add a light weight to the extension exercises. Once you've rehabilitated the tendon to the degree that you can complete the full extension flexing exercises without pain or difficulty, try adding a light amount of weight to the exercise. The amount will depend upon the degree of injury and the tendon you want to strengthen. For wrist extensions, you want to begin with only one- or two-pound weights. For a more substantive tendon such as a quadricep tendon, you may start with a five-pound ankle weight. Your physical therapist will have additional recommendations about how much weight depending upon the specifics of your injury. If you find the weights too difficult, you can always use less weight, no weight, or stagger the days between using the weights and not. Add an elastic exercise band to the motions. Elastic exercise bands are great for aiding in the rehabilitation of injured tendons because they allow you to control the amount of tension on the area, and they also increase tension toward the end of the range of motion, which is where tendons receive the most work. Place the band with a moderate amount of tension on it at the beginning of your range of motion so that extending through it increases the stretch on the band and the workload on the tendon. As the tendon gains strength, you can add time holding at full flexes to this routine. As with muscles, time under tension helps strengthen tendons, so pausing with the tendon at full extension—and therefore the band under the most tension—at the apex of the repetition for ten seconds will give the tendon additional exercise. Focus on the eccentric phase of each repetition. The eccentric phase of a repetition refers to the moment at which a muscle contracts while lengthening. For example, the eccentric phase of a dumbbell curl comes as you slowly lower the dumbbell, simultaneously elongating the muscle by straightening your arm while still actively contracting it by resisting gravity to lower the weight slowly rather than letting it drop. Focus on the eccentric phase of an exercise is often recommended for tendinopathy. Though more difficult to do with bands, the use of even light dumbbells with focus on eccentrics can help to strengthen tendons. | Add squats to your workout. Do barbell squats. Do daily heel drop exercises. Do sets of behind-the-neck presses. Do sets of lying triceps extensions. Perform partial reps. Perform sets of exercises that target the same muscle groups on particular days. Consult a physical therapist. Practice full extension exercises without weights. Add a light weight to the extension exercises. Add an elastic exercise band to the motions. Focus on the eccentric phase of each repetition. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Get-Through-Puppy-Adolescence | How to Get Through Puppy Adolescence | To get through puppy adolescence, give your puppy lots of exercise by taking it for daily 15 to 30 minute walks and letting it run around in your backyard, since this will help it burn off any excess energy. To keep your puppy occupied when you're not home, provide a variety of balls, puzzle toys, and bones for it to play with. Since adolescence may cause your puppy to misbehave, make sure to continue training it to obey commands like sit, come, or lie down at least every 3 days. Additionally, you should consider getting your puppy spayed or neutered, since this can reduce hormonal mood swings that cause it to misbehave. | Know what to look for. The age at which your puppy reaches adolescence depends on its breed. Generally, your puppy will enter adolescence when it's between six and 18 months old. Moreover, you'll probably notice a change in your dog's behavior. Your puppy might become moody, disobedient, unpredictable, or just a “brat” in general. Knowing what you're in for can help you be prepared for this new stage in your puppy's development. Your dog might jump on you or your guests, or howl and nip at strangers or other pets. Your dog might also begin to mark its territory by voiding in the house again. Since your dog becomes sexually mature during adolescence, it might start humping other dogs or people's legs. On the other hand, some dogs display few or no signs of puppy adolescence. Remember, puppy adolescence is just one stage on the way to doggie adulthood. Be patient – it will not last forever. Train your puppy. During adolescence, your dog might become wild and misbehave often. Maintain your dog's ability to obey commands like sit, come, lie down, roll over by retraining these or related skills. Be sure to give your dog a treat four out of every five times when it successfully obeys a command. By regularly going over training, the tricks and ability to listen will stay fresh in your dog's mind throughout adolescence. Depending on your dog, you might be able to get away with training sessions once every three days or every other day. For dogs that are having a hard time obeying, you should try to incorporate some level of training into your dog's routine on a daily basis. Take your dog to a puppy kindergarten or school. Look for a behavioral or training school that practices positive reinforcement training methods only. These institutions are staffed with pet professionals who can adjust your dog's behavior, if necessary. After attending the puppy kindergarten, your dog will engage more often in good behavior and will be more responsive to your commands. Depending on the type of training you request, your dog might also learn to improve its behavior around other dogs, strangers, and learn new tricks. Your puppy kindergarten trainers can also give you tips on how to better handle your dog when it's misbehaving. If you have specific issues with your adolescent puppy – for instance, growling at other pets or people, chewing on furniture, or urinating where it's not supposed to – mention them to your puppy kindergarten teacher so they can take action to correct these problems. You can find a good puppy school by asking for a recommendation from a fellow dog owner or vet. Ensure the trainer only uses positive reinforcement, rather than harsh discipline. Encourage socialization. During adolescence, puppies often become more antisocial. Some even become aggressive. As an adolescent, your dog should already have considerable experience playing and interacting with other dogs and people. Ensure your dog continues to engage in social interactions. Allow your dog off-leash time with other dogs. For instance, let your dog play with your neighbor's dog or another of your own dogs in a fenced-in yard. It's normal for dogs to nip and bite each other. However, if your dog is biting another dog with violent intent, speak to your vet or trainer about ways to curb this aggression. If you notice your dog engaging in antisocial and aggressive behavior like growling at other dogs, lowering its head and splaying its feet, or bristling the hair along its back, remove your dog from the situation. Host a puppy party where your friends and neighbors can bring their own dogs to meet yours in a safe and neutral environment, like a park. Provide opportunities for exercise. Adolescent dogs are bundles of energy. In addition to time in the backyard or at the dog park, ensure your dog gets the opportunity to run around the backyard on its own outside of structured socialization opportunities. This will ensure your dog's energy is spent in a constructive way, rather than a destructive way. Take your adolescent dog for a daily walk. A walk of 15-30 minutes each day will do wonders to keep your pup healthy and fit. Take your dog to your local dog park. The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on its breed, weight, and exercise tolerance. Get everyone involved. If you live in a family or have housemates, encourage them to help you. They can help you train your dog, walk it, and provide opportunities for socialization and play. The more people you have helping you out, the easier it will be to survive your pup's adolescence. Simply ask your family or housemates, “Could you help me get my puppy through adolescence? If you have time to walk my puppy, play with it, or provide opportunities for socialization, I would be most grateful.” If you have younger kids at home, ensure they treat your adolescent dog with respect. Remind them not to pull the dog's tail or ears. Tell them not to scare the dog or yell at it. For instance, tell your children, “Do not pull the dog's tail or ears, and do not scare the dog or yell at it.” Show your dog you love them. If your dog feels loved, it will strengthen the bond between you and prevent the likelihood that your dog will act out. Give your dog hugs and pat them gently on the head and back. Many dogs love being rubbed on their bellies. Offer verbal praise in the form of enthusiastic phrases like, “I love you, doggie” and “Good dog!” Smile at your dog when offering verbal praise and reward it for good behavior. Use a vocal interruptor to redirect negative behavior to positive behavior. Avoid giving your dog too many treats, which can lead to obesity. Provide your dog with a variety of activities. To get through puppy adolescence, your dog will need to be kept busy and have a range of experiences. For instance, intersperse training sessions with walks, playtime, socialization, and other daily activities that your dog enjoys. Work with your dog to cater to their likes and wants. For instance, if your dog really enjoys watching TV with you, schedule time to watch TV together. Keep your dog occupied. When you're out at school or work all day, your adolescent puppy is bored and lonely at home. Crate training is recommended to keep your pup from getting in trouble. Provide food, water, and toys in the crate. Many dogs enjoy watching TV while their humans are away. Documentaries about other animals are generally favored. Provide an array of balls, puzzle toys, and bones for your dog. This will dissuade your dog from chewing the sofa cushions and pillows. Invest in a few KONG toys and leave one for your dog to play with each day. A KONG toy is a kind of hollow dog toy stuffed with bits of kibble or other doggie treats. The tasty bits are released throughout the day as your dog shakes and turns the toy around in the course of playing with it. Spay or neuter your dog. Spaying refers to the medical procedure in which a female dog's uterus and ovaries are removed. In male dogs, neutering is the process by which the testes are removed. Both spaying and neutering are safe and common medical procedures. Spaying/neutering can reduce hormonal swings that cause changes in your dog's mood and attitude and also decrease the chance of getting certain cancers. Spaying/neutering not only helps you and your pet get through its adolescence together, but it can help your dog live a longer, healthier life by preventing cancer and other maladies. Use the ASPCA's low-cost spay/neuter program database at http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/low-cost-spayneuter-programs to find a location near you that offers affordable spaying/neutering. Alternately, contact your vet and ask them to spay or neuter your dog. After being spayed/neutered, your dog won't be able to reproduce, which will reduce the burden on you to care for a litter of new puppies. Remind your dog to eliminate in the right place. Surviving puppy adolescence means ensuring your dog stays on track with its elimination behavior – whether that means scratching at the door to go “out,” waiting to do its business until it gets taken for a walk, or some other habit. Administer a treat when it voids in the right place and at the right time. For instance, if your dog defecates and urinates in the backyard, monitor your dog's behavior. When it voids, give it a doggie snack and verbal praise like “Good dog!” immediately. Determine if your dog has a personality problem. Sometimes, barking and staring at another dog is just part of the socialization process. Dogs might pretend to be aggressive (for instance, by posturing, barking, or swatting at each other) without ever actually being aggressive. Other times, however, conflict with other dogs calls for more serious action. If your dog has been in more than 2 altercations with other dogs, consult a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Until your dog's behavior has been corrected, avoid interactions that may trigger the behavior. Give your dog regularity. Provide your dog with a regular schedule. Give your dog breakfast and dinner at the same time each day. Go for walks and watch TV with your dog at roughly the same time each day. And most importantly, consistently reward good behavior. The more predictable your dog's day is, and the more predictable you are, the less likely your dog is to do something you don't appreciate. Regularity will prevent confusion, which can cause your adolescent dog to feel afraid and upset. Use pheromone collars. Pheromones are natural scents which are undetectable to humans, but can have profound effects on behavior, especially in animals. Certain products – pheromone collars – can harness the power of these pheromones and exercise a calming influence on your adolescent dog. The pheromone collar works just like a regular collar – just snap it around your dog's neck and let it calm your pooch. You can get a pheromone collar at your local pet store. Consult manufacturer directions for specifics regarding how long your pheromone collar will remain effective. A similar gadget, the pheromone diffuser, has the same effect as the pheromone collar. But instead of wearing it, you simply place the diffuser in a room in your house. Plug it in, turn it on, and your adolescent dog will soon find itself in a cloud of relaxing pheromones. Take your puppy to the vet. Between 2-6 months the puppy needs shots every 4 weeks and spaying or neutering. You should also see a vet whenever your adolescent puppy exhibits any abnormal behavior or adverse health conditions such as: not eating much losing weight coughing shivering yelping in pain while walking difficulty moving about voiding itself in inappropriate places | Know what to look for. Train your puppy. Take your dog to a puppy kindergarten or school. Encourage socialization. Provide opportunities for exercise. Get everyone involved. Show your dog you love them. Provide your dog with a variety of activities. Keep your dog occupied. Spay or neuter your dog. Remind your dog to eliminate in the right place. Determine if your dog has a personality problem. Give your dog regularity. Use pheromone collars. Take your puppy to the vet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Oil-Paint-Brushes | How to Clean Oil Paint Brushes | To easily clean your oil paint brushes, wipe the brushes on a rag to remove excess paint, and then dip them in paint thinner to loosen up the remaining paint. Then, wipe the brushes in the rag again to absorb the pain that was loosened by the thinner. After that, dip the brush in dish soap and swirl it in a bowl of water to remove all of the paint thinner. Finally, wrap a clean rag around the brush and squeeze the bristles to remove the excess moisture before laying the brush flat to dry. | Remove excess paint. Use your cleaning rags or similar material. Wrap it around the metal where the bristles connect with the brush (known as a “ferrule”). Squeeze with moderate pressure so the paint is pushed out of bristles at end of stroke/bristles, and try roughly to mimic the shape of the brush at the end of wiping the excess paint off. Point the tip of the brush over your dropcloth (or whatever you're using to protect your surfaces) to catch the paint as you remove it. Then: Pinch the base of the brush's bristles through your cleaning rag. Drag your fingers over the bristles from their base to the tip while maintaining pressure. Repeat as needed with clean sections of your rag until no more paint drips off the tip. Thin the remaining paint. First, pour either paint thinner or safflower oil into your container. Fill the bottom until it is deep enough to submerge the brush's head. Dunk the bristles into the liquid. Then: Brush the bottom of the container to dislodge paint. Remove the bristles from the liquid. Squeeze out more excess paint as before. You can gently push the brush on the side of the jar if it doesn't seem that the spirits saturated it, but don't swish too much. Be cautious as you clean, since excess paint will now be runnier. Try to keep the spirits transparent when wetting the brush in thinner. Repeat if desired. To be as thorough as can be, set up two more containers. Fill their bottoms with more thinning agent. Thin your brush's paint in the second container and squeeze it clean as before. Then repeat with the third container. Note that the liquid in each container should appear less clouded by paint than the one before, with the third appearing relatively clear. Be aware that your brush will still appear stained by the paint afterward. This is normal. Wash the brush with dish soap. First, squirt some liquid soap into one palm. Hold the brush by your other hand. Dip the bristles into the soap and brush them back and forth across your palm. Then: This is where you can submerge the brush. Notice that this is water, however, and not a harsh, chemical solvent. Also, be careful at how hot the water is in this stage as this can warm up the glue holding the bristles together inside the ferrule, which can deteriorate it as well. Continue brushing until a lather forms. Stop once the lather turns the same color as your paint. Rinse the brush and your hand under warm water. Repeat until the lather no longer turns color. Squeeze the bristles again. As before, use a clean rag or similar materials. Wrap it around the ferrule and push out any remaining soap or paint. If the bristles still seem to hold a lot of soap, rinse them more thoroughly and repeat. If they hold any paint, wash and rinse again. The bristles may still appear stained, even after cleaning. This is to be expected and does not mean they're still dirty. Dry your brush. Dry the brush on its side on a flat surface without any pressure on the end of the bristle. If it is a flat or fan brush, the flat side should be down, parallel to the floor. If the brush isn't huge or heavy and has some memory to its bristles, let it hang off of the edge of a flat surface just at the ferrule.. Drying your brush thoroughly will prevent mildew from growing. A few wipes is usually all that's needed, unless it's a thick watercolor brush. Most often, however, if you've purchased a $70 number 7 sable watercolor brush, you will get a lot more life out of it if you stick to watercolors with it. This leads to optional step 7. If you're in a hurry, aim a fan at the bristles. They should be dry unless they're any bigger than an inch and a half. Continue pressing and blotting the bristles with clean rags or similar material as before to remove all moisture. Use new sections of rag or new rags each time so you can tell how wet they are afterward. Continue until the rag remains dry after use. Reshape your brush. Use your fingers to gently press the bristles at their base. Sculpt back into their original shape. Always work from the base to the tip to avoid squashing your bristles. Condition the bristles if necessary. If your brush is old, gauge how dry and coarse the bristles have become as you reshape them. If they feel brittle, wet them again. Then use your fingers to rub in a tiny dab of hair conditioner. Rinse, dry, and reshape your brush afterward. Apply this technique sparingly, only when necessary. Applying conditioner each and every time you wash your brush will cause the bristles to grow misshapen. If you need your brushes to be dry and not oily (or waxy-feeling) upon returning to the studio, you may want to skip this step. However, conditioning your brushes should extend their lifespan. You can also condition with mineral oil, or a product from an art-supply store. Don't trust the brush-restorers at hardware stores, as they'll eat brushes nearly down to the ferrule; they're made for contractors' commercial paintbrushes, not yours. Your brush will never be restored to store-bought quality, but the process can still help. Store your brush properly. If possible, use a container with a lid to keep moths out. Stand the brush upright with the bristles on top to preserve their shape. When storing several brushes in one container, be sure that you can reach the handle of each one without disturbing the bristles of any surrounding brushes. Use more than one container to ensure this if necessary. Save your used thinning agent. Seal the container and let the liquid rest overnight. Wait for the paint to settle to the bottom. Then pour the clear liquid on top into a second container. Seal and label both containers. Store them in a safe place out of reach of children or pets. Be aware that paint thinner is flammable, so keep it away from flames, heat sources, and excessive heat. For future projects, dump your dirty thinner into the container with the paint remnants. Allow them separate and then transfer the clean liquid back into your thinner's container. Repeat until the container holding the separated paint is full. Dispose of materials properly. Contact your local government. Find out if and when they collect hazardous materials such as solvents and paint with curbside pickup. If they will not pick it up, ask where drop-offs are accepted. Do not dispose of such chemicals down a house drain, sewer, or into the ground, since they are toxic. Safflower oil (a cooking oil that is safe to dispose down the sink) makes a great substitute for paint thinner if disposing of hazardous chemicals correctly is too burdensome. Don’t wait. Plan to clean your oil brush as soon as you are done using it. Do so even if you intend on coming back to your painting project in the near future. Always clean your brush promptly to ensure a thorough job with minimum damage to the bristles. If you are going to resume painting shortly, don't soak your brush in paint thinner in the meantime as a substitute for cleaning. Over time, paint thinner will eat away at the glue that binds the bristles to the handle. Although oil paints dry at a slower rate than other types, it is still easier to clean your brush before they have a chance to dry at all. Protect yourself and your surroundings. Set up your cleaning station before you begin painting. Have a pair of cleaning gloves and protective eyewear ready to protect yourself from chemicals. Lay out newspaper, old towels, or drop cloths to keep surfaces clean. Set up your cleaning supplies. Assemble them before you begin your project. Make sure you have what is needed before you really need it. Guarantee a quick and easy clean-up without having to search for this or that while the paint dries in your brush. At the very least, you will need: Cleaning rags, newspaper sheets, paper towels, or similar materials One sealable container with a lid. Paint thinner (mineral spirits or turpentine, depending on your medium) or safflower oil Soap (preferably designed specifically for paint brushes; if not, dish-washing soap or shampoo is acceptable) | Remove excess paint. Thin the remaining paint. Repeat if desired. Wash the brush with dish soap. Squeeze the bristles again. Dry your brush. Reshape your brush. Condition the bristles if necessary. Store your brush properly. Save your used thinning agent. Dispose of materials properly. Don’t wait. Protect yourself and your surroundings. Set up your cleaning supplies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Update-Your-Video-Card-Drivers-on-Windows-7 | How to Update Your Video Card Drivers on Windows 7 | To update your video card drivers on Windows 7, first click “Start” and open “Device Manager” by searching for it in the search box. When the program opens, expand the “Display adapters” heading by double-clicking on it. Next, right-click on your video card in the drop-down menu and click “Update driver software.” When a window opens that asks how you want to search for the driver, select “Search automatically for updated driver software.” Then, follow any on-screen prompts to download and install your video card's latest drivers. | Determine your computer's video card manufacturer. You can find the video card's name in Device Manager. If you haven't yet used Device Manager or you didn't look at your video card's information, do the following: Open Start and click the search bar. Type in device manager , then click Device Manager in the menu. Expand the "Display adapters" heading by double-clicking it. Note the manufacturer and name of the video card you want to update. Go to the manufacturer's website. This step will vary depending on your video card's creator, but popular manufacturers' websites include the following: NVIDIA — https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/ AMD — https://www.amd.com/us/Pages/AMDHomePage.aspx Alienware — https://www.alienware.com/ If you don't know the website of the manufacturer, type the manufacturer's name and "website" into a search engine to bring up a list of matching results. Find the "Downloads" or "Drivers" section. In most cases, you'll find one of these options at the top of the page, though you may instead need to scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page and look for them under a "Support" (or similar) heading. You may need to click a Support tab or link before you can select the Downloads or Drivers section. Select your video card. Click the name of your video card when asked to select a model. You may instead have to enter your video card's name. Look for an available update. After selecting or searching for your video card, you should see a list of possible update files. Find the most recent one and see if the date is more recent than your last Windows update. If you don't know the date of your last Windows update or Device Manager update, you can try downloading and installing the file anyway. Download an update. If there is an available update, click its link or click Download (or similar) near the update's name to download it onto your computer. You may have to confirm the download by selecting a save location or by clicking OK. In rare cases, some web browsers will mark driver update files as potentially malicious or indicate that similar files can harm your computer. As long as you are downloading the files directly from the manufacturer's website, you can ignore these warnings. Install the drivers. Go to the location of the downloaded update file and double-click it, then follow any on-screen prompts to install the drivers. If the drivers' file downloaded in a ZIP folder, you'll need to extract the folder by right-clicking it and clicking Extract Here.... You can then open the extracted folder and double-click the drivers' file. Open Start . Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen. The Start menu will appear. Click the search bar. It's at the bottom of the Start menu. Search for Device Manager. Type in device manager to do so. Click Device Manager. It should be near the top of the Start menu. Clicking it opens the Device Manager window. Expand the "Display adapters" heading. If you don't see at least one indented video card name below the "Display adapters" option in the middle of the Device Manager window, double-click this heading to show the video card(s). Right-click your video card's name. Doing so prompts a drop-down menu. If there are multiple video card names here, right-click the one you want to update. Click Update Driver Software…. It's in the drop-down menu. A pop-up window will open. Click Search automatically for updated driver software. It's in the pop-up window. Doing so will search online for available drivers. Follow any on-screen prompts. If an update is available for your video card, you'll need to click through the on-screen prompts to select, confirm, and install the drivers. If you receive a prompt that says your video card is up to date or using the best version of the available software, your video card is probably up to date. If you want to double-check, you can try using the video card's software or using the video card's website. Understand when to use this method. If your computer has a dedicated (e.g., aftermarket or additional) video card installed, the video card most likely has its own software installed as well. This software usually provides the option to update the video card's drivers automatically. If you already tried using Device Manager to no avail, using your video card's software is a good next step. Determine your computer's video card manufacturer. You can find the video card's name in Device Manager. If you haven't yet used Device Manager or you didn't look at your video card's information, do the following: Open Start and click the search bar. Type in device manager , then click Device Manager in the menu. Expand the "Display adapters" heading by double-clicking it. Note the manufacturer and name of the video card you want to update. Search your computer for a video card program. Click the search bar at the bottom of the Start menu, then type in the video card's manufacturer name or model name. This will bring up a list of matching software. For example, if you have a NVIDIA GeForce video card installed on your computer, you might type in nvidia or geforce here. If entering the manufacturer's name doesn't work, try using the video card's name instead. Open the video card program. Click the program's name in the Start menu to do so. You should see the program open in its own window. If you can't find a video card program installed on your computer, you can still try to use the manufacturer's website to locate and download the driver. Click the Updates or Drivers tab. You'll usually find the proper option in a toolbar at the top of the program's window, but you may need to look around the window in order to find the right tab. For some programs, you may have to click a "Menu" icon (e.g., ☰ ) in the program's window in order to open a toolbar which displays the Updates or Drivers option. Look for an available driver update. Once you're on the "Updates" or "Drivers" page, look for available updates near the top of the page. Download and install an available driver. If you do see an available driver, click Download next to it (or below it) to prompt the driver to begin downloading. Once the download is complete, your video card's software will install automatically the driver. In some cases, you'll need to launch the installation by clicking Install or similar (for example, the GeForce Experience program requires you to click EXPRESS INSTALLATION to begin the driver's installation). You may be prompted to confirm the installation by clicking Yes. | Determine your computer's video card manufacturer. Go to the manufacturer's website. Find the "Downloads" or "Drivers" section. Select your video card. Look for an available update. Download an update. Install the drivers. Open Start . Click the search bar. Search for Device Manager. Click Device Manager. Expand the "Display adapters" heading. Right-click your video card's name. Click Update Driver Software…. Click Search automatically for updated driver software. Follow any on-screen prompts. Understand when to use this method. Determine your computer's video card manufacturer. Search your computer for a video card program. Open the video card program. Click the Updates or Drivers tab. Look for an available driver update. Download and install an available driver. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Develop-Defense-in-Boxing | How to Develop Defense in Boxing | To develop defense in boxing, take a defensive stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and one foot slightly forward. Put both hands up with your gloves at eye level and tuck your elbows close to your body to protect your face and chest. Once you have a good stance, try practicing the bob and weave technique by bending your knees and moving your head in a “V” shape so you can dart away from where the punch is landing. Alternatively, if you want to block a punch, lean your torso back as the glove comes in and slap it away, either downward or across your body. | Set your feet shoulder width apart with heel and toe aligned. You will utilize this stance for both offense and defense, which is why it is so important. This width gives you the best ability to move and the alignment will help you move easily. The foot of your non-dominant hand side should be forward. Traditional right-handed fighters should have their left foot forward. Southpaw left-handed fighters should have their right foot forward. If your feet get too close together it will cause you to get off balance. If your feet get too wide then you will take heavy steps and will not be able to move quickly. Put your hands up and keep your elbows tight. This is the most common and effective defensive technique. Your gloves should be at about eye level with your palms toward your face. Tuck your elbows close to your body, tight into your ribs. Another arm placement option is to put your non-dominant hand up around the side of your face and your dominant arm across your body between your belly button and your chest. Tuck your chin to your front shoulder. It's always important to protect your chin from getting hit because it is one of the most vulnerable spots for a knockout hit. With your front shoulder forward of your body, tuck your chin against it. You may not stay like this the whole time, but it's an important movement to get comfortable with. You should be able to quickly tuck your chin at all times. Slip a punch. Slipping involves performing two actions simultaneously. Bend at your waist to lower your upper body. At the same time, twist your torso, bringing your back shoulder toward your front knee. Maintain your glove position during a slip so that you are ready to throw a counter-punch. Doing abdominal exercises will help build your strength to perform a slip seamlessly. Boxers often try to trade punches. However, getting hit will start to take a toll on you throughout the match, so it's best to train yourself to deliver your attack, then get back out of range where they can't hit you. Bob and weave. Start the bob by bending your knees and lowering your entire body. Keep your head and chest up. Move your head in a “V” shape so your head ends up on the outside of the punch. Once your head is outside the punch, straighten your legs again. This technique does not require that you move your feet. You should move quickly during a bob and weave. Practice it often to get the motion and speed timed perfectly. Practice by having an opponent throw hooks at your head. Try bobbing and weaving from one direction to another in alternation, then vary the sequence so that you have to respond to your opponent's punch. Perform a backward lunge. Slide your back foot backward and bend your front knee slightly. This will effectively lower your whole body as well as create distance between you and your opponent. Keep your eyes on their chest and hands as you lunge. This is not the fastest or most effective dodge, but it is important to incorporate multiple techniques so that your opponent can't guess your next move Use a parry to slap a punch away. As the punch comes in, lean your torso back and slap the punch away. Let your opponent's momentum carry the punch past you. This works best when you slap the punch downward or across your body. If your opponent is throwing a left-handed punch, slap it away with your right hand. If your opponent throws a right-handed punch, slap it away with your left hand. This is most effective when you immediately throw a punch of your own while your opponent is off balance. Catch an incoming punch. With your hand in the basic defensive position, your palms should be facing you. As you see the punch coming in, twist your wrist so that your palm faces away from you. Push your hand forward three to five inches to make contact with the punch. Step and lean back slightly to take the impact of the punch. Immediately bring your hand back into your defensive position, or use the hand you didn't block with to throw a quick punch. Perform a double arm block. Boxers love this technique for its simplicity. As you see the punch coming in, press sides of your forearms tight together. Raise your arms slightly so that your gloves are just below your eyebrows. Take the impact of the punch and get your arms back into standard position. Hold dumbbells while you practice. One of the things that kills your defense is getting tired and dropping your hands down, which leaves you unprotected. The best way to train so that you don't get tired as fast is to perform all of these defensive techniques while you hold light dumbbells. Your arms will build strength in the muscles that keep your hands up. You can also throw punches while you hold the dumbbells to build up strength behind your punches. Jump rope every day. Jumping rope is great for overall cardio conditioning and for increasing the dexterity of your feet. It helps you build good footwork and improve your speed in the ring. Switch up the jump rope exercises you do by jumping on both feet, then a few jumps on your left foot, and a few on your right foot. Push yourself to get more jumps without stopping. You can also incorporate more complex moves like butt kickers, high knees, or skips into your jump rope routine. Spar with an opponent and focus on defense rather than attack. Sparring is important to implementing all of the defensive techniques you've learned. Don't try to beat your opponent during sparring, but try to be effective with your defense. It's also important to spar with as many different people as you can to get used to defending against various fighting styles. If you don't have anyone to practice with, try using a slip ball to help you practice your defense. This is a lightweight ball that you hang from a door frame, and you can use it to work on your reactions and head movement without getting hit hard. | Set your feet shoulder width apart with heel and toe aligned. Put your hands up and keep your elbows tight. Tuck your chin to your front shoulder. Slip a punch. Bob and weave. Perform a backward lunge. Use a parry to slap a punch away. Catch an incoming punch. Perform a double arm block. Hold dumbbells while you practice. Jump rope every day. Spar with an opponent and focus on defense rather than attack. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Kiss-Someone-for-the-First-Time | How to Kiss Someone for the First Time | To kiss someone for the first time, pick a place that's private and romantic so you can focus on the kiss, like a quiet park bench or your balcony. You should also make sure your partner has shown signs that they like you, such as going on a date or touching you. When you feel ready to kiss, put your arm around your partner, brush away their hair, or move closer to them to show affection. Then, look into their eyes to show your feelings for them. Lean forward and gently lock lips. At the same time, touch your partner on the shoulders or head, but avoid groping other body parts. Once you're ready to stop, break the kiss but take your time before moving away to avoid giving the impression that you're not into it. If you feel like you can't stop kissing, lean in for another kiss. | Freshen your breath. Having fresh, kissable breath is a major component of having a knockout first kiss. Make sure that you have brushed your teeth and used mouthwash sometime before the kiss, or that you chewed minty gum or sucked on a breath mint before the kiss. You can do this an hour or so before -- you don't want your breath to be too minty or it will look like you tried a little too hard to get ready for the kiss. If you had dinner or ate before the kiss, you should avoid ordering any foods that are heavy in garlic, onions, or any intense spices. Set the mood. It's important to share your first kiss in an intimate or romantic atmosphere. Your first kiss may be something you remember for the rest of your lives, so you should make it special. You don't have to bring out a thousand candles or serenade the person, but you should pick the ideal time and place for a kiss. Kiss in the evening. Kissing as the sun is setting or after it has fallen is more romantic than kissing during the day. You'll also feel less shy about your first kiss if you're kissing in the dark. Kiss somewhere private. Pick a private location that is free of distractions or onlookers so you can really focus on your kiss. Pick a secluded park bench, a nice spot near a beach or a lake, or even your own balcony. Look is nice. Dress up a little bit to signify that you're about to have a special moment. You don't want to have your first kiss in your gym clothes. Make sure your partner is ready. This is an important point. You can set the mood and prepare your breath all you want, but nothing you do will matter if your partner is not ready for the kiss. Before you share the kiss, make sure your partner has exhibited signs of liking you, whether it's through going on a date, touching you, or even telling you how he or she feels. If your partner keeps gazing into your eyes, touching you lightly, and smiling, then you'll know that she's ready for the kiss. Remember to avoid some kissing pitfalls. Before you get ready for the kiss, you need to make sure to take it slow and to be gentle. If you're too aggressive or rough, your partner will get the wrong message, and the kiss will feel too forced. Here are some things to avoid before you go in for your first kiss: French kissing. Don't immediately shove your tongue in your partner's mouth and leave saliva everywhere. If your partner is bold and is gently touching her tongue with yours, then you can move in for a French kiss, but don't try this in the first few seconds of your traditional kiss. Biting. Nibbling on your partner's lip or even tongue can be a kinky way to spice up your kisses. But if you do this during your first kiss, your partner will be caught off guard and may even jump back. The roaming hands. You should make physical contact with your partner, move your bodies closer, and caress your partner's head or shoulders with your hands. You should not grope your partner in any inappropriate places during your first kiss. This is doing way too much at once and will come off as sleazy and will make your first kiss feel insincere. Make physical contact. Start moving closer to the person you want to kiss, whether it's by moving closer together if you're sitting down, putting your arm around the person, or brushing away the person's hair. As you start touching the person, hold his gaze to make your intentions clear. Your first kiss will feel more natural if you're already touching the person and comfortable with it. Your hands shouldn't rove to any inappropriate places -- keep it PG. Your physical contact could even start from some light and gentle teasing. You can playfully hit or lightly push the other person until your actions become more serious. Try making a romantic compliment before you go in for the kiss. Just say, "Your eyes drive me crazy" or "You look so beautiful tonight." Move closer until your faces are just inches apart. Once you've made physical contact, maneuver yourself until your face is just inches away from your partner's face. You should maintain eye contact, and you can even smile a little to show your affection for the person. Move closer until your hips are nearly touching, and use your hands to graze the person's cheeks, hair, or shoulders. One traditional kissing position is when the guy wraps his arms around a girl's waist while she wraps her arms over her shoulders and behind his neck -- you can think of this as the "slow dance" position. Kiss. Once you're in position, there's nothing left to do but kiss. Don't hesitate. If you've both made it this far, then it's clear that you are excited about kissing each other. Gently lean closer and lock lips. Just remember to take it slow. Have your lips touch softly as you feel the person out. Keep your lips just slightly parted, and continue kissing the person for five or ten seconds before letting go. Keep your hands active while you kiss. Use your hands to cup the person's face, stroke his hair, or caress his neck. You don't have to overdo it with the hands. Just make sure your whole body is engaged so your kiss is even sweeter. Pull away. Slowly pull away from the person. Don't abruptly stop the kiss and pull away with your whole body, jumping miles apart from your kissing partner. Instead, maintain physical contact while pulling away and holding your partner's gaze. Keep stroking your partner lightly with your hands to let her know how great the kiss was. Take your time to pull away from physical contact. If you're too abrupt, your partner may think you're not into it. Go in for another kiss if it feels right. If you just can't break physical contact or you keep staring in your partner's eyes, then you should keep the kissing train rolling. Lightly stroke your partner's hair or cheek and move in for another kiss. You should still take it slow as you feel the other person out, but you can be a bit more bold and adventurous as your kissing progresses. If it feels right, you can slowly move in for the French kiss. Just make sure your partner is also gently using his tongue so you don't catch him off guard. Don't be disappointed if it doesn't go well. If the first kiss wasn't as good as you expected, don't worry. First kisses are often awkward because both people are still getting to know each other, and your kissing will improve with practice. You can take a break and try another time when it feels right. Even if it doesn't go well, you should still gently pull away from the person and move on. Don't dwell on what happened, and visualize success for your next kiss. | Freshen your breath. Set the mood. Make sure your partner is ready. Remember to avoid some kissing pitfalls. Make physical contact. Move closer until your faces are just inches apart. Kiss. Pull away. Go in for another kiss if it feels right. Don't be disappointed if it doesn't go well. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Gin-and-Tonic | How to Make Gin and Tonic | To make a gin and tonic, start by filling a chilled glass with ice and 2 ounces of gin. Next, squeeze 1-3 lime wedges into the glass and then drop the wedges into the drink. After you add the lime, just pour in 3-4 ounces of tonic water, stir your drink, and you're done! | Chill your serving glass. Place a short or narrow highball glass into the freezer about 20 minutes before you want to make the cocktail. The glass will become chilled so it keeps your gin and tonic cooler for longer. If you prefer a less sweet gin and tonic, consider serving the drink in a short, fat glass. This will give you a stronger gin flavor since you'll use less tonic water. Fill the chilled glass with ice. Get out a handful of clear ice cubes. Place them in the chilled highball glass. The ice should come almost to the top of the glass. If you have time, consider making your own ice cubes using tonic water. Pour the gin over the ice. Measure 2 fl oz (59 mL) of gin into the serving glass filled with ice. You can use a 2-ounce (60 ml) jigger or small measuring cup for accuracy. Use your favorite gin. Add the tonic water. Measure 3–4 fl oz (89–118 mL) of chilled tonic water and slowly pour it into the glass. Try to choose a tonic water that contains real quinine instead of artificial flavoring. Pouring the tonic water slowly will help it keep its carbonation longer. Stir the gin and tonic. Take a swizzle stick and gently stir the drink to mix the ingredients. Avoid stirring the drink too quickly or your cocktail may lose its carbonation. If you don't have a swizzle stick, you can use a butter knife or long spoon. Squeeze the lemon or lime wedges into the drink. Get out 1-3 lemon or lime wedges and squeeze them gently. The juice should squirt into the serving glass. Drop the wedges into the glass with the ice, gin, and tonic water. Choose fresh lemons or limes with a bright yellow or green color, respectively. The fruit shouldn't feel mushy or have any brown spots. For a stronger citrus flavor, add all 3 wedges. If you prefer a light citrus flavor, just add 1. Garnish and serve the gin and tonic. Drop in the lemon or lime wedges and add a cocktail straw to the drink, if desired. Enjoy! Make a sophisticated gin and tonic. Use 2 fl oz (59 mL) of a gin that has noticeable herbal flavors and add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of elderflower liqueur. Pour in 2 fl oz (59 mL) of tonic water and 2 fl oz (59 mL) of champagne. Stir the cocktail gently and serve it with a slice of lemon. Create a cucumber and mint gin and tonic. Make a classic gin and tonic using gin that has a fresh cucumber flavor. You can also use a tonic that's flavored with elderflower. Garnish the cocktail with fresh mint and thinly sliced cucumber. To thinly slice the cucumber, use a vegetable peeler to make long ribbons. Instead of mint, you could add rosemary or basil to the drink. Mix a fruity gin and tonic. Measure 1 fl oz (30 mL) of gin, 1 fl oz (30 mL) of sweet vermouth, and 1 fl oz (30 mL) of Campari into a short, fat glass. Add ice and fill the cocktail with tonic water. Serve it with a slice of orange. If you prefer, you can leave out the Campari for a sweeter drink. Include a few dashes of peach bitters and garnish the drink with fresh berries. Create a smoky gin and tonic. Pour 2 fl oz (59 mL) of a botanical gin (with lots of juniper flavors) into a serving glass. Add 1 ⁄ 2 teaspoons (7.4 mL) of a very smokey whiskey and a dash of apricot or peach liqueur. Add ice to the glass and top the drink with tonic water. Garnish the cocktail with a strip of grapefruit zest. | Chill your serving glass. Fill the chilled glass with ice. Pour the gin over the ice. Add the tonic water. Stir the gin and tonic. Squeeze the lemon or lime wedges into the drink. Garnish and serve the gin and tonic. Make a sophisticated gin and tonic. Create a cucumber and mint gin and tonic. Mix a fruity gin and tonic. Create a smoky gin and tonic. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pierce-Your-Ear-with-a-Safety-Pin | How to Pierce Your Ear with a Safety Pin | If you want to pierce your ear with a safety pin, boil the safety pin in water for 5-10 minutes and wipe it down with rubbing alcohol to sterilize it. Next, swab the front and backside of your earlobe with alcohol to remove bacteria and use a marker to put a dot where you want the piercing to go. Then, wrap a towel around a few ice cubes and hold it against the front of your ear for 5-10 minutes. Once the area is numb, hold a new pencil eraser or a clean potato in your non-dominant hand right behind your ear to catch the needle once it pierces your lobe. Grab the pin with your dominant hand, look into a mirror, and push the point through the skin where you marked it. Leave the pin in your ear and clean around it with rubbing alcohol. After 15-20 minutes, remove the pin and replace it with an earring. | Wear disposable gloves so you don’t spread bacteria. Bacteria can transfer from your hands to your new piercing, which could lead to an infection. Make sure your disposable gloves are labeled “sterile” to ensure that they don't have any contaminants on them. Put on a pair before you start working so you don't spread any bacteria to the pin or your ear. You can buy disposable gloves from your local drugstore. Boil your safety pin for 5-10 minutes to sterilize it. Fill a small pot with water and put it over high heat on your stove. Once the water starts boiling, submerge the safety pin so it's completely underwater. Let the water boil for 5-10 minutes to kill most of the bacteria from the pin before taking it out with a pair of tongs or spoon and setting it on a dry piece of paper towel. Never use a pin or needle that someone else used to pierce their ears since boiling the pin can't remove every contaminant and you could spread bacteria. Don't use a pin or needle that hasn't been sterilized since it's more likely to cause infections. Apply rubbing alcohol to the safety pin for additional protection. Wet a cotton swab or a small piece of paper towel with rubbing alcohol, and use it to wipe the pin. Be sure to apply the alcohol to the entire side of the pin that has a point to help kill any bacteria that may still be on it. Dry the pin on a piece of paper towel to remove any of the excess alcohol. You can also use hydrogen peroxide if you don't have any rubbing alcohol. Clean your earlobe with rubbing alcohol. Wet a piece of paper towel or a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and wipe it on your ear where you plan on piercing it. Coat the front and back side of your ear with the disinfectant to kill any germs and prevent infection when you pierce yourself. You can also use hydrogen peroxide or a disinfectant wipe if you don't have any rubbing alcohol available. Place a dot on your ear where you want the piercing with a marker. Look in a mirror and find the spot on your earlobe that you want to pierce. Use a fine-tipped marker to make a dot on your ear so you know where to put the safety pin later on. If you plan on piercing both of your ears, check that your marks are in the same spot on both sides so they don't look crooked. Avoid piercing any other places on your ear besides the lobe since the cartilage is thicker and it could be more difficult to pierce without causing an infection. Hold ice against your ear to help numb the pain. Wrap a towel around 1-2 pieces of ice and hold it against the front of your ear. Keep the ice there for 5-10 minutes or as long as you can handle to help numb your ear so it doesn't hurt as much when you pierce it. Use another piece of ice to numb the back of your ear as well. Keep the ice in a plastic bag if you don't want it to melt and get things wet. Hold an eraser behind your ear to protect yourself. Use a clean, new eraser or a cork so you transfer any contamination or bacteria when you pierce your ears. Hold the eraser in your nondominant hand and keep it behind the ear you're piercing so you don't accidentally stab into your neck with the pin. Check in a mirror to see if the eraser/cork is directly behind the mark you drew. If you don't have an eraser, you can also use a potato or an apple. Be wary of this due to the fact that potatoes and apples carry bacteria. Be sure to wash them before using them, and throw them away when you're finished since you may get blood on them. You could try piercing your ear without holding anything behind it, but be cautious of the pin so you don't accidentally stab yourself with it. Push the pin through the mark until it pokes out of the other side. Hold the pin in your dominant hand and watch yourself in a mirror so you can see what you're doing. When you're ready, take a deep breath and exhale. As you exhale, carefully push the point of the safety pin straight back through your earlobe. Continue slowly pushing the pin through your ear until the point sticks into the eraser. Clasp the safety pin as soon as it's through your ear so it doesn't fall out. You may bleed a little when you're piercing your ear so either work above a sink or protect the floor under where you're working so you don't leave any stains. If you can't easily hold onto the eraser and the pin, ask a friend to help hold one of them for you. Clean around the pin with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. After you've put the safety pin through your ear, wet a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and slowly apply it around the new piercing. Put the alcohol on the front and back side of your ear to disinfect it and clean off any blood around it. If the cotton swab gets dirty, throw it away and use a clean one to finish wiping the piercing. The rubbing alcohol may sting when you apply it since your piercing is still fresh. Remove the pin and put in an earring after 15-20 minutes. Let the piercing heal for at least 15 minutes after you put the pin through your ear. After 15 minutes, unclasp it and carefully pull it back out of the hole. Take a clean earring and place it straight through the hole and place the clasp on the other side to keep it in place. Leave the safety pin in your ear for up to 1 week to help your piercing heal better. It may hurt and you might bleed when you put in the earring. Leave your piercing in at all times so the hole doesn’t close. Don't take your new piercing out while it's healing since the hole could close within a few hours. Leave the earring alone as much as you can so you don't cause any irritation or infections. After about 6-8 weeks, you can remove or change the earring whenever you want. Piercing holes can close even when they're fully healed, but they seal faster after a fresh piercing. Wash your hands any time you handle your piercing. Avoid touching your piercing with your bare hands since you can easily spread bacteria. Rinse your hands under warm water and use an antibacterial soap for at least 30 seconds to clean them. Be sure to dry your hands thoroughly with a towel before you handle your piercing. Don't touch your piercing unless you have to. Leaving your piercing alone will help it heal faster. Clean your piercing with a saline solution twice daily. Find times in the morning and evening to clean your piercing each day. Wet a cotton swab or a piece of gauze with the saline solution and use it to wipe your piercings. Work all the way around your earring to disinfect it and prevent any infections from forming. Continue cleaning your piercing for the first 4-6 weeks or until it's fully healed. You can buy saline solution from your local drugstore. Don't use any rubbing alcohol to clean your piercing since it could kill new skin cells that are forming and dry out your skin. Avoid using any beauty products near or on your piercing. Beauty products, such as cosmetics, lotions, shampoo, and topical creams, can all prevent your piercing from healing fully. Keep the products away from your piercing during the first 4-6 weeks so it has a chance to heal on its own and stay clean. After any irritation goes away, you can start applying product near the piercing. Keep your hair up when you can so it doesn't touch your piercing or cause any irritation throughout the day. Cover your pillow with a T-shirt so your piercing stays clean at night. Slide a soft T-shirt over your pillow before you go to bed to protect your piercing from bacteria on your sheets. The next day, flip the pillow to the opposite side so the T-shirt is clean again. Turn the T-shirt inside out and put it back on your pillow so you can use it for the next 2 nights as well. If you don't want to use a T-shirt over your pillow, then change your pillowcases every other day to keep them clean and contaminant-free. It may be painful to lie down on the side where you pierced your ear for a few days or weeks. | Wear disposable gloves so you don’t spread bacteria. Boil your safety pin for 5-10 minutes to sterilize it. Apply rubbing alcohol to the safety pin for additional protection. Clean your earlobe with rubbing alcohol. Place a dot on your ear where you want the piercing with a marker. Hold ice against your ear to help numb the pain. Hold an eraser behind your ear to protect yourself. Push the pin through the mark until it pokes out of the other side. Clean around the pin with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. Remove the pin and put in an earring after 15-20 minutes. Leave your piercing in at all times so the hole doesn’t close. Wash your hands any time you handle your piercing. Clean your piercing with a saline solution twice daily. Avoid using any beauty products near or on your piercing. Cover your pillow with a T-shirt so your piercing stays clean at night. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Charm-Bracelet | How to Make a Charm Bracelet | To make a charm bracelet, start with a piece of chain around 10 inches long, either one that you bought from a craft store, or recycled from an old necklace. Attach a sturdy jewelry clasp like a lobster claw to one end of the chain, then use pliers to attach circular wire “jump rings” to any charms or beads you want on your bracelet. Finally, attach the jump rings along the length of your chain, making sure all the charms are facing the same direction. | Begin with a chain about 10 inches long. You can either cut the chain from an old chain necklace or even recycle an old charm bracelet. If you prefer, you can buy a length of jewelry chain at a craft store. Attach a lobster claw to one end of the chain with a jump ring. There's no reason to attach another claw to the other end of the chain. You can simply fasten the bracelet by grabbing the end of the chain with the lobster claw. Hang charms from the chain with jump rings. Using needle-nosed or jewelry pliers, attach jump rings to any charms or beads you plan to hang on the bracelet. Be sure to attach the jump rings so the charms will all hang on the same side of the chain and face the same direction. Cut yarn, wire or embroidery thread long enough for a bracelet. The length should be long enough to loosely and comfortably wrap around your wrist. Make sure you leave extra length to tie into knots. Slide closed safety pins on to the string and secure them with knots. Place the safety pins at equal intervals across the string. As each pin is placed, secure it by tying an overhand knot before placing the next pin. Add beads and charms to the safety pins. Open each safety pin individually. Slide a variety of beads and charms onto the pins. Close the safety pins. As you finish adding beads and charms to each safety pin, close it to prevent them from sliding off the pin. Try on the bracelet and see how it fits. Wrap the bracelet around you wrist and tie the two ends together. Gather enough safety pins to reach around your wrist. When the safety pins are connected to one another, they should be long enough to comfortably wrap around your wrist. String beads onto each safety pin. Open the first safety pin, and string beads or charms onto it. Close the pins to keep the decorations in place. Attach the safety pins to one another. Open a second safety pin and stick the pin through the empty space in the middle of the first pin to form a short chain. After you string beads and charms onto the second pin, close it immediately. Continue adding and adorning pins to form a chain. The chain will be transformed into a bracelet when it wraps around your wrist. When the chain is long enough, take the last pin, drape it around your wrist, and chain it together with the first one. | Begin with a chain about 10 inches long. Attach a lobster claw to one end of the chain with a jump ring. Hang charms from the chain with jump rings. Cut yarn, wire or embroidery thread long enough for a bracelet. Slide closed safety pins on to the string and secure them with knots. Add beads and charms to the safety pins. Close the safety pins. Try on the bracelet and see how it fits. Gather enough safety pins to reach around your wrist. String beads onto each safety pin. Attach the safety pins to one another. Continue adding and adorning pins to form a chain. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Salicylic-Acid-BHA-Serum | How to Make a Salicylic Acid BHA Serum | Salicylic acid serums are popular skin care products to treat acne and exfoliate skin, but they can also be expensive. However, you can make your own using salicylic acid powder, propylene glycol, and a carrier oil like grapeseed or avocado oil. Start by pouring 2 fluid ounces of your carrier oil into a glass vial. Then, combine the salicylic acid and propylene glycol in a small bowl to turn it into a paste. You'll need to add no more than 0.04 fluid ounces of the paste to the oil, which you can do by using a small measuring cup or a sensitive kitchen scale. Once you've combined the oil and paste, put the cap back on and roll the vial between your hands to mix the serum. It's important to test the acidity of the serum with a pH testing strip from a drug store before you use it. If it's between a pH of 4 and 5.5, it's good to go. Never use a serum with a pH of less than 3.5, because it could harm your skin. | Select a carrier oil that suits your skin type. The carrier oil will be the main substance of the serum, so pick one that's appropriate for the type of skin you have. Jojoba, grapeseed, and argan oil are good for oily or acne-prone skin. Avocado, rosehip seed, and sweet almond oil are good for dry or sensitive skin. Apricot and sunflower oil are good carrier oils for normal skin types. You can use two carrier oils if you want to (i.e. if you want the acne-fighting power of grapeseed oil and the moisturizing properties of avocado oil). Just use half of each in your recipe, rather than the full amount of one. Choose one to four essential oils that suit your skin type. Essential oils are entirely optional and should only be added if you're not sensitive to fragrances in your skincare. If you do decide to use them, you can stick with just one, or add a few drops of three or four different kinds. Regardless of how many you use, pick essential oils that will be good for your skin type. Choose patchouli, rosemary, or tea tree oil for oily or acne-prone skin. Frankincense, jasmine, and sandalwood oil are good for dry or sensitive skin. Geranium and lavender essential oils are good for all skin types. Test a small amount of each oil on a different part of your skin. If your skin starts to burn, sting, or turn red, you may not not want to use that oil. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before using essential oils. Purchase salicylic acid powder. Shop for salicylic acid powder online through retailers that sell cosmetic ingredients. You could also browse large retailers like Amazon to look for a better deal. Buy a small bag or container if you're just trying the product for the first time and aren't sure how much you'll use. Small amounts (under 30 grams (1.1 oz)) will cost around $5, while larger amounts can cost anywhere between $10 and $20. Store extra powder in a sealed plastic bag or container, and place it in a cool, dark, and dry location. Use propylene glycol to dissolve your salicylic acid. The salicylic acid powder will need to be dissolved before it's added to your oils, and the best substance to use is propylene glycol. Purchase a bottle of this from a cosmetic ingredient retailer, or check a nearby drugstore to see if they carry it. You can also use vegetable glycerin as a solvent, but you'll have to heat it to about 100 °F (38 °C) in a double boiler before adding the salicylic acid. This will ensure that the powder dissolves completely. Find a small glass vial to hold your serum. The vial you choose should be able to hold about 3 fluid ounces (89 mL) and should have a cap that seals. You can select one with a dropper cap or just a regular screw-on cap. Using an amber glass vial will protect your serum from harmful amounts of light. Pour 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) of your carrier oil into the vial. Measure out 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) of your carrier oil, or use 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) each of two different carrier oils. Prop a funnel in the mouth of the vial and pour your oil into the container. Add twenty drops of essential oils. If you've decided to just use one essential oil in your serum, add twenty drops of it to the carrier oil inside the vial. For two different essential oils, add ten of each, or fifteen and five. Divide the drops up depending on how strong you want each scent to be. Roll the vial between your palms to mix the oils. Place the cap on your vial and lay the container flat on your palm. Roll it between your hands for about thirty seconds to mix the oils together. Make a paste of the salicylic acid and propylene glycol. Shake a small amount of the salicylic acid powder into a bowl. Start with about a tablespoon (13 g) of the powder, and then pour in about 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of the propylene glycol. Whisk the two ingredients together until they're combined in a paste. Try to achieve the consistency of toothpaste. If it's too dry, add more propylene glycol. If it's too runny, add more salicylic acid. Add the paste to the oil at a 2% concentration. Salicylic acid should never exceed a 2% concentration for a leave-on product like a serum. For 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) of oil, add 0.04 fluid ounces (1.2 mL) of salicylic acid paste. To add such a small amount, consider getting a measuring cup that measures amounts as small as 1 milliliter (0.034 fl oz), or use an accurate kitchen scale. Roll the vial between your palms to mix the paste and oils. Replace the cap and roll the vial between your palms again to mix all the ingredients together. If the paste isn't mixing well with the oils, shake the vial gently to combine them. Test the pH of the serum. An effective BHA serum will be acidic but not too acidic. Buy pH testing strips at a drug store or online. Place one end of the strip in your serum. When the strip changes color, compare it to the color chart that comes with the testing kit to see what the pH is. A serum that has a pH between 4 and 5.5 may provide a gentle exfoliation to your skin. If the pH is below 3.5, do not use it. This will be too acidic for your skin. You might end up damaging your skin. Cleanse and tone your face before application. Use your normal face wash to cleanse your skin. Then apply an alcohol-free toner to a cotton pad or ball and gently wipe the toner all over your face. When you're finished, give your skin about thirty seconds to dry before applying the serum. Squeeze or tap serum into your palm. If you're using a cap with a dropper, squeeze about a dime-sized amount of serum onto your palm. If your vial just has a screw-on cap, gently tap the serum out into your hand. Use a finger to apply drops of serum around your face. Dip a finger into the serum in your palm, then dab the serum onto several spots on your face. Apply a drop to your forehead, one on each cheek, and one on your chin. Massage the serum in with your fingers. Use gentle, circular strokes to rub the serum into your skin, starting at the spots where you just dabbed it on. Rub the serum all over your face, adding a little bit more to your palm if there wasn't enough to reach all areas. You can use the serum every day after washing your face, but do not apply it more than twice a day. Use the serum only on small parts of your body. Salicylic acid can irritate and sting your skin, especially if you have a sensitivity to it. Do not attempt to apply the serum all over your body. If you want to use it on areas other than your face, choose small spots to apply it to. Don't use the serum anywhere that your skin is already irritated. Wear sunscreen if you'll be outside after applying the serum. Salicylic acid can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage. Any day that you apply the serum and plan to be outside, you should also apply sunscreen. Apply the serum first, then allow it to dry for a minute or two before applying sunscreen. Store the serum in the fridge for up to two weeks. Because the serum has no preservative, the contents of the vial cannot be stored for an extended period of time. Keep what you've made for one to two weeks in the fridge, then dispose of it and make a new batch. | Select a carrier oil that suits your skin type. Choose one to four essential oils that suit your skin type. Purchase salicylic acid powder. Use propylene glycol to dissolve your salicylic acid. Find a small glass vial to hold your serum. Pour 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) of your carrier oil into the vial. Add twenty drops of essential oils. Roll the vial between your palms to mix the oils. Make a paste of the salicylic acid and propylene glycol. Add the paste to the oil at a 2% concentration. Roll the vial between your palms to mix the paste and oils. Test the pH of the serum. Cleanse and tone your face before application. Squeeze or tap serum into your palm. Use a finger to apply drops of serum around your face. Massage the serum in with your fingers. Use the serum only on small parts of your body. Wear sunscreen if you'll be outside after applying the serum. Store the serum in the fridge for up to two weeks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Factor-Second-Degree-Polynomials-(Quadratic-Equations) | How to Factor Second Degree Polynomials (Quadratic Equations) | To factor second degree polynomials, set up the expression in the standard format for the quadratic equation, which is ax² + bx + c = 0. Multiply the a term by the c term, then find 2 numbers that multiply to equal the product of a and c, while also adding up to be the b term. Once you have those numbers, substitute them into the equation as the sum of the b term. Factor the polynomial by grouping. | Set up your expression. The standard format for the quadratic equation is: ax + bx + c = 0 Start by ordering the terms in your equation from highest to lowest power, just like this standard format. For example, take: 6 + 6x + 13x = 0 We will re-order this expression so it's easier to work with by simply moving the terms around: 6x + 13x + 6 = 0 Find the factored form using one of the methods below. Factoring the polynomial will result in two smaller expressions which can be multiplied to produce the original polynomial: 6x + 13x + 6 = (2x + 3)(3x + 2) In this example, (2x +3) and (3x + 2) are factors of the original expression, 6x + 13x + 6. Check your work! Multiply the factors you identified. Then combine like terms and you're done. Start with: (2x + 3)(3x + 2) Let's test it, multiplying the terms using FOIL (first - outer - inner - last), obtaining: 6x + 4x + 9x + 6 From here, we can add 4x and 9x together since they're like terms. We know our factors are correct because we get the equation we started with: 6x + 13x + 6 List the factors of the a term and the c term. Using the expression format ax + bx + c = 0 , identify the a and c terms and list out what factors they have. For 3x + 2x - 8, that means: a = 3 and has one set of factors: 1 * 3 c = -8 and has four sets of factors: -2 * 4, -4 * 2, -8 * 1, and -1 * 8. Write down two sets of parentheses with empty spaces. You'll be filling in the constants for each expression into the space you've made: ( x )( x ) Fill the spaces in front of the x's with a pair of possible factors of the a value. For the a term in our example, 3x , there is only one possibility for our example: (3x )(1x ) Fill in the two spaces after the x's with a pair of factors for the constants. Let's say we chose 8 and 1. Write it in: (3x 8 )(x 1 ) Decide what signs (plus or minus) should be between the x variables and the numbers. Depending on the signs in the original expression, it's possible to figure out what the signs for the constants should be. Let's call the two constants for our two factors h and k : If ax + bx + c then (x + h)(x + k) If ax - bx - c or ax + bx - c then (x - h)(x + k) If ax - bx + c then (x - h)(x - k) For our example, 3x + 2x - 8, the signs must be:(x - h)(x + k), giving us the two factors: (3x + 8) and (x - 1) Test your choice using first-outer-inner-last (FOIL) multiplication. A quick first test to run is to see if the middle term is at least the correct value. If it is not, you may have chosen the wrong c factors. Let's test our answer: (3x + 8)(x - 1) By multiplication, we arrive at: 3x - 3x + 8x - 8 Simplifying this expression by adding the like terms (-3x) and (8x), we get: 3x - 3x + 8x - 8 = 3x + 5x - 8 We know now that we must have identified the wrong factors: 3x + 5x - 8 ≠ 3x + 2x - 8 Swap out your choices if necessary. In our example, let's try 2 and 4 instead of 1 and 8: (3x + 2)(x - 4) Now our c term is a -8, but our outside/inside product (3x * -4) and (2 * x) is -12x and 2x, which will not combine to make the correct b term of +2x. -12x + 2x = 10x 10x ≠ 2x Reverse the order if necessary. Let's try moving the 2 and 4 around: (3x + 4)(x - 2) Now, our c term (4 * 2 = 8) is still okay, but the outside/inside products are -6x and 4x. If we combine them: -6x + 4x = 2x 2x ≠ -2x We're pretty close to the 2x we were aiming for, but it's the wrong sign. Double-check your signs if necessary. We're going to stick with the same order, but swap which one has the minus: (3x - 4)(x + 2) Now the c term is still okay, and the outside/inside products are now (6x) and (-4x). Since: 6x - 4x = 2x 2x = 2x We can now recognize the positive 2x from the original problem. These must be the correct factors. Multiply the a term by the c term. In this example, a is 6 and c is also 6. 6 * 6 = 36 Get the b term by factoring and testing. We're looking for two numbers that are factors of the a * c product we identified and also add up to the b term (13). 4 * 9 = 36 4 + 9 = 13 Substitute the two numbers you get into your equation as the sum of the b term. Let's use k and h to represent the two numbers we got, 4 and 9: ax + kx + hx + c 6x + 4x + 9x + 6 Factor the polynomial by grouping. Organize the equation so that you can factor out the greatest common factor of the first two terms and the last two terms. Both factored groups should be the same. Add the Greatest Common Factors together and enclose them in parentheses next to the factored group; the result will be your two factors: 6x + 4x + 9x + 6 2x(3x + 2) + 3(3x + 2) (2x + 3)(3x + 2) Multiply the a term by the c term. As with the decomposition method, this is going to help us identify candidates for the b term. In this example, a is 8 and c is 2. 8 * 2 = 16 Find two numbers with this number as a product and with a sum equal to the b term. This step is identical to the decomposition method - we're testing and rejecting candidates for the constants. The product of the a and c terms is 16, and the c term is 10: 2 * 8 = 16 8 + 2 = 10 Take these two numbers and test substitute them into the 'triple play' formula. Take our two numbers from the previous step - let's call them h and k - and put them into this expression: ((ax + h)(ax + k))/ a Here, we'd get: ((8x + 8)(8x + 2)) / 8 Look to see which one of the two terms in the numerator is evenly divisible by a. In this example, we're seeing if (8x + 8) or (8x + 2) can be divided by 8. (8x + 8) is divisible by 8, so we'll divide this term by a and leave the other one as is. (8x + 8) = 8(x + 1) The term we're saving out of here is what's left after dividing by the a term:(x + 1) Take the greatest common factor (GCF) out of either or both terms, if any. In this example, the second term, has a GCF of 2, since 8x + 2 = 2(4x + 1). Combine this answer with the term you identified in the previous step. These are your equation's factors. 2(x + 1)(4x + 1) Factor out a greatest common factor if possible. In this case, we can see that 27 and 12 are both divisible by 3, so we'll separate that out: 27x - 12 = 3(9x - 4) Identify if your equation's coefficients are square numbers. To use this method you should be able to take the square root of the terms evenly. (Notice that we'll have left out the negative signs - since these numbers are squares they may be products of positive or two negative numbers) 9x = 3x * 3x and 4 = 2 * 2 Using the square roots you have identified, write out the factors. We'll take the a and c values from our step above - a = 9 and c = 4, then find their square roots - √ a = 3 and √ c = 2. These are the coefficients for the factor expressions: 27x - 12 = 3(9x - 4) = 3(3x + 2)(3x - 2) Plug the corresponding values into the quadratic formula: x = -b ± √(b - 4ac) --------------------- 2a We obtain the expression: x = -4 ± √(4 - 4•1•1) / 2 Solve for x. You should get two x values. As shown above, we obtain two answers: x = -2 + √(3) or x = -2 - √(3) Use your value for x to figure out the factors. Plug the x values you obtained into two polynomial expressions as the constants. These will be your factors. If we call our two answers h and k , we're writing two factors like so: (x - h)(x - k) In this case, our final answer is: (x - (-2 + √(3))(x - (-2 - √(3)) = (x + 2 - √(3))(x + 2 + √(3)) Enter your equation into the calculator. You will use the equation solver, also known as the [Y = ] screen. Graph the equation using your calculator. Once you've entered your equation, press [GRAPH] - you should see a smooth arc representing your equation (and it will be an arc since we are dealing with polynomials). Locate where the arc intersects the x axis. Since polynomial equations are traditionally written as ax + bx + c = 0, these are the two x values that cause the expression to equal zero: (-1, 0), (2, 0) x = -1, x = 2 If you cannot identify where your graph crosses the x axis by sight, press [2nd] and then [TRACE]. Press [2] or select "zero". Slide the cursor to the left of an intersect and press [ENTER]. Slide the cursor to the right of an intersect and press [ENTER]. Slide the cursor as close as possible to the intersect and press [ENTER]. The calculator will find the x value. Do this for the other intersect also. Plug the x values obtained in the previous into two factorial expressions. If we term our two x-values h and k , the expression we will be using is: (x - h)(x - k) = 0 Thus, our two factors must be: (x - (-1))(x - 2) = (x + 1)(x - 2) | Set up your expression. Find the factored form using one of the methods below. Check your work! List the factors of the a term and the c term. Write down two sets of parentheses with empty spaces. Fill the spaces in front of the x's with a pair of possible factors of the a value. Fill in the two spaces after the x's with a pair of factors for the constants. Decide what signs (plus or minus) should be between the x variables and the numbers. Test your choice using first-outer-inner-last (FOIL) multiplication. Swap out your choices if necessary. Reverse the order if necessary. Double-check your signs if necessary. Multiply the a term by the c term. Get the b term by factoring and testing. Substitute the two numbers you get into your equation as the sum of the b term. Factor the polynomial by grouping. Multiply the a term by the c term. Find two numbers with this number as a product and with a sum equal to the b term. Take these two numbers and test substitute them into the 'triple play' formula. Look to see which one of the two terms in the numerator is evenly divisible by a. Take the greatest common factor (GCF) out of either or both terms, if any. Factor out a greatest common factor if possible. Identify if your equation's coefficients are square numbers. Using the square roots you have identified, write out the factors. Plug the corresponding values into the quadratic formula: Solve for x. Use your value for x to figure out the factors. Enter your equation into the calculator. Graph the equation using your calculator. Locate where the arc intersects the x axis. Plug the x values obtained in the previous into two factorial expressions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Citizen-of-Belize | How to Become a Citizen of Belize | There are a few ways to become a citizen of Belize, depending on your circumstances. If you were born in Belize or you have family from there, you can apply for citizenship from outside of the country. You can also apply for Belizean citizenship if you're married to another Belizean citizen. Or, if you're over 45 and you're retired with substantial savings, you can apply for citizenship via the Qualified Retired Persons program. Otherwise, you'll need to have lived in the country for 5 years. If you don't already live in Belize, you'll have to enter the country on a tourist visa and live there for 1 year, then apply for permanent residency. After 5 years, you can then apply for citizenship. Belize allow dual citizenship with all countries except for Guatemala, providing the other country supports it too. | Research available options. There a few different ways to become a citizen or resident of Belize, and they each have different sets of application procedures and eligibility requirements. Permanent Residency Qualified Retired Persons Program Citizenship Apply for citizenship by descent. If you have family members who are Belizean citizens, you may qualify to apply for citizenship by descent before you move to Belize. Citizenship is granted to individuals born in Belize and to the children and grandchildren of citizens of Belize. Your Belizean parent or grandparent does not need to be alive at the time of your application for you to receive citizenship, but you will need to be able to prove that they were legal Belizean citizens. Marry a Belizean. If you marry a citizen of Belize, you are eligible to become a Belizean citizen as well. Belizean citizens can file for citizenship for their foreign born spouses as soon as their marriage is legalized. Marriages are investigated to make sure they are not fraudulent immigration scams. All children from this marriage are automatically eligible to become Belizean citizens, whether they are born in Belize or in another nation. Apply to become a naturalized Belizean. If you do not qualify for citizenship through marriage or descent, you will need to go through the citizenship application process. This is a long-term process that has a specific set of requirements that must be met. Belize requires the applicant to have lived in Belize as a permanent resident for a minimum of 5 years before they can apply for citizenship. The citizenship application is usually processed within 6 months, but may take up to a year, or more. Enter Belize on a tourist visa. When you decide to move to Belize, you will first need to obtain a tourist visa to remain in the country for over 30 days. If you have received citizenship status through marriage or descent, this is not applicable to your situation. All visitors, besides cruise ship passengers, must present a valid passport before entering the country. Your passport must not expire within three months of your arrival date. You can stay in Belize for up to one month without a visa. If you decide to stay longer than a month, you must go to the Immigration Department in Belize City or Belmopan to receive a visa extension and to pay for a new tourist visa. All prospective Belizean residents must enter the country on a tourist visa until they have completed one year of residency. Renew your tourist visa. Tourist visas are intended for short stays, and can be extended up to one year. They do carry certain requirements and can be renewed. Check to see if your current country of residence requires a specific Belize visa to enter Belize. There is a flat rate fee for a tourist visa that increases after the sixth month of your stay. If you are driving or boating into Belize from either Guatemala or Mexico, you will receive a temporary importation permit for your transportation. You cannot legally work in Belize with a tourist visa so ensure that you come to the country with enough funds to sustain yourself. Apply for permanent residency. Permanent residency is the first step in becoming a citizen in Belize if you are not the relative or spouse of a Belizean citizen. Applicants for permanent residency must live in Belize for one year prior to applying. To become a permanent resident, you must first enter the country on a tourist visa. You will then apply for residency and renew your tourist visa every 30 to 90 days until your residency is denied or granted. During this one-year period, you may not leave the country for more than 14 consecutive days. To apply for permanent residency you will need to complete Permanent Residency Application form, take an HIV and STI test, provide proof of a clean criminal record from the police, and two recommendations from individuals who have known you for at least one year. There are fees associated with applying for permanent residency. The fees range from $250 to $5000 USD and vary based upon your home nationality. Once you receive residency, you will pay $62.50 USD for a residency card. Apply for the Qualified Retired Persons Program. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may also apply to be a Belizean resident through the QRP program. This is a shorter process and is an attractive option for older individuals and retirees. To qualify you must be at least 45 years old and be able to show that you have adequate financial resources to live in Belize, because you cannot legally work in Belize as a QRP. You must provide financial documents that demonstrate that you have the resources to deposit at least $2,000 USD each month. To maintain your QRP status, you must spend at least one month out of the year in Belize. You can live in any other nation you desire in the remaining 11 months if you wish. QRPs are considered non-residents for banking purposes so they can set up a bank account with a local or offshore bank in Belize. QRP status is not the same as citizenship, it is a separate program that is akin to residency. Apply for citizenship. To receive nationality status (i.e. citizenship), you must become a permanent resident, and have been a legal resident of Belize for a minimum of five years. If you become a citizen through descent or marriage, these requirements will not apply to your case. After five years of residence, you can now apply for citizenship. There is a provision available to register an applicant's minor children at the same time an individual applies for nationality. If you achieve nationality, any of your children under age 18 are entitled to become a Belize citizen, regardless of where they were born. You must apply to be a citizen in Belize, you cannot apply remotely. Collect the necessary documents. While you are compiling your citizenship application, you must prepare certain documents, pay certain fees, and understand application procedures. You must be prepared to swear an oath of allegiance, have a basic understanding of the Belizean Constitution, and recognize Belize's sovereignty. Applications for citizenship must be made in person while in Belize. You will need your birth certificate, identification forms like a Social Security card, to fill out an application form, provide financial statements, a police record proving you have no prior criminal convictions, a medical test proving you do not have HIV or any STIs and to pass background checks. There are fees associated with the citizenship application, just as there are fees associated with permanent residency and tourist visa applications. Renounce or maintain other citizenships. While there are a few ways to become a citizen of Belize, there are some restrictions to keep in mind. Your home nation may require you to denounce your citizenship or have limitations in place for citizens with dual nationalities. Be sure to know the laws of your home country about holding dual citizenships. Belize allows its citizens to hold dual nationality status with other nations. This means that if you are a Belize citizen you can also be a citizen of another country, if that country also allows you to hold dual nationality status. However, if you are a Guatemalan national you must renounce your Guatemalan citizenship to become a Belizean citizen. Enjoy the benefits of citizenship. There are quite a few benefits to becoming a citizen, rather than remaining a permanent resident. You can vote in Belizean elections as a citizen. You are eligible to hold a Belizean passport. You can join the Belizean armed forces. You become a member of CARICOM. The Caribbean Community, or CARICOM, allows you to travel freely between member nations in Latin American and the Caribbean. You can work and own a business in Belize without a work permit. | Research available options. Apply for citizenship by descent. Marry a Belizean. Apply to become a naturalized Belizean. Enter Belize on a tourist visa. Renew your tourist visa. Apply for permanent residency. Apply for the Qualified Retired Persons Program. Apply for citizenship. Collect the necessary documents. Renounce or maintain other citizenships. Enjoy the benefits of citizenship. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sell-a-Product | How to Sell a Product | To sell a product, explain its perks to potential customers, like how it can make their life easier or how it will last for a long time. When you're talking to people about the product, be enthusiastic and use confident body language to show that you really believe in what you're selling. Think about the kind of person that would buy your product and then anticipate any questions they might have so you're prepared. Avoid being overly pushy by giving customers time to make up their mind after you give your pitch. | Study your product. If you are able to convey knowledge about the product, and to answer questions that customers may have, then they will understand that you really care about the product. If you find the product worthwhile, they are more likely to as well. It is absolutely vital to know your product inside out. If you do not know something a customer asks of you, try saying something like “I don't know the exact answer for that, but I'll be happy to look into it and get back to you right away. What's the best way to contact you when I find the answer?” Emphasize the perks of the product to customers. As well as getting good product information to the right people, it is important to translate the product's features into benefits. This makes it easier for the customer to see why they should purchase the product. Think about things like: Will the product make the customer's life easier? Will the product create a sense of luxury? Is the product something that can be enjoyed by many people? Is the product something that can be used for a long time? Ensure that the product has been adequately explained. If you are not doing direct, person-to-person sales, then you will need to ensure that good product information is supplied via retail packaging, point-of-purchase displays, and any marketing materials. Even if you are selling products directly or making a pitch, having good product information on display will help you convince customers. Make sure that all product information is informative, true, and complete. Make sure that the language on product packaging and marketing materials is clear, direct, and easy to read. Invest the time and money to ensure that your product, packaging, and marketing materials look good—high-quality photos, vivid colors, etc. Share your love of the product. A good salesperson believes in the product that is being sold, and transfers this enthusiasm to the customer. There are numerous ways to show your love of a product. Don't neglect body language and tone. You will convey energy and enthusiasm if you speak clearly about a product, and show expression when discussing it. On the other hand, if you mumble when customers ask questions about a product, or cross your arms over your chest, then it will appear like you are distant and don't care about the product. Be prepared to discuss how you use the product, or how other satisfied customers have. Specific stories about the product make it relatable to customers. For instance, if you're selling a shampoo, you can tell a customer something like: “My hair is usually so frizzy, but ever since I've started using this it's been as smooth and straight as it is right now.” Anticipate your customers’ motivations. . You want to be able to answer any questions that customers may have about a product, but even more importantly, you want to anticipate those questions. This shows that you understand customer needs. Make sure that you are able to connect emotionally with customers by addressing those needs. Think about your typical customers. What motivates them? What needs do they have? Are they young? Single? Wealthy? Do they have families? Once you have an idea of your customers in mind, think about how your product can help them meet their needs or reach their desires. Practice breaking the ice with customers. If you are working in direct sales, the way you connect with people is critical. Instead of asking the close-ended question "May I help you?,” ask the more positive, open-ended questions like "Are you looking for something for yourself? Or a gift for someone special?" In addition, be ready to make remarks about your product that will interest customers and start deeper conversations. For instance, if you are in clothing retail, you might say: “You know, ugly Christmas sweater parties are really popular right now. Have you ever been to one?” Convert the customer's motivations into the product's characteristics. In marketing, this is known as "positioning," and it consists of equating the product with the customer's hopes and desires. A number of factors are important when positioning a product : Position the product in the best spectrum of the market possible. Don't pitch the product too high or too low in terms of affordability and luxury. Position the facts about the product according to the person you're selling it to. You may have a handful of different facts, but it's up to your skill to know which of those facts best serve each individual sale. Don't fudge facts or lie outright. Product positioning is about perception, not deception. Position the facts so that they transcend the product itself. This means that the desirable, positive values associated with the product are what sell it. Companies that excel at this include Coca-Cola, Apple, and many designer goods or labels. Think about how your product will connect with a customer's lifestyle or values, and not simply serve a function. For instance, if you are trying to sell a relatively high-end minivan to a wealthy older person, you might mention its luxurious features. Do this by saying things like: “Take a look at that wood trim—it's just beautiful. And those soft leather seats—they're so comfortable. They're perfect for taking a nice sunset drive.” If you were trying to sell the same minivan to a family with three children, however, you would emphasize its more utilitarian features. For example, you could say things like: “The third seat adds lots of room for carting friends around. It also folds down when you need room for hauling groceries, sporting gear, and things like that. And did I mention that side air bags and anti-lock brakes come standard?” Be honest about your product. Long-term lovers of your product will only come about if you've been honest with them. This means being transparent in your delivery of product information and also admitting your own lack of knowledge or mistakes you've made. Don't be afraid of honesty; it builds trust. If you ever are not able to answer customers' questions or supply them with what they need, offer to follow up with them later, as soon as you are able to. Make sure customers know they can come back to you later if they have questions or concerns. If it ever turns out that a product isn't right for a customer, be honest about it and help the customer find what he or she really needs. Even if you don't make the sale today, your honesty and generosity will be remembered, and can translate into future sales. For instance, if you are trying to sell a sports car to customer who eventually tells you that he has five young children who he drives to school everyday, you could say something like: “Well maybe you'd be better off with a good minivan or SUV. But if you're ever in the market for a second vehicle, come back and talk to me and I'll help you get a good deal.” Close the sale. There are many styles and methods of closing a sale, but one of the most effective has the mnemonic, ABC: "Always Be Closing." As you confirm your prospective buyer's interest in the product, put forward trial closes like, "Does this sound like the product you want?" or “So what do you think? Will this meet your needs?” Give customers time to consider. Appearing overly pushy is a turn-off for many buyers. They may want to go home and do a quick online search for more information. Let them do so with your enthusiastic and supportive pitch in mind. If you've been truthful, helpful, considerate, and enthusiastic, and the information you've given them matches with what they read online, they are likely to come back to your product. Sometimes, it pays to let your customers take the lead. Give them time to consider, and keep quiet while they do. Only offer more information when they request it. Don't let customers get away without knowing how to contact you. If you are working in a store or on site, make sure customers will know how to find you again (especially if you will be moving around). Make sure to tell customers something like "I'll be right here at the counter if you need me," or "Just ask any sales associate to page me if you have any questions." You can also give customers your contact information so they can get in touch with you if they have questions or want more information. Slip the customer your business card or other contact information and say something: "Call me anytime if you have questions, and you can also find me right here in the store on weekdays." Use your instincts. If you think a customer is close to buying, stay nearby without being intrusive. You'll want the customer to be able to find you quickly. The last thing you want is for a potential buyer to decide to purchase and then be unable to find you. Familiarize yourself with all aspects that feed into the end sale of a product. As an owner salesperson, that is, one who owns the business that is selling the product, you have the ability to affect more than just the interaction with buyers. In addition to the strategies mentioned in the rest of this article, you can also use other functions to improve your sales. Advertising, merchandising, and marketing are support functions for sales. Selling is the goal of these support functions and a good owner salesperson needs to have a decent understanding of each of these. Read basic texts on marketing. These will inform you about many of the tactics and techniques underlying advertising, merchandising, and marketing. Market your product. It is important to make your product information available through as many channels as possible. Today, the range of potential placements has increased a great deal thanks to the advances in communications. Give your potential buyers many possible places to find out more about your product in numerous ways, such as: Word-of-mouth Advertising (radio, TV, print, email, social media, online ads, etc.) Sales representatives Trade shows Conferences Cold call sales Product placement in movies, sports, etc. Local community events (for instance, donating a product to a local benefit auction will draw attention to your product and serve a good cause) Review your sales performance. You should analyze your sales at regular intervals. Is the product selling well? Is stock low or high? Are you profiting? How are your competitors performing? Being able to answer these questions will help you maximize your sales, and keep growth steady. Troubleshoot sales, if necessary. If you are not selling well, you will need to enter problem-solving mode. Improving your sales will involve reassessing your product, customer base, and marketing. Change your tactics periodically. If customers hear the same sales routine over and over again, or see the same display month in and month out, your product might start to seem irrelevant. Consider deleting a product from your line if it is not selling well. Stock can be sold at discounted prices to liquidate it. Review your target market and sharpen your sales focus. Your buyers might be changing, and you will want to keep up with them, or else find a new market. Re-evaluate the product design, distribution, packaging, etc. Tweaking the product with your target market and sales strategy in mind can improve your sales. Change the price of your product. By studying your sales data and competitors' performance, you may be able to tell if you are charging too much or too little for your product. Make the product exclusive, or available for a limited time only. Sometimes, controlling supply in this way will increase demand and sales. Make sure that this tactic works with your overall sales strategy, however. If you are marketing a product as perfect for everyday use, it may not work to also market it as exclusive. | Study your product. Emphasize the perks of the product to customers. Ensure that the product has been adequately explained. Share your love of the product. Anticipate your customers’ motivations. Practice breaking the ice with customers. Convert the customer's motivations into the product's characteristics. Be honest about your product. Close the sale. Give customers time to consider. Familiarize yourself with all aspects that feed into the end sale of a product. Market your product. Review your sales performance. Troubleshoot sales, if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-the-Difference-Between-a-Tortoise,-Terrapin-and-Turtle | How to Tell the Difference Between a Tortoise, Terrapin and Turtle | To tell the difference between a tortoise, terrapin, and turtle, note the environment where the reptile spends most of its time, since turtles mostly live in the sea. On the other hand, you'll know it's a tortoise if it lives on land. If the reptile lives in marshes, assume it's likely a terrapin. You can also tell the difference by looking at their feet, as turtles and terrapins have flat, webbed feet for swimming, while tortoise feet are stumpy for walking. | Watch for time spent in water. Turtles spend most of their lives in water. Depending on its species, a turtle may inhabit fresh water (ponds and lakes) or the sea. Determine if the reptile spends its time on land. Tortoises are land dwellers. Some tortoises live far from major sources of water, such as in deserts. Observe if the reptile inhabits marshy regions. Terrapins spend time both on land and in water. However, they inhabit brackish waters such as marshes. Often the term “terrapin” is only used to refer to certain species living in marshes of the Eastern and Southern United States, such as the Diamondback Terrapin, or the Red-eared Terrapin (also called the Red-eared slider; this is a common pond and pet turtle). Pay attention to where and how the reptile basks. Turtles and terrapins will leave the water to bask in the sun on logs, sand, rocks, and other surfaces. Sea turtles typically spend more time in water, but will leave to bask in the sun on beaches, reefs, and similar areas. Examine the feet. Turtles and terrapins tend to have flattened, webbed feet for swimming. Sea turtles are especially adapted for life in the water, with streamlined bodies and long, flipper-like feet. Tortoises, however, have blunt, stumpy feet for walking on land. Their rear legs are elephantine, while their front legs are shovel-like for digging. Determine the shell type. Tortoises, terrapins, and turtles have scaly skin and protective shells. With a few exceptions (like leatherback sea turtles), the shells of turtles are hard and bony. Tortoise shells tend to be rounded and domed, while turtle and terrapin shells are flatter. Look for any distinguishing marks. If you suspect that you are observing a particular species of turtle, terrapin, or tortoise, look for markings on its shell or body that can help you determine this. For instance: The Diamondback Terrapin may be identified by the diamond-shape pattern on its shell. The Red-eared Terrapin may be identified by the distinctive red stripe on each side of its head. The Alligator Snapping Turtle may be identified by the pointed, peaked ridges on its shell. Watch for periods of reduced activity. Turtles will burrow into mud during cold seasons and go into a state called torpor (similar to hibernation). During this time, the turtles' activity is minimal. They will remain in this state until warmer weather returns. Limited evidence shows that terrapins may also spend some time hibernating in mud, or in periods of reduced activity. Observe what the reptile eats. Eating habits of turtles will vary greatly by species and environment, but can include plants, insects, and other small animals. Since they are land dwellers, tortoises tend to eat low-lying plants such as grasses, shrubs, and even cacti. The diet of terrapins has not been thoroughly studied. Determine nesting behavior. Land-dwelling tortoises will build nesting burrows and lay eggs. Species of turtles and terrapins that spend time both on land and in water, as well as sea-dwelling turtles, will all leave the water to lay their eggs. | Watch for time spent in water. Determine if the reptile spends its time on land. Observe if the reptile inhabits marshy regions. Pay attention to where and how the reptile basks. Examine the feet. Determine the shell type. Look for any distinguishing marks. Watch for periods of reduced activity. Observe what the reptile eats. Determine nesting behavior. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-to-a-Guy-over-the-Phone | How to Talk to a Guy over the Phone | If you want to talk to a guy you like over the phone, try to think of a couple things to say before you call him. For example, you could ask him how football practice was, request his help with a homework assignment, or discuss a movie he likes. Once you've figured out what to say, take a few deep breaths if you're nervous, then start the call. When he picks up, let him know who is calling by saying something like, "Hi, this is Mary. What's up?" Do your best to listen and respond thoughtfully, but also keep the call short, so he's left wanting more. To end the conversation naturally, say something like, "I had a great time talking to you, but I have to go meet my friends in half an hour." | Think of what to say. Before calling, think about some topics that you know interest him. Discussing a movie he likes, a sport he plays, or a video game you now he plays are good ways to get him talking and to learn more about him. Maybe you are in class together and you need some help on an assignment. You can write down a list of topics to go through, but don't rely on that too much. You want to make it casual and impromptu. Ask him things like "How did baseball practice go last night?" or "What are you writing your term paper about?" to get him talking about things he loves or knows. These are open enough that he can elaborate and will get him talking. Make sure to focus on a few topics that you know a little bit more about as well. You don't want it to seem fake or rehearsed when you talk about these topics. Relax. Once you've planned a few things to say, take a few deep breaths. If you are too jittery or uncomfortable, it is likely that he will feel uncomfortable as well or you could scare him off. Just act natural, be yourself, and remember, he is just a guy. Make sure you are in a place where you're comfortable and are not likely to get interrupted. You are more likely to be relaxed and confident in your conversation. It might not just be you that's nervous. If you have been giving hints that you like him, he might be waiting for a more obvious sign that you do in fact like him. Calling him is a good way to get this across. Find the right greeting. Whether he picks up, someone else picks up, or he isn't there, think about what you are going to say. When he answers the phone, give a casual but excited greeting. Since you've never talked to him on the phone before, make sure you mention who it is, saying something such as "Hi, this is Mary. How have you been?". People generally sound different on the phone than they do in real life. If someone other than the guy answers the phone, don't be nervous to ask for him. Just be polite and ask if he is available. If you get his voicemail, stay calm. Leave a message, letting him know who you are, your number, and that you want him to call you back. If you think your date is silly or fun enough, you can leave a goofy message for him, something along the lines of "If you can't reach me when you call, I might be out, or I might have gotten abducted by aliens." It shows that you know what kind of guy he is and that you're not too serious. Ask engaging questions. Ask questions that have more than one word answers, such as "What do you think of the movie you saw last weekend?" or "What is the best part of that new game I heard you bought?". This is the time to use the list of topics you thought about before you called him. Find a way to bring up those topics and then ask him questions about them. This gets him talking about his interests and lets him know you noticed him. Try to avoid questions like "What's up?". They are very vague and don't give the conversation anywhere to go. Also avoid asking what his favorite food or color is. These questions are really common and won't make you seem interested or interesting. This is the time to show him how great you are. Listen. You don't want to monopolize the conversation, so make sure you listen to him as much as you talk. No one likes it when they spend the entire time on the phone and can't get a word in. Also pay attention when he's answering the questions you ask him. Respond to things he says, giving your input when needed or laughing when he makes a joke or says something funny. Even if you have something you really want to say, make sure you don't interrupt him. You don't want to seem rude and want to give him plenty of time to get his thoughts out. He would probably love to hear what you have to say, just wait until the right time to give your response. Answer thoughtfully. Pay attention to the questions he asks you. Give adequate, lengthy responses that fully answer his questions. If you give clipped, short answers, he might think you aren't interested. You want him to know that you are paying attention and that you want to keep talking. Also try to incorporate some of your interests into your responses, with topic starters like "I've never played that video game, but I'm really love playing strategy board games." These give him little hints about you and will help you two get to know one another. Don't overshare. You want to keep some things to talk about at a later time, hopefully when he asks you out on a date. You also want to keep him interested. Try not to sound cocky. You don't want him to think you're arrogant or showing off too much. This could make him think twice about calling you in the future. Keep the call short. Find a natural place to end the conversation without sounding rude. You can either use a real or fake excuse, but cut off the conversation when it is still going well. This will leave him wanting more and will encourage him to call you next time. Try to say things like "I had a great time talking to you, but I'm meeting my friends for coffee in half an hour." This let's him know that you like him but also lets him know you aren't going to be sitting at home waiting by the phone. You don't want to keep him on the phone too long. If either of you are pausing too long or are trying to fill the silence, it means you've probably gone on too long. Try to figure out a way to pick up the conversation before you hang up. You don't want to leave it on a low note. Most guys don't talk on the phone that much, so an extended conversation might not be his thing. You also don't want to run out of things to say. Relax. Even if you are dating someone, calling them can still be nerve-racking. Just remember to be calm. Since he is your boyfriend, you don't have to stress as much, even if the relationship is new. You know he likes you and should be happy to talk to you on the phone. Make sure you're in a comfortable and quiet place. You are more likely to be relaxed and will be able to talk longer without interruption. Think of things to say. If the last few times you talked were filled with silences, think about things you want to know about you boyfriend before you call him. Is there a game you know he just bought that he's been playing? Ask him if and why he likes it. Try to remember small details that he's brought up when you were last together, such as "How did that paper turn out that you were working on a few days ago?" This way, he knows you pay attention to him when you're together and knows you care. This is especially helpful if you find that you've run out of things to say the last few times you've been together or talked on the phone. This doesn't mean that the relationship isn't working, but it could just mean that you're both shy or that you two don't know each other that well yet. Call him. Don't wait around for him to call you. Just because he's the guy, that doesn't mean that he is the one initiating everything. Calling him lets him know you're thinking about him, that you care, and that you are still interested in him. Make sure you don't call him too much. This seems clingy and you don't want to suffocate him. Keep it balanced. Ask about important things. Don't be afraid to ask personal or difficult questions. Ask him what his future goals are, what his life's ambition is, or what he is most scared of in the world. Try phrasing it in a way that makes it open ended for him to fill in as much detail as he wants, such as "I know you're majoring in civics. What would be your dream job?". This lets him know you care about him on a personal level and that you want to know all the different parts of his personality. Don't ask him where he thinks the relationship is going or other questions dealing with your relationship. This might scare him off or make him uncomfortable. Answer thoughtfully. Make sure you pay attention to the questions he asks you. Give adequate, lengthy responses that fully answer his questions. If you give clipped, short answers, he might think you're mad at him. Don't overshare. Even though you are trying to get to know each other better, you want to keep some things to talk about at a later time so there is still mystery in your relationship. Try not to sound cocky. You don't want him to think you're arrogant or showing off too much. Discuss common interests. Pick things that you know you both have in common. This way, you both will have something to contribute to the conversation and you can find some common ground. By giving your perspective, you let him know that you have your own mind while still having similar interests to him. Don't bring up topics that you know you disagree on. If he does, don't lie and tell him you agree with him, but steer the conversation back to a safer topic with phrases like "I don't necessarily agree with that policy, but I do agree with your stance on that new health bill." You don't want to start a fight or bring unnecessary strife to your phone conversation. Listen. No matter if you are uninterested in what he's discussing or if he's told a particular story before, listen to what he has to say. When he answers your questions, pick up things to bring up later or use them to get to know him better. Just don't monopolize the conversation. You want him to know that you don't always have to be in control of the conversation. Don't be afraid of silences. Just because there is a pause in conversation, this doesn't mean that the phone call is going badly. Silences can mean that you're becoming more comfortable with one another and that you just enjoy being in each other's presence. | Think of what to say. Relax. Find the right greeting. Ask engaging questions. Listen. Answer thoughtfully. Keep the call short. Relax. Think of things to say. Call him. Ask about important things. Answer thoughtfully. Discuss common interests. Listen. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Roast-Corn | How to Roast Corn | The easiest way to roast corn is to trim off the silky tassels and place the corn directly onto your oven rack with the husk still on. If you want the kernels to get soft and juicy, remove the husk and wrap the corn in foil before placing it on a baking sheet. You can also place the shucked corn onto a foil-lined baking sheet for a crisp brown finish. No matter which approach you use, roast the corn in the oven on the center rack at 400 °F for 25-30 minutes. | Shuck your corn. Remove the dry outer leaves from your corn so you're left with just the supple green husk. Then, take hold of the fibrous “tassel” at the top of the ear and pull down firmly to peel off the husk in one smooth motion. After shucking your corn, look for leftover strands of silk and pluck these off by hand. If you shuck your corn using the tassel as a handle, you should be able to “unzip” the husk in a single piece. Leave the husks on your corn if you want to roast it directly on the rack. Alternatively, you can simply throw your corn into the oven with the husk still on. Just trim the silky tassels and remove the outer layer of leaves so that only the green inner shell remains. Try not to expose too many of the kernels inside. When left intact, the husk will act as a kind of built-in steamer packet for the corn, leaving it moist and evenly cooked throughout. Heating the husk along with the corn will also dry it out, making it much easier to remove later on. Wrap each ear in foil if you like your corn soft and juicy. Use just enough foil to completely cover each shucked ear of corn and twist off the ends to make sure each bundle is sealed. When you're done, place the foil-wrapped corn on a rimmed baking sheet. If you want, you can go ahead and brush your corn with about a tablespoon (15 g) of softened butter or sprinkle it with salt and pepper before you close it up. That way, the flavor of your seasonings will cook right in. The extra layer of insulation will make it harder to accidentally overcook your corn. This can be helpful if you're preparing other dishes and aren't able to watch your corn the whole time it's in the oven. Place your corn on a lined baking sheet to give it a crisp brown finish. Stretch a few pieces of aluminum foil over the surface of your baking sheet, tucking the edges over the rim of the sheet to cover the sides. Arrange your corn on top in rows, leaving 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) between each ear to ensure consistent cooking. There's no need to use any additional oil, but it is a good idea to select a nonstick baking sheet in case the corn happens to shift off of the foil while it's in the oven. Unlike wrapping the entire ear, which locks in moisture, lining your baking sheet will reflect heat while allowing moisture to escape, resulting in deliciously caramelized corn. Cut the kernels off of your corn to make it easier to eat (optional). Run the blade of a sharp knife down the side of the ear with a gentle sawing motion to loosen the kernels from the cob. Repeat for each ear of corn you plan on cooking, then spread the kernels in a thin, even layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Roast your corn as-is, or mix it with 1 tablespoon of olive or canola oil and ½ a teaspoon each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, or other seasonings of choice (per ear) prior to putting it in the oven. If you're in a pinch, pick up a bag of frozen off-the-cob sweet corn—all you'll have to do is thaw it out and heat it until it's cooked through. Preheat your oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Select the “bake” or “convection” setting to cut down on your cook time. To make the best use of your time, finish getting your corn shucked, wrapped, or cut off the cob while the oven is warming up. If you're roasting your corn off-the-cob, consider using the “broil” setting. This will give the loose kernels a nice lightly-charred crust. Place your corn in the oven on the center rack. Once the oven has reached its targeted cooking temperature, all that's left to do is put in the corn. Slide your baking sheet onto the rack lengthwise so it will be easier to remove later. Then, shut the oven door. Roast your corn for 25-30 minutes, or until it's lightly browned. The method of preparation you chose shouldn't affect your overall cook time too much. After about half an hour, the kernels should be perfectly tender and any flavorings you used will have had plenty of time to be absorbed. Switch on your oven's internal light so you can keep a close watch on naked and off-the-cob corn and remove it as soon as it starts to brown. Your corn won't need quite as long if you have your oven set on convection. Check it after about 20 minutes to see how it's looking. Allow your corn to cool for about 5 minutes before eating it. Be sure to use an oven mitt to safely remove your baking sheet or whole husked corn from the oven. Your corn will be extremely hot when it first comes out of the oven, so it's best to hold off on handling it for a few minutes. Corn has a high water content, which means the juices inside the kernels can get extremely hot. Enjoy carefully. For corn that's been heated in the husk, make a small cut near the center of the fibrous covering to let out steam and help it cool faster. Remember to remove the husk once you can do so safely. Top your hot corn with melted butter. While your corn is cooling, spread ½-1 tablespoon (9-18 g) of softened butter onto the top of each ear. The rich texture and salty, savory taste lent by the melted butter is really all you need to savor roasted corn fresh out of the oven. Whip up your own herbed butter for additional flavor. It's as easy as folding 5-8 tablespoons (or about ½ a cup) of fresh herbs into ½ a cup (120 g) of softened butter, then refrigerating it until it hardens. Add salt, pepper, or other seasonings. Dust your corn with some kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper and dig in. If you want to dress things up a bit, use a dash of garlic salt, onion powder, or fiery cayenne pepper, as well. Use as much or as little of each seasoning as you like to suit your own personal preferences. Try making Mexican-style street corn. Load up corn on the cob with toppings like cotija cheese, cilantro, chili powder, smooth crema, and lime juice to make a roasted version of traditional elotes. Customizing your street corn is part of the fun, so feel free to use as much or as little of each ingredient as you like. Experiment with other toppings, such as fresh herbs, diced red onions, crumbled bacon, and sriracha, to come up with your own signature combinations. Street corn is a unique and tasty dish that can work just as well as an entree, side dish, or filling snack, depending on how hungry you are. You can serve off-the-cob corn street-style, too. Just pile your ingredients right on top to get the perfect amount in every bite! | Shuck your corn. Leave the husks on your corn if you want to roast it directly on the rack. Wrap each ear in foil if you like your corn soft and juicy. Place your corn on a lined baking sheet to give it a crisp brown finish. Cut the kernels off of your corn to make it easier to eat (optional). Preheat your oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Place your corn in the oven on the center rack. Roast your corn for 25-30 minutes, or until it's lightly browned. Allow your corn to cool for about 5 minutes before eating it. Top your hot corn with melted butter. Add salt, pepper, or other seasonings. Try making Mexican-style street corn. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Patent-Lawyer | How to Become a Patent Lawyer | To become a patent lawyer in the United States, you must be a U.S. citizen or legally reside in the U.S. You will also need to complete an undergraduate degree in a scientific field such as biology, engineering, or chemistry. Take and pass the FE test, or the Fundamentals of Engineerings test. You must also attend law school and be licensed to practice law in your jurisdiction. When you're ready to become a patent attorney, you must register with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and pass the patent bar. | Have US citizenship or reside legally in the US. To register with the USPTO, one must be either a U.S. citizen or reside legally in the U.S. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to present proof that you reside legally and have permission to work in the U.S. This includes a copy of both sides of your work permit and all documentation submitted to and received from USCIS and the Department of Labor. Complete an undergraduate degree in a scientific field. To register with the USPTO, one must possess the necessary scientific and technical training. This can be established in one of three ways. The most straightforward way to meet this requirement is to present an official transcript (with a university stamp or seal) showing that you were awarded a Bachelor's degree in one of the following subjects by an accredited U.S. college or university, or that you were awarded the equivalent to a Bachelor's degree by a foreign university in one of the following subjects: Biology Biochemistry Botany Computer Science: must be accredited by the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB) or by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Electronics Technology Food Technology General Chemistry Marine Technology Microbiology Molecular Biology Organic Chemistry Pharmacology Physics Textile Technology Engineering: general, aeronautical, agricultural, biomedical , ceramic, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, electrochemical, engineering physics, geological, industrial, mechanical, metallurgical, mining, nuclear, petroleum Complete scientific coursework equivalent to an undergraduate degree in a scientific field. If you do not have the required undergraduate degree, you can meet the scientific and technical training requirement by submitting official transcripts that show the completion of an undergraduate degree and one of the following four types of coursework: 24 semester hours in physics (only physics courses for physics majors will be accepted) 32 semester hours in a combination consisting of the following: 8 semester hours of chemistry or 8 semester hours of physics, and 24 semester hours in biology, botany, microbiology, or molecular biology. 30 semester hours in chemistry (only chemistry courses for chemistry majors will be accepted) 40 semester hours in a combination consisting of the following: 8 semester hours of chemistry or 8 semester hours of physics, and 32 semester hours of chemistry, physics, biology, botany, microbiology, molecular biology, or engineering. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineerings (FE) test. If you do not have an undergraduate degree or equivalent coursework that meets the scientific and technical training requirement, you can still meet this requirement by presenting evidence that you passed the Fundamentals of Engineerings (FE) test. If you wish to take the FE, contact the secretary of the State Board of Engineering Examiners in your state or jurisdiction. The USPTO requires that you submit official results showing that you passed the FE test, as well as an official transcript showing the award of a Bachelor's degree. Meet good moral character requirements. To register with the USPTO, you must show that you have good moral character. You will be found ineligible if: You have been convicted of a felony, or a crime involving moral turpitude or breach of trust, unless more than two years have passed since you completed your sentence, deferred adjudication, probation or parole and you can show proof of rehabilitation. You have been disbarred from the practice of law or other profession, or resigned a professional license in lieu of a disciplinary proceeding, unless more than five years have passed since the date of disbarment or resignation. You have already been refused registration for failure to demonstrate good moral character unless more than two years have passed. Graduate from law school. To register with the USPTO as a patent lawyer, one must already be an attorney. To become an attorney, one must be licensed to practice law by the Bar Association in his jurisdiction. In general, a person must obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved law school in order to practice law. To apply to law school, you will need to register with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), gather your official transcripts from your undergraduate university, prepare a personal statement and apply to law schools online through the LSAC website. The USPTO does not require that an applicant complete any particular coursework during law school. However, once you begin practicing patent law, it will be helpful to have taken courses in Intellectual Property, Trademark Law and Patent Law and have participated in any clinical programs that give you practical experience in the field of intellectual property. Not all states require that a person have completed law school in order to practice law. In Virginia, Vermont, Washington and California, a person is eligible to become a lawyer if he has completed a legal apprenticeship and passes the state Bar exam. If you are not an attorney, you can still register with the USPTO as a "patent agent" as long as you meet the technical and moral character requirements and pass the Patent Bar. Pass your state Bar exam. Almost all jurisdictions require that a person pass a Bar exam before he can become licensed to practice law. The only exception is Wisconsin, which grants a "diploma privilege" to graduates of the University of Wisconsin Law School and Marquette University Law School, allowing them to become licensed in Wisconsin without passing the Bar exam. The Bar exam is administered by individual states and jurisdictions within the U.S. To find out the contents of the exam and review the criteria for eligibility, visit the website of the Bar Association in your particular jurisdiction. Generally, the Bar exam consists of two days of testing. The first day is devoted to a standardized multiple-choice test known as the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE). The second day is typically comprised of essay questions based on areas of law specific to that jurisdiction. A separate multiple choice exam on ethical standards known as the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) is also required by most jurisdictions. This exam can usually be taken earlier than the Bar exam. Apply to register with the USPTO. To take the Patent Bar, you must first apply to register with the Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED) at the USPTO. You will need to complete the "Application for Registration to Practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office" (Form PTO-158) and send it to Mailstop OED, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450, along with the following documents and fees: Evidence of scientific and technical training, such as official transcripts showing a Bachelor's degree is an accepted scientific field or the completion of scientific coursework equivalent to an undergraduate degree accompanied by course descriptions. If you are not a U.S. citizen, provide evidence that you reside legally in the U.S., including a copy of both sides of your work permit and all documentation submitted to and received from USCIS and the Department of Labor. If you have a criminal history, provide a full explanation in writing of your arrests and convictions, a complete copy of all court records regarding each incident and any other documents requested in the section of the application that asks about your criminal history. A cashier's or certified check, Treasury note, or United States Postal Service money order made payable to the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office for $240 (includes the application and registration fee). Note that if you have a criminal background a higher fee is required. Wait to receive your admission letter. Once you have submitted your application to register with the OED, you will receive an admission letter with further instructions on the examination process. You will also receive a USPTO identification number. You will need to use this number in all future correspondence with the OED. If you plan to register for the exam with the commercial test delivery provider, Prometric, you will need to provide your USPTO ID number during the exam registration process. The admission letter will state the exact date by which you must take the exam (90 days from the date on which the letter was sent). Register for the exam. The Patent Bar is administered by both the USPTO and a commercial test delivery provider, Prometric. The USPTO exam is given on paper, while the Prometric exam is computer-based. The USPTO exam is only offered once per fiscal year at the USPTO office in Alexandria, Virginia, while the Prometric exam is offered in a variety of locations at various times throughout the year. To find out the date of the next USPTO exam, visit the USPTO website. To register for the exam, the process is identical to applying to register with the OED. The only differences are that you must register by the deadline required for your exam, include an additional fee of $450 and check the box in Line 8b of the application to indicate you wish to register for the USPTO exam. To register for the Prometric administered examination, first apply for registration with the USPTO. Then, contact Prometric to schedule the exam by calling 800-479-6369 or visiting the company's website ( http://www.prometric.com ) and indicate you wish to take the exam sponsored by the USPTO. You will need to provide an eligibility ID provided to you by the OED in your admission letter. Find out what material is covered on the exam. The material on the Patent Bar is constantly evolving to reflect changes in patent law. For this reason, it is critical that you find out what material will be covered on your exam. Check the USPTO website for the source materials that will be tested on your exam. Be careful about relying on old practice tests or outlines to study for the Patent Bar. The last time the source materials for the exam changed was in 2014, which means any materials before that date may not be reliable. Devise a study plan. To prepare for the Patent Bar, you can either study on your own or enroll in a course. If you choose to study on your own, you will save the money it would cost to enroll in a course. All of the material tested on the Patent Bar is publicly available in the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) and you can review it on your own. However, the MPEP is several thousands of pages long and therefore very overwhelming to a person who is approaching it for the first time. To make matters worse, some sections of the MPEP have not been updated to reflect changes in law and can mislead those preparing for the exam. For this reason, studying on your own can be very challenging. The first-time pass rate among those who attempt this method is only around 15%. The alternative is to enroll in a reputable commercial exam prep course. The advantage to this approach is that you will be given study guides that highlight the most important information that will be tested on your exam and thousands of reliable practice questions that have been updated to reflect the test you will take. Enroll in a course. If you choose to take a prep course, there are many to choose from, including: The Practising Law Institute's (PLI) Patent Bar Review is the most commonly taken prep course. The course will provide you with a study guide that outlines all of the tested materials and access to a bank of practice questions that help you identify your strong and weak points. The test-takers who enroll in this course pass the exam on their first attempt 88% of the time. The disadvantage is the price, which is almost $2800 for non-students and almost $1900 for students. PatBar Patent Review course is a cheaper alternative to PLI's Patent Bar Review. It costs between $600 and $900, depending on whether a discount is offered. Like PLI's course, PatBar also provides its students with concise and easily digestible outlines and practice questions that reflect the information on the exam. However, the PatBar website does not disclose the pass rate of its students so that is difficult to know whether it is as effective as PLI's Patent Bar Review. Wysebridge Patent Bar Review is an even cheaper alternative, costing only $349. It aims to simplify the process of studying for the Patent Bar by targeting only the material you most need to know and boasts a pass rate of 83%, which it claims is higher than any other course offering a similar price. The course is conducted entirely online. Take the exam. You must take your exam within 90 days of having received your admission letter from the OED. If you are taking the Prometric administered exam, you must pay an examination administration fee of $160 before you get to the test center. If you are taking the USPTO administered exam, you will have paid the examination fee when you applied to register with the USPTO. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam is scheduled to begin. Bring a current, valid state or federal government issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport, to the test center. The name on your ID must match the name your name as it appeared in your application to register with the OED. Do not bring reference materials or any notes or scratch paper with you to the test center. Reference materials will be given to you at the test center. If you are taking the USPTO administered exam, bring at least two #2 pencils with you to the test center. Find out whether you passed the exam. Results of the examination will be mailed to you soon after the date on which you took the examination. If you take the computer examination administered by Prometric, you will receive unofficial results on the computer at the end of exam. Your official results will arrive by mail. If you take the USPTO administered examination, you will receive your results by mail. If you pass, you will receive instructions for completing the registration process so that you are fully licensed to practice patent law. | Have US citizenship or reside legally in the US. Complete an undergraduate degree in a scientific field. Complete scientific coursework equivalent to an undergraduate degree in a scientific field. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineerings (FE) test. Meet good moral character requirements. Graduate from law school. Pass your state Bar exam. Apply to register with the USPTO. Wait to receive your admission letter. Register for the exam. Find out what material is covered on the exam. Devise a study plan. Enroll in a course. Take the exam. Find out whether you passed the exam. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Mastermind | How to Play Mastermind | Mastermind is a code-breaking puzzle game played by two players, although you can also play it online against a computer. The goal of the game is for the codebreaker to crack the mastermind's code by using a combination of deductive reasoning, and trial and error. The game is played on a Mastermind board, which has 10 rows on it. In each row, there are 4 slots for the codebreaker to place their guesses. Next to each set of 4 slots, there are 4 smaller slots for the mastermind to place their feedback for each guess. To start, one player is the mastermind and the other player is the codebreaker. The codebreaker closes their eyes or leaves the room, and the mastermind creates the secret code by putting 4 colored balls in any order on the top row. You can only use each color once to make your code. Then, the mastermind covers it up with the board's top cover. The codebreaker returns and starts on the bottom row. They can place any of the 6-8 colored balls in any order to make their initial guess. Next, the mastermind provides feedback on their guesses by putting 4 black or white balls in the smaller openings at the end of the row. If the mastermind places a white ball down, it means you placed a correct color in the wrong position. If they place a black ball in one of the slots, you put a correct color in the correct position. This means that if you have 2 of the colored balls in the correct sequence, you will get 2 black balls. If you have 2 colored balls in the right order and 2 of the other colors are correct but misplaced, you will get 2 black and 2 white balls. Keep in mind, the order of the mastermind's feedback does not match the order of the balls on the board. So just because the mastermind placed a black ball in the first slot, it does not necessarily mean that the codebreaker's first ball is correct. After the mastermind provides their feedback, the codebreaker uses the next row to make their next set of guesses based on the feedback from the last row. Keep repeating this process by laying colored balls down and placing feedback next to each guess. If the codebreaker gets the sequence right before 9 turns are over, they win the round. If they can't get it right in 9 guesses, the mastermind wins the round and reveals the code at the top. Once the first round ends, the mastermind and codebreaker switch roles. You can see who can win the most rounds, or play the best out of 3 rounds to complete a game. You can make the game easier by only using 4 colored balls, or by placing the feedback balls in the same order as the colored balls so that a black peg in the first slot means the codebreaker's first guess was correct. You can make the game more challenging by allowing the mastermind to repeat colors in their code, or by using more colors to play the game. | Have the code maker select a code. Mastermind board games have a row of holes set apart at one end of the board, hidden from view under a hinged shield. The person who plays the code maker secretly takes a few colored pegs and places them in that row of holes, in any order. This is the code that the codebreaker will try to guess. If you're playing a video game version, the computer will usually do this instead of a player. The code maker must put a peg in every hole. He has the option to use more than one peg of the same color. For example, he could put down Green Yellow Yellow Blue. Have the code breaker place her first guess. The other player, or the only player in video game versions, tries to guess what the hidden code is. Sitting on the opposite end of the board, she picks up the large colored pegs and places them in the nearest row of large holes. For example, she could put down Blue Orange Green Purple. (Your Mastermind game might have more holes or different colored pegs.) Ask the code maker to give feedback. Next to each "guess row" is a small square with enough holes for four tiny pegs. These pegs only come in two colors: white and red (or white and black in some versions). The code maker uses this to give clues about how good the guess was. The code maker must be honest, and always puts down pegs using these instructions: Each white peg means that one of the guessed pegs is correct, but is in the wrong hole. Each red (or black) peg means that one of the guessed pegs is correct, and is in the right hole. The order of the white and black pegs does not matter. Learn through examples. In our example above, the code maker secretly chose Yellow Yellow Green Blue. The code breaker guessed Blue Orange Green Purple. The code maker looks at this guess to find out which hint pegs to place: Peg #1 is Blue. There is a blue in the code, but it is not in position #1. This earns a white hint peg. Peg #2 is Orange. There is no orange in the code, so no hint peg gets put down. Peg #3 is Green. There is a green in the code, and it is in position #3. This earns a red (or black) hint peg. Peg #4 is Purple. There is no purple in the code, so no hint peg gets put down. Repeat with the next row. The code breaker now has a little information. In our example, she got one white hint, one red hint, and two empty holes. That means of the four pegs she put down, one of them belongs but needs to be moved to a different hole, one of them is already in the right place, and two of them don't belong in the code. She thinks for a while and makes a second guess in the next highest row: The code breaker guesses Blue Yellow Orange Pink this time. The code maker checks this guess: Blue belongs but is in the wrong place; Yellow belongs and is in the right place; Orange doesn't belong; Pink doesn't belong. The code maker puts down one white hint peg and one red hint peg. Continue until the code is guessed or there are no more guesses left. The code breaker continues to make guesses, using information from all the previous hints she earned. If she manages to guess the complete code in exactly the right order, she wins the game. If she fails to guess and fills every row with pegs, the code maker wins instead. Switch places and play again. If you're playing a two-person game, turn the board around so a different person invents the code and the other person guesses. This way, everyone gets a chance to play the main part of the game: guessing the code. Start by guessing four of a kind. A new Mastermind player quickly learns that even a guess that earns multiple hints doesn't always lead to a quick victory since there are so many possible ways to interpret the hints. Starting with four of a kind (such as Blue Blue Blue Blue ) gives you solid information to work with right off the bat. This isn't the only strategy to use in Mastermind, but it's an easy one to pick up. It will not work very well if your version has more than six colors to choose from. Use 2-2 patterns to detect the colors. Your next few moves are going to be two pairs of colors, always starting with two examples of the color you guessed previously. For example, following Blue Blue Blue Blue , make guesses that start with Blue Blue and finish with one other color, until you know all the colors available. Here's an example: Blue Blue Blue Blue — no hint pegs. That's fine, we'll keep using Blue anyway. Blue Blue Green Green – one white peg. We'll keep in mind that the code has one green, and it must be in the left half. Blue Blue Pink Pink — one black peg. We now know that one pink is in the code, in the right. Blue Blue Yellow Yellow – one white peg and one black peg. There must be at least two yellows in the code, one on the left and one on the right. Use logic to reorder the known pegs. Once you have earned four hint pegs in total, you know exactly which colors are involved, but not in what order. In our example, the code must contain green, pink, yellow, and yellow. The system of dividing the board into two pairs has also given us some information on which order to put them in, so we should be able to get this in one to three guesses: We know that Green Yellow Pink Yellow has a left half and right half that contain the correct pegs, but it turns out we get two white pegs and two black pegs in our results. This means one of the halves (either #1 and #2 need to switch places, or else #3 and #4 do). We try Yellow Green Pink Yellow and get four black pegs — the code is solved. Eliminate two colors at the same time (with 4 unknown pins). For example red and blue: Red Red Blue Blue Result 1 : no pegs: red and blue are not in the code Result 2 : one white or black peg (let's suppose a white peg). Either red or blue is in the code once. Blue Blue Blue Blue will give you a peg if it's blue, or no pegs if it's red (let's suppose no pegs). In the example we now know there's a red pin, and that it's in the 3rd or 4th spot (as we got a white pin at Red Red Blue Blue ). Finding it will be discussed in the next strategy (in one step: Red Green Green Green ). Result 3 : more pegs (lets suppose 2 white pegs). Just as Result 2, we can try Blue Blue Blue Blue to know how many pins were blue (lets again assume zero). Now it's only a matter of finding the pins. In the example, we already know the 3rd and 4th are red pins, as there are 2 red pins, and they are not in the first or second spot (as we have gotten 2 white pegs) Find the location of a red, if you know there's at least one red pin, but do not know in what of the holes it should be. You can find a pin by trying each of the locations. As an alternate color, we use colors we haven't tested yet. This way, we not only find the red pin but also additional information about other colors. The following is an example, if you know there's a red pin, but don't know in which one of the four holes it is. It will also give you the amount of green, yellow and pink. Red Green Green Green Yellow Red Yellow Yellow Pink Pink Red Pink Note : If you know the exact amount of reds, you don't need to try the last location: if there's one red pin, and it's not in the first, second or third location, it has to be in the fourth). Result 1 : If there are no white pegs, you'll have at least one black peg. That peg indicates the red pin is on the correct location Result 2 : If there's one white peg, you know the red pin is on an incorrect place, and that the alternate color isn't in the code Result 3 : If there's a second white peg, you know the second color should be on the location where the red pin is. Result 4 : If there are one or more black pegs, that indicates that the second color is present. It also gives you the number of pins of that color, and you know it's not on the location where red is (as that would give a white peg), or, obviously, on the location where red ends up being Eliminate two colors at the same time (with 3 unknown pins). Put one color in the place you know, and the other color in the places you don't know. For example green and yellow, and we know the first pin is red: Green Yellow Yellow Yellow Result 1 : no pegs; green and yellow are not in the code Result 2a : a white peg indicates green is in the code, but we don't know the amount (it might be one, but also two or even three) Result 2b : the number of black pegs indicates the amount of yellow in the code (as noted in Strategy 2: knowing the exact amount can save you a step in finding the color) Eliminate two colors at the same time (with only 1 or 2 unknown pins). This strategy looks a lot like the previous strategy, but now the amount of white pegs also gives us the amount of that color, the, for example, green and yellow, and we know the first two pins are red: Green Green Yellow Yellow Result 1 : no pegs: green and yellow are not in the code Result 2a : a white peg indicates one green is in the code, while 2 pegs indicate there are green are in the code (since there are only 2 unknowns, it's impossibly for there to be three greens) Result 2b : as with the previous strategy, the amount of black pegs indicates the amount of yellow in the code. (as noted in Strategy 2: knowing the exact amount can save you a step in finding the color) Learn from an example. In this example, as always, we start with strategy 1... (strategy 1) Blue Blue Red Red gives 2 white pegs. So we know there's a red and/or blue present. We want to know which is blue and which is red, so we check: (strategy 1 bis) Blue Blue Blue Blue gives one black peg. This means, we know in the previous answer, there was one blue (and on the wrong spot - so will be 3rd or 4th), and thus also one red (and also on the wrong spot, so will be 1st or 2nd) (strategy 2 (find blue)) Green Green Blue Green gives a white and a black pegs. We tested one of the locations of blue, and as there's a white peg, we know it's not the 3rd peg. As we know it was either the 3rd or 4th peg, we know the 4th peg is blue. The black peg also indicates there's a green peg, but it's not the 3rd spot (as it's a black peg, not a white peg). (strategy 2 (find red)) Red Yellow Yellow Yellow gives a single white peg, so while we know, red is in the first or second spot, we now know it's not in the first spot. So it's in the second location. We also know there's no yellow color The next color we had information over was green - but as we know it's not the third spot, and the second and fourth spot is filled with blue & red, we know it's on the first spot. (strategy 4) Orange Orange Pink Orange Gives a white peg. So, we know the only unknown spot - the 3rd spot - has an orange color (answer) Green Red Orange Blue | Have the code maker select a code. Have the code breaker place her first guess. Ask the code maker to give feedback. Learn through examples. Repeat with the next row. Continue until the code is guessed or there are no more guesses left. Switch places and play again. Start by guessing four of a kind. Use 2-2 patterns to detect the colors. Use logic to reorder the known pegs. Eliminate two colors at the same time (with 4 unknown pins). Find the location of a red, if you know there's at least one red pin, but do not know in what of the holes it should be. Eliminate two colors at the same time (with 3 unknown pins). Eliminate two colors at the same time (with only 1 or 2 unknown pins). Learn from an example. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Diagnose-Tumors-in-Hamsters | How to Diagnose Tumors in Hamsters | While it can be scary to find a tumor on your pet hamster, there are a few signs and symptoms you can look for to tell if the lump is harmful or not. Hamsters can develop different types of tumors when they grow older. If you find lumps on your hamster's belly, this could be a sign that it has cancer of the immune system. You'll also want to watch for lumps in its armpit or neck, which could indicate that its lymph nodes are swollen with cancer cells. All of these tumorous growths tend to grow quickly, so if you find a lump that gets bigger rapidly, it's likey a cancerous tumor and should be evaluated by your veterinarian. In addition to finding lumps, you may also notice that your hamster has lost its appetite, is experiencing diarrhea, or is excessively thirsty. | Look for lumps on the belly. Hamsters can develop different types of tumors as they grow older. Lymphoma, which is a cancer of the immune system, is a common tumor in hamsters. It can affect many internal organs and lymph nodes, resulting in the formation of lumps in the belly. If the lumps are large enough, you would be to see and feel them. Lymph nodes are small nodules located throughout a hamster's body. They are part of the immune system. Lymphoma that affects the belly is common in young hamsters. It is caused by a virus called Hamster Polyomavirus. Female hamsters can develop mammary tumors. Mammary glands are the small nipples that run lengthwise down a female hamster's chest and belly. Mammary tumors look like large masses. Watch for lumps in the armpit and neck. Lymphoma commonly causes swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit and neck. If you see lumps in your hamster's neck and armpits, the lymph nodes in those areas are likely swollen with cancer cells. Check for wart-like lumps on the skin. Hamster Polyomavirus can also affect the skin. This virus causes little wart-like tumors called trichoepitheliomas to form on the skin. These skin tumors are most common in adult hamsters. A hamster infected with Hamster Polyomavirus can develop mange, a skin condition caused by tiny parasites called mites. If your hamster has mange, its skin will be scaly and itchy. Examine the lump for redness and heat. Hamsters can develop other lumps called abscesses, which are pockets of infection. When diagnosing a tumor in hamsters, it is important to make sure the lump is a tumor and not an abscess. An abscess will be red and maybe even warm to the touch, indicating infection and inflammation. It may also drain. A tumor probably won't be red or feel warm. However, some tumors might show signs of inflammation and infection. Your vet will be able to determine whether the lump is an abscess or a tumor. Notice how quickly the lumps grow. In hamsters, tumors tend to grow very quickly. If you see a lump on your hamster that suddenly gets bigger, your hamster likely has a tumor. Detect a decreased appetite. When a hamster has a tumor, it will probably eat less. You will know if your hamster is eating less if it doesn't finish all the food you normally feed it at meal time. Also, your hamster may not want to eat the treats it usually enjoys. If your hamster is eating less, it will also lose weight. Weight loss is common in hamsters with tumors. Take note of digestive upset. Lymphoma in the digestive organs (e.g., stomach, intestines) can cause signs of digestive upset, especially diarrhea. You will not see vomit, because hamsters cannot vomit. Check for hair loss. Commonly, hamsters get tumors in glands (adrenal, thyroid) that produce hormones. Thyroid and adrenal tumors disrupt the normal balance of hormones in your hamster's body. One result of this hormone imbalance is hair loss. Lymphoma in hamsters can also cause hair loss. This hair loss is patchy. Determine if your hamster is extra thirsty. Thyroid and adrenal tumors can also make a hamster extremely thirsty. If you are refilling your hamster's water bottle more frequently than usual, your hamster might have a thyroid or adrenal tumor. Watch for changes in behavior. The physical discomfort of a tumor could cause a hamster to start acting strangely. For example, your hamster may groom the area of the tumor to the point of causing baldness or injury. Your hamster may also start walking strangely if the size of the tumor makes walking difficult. Your hamster may also become very weak. It will not be as playful as it used to be. Take your hamster to your vet. As soon as you see a lump on your hamster, take your hamster to your small animal vet. Since tumors can grow quickly, you do not want to wait and see if the lump goes away on its own. The sooner you can get your hamster to your vet, the sooner your vet can diagnose and treat the tumor. Not all vets are comfortable seeing hamsters. Be sure to take your hamster to a vet that specializes in small animals. Otherwise, call the clinic ahead of time to see if they treat hamsters. Ask for recommendations if the clinic you call doesn't take small pets. During the appointment, give your vet a full history of your hamster, including when you first noticed the lumps and what other symptoms you observed. Also, tell your vet about your hamster's normal diet and if your hamster has had any previous illnesses. Allow your vet to take a tumor sample. The best way to diagnose a tumor is to analyze a small sample of it. This sample is called a biopsy. Your vet will anesthetize your hamster to take a biopsy. Next, they will send the biopsy to a veterinary expert who will analyze it and determine the tumor type. It will probably take at least a few days before your vet receives the results of the biopsy. Discuss treatment options. After diagnosing a tumor in your hamster, your vet will want to discuss different treatment options with you. If the tumor is on your hamster's skin, your vet will likely be able to surgically remove it. However, tumors inside the body may be difficult to remove, especially if they are really big. | Look for lumps on the belly. Watch for lumps in the armpit and neck. Check for wart-like lumps on the skin. Examine the lump for redness and heat. Notice how quickly the lumps grow. Detect a decreased appetite. Take note of digestive upset. Check for hair loss. Determine if your hamster is extra thirsty. Watch for changes in behavior. Take your hamster to your vet. Allow your vet to take a tumor sample. Discuss treatment options. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Gambling | How to Stop Gambling | To stop gambling, try picking up new hobbies, like gardening, painting, or playing sports, so you have less free time to worry about gambling. Alternatively, if you gamble as a way to escape the stress in your life, consider doing daily relaxation exercises, like meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation. Also, while resisting the urge to gamble isn't easy, there are things you can do to help, like blocking gambling apps and websites and distancing yourself from friends or family members that gamble. | List reasons why you need to stop gambling. To stop gambling requires you to reach a conclusion: that your life will be improved by quitting. Write down your reasons for wanting to stop and review them when the urge strikes. Good reasons to stop might be to free up to start spending that time with your children, to get out of debt, or to save your marriage or relationships. Postpone the urge for 15 minutes. Put off your gambling for a short time whenever you get the temptation. Tell yourself you can do it after 15 minutes. In the meantime, distract yourself by playing a game on your phone or watching TV. Once your delay period ends, the urge will likely have passed. If you still have the urge to gamble after the time elapsed, set a new 15-minute delay. Over time, you will get better at controlling your urge to gamble. Call someone for support and accountability. Instead of giving in to the urge, reach out to a loved one. Ask this person to distract you or remind you why gambling is not a good idea. Say, "I'm trying to stop gambling. Will you help hold me accountable?" You might designate a few people to hold you accountable. Agree on times when you can contact them for support, so you're not intruding on any one person's life too much. If you'd prefer not to involve your loved ones too much and you'd like alternative ideas on how to get support and hold yourself accountable, go to http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/. Put someone else in charge of your money for a while. Prevent yourself from being able to gamble by letting go of your financial reins. Have a partner, parent, or close friend control your finances until you get a handle on your gambling problem. This might involve them setting up automatic drafts to pay your bills and blocking any spending to gambling sites or establishments. Block websites or apps related to gambling. Limit your access to gambling opportunities by deleting the apps and blocking the websites you typically frequent. It may be a good idea to stay away from forums or social media groups where you can interact with other gamblers, too. To block sites on your computer, you will need to compile a list of URLs. You must also have administrative privileges on the computer in order to add blocked sites to your local C drive block list. Steer clear of gambling establishments. Stop visiting all casinos, tracks, and any other environments that cater to gambling. If you don't trust yourself to stay away, tell the operators that you have a problem with gambling and ask them restrict your entry. Many gambling establishments have a 1-800 number that you can call to have your name added to a restricted entry list. This will also stop you from receiving email and snail mail advertisements. Stay away from friends and family members who gamble. If you tend to gamble socially, it'll be much easier to stop if you stop associating with those who you typically gamble with. Especially if they aren't trying to stop, spending time with these people can quickly lead to temptation. Spend your time with friends and family members who aren't interested in gambling to keep it off your mind as much as possible. Spend free time with family and friends. If you gamble often, there's probably someone in your life feeling neglected. Use your newfound time to cultivating your relationships with family members and close friends. During the time you would normally spend gambling, plan a date with your spouse, a movie night with your kids, or a hike with your pals. Do physical activities that give you a rush. If the exhilaration makes you gamble, find healthy behaviors that are just as exciting. Consider sports like running, playing basketball, or rock climbing. Challenge yourself with new exercise routines such as weight-lifting or high-intensity interval training. The upside to this approach is that you will experience an endorphin rush while also supporting your health and wellness. Pick up an old hobby to cope with boredom. Did you once enjoy an activity, but stopped doing it? If so, rekindle your neglected passions to keep yourself busy during your free time. Fill your hours with constructive hobbies like gardening, painting, writing, sailing, or restoring furniture. Use your hobbies to connect with others by joining local clubs or organizations. Doing this can help you link up with people who aren't connected to gambling, especially if many of your old friends still gamble. If you don't want to get back into an old hobby, consider getting into a new one. Try something new that you've never tried before, as this may challenge and stimulate you. Fight stress with relaxation exercises. Your tendency to gamble may have developed from a need to escape everyday life stress. Rather than placing bets, start doing relaxation techniques like meditation , yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation. Doing these exercises daily can help you keep stress at bay. Commit your money to a good cause. Think of creative and meaningful ways to use your money for a more important reason than gambling. Set up automatic drafts from your paycheck to ensure your extra money goes to savings or investments. For example, you might save or invest for an exciting vacation, your retirement, or your kid's education. See a trained addiction specialist. If you have a compulsive need to gamble and find that quitting on your own is too difficult, see a professional. Problem gambling may be classified as an addiction, so you may benefit from seeing an addiction counselor. Locate an addiction counselor in your area by visiting the counselor directory on the National Council on Problem gambling website at: http://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/counselor-directory-agreement/. In therapy, you can change thought patterns that drive you to gamble and learn how to cope with urges. Take medication to address underlying issues. Gambling may be serving as a numbing agent for other problems, like anxiety, depression, and impulse control disorders. Certain medications may help ease symptoms and empower you to make better choices. Talk to your doctor to determine if medications are right for you. Join a support group. A 12-step support group like Gamblers Anonymous can provide the accountability, structure, and encouragement you need to successfully stop gambling. Look for groups in your area and commit to attending meetings as often as you can. Visit the Gamblers Anonymous website to find groups in your area: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/. Access resources that help you stop gambling. The National Council on Problem Gambling website is a trusted source for overcoming your gambling habit. On the site, learn about inpatient and outpatient programs dedicated to problem gambling and find treatment centers in your area. To learn more, go to http://www.ncpgambling.org/. If you need immediate assistance and are in the United States or Canada, call the NCAP helpline at 1-800-522-4700. | List reasons why you need to stop gambling. Postpone the urge for 15 minutes. Call someone for support and accountability. Put someone else in charge of your money for a while. Block websites or apps related to gambling. Steer clear of gambling establishments. Stay away from friends and family members who gamble. Spend free time with family and friends. Do physical activities that give you a rush. Pick up an old hobby to cope with boredom. Fight stress with relaxation exercises. Commit your money to a good cause. See a trained addiction specialist. Take medication to address underlying issues. Join a support group. Access resources that help you stop gambling. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Send-Text-Messages | How to Send Text Messages | To send a text message with a smartphone, start by finding the messaging icon on your phone's home screen and tapping on it. Then, tap the new message button at the top of your message screen, which will probably look like a plus sign or a notepad with a pen. Next, enter the number of the person you want to text in the blank field, or enter their name if they're in your contacts list. Finally, type your message in the other blank field, and tap the send button. | Find the messaging icon and tap it. The location of the messaging icon will vary depending on your phone type and how you've set up your icon layout. It will likely be on the first page of your home screen, right when you turn it on and unlock it. Tap the New Message button. Once in your messages, you'll see a list of the text conversations on your phone, in order from most to least recent. If the person you want to text is listed here, tap on their name to open that conversation, if not, hit the new message button. The new message button will be at the top of the screen and might look like a plus or little icon of a page with a pen. Type the name or number of who you want to text. After you tap the new message button, you'll be taken to a page with two blank fields. The keyboard will open and the cursor will start in the field where you can type the contact you want to send your text to. If you have the person you want to text in your contacts, you can start typing their name. You'll see their name come up in the options. Tap it. If you don't have the person you want to text in your contacts, you'll have to type their phone number out. You can add as many people as recipients as you want. Type your message. Tap the field near the middle of the screen. Depending on your phone, the field might be labeled something like "Message". Then you can use the on-screen keyboard to type out your message. Send your message. Once you're done entering your message and the recipients of your message, hit send. Your text message is now sent. Go to the menu. Depending on what model of phone you have, the method to enter the menu will differ. There might be a button on your phone that will take you straight to the menu, or you might have to scroll through some options on the home screen. Some phones will start you off in the menu when you open them. If that's the case, skip to the next step. Find the messaging icon. Scroll through the options in the menu to find the messaging icon. Select it. Pick the text message option. On some phones, hitting the messaging icon will take you to a list of options such as: 1. Text Message, 2. Picture Message, or 3. Voice Note. If that is the case with your phone, select Text Message. Choose the new message option. Scroll through the list of options on the text messaging screen to find the new message option. Select it. If you already have a conversation with the person you want to text on your phone, it will show up in the text messaging screen. You can select this conversation to send a new text message to them, instead of selecting the new message option. Type the name or number of who you want to text. The new message screen will start you out with the cursor in a field where you can enter the contact you want to message. Enter their number, or scroll through the list of your contacts and select the person you want to message. Note, some non-smart phones prompt you to enter your message before selecting a recipient. If this is the case, do that first, then select the "Send to" option. This will give you a list of your contacts and an option to enter a phone number. Type your message. Scroll down to the message entry field. Type out the message you want to send. How you do this will depend on whether you have a phone with a QWERTY keyboard or not. If you have a phone with a full keyboard, called a QWERTY keyboard, just type out your message like you would type on a computer keyboard. If you have a flip phone or another phone without a full keyboard, you'll see three or four letters beside each number on the keys. To enter a letter, you have to hit the key that it's on a certain number of times. For example, the "1" key will have "a", "b", and "c" on it. To enter a "c", you have to hit the "1" key three times. Send the message. When you are done typing, scroll to the OK or Send button on the screen. Hit select to send your message. Open your contacts on your phone. On some phones, there will be a physical button that takes you straight to your contacts. That will be indicated by a label on the main menu that says contacts, near the button that opens it. On some, you'll have to scroll through the menu to find the contacts application. Smartphones will have an app for contacts, or it will be an option in the phone menu. Open the contact of the person you want to message. Once you've opened your contacts, find the name of the person you'd like to send a message to. You should be able to either search (entering the first letters of the person's name) or scroll to find who you'd like to reach. On a non-smartphone, you'll hit the "Okay" or "Select" button. On a smartphone, you'll generally just tap the person's name to open the contact details. Select the message option. Look for something that says "send message" or, on a smart phone, a message icon (usually a cartoon-like speech bubble icon). Selecting this option should take you to a window where you can compose your message. Type your message and select send. Don't send multiple texts without a response. If you text someone and you don't get a response within a day, it's generally considered okay to send one more text just in case they were meaning to respond but forgot. But don't blow up someone's phone with messages. The point of texting is so that people can get to it in their own time, so just wait it out. Keep your texts brief. Texts are meant to be efficient tools of communication. Phones aren't the easiest things to read on, so don't send someone a novel. Keep your texts brief and to the point. Avoid tone misinterpretations. The nature of text-based communication leaves tone much more up to interpretation than speaking. Be wary of this when sending text messages. Don't be afraid to use exclamation points and emoticons like ":)" to make your tone clearer. Sign off if you haven't texted this person before or in a while. Getting a text from someone whos number is not in your phone can be confusing. If you want to avoid potentially getting a text back that says "Sorry, who is this?" just put a dash and your name at the end of your text. Something like "-Your Aunt Marcy" will do just fine. Double check the text before sending. People in general are forgiving when it comes to typos and grammar mistakes in text messages, but it still can't hurt to look over your text message. Correct any simple mistakes you see. Give it a quick edit or two if you think it could be simplified. Then hit send. | Find the messaging icon and tap it. Tap the New Message button. Type the name or number of who you want to text. Type your message. Send your message. Go to the menu. Find the messaging icon. Pick the text message option. Choose the new message option. Type the name or number of who you want to text. Type your message. Send the message. Open your contacts on your phone. Open the contact of the person you want to message. Select the message option. Don't send multiple texts without a response. Keep your texts brief. Avoid tone misinterpretations. Sign off if you haven't texted this person before or in a while. Double check the text before sending. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Private-Investigator | How to Be a Private Investigator | If you're interested in being a private investigator, try to become an excellent observer, since investigators spend a lot of time on surveillance. Also, work on improving your communication skills, which will help you prepare for court presentations. Additionally, practice blending in when you're around other people, so you can quietly gather information for cases. Consider attending a 2- or 4-year program to study criminal law or criminal justice, which provide good backgrounds for investigators. Alternatively, sign up for some hands-on training with a professional organization of investigators. | Research the requirements in your area. Almost all US states and many countries require a certain level of education or experience to earn a private investigator license. The information below will help you qualify in most cases, but it's best to check the law in the area where you plan to work. A criminal record disqualifies you in almost every region. Even in area without licensing, your potential employers may run a background check on you. The United Kingdom currently has no requirements, but this is expected to change soon. Study applicable subjects in college (recommended). Many regions do not require a four-year degree, but it is still highly recommended for anyone without relevant work experience. Complete a two- or four-year degree in criminal law, criminal justice, or police science. Alternatively, study accounting or a related field to qualify for a position as a corporate investigator. These investigators mostly investigate allegations of fraud and embezzlement. Even in areas where a degree is optional, this may count toward work experience requirements. In California, for example, a law degree or four-year police science degree eliminates 2,000 hours. Evaluate your character traits. Your idea of PI work is probably a lot more glamorous than the real thing. Most of your work will involve online research, surveillance, and preparing records for court presentations. This takes someone with particular skills and temperament: Excellent observation skills Good spoken and written communication skills, to help you work with clients and present to juries Quick decision-making skills and resourcefulness Moderate technological skills, particularly online research and surveillance technology Ability to handle occasional high-stress situations, physical and mental demands, and long, unusual work hours Prepare for boredom. You may think of being a PI as working in a smoky, dark office in a sketchy area of town while damsels in distress line up at your door. In reality, you'll be spending hours in your parked car in the middle of suburbia unable to make a run to Taco Bell even though you're starving because Joe Schmo could come out at any minute. You'll get bored. You'll also get super tired. If staying awake isn't your thing, this isn't the job for you. Your best friends will be late night coffee stops, energy drinks, and the front seat of your car. Hope it's comfy! This is not a job that allows for multitasking. Even if you are hiding behind a tree trying to snap that photo for hours on end , you can't exactly read a book or play Bejeweled while you wait. It requires focus for extended periods of time -- sometimes extended periods of time doing absolutely nothing but waiting. If you're good at waiting without going crazy, you'll make a great PI. Get stealthy. While it depends on the specific line of work you get into, odds are you'll get a case at least here and there where you have to be sneaky. Wherever you go, you need to blend in. Being loud and proud won't get you anywhere on your case. For some cases, you need to be so stealthy even dogs won't sniff you out. In others, you need to be as "normal" as possible to obtain information and appear trustworthy. A large part of the battle will be in recognizing just what you need to do and how you need to come off. But whatever it is, you need to hide your intentions. Practice your lying skills to get started. Take training courses (recommended). As valuable as a criminal justice degree can be, it may not cover the practical side of surveillance and database access. Experienced PIs say that hands-on training is the most important step for someone entering the field. Many courses are relatively cheap and only last a few days. Choose a course accredited by a national accrediting organization, or by a professional organization of investigators. Alternatively, contact local, independent private eye agencies and ask to shadow an investigator. A second car can come in handy on surveillance, so it's not too hard to convince them. Apply to entry level positions. Existing detective agencies often have open entry-level positions, although this might not involve a steady paycheck. The agency should provide on-the-job training until you gain enough experience to become a proper private investigator. This typically takes a few years. You can also qualify for your license through other routes, such as law enforcement, military police work, claims adjustment, or debt collection. In some states, your activities will be limited until you qualify for a license. Get your license. If a license is required in your area, take the exam as soon as you qualify. Your license will permit you to work as a private investigator, with the right to access certain databases and perform surveillance. You may continue to work for a private agency, or apply to PI jobs at corporations, government agencies, and law firms. In most US States, the Department of Public Safety handles these licenses. Know your job prospects. Job growth in the investigation career is about average, but you may face tough competition from high numbers of retirees from the police and military. The median annual wage of an investigator is roughly $44,500 in the US, and £17,500 in the UK. Understand the stress of the job. Most private investigators rely entirely on clients for their income, so you must have the budgeting resolve to save up for dry months. The effect on your domestic life may be even more severe: when you do have work, you may be called to a 12 hour session at the drop of a hat. Expect to give up many evenings, weekends, and holidays, so you can conduct surveillance during your target's free time. Finally, you must be able to handle physical and emotional stress, including from the occasional dangerous situation. Some specialties involve less surveillance and somewhat better hours. Keep reading for more information. Consider your experience. Roughly 50% of private investigators are former policemen and 20% are former military. You'll need similar chops if you don't want to work your way up from the bottom, but there are several other routes into the field: Law-related work Investigative journalism Insurance claims adjustment Debt collection Get a license to investigate. Most US states and many other countries require a license before you can work as a private investigator. You can usually waive the experience requirement if you spent at least a few years in one of the careers listed above. Typically, you will need to pass an exam, and sometimes a short training course. In the US, contact your state or city Department of Public Safety to find out more. Find a focus. Private investigators can examine everything from arson to identity theft. If you can, draw on particular experience or skills to specialize in one or more areas. This can lead to more full-time employment opportunities, or create a reputation that attracts clients. Here are a few common specialties: Surveillance jobs most commonly involve worker's compensation, unfaithful spouses, recurring theft, missing person searches, or vandalism. If you have a background in law, law firms may hire you to assist with trial work, including acquiring information and presenting to juries. Computer skill can make you desirable as a computer forensics investigator, recovering and analyzing deleted emails and other digital data. Accounting experience prepares you for corporate jobs involving fraud, embezzlement, asset recovery, and other financial transactions. Prepare materials. For starters, you'll need reliable transportation and a decently fast computer. You can't track someone down with the local library computers and the city bus. You'll probably also want a good camera, recording equipment, and — depending on the job — camouflage clothes. Guns are not as common as you might think in most types of PI work. If your region allows PIs to carry weapons, and you're willing to accept more dangerous jobs, consider firearm training and a weapons permit. Find consistent employment. Depending on your exact experience, you may be able to land a full time job in one of the specialties listed above. Working for a detective agency is another option, and the on-the-job training it provides can be invaluable even if you have law enforcement training. Seek clients among insurance companies and attorneys as well as private individuals. Although one in four PIs are self-employed, we don't recommend starting a business until you have at least a few years of experience. Know what's legal and what isn't. As a PI, you're toeing the line when it comes to the tactics you're employing to catch your perp. Just because you're a PI doesn't mean you can break the law. Stay safe (and employed) and get familiar with the laws. Pretexting (the act of pretending to be someone else to obtain information) is generally viewed as only unethical. However, it is illegal in the US if you pretend to be a government official or use your identity to obtain phone or bank records. Wiretapping is generally illegal. Surveillance is typically legal (especially if the police have been notified). Breaking and entering is definitely not legal. Citizen arrest laws vary by area. Work toward certifications. There are about fifteen professional certifications that you can earn to prove your qualifications in various subfields of investigation. These typically require at least two years of experience and passing an exam. A few examples of organizations that offer certification are the National Association of Legal Investigators, ASIS International, and the National Association of Fraud Examiners. As long as you keep your training up to date, you can use the certification and title to attract clients. A "certificate" is not a professional "certification." Certificates are generally awarded for short training courses. The training can be useful, but it does not carry the same cachet. | Research the requirements in your area. Study applicable subjects in college (recommended). Evaluate your character traits. Prepare for boredom. Get stealthy. Take training courses (recommended). Apply to entry level positions. Get your license. Know your job prospects. Understand the stress of the job. Consider your experience. Get a license to investigate. Find a focus. Prepare materials. Find consistent employment. Know what's legal and what isn't. Work toward certifications. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-Oregano-Leaves-for-Cough-Medicine | How to Prepare Oregano Leaves for Cough Medicine | If you want to prepare oregano leaves for cough medicine, try making oregano oil. Tear or cut 1/2 cup of freshly-picked oregano leaves into small pieces to release the oils. Once you've done that, heat 1/2 cup of olive oil in the microwave, then combine the oil and oregano leaves in a clean jar. Stir everything together thoroughly, then place the lid on the jar securely. Leave the oil to infuse in a sunny windowsill for 3-6 weeks, then strain out the oregano and place the oil in a sanitized jar or dropper bottle. | Gather the oregano. To make oregano oil, you need to first make sure it is completely dry. If there is any excess water or damp spots, it can cause mold or bacteria to grow in your oil. Gather the amount of oregano you'd like for your oil, such as ½ cup or 1 cup. Choose your oil. When you make oregano oil, you will use a 1:1 ratio of oil to oregano. This means you will add the same amount of oil as oregano. If you have ½ cup of oregano, you need ½ cup of oil. You can use olive oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, or almond oil. Crush the oregano. You should crush the oregano before you add it to the oil to help it start releasing its own oils. You can do this a couple of different ways. You can tear or cut the leaves with a knife. You can also place the oregano in a plastic bag and smash it with a mallet or rolling pin. If you have a mortar or something similar, you can crush the oregano that way, too. Warm the oil. Before adding the oil to the oregano, you need make sure it is warm. You can do this by placing it in the microwave, or place the oil in a glass container that you sit in hot water. Just make sure the oil is warm, and not too hot or boiling. Warming the oil helps the oregano and oil infuse better. Alternately, you can place the jar in hot water after you place the oregano inside and seal the jar to infuse it. If you do this, leave the jar in the hot water for up to 10 minutes. Add the oregano. Once you have warm oil, add the oregano and oil to a sanitized jar. Stir is around to mix the oregano fully. You can even massage the leaves if you want to help release their oils. Place the lid on the jar when the oregano is added. Infuse the oil for a few weeks. The oil needs to infuse for a few weeks. You want to let it infuse for at least two weeks. You can set it on a sunny windowsill to let the sunlight heat the oil to help it infuse. Make sure to shake the jar every few days. Some people think letting it infuse longer is better for medicinal use. If you want to let it infuse longer, keep it infused for up to six weeks, but no longer. It could go bad. Strain the oil. After the oil has infused for a number of weeks, you need to strain the oregano from it. Use a strainer or a cheesecloth to strain the oregano from the oil. Make sure to squeeze out all the oil in the oregano leaves. Place the oil in a sanitized jar or a dropper bottle. Store it in a cool, dark place. You can also store it in the refrigerator. Gather the ingredients. To make a natural cough syrup, you need garlic, oregano, and honey. You need ½ cup of honey, 2 cloves of garlic, and 2 sprigs of fresh oregano. You can measure out about one teaspoon to one tablespoon of oregano instead. Garlic, honey, and oregano are antimicrobials that help naturally fight colds and coughs. You can also add ½ cup of onion and one lemon if you want. Boil oregano and garlic. Boil the garlic cloves and the oregano with about ½ cup of water. Boil for about five minutes. Combine with honey. Let the boiling mixture cool for a few minutes, then pour into a cup with the honey. Mix together. Now, it is ready to drink. Steep overnight. An alternate way to make this cough syrup is to let it set overnight. In a jar, put the oregano at the bottom, then the garlic, then lemon and onion. Pour the honey and water over the ingredients, making sure the water covers all the ingredients completely. Put the lid on the jar so it is airtight, and let it steep overnight. Strain the liquid the next morning and only drink the liquid. Store in your refrigerator for a week. This makes an even stronger cough syrup because the garlic and onion (if you add onion) are stronger and have more medicinal properties if they aren't cooked. Use oregano cough syrups. The oregano cough syrup can be taken orally. Take a spoonful as often as you need for coughs or sore throats. Don't give the cough syrup to children under a year old because of the honey. Take oregano oil for colds and coughs. Oregano oil can be taken orally for any cold or cough symptoms. If you have a dropper, you can take two droppers full if you feel any cold symptoms coming on, including a cough. Another way to use oregano oil for coughs is to take three to five drops daily when you have a cough. You can put the oil in water, tea, orange juice, or directly into your mouth. Use oregano oil only when sick. Some people take oregano oil daily for a general boost. Most people believe you should only take it when you are sick. Oregano oil is considered a powerfully effective herbal remedy, so taking it when you feel a cold or cough coming on, and while you are sick, helps emphasize the effectiveness of the oil. Know the medicinal properties of oregano oil. Oregano oil is an anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial agent. It also is considered a natural pain reliever. Oregano is believed to fight coughs, colds, congestion, sinusitis, allergies, arthritis, sore muscles, tooth aches, burns, ear infections, insect bites, and digestive issues like diarrhea. | Gather the oregano. Choose your oil. Crush the oregano. Warm the oil. Add the oregano. Infuse the oil for a few weeks. Strain the oil. Gather the ingredients. Boil oregano and garlic. Combine with honey. Steep overnight. Use oregano cough syrups. Take oregano oil for colds and coughs. Use oregano oil only when sick. Know the medicinal properties of oregano oil. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Journal-Entry | How to Write a Journal Entry | If you're writing a journal entry for yourself, sit down in a quiet place with a pen and a journal or a piece of paper. Think about what is going on in your life, or something that happened to you during that day. Once you start thinking about something, write down your thoughts on paper as they occur to you. Don't worry about getting the grammar or punctuation right; just let your thoughts flow. Once you've finished the thought, close the journal and come back the next day. | Write about what’s going on in your life. This includes things like the activities you're doing, events that happen, and accomplishments you make. Use your journal to record what your life is like right now so you can look back on it later. This is a great way to help you document things you want to remember. For instance, you might write about something funny that happened at lunch, scoring the winning goal in a soccer game, or a fight you had with your friend. The events can be positive or negative. Explore your emotions or how you feel about something. Write about what you're going through, how you feel, and what you hope will happen in the future. Let your journal be an emotional release for you so that you can deal with your emotions better. Let's say you're feeling sad because you're going through a breakup. You could write about how you feel and what you'll miss about the relationship. This will help you release your feelings so you can start to feel better. Use a writing prompt if you aren’t sure what to write about. If you're trying to get in the habit of journaling or have to keep a personal journal for school, writing prompts can help you find something to write about. Look for prompts online, then pick 1 that triggers your imagination. Here are some prompts to get you started: Write about what you'd like to do this weekend. Discuss a place you'd like to visit. Pretend that you found a fantasy creature. Write about something you want to change. Write from the perspective of your favourite book or movie character. Record your reactions to readings and lectures in an academic journal. If you're keeping a journal for high school or college, write about your coursework. This includes readings, lectures, and class discussions. Additionally, discuss your thoughts about what you're learning. Here are some things to include in a journal entry for school: A summary of a reading or lecture. Your analysis of the course material. Connections between topics you've studied. Personal connections you made with the coursework. Questions you have about the text or lecture. Read your assignment sheet if you’re keeping a journal for school. Review the assignment sheet at least twice to make sure you fully understand what your instructor expects. If you have questions, ask your instructor as soon as possible so that you aren't doing your assignment wrong. This will ensure that you get full credit for your work. Your instructor has assigned journaling to help you deepen your understanding of your coursework and to improve your writing skills. Following their instructions will help you best achieve these goals. Write the date at the top of your entry. Including the date helps you keep track of when you wrote an entry. This helps you understand what was happening at your life at the time. Use the date format you're most comfortable using. For instance, you might write, “July 24, 2019,” “07-24-19,” or “24 July 2019.” Include the location and time to provide context for what was happening. While this is optional, it can help you remember what was happening at the time you wrote each entry. This is a big help if you plan to read over your journal in the future. Record the location and time under your date or at the start of the journal entry itself. For instance, you might write “Good Beans Coffee House,” “School,” “Paris,” or “My bedroom” for your location. For the time, you could write the actual time, such as “12:25 p.m.,” or the time of day, like “Early morning.” Start with an opening like “Dear Diary” or “Dear Self” if you prefer. Using a salutation is totally optional, so feel free to skip it. However, you might try it a few times to see if it helps you get in the mindset to write. Choose a salutation that appeals to you if you want to use one. Don’t worry about grammar and spelling rules. Give yourself permission to make mistakes as you write your journal entry. This is for you, so it doesn't matter if something is written incorrectly. Just let your thoughts flow freely onto the paper. If mistakes really bother you, it's okay to go back and correct them after you finish writing your journal entry. Be creative in how you write your posts if you like. You can use any format for writing your posts, so play around with different structures. This can help you keep up with your writing habit because it provides you the freedom to do what comes naturally that day. For instance, you could try the following: Turn a memory into a story. Record what you dreamed last night. Write a list, such as what you did that day or what you're grateful for. Doodle or paste pictures into your journal. Record song lyrics or quotes that mean something to you. Write your own lyrics or a poem. Write in stream of consciousness. Use “I” to write your journal in the first person. You're writing about your thoughts, experiences, and reflections, so don't worry about putting them in third person. It's okay to write your journal entries using the pronoun “I” unless you just prefer not to do so. For instance, you'd write, “I went to lunch with Sari today,” not “Amy had lunch with Sari today.” Incorporate details that appeal to your 5 senses to make your post vivid. This is optional, but it can make your journal entries more interesting and can help you remember what happened. Think about what you saw, heard, smelled, felt, and tasted during the events or experiences that you're writing about. Then, include some of these details in your entry. For instance, let's say you're on vacation at the beach. You might include details like, “sea spray hitting my face,” “the smell of burning wood from bonfires on the beach,” “the taste of salt on my lips,” “the sun glinting off the surface of the water,” and “the shouts from other beach goers having fun.” Don’t worry about the length of your journal entries. You don't need to fill out an entire page every time you write. It's okay to have some short entries and some longer entries. Write down what you have to say. If you're having trouble thinking of something else to write, go ahead and end your entry. With journaling, it's more important to write often than to write a lot. Organize your thoughts to make them coherent. A journal entry doesn't need to be as organized as an essay, even if it's for school. However, it should be possible to follow your train of thought. Use complete sentences to express your thoughts, and start a new paragraph when you switch to a new idea. If you're telling a story, try to follow a narrative structure to give it a beginning, middle, and end. Read over your journal entry before your submit it to check that it makes sense. Make sure you reach the required word count. Check your assignment sheet to find out if your instructor requires journal entries to be a certain length. If they do, make sure you reach the correct word count so you get full credit. Use the word count tool on your word processor or count your words if you hand wrote your entry. For handwritten journals, your instructor may require that you simply fill up a page. Make sure you know the exact requirements so you can do your assignment correctly. If you're struggling to think of something to write, make a mind map about the topic to help you brainstorm some new ideas. Use proper grammar like you would in an essay. Always follow grammar rules when you're writing a journal for school. Use proper capitalization, punctuation, and sentence structure throughout your journal entry. Otherwise, you may lose credit. If you're struggling with your grammar, visit your school's writing center or ask your instructor about tutoring options. Additionally, you can find online programs that help you with grammar. Proofread your journal entry and correct any mistakes. Since your journal is part of a school assignment, it needs to be free of errors. Read over your journal entry at least twice to check it for errors. Then, make any necessary corrections. This is especially important if you're keeping your journal as a graded assignment. If you're typing your journal entries in an online portal, there may be a spellcheck tool you can use. However, you should still proofread the entry to look for other errors. | Write about what’s going on in your life. Explore your emotions or how you feel about something. Use a writing prompt if you aren’t sure what to write about. Record your reactions to readings and lectures in an academic journal. Read your assignment sheet if you’re keeping a journal for school. Write the date at the top of your entry. Include the location and time to provide context for what was happening. Start with an opening like “Dear Diary” or “Dear Self” if you prefer. Don’t worry about grammar and spelling rules. Be creative in how you write your posts if you like. Use “I” to write your journal in the first person. Incorporate details that appeal to your 5 senses to make your post vivid. Don’t worry about the length of your journal entries. Organize your thoughts to make them coherent. Make sure you reach the required word count. Use proper grammar like you would in an essay. Proofread your journal entry and correct any mistakes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Breast-Cancer | How to Diagnose Breast Cancer | To check your body for signs of breast cancer, use your fingers to look for lumps in your breast tissue by feeling around the sides and front of your breast. You should also inspect your breasts and nipples for changes in shape, since inverted nipples could be a sign that there is a lump in your breast. Furthermore, pay attention to if your breasts appear lopsided, puckered, dimpled, red, scaly, or swollen, and check to see if your nipples are leaking anything other than breast milk. If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away and ask them for a breast ultrasound. From here, your doctor may want to get more detailed images of the suspicious lump by doing a mammogram, MRI, CT scan, or PET scan. | Check for lumps in your breast tissue. Use your fingertips to feel your breast and armpit area for lumps. If you detect a lump, make an appointment with your doctor right away. Performing a breast self-exam will allow you to locate any potential areas of concern before making a doctor's appointment, but keep in mind that finding a lump does not mean you have cancer. There are benign cysts, mammary glands, and other parts of breast tissue that might feel like a lump. Make sure to perform a breast self-exam once per month. Inspect your breasts and nipples for a change in shape. Look at your breasts in the mirror. If your breasts look like they have changed shape or if your nipples have become inverted, then this may indicate that there is a lump of some kind in your breast that is affecting the shape. For example, if one of your breasts appears lopsided, tell your doctor. If your nipples have always been inverted, then this not a cause for concern. Check your breasts for puckering, dimples, redness, scales, or swelling. The skin on part or all of your breast may change dramatically if there is a lump. Inspect the skin on all sides of your breast when you do your monthly breast self-exam and note any changes to its texture. Keep in mind that minor skin irritation may also cause your breast skin to look different. However, if the skin changes are accompanied by other indications of a lump or last for more than a couple of days, call your doctor. Note any secretions from your nipples other than breast milk. Your nipples may leak pus or blood if there is a lump in one of the milk ducts, but this may also be caused by an infection. Check for this when you perform your breast self-exam, and call your doctor if you notice any secretions that are out of the ordinary. Be sure to tell your doctor what the fluid looked like and if it had a foul odor. This may indicate that you have an infection. Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have concerns. Your doctor can perform routine tests to determine if the lump is cancerous or benign. Your doctor may also refer you to a cancer specialist called an oncologist for a more thorough checkup. Ask about a breast ultrasound to tell a cyst from a solid mass. An ultrasound uses sound waves to generate images of your breast tissue. This is the simplest test that your doctor can order to aid them in making a diagnosis. During the test, a technician will run a Doppler wand over the surface of your breast. No special preparation is required for a breast ultrasound. Get a mammogram for more detailed images of a lump. A mammogram is an X-ray of breast tissue. Mammograms are the next test your doctor may order to help diagnose or rule out cancer. If your mammogram reveals an abnormality, then you may also need to have a second mammogram for diagnostic purposes. A mammogram exposes you to a small amount of radiation, but keep in mind that this is not considered harmful. Ask about an MRI for detailed images. Another option for getting images of the breast tissue and surrounding tissues is Magnetic Resonance Imaging, also known as MRI. This test uses powerful magnets to produce detailed images of your breast tissue. Before the test begins, a technician will inject you with a contrast dye material, which will help your doctor to see the affected tissues and make a diagnosis. MRIs are not invasive or painful, but they can be quite loud. Some people are also bothered by being in an enclosed space for the roughly 15 minutes that the test requires. Ask if you can listen to music during the test, and if you are very frightened, ask for sedation. Sedation is optional for MRIs, but it is available if you need it. Keep in mind that not all insurances will cover an MRI for screening or even after your doctor palpates a suspected nodule. A mammogram or ultrasound are more likely to be covered. Find out what your insurance covers first if you are considering an MRI. Get a CT or PET scan if your doctor recommends them. These tests are often combined to give your healthcare provider more information about the location, type, and stage of cancer if it is suspected, or to rule it out if other tests were inconclusive. A Computerized Tomography (CT) scan provides your doctor with detailed images of the cancer, while a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan can help your doctor to see any abnormal activity. Before the test, you will receive a small injection of radioactive contrast dye. During the test you will need to lie very still to ensure the best possible images. Although you only receive a small amount of radiation from this test, it is important to tell your doctor how many CT or PET scans you have had recently so they can limit your exposure to radiation. Also, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing since the test may harm an unborn baby and you may need to refrain from breastfeeding for 1 to 2 days following the test. Request a biopsy of a mass for a definitive diagnosis. If your other tests reveal an abnormality, then a biopsy may be required for your doctor to complete their diagnosis. This is a surgical procedure in which your doctor will insert a fine needle into the core of any suspicious tissue and remove a sample of it. The sample will be tested to determine if it is cancerous and if there are any hormone receptors in the tissue that may need to be taken into consideration as part of treatment. There are different types of breast biopsies including: Fine needle aspiration biopsy. This involves a surgeon inserting a very fine needle into the breast tissue to extract a sample. Core needle biopsy. In this test, the surgeon will use a hollow needle to extract 3 to 6 cylindrical samples of breast tissue. Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy. This test uses a special tool to cut and suction out the suspicious tissue. It may be performed 8 to 10 times to ensure that there are plenty of samples. Incisional biopsy. This procedure involves a surgeon making an incision into your breast to remove a piece of the suspicious tissue. Excisional biopsy. This is surgery to remove the entire lump and a small amount of the surrounding tissue. Discuss the stage of cancer with your doctor. Knowing the stage of your breast cancer is crucial for determining the best treatment options for you. Cancer stages range from 0 (lowest) to IV (highest). The stage reflects a combination of the tumor size, if the cancer is in your lymph nodes, and whether or not the cancer has spread to other tissues. A lower number indicates that the cancer is less advanced than a higher number, but remember that cancer is treatable no matter what stage it is at. Additional tests may be necessary to stage cancer, such as blood tests, mammogram, MRI, bone scan, Computerized Tomography (CT) scan, or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan. Ask about surgical options to remove a cancerous lump. Surgery to remove the cancer is usually the first treatment option that your doctor will suggest. This is because it is necessary to get the cancer out of your body so it will not continue to grow and spread. Surgical options your doctor may discuss with you include: Lumpectomy , which involves removing the lump and a small amount of surrounding tissue. Mastectomy (single or double), which is when the surgeon removes the entire breast. Lymph node removal , is when the surgeon selectively removes affected lymph nodes that the cancer has spread to. Look into radiation therapy to follow-up a mastectomy or mass removal. If you had a large mass removed or required a total mastectomy, your doctor may recommend that you get radiation therapy as a protective measure. This involves aiming a radioactive beam at your chest to kill any remaining cancer cells. The most common side effect of this procedure is that it may leave a red, sunburn-like rash and cause you to feel fatigued for a few days. This procedure poses a very small risk of damage to the heart and/or lungs, but it is quite rare. There is also a very slight risk of a second type of cancer developing after the procedure, but this is also very rare. Talk with your doctor about using chemotherapy before or after surgery. Chemotherapy is drug therapy aimed at destroying the cancer cells in your body. Your doctor may suggest this as a precursor to surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier for the surgeon to remove it. Chemotherapy may also be suggested as a follow-up to surgery to eradicate any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be administered via an injection, intravenously, or in pill form. | Check for lumps in your breast tissue. Inspect your breasts and nipples for a change in shape. Check your breasts for puckering, dimples, redness, scales, or swelling. Note any secretions from your nipples other than breast milk. Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have concerns. Ask about a breast ultrasound to tell a cyst from a solid mass. Get a mammogram for more detailed images of a lump. Ask about an MRI for detailed images. Get a CT or PET scan if your doctor recommends them. Request a biopsy of a mass for a definitive diagnosis. Discuss the stage of cancer with your doctor. Ask about surgical options to remove a cancerous lump. Look into radiation therapy to follow-up a mastectomy or mass removal. Talk with your doctor about using chemotherapy before or after surgery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-an-Australian-Terrier | How to Care for an Australian Terrier | To care for your aussie terrier, house it indoors, since they are loyal house dogs, and love being around people. When you do take your aussie outside, make sure you have a secured fence, since aussies are known for chasing down small animals. Although aussies are small, they're energetic so you'll need to walk it for at least an hour a day. You'll also need to brush it and clean its ears once a week to prevent infections. To do this, dip a cotton ball in a canine ear cleaner and gently wipe away any wax and dirt. Besides taking care of its basic needs, you should be aware that some terriers can develop health issues, so make sure to visit your vet regularly to ensure your pup is healthy. | Find out the health history of your Aussie. Before you buy an Australian Terrier, have the breeder provide you with independently certified health screenings for both of the dog's parents that verify they are free from any inherited diseases or disorders that could be passed on to your pet. The breeder should also furnish a health guarantee for your dog (stating that they can be returned if the vet finds any immediate defects) as part of the sales contract. Responsible breeders will register the parents of their litters in the Canine Health Information Center database. You can search the database for their records, which should include evaluations for each Aussie's eyes, thyroid, and knees. Check them to ensure that your dog's sire and dam do not carry any genetic diseases that are difficult to treat. Take your Aussie to the vet for regular check-ups. Register your terrier immediately with a local veterinary practice. Aussies are a generally healthy breed with few genetic ailments, but they still require regular visits to the vet to catch any issues that may come up and ensure that they're up-to-date with vaccinations and parasite control treatments. Be alert to potential joint conditions. Australian Terriers, like many small breeds, are susceptible to bone disorders. If your dog is becoming increasingly lame or having consistent trouble moving about in a natural way on all four legs, make an appointment for a veterinary examination. The most common conditions for Australian Terriers are Legg-Perthes Disease, which causes degeneration in the hip joints, and luxating patellas, which cause the knee caps to slide out of place. Both can strike Aussies from a very young age, as early as five months old. Watch out for food allergies. Aussies are prone to food intolerances and allergies. If you notice them having any recurring symptoms, like scratching frequently, vomiting, or having consistently loose bowels, go to the vet to have them tested and consult on any necessary dietary changes. Be vigilant about flea control. Australian Terriers get especially bad (and sometimes even allergic) reactions to fleas. Consult with your vet about the best methods of flea control for your pet (from collars to topical treatments), and be sure to keep them up-to-date. Feed your dog a healthy diet. A healthy diet for your terrier starts with a high-quality dry dog food that's formulated especially for the nutritional needs of small breeds (which generally have higher metabolisms than large ones). Aussies are not fussy eaters, so you just want to make sure that they're getting a “complete and balanced” kibble that's fortified with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Antioxidants are important for Australian Terriers since they have a longer-than-average lifespan of 12-15 years. Be sure to select a food that's appropriate to their life stage (puppy or adult), and follow the instructions on the package with regards to how much you should feed them according to their age, weight, and activity level. Keep the your dog healthy and trim by measuring out each meal and never exceeding the recommended serving. If you're stumped as to which brand of food to go with, ask your vet for recommendations. Provide your dog access to fresh water at all times. A well-hydrated Australian Terrier is a healthy terrier since water is essential to their digestion, nutrition, and joint health. Makes sure that clean water is constantly available, even at night. Keep them in well-enclosed spaces. Aussies were bred to be hunters, so they're liable to chase after any small animal that crosses their path. This mad pursuit can be especially dangerous if you live near a road. To prevent them from getting lost or running into traffic, be sure that they're always in a confined area. Any outdoor areas where you let them loose should have a fenced border with no gaps or holes. Be sure to constantly check your fenced yard for holes that your dog may have dug since Australian Terriers have a real penchant for digging. House your Aussie indoors with you. Australian Terriers are loyal house dogs who love being around their people. Do not house them outdoors or keep them outside unattended for long periods of time. Aussies are especially social and devoted to their owners. Don't get one unless you plan on being around more often than not. Get your Terrier a crate. Aussies like to have their own den, so it's recommended that you have a crate where they can rest and sleep. Make sure that it's one designed for small breeds and just big enough for them to stand up, lie down, and turn around in. Put soft, clean bedding in the bottom to make it a comfortable home for you pooch. Since Australian Terriers like digging and chewing, crates can also provide a great place to keep canines under wraps when you need to go out. Be sure to leave them with toys, water, and treats, and never keep them in there for more than a few hours at a time. Socialize your dog. Australian Terriers tend to be aggressive towards other canines, so it's important to socialize them early. Take time early on to bring them to a variety of new environments where they can meet new people and dogs. If you gradually expand their knowledge of the outside world, your pet will be less prone to aggressive or fear-motivated behavior. Try to make these introductions as positive as possible. Don't start by taking your terrier into the center of a crowded dog park because that will be alarming and set them up to fail. Instead, start by taking them to a field where there are a few dogs present in the distance and work your way up to closer encounters. If your dog reacts negatively to a place or dog, it's most likely out of fear. The best response is not scolding. Instead, give them calm reassurance and affection until they're more at ease. Make sure that they're safely exposed to other dogs by bringing them to puppy classes where they can interact with other dogs in a controlled environment with a trainer present. Train your dog. Aussies can be stubborn and domineering, so it's important to take them to obedience training to minimize these traits and ensure that they're good members of the family. Start by going to classes with an experienced professional trainer, and then keep the lessons going at home. Australian terriers are intelligent working dogs who generally respond well to training. However, their intelligence also means that they can get easily bored with repetition. Train them in short sessions using challenging activities with high rewards to keep them engaged and attentive. Always use positive, rewards-based training methods with your Aussie, and seek a trainer who does the same. They respond well to consistency and firmness but not to aggression. Exercise your pet for an hour each day. Since Australian Terriers were bred as working dogs, they have quite a bit of energy and need to be exercised on a daily basis to keep them mentally and physically sound. Take them out on a walk for at least an hour each day. Be sure to keep them on a leash to keep them from running away after those small animals they have an instinct to hunt. Pick up after your Aussie. Be a responsible dog owner by ensuring your pet leaves no trace. That means you should immediately pick up their feces using a bag and dispose of them to keep public spaces clean and prevent the spread of disease. It also means that you should be aware of and address any damage that your terrier may cause in public areas. Australian Terriers have a strong digging instinct. Be sure that you watch out for and fill in any holes when you take them on walks. If you're trying to cultivate a well-manicured garden, don't let your Aussie loose in it. Brush your Australian Terrier weekly. Aussies are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming since they have a wiry, weather-proof and dirt-proof coat that does much of the work for you. Comb their coats at least once a week to control shedding and ensure that the natural oils from their skin are distributed throughout their fur. Use a bristle brush, pin brush, and/or a metal comb to brush your terrier's coat in the direction of hair growth. Stick to detangling its overcoat; don't try to penetrate to its undercoat. Give your Aussie a trim as needed. The feathery hair around your dog's face and extremities should be kept short to keep them comfortable and prevent matting. Use a scissors to keep the soft, spiky hair around their eyes, ears, tail, and paws short so that they can comfortably see and don't collect dirt. If you're worried about using shears around your terrier's face and ears, get an electric shaver designed for small breeds. Always be sure to shave in the same direction as their hair growth. Bathe your dog infrequently. Three to four times a year should do the trick. Aussies have sensitive skin, so frequent bathing can leave them with itches and rashes while compromising the natural weather-proofing of their coats. Bathe them only when necessary using a mild, hypoallergenic dog shampoo. Lather them up from the neck down (to avoid getting soap in their eyes or ears), and rinse them with warm water. Clean their ears once a week. Australian Terriers have perky ears that are susceptible to infections. Keep them clear of wax and dirt by gently wiping them out with a cotton ball dipped in a mild canine ear cleaner. While you're at it, be on the lookout for any signs of infection, such as redness, rashes, swelling, discharge, or foul smells. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet. Brush their teeth at least twice a week. Doing so will keep your dog from bad breath, tartar buildup, and bacterial infections. Simply lift your Aussie's lips to expose their teeth, and brush them as would your own. Be sure to use an angled brush and toothpaste that are made especially for dogs. Human toothpaste, especially the ones containing fluoride, can be poisonous to canines. Clip their nails once a month. To avoid cracking or excess growth, use a small clipper especially designed for canines to trim your Australian Terrier's toenails on a regular basis. Starting with their front paws, go one paw and nail at a time. Be sure that your dog stands still while you do it. Always check the underside of your dog's toenail before you trim it to see where the nerve in it ends. You should only cut off the bit that extends beyond the nerve. Play it safe by erring on the side of leaving too much rather than painfully cutting your pet's nerve endings. | Find out the health history of your Aussie. Take your Aussie to the vet for regular check-ups. Be alert to potential joint conditions. Watch out for food allergies. Be vigilant about flea control. Feed your dog a healthy diet. Provide your dog access to fresh water at all times. Keep them in well-enclosed spaces. House your Aussie indoors with you. Get your Terrier a crate. Socialize your dog. Train your dog. Exercise your pet for an hour each day. Pick up after your Aussie. Brush your Australian Terrier weekly. Give your Aussie a trim as needed. Bathe your dog infrequently. Clean their ears once a week. Brush their teeth at least twice a week. Clip their nails once a month. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Pendant-Light | How to Install a Pendant Light | Before you install a pendant light, make sure you turn off the power to the room or area of the house you'll be working in so you don't shock yourself. Then, remove the old light fixture, take off the small plastic caps covering the connections between the wires, and disconnect the wires. Next, connect the wires on your pendant light to the wires hanging out of the junction box, including the ground wire. Finally, install the mounting brackets or screws, and hang up your new light. | Unpack your new fixture. Carefully lay out the parts so they are easily accessible. Turn off the power. Find your home's circuit breaker or fuse box and turn off power to the room or area of the house where you'll be installing the light. Failure to turn off the power before beginning work may result in serious electrical shock. Remove the old fixture. Unless you are installing your pendant light in a new or recently remodeled house, you'll probably need to remove an old light fixture. Detach the fixture. This process will depend on the type of fixture you previously had installed. If possible, have someone hold it up while you detach it from the ceiling to decrease the likelihood of dropping it. Remove the old wire connectors. These are the small plastic caps covering the connections between the fixture wires and the house wiring. Usually they can be removed by twisting them counterclockwise until loose. Before disconnecting the wires, it's a good idea use a voltage checker to make sure the wires have no electricity running through them. Finally, disconnect the wires and remove any remaining parts of the old fixture that are still attached to the ceiling, such as a base or trim. Check your support. Make sure your installation location is structurally sound. Your electrical junction box should be supported by a beam or other support system, not simply screwed into drywall. If the electrical box and light fixture are not adequately supported, it may fall. Further, this is likely a building code violation. If there is not adequate support to hold your fixture up, do not proceed with the installation. Check the junction box. Make sure the screws holding the electrical box in place are tight and the box is secure. Tighten screws if necessary, but do not over-tighten. Attach the power wires. Have an assistant hold the light fixture up to the ceiling while you connect the wires from the light fixture to those hanging out of the junction box. Connect wires according to the directions provided with the light. Usually, this means connecting black to black and white to white. Wrap the exposed ends of the wires together. If there is not enough exposed surface on each wire, you may need to use wire strippers to peel back some of the wire insulation. Screw on wire nuts/connectors to cover the exposed connections and secure them tightly. These should be provided with the fixture, but if not, can be purchased cheaply at any hardware store. Attach the ground wire. Find the ground wire on the pendant light. Depending on your wiring, you'll either wrap it around a ground screw located in the junction box or attach it to a protruding ground wire. The ground wire is usually either a green wire or a bare copper wire. If you have a ground screw, tighten the screw to hold the wire in place. Secure the wires. Push or fold the wiring up into the junction box, making sure that all wires remain secured together with the wire nuts. Install the mounting bracket and/or mounting screws. Your new fixture should have come with a bracket and/or mounting screws needed to firmly attach the pendant light to the junction box. This will vary depending on the style of light you are installing. Follow the manufacturers instructions. Hang the light. Attach the canopy of or base of your light to the mounting screws or bracket. This process will also vary depending on the style of pendant light you are installing, so it's a good idea to check your directions before you start. In some cases, the process is as aligning your mounting screws with some small holes in the fixture, and turning the fixture about a quarter turn. In other cases, you'll have to screw the fixture into a mounting bracket. Install a bulb. Screw a light bulb of the correct voltage and size into the pendant light fixture. Turn the power back on. Your light should now be functional. If your light does not function, turn the power back off and check your wiring. Complete installation. If your fixture has a trim, a cover, or any other remaining parts that still need to be installed, install them now, and make any final adjustments to the light's height. | Unpack your new fixture. Turn off the power. Remove the old fixture. Check your support. Check the junction box. Attach the power wires. Attach the ground wire. Secure the wires. Install the mounting bracket and/or mounting screws. Hang the light. Install a bulb. Turn the power back on. Complete installation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Control-Your-Mind | How to Control Your Mind | If you want to control your mind so you stop thinking about something negative, try smiling, even if you don't feel like it, since smiling can actually make you feel happier. Practice relaxation techniques like deep abdominal breathing or meditation to help you calm down when you're feeling stressed out. You should also spend time with family and friends you trust, since social support can act as a buffer against stress. If you're still having trouble with negative feelings, remind yourself that worrying about them won't actually change anything. | Avoid rumination. You may find yourself thinking about something negative, even when you really don't want to. There are a number of tricks you can use to control your mind and stop ruminating: Think about the worst-case scenario. Although this seems counter-intuitive and like it would just lead to even more ruminating, when you think about the worst-case scenario, and then think about whether you would be able to handle it; you'll likely find that you can imagine yourself handling the situation and this can help decrease your worry. Schedule time for yourself to worry. By setting aside time to think about your problem, you can rest assured that it will get the attention it (maybe) needs; this can help you stop thinking excessively about your problem when you don't want to. Go for a walk. Getting out and about can get your mind off of your worries, either simply because of the exercise itself or because you will be taking in new information (sights, sounds, smells) which can help your mind wander to other, less distressing things. Believe in yourself and that you can change. If you don't believe that you can change you're not going to try nearly as hard as if you believe success is possible. So, make sure that you're using positive thinking to face your problem. Try to keep in mind that you can change the way you think, that you can improve. Renounce old habits in favor of a more effective lifestyle. Your subconscious mind where all your habits are recorded is a comfort zone that provides the feeling of familiarity, safety, and confidence. You can do the same things every day, tread the same routs, undertaking no risks. But what about your bold dreams and ambitious plans? To make some great things happen, as well as grow and develop as a person, you have to leave this comfort zone and undertake some risks in the pursuit of a better tomorrow. Studies show that individuals adopting this "growth" mindset are more likely to make desired improvements than those who view their traits and skills as fixed and unchangeable. Be optimistic about your abilities. You might think that being accurate about your ability to control yourself is key. However, studies show that being overly optimistic about your ability to control your behavior can help give you even more self-control. To be optimistic, try telling yourself that you will succeed and control your mind over and over again, even if in the moment you don't believe so. Try also to remind yourself of times where you successfully controlled your mind as intended. Reflect only on these successes and not on any self-control failures you might have had. Re-appraise what you are struggling to control. Try changing how you look at the thing you are struggling to control. For example, if a part of your mind really wants to have wine but you are trying to stop drinking, try imagining the wine as poison. Imagine it going all through your body, infecting your cells and organs. Studies show that having individuals mentally transform (re-appraise) desirable things into less desirable things facilitates their self-control efforts to avoid the desirable thing. To do this, really try vividly imagining and playing along with the idea that the object you wish to avoid has changed its properties. Stop overgeneralizing. Overgeneralizing means taking a single occurrence of a negative experience and projecting it onto other experiences or to your predictions about how the future will be. For example, someone who overgeneralizes might say, "I had a difficult childhood, so my life is going to be difficult forever." To stop overgeneralizing, you might: Take it upon yourself to change your own future through hard work and persistence. For example, if you had a difficult childhood and think your life is going to be difficult forever, you might identify ways in which you want your life to improve, and work to improve them. Continuing the example, perhaps you want more meaningful relationships and a better job. You might research ways to obtain those things and then set goals for yourself in those domains to accomplish. Avoid personalization. This is a thought trap where you take personal responsibility for things that are out of your control. For example, if your daughter fell down at school you might say "It is my fault that she fell" when in reality the situation was entirely out of your control. To avoid personalization, try to think carefully and logically about events that you are personalizing. It can help to ask yourself some questions. For example, you might ask yourself "What could I actually have done to stop my daughter from falling down, given that I wasn't at school with her?" Stop jumping to conclusions. This is a thought trap that involves thinking certain things without any evidence to back those thoughts up. For example, someone who jumps to conclusions might think that a person doesn't like him without any evidence supporting that assertion. To stop jumping to conclusions, you can pause and think more before reaching judgments. It can help to ask yourself questions about the thought. For example, you can ask yourself if you really know that the thought you are having is true. You can also ask yourself to identify specific pieces of evidence that would suggest that the thought is true. Using the prior example, someone who thinks a person doesn't like him might ask himself to identify particular conversations with that person that provide evidence for the claim. Avoid catastrophizing. This is a negative thought trap wherein the person blows things out of proportion. For example, someone who is catastrophizing after failing a test might say "My life is ruined, I'll never get a good job now." To stop catastrophizing, work on thinking more positively. You can also ask yourself questions that employ logic and reason. For example, someone who failed a test and thinks his life is ruined because he will never get a good job might ask himself: "Do I know anyone who has failed a test yet still gotten a good job and/or seems happy?" "If I was hiring someone would I make my entire decision based on that person's grade in a single class?" Create a plan for your life. If you have a clear path for what you want in life, you may be less likely to be swayed by temptations that will hurt you in the long run. Write down the major things you want out of life: Is it a good career? Having a family of your own one day? Becoming financially wealthy? You don't have to lay out very detailed steps for achieving these goals as part of this exercise; instead, remember to keep your overarching goals in mind so you stay on track in your life. To form personal goals, it is important not to set the bar too high or else you will fail and this can kill your motivation. Instead, set some big goals (e.g., learn how to code software), but break those bigger more distal goals into smaller more achievable goals (e.g., read 1 chapter of a software coding book every week). In this way you can see tangible amounts of progress as you work toward accomplishing your more distal goals. Smile, even if you don't feel like it. Negative feelings can reduce self-control and make it more difficult for you to control your mind. One way to counteract negative feelings is, simply, to smile. Although the idea that feeling happy causes you to smile is more intuitive, the facial feedback hypothesis suggests that smiling can actually cause you to feel happiness. Spend time or money on others. Research shows that spending on others can increase happiness and well-being. Happiness and well-being can increase your self-image and reduce negative feelings that make self-control more difficult. Exactly how you spend your time or money on others isn't that important. What matters is that you and those you are helping find it valuable. Create obstacles for yourself. One way to control your mind is to make it more difficult for it to get what it wants. This extra effort will make it so that part of your mind is less likely to win out and influence your behavior. For example, if you want to control the part of your mind that wants to watch TV when a part of you wants to cut down on your TV watching time, you could put your remote control in a difficult to reach spot. Another example is that if you keep hitting the snooze button in the morning, you could place your alarm clock far from your bed, so that you are forced to get out of bed to turn it off. A further example is if you are having trouble refraining from sex, and you want to change this behavior, you could avoid putting yourself in situations that lead to sex: you could stay away from bars, nightclubs, and you could delete the phone numbers of people you sometimes hook-up with. Reward your successful self-control efforts. When you successfully control your mind, reward yourself so that you are more likely to continue to do so in the future. For example, say you really didn't feel like exercising but you forced yourself to do it anyways, reward yourself with a piece of chocolate or with an episode of your favorite TV show. Be careful not to make the reward too excessive or you may find yourself out of control and back to square one where you started. For example, if your goal is to lose weight and you controlled your mind and exercised when you didn't feel like it, don't eat several chocolates or you will just lose the progress that you made. Punish unsuccessful self-control efforts. Just like rewarding successes can aid in future self-control, punishing yourself for self-control failures can aid in future self-control as well. In fact, studies show that the threat of punishments can lead people to exert more self-control. To ensure the punishment's effectiveness, place it in the hands of a family member, friend, or partner and tell them to dish it out if you fail to exert the self-control you desired. For example, they could hide your dessert and, at the end of the day if you failed to achieve your self-control goals, they could withhold that dessert from you. Reduce stress. The mind and body are deeply connected; the mind can make the body stressed, and physiological stress in the body can lead the mind to feel stressed. When people are stressed they exert self-control to deal with those stressors and often have reduced self-control afterwards. As such, it is important to reduce stress to conserve self-control energy. There are a number of ways to reduce stress with evidence showing they work to some degree : Try relaxation techniques such as deep abdominal breathing, which involves breathing in deeply and holding your breath for a few seconds then slowly exhaling over the course of several seconds. You may also try focusing your mind on a single soothing word (such as calm or peace). Get some exercise, which will help you to breathe deeply and relax your tense muscles. Talk to friends and family, since social support can act as a buffer against stress. | Avoid rumination. Believe in yourself and that you can change. Be optimistic about your abilities. Re-appraise what you are struggling to control. Stop overgeneralizing. Avoid personalization. Stop jumping to conclusions. Avoid catastrophizing. Create a plan for your life. Smile, even if you don't feel like it. Spend time or money on others. Create obstacles for yourself. Reward your successful self-control efforts. Punish unsuccessful self-control efforts. Reduce stress. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Natural-Dog-Shampoo-with-Apple-Cider-Vinegar | How to Make Natural Dog Shampoo with Apple Cider Vinegar | To make natural dog shampoo with apple cider vinegar, mix 1/4 cup of unpasteurized and unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water and 1 cup of baby shampoo or nontoxic dish soap. If your dog has sensitive skin, add 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel. You can also add 2 drops of lavender oil to repel fleas and moisten skin. Combine the ingredients thoroughly and pour the shampoo into a clean, empty spray bottle. | Purchase unpasteurized and unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar. Head to the local grocery store and look for organic apple cider vinegar that has not been pasteurized and filtered. Look for products that are cloudy with string-like matter in it—this is called "mother" and is what gets your pet's coat and skin dirt-free. Although your dog may not like the smell, you will balance it out with other ingredients to prevent it from being too overpowering. Apple cider vinegar is also a natural flea repellent so it should help to block and kill any remaining fleas. Avoid apple cider vinegar that is clear like apple juice—this means it has been processed and refined. Always look for products with the "mother," which contains important vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Clean an empty shampoo or spray bottle thoroughly. Find an empty shampoo or spray bottle that's non-breakable and made of plastic. Doggy bath times can get a bit rambunctious so the last thing you need is to be fighting a wild bathing dog while trying not to break your shampoo bottle. After getting your bottle fill it with water, shake it, and dump the water out. Continue this process until the bottle is clean. If you can't find a shampoo or spray bottle a similarly clean, empty, and non-breakable bottle will do the trick. Add a drop of non-toxic dish soap prior to shaking the water. Mix together water, apple cider vinegar, and baby shampoo or nontoxic dish soap. Pour 4 cups (950 mL) of water into an empty shampoo bottle. Now, add 1 cup (240 mL) of apple cider vinegar along with 1 cup (240 mL) or baby shampoo or nontoxic dishsoap. You can use distilled water but tap water works fine too. Dawn is a common nontoxic dish soap used for DIY dog shampoo. If you don't have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar will work too but not as effectively. Add glycerine and aloe vera gel if your dog has sensitive skin. Pour in ⁄ 3 cup (79 mL) of glycerine and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of aloe vera gel. If you're unsure if your dog has dry skin, look out for the following symptoms: Dandruff Itchiness Pimples Flaking Inflammation Hair loss Add 2 drops of lavender oil to repel fleas and moisten skin. Lavender oil is a natural antibacterial and antiparasitic. It helps dry skin and prevent fleas by killing bacteria, reducing itching, and sometimes even calming nerves. For additional cleansing, add 2 drops of one or more of the following essential oils: rosemary, peppermint, and eucalyptus. Don't go overboard with essential oils—they're highly concentrated and can easily cause your dog's skin to become too oily. Mix in 1.5 tablespoons (22 mL) of coconut oil for a shiny coat. If your dog has dry skin or it could benefit from a shinier coat of hair, add some coconut oil into the bottle. Just make sure to stir it in with a popsicle stick to avoid creating bubbles. Don't use coconut oil if your dog is prone to oily skin. Add ½ cup (45 grams) of ground, uncooked oatmeal to help dry skin. Put your oatmeal into a food processor or coffee grinder and grind it until it has the same consistency as flour. Afterward, stir it into your shampoo until it's completely mixed in. Purchase a food processor or coffee grinder from a cookware or big-box store. Decrease the ingredients for a low-volume shampoo for small dogs. If you have a puppy or small dog, use ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of water, ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) of apple cider vinegar, and ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) of baby shampoo or nontoxic dish soap. Small dogs are typically classified as those between 2 to 22 pounds (0.91 to 9.98 kg). Shake the shampoo bottle thoroughly to mix the ingredients. After you've added all of your ingredients, close the seal and shake the bottle up and down. Continue doing this for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Turn the cap clockwise to double check that it's completely tightened. Apply your shampoo to your dog's fur and work it in. Either squeeze out the shampoo over your dog or spray it on. Afterward, work the shampoo into their fur, taking care to focus on areas that are hard for them to reach such as their spine, chest, under their forearms, and the base of their tail. Wet your dog down with plenty of water before applying any shampoo. Be sure to work the soap into your dog's fur until it creates a thick lather. Rinse your dog at least 5 minutes after applying the shampoo. Before you rinse your dog, let the shampoo soak into their skin for at least 5 minutes. Afterward, rinse them off with a spray bottle and water or a showerhead. Use a brush or comb as you rinse your dog to remove any dead fleas. Store your shampoo in the refrigerator after you're done. When you need to use your shampoo again, remove it from the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours until it gets back to room temperature. Run the shampoo container under bath water to warm it up if you forget to remove it from the refrigerator prior to application. | Purchase unpasteurized and unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar. Clean an empty shampoo or spray bottle thoroughly. Mix together water, apple cider vinegar, and baby shampoo or nontoxic dish soap. Add glycerine and aloe vera gel if your dog has sensitive skin. Add 2 drops of lavender oil to repel fleas and moisten skin. Mix in 1.5 tablespoons (22 mL) of coconut oil for a shiny coat. Add ½ cup (45 grams) of ground, uncooked oatmeal to help dry skin. Decrease the ingredients for a low-volume shampoo for small dogs. Shake the shampoo bottle thoroughly to mix the ingredients. Apply your shampoo to your dog's fur and work it in. Rinse your dog at least 5 minutes after applying the shampoo. Store your shampoo in the refrigerator after you're done. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Flowers | How to Paint Flowers | To paint flowers, first paint a few vertical curved lines using green paint for the stems. Then, paint a small circle or oval above each curved line using a different color. These will be the centers of your flowers. Next, choose a different color and paint the petals coming off of the centers. Use wide, soft brush strokes to give your petals a soft and even texture. Build your colors up and add more color to the stems or centers of the flowers if you paint over them. If you want to go for a more realistic look, add white highlights around edges of petals on one side. Next, use some darker colors on the opposite side of each petal to give them a more dynamic look. Add any leaves to the stems if you'd like and finish your painting by adding any smaller details you wish to add. | Gather the necessary supplies and find a flat, clean surface to work on. For reference, see the supply list near the bottom of this article. On a clean, white piece of paper, paint the green grass at the bottom. Use short, light strokes and make the pieces of grass go in different directions so it looks more realistic. Use regular green and add light green if you'd like to get the 'highlighted' look or dark green strokes for shadow and texture. Make curved lines of medium thickness. Using a darker shade of green, paint curved lines of medium thickness among the grass. These lines will become your flowers' stems, so make as many lines as you want flowers. The height of the lines should be quite a bit taller than the grass. The thickness of the stem should be slightly thicker than the grass. Add leaves or thorns to the stems to make the flowers look more realistic. Create the center of the flower. Using whatever color you prefer, create a circle/oval about 1/2 inch above the tip of the flower stem. Leave room above the tip of the stem so that you can add petals. Add petals. What color do you want your flower/s to be? You can mix colors, or just paint single color petals. Pick out the colors you want to use or mix colors to create new ones. Then, determine what shape you want the petals of the flowers to be. You may want to sketch the shape before you pain them. Connect the petals to the center of the flower. Connect the tip of the stem to somewhere in between two petals beneath the center. Outline the petals with black or white paint if you'd like. Another optional step is to use a light blue colored oil pastel and lightly shade in a sky, then blend. Add a sun if you'd like. | Gather the necessary supplies and find a flat, clean surface to work on. On a clean, white piece of paper, paint the green grass at the bottom. Make curved lines of medium thickness. Create the center of the flower. Add petals. Outline the petals with black or white paint if you'd like. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pumpkin-Pie | How to Make Pumpkin Pie | To make pumpkin pie, first make the pie crust by mixing flour, salt, shortening, butter, and water. Once the dough is formed, roll it flat and place it in a pie plate. Next, make the pumpkin filling by mixing egg, sugar, salt, ginger, clove, pumpkin, and evaporated milk. When you're finished, pour the filling into the pie plate and bake the pie for 40 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. | Preheat the oven to 425 °F (218 °C) and adjust the oven rack. Move an oven rack so it's in the center of the oven. Consider placing a rimmed baking sheet underneath it to catch any drips. Combine the flour and salt with the shortening and butter. To make the pie crust , measure 1 1/2 cups (180 g) of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) salt into a mixing bowl. Stir and then use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix in 4 tablespoons (48 g) of shortening and 5 tablespoons (70 g) of unsalted butter. The mixture should be crumbly once the fats are incorporated. If you prefer, use a pre-made pastry dough that you place in the pie shell. Mix in ice water to form a dough. Get out 3 tablespoons (44 ml) to 5 tablespoons (74 ml) of ice water. Start by putting 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the water into the dry mixture. Use a fork to toss the mixture until it begins to come together. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of water at a time until dough comes away from the sides of the bowl. Avoid adding too much water or it will become sticky and difficult to work. Roll out the crust and place it in the pie plate. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a 12 in (30 cm) circle. Carefully lift the circle of dough into a 9 in (23 cm) pie plate. Press it into the plate and crimp the edges. If you want to make the dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Beat 2 eggs in a large bowl and stir in the sugar, salt, ginger, and cloves. Crack 2 eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk them until they're completely combined. Pour in 3/4 cup (150 g) of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon (2 g) of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) salt, 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground cloves. Stir well so the spices are incorporated. Stir in the pumpkin and evaporated milk. Open a 15-ounce (425 g) can of pumpkin puree and stir it into the spiced egg mixture. Open a 12-ounce (355 ml) can of evaporated milk and slowly stir it into the mixture until it's incorporated. Pour the filling into the shell and bake the pie for 15 minutes. Scoop the pumpkin filling into your pastry-lined pie plate. Put the pie in the center of the preheated oven and bake it for 15 minutes. Starting the pie at a high heat will help the crust become crisp. Turn the temperature to 350 °F (177 °C) and bake it for 40 to 50 minutes. Let the pie cook at the reduced temperature until it only jiggles slightly in the center. You can also check the pie by inserting a knife or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, the pie is finished. If the pie needs more time, continue to cook it for 5 more minutes and check it again. Cool the pie for at least 2 hours. Remove the pie from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool. It should be completely cool before you slice it into pieces. Serve the pie with whipped cream. Refrigerate leftover pie in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Preheat the oven to 375 °F (191 °C) and adjust the oven rack. Adjust your oven racks so you have 1 in the middle of the oven. You'll also need to get out a 10 x 15 in (25 x 38 cm) jellyroll pan for the pie. Combine the flour, salt, and sugar with the butter. For the crust, measure 4 cups (480 g) of all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 g) of salt and 1 teaspoon (4 g) of granulated sugar. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix in 3 1/2 sticks (400 g) of cubed unsalted butter. The smaller the cubes, the easier it is to cut in the butter. Mix in the butter until it forms pea-sized clumps. Add ice water to form a dough. Get out ⁄ 4 cup (180 ml) of ice water. Put 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the water into the dry mixture at a time. Toss the dough together with a fork and keep adding 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of water at a time until dough begins to form a ball. The dough should pull away from the side of the bowl but it shouldn't become tacky or sticky. Set aside 1/4 of the dough and roll out the rest to fit the pan. If you'd like to make decorative leaf cut-outs for the top of the pie, put 1/4 of the dough off to the side. Then roll the remaining dough on a lightly floured surface. Make it a large rectangle about 18 x 13 in (45 x 33 cm) so it fits in your jellyroll pan. If you don't want to make the decorative leaf cut-outs, just roll out the entire ball of dough for the crust. Arrange the pastry in the baking pan. Transfer the rectangle of dough to the jellyroll pan so some of the dough hangs over the sides. Use your fingers to press the dough into the sides and bottom of the pan. Then crimp the dough along the edges. At this point, you can refrigerate the pastry in the pan while you mix the filling. Mix the pumpkin, sugar, eggs, cream, milk, vanilla, cornstarch, and spices. Open 2 15-ounce (425 g) cans of pumpkin puree and scoop them into a large mixing bowl. Stir in 2 cups (400 g) of brown sugar, 4 eggs, 2 cups (470 ml) of heavy cream, ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) of whole milk, 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons (16 g) of cornstarch and these spices: 2 teaspoons (4 g) ground cinnamon 3/4 teaspoon (3 g) ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon (0.5 g) ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) salt 1/8 teaspoon (.2 g) fresh ground pepper Spread the filling into the crust. Remove the pastry-lined pan from the refrigerator and spread the thick pumpkin pie filling into it. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to ensure the filling is even. Bake the pie for 35 to 45 minutes. Put the slab pie in the preheated oven and cook it until it barely jiggles in the center. You can also insert a knife into the center to see if it comes out clean. If it jiggles a lot or the knife doesn't come out clean, return the pie to the oven for 5 more minutes. Continue to check it until it's firm. Cool the pie and roll out the pastry leaves if desired. Remove the pie from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool completely. If you'd like to make the decorative pastry leaves, get out the reserved dough and roll it to 1/8 inch (3 mm) thickness. Use a leaf cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Bake the pastry leaves if you're using them. Place the leaves on a baking sheet and bake them at 350 °F (177 °C) for 10 minutes while the pie cools. The leaves should puff up and turn light brown. Remove the leaves to a wire rack to cool. Serve the pumpkin slab pie. Once the optional pastry leaves have cooled completely, arrange them on the top of the cooled pie. Cut the pie into squares and serve it with whipped cream. Store the leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. | Preheat the oven to 425 °F (218 °C) and adjust the oven rack. Combine the flour and salt with the shortening and butter. Mix in ice water to form a dough. Roll out the crust and place it in the pie plate. Beat 2 eggs in a large bowl and stir in the sugar, salt, ginger, and cloves. Stir in the pumpkin and evaporated milk. Pour the filling into the shell and bake the pie for 15 minutes. Turn the temperature to 350 °F (177 °C) and bake it for 40 to 50 minutes. Cool the pie for at least 2 hours. Preheat the oven to 375 °F (191 °C) and adjust the oven rack. Combine the flour, salt, and sugar with the butter. Add ice water to form a dough. Set aside 1/4 of the dough and roll out the rest to fit the pan. Arrange the pastry in the baking pan. Mix the pumpkin, sugar, eggs, cream, milk, vanilla, cornstarch, and spices. Spread the filling into the crust. Bake the pie for 35 to 45 minutes. Cool the pie and roll out the pastry leaves if desired. Bake the pastry leaves if you're using them. Serve the pumpkin slab pie. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Shirt-in-Roblox | How to Create a Shirt in Roblox | To create a shirt in Roblox, you'll need to be a member of the Builder's Club subscription. If you're not, you can sign up on the Roblox website. Once you're a member of the Builder's Club, download the Roblox shirt template. Then, open it in a photo-editing program, like GIMP or Photoshop, and add your own images or drawings to it. When you're finished designing your shirt, save it on your computer. Finally, go to the Roblox homepage, click on "Create," then "Shirts," and upload your design. | Make sure that you have a subscription. If you aren't a paying member of the Premium subscription, you can't upload your shirt template. To become a member of Premium,: Go to https://www.roblox.com/premium/membership?ctx=preroll Scroll down to the different plans on Premium and choose one of the 3 plans. Select a payment method. Click Continue Enter your payment details. Click Submit Order Open the Roblox shirt template page. Go to https://static.rbxcdn.com/images/Template-Shirts-R15_07262019.png in your browser. Save the shirt template onto your computer. Right-click the template, click Save image as... (or Save as... ) in the resulting drop-down menu, select a save location (e.g., your desktop), and click Save. If, your computer's mouse, doesn't have a right mouse button, click the right side of the mouse or use two fingers to click (or tap the trackpad) instead of right-clicking. Open a photo-editing program. Depending on your preferences and your operating system, you may have several different photo-editing software options: If you use Windows, you have Microsoft Paint installed by default. You can also download other programs like Paint.NET, which is a free program also available for Mac users. If you use a Mac, you can download Pinta for free, or you can pay for something like Photoshop or Lightroom. GIMP 2 is a good free option for both Windows and Mac users. Open the template in your program. Click and drag the template into your photo-editing program—or click File , click Open , and double-click the template—to open it in your program. Edit the template. Depending on your preferences for your shirt, this step will vary; for example, if you want to place a logo on your shirt's torso, you might use the photo-editing software's pen tool to draw on the chest section of the template. Save your shirt. Press Ctrl + S (Windows) or ⌘ Command + S (Mac) to save the changes to your template, or click File and then click Save. Open the Roblox main page. Go to https://www.roblox.com/games in your browser. Click the Create tab. It's on the upper-left side of the page. Click Continue to Create page if prompted. If this is your first time opening the Create tab, click the blue Continue to Create page link in the pop-up window. Skip this step if you go straight to the Create page. If you aren't logged into Roblox, you'll need to enter your username and password and then click Sign In before you can continue. Click Shirts. This option is near the bottom of the "My Creations" list of items. You may first need to click My Creations at the top of the page to open this list. Click Browse. It's a grey button near the top of the "Create a Shirt" page. A window will open. Select your shirt image. Find the PNG template image in the folder where you saved it (e.g., Desktop ) and click it. Click Open. It's in the bottom-right corner of the window. Enter a name for your shirt. In the "Shirt Name" text field, type in the name of your shirt. This is how it will appear in the web store and on your profile. Click Upload. It's a green button below the "Shirt Name" text field. Doing so will upload your shirt to your Roblox profile, from which point you can equip or sell it as you please. | Make sure that you have a subscription. Open the Roblox shirt template page. Save the shirt template onto your computer. Open a photo-editing program. Open the template in your program. Edit the template. Save your shirt. Open the Roblox main page. Click the Create tab. Click Continue to Create page if prompted. Click Shirts. Click Browse. Select your shirt image. Click Open. Enter a name for your shirt. Click Upload. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Decorate-for-Christmas | How to Decorate for Christmas | To decorate for Christmas, try hanging wreaths, garlands, and paper snowflakes throughout your home. You can also put up a Christmas tree and decorate it with lights and ornaments to create a holiday atmosphere. If you want to decorate the exterior of your house, try hanging lights in the trees, along the driveway, and around the windows. | Make an easy, quick 3D paper snowflake. For an extra wintery effect, use silvery/shiny paper or hang them in your windows. Or, make a classic paper snowflake. Hang them from strings on the ceiling, or tape them on your windows and walls. Make your own Christmas wreath. All you need is a wire hanger and a quick trip to the craft store! . For a more modern (and environmentally-friendly!) Christmas wreath, use recycled cardboard Add embellishments like glitter, ribbons snowy white feathers to dress it up. Make a cute snowman out of a gourd. Use different sizes to make a little snow-family. Make an Advent paper chain. Hang it somewhere visible so you can see the chain get shorter as you snip each day. You Make it by cutting strips of paper then glueing it together. Give your tree an elegant, classic feel. This article can help you pick a color scheme and decide which decorations will make your tree look perfect! . Make tiny 3D Christmas trees Use them as ornaments for the big tree, or hang them around the house to evoke holiday spirit. Make a popcorn garland for your tree. This classic decoration is a fun, easy craft (and great for kids). . Make sparkly snowflake ornaments Hang them in your windows, or add them to your Christmas tree. Make a mini-tree out of books. Treat the reader in your life to a special Christmas tree, or make one for yourself instead of buying the huge classic version. . Deck out your front yard for the holiday Use your trees, porch, driveway and windows to lend some Christmas spirit to the neighborhood. Make your outdoor Christmas lights flash to music. You can choreograph them along to one song, or a whole playlist of holiday tunes! (Just be aware of your city's noise ordinances before you begin.) | Make an easy, quick 3D paper snowflake. Or, make a classic paper snowflake. Make your own Christmas wreath. . Make a cute snowman out of a gourd. Make an Advent paper chain. Give your tree an elegant, classic feel. . Make a popcorn garland for your tree. . Make a mini-tree out of books. . Make your outdoor Christmas lights flash to music. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Craps | How to Play Craps | Craps is a fun casino game where players place bets on the table and root for the shooter to roll a winning number with the dice before sevening out. Only one player per round is the shooter, but any player can bet on the table. The dice are passed around the table clockwise after each round so anyone interested in being the shooter gets a turn. At the beginning of a round, the shooter chooses 2 dice and throws them across the table so they hit the back wall. This is called the “come-out roll.” If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, called a “natural,” they win and get to roll again. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, they lose but still continue to roll. Once the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, the dealer will mark the “point,” or the rolled number, on the table with a small button. At this point, the shooter continues to roll until they roll the point number again or a 7. If they roll the point number, they win. If they roll a 7, they seven out and the round is over. To bet in Craps, players can place a bet on the “Pass” or “Don't Pass” line at any time as long as a point hasn't been established for that round. The shooter for that round must place a bet on either the “Pass” or “Don't Pass” line. If a player bets on the “Pass” line, they win if the shooter rolls a natural or rolls the point before sevening out. If they place a bet on the “Don't Pass” line, they win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 or sevens out before rolling the point. If the shooter rolls a 12, it's a push for any bets on the “Don't Pass” line, and nothing happens. Once the point has been established, players can bet on the “Come” and “Don't Come” spaces. If the shooter rolls a natural on their next roll, the “Come” bet wins. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, it loses. If they roll a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the “Come point,” and players who bet on the “Come” space win if the shooter rolls the Come point before sevening out. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 or sevens out, the “Don't Come” space wins. If the shooter rolls a 12, it's a push. There are also one-roll spaces that players can place bets on. For example, players can bet on the “Any Craps” space on the table. If the shooter gets a 2, 3, or 12 on their next roll, players who bet on the “Any Craps” space win. Players can also make place bets once the point has been established by betting on the 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 spaces. If one of those numbers comes up before the shooter sevens out, any players who bet on it win. Players can also bet on the “Field” space. If the next roll is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12, they win. Finally, players can bet on the “Big 6” and “Big 8” spaces. If the shooter rolls a 6 or 8 before sevening out, players who bet on the corresponding space win. Once the shooter sevens out, the round is over and the dice are passed to the next player. Then, a new round of betting and rolling starts. | Win money by betting on what numbers are rolled on a pair of dice. Craps really isn't complicated when you remember that the entire point is gambling on the sum on a pair of dice. One player rolls the dice, typically trying to get a 7 or 11. If they don't get this number on the first roll, they establish a “point” number that they have to roll again before rolling a 7. Generally, you bet with the table in the hopes that the player rolls the number they need. There are also some options for betting against the table, meaning the player rolls a losing number. On the first roll, called a come-out roll, 7 and 11 are winners. The numbers 2, 3, and 12 are called craps numbers and mean bettors lose. The winning and losing numbers vary depending on the stage of the game. If the player establishes a point, 7 becomes a losing number. Place a bet on the pass line to play during the come-out roll. The dealer lays a disk on the table to keep track of the game. If you see the disk flipped to the black side with the word “OFF,” you know a new round is starting. On the first roll, the come-out roll, a 7 or an 11 means everyone who bet on the pass line wins. A 2, 3, or 12 means everyone loses. The pass line is the most basic element in craps betting, so it's the best place to start when learning the game. A new round cannot begin until someone places a bet on the pass. Numbers like 4, 5, and 6 are neither wins nor losses. The rolled number becomes known as the point, and the game moves to the next phase of play. Another option is to bet on the don't pass line. If you take this option, you're betting against everyone else. You win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 but lose if they roll a 7 or 11. Play the point if no one wins or loses on the come-out roll. The point is the number the player rolled if they didn't win or lose on the come-out roll. The potential point numbers are 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. The dealer flips the disk to the white “ON” side, and then the shooter continues to roll the dice in the hopes of rolling the point number again. Rolling a 7 means a loss. The pass line bets stay on the board until the round is over. You win your pass bet if the player rolls their point number. For example, when the point number is an 8, the shooter tries to roll an 8. If the shooter rolls a 7, all pass line bets lose. Play continues until the shooter rolls one of these numbers. If the shooter rolls the point number, play starts over with new pass bets. If a 7 comes up, the same thing happens but someone else has to roll the dice. Place a come bet if the come-out roll has already happened. If you get to the craps table after a round starts, you're in luck. Place your chips on the come space for a bet that is very similar to the pass bet. When the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, you lose your bet. Keep in mind that the point doesn't affect your bet. If the point is 6, you don't get anything when the shooter rolls a 6. The come bet is also separate from the pass line. You may win the come bet with a 7 but lose the pass bet after the point is established. Similarly, play may continue even after a 2, 3, or 12 comes up. A related option is the don't come bet, where you win if the shooter rolls a 7 and lose if they roll their point number. This is a relatively safe and simple bet, but keep in mind that it means going against other bettors. Start with conservative, basic bets when you begin playing. The line and come bets are the most important bets to know before stepping up to the table. Place some odds bets if you have extra money to spend. If you're looking to do more, move onto single roll predictions using the field space. Avoid using proposition bets until you're more comfortable risking your money. Craps is a fast-paced game, so give yourself time to get accustomed to it. Watch for a while if you need to, then start with a basic line bet when you get a chance to step in. Roll the dice across the table when the stickperson hands them to you. Expect to get a chance to roll the dice if you play at a table long enough. To become the shooter, you have to place a pass or come bet. Generally, the stickperson presents you with 5 dice. Choose the 2 dice you like best and toss them so they hit the rail on the opposite side of the table. Always handle the dice with one hand. You don't need to blow on them or do anything else you see in movies. Shake and toss! The craps table is long, so you throw the dice rather than roll them. If the dice bounce off the table or fail to hit the back rail, you have to toss them again. Identify the casino personnel operating the craps table. Because craps tables involve the most money out of any standard casino game, they are managed by teams of workers. A standard team consists of 4 casino employees. Many crews also include a fifth member that rotates in for the other dealers. Each employee is responsible for a different part of the game, such as collecting bets and controlling the game's tempo. The boxperson sits on one side of the table, usually the one closest to the pit. This person may be wearing a suit and tie. The boxperson keeps tabs on the game, stashing and guarding betting chips. The stickperson is on the opposite side of the table from the boxperson. The stickperson is the one using the long stick to push the dice around. This person controls the game's tempo, helps bettors place number bets, and calls out the game's results. The remaining crew members are dealers. There are at least 2 at every busy craps table. They manage the money, converting cash into chips and paying out winning bets as needed. Stand behind the pass line when approaching the table. The pass line is area running around ¾ of the outer edge of the table. It is always opposite of where the stickperson stands. As a player, you stand by the table and place basic bets without relying on the staff. The pass line is where you place your chips to start the game by betting on the come-out roll. The pass line is labeled in big letters, so it's visible no matter where you stand. The “don't pass” bar above the pass line is a related betting option. It is for players who wish to bet against the shooter. Also, look for the come and don't come spaces used for related bets later in the game. Get some chips at the table before you play. Instead of handing your money to the dealer, cash in for chips. Visit the casino's exchange counter or speak with one of the dealers at the craps table. Set your money on the table and ask for change. Dealers aren't permitted to take money directly from your hand. Cheer for other players at the table as they roll. Craps is a group game that can get pretty loud as bettors show enthusiasm for one another. When you're not rolling the dice, root for the shooter to win the line bet or roll the point as quickly as possible. If you happen to go against the shooter with a don't pass or don't come bet, stay quiet to avoid spoiling the fun. The excitement from a craps game is very easy to hear in most casinos. It's a very loud game, but at the same time, be respectful of everyone around you. Ask the dealers to help you place bets in off-limits spots on the table. A big part of craps etiquette is dealing with chips and placing bets. In most cases, you handle bets yourself by stacking your chips on a betting space such as the pass line. For propositional bets in the middle of the table and number bets on the stickperson's side, toss your chips into the open and ask the dealer to move them to the proper space. Once you put your chips down, remove your hands from the table area. Keep your remaining chips on the rail, which is the elevated edge around the table. Watch where all the chips are on the table. Keep an eye on your own chips and avoid knocking over someone else's stack. If you need help, ask the dealers! They are there to help you have a good time shooting craps. Memorize the odds to increase your chances of winning. Read about the “edge,” or advantage, the house has with each type of bet. A lot of the game revolves around how often a number combination comes up during a roll. The most common number is 7, followed by 6 and 8. The numbers 2 and 12 are least likely to appear because you need a pair of 1s or a pair of 6s, respectively. For example, the house has only a 1.41% edge on a pass or come bet. The house has a 1.36% edge on don't pass and don't come bets, making them slightly more likely to pay out. The more complicated the bet, the more likely the odds are to be in the house's favor. Big 6 and 8 spaces, for instance, pay poorly and tend to be excluded from most tables. Proposition bets are also usually good ways to blow through a stack of chips. For more information on odds and betting strategies, look for a probability guide or betting strategy guide online. Master some of the common lingo to have an easier time betting. Like many other casino games, craps has its own special terminology. If you know how the table works, you can follow along even without leafing through a craps glossary. However, knowing some of the basic terminology helps a lot when you're trying to keep your cool out on the casino floor. Craps numbers are 2, 3, and 12. These usually are bad news, depending on the bet. A right bettor is a person betting on the pass line. A wrong bettor is someone who bets against the rest of the table by betting on the don't pass line. Betting terms like parlay are the same as in other casino games. A parlay, for example, means adding your stakes from a winning bet to another bet. The house edge means how much of an advantage the house has on a given bet. All numbers have their own slang that comes up sometimes but isn't important to memorize. For example, a pair of 1s is called snake eyes and a 9 is called center field. Use the field numbers to predict the next roll. The field is one of the most popular betting areas in craps. It is labeled “Field” and has the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9,10, 11, and 12. The numbers near the pass line are for the players to use, so you don't have to ask for the dealer's permission to place your bet there. All field bets pay 1:1 odds except 2 and 12. Since these rolls are less common, you win 2:1 or even 3:1, depending on the house rules. The numbers at the top of the table close to the stickperson are for “place” and “buy” bets. They are separate from the field box, so notify a dealer before using these areas to bet. In the corners of the field boxes, you may see spots marked Big 6 and Big 8. These are additional bets that a 6 or 8 comes up before a 7. These spots aren't present in all craps tables. Use the top row of numbers for a place bet. Look for the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 near the stickperson. You can make a place bet anytime before the shooter rolls the dice. These place numbers are similar to field bets, except you win if the place number is rolled before a 7. Throw your chips onto the table and tell the dealer what kind of bet you wish to make. For example, if you bet on 4, you're predicting that the shooter rolls a 4 before they roll a 7. A lay bet is the opposite of a place bet. You bet that the shooter rolls a 7 before they roll the number you bet on. The payout for these bets are not as good as odds bets. You get 1:2 odds on 4 and 10, 2:3 odds on 5 and 9, and 5:6 odds on 6 or 8. Lay chips below your pass line bet if you wish to make an odds bet. The odds bet is a side game while you wait for the shooter to roll their point number. When you place an odds bet, you guess that the shooter will roll the point number instead of a 7. The odds bet happens only after the come-out roll and you can only do it if you made a line or come bet. Like with the original line bet, play continues until the shooter wins or loses. The payout is better for numbers that come up less frequently. You get 2:1 odds for a 4 or 10, 3:2 odds for a 5 or 9, and 6:5 odds for a 6 or 8. Odds bets are simple and pay true odds. The house has no “edge” on the bet because the roll is entirely random. Winning is up to pure chance. Most casinos offer 3, 4, or even 5x odds tables. That means you get to bet as much as 5 times your pass bet. Some casinos allow even higher odds bets. Make proposition bets in the middle of the table. Proposition bets are all single roll bets and they are separate from the main part of the game. Look for the rectangular box in the middle of the table with a bunch of phrases like “5 for 1” and pictures of dice. Once you get more accustomed to the game, take advantage of this area when you wish to place unique bets. For example, you might use the proposition area to predict that the shooter rolls an 8 as a pair of 4s. This is called a hardaway bet. The proposition area belongs to the dealer, so don't interfere with it if you wish to bet. Put your chip on the table, then alert the dealer that you wish to bet. | Win money by betting on what numbers are rolled on a pair of dice. Place a bet on the pass line to play during the come-out roll. Play the point if no one wins or loses on the come-out roll. Place a come bet if the come-out roll has already happened. Start with conservative, basic bets when you begin playing. Roll the dice across the table when the stickperson hands them to you. Identify the casino personnel operating the craps table. Stand behind the pass line when approaching the table. Get some chips at the table before you play. Cheer for other players at the table as they roll. Ask the dealers to help you place bets in off-limits spots on the table. Memorize the odds to increase your chances of winning. Master some of the common lingo to have an easier time betting. Use the field numbers to predict the next roll. Use the top row of numbers for a place bet. Lay chips below your pass line bet if you wish to make an odds bet. Make proposition bets in the middle of the table. