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https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Someone-from-Snoring | How to Stop Someone from Snoring | To stop someone from snoring, try using extra pillows to elevate their head to make it easier for them to breathe. During the night, turn on a humidifier in the bedroom to prevent dry air from irritating the person's throat. If the person still snores, move the snorer onto their side to reduce the pressure on their throat. Over the longer term, encourage the person not to eat for several hours before going to bed. In addition, if the person struggles with blocked nasal passages, get them to do a saline rinse before going to bed. | Use pillows to elevate the sleeper's head. Raising the head 4 inches (10 cm) with 1 to 2 pillows can make it easier to breathe and encourage the tongue and jaw to move forward. You can buy specially designed pillows to keep the neck muscles relaxed and open, leading to a reduction or elimination of snoring when sleeping. Keep in mind it can be difficult for someone who snores to not move or shift throughout the night, which could lead to moving off the pillows or falling back into a position that could lead to snoring. You can counter this by having the snorer put tennis balls in the back of their night clothes or using a snore pillow. This will cause mild discomfort when rolling over or moving around at night and can prevent the snorer from shifting in their sleep. Keep the bedroom moist with a humidifier. Dry air can irritate your nose and throat and lead to congestion and snoring at night. If the person who snores has issues with swollen nasal tissues, it can help to sleep with a humidifier on. Keeping the air moist throughout the night can help ensure better, snore-free sleep. Consider separate bedrooms if the snoring is too loud. Some couples, families, and roommates decide it might be best to have separate bedrooms for sleeping, especially if the snoring is a chronic issue. It can be difficult, especially for couples, to sleep in separate rooms if one person feels guilty or resentful due to interrupted sleep. Take the time to talk to the snorer about this possibility. Explain that your sleep is lacking due to the person's snoring and that you feel it would be best for your sleep routine and your relationship if you slept in separate rooms. Snoring is a physical issue that is the result of other issues or ailments. It is in the hands of any adult who snores to find a solution, medical or otherwise, for their snoring. However, if none of the solutions seem to work, separate bedrooms may be your only option. If you're a parent with a child who snores, they will need your help to stop snoring. Suggest a nasal rinse before bed. If the person who snores struggles with stuffed up nasal passages, they may want to try a saline rinse before they go to bed to help them breathe easily while sleeping. To clean and rinse the nose , a Neti pot or nasal decongestant can be used. The rinse will help break up nasal congestion and clear the upper airways. It can also help soothe dry or irritated nasal passages. Nasal strips placed on the bridge of your nose can help to reduce the volume of snoring, as they can open the nasal passages. They do not always help to eliminate snoring and are not as effective as a nasal rinse in the opinion of some. Ask the snorer to try sleeping on their side instead of their back. Shifting sleep position to lying on one side rather than flat on one's back or stomach will reduce the amount of pressure on the throat and help prevent snoring. If there's difficulty maintaining a side sleeping position, you can sew a sock or a tennis ball into the back of their nightwear. This will cause mild discomfort when rolling over on the back during the night and help to keep the snorer on one side. After a few weeks of sleeping on one side, it should become a habit and you can remove the tennis balls or socks in the pajamas. You can also use a snore pillow to prevent them from rolling over. Suggest they speak to their dentist about anti-snoring mouth appliances. People with a snoring problem can see their dentist and get a custom mouthguard to help open the airway and bring the lower jaw and tongue forward during sleep. This kind of device is called a mandibular advancement device (or MAD). You can get a MAD custom-fitted by your dentist or purchase one over-the-counter and follow the instructions to fit it yourself. Dentist-made appliances can be expensive, especially if healthcare does not cover them. Suggest they have a consultation with their dentist and discuss cheaper options, if necessary. Recommend the snorer meet with their doctor about surgical options for snoring. Snoring is more than just a nuisance. It can cause more serious health issues, like daytime fatigue due to sleep deprivation and even heart problems. If the snorer continues to snore despite adjustments to the sleeping environment and sleep habits, they may want to consider scheduling a consultation with a doctor to discuss a medical device or a surgical procedure to help with the snoring. A doctor may recommend the following options, including: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This is a machine that blows pressurized air into a mask worn over the nose, nose and mouth, or whole face. A CPAP machine can help to keep airways open while sleeping, but it is mainly used for sleep apnea. Consider drawbacks, such as hindering travel, before getting a machine. Traditional surgery for snoring: These surgical procedures will help to increase the size of the person's airways by removing tissues or correcting any abnormalities in the nose, such as a deviated septum. Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP): This procedure uses lasers to shorten the uvula, which is the hanging soft tissue at the back of the throat, and makes small cuts in the soft palate. As the cuts heal, the surrounding tissue will stiffen and prevent the vibrations in the throat that cause snoring. Suggest losing weight through diet and exercise. If the person who snores is overweight or has weight issues, they may want to consider losing weight with a healthy, balanced diet and daily exercise. Excess weight can add more tissue around the neck area and lead to restricted airways, causing louder and more persistent snoring. Encourage them to avoid heavy meals or alcohol several hours before bed. Drinking alcohol a few hours before bed can cause the airways to relax and vibrate during sleep, leading to snoring. As well, a heavy meal before bedtime can cause a restless sleep, full of snoring and shifting or moving around in bed. According to the National Sleep Foundation, tranquilizers and sleeping pills can also contribute to snoring problems. If the person has a hard time getting to sleep, encourage them to talk to their doctor about using alternative methods to relieve insomnia. Recommend daily throat exercises to reduce snoring. Throat exercises can strengthen the muscles of their upper respiratory tract and help to reduce or eliminate snoring. Suggest they try to do throat exercises on a daily basis, starting with 1 to 2 sets and then increasing the number of sets over time. Advise them to combine the exercises with other activities like driving to work, doing housework, or walking the dog. To do throat exercises: Repeat each vowel (a-e-i-o-u) out loud for 3 minutes several times a day. Put the tip of the tongue behind the top front teeth. Then, slide the tongue backward. Do this exercise for 3 minutes a day. Close the mouth and purse the lips. Hold this for 30 seconds. Open the mouth and move the jaw to the right. Hold this for 30 seconds. Do the same on the left side. Open the mouth and contract the muscles at the back of the throat several times for 30 seconds. Look in the mirror to confirm the uvula (the hanging ball in the back of the throat) moves up and down. | Use pillows to elevate the sleeper's head. Keep the bedroom moist with a humidifier. Consider separate bedrooms if the snoring is too loud. Suggest a nasal rinse before bed. Ask the snorer to try sleeping on their side instead of their back. Suggest they speak to their dentist about anti-snoring mouth appliances. Recommend the snorer meet with their doctor about surgical options for snoring. Suggest losing weight through diet and exercise. Encourage them to avoid heavy meals or alcohol several hours before bed. Recommend daily throat exercises to reduce snoring. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Account-for-a-Capital-Lease | How to Account for a Capital Lease | A capital lease is an agreement in which you purchase an asset from another company in regular payment instalments and the ownership rights transfer to you at the end of the term. When you take out your capital lease, first debit the Building asset account for the total cost and credit the Lease Payable liability account for the same figure. Then, on the first day of each rent period, debit your Lease Payable and credit your Cash account for rent. For example, if you were financing an asset worth 120,000 dollars for 10 years, you'd debit 12,000 and credit 12,000 each year. Don't forget to account for depreciation. For straight-line depreciation, charge 10 percent of the asset's total value to your income statement as an expense each year. | Learn about operating leases. In order to understand a capital lease, you must first understand an operating lease, as these are the two main kinds of leases. An operating lease is a traditional lease whereby lessor (or owner of a property) transfers the right to use the property to a borrower (or lessee) for a particular period, after which it is returned. With an operating lease, the borrower assumes no risk of ownership. An operating lease involves no ownership of the asset, and therefore, the asset does not appear on the company's balance sheet in any way. The only important accounting for an operating lease is the rent, or lease payment, which appears on the income statement as an expense. Operating leases are typically short compared to the life of the asset. For example, if a piece of machinery is being leased, and the life of the machine is 25 years, an operating lease may be for five years. Contrast an operating lease with a capital lease. A capital lease is the other type of lease, and unlike an operating lease, a capital lease requires the lessee to bear some of the risks and benefits of owning the asset, even though it never actually owns the asset. A capital lease occurs when the lessee records the asset on the balance sheet as if it owns the asset. The lessee would then make lease payments to the lessor, and these payments consist of interest and principal repayments, just like a loan. There are several pro's to capital leases. Just like if the business actually owned the asset, they can choose to deduct the interest component of the lease payment each year for taxes, and can also claim depreciation each year on the asset. That is to say, as the asset decreases in value each year, the business can benefit from this, whereas this would not be possible with an operating lease. There are cons as well. For example, since the asset is listed on the balance sheet, this would make the company's return on assets lower. This is because since return on assets is income as a percentage of total assets, if assets increase, the return falls (assuming income stays the same). Consider the criteria for a capital lease. Under a capital lease, the lessee is essentially buying the asset from the lessor, with the lease payments functioning as a financing arrangement. If the lease meets one of these four criteria, it must be accounted for as a capital lease: The asset's ownership will be transferred to the lessee upon the agreement's maturation. The lessee is given the option of purchasing the asset at a price below the market value upon the agreement's maturation. The term of the lease agreement is greater than 75 percent of the asset's useful life. The present value of all the future rent payments is equal to or greater than 90% of the assets market value Evaluate the terms of the lease. Before making any journal entries, make sure you understand the lease agreement's terms. For example, consider a lease agreement whereby Company A leases a building to Company B for 10 years. Company B will pay a rental payment of $12,000 at the beginning of each year. The building's useful life is 12 years; therefore, this is a capital lease because the lease term is greater than 75 percent of the asset's life. Review the basic accounting process for recognizing a capital lease. Before learning the journal entries it is important to understand the basic accounting process. From an accounting perspective, when you enter into a capital lease, you are basically purchasing the asset, and then financing it using a loan. Therefore the accounting would be very similar to if you simply bought and financed an asset. This means you would first need to add the asset to the balance sheet as a fixed asset, and also add the value of the asset to the balance sheet as a capital lease liability (since you do not own the asset). Over the term of the lease, regular payments consisting of interest and principal would be made. The interest portion of the payment would be recorded as an interest expense on the income statement, and the principal would reduce the balance of the capital lease liability. For example, assume you were leasing an asset worth $10,000. This means $10,000 would be listed as an asset on the balance sheet, and $10,000 would be listed as a capital lease liability. If you had a $1,000 yearly payment, and $100 was interest, $900 would go towards reducing the capital lease liability account. Over time, this means the capital lease liability account would eventually reach zero.. Finally, you would need account for depreciation. Since assets depreciate over their useful life, you would need to account for the declining value of the asset each year. Start by recording the journal entries to recognize the start of the lease. The journal entries will reflect the fact that the lease is essentially a sale. For example, assume Company A leases a building to Company B for 10 years, with an annual rent payment of $12,000. Assume the value of the building is $120,000. Note that the value of the asset is supposed to be equal to the present value of all future rent payments. In this example, we are assuming the value of the building is equal to the sum of all future rent payments ($12,000 times 10 years). In reality, this would be less, since those future rent payments must be discounted to account for the fact that money received in the future is worth less than money received now. To begin, open whatever accounting software you are using, debit the "Building" asset account for $120,000, and credit the Lease Payable liability account for $120,000. If these accounts aren't available in your accounting program, you must create them. This transaction recognizes the building and the lease on the balance sheet. Record the journal entry to recognize each rental payment. Now that the lease is recognized on the balance sheet, you must account for the rental payments. On January 1 each year, you must make a payment to recognize your lease payments to the lessor. To do this, you would debit Lease Payable for $12,000 and credit Cash for $12,000. Doing this reduces the value of the Lease payable liability account, to reflect the fact that the principle on the "loan" is being paid down. This transaction also reduces cash as you are paying the lessee. Note that this assumes there is no interest involved. If part of that $12,000 annual payment is interest, you must debit that portion to the Interest Expense account. For example, suppose that the $12,000 payment included 10 percent interest. This means that $1,090 of that payment was interest expense. Therefore, you would record a debit of $10,910 to the capital lease liability account, a debit of $1,090 to the interest expense account and a credit of $12,000 to the accounts payable account. These journal entries will continue to deplete the balance of the Lease Payable account until they reach 0 at the agreement's end. You may also make monthly payments. Account for it in the same way, but repeat the process twelve times--once for each month. Record any necessary depreciation expenses. Because a capital lease is treated like a purchase agreement, the lessee will need to record depreciation on the asset in question. In the example above, you would need to depreciate the $120,000 balance in the Building account over its life. The required journal entries would vary depending on the company's depreciation schedule. Depreciation involves taking the value of the asset ($120,000), and reducing its value over the course of its life (10 years). For example, using straight-line depreciation, the asset would depreciate by $12,000 per year ( $ 120 , 000 / 10 = $ 12 , 000 {\displaystyle \$120,000/10=\$12,000} ). To account for this, you must charge that amount to the income statement as an expense each year. The basic procedure is to debit the depreciation expense account by $12,000, and then credit the accumulated depreciation account for $12,000. | Learn about operating leases. Contrast an operating lease with a capital lease. Consider the criteria for a capital lease. Evaluate the terms of the lease. Review the basic accounting process for recognizing a capital lease. Start by recording the journal entries to recognize the start of the lease. Record the journal entry to recognize each rental payment. Record any necessary depreciation expenses. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Legal-Secretary | How to Become a Legal Secretary | To become a legal secretary, start by completing your high school education or getting your GED. Additionally, enroll in a legal secretary certificate program, pursue your Associate's Degree, or take online courses in paralegal studies and secretarial skills to make yourself more marketable. Next, gain work experience by finding an internship at a small law firm or get a job assisting a paralegal. As you build your skill set, learn to prepare and file court documents and become familiar with retrieving court decisions on online legal databases. | Get the proper training. A high school education or the equivalent is usually all that is required to become a legal secretary. However, to increase your marketability, consider seeking additional training. Enroll in a legal secretary certificate program. Enroll in an Associate's Degree program at a community college. Take classes in paralegal studies and secretarial skills. If time is an issue, try a self-paced, online training course. Gain work experience. Select a secretarial training program that arranges for short term internships with attorneys. Contact small law firms to ask about internships or short term employment opportunities. Once you have been placed in a legal office, ask to assist a paralegal. This will provide you with the ideal training to become a legal secretary by teaching you to draft legal documents and file them in court. If you cannot get training in a law office, look for other opportunities to gain administrative experience. Become a notary public. Though not required for the job, becoming a notary public will help you stand out from other candidates. This is because law offices need notaries on hand to notarize legal documents. The application process to become a notary varies from state to state, but generally requires that you be at least 18 years of age, a resident of the state and that you complete a notary training program or test. Learn to prepare and file court documents. Legal secretaries are responsible for preparing court forms, filing them in court and serving them on opposing parties. Become familiar with a variety of legal documents, including briefs, subpoenas, complaints and proofs of service. Memorize the deadlines for filing court documents. Missing a deadline can be considered a default in favor of the opposition. Become acquainted with court filing fees. Hone your computer skills. Practice typing. Large law firms usually require a legal secretary to be able to type 65-80 words per minute, while a government entry level job may accept a slightly lower speed (around 45-50 words per minute). Learn to navigate software programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Improve your writing and grammar. Legal secretaries are expected to write letters and legal documents from dictated tapes or handwritten notes. They must also proofread documents prepared by attorneys and paralegals. If you are not confident in basic grammar and spelling, consider taking a writing class. Study legal terms likely to come up in your job so that you understand them when you are asked to write about them. Develop a professional demeanor. As a legal secretary, you will be expected to regularly interact with clients, attorneys, and co-workers in a professional manner. Practice expressing yourself clearly and politely. Buy clothing appropriate for a formal office environment. Learn to retrieve court decisions on online legal databases. Some legal secretaries are expected to retrieve court decisions from online legal databases, like LexisNexis and Westlaw. These websites are subscription-based and expensive to access on an individual basis. However, there may be opportunities, either at your legal secretary course or at an internship, for you to learn the basic search functions of these cites. When looking up a case, keep in mind that the citation must include the volume, reporter designation and page number. Choose an area of specialty. There are many areas of the law in which you could work as a legal secretary. The major distinction is between civil and criminal law, but within civil law there are narrower areas of specialty, including corporate litigation, real estate, contracts, employment. In thinking about which would be the best fit for you, consider your interests and the type of environment in which you would like to work. If you like the idea of working for the government and for the public interest, you may like working for a District Attorney or Public Defender's Office. If you like meeting people from other countries, a small immigration firm might be a good fit. If you are interesting in earning a high salary and do not mind stress, consider working for a corporate law firm. Prepare a strong resume. Tailor your resume to the work done by the particular employer. If, for example, you took a training course in filing documents in criminal court and you are applying for a job with a criminal defense firm or Public Defender's Office, include the course prominently on your resume. Highlight relevant work experience or, if you have none, draw attention to relevant skills, such as computer and interpersonal skills, and familiarity with legal procedure. Contact a temp agency. Once you know the area of the law in which you would like to work, a temp agency can help place you in available jobs in that field. Though temp jobs are not ideal in terms of salary or benefits, they are a great way for you gain work experience and network with employers. Be strategic in where you look for permanent jobs. Finding an entry-level job when you do not yet have experience can be challenging. For this reason, it is important that you be strategic in choosing employers more likely to hire brand new legal secretaries. Target solo practitioners and small firms. Smaller firms, consisting of one or two attorneys, are more likely to accept you with less experience. Apply for government jobs. Though government jobs pay less than large corporate firms, the provide an excellent opportunity for new legal secretaries to break into the job market. | Get the proper training. Gain work experience. Become a notary public. Learn to prepare and file court documents. Hone your computer skills. Improve your writing and grammar. Develop a professional demeanor. Learn to retrieve court decisions on online legal databases. Choose an area of specialty. Prepare a strong resume. Contact a temp agency. Be strategic in where you look for permanent jobs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Bridge | How to Play Bridge | Bridge is a card game played by 4 players split into 2 teams. The goal of the game is to take as many tricks, or sets of 4 cards, as possible, until