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-Aloe-Vera | How to Eat Aloe Vera | To eat aloe vera, start by cutting the leaves into 3-4 inch sections. Then, cut off the spiky side and the flat green skin from each section, which you don't want to eat. Once you've removed the skins, use a spoon to scoop the gel out and store it in a container, which you can use as a lotion later. After you've removed the gel, wash the remaining plant to get rid of any dirt and debris. If you don't want to eat the plant raw, try blending it into a smoothie or adding chunks to your favorite salad. | Use aloe vera from a supermarket. Not all aloe vera is safe to eat. Aloe vera you grow yourself as a houseplant is not meant to be eaten. Instead, purchase large aloe vera leaves in the produce section of a supermarket. Not all supermarkets carry aloe vera plants. You may have to go to an organic grocery store to find aloe vera. Cut the leaves into sections. Use a sharp knife to make a series of horizontal cuts down your leaf. The sections should be about three to four inches (about eight to 10 centimeters) in width. Cut off the spiky side. One side of your aloe vera plant will have a spiky edge. After cutting your leaf into sections, cut the spiky end off each section. It's only necessary to cut off the spiked portions, so don't cut too much off the side of your plant. Slice off the green skin on the flat side. One side of your aloe vera will be flatter than the other. Gently run your knife along the flatter side, scraping off the green layer of skin. Scrape off enough green that you get to the translucent layer of the skin just underneath the green surface. Remove the gel. A clear gel is found just inside the aloe vera plan. Set the aloe vera on its side and use a spoon to scoop out any gel inside the leaves. Transfer the gel to a separate container, such as a Tupperware dish. You can consume the gel or discard it. If you don't want to eat or drink the gel, you can save it to use as a lotion, shaving cream, or for other topical uses. Wash the plant. Just like any plant, aloe vera should be washed before you eat it. Rinse your aloe vera under the faucet to remove any dirt and debris. You should also make sure to wash off any gel that seeped onto the side of plants. This way, your aloe vera won't be sticky. If you plan to eat the aloe vera with the skin on, soak it for about 10 minutes in water. This can help soften the skin, making the plant easier to eat. Cut the aloe vera as needed for your recipe. After cutting and soaking your aloe vera, you can cut it however you need for the dish you're making. For something like a salad, you may not need to cut it further. If you're using it as a garnish, or adding it to something like salsa, you may need to dice your aloe vera. Eat the plants raw. Aloe vera has a mild flavor. You can simply eat the leaves on their own as a snack between meals. If you want, you can also dip aloe vera in things like hummus and veggie dip. Drink the gel on its own. Some research indicates aloe vera gel may help with digestion and aid in weight loss. It may also help with chronic diseases like diabetes and irritable bowel syndrome. As aloe vera juice has no taste, you can simply drink it straight. However, the research for aloe vera juice's effect on health is not conclusive. You should talk to your doctor about any chronic health issues, such as diabetes, or if you notice any unusual changes, such as constipation. Add aloe vera to a smoothie. Aloe vera can add some texture to a smoothie and may also boost a smoothie's overall health. You can add aloe vera gel into a smoothie or add the chopped up aloe vera leaves. Make salsa with aloe vera. You can add aloe vera to a blender, alongside ingredients like tomatoes, cilantro, sea salt, lime juice, and garlic. Blend the mixture together until you have a thin paste. This will make a delicious salsa to serve on tacos or eat with tortilla chips. If you want a spicy salsa, you can also throw in things like habanero or jalapeño peppers. Add aloe vera leaves to a salad. Chopped aloe vera leaves can be mixed into to any salad. This can add a little extra crunch and possibly boost a dish's nutrition. Aloe vera does not have a strong taste, so adding chopped aloe vera should not affect a dish's flavor. Cease use if you notice side effects. Not everyone can safely eat aloe vera. Some people experience an allergic reaction marked by cramps or a skin rash. If you notice any side effects, stop consuming aloe vera and make an appointment with your doctor for evaluation. Talk to your healthcare provider before introducing supplements. Aloe vera is sometimes consumed in supplement form. Aloe vera supplements are often used to treat ailments such as constipation. However, you should never add a supplement to your diet without consulting your doctor first to make sure it's safe given your current health and any existing medications. Keep the gel away from deep wounds. If you don't plan to eat aloe vera gel, it's safe for topical use for mild skin irritation or to target things like acne. However, very deep wounds should be treated medically. Applying aloe vera gel to deep wounds can cause a bad reaction and possibly worsen injuries. | Use aloe vera from a supermarket. Cut the leaves into sections. Cut off the spiky side. Slice off the green skin on the flat side. Remove the gel. Wash the plant. Cut the aloe vera as needed for your recipe. Eat the plants raw. Drink the gel on its own. Add aloe vera to a smoothie. Make salsa with aloe vera. Add aloe vera leaves to a salad. Cease use if you notice side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider before introducing supplements. Keep the gel away from deep wounds. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Meat-Thermometer | How to Use a Meat Thermometer | To use an instant-read meat thermometer, cook the meat for the minimum recommended time, then insert the thermometer into it for about 10 to 15 seconds to get a reading. However, if you have an oven-safe thermometer, insert the probe about 2 inches into the thickest part of the meat before you begin cooking it. For an accurate reading, avoid bone, fat, or gristle, and consider going in from the side if you're cooking something thin, like a hamburger. When it's almost the end of the cooking time, check the thermometer to ensure your food has reached its recommended minimum safe temperature. While most meats only need to be brought up to 145 degrees Fahrenheit to kill bacteria, make sure poultry reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and ground meats are cooked to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. | Use an instant-read thermometer for the most accurate reading. Instant-read thermometers work in about 10-15 seconds, but they're not intended to go in the oven. To use one of these, cook the meat for the minimum recommended time, then insert the instant-read thermometer to gauge whether or not the food is finished cooking. Instant-read thermometers are typically more accurate than leave-in models. Place an oven-safe thermometer into the food before you cook it. Oven-safe thermometers are made so that you can leave them in the food while it cooks. This makes it easy to check the temperature throughout the cooking process. Oven-safe thermometers are especially helpful if you're roasting a large piece of meat, like a roast or a whole turkey. Locate the thickest part of the meat. Whether you're using an instant-read or an oven-safe thermometer, you should always take the temperature of the thickest part of the meat. That's because this is the part that takes the longest to cook, so once it's reached a safe temperature, the rest of the meat should be cooked as well. In a whole chicken or turkey, for instance, the thickest part of the meat would be the breast or the thigh. Try to find a spot that's away from bone, fat, or gristle, as these could lead to an inaccurate reading. You may have to go in from the side if you're taking the temperature of a thinner item like a hamburger or a chicken breast. Insert the probe about 2 in (5.1 cm) or to the indicator mark. Meat thermometers can either have a round temperature dial or a digital temperature display. If you're using a dial-style instant-read thermometer, or either a digital or dial-style leave-in thermometer, you'll need to push the probe at least 2 in (5.1 cm) into the food to get an accurate reading. Most digital instant-read thermometers only need to be inserted about ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm). Look for an indicator mark, like a small notch, on the probe. This will be how deep you need to push in the thermometer. Wait 15-20 seconds before reading an instant-read thermometer. Check the temperature near the end of the cooking time. Once the food has had plenty of time to come up to temperature, check your thermometer. If the food hasn't reached the recommended minimum safe temperature, return it to the heat and let it cook for another 5 minutes or so, then check again. Food will often continue cooking once it's removed from the heat. If you're only a couple of degrees away, your food may come up to temperature while it's resting. Remove the food from the heat if it's ready. Fill a cup with ice water and let it sit for 5 minutes. Place as much ice as you can fit into a small glass, then add a little water from your tap. You don't need much water—once the ice starts to float a little, you have enough water. By letting the water sit, the ice will have time to chill the water. However, 5 minutes won't be enough time for the ice to melt, so the temperature of the water should be stable at 32 °F (0 °C). Place the thermometer stem into the water for 30 seconds. Once the water has had time to chill, place just the thermometer stem down into the ice water. If there is one, make sure the notch on the probe is completely covered with the water. Hold the thermometer to make sure it doesn't touch the sides or bottom of the cup, since this could throw off the reading. Adjust the calibrator if the gauge doesn't read 32 °F (0 °C). Many thermometers have a dial or screw on the back that you can use to adjust the gauge. You may need a wrench to make this adjustment, or you may be able to do it by hand. If your thermometer doesn't have a calibrator, you need to replace it if the gauge is wrong. Ensure poultry reaches 165 °F (74 °C). In order to prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses like salmonella, all poultry needs to be cooked to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C). However, you can cook it higher than that if you want if you prefer your poultry more well-done. To ensure large birds get completely cooked, you may want to cook them until the thigh reaches a temperature of 180 °F (82 °C). This will typically mean that the rest of the meat is cooked as well. Cook any ground meat to 160 °F (71 °C). Ground meats, such as ground beef, pork, or lamb, need to be cooked to a temperature of 160 °F (71 °C). That's because if there was any bacteria on the surface of the meat, the grinding process could have mixed it in. To ensure the bacteria is fully killed, the meat needs to be cooked to a well-done temperature all the way through. If the ground meat is poultry, defer to the minimum safe temperature for poultry, which is 165 °F (74 °C). Bring beef, pork, lamb, and veal up to a temp of 145 °F (63 °C). These meats can typically be cooked to a slightly lower temperature. At 145 °F (63 °C), any bacteria on the surface of the meat has been killed, making the food safe to eat. This will produce a medium-rare cook on the meat. Many people prefer their pork cooked to a well-done temperature of 160 °F (71 °C). Fish, shellfish, and ham should all also be cooked to at least 145 °F (63 °C). | Use an instant-read thermometer for the most accurate reading. Place an oven-safe thermometer into the food before you cook it. Locate the thickest part of the meat. Insert the probe about 2 in (5.1 cm) or to the indicator mark. Check the temperature near the end of the cooking time. Fill a cup with ice water and let it sit for 5 minutes. Place the thermometer stem into the water for 30 seconds. Adjust the calibrator if the gauge doesn't read 32 °F (0 °C). Ensure poultry reaches 165 °F (74 °C). Cook any ground meat to 160 °F (71 °C). Bring beef, pork, lamb, and veal up to a temp of 145 °F (63 °C). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-a-Middle-School-Boy-Likes-You | How to Know if a Middle School Boy Likes You | Although knowing if a middle school boy likes you can be tricky, there are some signs you can watch out for, like him looking at you all the time or smiling a lot when you're around him. He might also lean in or touch your arm in the middle of your conversations. Also, pay attention to how he talks to you. If he teases you playfully, slips in subtle compliments, or brags about himself, it might mean he's into you! Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure is to ask, or if you're shy, have a friend ask for you. | See if you catch him looking at you all the time. Glance at the guy during class, when you pass in the halls, or when you see him at lunch. If he's looking back at you most of the time, it could be a sign that he's attracted to you. If he looks away quickly when you make eye contact, this could be an even bigger hint that he likes you but might be feeling shy about it. Look at him and see if he smiles at you. If you notice him looking at you, make eye contact and give him a small smile. If he grins back or even makes a funny face, it could be a sign that he's interested. You could even try to mouth something at him, like “Stop it!” or “You're so weird,” to see if he laughs or tries to say something back. If you're ready to try some playful flirting, glance at him and then away, then look back again with a smile. A guy that likes you will definitely be excited when you're around, but he might try to hide it. Watch closely but carefully—you don't want him to catch you staring, either! Pay attention to the way he tries to touch you. If a guy likes you, he'll take any excuse to make physical contact. See if he pushes your arm teasingly when he makes a joke, nudges you to get your attention, plays with your hair, or brushes your shoulder when you walk by. These are subtle ways to show you that he wants to get a little closer! If a guy likes you, he'll try to touch you in friendly, comfortable ways. If anything he does hurts you or makes you feel uncomfortable, tell him to stop or get an adult's help. Look at how he sits and holds his shoulders. The next time you talk to the guy, pay attention to the way he places his body. If he likes you, he might be leaning back with his shoulders square and facing you with his whole body. He could also be leaning in towards you or even slouching down a bit, which is a sign that he wants to get closer! See if he tries to get closer to you or look stronger, like by crossing his arms or standing with his feet shoulder-width apart. Looking at body language can be a great way to see if a guy likes you, especially if he's more shy and reserved. See if he gets jealous when you talk to other guys. When he sees you talking to another guy, does he tense up and close off, or even walk away? That might mean he's not focusing on his conversation anymore, because he's distracted by you. On the other hand, he might start talking louder or doing things to try to get your attention back on him. He might try to hide his jealousy, but if you look carefully at his body language, you'll be able to tell that he's feeling tense or upset. Don't rely on this strategy too often, especially if you like him back—he might get discouraged and think you're not interested. Even if you don't like him that way, try not to play with his feelings by making him jealous. Notice if he goes out of his way to talk to you. Does he walk across the classroom or the cafeteria just to say hi? Does he pick you as a partner in class or always want to be in your study groups? If he's making a big effort to spend time with you and talk to you, he could be interested! This is an especially big sign if he doesn't make these efforts with other people. If he's treating you a little differently and talks to you more than other people, he probably likes you. Even a shy guy might make more of an effort to talk to you. See if he hovers around your group at lunchtime, or even does something as simple as saying hi in the halls. See if he teases you when you’re talking. If he pokes fun at you in a light, playful tone, he's not trying to be mean—he may actually be flirting with you. Pay attention to whether he's sarcastic or teasing more than with other people. These playful jokes and challenges could mean that he likes you. For example, he could say something like, “Why are you so mean to me?” or “You're such a weirdo!” You should be able to tell by his tone and expression that he just wants your attention, and isn't actually trying to hurt your feelings. He might also try to tease or flirt with you by starting fake, playful fights, like over a pencil or the last sheet of paper in a stack. His jokes and teasing should always be light-hearted, and you should be able to easily tell that he's kidding. If it starts to hurt your feelings or make you feel bad, ask him to stop or tell an adult. Start a conversation and see if he asks questions about you. If a guy likes you, he'll want to know as much about you as he can. Start a conversation with him at lunch or during class and bring up something you've done lately, like a vacation or a project. See if he responds positively or wants to know more—this could be a sign that he's interested in you! For example, you could say something like, “We just got back from skiing yesterday and I'm so tired.” See if he asks you questions about where you went skiing, how it was, who you went with, or anything else. He might try to act cool by pretending like he doesn't care, but he might still try to subtly get answers by saying something like, “That's cool. I heard the snow's really good this year, right?” See if he tries to show off when he talks to you. If a guy likes you, he might try to brag a little to get you interested in him, too. Pay attention to the way he talks about himself and whether he's playing up his accomplishments, especially in things he knows you like. For example, he might say something like, “Yeah, I'm on the soccer team. We're pretty good this year…”, then wait for you to ask more questions so he has a chance to brag a little. If he knows you like science, he might say something like, “I went to that natural science museum once. They let me up into the anti-gravity room, and they barely ever open that up to people.” Listen for compliments he drops into conversation. When a guy likes you, he might try to show his interest by giving you subtle compliments. Listen closely for these, since they might be more hidden. He'll be using them to show that he thinks you're cool, and to make you feel good around him. For example, he might say something like, “You're like the star on the swim team, right?” or “I don't usually like art, but your paintings are pretty cool.” His compliments might also be more teasing, like, “You got 100% on that math quiz, right? What a nerd…” Check if he follows you on social media and interacts with you there. If a guy follows you on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, or anywhere else, it could be a sign that he likes you. If he likes and comments your posts or sends you private messages, that's an even bigger sign! For example, he might comment on a picture from your vacation with something like “Take me next time, ok??” He might also send you funny pictures or videos, which shows that he's thinking of you and things you might like, even when you're not together. Ask your friend to tell him that you like him. If you want to know for sure if he likes you but it feels too awkward or scary to ask him yourself yet, ask one of your close friends to do it for you. If even that is too intimidating, have them ask one of his friends. You could say something like, “Josh keeps looking at me all the time! Can you please just ask if he likes me?” Make sure you tell them exactly how you want them to ask. It could be more subtle, like “Hey, I've heard that you like Danielle, is it true?”, or playful, like “You like Jordan, right? Please tell me you do! That would be so cute.” Have the conversation yourself if you feel close enough to him. If you feel like you know him well enough or you just don't want other people interfering, you could ask him yourself if he's interested in you. Make sure you get him at a time when you're alone together, so he doesn't feel awkward or pressured. Asking him on your own can be scary, but you can also control the conversation and make sure that you don't have any misunderstandings. Ask what his ideal type is, and see if it sounds like you. If you want to start the conversation off in a subtle way, ask him casually what his ideal person to date is like. If that person sounds similar to you, it could be an indication that he's actually interested in you. You could say something like, “This is so random, but what would your perfect girlfriend be like?” or “If you could design your perfect guy, what would he be like?” If he tries to evade the question, it could mean that he doesn't want to describe his ideal type too closely, in case it sounds like you. He could also be shy. In this case, try asking him more directly if he likes you or not. Tell him why you think he might like you, then ask if he does. If you're ready to ask in a more direct way, take a deep breath and look right at him. Explain that you've been noticing the way he acts around you and it seems like he might like you. Then, ask him if you're right. For example, you could say, “So, I've been noticing lately how you're always hanging out with me and teasing me, and it's more than you do with anyone else. Maybe this sounds crazy or weird, but I really want to know if you like me or not.” This can be scary, but it's the best way to get everything out in the open and figure out once and for all if he's interested. Be brave and go for it! Be honest with him if he says yes. If he tells you that he does like you, it's your turn to be honest with him. If you feel the same way, tell him so—he'll probably be excited! Just keep it simple: smile and tell him that you like him too. You could say something like, “Well, I like you too,” or “That's really awesome to hear, because I feel the same way.” If you're not interested, try saying, “That's really sweet of you. I think you're awesome, but I just don't feel like that about you.” Keep your head up if he says no. If he says no, you might feel awkward or bad about yourself—even if you didn't like him back, it still may not feel great. Nod and tell him that you just wanted to know, then try to change the subject. If it's too awkward, politely make an excuse and leave. For example, you could say, “Oh, OK. That's fine, I'm not mad or anything. I just really needed to know, you know?” You could change the subject by saying, “I was just thinking it because of that movie that just came out, have you seen it?” If you feel like you need to leave, say something like, “OK, well, thanks for being honest. My mom's about to pick me up, so I gotta go, but I don't want this to make things weird between us, OK?” If you like him, it can hurt to know that he doesn't return your feelings. Be proud of yourself for having the courage to ask him, and remember that your feelings will change eventually, and that his could too. | See if you catch him looking at you all the time. Look at him and see if he smiles at you. Pay attention to the way he tries to touch you. Look at how he sits and holds his shoulders. See if he gets jealous when you talk to other guys. Notice if he goes out of his way to talk to you. See if he teases you when you’re talking. Start a conversation and see if he asks questions about you. See if he tries to show off when he talks to you. Listen for compliments he drops into conversation. Check if he follows you on social media and interacts with you there. Ask your friend to tell him that you like him. Have the conversation yourself if you feel close enough to him. Ask what his ideal type is, and see if it sounds like you. Tell him why you think he might like you, then ask if he does. Be honest with him if he says yes. Keep your head up if he says no. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buddy-Tape-Fingers | How to Buddy Tape Fingers | To buddy tape your fingers, first wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Extend your injured finger along with the biggest finger adjacent to it and hold both fingers together. Then, peel off the end of some non-stretch medical tape and wrap it around both of your fingers at the base. If you don't have medical tape, you can use self-adherent wrap, electrical tape, or long rubber bandages instead. Wrap the tape tightly enough that it's secure but not so tight that you feel throbbing in your fingers. Continue wrapping the tape up to the tips of your fingers, then rip the tape off the roll and press the ripped end down. Remember to change your tape out every day. Follow up with a doctor if your finger injury doesn't resolve itself within 2-3 days. | Identify the injured finger. Fingers are very susceptible to injury and even breaking when exposed to blunt trauma, such as getting them caught in doors or jammed while playing contact sports. In most cases, it's obvious which finger is injured (the one that hurts the most), but sometimes you need to examine your hand and fingers closely to better understand the injury. Signs of mild-to-moderate musculoskeletal injuries include redness, swelling, inflammation, localized pain, bruising, reduced motion, and maybe some degree of crookedness if your finger is dislocated or fractured. Buddy taping can be used on most finger injuries, even some stress (hairline) fractures, although more serious displaced fractures usually need splinting, casting, or surgery. Small stress fractures, bone chips, contusions (bruises), and joint sprains are not considered serious issues, but severely crushed fingers (mangled and bleeding) or displaced compound fractures (bleeding with bone sticking out of the skin) require immediate medical care, especially if the thumb is involved. Decide which fingers to tape together. Once you've established which finger is injured, you need to decide which adjacent finger to buddy tape it to. In general, try to tape fingers together that are closest in length. The index finger and second finger are usually paired for buddy taping and fingers three and four are usually best taped together. Your thumb, due to its location and range of motion, can't be buddy taped to the index finger, so it's often splinted or casted when severely sprained or broken. In addition, make sure the "buddy" finger is uninjured, because taping two injured fingers together may create more problems. If your third finger (ring finger) is injured, you have the option of buddy taping it to the second or fourth finger. Choose the finger most equal in length, but for the most stability, the ring finger should be buddy-taped to the middle finger. Prepare your fingers for taping. Once you've decided on which two fingers to buddy tape together, prepare your finger for taping. Start by washing your hands with soap and water, and then specifically clean the fingers to be taped with alcohol wipes. The alcohol in the wipes (isopropyl alcohol) is not only a good antiseptic, but it also gets rid of any oily or greasy residues that might prevent the tape from sticking to your skin. Use a hypoallergenic or low-irritant wrap underneath the tape if you have especially sensitive skin. If alcohol wipes are not available, the next best alternative is simple soap and water. Tape your fingers together. Once you've cleaned and prepared the fingers, take some non-stretch medical, surgical, or athletic tape (about an inch wide) and tape your injured finger to the uninjured one — perhaps using a figure-eight pattern for more stability. Be careful not to bind the fingers too tightly together, because you might create additional swelling and may even cut off the circulation, causing tissue death (necrosis). The taping should be secure enough that both of your fingers move together. Check that there is no numbness, throbbing, color change, or loss of sensation in either finger after the taping. Be cautious buddy taping fingers together if you have diabetes, circulation problems, or peripheral arterial disease, because any significant reduction in blood circulation (from taping too tight) increases the risk of necrosis. Consider placing a thin strip of padding foam or cotton gauze between the fingers for comfort, protection and prevention of skin abrasions and/or blisters. Keep in mind that your risk of bacterial infection significantly increases with blistering and abrasions on the surface of the skin. Materials used for binding fingers include non-stretch medical/surgical paper tape, self-adherent wrap, electrical tape, small Velcro wraps and rubber bandages. To provide more support (beneficial for dislocated fingers) use a wooden or metal splint along with the tape. Popsicle sticks also work pretty well, just make sure there are no sharp edges that can dig into your skin. Follow up with a doctor for an evaluation. If an injury is serious enough to warrant taping, it is serious enough to be evaluated. Once your finger is stabilized, you should see a health care provider for a more comprehensive examination. You will likely need an X-ray to make sure you do not have a severe fracture or other damage. Use the buddy taping method in a pinch until you can seek medical care, but don't use it as a substitute for seeking medical attention. If you are in pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help. Try acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Change the tape regularly. If your fingers are initially taped by your doctor or another healthcare professional, then they likely used water-resistant tape so that it's safe to wash your hands and shower at least once. As a general guideline, however, be prepared to re-tape your fingers on a daily basis, particularly if you shower or wash your hands frequently. Wet or moist tape and dressings promote the growth of bacteria and mold, which gives off an unpleasant odor and increases the risk of a skin infection. Care should be taken when removing tape to avoid injury aggravation or skin damage. Use blunt-nosed scissors to cut the tape and then remove it slowly. If your injured finger hurts more after re-taping it, remove the tape and start over, but make sure it's a little looser. This is also a sign that you should seek medical advice. Your injured finger, depending on severity, may need to be buddy-taped for up to four weeks to properly heal, so you'll likely become very experienced at re-taping it. Check for signs of infection. This step is very important. Before reapplying the tape on a regular basis, check your fingers and the rest of your hand for any signs of skin irritation or infection. Abrasions, blisters and calluses increase the likelihood of a skin infection, so clean and dry your fingers thoroughly before re-taping them. Use soap and water to cleanse your hands. Signs of a localized skin infection include local swelling, redness, throbbing pain, and discharge of pus, which may emit an unpleasant odor. It's important to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a skin infection. Be vigilant for signs of necrosis. As mentioned above, necrosis is a type of tissue death caused by a lack of blood and oxygen. An injured finger, particularly a dislocation or fracture, may already involve damaged blood vessels, so you have to be extra careful when buddy taping not to cut off circulation to the fingers. If you unintentionally do, then your fingers will likely start to throb with achy pain and turn dark red, then dark blue. Most tissue can survive without oxygen for a couple of hours (at most), but it's important to carefully observe your fingers within 30 minutes or so of taping to make sure they are getting enough blood. Diabetics often have less feeling in their hands (and feet) and tend to have poor circulation. Diabetics should avoid buddy taping and get evaluated by a doctor, as the risk of infection is significant. If necrosis does occur in the fingers, then bacterial infection can occur quickly. Untreated bacterial infections may turn gangrenous and may require amputation surgery so the infections won't spread. If you experienced an open compound finger fracture (bone protrudes through the skin), your doctor may recommend a two-week course of oral antibiotics to deter a bacterial infection. Don't tape a severely fractured finger. Although most finger injuries respond well to buddy taping, some are beyond its scope. For example, when fingers are crushed and completely shattered (termed a comminuted fracture) or fractured such that the bones radically misalign and stick out through the skin (termed an open compound fracture), then no amount of taping is helpful and it shouldn't even be considered. Instead, with serious and unstable fractures, you need to get to an emergency department quickly for more appropriate medical care (likely an invasive surgical procedure). On the other hand, small hairline (stress) fractures are stable and appropriate to tape until you can see a healthcare provider. Common symptoms of a severely broken finger include: intense sharp pain, swelling, stiffness, and usually immediate bruising due to internal bleeding. Likely your finger will look somewhat crooked and it will very difficult to make a fist or grab something heavy without severe pain. Broken fingers can be related to conditions that weaken bone, such as cancer (bone tumors), local infections, osteoporosis (brittle bones), or chronic diabetes. | Identify the injured finger. Decide which fingers to tape together. Prepare your fingers for taping. Tape your fingers together. Follow up with a doctor for an evaluation. Change the tape regularly. Check for signs of infection. Be vigilant for signs of necrosis. Don't tape a severely fractured finger. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sow-Grass-Seed | How to Sow Grass Seed | Before you sow grass seed, weed the area, loosen the soil to a depth of 3 inches, and remove any rocks, roots, or debris. Next, rake the freshly tilled soil, add 2 inches of aged compost to it, and pack the soil with your feet or a lawn roller. Once the soil is ready, sprinkle fertilizer on the area for added nutrients, then spread 12 to 16 grass seeds per square inch. After you spread the seeds, use a rake to cover them with a thin layer of soil, and pack the soil again with your foot or a weighted mower. Finally, spread ¼ inch of mulch over the entire area. | Choose the right time of year. The best times of year to plant grass are in the fall and spring. Early fall is perfect because there's enough sunlight and the ground is still warm enough to start germination, but it's not so hot that the seeds will dry out. Fall typically gets more rain, which is important for freshly sown grass. Spring is also a good time to sow grass, but it's important to sow in early spring, before the weather becomes too hot and before people and pets start walking on the lawn. Pick a suitable seed. There are thousands of types of grass available that you could grow in your yard. To decide which is best, you'll have to consider the time of year you're planting, your climate, how much daylight your yard gets, and how much precipitation falls where you live. If you're planting in the spring, opt for a warm-season grass, such as Bermuda, centipede, or carpetgrass. If you're planting in the fall, choose a cool-season grass, such as bentgrass, bluegrass, or ryegrass. You need to visit a local garden store and talk to a specialist about the best grasses for your region. It is very important to make sure the grass you pick will do well in your climate. You can also check the seed packages for information. Weed the area. Before you sow the grass seeds, it is important to make sure that the area is weed-free. Take some time to inspect the area for weeds and pull up any that you find. Dig or till the area. In the area where you want to grow the grass, use a shovel or tiller to turn over and loosen the soil to a depth of three inches (7.6 cm). Remove any rocks, roots, sticks, or other debris that you come across. The purpose of tilling or digging is to loosen the soil, aerate the land, and break up clumps. Make sure there are no clumps of soil larger than a quarter. Rake and amend the soil. Go over the freshly tilled area with a rake to spread out the soil, level off the area, and smooth the surface of the plot. As you rake, amend the soil with two inches (five cm) of aged compost to add nutrients to the area. Use the rake to work the compost into the soil and distribute it evenly throughout the plot. Amending the soil with organic matter will also provide the ideal soil structure. It doesn't matter if your soil is too sandy or too clay-like to start, because the matter will make sandy soil more moisture-retentive, and will loosen clay-like soils. The ideal soil pH for grass is between 6.0 and 7.5. You can purchase pH testing kits for soil at most garden and home stores. To lower the pH, add some sulfur to the soil as you rake. Granular sulfur is easy to find and used regularly for soil amendment. Depending on the original pH of your soil, you may need anywhere from one to seven pounds (two to seven kg) of sulfur per 100 square feet. Check the directions for specific quantities. To increase the pH, amend the soil with lime. Granular limestone is widely accessible and easy to use. Depending on the original pH reading, you could need anywhere between 20 and 100 pounds (9 to 45 kg) of limestone per 1,000 square feet. Check the instructions for specific amounts. Firm the soil. Before you can sow the grass seeds, you need to pack down the soil a little so the seeds and soil won't just blow away in the wind. Go over the entire area with a weighted lawn roller. This will firm down the soil, break up any remaining clumps, and provide you with a flat and even surface for planting. Lawn rollers can be rented or purchased from most garden and home stores. You can also use your own body weight to firm the soil. Simply walk over the entire surface of the garden where you'll be planting. Walk with one foot directly in front of the other to make sure you pack down every inch of soil. Spread fertilizer. It's important to feed and seed grass on the same day, so amend the soil with additional nutrients before you sow. There are plenty of starter fertilizers available specifically for grass and turf, and these have high phosphorous quantities to help seedlings grow. You can either spread the fertilizer by hand for small areas, or with a spreader for larger areas. Check the manufacturer's instructions regarding how much fertilizer to use based on the amount of land you're sowing. Make sure the soil conditions are right. The soil needs to be just right before you sow the seeds. It should be moist, but not muddy. If the soil is muddy, then wait for it to dry out a little before planting the seeds. If the soil is dry and crusty, then water it a bit to moisten it. Spread the seeds. For smaller areas, you can spread the seed by hand, but use a spreader for larger areas. The amount of seed you'll need will depend on the size of the area, the type of grass, and your climate, but the average is between 12 and 16 seeds per square inch (2.5 cm by 2.5 cm). To sew by hand, spread half the seed in one direction (horizontally) and the other half of the seed in the opposite direction (vertically) to ensure full coverage. If you're using a spreader, set the equipment to the proper rate for sowing seeds. Rake in the seeds. When you've spread the seeds, use a rake to gently go over the surface of the plot to spread the seeds around and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Don't bury the seeds more than one-quarter inch (6.4 mm) deep, or they won't germinate. Go over the area with a roller. When the seeds have been buried, go over the area with the lawn roller again to gently pack down the soil. This will ensure the seeds are firmly planted in the soil, and prevent them from blowing away. The roller only needs to be one-fourth full to provide enough weight to pack the seeds. Add a layer of mulch. Mulch will protect the grass seeds, prevent them from blowing away, stop weeds from growing in the area, and help keep the soil moist. Spread about one-quarter inch (6.4 mm) of mulch over the entire area. Good options include peat moss, straw, compost, or steer manure. Make sure the mulch is a weed-free variety. Water frequently in the beginning and then less as the grass grows. When you first plant the grass and the seedlings are starting to grow, provide them with enough water to keep them moist but not wet. Then, as the seedlings establish themselves, back off on how much water you provide. When you first plant, water the seeds three times daily with a light misting of water. Don't allow the soil to become so wet that puddles form. After the seeds germinate, water only twice a day. When the grass reaches the height of one inch (2.5 cm), reduce watering to once a day. When the grass is fully established and you've started mowing regularly, reduce the watering schedule to one inch (2.5 cm) per week. Feed the grass. Six weeks after sowing, fertilize the grass again to help it develop strong roots. Look for a turf building fertilizer that's designed specifically for grass. You can either fertilize by hand or with a spreader. Don't fertilize the grass after November, as it should be entering a dormant state during late fall and winter. If you planted too late in the season, wait until next spring to fertilize. After the first year, fertilize the grass once every spring and again in the fall. Mow when the grass is established. When the grass reaches a height of three inches (7.6 cm), mow the grass. Set the blades so they take off no more than an inch from the top. Any more and you may encourage weed growth. Depending on when you planted your grass, you may not have to mow until the following growing season. For the first few times that you mow, don't cut the grass down by more than one-third of its height. Mow the lawn when the grass and soil are dry to avoid tearing up the turf. Weed the area. Grass doesn't like to compete with weeds, especially newly established grass. You can weed by hand to control most weeds. If you're going to use a chemical weed control, wait until you've mowed at least four times before treating the lawn. Using a chemical weed control on grass that's too young can kill the grass as well as the weeds. Avoid heavy foot traffic. Although the grass will be established about 10 weeks after planting, it will take an entire season before it's hearty enough to withstand heavy foot traffic. Don't let animals, kids, or adults play in the area with the newly planted grass until the following spring and summer season. | Choose the right time of year. Pick a suitable seed. Weed the area. Dig or till the area. Rake and amend the soil. Firm the soil. Spread fertilizer. Make sure the soil conditions are right. Spread the seeds. Rake in the seeds. Go over the area with a roller. Add a layer of mulch. Water frequently in the beginning and then less as the grass grows. Feed the grass. Mow when the grass is established. Weed the area. Avoid heavy foot traffic. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cope-With-Romantic-Feelings-for-Your-Roommate | How to Cope With Romantic Feelings for Your Roommate | Having romantic feelings for your roommate can be awkward, so you should try to get some space to consider your options. Spend lots of time outside of your apartment hanging out with friends or working on a hobby. That way, you can ensure that your feelings don't overwhelm you. Try to treat your roommate in the same way as before, like talking to them as normal, since they may think something is wrong if you start behaving differently. If you decide to confess your feelings, offer to move out as well so they don't feel pressured to live in the same space as you. Give them time and space to respond, and respect their answer. | Give yourself a cooling off period. It may be that you are feeling grateful and happy that you have a roommate that you can share living space and expenses with, as well as a good friend that you can confide in. If you give yourself a month or two to just let those feelings be, you may find that they dissipate back to feelings of friendliness. Think about the reasons you want to date your roommate. What is it about them that you find attractive? Do you have the same values and beliefs? If you have legitimate reasons for wanting to date them, that's one thing. On the other hand, if you just like the thought of having someone who's always there physically and emotionally, then it's probably not a good idea. Fight the urge to confess all. You may have the urge to simply tell them how you feel, and it may come to this eventually. However, at first, you really need to give yourself time to see where your feelings are coming from. If you do end up needing to tell them how you feel, then having taken the time to examine your feelings will mean that you can express yourself rationally and clearly. Don’t ignore your roommate. When we have a crush on someone, it can sometimes be difficult to talk to them without feeling like we are giving ourselves away. Try to keep everything as normal as possible. Keep up the same habits as you normally would, too. If you start behaving strangely, your roommate may think something is up, and they may even think that they have done something wrong. Remember that this step is not meant to be a long-term solution. Keeping things as normal as possible will give you time to think about your feelings and time to decide what to do without shaking things up, and forcing you to make rash decisions. Determine whether or not the feelings are mutual. What you end up doing about your feelings for your roommate should depend on whether or not you believe those feelings are mutual. Look for signs that your roommate has feelings for you. If you don't think the feelings are mutual, you may still end up wanting to tell them how you feel, but without hope that they might reciprocate. Be honest with yourself. When we have feelings for someone, we tend to see what we want to see. If it is unclear to you whether or not your roommate has feelings for you, chances are they don't. What is your roommate's body language telling you? When you talk, do they touch you a lot? For example, do they often laugh and touch your arm? When they talk to you do they give you their full attention, or do they talk to you without looking at you? A person who is interested will make a lot of eye contact, and will want to give you their full attention. Do they have a boyfriend or girlfriend, or do they have someone that they talk about a lot? If they are already in a relationship, it would be unfair of you to impose on that relationship. If they have a person they are constantly talking about or if they have told you that they are interested in someone else, then it is a pretty good sign that they're not interested. Figure out what your options are. This refers to your options in terms of moving out versus staying in the apartment. Can you afford to move out? Do you know where you will go? Could you find a new roommate if they choose to move out themselves? If you aren't able to afford moving out, it is probably best to keep your feelings to yourself, at least until you figure out where you will go. If you tell your roommate about your feelings, they may decide that they want to move out themselves. They might also ask you to move out. If you're convinced that you absolutely cannot keep your feelings to yourself, then you need to be prepared for this reality. Would you be able to afford your share of the rent for the remainder of the lease, in addition to a new apartment? If not, would you be able to find a suitable replacement roommate to take over your share of the rent? Create an exit plan. Whether or not you decide to tell your roommate about your feelings, it is a good idea to have an exit plan in the event your feelings begin to cause you stress and anguish. If you do decide to confess your feelings, having an exit plan is important because you will need to be clear that you are prepared to move out, it that is their desire. What is the housing situation like where you live? In some bigger cities, the rental market is very competitive, making finding an apartment extremely challenging and expensive. Know the reality of the situation, and how long it might realistically take you to find a new apartment. Ask to stay with a friend or with family. This might be an option for you if you will need a bit of time to find a new place, and if staying in the apartment will cause too much stress and awkwardness. If you can find a friend or family member to stay with for a few weeks, you will have some time to look for a new place, as well as some space to deal with your feelings. Contact the university housing department. If you live in university housing, you should contact them to see what your options are. This department is set up to make sure you have a good experience in your dorm, and they will probably be willing to help however they can if you explain the situation to them. You will need to be honest with them. Explain that you have developed romantic feelings for your roommate, and that you haven't decided what to do about those feelings yet, but that you want to be prepared to move out if necessary. Decide whether or not you need to leave. You may want to search for another place to live for several different reasons. If you have developed romantic feelings for your partner that aren't going away, consider finding a new place. If you tell your roommate about your feelings for them, and they reciprocate, then having your own space will give the new relationship the breathing room it needs to develop. If you tell your roommate about your feelings, and they don't feel the same, then moving out will give you space to move on, and avoid awkward encounters with them, and the people they may date in the future. If you don't tell them about your feelings, moving out will make it less awkward if you do decide to tell them. It will also give them space to think about how they feel about you. Give your roommate a reason why you’re leaving. If you have already confessed your feelings to them, then you can be honest about your reasons for moving out. If you haven't told them, you can still be honest by saying, “The truth is, that I've developed feelings for you, and I think it's best to move out so I can have some space to deal with them.” If you don't want to tell the truth, then make something up. If you want to remain in contact with them, and maybe move to the next level, then try to make them understand that it isn't anything to do with them. If you want to make up an excuse, you could say, for example, that you are having a hard time with the rent, and you found a cheaper place. You could use distance to work or school as an excuse, as well. If you can afford a place of your own, you could also say that you just want to have a space that is completely your own. Do this in person. If your roommate doesn't know you have feelings for them, they may be very surprised by your announcement. Try to be delicate, and avoid making them feel like it is their fault, if at all possible. Give your roommate a time frame. If you don't already have a place to go, then give yourself a deadline to be out of the apartment. Depending on where you live, and how difficult finding a new place is, this could range from weeks to months. This will also give them a chance to look for a new roommate, or move out themselves, if that's what they want to do. Be strict on this deadline. Tell your roommate by what date you will be out, so that they have time to find a new roommate too. Telling them the date will also keep you true to your decision. Stay on good terms with them. If you do move out, regardless of the circumstances, try to stay on good terms. It isn't your roommate's fault that you have developed feelings. This doesn't mean you have to stay in contact with them if it doesn't work out how you want, but you should try to avoid making them feel like they did something wrong. Learn to accept your platonic relationship. If, for whatever reason, you feel it is best to simply hide your feelings, then you'll need to accept that you will only ever be just friends. By doing this, you will be able to maintain your friendship and your living situation. Be aware though, that hiding your feelings for a long time may be painful and difficult for you to deal with. At some point, it is very likely that you will need to find another way to deal with your feelings. Either by confessing them, or by moving out to get some space. Remember that feelings are fleeting. It may take time, but eventually you will find someone else to be attracted to, or someone might come out and confess their feelings to you. Be patient with yourself. Don't blame your roommate. This will cause feelings of resentment. It isn't your roommates fault that you developed feelings for them, and it isn't your fault that you developed them. Don't be too hard on yourself, and don't be angry at your roommate. Simply try to accept that feelings have developed. If you do develop feelings of resentment that you can't cope with, then it may be time to consider moving out. Create a bit of distance. If you want to keep your feelings to yourself, it may be good to create a bit of distance between the two of you, which will give you time to cool off. However, don't try to create so much that it strains your relationship. For example, if you and your roommate always hang out alone together, try to bring some other people into the mix so that it isn't so intimate. Try to avoid doing things that feel “date” like. Don't go to the movies, dinner, or concerts alone together. This will only encourage your desire, and cause even more confusion. Maintain a life outside the apartment. Spend time with your own friends, or find a new hobby. Try finding a part-time