one team scores 100 points. Scores are tallied beneath a horizontal bar on a cross-shaped scorecard, so scoring points is called scoring “below the line." Two games must be won in order to finish a match, called a “rubber.” All points are calculated at the end of the match to determine the overall winner. To begin each round, teammates sit across from one another, and the dealer distributes 13 cards to each player. Players then arrange their cards in ascending or descending order by suit. Then, starting with the player to the left of the dealer, players take turns bidding on the number of tricks that they think their team will win. Bidding starts automatically at 6 tricks, so a bid of “1” means that the bidding player thinks their team will take 7 tricks in a round. In addition to the number of tricks, the bidding player must declare a suit to be the trump suit for the round, so a bid of “3 spades” means that the bidding team must win 9 tricks to win the round and that spades will be the highest suit. Each player at the table takes turns bidding, going clockwise. When bidding, each consecutive bid must be higher than the previous bid in either number or suit. The order of the suits, from lowest to highest, are clubs, diamonds, hearts, spades, and no trump. No trump means that spades, diamonds, hearts, and clubs are all equal and no single suit trumps another. Players can also bid “double,” which means that the previous bid will be worth twice as many points, or “redouble,” which means the previous bid will be worth 4 times as many points. Bids of double or redouble are ignored if another player bids afterwards. You can also say “pass,” to skip your bid. Once 3 consecutive players have passed, bidding is closed. The last player to make a legal bid before 3 passes occur becomes the winning bidder. The team that loses the bid becomes the defending team, and cannot score below the line in that round. The player to the left of the player that won the bid plays their first card. Then, the winning bidder's partner lays their cards face up on the table and becomes the “dummy,” which means they are not playing for the round. The player that won the bid selects a card from the dummy's hand, and players take alternating turns playing 1 card from their hand until every player has played a card. The winner of a trick is the player that played the highest card in the suit, or the highest trump card. Players must follow the opening suit unless they no longer have a card in the suit being played. The trump suit is higher than the other suits at the table, so on a bid of 1 spade, the 2 of spades would trump any heart, diamond or club, and can only be beat by playing a higher spade. The winning player in a round collects the trick and places it face-down in a pile in front of them before starting the next trick. At the end of the round, each team counts the number of tricks they've won to determine the score. Scoring is modified based on the winning bid. If the winning bid was in hearts or spades, each trick is worth 30 points. If the winning bid is in diamonds or clubs, each trick is worth 20 points. The first trick in no trump is worth 40 points, and every additional trick is worth 30 points. You do not get points for the first 6 tricks that you win. So if a team bids 4 hearts and successfully takes 10 tricks, they are awarded 120 points, since they get 30 points each for the 4 tricks. Points awarded for successfully reaching your opening bid are scored below the horizontal line on your scoresheet. If a team wins more tricks than they bid, any additional trick is scored above the line with the same point values. Once a team scores 100 points below the line, they win the game and an additional line is drawn underneath it to indicate that a new game is starting. Each team's score below the line resets at 0. When a team has won a game, they are “vulnerable,” which means that the penalty for failing to reach the contract bid is doubled. When a team fails to reach the contract bid, they are penalized 50 points for each trick under the contract if they're not vulnerable, and 100 points for each trick if they're vulnerable. These points are scored above the line. All point values are doubled or multiplied by 4 if a bid was doubled or redoubled before the bidding closed. When 2 games are won below the line and a team completes the rubber, the winning team is awarded 500 points above the line. Then, points above and below the line are added together to determine each team's final score. The winning team is the team with the most points. | Find three friendly co-players. Bridge is a four-player game played in teams of two players each, so your significant other and another couple are a good potential choice. Teams sit across from each other around a square table. For purposes of notation, each side of the table is given the name of a cardinal direction. Thus, the players in a bridge game are commonly referred to as North, South, East, and West. North and South play on a team against East and West. Learn the structure of the game. Bridge is played with a standard 52-card deck in deals of 13 cards per player, so that the entire deck is dealt out each hand. After the deck is dealt, players make bids. The final bid determines the importance of each suit as well as the overall goal for each deal. Deals are then played card-by-card in 13 sub-rounds known as “tricks.” The goal of the game is to win 7 or more tricks on each deal in order to score points. Deals continue until one team accumulates a predetermined number of points. Scoring systems vary from style to style and group to group. Players typically take turns in a clockwise fashion. This means that actions alternate evenly between the two teams. Deal the cards. The dealer distributes 13 cards to each player, so that the entire deck is used. Give players time to sort their cards by rank and suit. Aces are high in bridge, followed by kings, queens, jacks/knaves, tens, and finally spot (number) cards from 9 to 2. The more cards in a suit you have, and the higher the value of those cards, the better luck you are likely to have with them. Keep this in mind as bidding begins. Make bids and award the contract. Teams bid numbers and suits, which represent the number of tricks they believe they can win on the deal if the suit attached to that number becomes the trump suit (the suit of cards that will be more valuable than the other 3 suits during tricks). Whoever deals will get to bid first, and bidding rotates clockwise from the dealer around the table, continuing for as many rounds as is necessary to settle on a final bid. Whichever team ends up bidding the highest number wins the right to name the trump suit. There are many rules and special terms governing the bidding phase; this guide will cover the basics required to play a friendly game. A minimum of 7 tricks are required to win each deal. (This is because there are 13 tricks per deal, and a majority must be won to win the deal.) Bridge players therefore traditionally count bids starting from the seventh trick, referring to the first 6 tricks collectively as “the book.” If your team wants to bid 7 tricks (saying that you expect to win 7 of the 13 tricks for the current deal), you would announce a bid of 1, and so on up to a bid of 7 for winning all 13 tricks. You can remember this easily by adding 6 to whatever number is bid to get the actual number of tricks that must be won to “make” (complete) the contract. You can't ever bid to win less than 7 tricks (a bid of 1). Suits are important during bidding. The power of the suit you bid will determine how many other cards will be able to outbid it. The suits are ranked from most powerful to least powerful as follows: spades , then hearts (these are known as the “major” suits), then diamonds , and finally clubs (the “minor” suits). Each new bid must be more “valuable” than the last bid before it, so if the person before you bid 1 in hearts, you must either bid 1 in spades or 2 (or more) in any other suit to beat it. It is often advisable to bid on the most common suit in your hand, even if it is relatively weak. For example, if your hand has six cards with the diamond suit, you might lean towards bidding for diamonds to become the trump suit. Pay attention to the bids your partner makes to get an idea of what he or she is holding as well. No trump bids: In addition to bidding for a trump suit, you can declare a bid of “no trump” (sometimes condensed as “notrump,” and abbreviated NT ), which indicates you are only bidding a number, not a suit. If you win a no trump bid, tricks are played without a trump suit, meaning only the highest ranked card in each trick can win it. This is riskier than naming a trump suit, but making (completing) a no trump contract will score your team more points than a regular contract. For bidding purposes, NT is considered the highest “suit;” therefore, the highest possible bid is 7NT. Beware of overreaching on your bid. If your team wins a bid and is subsequently unable to make that number of tricks by the end of the deal, you must pay the opposing team a number of points from your own total, which can quickly change the balance of power. You do not have to bid. You can pass a bid to the next person instead. If three players pass in a row, the last bid wins the contract and determines the trump suit; if all four players pass without any bids at all, the deck is reshuffled and the hands dealt out a second time. There are special terms for each player once a contract has been awarded. The person who made the winning bid is called the “ declarer ,” and his partner is called the “ dummy.” The other team are collectively calle the “ defenders.” Knowing these terms makes it easier to keep track of the flow of the game. Begin the first trick. Now that a trump suit (or a bid of no trump) has been established for the deal, the tricks begin. Play begins with the defender to the left of the declarer. The defender “leads” the trick by placing a card face up on the table. The suit of this card is the suit for the trick, which means that players can only win the trick with a card of that suit, or a trump suit card. The other two suits don't count during this trick. Once the trick has been led, the dummy spreads his or her entire hand out on the table, usually in four columns organized by suit. The dummy's hand is played by the declarer for the rest of the deal. Defenders play normally. The dummy has an unusual role. The dummy cannot comment on the strategic decisions of the declarer, but is allowed to point out when the declarer would accidentally violate a rule of the game. Otherwise, he or she leaves the decisions to the declarer for the duration of the deal. Lead suit cards must be played if possible. For example, if the suit of the lead card is clubs, and you have a club in your hand, you must play it rather than any other card. If you don't have any cards in the leading suit, you may “ ruff ” (play a trump suit card, assuming it is different from the lead suit) or “ sluff ” (play a card from one of the two remaining suits). A ruff is likely to win the trick, as any card from a trump suit beats every card of every other suit. A sluff is functionally the same as a pass, and cannot ever win the trick. Finish the trick and start the next one. After the opening lead, the declarer plays a card from the dummy's hand. The second defender plays a card after that, and finally the declarer plays a card. Once all four cards have been played, the most valuable card wins the trick, and whoever played that card keeps all four cards in the trick for scoring later. Whoever wins a trick leads the next trick. There is no set leading pattern after the first trick. End the deal. When all 13 tricks have been played, add up the number of tricks each team won. If the declaring team made the contract, they win the deal; otherwise, the defending team wins the deal. Award points based on your chosen system. Extra points should be awarded for making a no trump contract. Start the next deal. Put the cards back together in a deck and deal out 13 cards to each player once more. This is the second deal. Deals continue in the pattern outlined above until one team earns enough points to win the game. To play a relatively quick game, play until one team has won a specified number of deals (for instance, 2 out of 3) instead of counting points. Play often. There is always more to learn about bridge strategy. The best way to improve your game is to practice by playing a lot. Books and guides can help a lot, but at the end of the day, developing a sense of when to do what is a matter of gaining experience with the game. Learn to read your partner. You can't directly communicate with your partner during bidding, but there are ways for you and your partner to send each other cues about what each of you would like out of a contract. The opening round of bids is often used to tell your partner what your strongest suit is, rather than actually make a serious bid. Your partner can support your bid by bidding a higher number in the same suit as your bid (signaling that he or she is also happy with the suit), or suggest a different approach by bidding a different suit. No trump bids often indicate that a person has a hand full of face cards and aces that are likely to win a lot of tricks based solely on rank. Try card scoring to determine hand strength. If you're having trouble estimating the strength of your hand, there is a commonly used way to score the cards in your hand in order to assess it more accurately. In this system, the deck has a total of 40 points. The points are assigned as follows: Aces are worth 4 points. Kings are worth 3 points. Queens are worth 2 points. Jacks/knaves are worth 1 point. If your hand has 12 or 13 points or more, it is probably a very strong hand. With practice, this system can help you decide where to place your opening bids to guide the final bid to an advantageous result. Keep your strategy simple at first. Two of the four cardinal ways to win a trick are easy enough to understand that you can adopt them into your strategy right away. (The other two methods are more complicated, and rely on indirectly controlling the way your opponents play their hands by keeping track of the cards they have already played and are likely to play in the future.) By anticipating which of these two techniques to use at what time, you can improve your chances of making the contract (or successfully defending against it). The two methods are: Playing the highest card in the trick. Beating an opponent's high card with a trump card. Work with your dummy's hand to make contracts. When you lead a trick as the declarer, if you and your dummy control the highest cards in the trump suit between your two hands, you can be sure that each trick leading from that suit will be yours. These are called sure tricks , and they are a good simple way to up your trick count. Lead with a card in your sure suit, and then play the next highest card from the dummy's hand to lock in the victory. Since you won the trick, you will lead the next trick as well. Repeat the pattern until you have played out all your sure tricks. Remember, you only need to make your contract to win the deal. Get as many sure tricks as you can to easily boost your total. | Find three friendly co-players. Learn the structure of the game. Deal the cards. Make bids and award the contract. Begin the first trick. Finish the trick and start the next one. End the deal. Start the next deal. Play often. Learn to read your partner. Try card scoring to determine hand strength. Keep your strategy simple at first. Work with your dummy's hand to make contracts. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-a-Working-Model-of-a-Windmill | How to Prepare a Working Model of a Windmill | To prepare a working model of a windmill, you can create a basic pinwheel out of card stock and pin it to a handle with a thumb tack. Alternatively, cut the top off a soda can and trim the sides into 6 equal sections. Then, bend the sides down to form the propellors of your windmill. To make a base for your windmill, fill a big milk bottle with gravel and attach your pinwheel to it. Or, attach it to the shaft of a small motor if you want a power-generating windmill. | Glue 2 squares of paper together. Cut each sheet of paper into a 14 cm square. Glue the 2 squares of paper together—make sure the patterned or colored side of the paper is facing out. Allow the glue to completely dry. Measure and cut the blades. Retrieve your ruler and pencil. Place the ruler on a diagonal between 2 corners. Lightly draw a diagonal line from 1 corner to the other. Lightly draw a diagonal line between the remaining 2 corners to create a “X.” Make a 5 cm cut along each line—from the corner towards the center. Fold and glue the corners in the center of the pinwheel. Carefully fold 1 corner at a time towards the center. Dab a dot of glue on the center of the pinwheel and adhere the corner. Hold the corner between your thumb and forefinger until it dries. Fold and glue the remaining 3 corners. Attach a straw to the pinwheel with a thumb tack. Once the glue has dried, position the plastic straw along the center of the backside of the pinwheel—the top of the straw should not poke out above the top of the pinwheel. Secure the straw to the pinwheel by inserting the thumbtack through the center of the pinwheel and the plastic straw. Attach a motor to the pinwheel to create a power-generating windmill. Remove the pinwheel from the straw. Place 3 to 4 strips of masking tape over the center of the pinwheel. Insert the shaft of a small motor and cover the end of the shaft with a cap, piece of cork, or a small blob of clay. Connect the motor wires to the light bulb with alligator clip leads. Hold the pinwheel in front of a fan and witness the lighting of the bulb! Determine the width of your blades. Before starting the project, wash and dry your tin can thoroughly. Measure the can's circumference and evenly divide the can into 6 or 8 lengthwise parts—these will become the blades of your windmill. Use a permanent marker to mark these segments on the can. Cut the blades. Put on your safety goggles and gloves. Use your scissors to carefully cut along the outline of each blade. Stop cutting ½ in from the bottom of the can. Straighten and flatten the blades with a hammer. With your gloved hands, carefully bend each blade down towards the surface you are working on. Retrieve your hammer. Place the tin can on the ground and gently tap each blade until it is flat. Sand the tin can. Keep your gloves on and grab the sandpaper. Slowly run the paper over the front and back surface of the can. Pay particular attention to sanding the edges. Sanding the can will allow the paint to adhere to the surface. Spray paint the tin can. Spread newspaper or cardboard on the ground. Place the tin can on the covered surface. Put on your protective mask. Spray a thin layer of paint over the blades and center of the tin can. Allow the paint to dry before applying 2 coats of polyurethane spray. Position the wooden dowel underneath the tin can. Retrieve the dowel. Lay the tin can windmill on top of the wooden dowel. The dowel should intersect the tin can blade's center. Nail the center of the blades to the dowel. Hold the wooden dowel in place—ask a friend or an adult to help. Tap a nail through the center of the tin can and into the wooden dowel. Wiggle the nail around to create a larger hole. This will allow the blades to turn. Wash and dry the milk jug. Wash the milk jug with soapy water. Rinse it out with clean water several times. Leave it to dry upside down over a towel. Fill the milk jug with gravel. Once dry, flip the jug over. Measure out 2 cups of gravel—dried beans would work too. Carefully pour the gravel into the milk jug. Poke 2 holes through the milk jug. Retrieve your sharp pen or pencil. Place the sharp end of the writing instrument halfway up the side and in the center of the jug. Poke it through 1 side and out the other to create 2 parallel holes. Attach the straw to the cork. Push 1 end of the straw through the middle of the wine cork. Make sure it is a tight fit! If you straw is made of soft plastic, you may need to carve out a bit of the cork in order to insert the straw. Insert the straw and attach the pinwheel. Push the end of the straw without the cork through holes in the base. Use a paperclip, or glue, to attach the pinwheel to the end of the straw without the wine cork. Make sure the pinwheel can spin freely without falling off. Attach a paperclip to a string and tie the string to the wine cork. Cut a length of thread between 24 and 32 inches long. Tie one end around the wine cork. Attach the other end to the second paper clip. Blow on the pinwheel, set it outside, or place it in front of a fan and observe what happens to the paperclip! | Glue 2 squares of paper together. Measure and cut the blades. Fold and glue the corners in the center of the pinwheel. Attach a straw to the pinwheel with a thumb tack. Attach a motor to the pinwheel to create a power-generating windmill. Determine the width of your blades. Cut the blades. Straighten and flatten the blades with a hammer. Sand the tin can. Spray paint the tin can. Position the wooden dowel underneath the tin can. Nail the center of the blades to the dowel. Wash and dry the milk jug. Fill the milk jug with gravel. Poke 2 holes through the milk jug. Attach the straw to the cork. Insert the straw and attach the pinwheel. Attach a paperclip to a string and tie the string to the wine cork. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-an-Avocado-Tree | How to Grow an Avocado Tree | To grow an avocado tree from an avocado seed, insert 3 toothpicks into the middle of the clean seed. Use the toothpicks to balance the seed on the brim of a cup filled with water, making sure the bottom half of the seed is immersed. In a few weeks, your tree should start to sprout. When that happens, remove the toothpicks and bury the bottom half of the seed in a pot with soil, keeping the top half exposed. Once your tree is about 6 inches tall, trim 3 inches to encourage growth. Make sure to water your avocado tree and keep it indoors during colder months. | Remove and clean an avocado seed. Cut your avocado in half, so it exposes the oval shaped seed in the middle. Use a utensil like a knife or a fork to extract the seed out of the avocado. Once the seed is removed, rinse it under warm water to remove all of the avocado fruit from it. Do not remove the brown skin or "seed cover" from the seed. Read Cut-an-Avocado if you're unsure how to cut an avocado. Determine the top and bottom ends of your seed. The top of the seed is the pointed end, while the lower part of the seed is rounded. It's important that you're able to identify the top and the bottom of your seed. The roots will grow out of the bottom and your tree will sprout from the top of the seed. Insert three toothpicks into the seed. Insert three toothpicks on a slight downward angle in the middle of the seed. The toothpicks will enable you to suspend your seed so that the roots can get enough water while the top of the seed stays dry. The toothpicks should be an equal distance apart from one another. Make sure that each toothpick is inserted firmly but not too far. Place your seed on the brim of a cup filled with water. Use the toothpicks to balance the seed on the brim of a cup, ensuring that the bottom half of the seed is under water. The the other half of the seed should be above the water's surface. Place the glass in a warm spot where it can get some sun. Remember to replace the water as it evaporates. Change your water once a week to prevent mold from growing in your glass. Use room temperature water for your avocado tree. Wait for your avocado tree to sprout. In two to six weeks, you should see your avocado tree start to sprout. You'll notice that the seed will crack and roots will begin to grow from the bottom of the seed. If your avocado tree does not sprout in eight weeks, consider starting over with a new seed. Transfer your plant to a pot with soil. Once your plant grows to 6 - 7 inches (15 - 17.7 centimeters), you should move it to a pot with soil. Remove the toothpicks from your seed and place it in a 8 - 10 inch (20.3 - 25.4 centimeter) deep pot filled with humus soil or a multi-purpose potting soil. The seed should be half exposed on top of the soil. Humus is loose and crumbly