job that will get you out of the house or spend more time studying in the library. Not only will engaging in activities outside the house be good for you, it will also help you put your feelings in perspective, and may even help you get over those feelings. You could try online dating to meet other people. Not only will you have something to do outside the apartment, you might meet someone who you find even more attractive than your roommate. Confess your feelings. You can do this by sitting them down and telling them straight out, or you can wait for a moment that feels like a way to do it more subtly. You can do this in person or over the phone, but avoid doing it via text message or email. Sending a text or email will leave you waiting in anguish in response. If they don't want to deal with it, they may even ignore it completely leaving you wondering if they received your message at all. When you confess your feelings, include an offer to move out. For example, you could say, “I want you you to know how I feel, and I also want you to know that I respect your space. If you don't feel comfortable living together anymore, I will move out, and I won't blame you at all.” If you want to tell them outright, ask if you can have dinner or lunch together outside the house (this will keep it more neutral for both of you). Tell them that you have something important to tell them, and that you hope that, regardless of the outcome, you can still be friends. Explain that it is important for you, and that you can figure out what to do about it together. Be prepared for the fact that they may not feel the same. If you'd rather wait for an opening, then wait for a time when your roommate is complaining about dating, and that everyone they meet is awful for one reason or another. Then say something like, “Why not give me a chance?”, at this point, they may think you are joking. Reassure them that you are serious, and maybe add something like, “I'd really like to take you out for a date.” Give them time and space to think. In either scenario, your roommate may say they need some time to think. Give them this time, and while they are mulling it over, try to keep it light and casual when you do see them. This way they can be sure that they can be honest about their feelings. Do your best to stay out of their way. Let your roommate know that you want to respect their need for time to think, and let them know you'll be spending a few days at so-and-so's house. If that's not possible, do your best to stay out of the apartment as much as possible, and when you are at home, try to stay in your room whenever possible. Be respectful of their answer. Hopefully, they won't make you wait too long for an answer, but be patient. You can hope that they will give you the response you want, but be prepared for the reality that they might reject you, and may even ask you to move out. Whatever they say, be respectful. If they feel the same, great! Congratulations! However, you now need to talk with your new lover about how you should proceed. Most importantly, whether or not you will remain roommates, or if one of you will move out. At this point, you should also talk about how you can deal with things in the (hopefully unlikely) event that it doesn't work out. If they don't feel the same, then be graceful. Don't yell or cry. Say something like, “That's too bad, but I understand.” If this happens, you need to figure out where you can get over your feelings while still living with them, or whether you need to move out. Either way, you should try to talk about the next steps with your roommate. If you do get rejected, try to remind yourself that at least now you know. You can at least feel the relief of having found out for sure. | Give yourself a cooling off period. Fight the urge to confess all. Don’t ignore your roommate. Determine whether or not the feelings are mutual. Figure out what your options are. Create an exit plan. Decide whether or not you need to leave. Give your roommate a reason why you’re leaving. Give your roommate a time frame. Stay on good terms with them. Learn to accept your platonic relationship. Create a bit of distance. Maintain a life outside the apartment. Confess your feelings. Give them time and space to think. Be respectful of their answer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Birthday-Cards | How to Write Birthday Cards | If you're wondering what to write in a birthday card, try wishing the person well for the year to come with something like “Wishing you a wonderful year full of great memories.” Alternatively, celebrate the year they've had if there was a major achievement or milestone. For example, you could say “Congratulations on graduating this year. Have a great birthday and all the best for your new career.” If you're close to the person, you should take a more personal approach by telling them how much they mean to you. To write a birthday message to your mother, for example, say something like “Thank you for being such a kind, generous, and inspiring mom.” You can also try sharing a specific memory, such as “I'll always treasure the memories of our shared holidays at the beach.” | Wish them well for the year to come. Birthday cards are a great chance to wish someone the best for the future. This is a great option for both close family and friends, and acquaintances. For example, “All the best for the year to come” or “Wishing you a wonderful year full of great memories.” Share what you love or appreciate about the recipient. This is a great way to make the card personal and sincere. Include traits that you love about the person and ways that they inspire you. Try to be as specific as you can, as this helps the card to feel more thoughtful. For example, “You are such a kind, generous, inspiring, and fun Mum” or “You are a wonderful friend and partner to me. I am inspired by the way that you love so selflessly.” Celebrate the year that they’ve had. Birthdays are a great chance to look back and reflect on the year that has passed. Celebrate any major achievements or milestones of the person, such as engagements, weddings, graduations, new jobs, or the birth of a child. For example, “Congratulations on graduating from college this year. All the best for your new career.” If the person has had a hard year, include something like “Congratulations on making it through a tough year.” Tell them how they make your life better. This is a wonderful way to make the person feel celebrated. Write a sentence or two about the ways that the recipient of the card adds value to your life. This is particularly meaningful for a partner, close friends, or family member. For your partner you could write, “Thanks for making my life more fun, exciting, and joyful. You make my life so rich.” Share a happy memory that you shared together. Good memories are wonderful to reflect on. Think about some of your favourite moments that you have shared and then write a short note reminiscing that memory. For example, “I really treasure all the memories of our shared holidays at the beach.” This is best for someone that you know well. Express your love in the card if you are giving it to your significant other. Take the opportunity to write a meaningful message about how much you love them and how your love for them grows each year. Include specific things you love about them to make the note more personal. For example, “I love you to the moon and back. My love for you increases every year. I'm so grateful to have such a kind, giving, and thoughtful partner.” Write in a kind and formal tone if the card is for a co-worker. Let your relationship with the recipient dictate how you write the card. If you have a professional working relationship with the person, use traditional birthday wishes, such as “Wishing you a happy birthday and a wonderful year to come.” ”Warm wishes” or “Best” are appropriate formal ways to sign off a card to a co-worker. Make a light-hearted joke about their age. The most common birthday jokes tend to be about getting old. For example, you could write “another year closer to receiving your seniors discount” or “Happy 20th! You're halfway to 40!” Avoid mentioning the person's age if you know they are sensitive about it. Also, try to stay away from jokes about death, as this will make some people uncomfortable. Share a funny memory that you and the recipient have together. This is a great way to add a personal touch to the card. Mention any funny personal jokes that you share or any amusing memories. For example, “Remember we dressed up as giraffes at Steve's jungle party. I often look back and laugh at that memory!” Write a funny pun. Think about the recipient's interests and write a relevant pun. For example, if the person likes golf, you could write, “I hope that your year to come is above par.” If the person likes to play rock music, you could say, “I hope your day rocks.” If you get stuck for puns, search online to get some inspiration. Look for a card with their age if they are celebrating a milestone birthday. Most gift stores stock cards with numbers on the front. These are especially popular for big birthdays, such as a 1st, 5th, 13th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th, and 90th. If you can't find the right card in store, consider making your own. Pick a card that reminds you of the recipient. Think about the interests of the person that you are buying the card for. For example, if they love animals, consider purchasing an animal card. Popular card designs include flowers, cars, movie characters, and sports. Purchase cards from a gift store, supermarket, or homeware store. Send an eCard if the recipient lives overseas. An eCard is a great free way to let someone know that you are thinking about them. Search online for an eCard that has a design that you like. Type a message to the person and then send it to their email. SmileBox, Blue Mountain, and ThousandWordCards are popular eCard vendors. | Wish them well for the year to come. Share what you love or appreciate about the recipient. Celebrate the year that they’ve had. Tell them how they make your life better. Share a happy memory that you shared together. Express your love in the card if you are giving it to your significant other. Write in a kind and formal tone if the card is for a co-worker. Make a light-hearted joke about their age. Share a funny memory that you and the recipient have together. Write a funny pun. Look for a card with their age if they are celebrating a milestone birthday. Pick a card that reminds you of the recipient. Send an eCard if the recipient lives overseas. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prank-Your-Friends | How to Prank Your Friends | To prank your friend, try taping an airhorn to a door handle or underneath their chair so it goes off when they use it. You could also tell them you're going to use your finger to draw their favorite fruit on the palm of their hand, and have them close their eyes and bring their hand up to their face to see if they can smell it. Then, lightly smack their hand into their nose. Additionally, if your computer is on the same network as your friend's, you can use a set of processes to repeatedly shut their computer down. | Know the goal of your prank. This prank uses a set of processes on your computer to signal the prankee's computer to shut down. You can even send a message to be displayed to the prankee to indicate how long he has until his computer remotely shuts down. You and the prankee will need to have computers that are somewhat recent and running Windows XP or newer. Windows version 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 should work with this prank. Verify the computer's are on the same network. For this prank to work, you'll need your computer and the prankee's computer to be on the same network. Depending on your version of Windows, there may be small variations in how to check the networks for each computer, but generally, you should be able to do this by: Navigating to your control panel, which can be found in the lower left hand corner start menu of older versions of Windows. You can also open your file explorer by clicking its icon on the lower status bar of most recent versions of Windows, and in the following window, select "Network" from the directory pane on the left. In the resulting window, you should see a list of computers. At minimum, you should see your own computer and its network status. You'll need both your own computer and the prankee's computer to be listed in this window with a connected status. Open the command prompt on your computer. The easiest way to access the command prompt interface is by starting it from the program launcher. Open the launcher by holding the ⊞ Win key and pressing R. This should open an small window with a text input box to the right of the word "Open." In the "Run" window's text input box, type the letters "CMD". This should open a window with a black background and white letters. Open the remote shutdown interface. In the command prompt window (the black background window with white letters), type "shutdown /i" and press ↵ Enter to prompt the remote shutdown window to open. You should now see a list of computers on your network. Set the parameters of your remote shutdown. In the remote shutdown dialog box, choose the prankee's computer from the computers listed. Then, from the dropdown menu below the listed computers, choose whether you'd like to restart or shutdown the computer. In the remote shutdown dialog box, you can also: Choose to warn the prankee of the impending shutdown/restart. Adjust the frequency the shutdown/restart warnings appear. Leave a message explaining the reason for the shutdown/restart. A strange message might have an interesting effect on the prankee - be creative! Enact the shutdown/restart and enjoy. Once you have set the remote shutdown/restart parameters, all you have to do is hit OK , and the wheels of your prank will be set in motion. You may want to perform this prank several times while recording the reaction of the prankee to capture the reaction. Priceless! Know the goal of your prank. Your mission, if you choose to accept it for this simple physical prank, is to get the prankee to hit himself in the face. This will have many effects. It will make the prankee feel silly, be humorous to onlookers, and may even leave him thinking, "'How did I fall for that?'" Ask the prankee what his favorite fruit is. The answer to this question isn't especially important; this is part of your prank! You're trying to distract attention from the possibility you are up to something with this question. Keep a straight face when you're asking or else you might tip the prankee of your shenanigans! If you have difficulty keeping a straight face, you might want to practice some emotional control exercises. Set the trap of your prank. You'll probably want to make up an excuse to explain what you are doing because you'll need to ask to see the prankee's hand. Hold his hand palm up, and with your finger draw the rough image of his favorite fruit. Some excuses you might use to explain what you are doing: "I learned a real cool trick in my psychology class. You can actually trick the brain into imagining certain smells, like fruit. Here, let me show you." "The other day I was hanging out with my friend and he showed me this real cool magic trick. Can I show you?" "I read about this silly trick online that's supposed to fool your nose into smelling something that isn't there. It didn't work on me. You want to give it a try? It's real easy." Tell the prankee to smell the image you've drawn. To do this, the prankee will have to bring the palm of his hand up to his face and up to his nose. You are now in striking distance of completing your prank. Smack the prankee's hand lightly into his face. While the prankee is smelling his hand, hit it lightly so that he lightly smacks himself on the nose. You might want to follow this up with some good-natured heckling, saying things like: "I can't believe you fell for that!" "It's OK, I fell for that one, too. That's why I had to pull it on you!" "I gotcha pretty good, didn't I?" Know the goal of your prank. This prank will use a loud noise to startle the prankee. To accomplish this, you'll be using tape to fasten an air horn in an unlikely location in such a way that the airhorn is triggered and a loud noise made without the prankee realizing beforehand. For this prank, you'll need: Airhorn Tape NOTE : depending on the surface you are taping your airhorn to, you may need gentler tape so as not to do damage to paint or wallpaper. Choose your moment to set up wisely. You should set up this prank when the prankee is away from the place you are planning to perform it. This way he won't overhear the airhorn when you test it out. He may figure out what you're doing if he hears you setting up! Determine the ideal location. When selecting your location, your ingenuity and imagination are the only limit. You might tape the airhorn to the wall in such a way that when a door is opened it causes the airhorn to go off, startling the prankee. You could put it beneath his chair so that when he sits the airhorn triggers. Use camouflage to disguise your airhorn when you are able. An airhorn taped to the bottom of a chair will be quite suspicious. Disguise this prank by putting a jacket or hoodie sweatshirt on the back of the chair to block the horn from view. Tape your prank into position. Take your tape and use it to attach your airhorn to the location you have chosen. You'll want to do a trail run after you've secured the airhorn in place so that you're certain the prank will work. Once you've set the prank, you'll have to wait for it to be sprung. Don't worry - you'll know it when you hear it. If the prankee is away for a period of time, you may want to check on your prank several times throughout the day. Depending on heat, humidity, tape quality, and the surface you've taped the airhorn to, your tape may loosen over time, ruining your prank. Set up a domino effect. People rarely expect to be pranked multiple times in a row. You can use this to your advantage to prank your target especially well. Do this by setting up several airhorn traps for the prankee in locations he's likely to trigger. Know the goal of your prank. A car is a big investment for most people, and by making your prankee believe that his car window has been destroyed, you can get a hilarious response out of him. You'll have some cleanup after you set up the prank, but to perform it you'll only need: Car window (similar to the prankee's car window) Gloves (recommended; optional) NOTE : cheap car windows can likely be purchased from your local junkyard or salvage shop. You might even be able to get staff to help you choose the right kind of window by bringing them in on the prank! Borrow the prankee's keys. You don't want to be accused of theft at any point during this prank, so you should only do this with close friends. While the prankee is otherwise occupied, like right before he wakes up in the morning, snag his keys and unlock his car. Then: Remove anything of value from the car. You don't want anything to be stolen because of your prank! Roll down one of the windows of his car so that it is completely inside the door and cannot be seen. Shatter your window carefully and quietly. Then use your gloves to spread the glass around the door of the rolled down window and a little bit inside the car to make it look realistic. Prepare yourself to be shocked. To get the best response out of the prankee, you might want to agitate him by getting upset with him over his car being broken into. You might point out that at least he didn't have anything valuable in the car - an excellent tactic if you've removed something valuable from the car the night before when setting up your prank. Time your prank to prevent actual theft. With the window rolled down, the prankee's car will be vulnerable to actual theft. You'll either need to keep an eye on it so it isn't stolen, or time your prank so that the car is only left unattended for a few moments before your friend comes out and sees it. You might arrange for your friend to drive you somewhere the morning of your prank so you know exactly when the both of you will be headed to the car. Don't perform this prank before the prankee leaves for work. Shattered glass can be dangerous, even if his car window isn't actually broken. Enjoy the reaction and clean up the mess. Since you were the one pranking and had fun at the prankee's expense, you should be the one to clean up the mess of your prank. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up little bits of glass that are scattered on the inside of the car and sweep up any shards outside the car as well. | Know the goal of your prank. Verify the computer's are on the same network. Open the command prompt on your computer. Open the remote shutdown interface. Set the parameters of your remote shutdown. Enact the shutdown/restart and enjoy. Know the goal of your prank. Ask the prankee what his favorite fruit is. Set the trap of your prank. Tell the prankee to smell the image you've drawn. Smack the prankee's hand lightly into his face. Know the goal of your prank. Choose your moment to set up wisely. Determine the ideal location. Tape your prank into position. Set up a domino effect. Know the goal of your prank. Borrow the prankee's keys. Prepare yourself to be shocked. Time your prank to prevent actual theft. Enjoy the reaction and clean up the mess. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-House-Appraised | How to Get Your House Appraised | To get your house appraised, you'll need to find a qualified, licensed appraiser in your area, which you can find online or by contacting your local agency that licenses appraisers. You can also ask your mortgage company, bank, or realtor to refer an appraiser. Keep in mind that you may not be permitted to get your own appraiser if you're working with a bank or mortgage company, in which case you'll need to ask your lender to send someone for you. | Contact your state agency that licenses appraisers. All states require appraisers to be state licensed or certified in order to provide appraisals to lenders regulated by the federal government. Locate a qualified appraiser in your area. One way to do this is by using reliable online resources, such as https://www.asc.gov/National-Registries/FindAnAppraiser.aspx. These sites usually offer a variety of ways to search for a local licensed or certified appraiser. Get a referral from your mortgage company, bank, or Realtor. If you'll be obtaining the appraisal yourself for a refinance or home equity loan, your lender should be able to provide you with the names of appraisers they deal with. If you're thinking of selling your house, a local Realtor will usually be more than happy to give you some names. Request that your lender send a local appraiser. If you're working with a bank or mortgage company, and if you aren't permitted to get your own appraiser, be sure to ask your lender to send an appraiser who is very familiar with your neighborhood. Keep in mind that there are now federal laws in place that detail how appraisers can be contacted and by whom. Know what the appraiser will be looking for. There are various items appraisers consider when conducting their appraisal inspection. Some of these are: location exterior and interior condition total room count functionality, including interior room design and layout improvements to kitchens and baths, windows, the roof and the home's systems (heating, electrical and plumbing) the condition and age of the home's systems exterior features such as garages, decks and porches. Consider the reason for the appraisal. What you hope to get out of an appraisal depends on your reason for getting one in the first place. Whatever the reason, the key is finding an appraiser who is experienced, and who knows your neighborhood. Here are some scenarios, and what to look for: Refinancing a mortgage, or obtaining a home equity loan/line of credit. In this situation, you want the highest appraisal possible. If you're aware of recent sales of properties similar to yours, let the appraiser know. Be prepared to tell the appraiser if, and why, you feel your house may be worth more than those others. Contesting a tax assessment. Here, the lower the appraisal the better. If your neighbors' houses are comparable to yours, find out what their tax bills are. You can simply ask, search online, or check the records at your local county tax assessor's office. Tell the appraiser if their bills are less than yours. Selling your home. Obviously, you're hoping for a high appraisal. Again, inform the appraiser if your house has improvements or features that some of the similar, recently-sold houses in your neighborhood didn't have. Gather documents that may aid the appraiser. Appraisers appreciate anything that will make their job easier. So try to have helpful paperwork available, such as: A plot plan or survey of the house and land. The most recent real estate tax bill and/or legal description of the property. Home inspection reports, or other recent, more specific inspection reports, like for termites, septic systems and wells. A title policy that describes encroachments or easements (you likely got a copy of this when you bought your house). Find comparable properties. Websites like Realtor.com will give you information on recent sale prices for homes similar to yours in your neighborhood. As mentioned before, it would be helpful if you could have this information available for the appraiser, to at least give him or her an idea of what the going price is in your neighborhood. To be considered a "comparable", the home's physical characteristics should be similar to yours. This would include things such as: square footage number of bedrooms and bathrooms floor plan, and age. Write down a complete list of upgrades to your home. Everything helps, but big-ticket items such as a new roof, furnace, or water heater can really make a difference. Make sure you include new appliances being sold with the home as well. Take steps to maximize the appraisal. A little money and/or elbow grease can go a long way to making sure your home's value is at top dollar. There's nothing like a fresh coat of paint inside and out to spruce up a home's appearance. And don't ignore problems you may think are minor, such as leaky faucets or missing door handles. They can make a bad impression. Clean the house. The appraiser isn't there to buy your home, but that doesn't mean appearances don't count. Remove any clutter from inside. Wash those breakfast dishes. Eliminate any household odors. Make sure the lawn is mowed. Be sure all the areas of your home are easily accessible. The appraiser will be going through every room in the house, including any attic or crawl space. The last thing he or she wants to do is navigate an obstacle course. Make the appraiser as comfortable as possible. Keep the temperature in the house at a moderate level. You may think eighty-five degrees is comfy, but maybe the appraiser won't. Also, keep pets locked up or away from the house while the appraiser is there. And do your best to stop the kids from causing any major disruptions. Stay out of the way. Your inclination may be to follow the appraiser around, but don't. Most appraisers want to be left alone to do their job. Just make yourself available in case the appraiser has any questions. Provide newer comparables. Your chances of getting appraisers to change their mind once an appraisal is completed are slim. But showing them updated comparable properties is worth a shot. Your best bet is if the comparable properties were sold after the date your appraisal was done. Determine if there are missing or erroneous comparables in the appraisal. Check your appraisal to see what comparables the appraiser used. If the appraiser didn't include a local sale of a house similar to yours, with a selling price higher than your appraisal, bring it to the appraiser's attention (or your bank or mortgage company). Likewise, if the appraiser included a sale that was of a distressed property (such as a foreclosure, which appraisers are required to use if they are predominant in the neighborhood), the selling price may not have been the house's true value. Mention this as well. See if the houses in the appraisal are in the same school district. A school district can make a big difference in a home's value. If you live in a good school district, and one (or more) of the comparables in the appraisal is in a less desirable district, the appraisal may be inaccurate. Request a second appraisal. If you believe your home's appraisal is really off-base, ask your lending company to order a new one. There's no guarantee you'll be successful, but there's certainly no harm in trying. Order your own appraisal. If all else fails, find an appraiser of your own, and get a new appraisal. Just be aware that you'll be spending more money, and it's possible the new appraisal won't differ from the old one. Nor is there any guarantee that the bank or mortgage company will change its mind. But again, nothing ventured, nothing gained. | Contact your state agency that licenses appraisers. Locate a qualified appraiser in your area. Get a referral from your mortgage company, bank, or Realtor. Request that your lender send a local appraiser. Know what the appraiser will be looking for. Consider the reason for the appraisal. Gather documents that may aid the appraiser. Find comparable properties. Write down a complete list of upgrades to your home. Take steps to maximize the appraisal. Clean the house. Be sure all the areas of your home are easily accessible. Make the appraiser as comfortable as possible. Stay out of the way. Provide newer comparables. Determine if there are missing or erroneous comparables in the appraisal. See if the houses in the appraisal are in the same school district. Request a second appraisal. Order your own appraisal. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Longboard | How to Build a Longboard | Building your own longboard can give you more control over its design and is often cheaper than buying one. You'll need tools, like a drill, jig saw, staple gun, and heavy weights in addition to materials like screws, sandpaper, wood glue, paint, and varnish. For a cheap board, use 2 or 3 quarter-inch plywood sheets, which you'll stick and screw together, then cut into shape. Once you've carved your board out, you'll need to sand it down, paint a cool design on it, and finish it with varnish or fiberglass resin. You can also cover the top with grip tape to help your feet stay on the board. Then, screw on your trucks and wheels to finish your board. | Gather your materials for the deck. You will need: Plywood or hardwood to build your deck; 2-3 Wood glue or another strong adhesive Rough and fine-grained sandpaper 8 small screws to attach the trucks to the deck—four for each truck. The screws should be long enough to fasten the trucks securely to the board, but not long enough that they get in the way. Match the width to the size of the holes in your trucks. Screws or a staple-gun to help seal the board when you shape its curve. The amount of screws/staples will vary greatly depending on the size of your board and the quality of your pressing mechanism—screws may not be necessary if you use a board press, but they will make your deck much tighter if you are molding it with basic weights or clamps. A drill Weights A jig saw to cut out the deck Polyurethane varnish or fiberglass resin, hardener, and cloth A large piece of paper and a pencil for drawing out your board design. Grip tape (to make it easier for your feet to stick to the top of the board) Choose your wood. For a cheap board, use 2-3 1/4-inch-thick plywood sheets or 4-6 1/8-inch sheets. Alternately, use 7-9 plies, each about one mm thick. You will use screws or wood glue to fuse these pieces of wood together into a longboard deck. The amount of sheets that you use depends upon how much flex you want: the more layers of wood, the more rigid your board will be. You can also buy a pre-pressed deck and build your longboard out from there. If you have the time or money to do so, try to find high-quality wood. Bamboo, Birch, White Ash, and Maple are popular choices, and each offers a different ride. Bamboo will be the strongest of the three. Each piece of wood should be 10 inches wide by 40 inches long, or longer if you want a longer board. You should have a basic idea of the shape of board you want before you start to build one. Remember, however, that you can always cut a piece of wood down to size. Do not go to the lumberyard at a hardware or home-and-garden store: this wood is usually dry, and thus better for construction than riding. An actual lumberyard would work best. Realistically, you can use almost any hardwood—even salvaged pieces of flooring. Choose your adhesive. Find a good, flexible wood glue, or epoxy and resin. You can find these products at most construction or hardware stores. The adhesive functions to keep the layers of plywood together, so if you have cheap wood glue, you will have a cheap board. Choose your trucks. Trucks are the metal bits that attach the wheels to the board and allow the longboard to turn when you lean. The right trucks are important to a longboard's feel. You will most likely want Reverse Kingpin Trucks, unless the board has a tail and you are planning to ollie it. Standard Kingpin provides better pop, while Reverse get better stability and turn response. Some longboard trucks have Double Kingpins, which allow for a tighter carve, but sacrifice some stability. Choose the wheels. The harder the wheel, the more it will slide. If you want to go sideways, get one with a higher (harder) durometer. A good slide wheel will usually be above 80a durometer. Softer wheels will be more grippy, and better for sticking tight turns. Choose your bearings. Bearings fit inside the wheels and enable them to turn smoothly. These range quite a bit in price, depending on the quality you are looking for. Ceramic bearings are nice, but they usually cost well over a hundred dollars. A suitable set of steel bearings can cost as little as $20. For instance, check out Bones Reds or Seismic Tektons for a good entry-level bearing. Cut your plywood (or hardwood) to size. Cut the wood into strips that are about 10 inches wide by 40 inches long—slightly longer than you want your board to be. Leave longer strips for a longer board, or shorter strips for a shorter board. Don't worry about shaping the board: you just need rectangular strips of plywood for now. You will carve out the shape of your board once you press the pieces together into a solid deck. Draw out the shape of your board. On paper, draw a straight line that is as long as you want your board to be. This line will be the center of your board. Now draw the shape of your board as it will flare from this line. If you want your board to be symmetrical, only draw one half of the deck, then use the same outline to carve out both sides. Consider how you want to use your longboard: longer boards (40-60+ inches) tend to be better for building speed on long-distance straightaways; shorter boards are more portable and may be better for quick, sharp turns; cruising boards tend to be wider, and carving boards tend to be more streamlined. If this is your first board, keep things simple. Draw a slight curve at the front and try to keep it nice and wide, since you will be steering at this end. The widest part of the board should be about 1/3 of the way down from the nose. Use a pencil to trace the shape of your board onto the top piece wood. You will press the wood together with pressure and adhesive, let the pressed wood dry, and then carve this shape out. Trace carefully, and make sure to draw the deck exactly as you want it. Look out for imperfections in the wood, and make sure that each half of the board is symmetrical—unless you'd like it otherwise. Drill holes around the outside of the board outline. You will drill screws through these holes to help clamp the wood together, so try to make the holes slightly smaller than your screws. Again, the amount of screws (and, thus, holes) will vary greatly depending on the size of your board, so there is no set number that you must use. Try to space the screw points evenly around the board shape, and consider which points on your design might require extra support to seal—parts of the board that flare/jut out, for instance, or that dip sharply in toward the center. Keep your pieces of plywood or hardwood evenly stacked, and hold them in place so that they do not shift. Drill holes straight through the wood, and make sure not to drill through the area that will become your deck. Drill the holes about one inch from the outline of the board. Consider waiting to drill the holes until the wood is clamped. Drill the screws directly into the wood, and be careful not to drill into the deck shape. Stick the pieces of wood together. Mix your adhesive, then use a paintbrush to spread a thick layer of adhesive on the inner-facing side of each piece of wood. Then, carefully put them back together. Make sure that your pre-drilled holes are still on top. Make sure to protect the floor. The pressure will push glue out of the pre-drilled holes and the edges of the wood, and you don't want to spill glue on the floor. Shape the board. Stack your plywood pieces so that a clean, smooth side of one piece (which will eventually become the top surface of the longboard) is on the bottom. Arrange the wood so that the ends of the board are each resting on something, and the middle is hanging free. Place weights onto the board. Lay weights onto the stack of wood, right around the widest part of the board. You want your eventual board to bend slightly upwards in the middle, so that when you stand on it, it flattens out. This procedure is more of an art than anything else, so put weight on it until you like the result. Make a light curve for best results. Leave the board beneath the weights until the curve is well set into the wood. Consider using strong clamps instead of weights. Clamp the center of the board so that it sinks below the front and back tips of the deck. Put a screw through a hole near the nose of your board. Then put the weights back on top or re-clamp the deck. if you are happy with the curve, put screws in all around the board. Keep the part between the lines free of adhesive. Check the curve again to make sure you are satisfied. When you are sure, wait for the adhesive to set, following the directions on the bottle. Take out the screws. Consider using a board press to mold your deck. The press is much more expensive than simple adhesive, but it may be a wise investment if you plan to make multiple boards. The two main types of board press are the coffin press and the vacuum press. Coffin press: A coffin press is two 2x4s running along the edges of a sheet of plywood, along with another 2x4 running along the middle of another sheet of plywood. The sheets of plywood are then connected via screws and nuts with the 2x4s facing inward. The board (all of your layers glued together) is placed on the two 2x4s. Then place the top of the coffin press on top of the board, screw it down to the amount of concave you want, wait about 24 hours for the glue to dry, cut out your shape, and you've got a deck! Vacuum press: When you put the plies in, they are already cut into shape and glued. The vacuum press sucks all the air out while pressing the plies into a mold that you can use. Wait 24 hours with your plies in the press, and you have a deck. You can buy a vacuum press online. Carve the shape into the board. Grab one of your pieces of plywood, and find the smoothest, best-looking side. This is going to be the bottom of the board. Measure from the sides to find the exact center of the board. Draw a line lengthwise down the center of the board—from the front to the back. Trace along the edges of your template. Hold your template in place with your hand, a clamp, or a weight. Flip the board over and repeat for the other side. Your design is now on your board. Take your stencil off of the plywood and make sure that you like the shape. Sand everything down. Make sure that the board is smooth and free of scratches. Cover the board with a layer of polyurethane varnish or fiberglass resin. Either coating will protect your paint from scratches. Look around at hardware stores and skate shops to compare prices and see what's available in your area. If you are using fiberglass resin: First, mix the fiberglass resin with the hardener at the correct proportion. Then lay out the fiberglass cloth on the painted side; using a paintbrush, spread the resin evenly across the board. Be sure to work quickly and effectively, because the fiberglass begins to harden in about 15 minutes. After it is applied, let it cure for about 3-4 hours. If you are using polyurethane varnish: Spread the varnish evenly across the board with a paintbrush. Make sure that the coat is smooth. When you're done, let the varnish dry for 3-4 hours before you proceed with your board-building. Sand the board down one final time using a very fine-grained sandpaper. Now, you can add whatever sort of design you like, with paint or waterproof markers. Consider painting your board. You can leave your deck plain with its natural wood, but painting or otherwise decorating the board is a great way to make it unique. Use electrical tape or a stencil to mark out your design. Paint the bottom of your deck. Use spray paint. Cut out a stencil from paper or cardboard, choose your colors, and spray-paint the design onto the smooth bottom of your board. Allow the paint time to dry before you touch or ride the board. Use regular acrylic paint. Sketch out a design and paint between the lines; paint whatever you like. Allow 20-60 minutes for the paint to dry after you decorate the board. Use wood stain to paint. To create a pattern with a few different shades, use three coats for the dark parts and one coat for the lighter parts. After the stain dries, remove the tape. Use permanent markers. Your design may be less colorful and more fragile than if you used paint, but you may find that markers give you greater control when you are drawing on your board. Add a final layer of polyurethane varnish or fiberglass resin. This will seal your design onto the bottom of the board. The varnish or resin should be clear, so your design should still be visible through the protective coating. Cover the top of the board with grip tape. Buy a chunk of bulk grip tape that will cover your whole board. The tape will help your feet stick to the board at high speeds. Apply it carefully to the deck, just like a large sticker. Remove excess tape with a razor blade or box cutter. The design is up to you: Cover the entire surface with grip tape. This is the simplest method, and it will look like a standard longboard top. Cut up pieces and create designs out of grip tape. Make sure that you cover enough of the board surface that your feet can easily grip. In general, your pattern should contain more grip tape than empty wood space. Paint your board and apply clear grip tape over the top to display your design. The clear grip tape may be somewhat opaque, but the colors and general idea of your design should shine through. Consider using board wax instead of grip tape for barefoot riding. Use surfboard wax on the surface of your longboard if you plan to ride it barefoot most of the time. Bear in mind that you will need reapply wax, as it wears off with use. Place the bearings inside the wheels. To do this, take a bearing, and push it down into each wheel. You can't push it too far; there will be a little barrier for it to sit against. Put a bearing inside each of the four wheels. Attach the wheels to the trucks. Just slide the wheel/bearing assembly onto the truck, with the concave portion of your wheels (if they are concave) facing outwards. Secure these onto the trucks with the nuts provided. The nuts should be tight enough that they allow for easy and free spinning of the wheels, but not so tight that they come off while skating. Drill the holes for the trucks. Be sure that they are straight, or else the trucks will not align correctly. Attach the trucks and wheels to the deck. You will need the truck spacers and the trucks to do this. Place the spacer between the truck and the deck. When orientating your trucks, make sure that the tightening bolt faces towards the nose of the board in the front, and that the loosening bolt faces towards the tail of the board in the back. Arranging them to face opposite directions ensures that you can turn in the right direction when you lean. Tighten the truck and spacers on to the deck with 4 bolts to each assembly. Test out your new board. When you have attached your bearings, wheels, and trucks to the deck, your board should be ready to skate. Stand on the board to make sure that it holds your weight. If it does not break from your weight, try riding it down the sidewalk. Make sure that you have double-checked the integrity of every piece of your board—bearings, wheels, trucks, deck—before you ride it around on streets or busy walkways. | Gather your materials for the deck. Choose your wood. Choose your adhesive. Choose your trucks. Choose the wheels. Choose your bearings. Cut your plywood (or hardwood) to size. Draw out the shape of your board. Use a pencil to trace the shape of your board onto the top piece wood. Drill holes around the outside of the board outline. Stick the pieces of wood together. Shape the board. Place weights onto the board. Put a screw through a hole near the nose of your board. Check the curve again to make sure you are satisfied. Take out the screws. Consider using a board press to mold your deck. Carve the shape into the board. Sand everything down. Cover the board with a layer of polyurethane varnish or fiberglass resin. Sand the board down one final time using a very fine-grained sandpaper. Consider painting your board. Add a final layer of polyurethane varnish or fiberglass resin. Cover the top of the board with grip tape. Consider using board wax instead of grip tape for barefoot riding. Place the bearings inside the wheels. Attach the wheels to the trucks. Drill the holes for the trucks. Attach the trucks and wheels to the deck. Test out your new board. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Slow-Cook-a-Roast | How to Slow Cook a Roast | To slow cook a roast, start by rubbing your favorite seasonings, like salt and pepper, into the roast. Then, put the roast fat-side up in a crockpot and pour 1 cup of stock, wine, or soup into the pot. Finally, turn on the crockpot and cook the roast for 2 hours per pound of meat. | Buy a quality cut of meat. Select a cut from a tough muscle group such as the chuck or rump. These muscle groups contain a large amount of connective tissue as well as moderate amounts of fat to break down and create a juicy tender meat when cooked slowly. A few cuts that typically yield the best results: Chuck Roast Chuck Shoulder Rump Roast Brisket Eye of Round Season your meat. Rub the outside of the roast with coarse salt and pepper. Some fresh herbs or spices, such as thyme or red pepper, can also add great flavor to your meat. Let the meat sit out and reach room temperature prior to cooking. Chop vegetables to cook with the meat. Use a variety of hard vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions cut into ¾ inch pieces. Place a layer of vegetables on the bottom of the crock pot. Add the remaining vegetables after placing the meat in the pan. Place meat, fat side up, in the crock pot. Surround the meat with the remaining vegetables. Add liquid and seasoning to the pot. There are many options to add flavor to your roast and make a juicy meal. Beef stock, red wine, and cream of vegetable condensed soups are all great choices. You can experiment with flavors and combinations to make the roast your own. Start with this basic recipe for seasoning: 1 package of Onion Soup/Dip mix 1 can of condensed Cream of Mushroom soup ½ cup red wine (Merlot or Cabernet) ½ cup beef stock Cook the roast on low for about 5-7 hours. Cook your meat for about 2 hours per pound of weight. Depending on the size of your roast you will need to adjust the cooking time. Serve the roast. Slice the meat against the grain for the most tender bites. Serve pieces of meat with spoonfuls of vegetables topped with the juices from cooking. Add salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy your delicious meal! Select a quality cut of meat. Slow cooking allows for lots of versatility in your choice of meat. Pork and beef tenderloin or prime rib are delicious options for slow cooking in an oven. Preheat the oven to 250ºF (120°C). You will adjust the temperature when the roast is put in the oven. Ensuring that your oven is heated before your put in the roast will help ensure even cooking from start to finish. Brown the outside of the meat to sear in the juices. Place a large pan over medium high heat on the stove top. Place the meat in the hot pan and sear the meat on all sides. Allow the meat to cook for about thirty seconds on all sides to quickly brown the outer layer of the meat. Place the meat in a shallow baking pan with a wire rack on the bottom. The rack raises the meat off the bottom of the pan to allow for better air circulation and even cooking. It also keeps the meat from stewing in the juices and becoming soggy on the bottom. If a pan with a rack is not available, place the meat on sturdy foods such as potatoes or carrots to keep it from getting too wet. Turn the oven down to 200ºF (93°C) and cook for about 1 hour per pound. Check your meat with a thermometer after 2.5 hours for a 2.5 pound roast. Follow these guidelines for doneness when checking temperature : 130ºF (54°C) Rare 135ºF (57°C) Medium Rare 150ºF (65°C) Medium 160ºF (71°C) Well Done NOTE: Your meat will continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven. The final temperature may change after you take it out of the oven. Allow meat to rest for 15 minutes prior to slicing. Resting meat ensures that you get a moist cut when you slice the roast. Avoid cutting the meat early to prevent all the juices and flavor from seeping out. Slice the meat against the grain and serve. After several hours of cooking it is now time to enjoy your roast. Cut perpendicular to the grain of the muscle to get the most tender bites. | Buy a quality cut of meat. Season your meat. Chop vegetables to cook with the meat. Place meat, fat side up, in the crock pot. Add liquid and seasoning to the pot. Cook the roast on low for about 5-7 hours. Serve the roast. Select a quality cut of meat. Preheat the oven to 250ºF (120°C). Brown the outside of the meat to sear in the juices. Place the meat in a shallow baking pan with a wire rack on the bottom. Turn the oven down to 200ºF (93°C) and cook for about 1 hour per pound. Allow meat to rest for 15 minutes prior to slicing. Slice the meat against the grain and serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Your-Bank-Account-Number | How to Find Your Bank Account Number | If you have a checkbook, you can find your bank account number listed as the second series of numbers, usually 10-12 digits, on the bottom of the check. If you can access your bank statements online or have paper copies, look for your account number printed at the top of each statement. If you use your bank's website or mobile app, check the “Account Summary” page to find your account number. If you prefer to speak to someone in person, call your bank directly and ask them to provide your account number. | Find the 2nd series of numbers on the bottom of a check if you have one. The first series of numbers printed on the left-hand side of the bottom of a check is the bank's 9-digit routing number. The second series of numbers, usually 10-12 digits, is your account number. The third and shortest series of numbers printed at the bottom is the check number. The number will be bracketed by a pair of identical symbols. For instance, the number may look like this: “⑆0123456789⑆” View a digital or paper bank statement if they’re easily accessible. Your account number will be printed on each bank statement you receive, whether it arrived in your inbox online or in your mailbox as a paper statement. Find a recent bank statement and look for a 10-12 digit number labeled “Account Number.” It's usually located at the top of the document on either the right- or left-hand side. Use a mobile banking website or app to find the number online. Navigate to your bank's website on a computer or open up their mobile app on your phone or tablet. Sign in and click on the tab to view a summary of your account. Usually, the account number will be listed on this page. If it's not, search through the website or use the “Help” function to find it. Contact your bank if all else fails. Call the number on the back of your credit/debit card or look up their customer service number online. You'll likely have to provide your name, address, and social security number so they can verify your identity. Then, they'll tell you your account number. If you write the number down, be sure to store it in a safe place, like your wallet or a filing cabinet. Use a secure Internet connection to access your accounts online. Though you may be tempted to check your bank account in a coffee shop, store, or train station, you really shouldn't. Using an unsecure wireless connection can put you at risk for identity theft. Only access your accounts online or through a mobile app when you have access to a secure Internet connection. Provide your account number only on secure websites. If you need to provide your account number online to pay bills or transfer funds, make sure the website is secure. The website address should begin with “https” as the “s” stands for “secure.” You should also look for an icon of a lock and/or the word “Secure” in the top left corner of the address bar before providing your account number. If none of these things are present, don't enter your account number as your information may not be kept confidential. You should not need to provide your account number for online shopping, so be wary of sites that ask you to. Keep track of your checks and bank statements. Don't leave your checkbook or bank statements lying around your home or car. Instead, open and view the statements when they arrive, then store them and any other papers with your account information on them in a safe place, such as a filing cabinet. Also, keep your checkbook in a secure location. Don't forget to shred, rather than simply recycle or toss out, old checks and bank statements to keep others from learning your account information. Monitor your account regularly for fraud. It's important to look through the bank statements for your checking and savings accounts on a regular basis. Make sure you've been charged appropriately for all purchases. If you see any charges that you haven't authorized, contact your bank immediately for more information. | Find the 2nd series of numbers on the bottom of a check if you have one. View a digital or paper bank statement if they’re easily accessible. Use a mobile banking website or app to find the number online. Contact your bank if all else fails. Use a secure Internet connection to access your accounts online. Provide your account number only on secure websites. Keep track of your checks and bank statements. Monitor your account regularly for fraud. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Venus-Fly-Traps | How to Care for Venus Fly Traps | To care for a Venus flytrap, place it into a deep, insulated pot that gives your plant 4-5 inches of space for the roots to grow. Fill the pot with equal parts sphagnum peat moss and perlite to mimic the plant's natural environment. Place your plant where it will get plenty of direct sunlight, and keep the soil moist to the touch during the growing season, which lasts from April until October. From November to March, only water your plant every 10-14 days. If your Venus flytrap lives indoors, you can occasionally give it a live mealworm or fly, or you can fertilize its soil instead. | Know a bit about Venus fly traps before you buy one. These cool carnivorous plants are made up of two parts—a stem or 'body' of the plant that allows it to photosynthesize like a normal plant, and the lamina or leaf-blade that helps it to catch its prey. The leaf-blade is the 'head' that everyone will recognize—it looks like a green clam shell with some wicked long 'teeth'. These 'teeth' are actually trigger hairs that tell the fly trap there's a tasty insect nearby. Get your fly trap from a licensed distributor. These protein-powered plants are common enough that you could find one in supermarkets or garden centers, but if you want an older or more disease resistant plant, look up a reliable nursery that carries them. There are also online sites that specialize in carnivorous plants. While you won't be able to pick out the specific plant you want, they will be able to ship a fly trap to you, as well as provide you with care information about your plant. Never harvest a fly trap from the wild. They are an endangered species and protected by law. You could be facing a fine or even jail. Look for a deep pot for roots to anchor themselves. Venus fly traps have relatively long roots, so they prefer pots that have vertical depth. In general, a pot that gives your plant 4 or 5 inches (10cm) of root growth space should be good. Pick an insulated pot. Their roots are also sensitive to temperature change, so an insulated pot works best. While plastic pots do work, you should definitely consider searching your local garden center for insulated pots. Pick a pot that will filter and absorb nutrients and salts that would otherwise harm your fly trap. An unglazed terracotta pot is a porous container that will let your roots breathe oxygen through the soil and act like a sediment filter for the water. Having said all this, Venus fly traps are not terribly picky about their pots. You can use a deep terracotta pot with a hole in the bottom or a bucket with some holes cut in the bottom of it for drainage. Match the soil properties of your plant's natural soil needs. Mix equal parts of sphagnum peat moss and perlite. Never use beach sand, which contains nutrient salts. Perlite is a form of hydrated obsidian that looks like small chunks of white sand. Perlite helps potted plants retain moisture. Native to the bogs and swamp-lands of North and South Carolina, Venus fly traps enjoy high humidity and moist, poor, acidic soil. The ideal pH for a Venus fly trap is in the acidic range of 4.9 to 5.3 (most normal plants and vegetables prefer a more neutral range of pH 5.8 to 7.2). Another mixture combination that is preferred by some fly trap growers is five parts sphagnum peat moss, three parts silica sand, and two parts perlite. Silica sand helps with aeration; is known to help plants develop a resistance to warmer temperatures and pests, and both silica sand (which is quartz) and perlite do not release excessive nutrients and minerals into the soil, which is good for your carnivorous plant. Do not use regular or organic potting soil, as this sort of soil will kill the plant by burning its roots. You should also stay away from fertilizing your fly trap, as fertilizer may also "burn the roots," thus killing your plant. Do not use any enriched soil, like Miracle-Grow, as it contains fertilizer and highly organic compost. Let fresh air come in and out constantly. You may wish to keep the fly trap inside the terrarium to increase the relative humidity in the air, but keep an open vent in the terrarium to allow your plant to use her skills and lure the bugs to come in for dinner. Healthy, live, and disease free bugs are the best food for your plant. Place your fly trap where it will get plenty of direct sunlight. During the growing period, they need 12 hours of light so that they can properly photosynthesize and flower. At least four of those hours should be direct sunlight. Keep in mind that the more direct sunlight your plant gets, the healthier it will be. Most fly trap cultivars will show a reddish pigmentation when they are healthy and happy where you place them. Pick a well-lit section in your house away from drafts of air. In addition to needing plenty of light, your fly trap needs high humidity and protection against breezes or drafts. Keeping your plant indoors in a sunny yet draft-free area will usually be ideal. Observe where sunlight reaches during the morning hours and afternoon hours. If you are planning on keeping your plant inside, you will need to put it in an east, west, or south-facing window. Remember that the plant should get a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight each day. You could also grow your plant in an open vent terrarium with a 'plant light' or fluorescent light close by. The closer the light is to the plant, the healthier the plant will be. Consider keeping your plant outdoors. You could also grow it in your bog garden ). Just make sure to put the plant where it will be in direct sunlight and not in nutrient rich soil. You may also wish to shield the plant from strong winds by placing it near other structures or draft-hardy plants. Know when your plant’s growing period is. From April to October, or whenever you make your plant think it is spring, it needs plenty of water and sun. The growing period is when your plant will be in full activity; ''catching'' prey, photosynthesizing, and producing flowers. Use only pure water to water your plants. You should only ever use pure water; distilled water, deionized water, and rainwater are all viable options. Giving your plants Reverse Osmosis filtered water is the best choice because most other sources, like drinking water, already have minerals added for flavor. Avoid using tap water if you can. There are three main reasons why tap water is bad for your fly traps. Tap water contains things like chlorine, sodium and sulfur (among others) that will build up in your plant's soil over time, causing sickness and, eventually plant death. Most tap water sources the pH levels are on the 7.9 to 8.3 range. The chlorine kills most living organisms even the beneficial ones. Test tap water when necessary. You can use tap water if you measure the water with a TDS (total dissolved solids) meter. Your water has to read less than 50 parts per million (ppm) on the TDS meter in order for it to be safe for your plant. Give your plant the water it needs. During the growing season, your plant's soil should never be completely dry. Try to keep your plant's growing medium so that it is moist to the touch (not soggy). There are three ways to water your plant, each with their own benefits: The Tray Method : The tray method of watering is one of the best watering methods for an actively growing plant that is in direct sunlight. Your plant should be in a pot that has drainage holes in the bottom. Place the pot in a tray that is filled with water. Your plant's growing medium will absorb the water like a wick, giving your plant all of the water it needs & increasing humidity around the pot. Keep in mind, however, that if your pot is relatively shallow (5 inches or 13 cm) this method could be detrimental to your plant because the plant's roots could be too surrounded by water, causing fungal or bacterial growth. The Top Method : This is how most plants are watered, you pour or spray water onto the soil around the plant and let the water drain out of the bottom of the pot. Your plant's soil should always be moist but not soaked. This means watering your plant two to five times per month during the growing period. The Double pot Method : This is the most effective method for growing fly traps; The second pot surrounding the smaller terracotta pot in the middle isolates the plant from drastic temperature changes, increases humidity in the air, and retains moisture. Only pour water into the second pot on the outside diameter of the middle pot. The porous terracotta pot in the middle should allow moisture to enter the middle of the pot and filter out extra nutrient salts. Make sure your plant gets enough sunlight. As stated previously, Venus fly traps need at least four hours of direct sunlight during their growing periods. Aside from 'eating' bugs, traps rely on photosynthesis to grow and stay healthy. Put your plant in a spot where it will receive at least 12 hours of sunlight. Know when your plant’s dormant period is. Between November and March, your plant will go through a dormant phase. The dormant state is when the plant stops producing flowers or growing. Many fly traps die off during the dormant period because people continue to care for them like they would during the normal growing period. Reduce the amount of water you give your plant. You should not use the tray method of water when your plant is in dormancy; instead, water your plant by hand. While growing fly traps need a lot of water, their need is greatly reduced during the dormant period. Most fly traps will only need to be watered every 10 to 14 days. The soil should become much drier (though never fully dry). The soil directly around the base and roots should be slightly damp, while the rest of the soil is dry. Water the plant like you would any other time, making sure to water thoroughly. When you do water your plant, water it in the morning so that it has the whole day to dry out a bit before the cooler night temperatures come in. Do not over-water your plant--only water it when the soil begins to feel dry around the base of the plant. If you give your plant too much water, bacterial and fungal growths may occur. Keep your plant in the sunlight. While dormancy invites the idea that the plant does absolutely nothing, Venus fly traps will actually continue to photosynthesize during their dormant period. Therefore, your plant should still be exposed to sunlight. If possible, bring your plant inside and set it up under a strong artificial light for the duration of its dormancy. Protect your plant from freezing temperatures if you are growing it outdoors. The extent you go to will depend on what climate you live in, and whether you are growing your plants outside or indoors. If you are growing it outdoors, you have two options : If you are growing your plant outdoors and live in a climate that stays relatively warm (where the temperature generally never dips below 30 degrees F (-1 degree C)) then you can leave your plant outside all year long without protection. If you are growing a plant outdoors where the climate is colder there are occasional freezes, you should plant your fly traps in the ground for winter (pots absorb the temperatures of the air around them). Plant them in a bog garden, or in soil that is good for fly traps (see Part One). You should also cover your plants with mulch or leaves to keep them safe from the bad weather. Bring your plants inside if you live in too cold of a climate. If you live in a place that has extended freezes, you will have to bring your Venus fly traps indoors for the winter. Put it in the window of an unheated room like a garage or porch. This is the best way to keep your plants alive but dormant indoors. Put your plant in a south-facing windowsill if you can, as this will allow the plant to continue to photosynthesize. Know that you don’t need to feed your plant insects. You can feed your Venus flytrap to give it the nutrients it needs, or you can add a very small amount of nutrient-rich fertilizer to your Venus fly trap's soil, or mist them occasionally with a spray-on fertilizer. When Venus flytraps are outdoors, they catch insects, grasshoppers (and occasionally small animals like frogs) that provide nutrients that will make the plant healthier. Keep in mind that the trap sometimes doesn't seal unless the item it has caught is moving. This means that you should feed your fly trap live prey like flies and mealworms. A helpful tip when using live prey is to put the prey in the freezer for a few minutes so that it becomes very slow. You should only feed one or two of your plants traps at a time, and only when the plant is healthy and strong. If you do decide to feed your plant a dead insect, you should place the insect in the trap and then gently rub the trap every 20 or 30 minutes until the trap seals fully. Rubbing the trap makes it think that the thing it has caught is moving. This is not always necessary, however, as the plants also use chemical receptors to close with the presence of nutrients inside the trap. Do not feed your plant 'exotic' food like bits of hamburger or cake. This will more than likely kill the plant, particularly if you give your plant meat, as the plant will have a negative reaction to the fat. Fats and the decomposing meat will grow bacteria that could also harm your fly trap. Groom your plant. Grooming your plant helps to keep your Venus fly trap healthy. Dead leaves can block the sun from young leaves that need the light to grow. Your plant's leaves will turn brown as they die—these are the leaves you will want to get rid of. You can cut them away when they turn brown by using a small pair of scissors. Make sure you do not cut away any leaves that are still partly green--these leaves can still photosynthesize. As the leaves turn brown, they should begin to weaken and detach from the plant. Most of the time, you should be able to just pluck them off the plant. For the tougher ones, sewing scissors work well. You should also be aware that Venus fly trap leaves tend to die off in bunches. Re-pot your plant. If you notice that you plant looks like it is too crowded in its pot, that it has divided into two (or more) plants, or that it dries out too quickly, it is time to re-pot your plant. Doing this is much the same as potting your plant in its original container. Make sure to use the right composition of soil (see Part One). Try not to touch your plant's traps. Triggering your plants to close when there is nothing in their traps for them to 'eat' is an unnecessary waste of energy for your plant. It takes two to three weeks for a plant's trap to reopen and again be ready to trap its potential food. While it is OK to gently rub the outside of the traps after you have fed it an insect, you should limit the amount you touch your plant. Never put anything inside their traps except for insects. | Know a bit about Venus fly traps before you buy one. Get your fly trap from a licensed distributor. Never harvest a fly trap from the wild. Look for a deep pot for roots to anchor themselves. Match the soil properties of your plant's natural soil needs. Let fresh air come in and out constantly. Place your fly trap where it will get plenty of direct sunlight. Pick a well-lit section in your house away from drafts of air. Consider keeping your plant outdoors. Know when your plant’s growing period is. Use only pure water to water your plants. Avoid using tap water if you can. Test tap water when necessary. Give your plant the water it needs. Make sure your plant gets enough sunlight. Know when your plant’s dormant period is. Reduce the amount of water you give your plant. Keep your plant in the sunlight. Protect your plant from freezing temperatures if you are growing it outdoors. Bring your plants inside if you live in too cold of a climate. Know that you don’t need to feed your plant insects. Groom your plant. Re-pot your plant. Try not to touch your plant's traps. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Virgin-Mojito | How to Make a Virgin Mojito | To make a virgin mojito, start by crushing mint leaves, sugar, and simple syrup in a thick, sturdy glass using a wooden spoon. Next, add 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, then let the mixture sit for a few minutes so that the flavors can intermingle. Afterwards, add ice cubes and fill the glass the rest of the way with club soda. Alternatively, use ginger ale or lemon-lime soda for added flavor. | Find a muddling tool. Unless you are a bartender, you probably don't have a muddler lying around, but muddling the mint is an essential part of making a good mojito. If you don't have a muddler, you can improvise with a wooden spoon or even the end of a rolling pin. If you do have a muddler, make sure it is made of unfinished wood. Anything that has been varnished or lacquered will eventually wear down, and the finish will end up in your drinks. Place the mint in the bottom of a thick, sturdy glass that won't break. You can add the sugar as well, as the rough texture can actually help the muddling process. Make sure the glass you are using isn't thin or delicate or it could break during the process. Make sure you remove the leaves from the stems, as these will also give the drink a bitter taste. Spearmint is the type of mint most often used in a mojito, but you can experiment with peppermint or pineapple mint for different flavors. Press the muddler gently onto the mint leaves and twist several times. You do not want to shred, crush, or mince the leaves, as this will release the chlorophyll contained in the veins of the leaf. Chlorophyll is very bitter and will make your virgin mojito taste quite unpleasant. Stop when you smell mint, or when the leaves begin to tear. The leaves should remain whole, crumpled and maybe with a few tears. The purpose of muddling is to release the fragrant and tasty oils in the leaves, and roughing them up a bit will allow them to seep out and infuse your drink. Muddling the leaves with sugar will allow the oils to seep into the sugar, adding more depth to the drink. Crumple the leaves in your hands if you are absolutely opposed to muddling. This is better than chopping the mint, which would release the chlorophyll, and also leave little bits of mint floating around in your beverage. Getting a piece of mint caught in your throat might spoil the fun of drinking a mojito. Muddle the mint leaves, 1 teaspoon sugar, and simple syrup in a tall, sturdy glass. A short glass, like a highball glass, will make your drink look crowded. The mojito is meant to have lots of ice and liquid, since it's a summer cooler you're supposed to sip on and savor. A small glass may throw off the proportions of the drink as well. The simple syrup will make your drink sweet all the way through, as sugar won't dissolve completely in cold liquids. You can skip the simple syrup and just go with the granulated sugar, just be aware it might all sit at the bottom of your glass. Turbinado sugar has a slight molasses flavor some people really like, but the grains are too big to dissolve in a cold drink. If you want to use it, you'll have to grind it in a spice or coffee grinder first. Juice one large or medium-sized lime to get 1 oz. of fresh lime juice. If you don't get a full ounce from one lime, add more by juicing the second lime. To make sure you get as much juice as possible, place the lime on the counter and roll it underneath the palm of your hand, pressing down slightly. This will soften the lime and make it easier to squeeze. Cut the lime in half and place one half in an open hinged hand-held lemon or lime squeezer. The flat part of the lime should be facing the round bottom of the inner cup. There should be little holes on the bottom of the cup for the juice to strain through. Hold the squeezer over a bowl or glass. Close the squeezer, bringing the top cup down on the lime. Squeeze the arms of the juicer together. As the top cup presses down on the lime, it will turn it inside-out and the juice the lime. Add the fresh lime juice to the glass with your mint and sweeteners. Let the ingredients sit for a few minutes so their flavors can intermingle and give it a little stir. If your lime juice is room-temperature, the sugar may begin to dissolve into the liquid. If you want to deviate from the classic Mojito, now is the time! Try adding apple juice, pink grapefruit juice, lemonade, strawberry puree, or other fruit juices. You might come up with some really surprising and delicious flavor combinations! Fill your glass with ice, if not to the top than at least 3/4 full. There's debate over whether to use crushed ice or ice cubes, so just use whatever you want. This is your drink, after all. Crushed ice will cool your drink faster, but it also means it will melt faster. Make ice cubes with muddled leaves of mint frozen inside, so as the ice cubes melt, the mint flavor seeps into your drink. Fill the glass the rest of the way with club soda. You have an opportunity to twist the recipe again and add ginger ale or lemon-lime soda instead of club soda. You'll get the same fizz but a slightly different flavor. Garnish your drink with a leftover sprig of mint or a lime wedge or wheel, or even a swizzle-stick of rock candy. If the mojito is too tart, add the extra 1 teaspoon of sugar or more simple syrup and stir. | Find a muddling tool. Place the mint in the bottom of a thick, sturdy glass that won't break. Press the muddler gently onto the mint leaves and twist several times. Stop when you smell mint, or when the leaves begin to tear. Crumple the leaves in your hands if you are absolutely opposed to muddling. Muddle the mint leaves, 1 teaspoon sugar, and simple syrup in a tall, sturdy glass. Juice one large or medium-sized lime to get 1 oz. Add the fresh lime juice to the glass with your mint and sweeteners. Fill your glass with ice, if not to the top than at least 3/4 full. Fill the glass the rest of the way with club soda. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Back-Fat | How to Get Rid of Back Fat | To get rid of back fat, do cardio exercises such as rowing or swimming for 30 minutes, 3 to 5 days a week to tone your back muscles. Additionally, perform bodyweight exercises, like bridges and planks, that will strengthen your back. You should also cut about 500 calories a day to help reduce overall body fat. However, make sure to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. | Step up the cardio. For best results, exercise for at least 30 minutes at a time, three to five days a week. These cardio activities are particularly effective for getting rid of back fat. They will burn calories and strengthen your back muscles: Rowing, boxing and swimming. Other cardio exercises to include are: running/jogging, walking, biking, using the elliptical or dancing. The benefits of cardio don't just stop at toning your back. Cardio has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels, improve heart function, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. You cannot "spot treat" or lose weight in only one particular area. You need to lower your overall body weight and decrease body fat to see a reduction in one particular area. Cardio exercises will help support this. Try interval training. This is a way to burn fat more quickly. It will not only tone your back, but tone and trim fat from all over your body. Doing higher intensity interval training can help burn more fat and increase your fat burn after you've completed the exercise. One way to do interval training is by running: Run at a vigorous pace for several minutes, return to a more comfortable pace for five minutes, then speed up your routine for another two minutes. Continue your entire routine in this manner for 15–20 minutes. Consider High intensity interval training. The NIH defines HIIT as exercising at a high intensity for 30 seconds to several minutes with bouts of either no or low intensity exercise for a minute or two in between. Doing this actually amplifies the benefits seen in doing normal cardio exercises. It can improve your cardiovascular health and raise your metabolism. When exercising at high intensity, you should be perspiring and breathless enough that you cannot speak phrases or have a conversation. Do HIIT training for 20 minutes, with an additional five minute warm-up and cool-down. Do bodyweight exercises. There are some specific exercises you can do to strengthen your back that don't require special machines. Many of these exercises can even be done at home. Tie a resistance band to a doorknob. Shut the door and stand about 2 feet away from the door. Hold the ends of the resistance band in each hand and bend your elbows 90 degrees. Pull your arms back so that your shoulders are pushing together. Hold this position for 10 seconds and then release. Repeat the motion seven to 10 times. If you don't feel enough resistance, move a little further away from the door or use a thicker resistance band. Lower back extensions target the lower back and tone the muscles where that annoying fat hangs over the top of your jeans. To get started, lie flat on the floor, on your stomach. Place your hands behind your head and lift your chest and legs as far off the ground as you can. Three sets of 10 is a good place to start. These can also help alleviate some lower back pain. With bridge exercises, lie on the floor on your back. Bend your knees at a 90-degree angle, but keep your feet flat on the floor. Lift your buttocks up until your back makes a straight line-like a bridge. Hold it there for 10 to 15 seconds and then slowly lower your body back to the floor. Do this 10 to 20 times.. Use the plank exercise to help tone your entire back and core. Place your forearms on the floor. Hold your body in a straight line. Hold this plank position for as long you can. Rest and repeat one to two more times. Exercise with weights and machines. Using free weights or weight machines can also help tone your back. Combined with cardio and other strength training exercises, you can tone your back muscles easily. Start with weights you are comfortable with. You should be able to lift them without too much strain. If you can lift the dumbbells with no strain whatsoever, you will not work your muscles. Bent-over flys will help tone your upper back. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and bend over at your hips. Lift your arms out to the sides, like airplane wings, until they are at shoulder height and then lower them to your sides. Do three sets of eight repetitions each. As you improve the strength of your muscles and connective tissues and perfect the movement, increase the weight and the number of sets to build muscle. If you just want to tone, increase the number of repetitions. For a Lat pull down, grab the cable bar, gripping it wide and in an overhand position. Position your thighs beneath the support and place your knuckles facing upwards. When you stretch up, the bar should be just within your reach. If it's not, adjust the height. Pull the bar down to your chin (all the while keeping your back straight) in one fluid movement, feeling your shoulder blades coming together. Slowly release the bar to its original height and repeat. Do shoulder presses. Take two dumbbells, one in each hand. Hold dumbbells by your ears, palms facing forward. Press your hands straight above your head until your arms are fully extended. Lower back down slowly until your hands are again by your ears. Repeat one to three sets or as many as you're able. These will develop your shoulders; deltoids that are well-developed can help the back look broader and the waist appear smaller. Do bent-over rows. Place a dumbbell in each hand. Bend slightly at the waist – about 45 degrees. Extend arms straight in front of your, palms facing inwards towards each other. Pull arms back until your upper arms are next to your back. Release your arms slowly back to their fully extended position. Repeat one to three sets or as many as you're able. Meet with a personal trainer. If you're just starting out with exercise or want more specific help, working with a personal trainer may be beneficial. They may be able to guide you towards reducing back fat and toning your back muscles. Personal trainers are fitness professionals that have a wide variety of experience with exercises. Meet with someone and ask about what exercises you can do to help tone your back and reduce your overall body fat. Many gyms offer a free trial of a personal training session when you sign up. They will most likely offer personal training sessions for a cost at a variety of times. You may also be able to find personal trainers who have blogs or videos online that can give you more detailed information as well. Cut your daily calorie intake. If you cut out 500 calories a day and exercise regularly, you will lose about a pound every week. This will also help you reduce your back fat. Use a food diary or online food tracker to help you cut out 500 calories daily. These food trackers in addition to online calculators can give you an estimated total daily caloric intake to help you lose weight. Everyone's needs will be different, so using a calculator can help give you a more specific calorie range. Do not cut out too many calories. This can slow weight loss, lead to nutrient deficiencies or make you feel tired and fatigued. In general, health professionals recommend to eat a minimum of 1,200 calories daily. Cutting calories will help you lose weight, but without the cardio and back strengthening exercises, your back muscles will not get toned. It's important to include both diet and exercise to get your desired result. If you're eating a healthy diet that's low in calories and carbs, you could start to see some results in as little as 2 weeks. Eat a balanced diet. Even if you're cutting calories to help reduce back fat, it's still important to eat a balanced diet. Including a variety of foods from each food group will help you consume an adequate amount of nutrients each day. When you have a poor quality, unbalanced diet, this may work against your weight loss goals. Include protein at each meal. Protein is an essential nutrient in your diet. Foods like poultry, eggs, dairy, legumes, seafood or tofu provide adequate protein to your diet. Aim for a 3-4 oz (21-28g) portion at all meals. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. These foods are low calorie and nutrient dense making them great foods for a low-calorie diet. Try making ½ your plate a fruit or vegetable to help support your weight loss. Lastly, it's important to include healthy sources of grains like bread, rice or pasta. Grains provide fiber and a variety of B vitamins important to your health. If you can, choose 100% whole grains for more nutrients. Fill up on satisfying foods to cut down on hunger levels. When you're trying to lose weight and cut calories, managing hunger can be an issue. It's hard to stick to a diet plan, if you're feeling hungry often. Combining certain types of foods and including the right types of foods at each meal and snack can help you stay satisfied longer after meals and decrease your overall hunger level. Healthy fats are a great addition to a weight loss diet. Fat takes longer to digest compared to foods rich in carbohydrates and helps keep you satisfied longer. Include one to two servings of heart healthy fats every day. Try: olive oil, avocado, nuts or nut butters, flax seeds, olives, salmon, tuna, sardines or mackerel. In addition to healthy fats, the combination of protein and complex carbohydrates helps you stay satisfied longer as well. Choose lean proteins or proteins with healthy fats like: seafood, poultry, beef, pork, low-fat dairy, legumes or tofu. Pair these with fiber-rich complex carbs like: starchy vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and whole grains. Drinking more water can help keep you from thinking you're hungry when you're really not. Eliminate high-calorie drinks. So often we forget about the liquid calories we consume. Replace the sodas and juices with water and hydrating, no-calorie beverages. Drink adequate amounts of fluids like water, decaf coffee, decaf tea or flavored water to stay hydrated. Everyone requires different amounts of fluids, but aiming for 1.5-3 liters each day is a good place to start. Studies show that drinking high calorie beverages can promote weight gain. Liquids do not necessarily make you feel full and most people will not count their liquid calories into their total daily intake. Although switching from regular soda to diet soda may save you calories in the short term, it's not yet clear if it's effective for preventing obesity and related health problems. Limit treats and indulgences. Part of healthy eating is including the occasional treat or special indulgence. But when you're trying to lose weight, you'll need to limit and monitor how often you eat a few extra calories. When you indulge too often, you may consume too many calories. This may slow or even stop your weight loss. If you really want a treat, try to compensate throughout the day or week to make up for it. You might want to work out a little longer or skip your afternoon snack. | Step up the cardio. Try interval training. Do bodyweight exercises. Exercise with weights and machines. Meet with a personal trainer. Cut your daily calorie intake. Eat a balanced diet. Fill up on satisfying foods to cut down on hunger levels. Eliminate high-calorie drinks. Limit treats and indulgences. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Algae | How to Grow Algae | To grow algae, start by filling a clear container, like a plastic water bottle, with clean, filtered water. Then, add a little water from a pond or fish tank to the bottle so the algae will have growing nutrient before adding in a small sample of the algae you want to grow. Next, put the bottle in a sunny spot, because the light will provide energy for the algae to grow and reproduce. Finally, expect to wait a few weeks before you'll be able to see the algae grow in the container. | Select a container. You should choose a container that is clear and transparent. This will allow sunlight to reach the algae. Glass and clear plastic containers are good choices. If you are growing algae for a science fair project, you could use something the size of a plastic water bottle, or something larger like a small aquarium. Fill the container with water. Your growth medium will be composed primarily of sterilized water. Put the water in your clear container. If you are growing microalgae, you should use sterilized salt water. If you want to grow spirulina, use clean fresh water. You can use water from any source, such as tap or spring water, as long as it has been filtered with activated carbon or a ceramic filter. If you are worried about bacteria, boiling the water before using it will reduce contaminants. Add nutrients to the water. In nature, algae cohabitate with and other aquatic life. These creatures keep the underwater ecosystem balanced and provide plenty of nutrients such as nitrates, phosphates, and silicates to the algae. Your bottle of water will be lacking those nutrients, and micronutrients like trace metals and vitamins unless you add them. You can buy a nutrient solution over the counter, or take some water from a fish tank or pond to supply nutrients. Using water from a pond or fish tank could introduce other contaminants into the growth medium. You can also mix nutrient solutions. The Walne medium is a nutrient mixture that is suitable for most algae. Measuring the effect of different nutrient solutions could be one way to study algae in a science fair project. Find a place with plenty of sunlight. Before you add the algae, you want to know that you have a proper environment picked out. Look for a windowsill or somewhere outside in the sun that you can safely place your algae container. This will allow the sun to provide the energy needed for the algae to reproduce and thrive in your growing medium. If you have difficulty finding such a location, you can use grow lamps instead. Research your algae to determine what type of grow light is best for growing. Normal grow lights designed for plants are not very effective for certain types of algae. You may need to find a light that gives off primarily red and orange light. Different types of algae will require different amounts of light, and getting algae too hot (above 35 degrees Celsius, or 95 degrees Fahrenheit) can be lethal to your algae. Select a type of algae. The most up to date estimate suggests that over 70,000 different species of algae exist, and potentially many more species yet to be classified. We use these different types of algae for a host of reasons. Many species of algae are used to produce biofuels to power electrical components. Other types of algae, such as spirulina, are used as a food source. Sometimes, algae is grown in a classroom setting as a science experiment. Your intended use will decide what kind of algae you should grow. For example, spirulina would be a good choice if you want to grow algae to supplement your diet. Spirogyra plants are sometimes used in science fair projects. Collect an algae sample. For a basic experiment, you can just use any sample of algae, grow it, and observe it. If you are looking at algal behavior in general, you can just collect an algae sample from any pond, lake, or other natural sources. That said, many different types of algae are found in nature. If you are investigating a particular type, you might want to be more careful about where you get a sample. In this case, you should order your specific algae sample or algae starter from an algaculture supply company, or online. For example, many people are interested in growing a type of algae called spirulina. Because spirulina is often eaten, you should get your sample from a reputable company. If you are growing algae for a classroom experiment, collecting any sample from a local pond or lake is usually sufficient. Add the algae to your growth medium. Once you have selected an algae to grow, simply put the sample into your growing medium. Make sure that the appropriate amount of light is still available. Allow the algae time to grow. Often, a few weeks may pass before you can see the algae in the container. This is because many species of algae (referred to as microalgae) cannot be seen by the naked eye individually. They must reproduce and generate a high algal population to be visible to the human eye. If you are growing a macroalgae species, such as kelp, you will be able to see it. Observe any color changes in the growth medium. As your algae grows, it will become more and more compact inside the container. The denser your algae population gets, the more opaque the solution will become. Most algae cultures will be green, but you can get different types of algae that are different colors. For example, the strain of algae known as Rhodophyta has a red color. Keep a log of all changes that your algae undergo. Add nutrients when appropriate. For a short term experiment, you will likely only need to add nutrients at the beginning. If you are growing algae on a long term basis, you will need to add nutrients with each new batch of algae. You also might need to add nutrients as the algae population grows. If you are unsure of when to add nutrients or how much to add, consult an algaculture specialist. If your algae population becomes too dense, you may have to separate some of it into a new container. Otherwise, the container will be okay as long as you are growing the algae. Look closer with a microscope. If you wish to learn more about your algae culture, look at it under magnification. Putting a drop of your algae culture on a microscope will likely reveal much more than looking with the naked eye. In addition to your algae, you may even find protozoans or other life forms in your culture. This will likely be required if you are growing algae as part of a science experiment for class or work. | Select a container. Fill the container with water. Add nutrients to the water. Find a place with plenty of sunlight. Select a type of algae. Collect an algae sample. Add the algae to your growth medium. Observe any color changes in the growth medium. Add nutrients when appropriate. Look closer with a microscope. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Connect-Two-Computers-Together-with-an-Ethernet-Cable | How to Connect Two Computers Together with an Ethernet Cable | Connecting 2 computers with an ethernet cable is a great way to share files. Before you connect the computers, make sure they both have ethernet ports, which look like large rectangles located either on the side of your laptop or on the back of your computer tower. If you don't have an ethernet port, you'll need to buy an ethernet adapter to plug into your USB port. When you're ready, simply plug 1 end of the cable into 1 computer's port and 1 end into the other computer's ethernet port. Then, open the “Advanced Sharing Settings” in the Network and Sharing Center of the Control Panel. From here, you'll need to check the “Turn on file and printer sharing” box to allow you to share files between the PCs. | Determine whether or not your computers have Ethernet ports. Ethernet ports resemble large, rectangular ports which usually have a three-box icon next to them. You'll usually find Ethernet ports on one side of your computer's housing (laptop) or on the back of the tower (desktop). On iMac computers, the Ethernet port is found on the back of the monitor. Buy an Ethernet adapter if necessary. If your computer doesn't have an Ethernet port, you'll need to buy a USB Ethernet adapter for your computer. You can find these online (e.g., Amazon) and in tech stores (e.g., Best Buy). If you have a Mac, check your USB ports as well. You might have only USB-C ports (e.g., oval ports instead of rectangular ports) meaning that you'll either need an Ethernet to USB-C adapter or a USB to USB-C adapter as well. Check to see if you have a crossover Ethernet cable. While most Ethernet ports support both conventional Ethernet cables and crossover Ethernet cables, you can avoid potential errors by using a crossover Ethernet cable. To determine whether or not you have a crossover cable, view the colored wires at the end of each side of the cable: If the colors are differently ordered on one end, you have a crossover cable. If the colors are the same for both ends from left to right, you have a conventional cable. You can still use this cable for most computers, but if you're connecting older computers to each other, consider buying a crossover cable if you run into issues. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into one computer. The Ethernet cable's head should fit into the Ethernet port on your computer with the lever side facing down. If you have to use an Ethernet adapter, plug the USB end of the adapter into one of your computer's free USB ports. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the other computer. The other end of the Ethernet cable should plug into the other computer's available Ethernet port. Again, if you have to use an Ethernet adapter for the other computer, plug it in first. Open Control Panel. Click Start {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/0\/07\/Windowsstart.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Windowsstart.png\/30px-Windowsstart.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":"30","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Windows icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_domain\">Public Domain<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} in the bottom-left corner of the screen, type in control panel , and click Control Panel at the top of the menu. Click Network and Internet. It's in the middle of the Control Panel window. Skip this step if you see the phrase "Small icons" or "Large icons" next to the "View" heading in the upper-right corner of the window. Click Network and Sharing Center. You'll find this link near the top of the window. If your Control Panel is using the "Small icons" or "Large icons" view, you'll find Network and Sharing Center on the right side of the page. Click the Advanced sharing settings link. It's in the upper-left side of the window. Check the "Turn on file and printer sharing" box. You'll find this box in the "File and printer sharing" section of the menu. Click Save changes. It's at the bottom of the window. Doing so saves your changes and enables file sharing on your PC. Share a folder. To allow the connected computer to view and edit the contents of any shared folder, do the following: Open the folder you want to share. Click the Share tab. Click the Specific people... entry. Click the downward-facing arrow in the drop-down box, then click Everyone in the resulting drop-down menu. Click Share , then click Done when prompted. Access a shared folder. If you want to view a shared folder on your PC, you can do so from within File Explorer: Make sure you shared the folder from your connected PC or Mac computer. Open {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/b\/b1\/WindowsFileExplorer.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/WindowsFileExplorer.png\/30px-WindowsFileExplorer.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":"30","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Windows icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} File Explorer. Click the other computer's name in the left-hand sidebar. Enter the other computer's password if prompted. Open the shared folder to view its files. Open the Apple menu . Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear. Click System Preferences.... You'll find this in the drop-down menu. Doing so prompts the System Preferences window to open. Click Sharing. It's in the System Preferences window. This will open the Sharing window. Check the "File Sharing" box. You'll find this on the left side of the Sharing window. Change the "Everyone" permissions. Click the icon to the right of the "Everyone" heading, then click the Read & Write option in the resulting menu. This allows the connected computer to view and edit the contents of any shared folder. Share a folder. To share a folder from your Mac to the attached computer, do the following: Click ＋ below the list of shared folders in the Sharing window. Find a folder you want to share. Click once the folder to select it. Click Add to add the folder to the list of shared folders. Access a shared folder. If you want to view a shared folder on your Mac, you can do so from within Finder: Make sure you shared the folder from your connected PC or Mac computer. Open {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/1\/1d\/Macfinder2.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Macfinder2.png\/32px-Macfinder2.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":431,"bigWidth":"32","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a macOS icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Finder. Select the other computer's name in the left-hand column of options in the Finder window. Enter the other computer's password if prompted. Open the shared folder to view its files. | Determine whether or not your computers have Ethernet ports. Buy an Ethernet adapter if necessary. Check to see if you have a crossover Ethernet cable. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into one computer. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the other computer. Open Control Panel. Click Network and Internet. Click Network and Sharing Center. Click the Advanced sharing settings link. Check the "Turn on file and printer sharing" box. Click Save changes. Share a folder. Access a shared folder. Open the Apple menu . Click System Preferences.... Click Sharing. Check the "File Sharing" box. Change the "Everyone" permissions. Share a folder. Access a shared folder. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Breakfast-Casserole | How to Make a Breakfast Casserole | To make a breakfast casserole, start by sauteing chopped onions and peppers in one pan and cooking some bacon in another. Then, while those are cooking, line the bottom of a greased casserole dish with small cubes of sliced bread. Next, add the bacon, sauteed vegetables, and some cheddar cheese to the casserole dish, as well as whisked eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Finally, bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. | Pre-heat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and brown the breakfast sausage. Add 1 pound (0.45 kg) of breakfast sausage to a pan and cook for 5-7 minutes. Place a pan on the stove and set the heat on medium-high. Add the ground sausage to the pan, spreading it evenly with a spoon or spatula. Stir the sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces as it browns. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes or until no pink remains. Consider covering the pan with a lid in case the sausage splatters as it cooks. You can substitute chicken or turkey sausage if you prefer. Drain away the grease after cooking the sausage. Grab the handle of the pan and gently tilt it so that the grease runs to one side. Use a spoon to push the sausage to the other side of the pan, away from the grease. Blot the grease with paper towels until it has been completely removed and discard them in the trash. The excess grease will ruin your casserole if not properly removed. Spray a pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with defrosted hash browns. Use a cooking spray to grease a 9 by 9 in (23 by 23 cm) pan. Spread the defrosted hash browns on the bottom of the pan. Spread the browned sausage on top of the hash browns and sprinkle with cheese. Use a slotted spoon to layer the sausage on top of the hash browns. Sprinkle 2 cups (230 grams) of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sausage. Mix together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Crack 6 eggs into a bowl and whisk together until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Add ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of milk along with 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of salt and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of pepper to the eggs as you stir to combine the ingredients. Make sure to crack the eggs. If pieces of shell accidentally fall into the bowl, they will be easier to remove. Pour the egg mixture into the casserole and bake it for 30-35 minutes. Slowly pour the egg mixture on top of the hash browns, sausage, and cheese, making sure that it is evenly spread. Place the uncovered casserole dish in the oven to cook for 30-35 minutes. Once the eggs have set, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Make sure to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you decide to cook it. Pre-heat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and grease a casserole dish. Coat a 9 by 13 in (23 by 33 cm) casserole dish with cooking spray and set it aside. Allow the oven to heat while you prepare the casserole ingredients. Grease the casserole dish with butter if you don't have cooking spray handy. Sautee the chopped onions and peppers in olive oil. Add 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped bell pepper to a pan heated on medium-high with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of olive oil. Stir the vegetables as they cook for around 8-10 minutes or until the onions begin to look translucent. Cube 8 slices of bread and line the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Use a knife to cut 8 slices of bread into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Add the bread to the casserole dish, making sure that it is spread evenly along the bottom. Use any kind of bread you like. Consider using stale bread as it will soak up the eggs. Cut the bacon into 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) strips and cook it until golden brown. Use a knife to carefully slice the bacon into ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) strips. Heat a pan on medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Stir the bacon as it cooks until it reaches a golden brown color. Add 3/4 of the bacon, 1 cup (115 grams) of cheddar cheese, and the vegetables to the dish. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the cooking grease and layer 3/4 of it on top of the bread lining the bottom of the casserole dish. Spoon the cooked peppers and onions on top of the bacon and bread, then sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper and pour it into the dish. Crack 10 eggs into a bowl and whisk them together while adding ⁄ 4 cup (180 mL) of milk and 1/2 teaspoons (2.5 grams) each of salt and pepper. Continue whisking until all of the ingredients have been completely incorporated. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the casserole. Use a spoon to make sure the ingredients are spread evenly, covering the entire dish. Bake the casserole for 20 minutes then add the remaining bacon and cheese. Place the uncovered casserole in the oven to bake for 20 minutes, then carefully remove it using pot holders. Sprinkle the remaining bacon and 1 cup (115 grams) of cheese on top of the casserole. Bake for 15-20 additional minutes, allow it to cool, then serve. Place the casserole back in the oven to finish cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the eggs are firm. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Consider cutting the casserole into squares and freezing them for later. Pre-heat an oven to 325 °F (163 °C) and grease a baking dish. Spray a 9 by 9 in (23 by 23 cm) casserole pan with cooking spray so that the casserole will be easier to remove after baking. Allow the oven to heat while you prepare the ingredients. Sautee the chopped onions until they become soft. Heat 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil in a pan on medium-high heat. Add 1 cup (115 grams) of red onions and stir while cooking them until they become soft and translucent. Add the mushrooms and spinach to the onions and continue sauteeing. Place 3 cups (345 grams) of chopped mushrooms and 2 cups (230 grams) of fresh spinach to the onions and continue to cook over medium-high heat. Cook until the mushrooms and spinach are tender. Consider adding additional vegetables like peppers or cherry tomatoes to suit your taste preferences. Whisk together the eggs, almond milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Crack 6 eggs open into a bowl and whisk until the whites and yolks are incorporated. Add ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of almond milk to the eggs and continue whisking. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) each of garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it has dissolved. Add the egg and veggie mixtures to the dish and sprinkle with cheese. Transfer the cooked vegetables to the greased baking dish with a large spoon. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the vegetables then sprinkle with 1 cup (115 grams) of mozzarella cheese. Consider using pepper jack cheese to add a spicy flavor to your casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for 40 minutes. Wrap the foil around the edges of the dish and press firmly to hold it in place. Allow the casserole to bake for 40 minutes in an oven pre-heated to 325 °F (163 °C). You can make the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. If you make it in advance, however, allow the casserole to reach room temperature before baking it by letting it sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake the dish for 10 additional minutes. Use a pot holder to carefully remove the dish from the oven and discard the aluminum foil. Allow the uncovered casserole to bake for an additional 10 minutes so that it can lightly brown on top. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool. Place the hot casserole dish on a towel or heat-safe surface and leave it to cool. This may take up to 20 minutes. If you have a wire cooling rack, allow the casserole dish to rest on it to cool. The casserole will cool more quickly if air can circulate underneath the dish. Slice the casserole with a knife and serve. Use a knife to carefully slice the casserole into your desired portions. Serve the casserole slices onto plates using a spatula. Consider wrapping the slices and storing them in the refrigerator to have breakfasts prepped for the week! | Pre-heat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and brown the breakfast sausage. Drain away the grease after cooking the sausage. Spray a pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with defrosted hash browns. Spread the browned sausage on top of the hash browns and sprinkle with cheese. Mix together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture into the casserole and bake it for 30-35 minutes. Pre-heat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and grease a casserole dish. Sautee the chopped onions and peppers in olive oil. Cube 8 slices of bread and line the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Cut the bacon into 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) strips and cook it until golden brown. Add 3/4 of the bacon, 1 cup (115 grams) of cheddar cheese, and the vegetables to the dish. Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper and pour it into the dish. Bake the casserole for 20 minutes then add the remaining bacon and cheese. Bake for 15-20 additional minutes, allow it to cool, then serve. Pre-heat an oven to 325 °F (163 °C) and grease a baking dish. Sautee the chopped onions until they become soft. Add the mushrooms and spinach to the onions and continue sauteeing. Whisk together the eggs, almond milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and veggie mixtures to the dish and sprinkle with cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake the dish for 10 additional minutes. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool. Slice the casserole with a knife and serve. |
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