soil. It includes organic material like leaves, grass clippings, and peat moss. Avocado trees thrive in fast draining organic soil. Remove and clean an avocado seed. You can use a paper towel or run your seed under water. Remove all of the avocado pulp from the seed before you continue. If your seed is giving you issues during cleaning, you can submerge it under water for one to two minutes to loosen some of the stuck on avocado. Carefully remove the brown seed cover from your seed. Once you've extracted your avocado seed, you'll need to peel back the brown layer over the seed, sometimes referred to as the "seed cover." Use a sharp knife and cut away at the brown cover to reveal the tan seed under it. Light scratches on the seed will not prevent growth but avoid puncturing or cracking the seed while you remove the cover. Fill a pot with moist soil. Fill a pot with loose soil that has good drainage. Some options include sandy loam or humus. You can find these specialty potting soils online or at a home and garden store. Good drainage is essential for growth. A healthy pH level for your soil is between 6.0 and 7.0. If you're using soil from your garden, make sure you sift through it and remove any weeds or roots are in it. Bury your avocado seed into the soil. Bury your avocado seed so that the fat rounded end is under the soil while the pointed end is exposed. An avocado grown this way may take up to two months to sprout. Return to the soil daily to make sure that it's wet enough to promote growth. It's important that your soil doesn't dry out during this period. The best times to plant your avocado tree are March through June. Planting your avocado tree during the hottest parts of the summer increases the risk of sun damage for your tree. Burying more than one seed may increase your chances of a tree sprouting. Wait for your avocado tree to grow. Avocado trees can take 2-8 weeks to sprout. Once your taproot begins to grow, you'll know you're on the right track. The taproot will be thicker than your tree's other roots. After your avocado tree sprouts, it can take anywhere from 5-13 years for it to bear fruit. Trim the tree to promote growth. Once your avocado tree grows to be about 6 - 7 inches (15 - 17.7 centimeters), cut it back about 3 inches (7.6 centimeters). Cutting the top of the stem will promote more horizontal growth on your plant. Trim the tree when using both the toothpick and potting method. Regular pruning after the first year of growth should be limited but is useful for maintaining a healthy avocado tree in some cases.You can prune smaller branches as your tree matures to limit its growth or to balance the tree. The best times to prune your tree is in the late winter or early spring. If you don't cut your avocado plant, the stem may grow too long. Do not cut the roots on the bottom. Water your tree every two to three days. Watering your tree too much can hurt the plant. A good indication of overwatering is if the plant's leaves become a light green or translucent color. Check the soil every couple of days to make sure that it isn't dried out. You can do this by pressing a finger into the soil about an inch (2.5 centimeters) deep. A fully matured avocado tree will need about 20 gallons (75.7 liters) of water per day during the irrigation period. Bring your avocado tree in for the winter. If you live a place where the temperature doesn't dip below 24 degrees Celsius, (75.2 degrees Fahrenheit) then you can keep your tree outdoors all year round. However, if you live in a place where it gets cold, you'll need to bring it indoors, or it will die. Make sure your tree can be pollinated. For your avocado to grow fruit, it must be pollinated by insects. If you have had your plant for a long time and it hasn't grown fruit, consider moving it to an outside garden or keeping a window open so that bees and other insects can pollinate it. You will have to maintain your tree for many years before it starts to produce fruit, and in the end, it may never produce fruit. | Remove and clean an avocado seed. Determine the top and bottom ends of your seed. Insert three toothpicks into the seed. Place your seed on the brim of a cup filled with water. Wait for your avocado tree to sprout. Transfer your plant to a pot with soil. Remove and clean an avocado seed. Carefully remove the brown seed cover from your seed. Fill a pot with moist soil. Bury your avocado seed into the soil. Wait for your avocado tree to grow. Trim the tree to promote growth. Water your tree every two to three days. Bring your avocado tree in for the winter. Make sure your tree can be pollinated. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Broil | How to Broil | Before broiling food in your oven, make sure that your oven rack is in the right position. For thin cuts of meat and fish, position your rack 2 inches away from the heat source for every ½ inch of thickness. For vegetables and fruits, place the rack 5 to 6 inches away from the heat source. Then, preheat your broiler, and brush both sides of your food with oil or butter. Finally, line a shallow metal pan with aluminum foil, lay your food in the pan, and place it in the oven to broil. | Get acquainted with the settings. Broilers usually have two settings – on and off. Look for the “broil” button or dial on your oven. Some ovens will provide different broiling options, but these are generally very basic settings like “high” and “low.” Experiment a bit and check out what each setting does. Before cooking anything, turn on the broiler at least five minutes in advance. This will ensure that it heats up completely. Inspect the rack positions. Most broilers provide two to three rack positions. These positions dictate how close the food is to the broiler. The top two racks are usually three to five inches away from the heating element. Use these racks for browning gratins and cooking thin pieces of meat. Use the top rack with caution because it heats food up very quickly. Some foods can char within seconds on the top rack. Ovens vary, but in general, food cooks at 550°F on the top rack. There is usually a temperature drop of about 50°F to 70°F for each rack beneath it. If your oven provides three racks, use the middle one to broil things like thick steaks and bone-in chicken. Use a digital timer. Because things can burn easily when you're broiling, you must keep a very close eye on your dishes. As a backup, use a digital timer. A mechanical one is fine, too, but because the intense heat can char foods within seconds, a digital timer will help you be precise. Most foods will be ready to remove from the oven after broiling for five to ten minutes. Protect your hands and arms. When working around the intense heat of a broiler, you should use a high quality mitt that is long enough to protect your wrists and forearms from the heat. Look for brands that have a silicone coating on the outside – these usually can protect your skin up to 600°F. Avoid using a damp kitchen towel or mitts that are very thin or short. Use a shallow pan, skillet or baking sheet for broiling. Whatever vessel you choose, it cannot be too deep or it won't fit between the oven rack and the broiler. Cast-iron skillets operate very well under high-heat conditions, making them ideal for broiling. Look into grated broiler pans, as well. These are designed to be used with broilers and they allow heat to circulate under your food. Never use a glass baking dish under a broiler, not even Pyrex, because it might break under the intensity of the heat. Always spray your pan with nonstick cooking spray before you place the food on it. If you are planning to broil something messy, line your pan with aluminum foil first. This will make clean-up easier. Choose thin cuts of meat and fish. If you broil a cut of meat that is too large or too thick, the outside will burn but the center will remain raw. Avoid broiling pieces of meat that exceed two pounds. Look for steaks that are one and a half pounds or less. Fish fillets are typically a good size for broiling. Before broiling beef steaks and fillets, make them thinner by pounding them with a meat tenderizer. This will help them cook thoroughly and more quickly. Allow the meat to become room temperature before broiling. If you put cold meat straight under a broiler, it won't cook well. Take your meat out of the refrigerator beforehand and let it become room temperature before you begin. When your meat is almost room temperature, go ahead and preheat your broiler so that it will be nice and hot by the time you're ready to place the meat in the oven. Brush both sides of the meat with oil or butter. To prevent sticking, be sure to oil both sides of the meat before you begin broiling it. This is the case for all meats – beef, chicken and fish. If you have been marinating your meat in a mixture that already contains oil, you don't need to brush it with any additional oil. After oiling, place the meat on the broiling pan. Season the meat according to your tastes with dry seasonings. Avoid putting sauces on the meat before broiling, since these can burn quickly under the heat source. Slide the pan of meat under the fully preheated broiler. The size and thickness of the meat will dictate how close the pan should be to the heat source. In general, the thicker the cut, the further away it should be from direct heat. This will prevent the outside from scorching before the center has cooked through. For every half inch of thickness, allow two inches of distance from the heat source. Adjust your racks as needed and place the meat into your oven. Broil the meat until it is cooked through. The amount of time your meat broils will depend on how you want it cooked and how thick it is. You will need to watch it closely. Flip the cuts over once the first side has browned to ensure even cooking. Don't use a fork to flip the meat, since this will puncture it and allow its juices to escape. Use tongs, a spatula or some other utensil to flip the meat over. The goal when broiling meat is to get a brown, crusty exterior and a juicy center. Keep the meat or fish in the oven until it is cooked through and seared on the outside. Brush the fruits and/or vegetables with butter. Preheat your broiler and chop your vegetables and fruits to the size you want them. Keep in mind that the smaller the piece, the faster it will broil. You can also leave some items fully intact, like peppers. Melt a little butter and brush it on both sides of the items. Broiling will create a unique and complex flavor. You can experiment with broiling almost any fruit or vegetable that you wish. Some popular choices are pineapple, banana, mango, pears, apples, asparagus, potatoes, zucchini, peaches, tomatoes and peppers. Place the vegetables and/or fruits on a baking dish or pan. Use a shallow dish or pan that has sides so you can stir the pieces easily while you're broiling them. This will ensure even cooking. Make sure to spread the fruits and/or vegetables out evenly so there is only one layer of them on the pan. If you like, sprinkle a little sugar on the fruit pieces or salt on the vegetables before broiling them. Put the pan in the oven on the lower rack and broil the items. Vegetables and fruits broil very quickly. Don't put them on the top rack – they will broil too fast and probably burn. Use one of the lower racks that is at least five or six inches beneath the heating source. How long you leave the items under the broiler depends on how big the pieces are, but in general it will only take a few short minutes to broil any fruit or vegetable. Supervise the items constantly so they do not burn. Use a spatula to stir or flip the pieces so that both sides are broiled. Remove the items when their exteriors have browned. Broiling vegetables and fruits causes their natural sugars to caramelize. On the outside they will be browned and slightly crisp. Inside they will be soft and juicy. The natural sugars will result in a sweet taste and the browned exterior will provide a toasty flavor with a pleasing texture. Serve warm. As an extra treat, serve broiled fruits with nonfat Greek yogurt, ice cream, or sprinkled nuts. | Get acquainted with the settings. Inspect the rack positions. Use a digital timer. Protect your hands and arms. Use a shallow pan, skillet or baking sheet for broiling. Choose thin cuts of meat and fish. Allow the meat to become room temperature before broiling. Brush both sides of the meat with oil or butter. Slide the pan of meat under the fully preheated broiler. Broil the meat until it is cooked through. Brush the fruits and/or vegetables with butter. Place the vegetables and/or fruits on a baking dish or pan. Put the pan in the oven on the lower rack and broil the items. Remove the items when their exteriors have browned. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Arthritis-in-Horses | How to Treat Arthritis in Horses | Before you treat arthritis in your horse, make sure to consult your veterinarian to determine how severe the arthritis is and what treatment is necessary. For example, if your horse is overweight, helping it lose weight may be the simplest way to reduce strain on its joints. You can try switching to a leaner food source and allowing your horse more time outdoors to shed excess weight. Additionally, you can treat arthritis in your horse by giving it feed supplements, like glucosamine or hyaluronic acid, which can reduce pain and stiffness. | Consult your veterinarian. A vet will need to examine your horse and assess the factors that might be contributing to its arthritis, including age, diet, and activity level. This will help them determine the right medication and lifestyle changes to prescribe your horse. Your vet may take x-rays to assess the severity of your horse's arthritis and make further suggestions for treatment. Control the horse’s weight. If your horse is overweight, this will put additional strain on its joints, worsening pain and discomfort. Help your horse lower its weight, if necessary, then feed it a nutritious but lean diet to keep its weight down. Keeping an older horse nourished can be difficult because their nutritional needs and ability to digest food may change. Always ask your vet for advice before making major changes in your horse's diet. Don’t keep your horse confined to the stable. Arthritic horses will probably be reluctant or unable to move like they once did. Keeping them indoors, however, will actually make the problem worse. Provide a large pasture for them to roam and graze about to keep the joints moving and prevent the horse from getting too stiff.Regular light exercise, such as trail riding, will be good for your horse, and limit the effects of arthritis. Talk to your farrier. The condition of a horse's hooves and shoes are critical to its movement and comfort, and this is especially the case for one suffering from arthritis. Let your farrier know that the horse is having problems with arthritis, and they may make recommendations that will keep its hooves in good condition and make it more comfortable. Give your horse feed supplements. A number of nutritional supplements are available, including glucosamine and hyaluronic acid. These can be given to your horse along with its food to help alleviate some of the symptoms of arthritis, like pain and stiffness. Look for feed supplements at a supply store, or ask your vet. Feed supplements are a simple option to try at first. However, they are not regulated, and they are not guaranteed to be effective. Ask your vet what they recommend for your horse based on the severity of your horse's issues Try injectable joint products. Some products, including polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (Adequan) and sodium hyaluronate (Legend) can be injected directly into the affected joint to give your horse some relief. A vet may also recommend injecting the joint with steroids or hyaluronic acid. These products can give immediate relief. In some cases, their benefits can last for months or years. Your vet will sterilize the area to be injected and inject the correct steroid and acid combination. Once you go down the road of injecting a joint, you will likely have to inject the same joint again in the future to keep your horse comfortable. Ask about joint projectants. Arthritis is caused by a combination of inflammation and degeneration (breaking down) at affected joints. In addition to the products that provide relief from painful inflammation, ones like glucosamine and chondroitin can help protect the joint itself from damage. Your vet can prescribe the right product for your horse. Supply pain relievers. Some products, including phenylbutazone and firocoxib, won't treat the joint itself, but will provide your horse with some general pain relief. Your vet will prescribe these for your horse if they believe the medicine will improve the horse's quality of life. Use painkillers as directed by your veterinarian. Giving pain medication more frequently than recommended or in too large a quantity can damage your horse's gastrointestinal tract and cause kidney or liver failure. Expect the issue to progress over time. Medications can definitely help a horse be more comfortable, and caring well for your horse can increase its quality of life. However, it is almost impossible to repair the damage caused by arthritis. Over time, problems caused by arthritis will increase, so it is important to stay in touch with your vet about continued treatment. | Consult your veterinarian. Control the horse’s weight. Don’t keep your horse confined to the stable. Talk to your farrier. Give your horse feed supplements. Try injectable joint products. Ask about joint projectants. Supply pain relievers. Expect the issue to progress over time. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Dahlias | How to Care for Dahlias | Dahlias are beautiful flowers that thrive in cool, humid climates with the right care and attention. Try adding peat or sand to the soil you're planting them in, since they like slightly acidic soil. Plant the tubers about 6 inches deep with the eyes pointing upwards, and don't water them until they sprout. Once they're growing, water them for 30 minutes 2 to 3 times a week. You'll also need to pinch the terminal bud, which is below the second set of leaves, when the plant is about 4 inches tall. This will cause the dahlia to divide, producing more blooms. When the blooms appear, you can cut them off at the base of the stem. Try to dead head spent blooms and cut flowers throughout the season, since this will encourage your dahlia to grow more fully. | Ensure you have a growing season of at least 120 days. You can't plant dahlias until the soil in your garden is over 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 Celsius), so planting can occur between April and June, depending upon your location. You can usually plant these tubers around the same time as you plant your tomatoes. These tubers prefer morning sunlight, and they can benefit from shade in the hottest hours of the afternoon. Check your hardiness zone at http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov Dahlias do best in zones 8, 9 and 10, where they do not need to be dug up every winter. They do best in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Dahlias can also be planted in colder zones with long, sunny summers. Buy dahlia tubers that are not browning too much. You must cut off any rot you see before planting. If you want to combine them with other flowers in your flower beds, it is recommended that you choose small to medium varieties so they don't compete too much with other plants. Store them in sand or packing peanuts until you are ready to plant them. Enhance your garden soil with loamy soil, such as peat moss or sand. They also like slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7. Ensure you are amending the soil in a well-drained portion of your garden. Avoid using packaged topsoil that has been pre-treated for weeds. Dig into the soil approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) to plant dahlia tubers. Dahlias with large blooms should be spaced 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 cm) apart in rows. Place a sprinkling of bone meal in the hole for a preliminary fertilizer. Smaller, bedding dahlias can be planted closer, approximately 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30 cm) apart. Make sure the eyes of the tubers are facing toward the sky. Cover them with soil. Mound them with 6 inches (15 cm) of soil. Don’t water the plants until you start to see them sprout. They will rot easily in overwatered soil. If you live in a very dry climate, you can moisten the soil slightly before planting. Set a sprinkler to water your dahlias after they are established. They should be watered for 30 minutes at a time 2 to 3 times per week. Make sure the water is gentle and drains completely. The water must reach a depth of at least 4 inches (10 cm). Some warmer, drier climates may require watering every other day. Bait your garden for slugs and snails immediately after planting. Slugs particularly love small, immature dahlias. Stake your dahlia plants at the time of planting, if they are large blooms. They will need the support later in the growing season. As they grow, you can tie the stems to the stakes with nylon hose or garden tape. Fertilize with a low-nitrogen fertilizer once per month, once the dahlias are 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) tall. Avoid over-fertilizing, since dahlias can be sensitive to this. Avoid fertilizing late in the season. Find and pinch the terminal bud when the plant is 3 to 4 inches (7. 4 to 10 cm) tall. This is the point below the second set of leaves. It will cause the plant to divide and create more blooms. Cut dahlia flowers at the base of the stem when they are in full bloom. Wait until the stem is at least the length of your wrist to your elbow. Blooms come in groups of 3, and you can pinch off the left and right blooms to produce a larger central bloom. Place the cut flowers in hot water. Then, let them cool over the next hour. They should last 4 to 6 days. Cut your flowers in the morning for best results. Deadhead spent blooms and cut flowers regularly through the season to encourage a fuller plant with more blooms. Keep an eye out for aphids and spider mites. You can spray the plants with insecticidal soap to discourage pests. Wait until after the first frost to remove dahlia tubers. The foliage will begin to blacken when it gets cold. Wait several days after that, so that the tubers can freeze. Cut dahlia stalks at 6 inches (15 cm) from the ground and mulch them in zones 7, 8 and 9. Make sure you have a thick layer of mulch to insulate them over the winter. Dig up tubers in colder climates. Dig up the tubers with a spade, if you are going to store them inside for the winter. This is necessary to avoid killing them in all cold winter climates. Cut off the stalk at 6 inches (15 cm) from the base. It's also a good idea to cut dahlia tubers so that each individual tuber is separated from the clump. Rinse the dahlias to remove soil and allow them to air dry. Line a cardboard box with newspapers. Set the dahlia tubers in the box so that they are not touching. Pour sand, peat moss or packing peanuts around the tubers. Store in a cool, dry climate between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 10 Celsius). | Ensure you have a growing season of at least 120 days. Buy dahlia tubers that are not browning too much. Store them in sand or packing peanuts until you are ready to plant them. Enhance your garden soil with loamy soil, such as peat moss or sand. Dig into the soil approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) to plant dahlia tubers. Make sure the eyes of the tubers are facing toward the sky. Don’t water the plants until you start to see them sprout. Set a sprinkler to water your dahlias after they are established. Bait your garden for slugs and snails immediately after planting. Stake your dahlia plants at the time of planting, if they are large blooms. Fertilize with a low-nitrogen fertilizer once per month, once the dahlias are 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) tall. Find and pinch the terminal bud when the plant is 3 to 4 inches (7. Cut dahlia flowers at the base of the stem when they are in full bloom. Deadhead spent blooms and cut flowers regularly through the season to encourage a fuller plant with more blooms. Keep an eye out for aphids and spider mites. Wait until after the first frost to remove dahlia tubers. Cut dahlia stalks at 6 inches (15 cm) from the ground and mulch them in zones 7, 8 and 9. Dig up the tubers with a spade, if you are going to store them inside for the winter. Cut off the stalk at 6 inches (15 cm) from the base. Line a cardboard box with newspapers. Store in a cool, dry climate between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 10 Celsius). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Losing-a-Best-Friend | How to Deal With Losing a Best Friend | While best friends are an important part of any person's life, people can drift apart, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and sadness. Regardless of what led to the end of your friendship, give yourself time to mourn. If you're angry, let yourself be angry. If you're sad, let yourself cry. This will allow you to get some closure. Also, if you feel guilty about not holding up your end of the friendship, try to forgive yourself. Remember that people can drift apart for many reasons, so if you and your friend lost touch or developed different interests or goals, that's a natural part of growing older. While it might be difficult to meet new friends after losing your best friend, it's important to put yourself out there and invite new people into your life. As you meet new people, try to avoid comparing them to your old friend. Instead, recognize their unique qualities and embrace them for who they are. | Accept that people drift apart. Sometimes, regardless of how much effort either person puts into the relationship, people drift apart. As you grow older, you might find that you and your best friend end up with different interests or goals. This is very normal, and the last thing you should do is feel guilty about it. Be grateful and glad for the time you did get to bond with your friend. Even if your friendship has dwindled or changed, you still had that opportunity to know them and grow from it as a person. As one person, you can only do so much. If you friend has moved away, or switched schools, or gotten married, there's only so much either of you can do to keep up with one another. Don't fault yourself for your limitations. Work on meeting new friends. Regardless of the circumstances of your loss of friendship, don't let it keep you from inviting new people into your life. Put yourself out there and make an effort to make new friends. Think about the qualities you really value in a friend. Look for these qualities in new people. Don't be afraid to ask that person in class or at work to hang out, or grab a cup of coffee. Add some new acquaintances on social media and send them a message. Avoid comparing new friends to your old ones. When you lose someone from your life that you were especially close with, it's easy to compare every new friend to the one you lost. Instead, recognize the good qualities in each new friend, and learn to embrace them as their own person, rather than trying to use them to fill the spot left by the friend you lost. Be open minded about making new friends. Don't focus on finding a friend who is exactly like the one you lost. Instead, open your mind to new possibilities, and to making friends in unlikely places. Pick up a new hobby. One quick way to both meet new people and also to busy yourself productively is to pick up a new hobby. Join a club or sports team, or try a new form of exercise, like yoga or jogging. You might still run into your ex-friend, especially if they still go to the same school, or if they are involved in the same activities. But, don't let that deter you from enjoying new things. Allow yourself to mourn the relationship. Regardless of the circumstances of your loss, you need to let yourself properly get over and process it. If you are angry, let yourself feel angry. If you feel sad, let yourself feel sad. Grieve the relationship so you can get some closure. Even if your friend still lives nearby or still goes to the same school, getting some closure will help you feel more willing to move forward and be able to look back in happiness rather than anger or sadness. Forgive yourself for your own role in the loss of the relationship. You might feel guilty if you did not keep up with social obligations to your friend, such as making regular phone calls or making plans to get together. If you are feeling guilt about these things, then you may feel better if you can find a way to forgive yourself. Try writing yourself a letter where you acknowledge your part in the loss of the friendship, explain why it happened, and then offer yourself forgiveness. You can also try affirming your forgiveness on a daily basis by saying out loud, "I forgive myself." Be civil when interacting through mutual friends. If you and your lost friend still share mutual friends, be civil and kind to your former friend when you spend time with them and those mutual friends. Likewise, don't speak unkindly of your former friend to those mutual friends you still share. Talk to your mutual friends and explain to them what happened. If you'd rather not hang out with them while your former friend is around, politely let them know this. Give yourself time and space to grieve. Everyone grieves at a different pace, so don't force yourself to get over the loss of a friend too quickly. Let yourself have the time you need to go through the process of grief. Don't ignore the things you need to feel to let yourself heal. Sometimes, you might need to be on your own. Give yourself that luxury, but don't isolate yourself too much. Make sure you still reach out to others and find strength and support in friends and family. Write a letter. When someone you love dies, it's natural to feel as if there was a lot you wanted to say that you didn't get a chance to say. Write these things down. The act of writing out your thoughts and feelings for your friend can be a healing experience. Tell your lost friend exactly what you want them to know. You can keep this letter, or you can leave it at their gravesite. Or, you can simply throw it away. Whatever is going to offer you the most closure is what you should do. Find a support group. When you lose someone close to you, you might feel very alone, or like you lost the person you usually turned to when you felt sad or depressed. Join a local support group to find people you can share your feelings with who are going through similar experiences. A support group offers a group of people who are going through or have been through similar things. These people will be able to empathize and understand what you're going through, as well as offer support and advice. Support groups are safe spaces, so what you say there will stay there. Remember the positive things. In the wake of a tragedy, you might find yourself focusing only on the loss itself. Try and refocus your energy onto the positive memories you have of your friend. Think about the good times you had, and the way they positively impacted your life. Try making something tangible to display these memories. Put together a photo collage, or write about these experiences in a journal. Revisit it when you need a reminder, or put it in a visible place. Keep a support system. Don't distance yourself from your other friends and family when you lose a friend from your life. Rather than turning help or support down, accept it, and let other people help you if they offer. If you isolate yourself after a loss, the loss will only feel worse, and have a larger impact on you. Instead, surround yourself with people and things you love. Maintain good physical health. Mental health can have an impact on physical health. If you let yourself move into an unhealthy place emotionally, it can circle around and have an effect on your physical well-being. Fortunately, taking care of yourself physically has positive effects on your mental health. Exercising and eating well can be positive steps to take. Try to get outside for a little while each day. Go for a walk, ride a bike, or take a jog. You could even try opening the windows in your house to get a bit of fresh air. Allow yourself to feel things. Pushing negative feelings away and not allowing yourself to feel them won't really solve the problem. If you need to cry, you should let yourself cry. Or, if you feel angry, it's okay to tell someone you're angry. Also, if you're feeling like you're getting over things and feeling better, you don't need to feel guilty for that, either. If you push feelings away and refuse to feel them, you might find that you're stuck in the grieving process even longer than you needed to be. Feel what you need to feel. Try writing in a journal to express your feelings. This will help you collect your thoughts in one place and be able to look back on them if you need to. Seek counseling. Loss, in whatever form it takes, can take a toll on you emotionally. Counseling and therapy are great, constructive options if you find yourself struggling through your feelings. If you are feeling especially depressed, or if you notice any changes in your normal lifestyle, like a lack of appetite or loss of interest in things you like to do, seek help. These could be signs of mental health issues that need to be addressed. | Accept that people drift apart. Work on meeting new friends. Avoid comparing new friends to your old ones. Pick up a new hobby. Allow yourself to mourn the relationship. Forgive yourself for your own role in the loss of the relationship. Be civil when interacting through mutual friends. Give yourself time and space to grieve. Write a letter. Find a support group. Remember the positive things. Keep a support system. Maintain good physical health. Allow yourself to feel things. Seek counseling. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Treat-Dry-Lips | How to Treat Dry Lips | If you're suffering from dry lips, treat them by applying petroleum jelly to replenish moisture. You can also use lip balms that have ingredients specifically added to lock in moisture, like beeswax or shea butter. To protect your lips from the sun, look for a lip balm that has at least SPF 30 and be sure to cover your bottom lip because it gets a little more sun than your upper lip. If your lips are so dry they're flaking, gently exfoliate them with a mixture of 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon honey, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extra. Just apply the scrub, rub your lips together, then wipe it off with a towel and apply petroleum jelly to your lips. | Replenish moisture in your lips. The most immediate way to bring relief is to apply a lip balm with ingredients that lock in moisture, like petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Other hydrating ingredients include beeswax and shea butter. Avoid heavy matte lipsticks as these can dry out your lips. Protect your lips from the sun. Your lip balm or ointment should also include at least an SPF 30. Be sure to especially protect your bottom lip because it tends to be a little more exposed than your upper lip. Watch out for allergens. If you find that your lip balm or cream is not improving your chapped lips, take a look at what ingredients are included in the formulation. You might be allergic to elements in the sunscreen, like avobenzone. Fragrances and dyes can also cause allergies. Be sure to pick a lip balm that is a non-tinted, unfragranced petroleum jelly formulation. Some other common allergens in lip balms include menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor. Be aware that using lip gloss can lead to cheilitis, an acute or chronic inflammation of the lips. This is most likely due to a contact/allergen dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. Excessive use of lip gloss can cause this condition. . Exfoliate your lips If your lips have very flaky patches of skin, exfoliating with a brush or lip scrub will help you slough off the dead skin and regain your smooth, beautiful lips. You can buy a lip exfoliator from most beauty stores, but you can also follow this really easy recipe to make your own. Combine 2 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract in a small bowl. Apply the scrub to your lips and then rub your lips together, working the scrub into the skin. Wipe off with a clean towel. Immediately apply a petroleum jelly lip balm to moisturize the lips. Be sure not to over-exfoliate; once or twice a week at most is all you need. Limit your exposure to dry air. Because your lips produce so little moisture on their own, they are very sensitive to changes in moisture in the air. Chilly, wintry air is a common culprit, but air that is dried out from indoor heating or air conditioning can also hurt your lips. Add moisture to the air. While you can't control the air outdoors, you can add a humidifier to your home. It will be most effective if you use the humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep and while your lips are left untended for the longest. Stay hydrated. You can keep your lips plump and moisturized by drinking 8-12 glasses of water a day. Protect your lips from the elements. In addition to wearing sunscreen on your lips (try a chapstick with SPF 30), you should also use a scarf to cover your lips, especially if you will be walking outside in very cold air. Always apply lip balm before you go outside in the winter. Breathe through your nose. If you normally breathe through your mouth, this might be drying out your lips. Instead, take deep breaths through your nose to prevent chapped lips. Stop licking your lips. One of the biggest causes of dry, chapped lips is when you lick your lips. Saliva is designed to digest food; it has an acidic enzyme which eats away at the top layer of skin on your lips. While it might feel like licking brings some temporary relief to your skin, remember that it is actually doing more damage to your lips. Accept thin skin. Your lips have some of the thinnest skin on your body. To make matters worse, they are also constantly exposed to the elements. Therefore, your lips are in a vulnerable position simply by their composition and location on your face. They also have fewer natural oil glands to help keep the skin hydrated. This means you will need to supply additional hydration when they lose moisture. Fear the sun. Often when we think of sunburns, we tend to overlook the impact of on our lips, but they can also become burnt and dried out from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Skin cancer can also occur on your lips. Check your vitamin intake. Sometimes dry lips can be caused by a Vitamin B2 deficiency; if you have tried multiple treatments for hydrating your lips and they haven't worked, you should talk to your doctor about getting checked for a vitamin deficiency. Beware of certain medications. Some medications — like Accutane, commonly used for the treatment of acne — can lead to very dry, flaky lips. If you are taking these medicines, you should plan to take extra care of your lips. Finished. | Replenish moisture in your lips. Protect your lips from the sun. Watch out for allergens. . Limit your exposure to dry air. Add moisture to the air. Stay hydrated. Protect your lips from the elements. Breathe through your nose. Stop licking your lips. Accept thin skin. Fear the sun. Check your vitamin intake. Beware of certain medications. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Forget-Me-Not-Seeds | How to Plant Forget Me Not Seeds | With the right care and attention, forget-me-not seeds will bloom into beautiful blue, pink, or white flowers. First, choose a spot with partial sunlight, as forget-me-nots do best with 3 to 6 hours of sun per day. Then, water the soil before you begin planting, as these seeds need plenty of moisture to grow. Sow the seeds approximately 6 to 12 inches apart. If you're planting the seeds in a pot, you can use a regular, light potting mix, as forget-me-nots aren't finicky. To care for the seedlings, water them whenever the soil feels dry. If you want to protect them from the elements, add an organic mulch around each plant. | Pick an area that gets 3-6 hours of sunlight per day to start the seeds. Forget-me-nots tend to thrive in partial to dappled shade, so choose an area of your garden to plant them in that doesn't get full sunlight. Some forget-me-not species are more hardy than others when it comes to sunlight and grow better with more than 6 hours of sunlight. Take a look at your specific seed variety and look up whether it's partial to full sun or partial shade. Test your garden soil for a pH of 5.5-7.5. Forget-me-nots can live anywhere in the 5.5-7.5 pH range. You can use a commercial soil pH tester to get the exact number. Water the soil before planting. Forget-me-nots love moisture, so you want to start the seeds out in an already-wet environment. Use a hose or watering can to get the planting bed moist but not soggy. Sow your seeds 6-12 inches apart. Once you've prepared the soil, sprinkle your seeds onto the surface. You want them to be at least 6-12 inches apart, especially if you're going to let them reseed naturally. If you're planting forget-me-nots in the fall, they will bloom for you in the spring. This might be a good time to plant other spring flowers, like daffodils and tulips. These flowers will rise up above the layer of blue forget-me-nots and add a gorgeous pop of color to your garden. Add a few inches of organic mulch for protection. Mulch made of organic material helps mimic the forget-me-not's natural environment. Place 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of fine mulch or up to 4 inches (10 cm) of larger material on top of the soil to keep moisture in until the seeds germinate. The mulch will also regulate the seeds' temperature. Select a pot with drainage holes. Whatever pot you decide on, it must have holes on the bottom. While forget-me-nots need proper moisture, you don't want them to drown. A pot with holes will allow water to drain out once it has run all the way through the soil, and prevent pooling around the plant's roots that can lead to mold or fungus. Fill the container with light potting mix and water it. Forget-me-nots are not very finicky, so it's fine to use a regular, light soil mixture designed for potted plants. You may also choose to enrich the soil with an organic material, such as compost. Wet the soil afterwards as you would with an outdoor crop. Your soil should have a neutral pH somewhere between 5.5-7.5 for forget-me-nots to thrive. Plant a couple of seeds per pot. If you're planting multiple seeds in a pot, only put down a few at a time. If you grow more in the same pot, the plants will crowd one another and potentially develop mildew. Place the pot in a place with an average temperature of 65 to 70 °F (18 to 21 °C). Whether your plant thrives in sunlight or shade, you want to place it somewhere that is warm but not hot. If you keep the seeds at in this temperature range, they should germinate in 1 to 4 weeks. You can rotate the pot regularly to encourage even plant growth. Water when the top 3 inches (7.6 cm) of soil feel dry to the touch. You never want forget-me-nots to be in totally dry soil. Depending on the climate you live in and how you're growing your plants, this may mean watering more or less than once a week. Feed with fertilizer once each spring. In the wild, forget-me-nots survive on moderate to poor soil condition, so you don't want to feed them too often. Apply a slow-release, granular fertilizer to your plants in early spring. Refer to the product instructions for the exact dosage. You may not need fertilizer unless your plants aren't growing well or have yellowed, malnourished flowers. If so, fertilize once a month. Add 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 cm) of rich, organic mulch to outdoor plants for extra protection. Mulch is a great protective agent for your growing forget-me-nots. It traps the moisture forget-me-nots need in the soil and can keep the plants cool. Keep the mulch 1 or 2 inches (2.5 or 5.1 cm) away from the base of your plants. Wood chips are a popular choice for mulching, but you can also use grass clippings, shredded leaves, compost, or pine straw. Mulch placement can also feed earthworms and reduce weeds, both of which will help keep your forget-me-nots thriving. Trim dead flowers and stems to encourage growth. Use a pair of hand pruners, a pair of scissors, or your fingers to trim off each spent flowerhead at the base of its stem. If a whole stalk of flowers needs to be removed, cut off the stalk from where it grows at the base. Your forget-me-nots will naturally send out new flowers as long as you deadhead regularly. Don't deadhead if you want your forget-me-nots to reseed naturally. Leave the plants if you want them to flower again next year. While they may look a little unsightly during this period, these flowers are dropping seeds to renew their cycle of life. Trap or spray away pests as soon as you find them. There are few pests that go after forget-me-nots. Luckily, they are pretty easy to control if you spot them right away. Spray water on your plants regularly to control aphids. Once knocked down, an aphid usually won't be able to make it back onto the plant. Make a trap for slugs and snails by filling an aluminum pie pan or cat food can with beer. Then, bury the pan or can so the lid is level with the ground. The pests will bypass your plants and head straight for the beer bath. Place one for every 3 metres (9.8 ft) of affected plants. Holes in your plants might be due to flea beetles. These insects are difficult to get rid of, though they cause little damage. You can vacuum them up for an immediate solution, but make sure to prevent them from coming back next season by laying down mulch, weeding frequently, and keeping your garden clean during and after growing season. Remove any plant parts with mildew or spots. If your forget-me-nots have developed fuzzy white mildew or tan spots on their leaves, it's an easy fix. First, snip off any affected parts of the plant with a pair of hand pruners. Then treat your plants with a fungicide, making sure to carefully follow the instructions on the label for safe and proper application. Wilted, dying plants with thin, cobweb-like strands around the base have a more serious problem called crown rot. This fungus is fatal, so dig up and get rid of any affected plants and ones nearby to stop the spread. Clean your hand pruners thoroughly with disinfectant wipes, rubbing alcohol, or soak them for at least a minute in a 1:5 solution of bleach to water. This will prevent the spread of infection to your healthy plants. | Pick an area that gets 3-6 hours of sunlight per day to start the seeds. Test your garden soil for a pH of 5.5-7.5. Water the soil before planting. Sow your seeds 6-12 inches apart. Add a few inches of organic mulch for protection. Select a pot with drainage holes. Fill the container with light potting mix and water it. Plant a couple of seeds per pot. Place the pot in a place with an average temperature of 65 to 70 °F (18 to 21 °C). Water when the top 3 inches (7.6 cm) of soil feel dry to the touch. Feed with fertilizer once each spring. Add 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 cm) of rich, organic mulch to outdoor plants for extra protection. Trim dead flowers and stems to encourage growth. Trap or spray away pests as soon as you find them. Remove any plant parts with mildew or spots. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Heal-Your-Vocal-Cords | How to Heal Your Vocal Cords | If your vocal cords are strained from overuse, it's important that you let them heal by resting your voice and staying hydrated. Talk to your doctor before you do anything since they may recommend medication and voice therapy for serious damage. While you recover, speak as little as possible and write things down to communicate whenever you can. If you need to speak, give your voice a 10-minute break every 20 minutes. Avoid whispering, since this actually strains your vocal cords more than talking. Keep a bottle of water with you all day and sip it whenever your throat feels dry. You should also try to gargle warm water with honey for 20 seconds every few hours and before bed to soothe your throat. Try adding a few drops of a herb extract, like licorice, marshmallow, or sage. | Consult your doctor. Make sure to consult your laryngitis first before using at-home remedies to heal your vocal cords. Your laryngologist will be able to diagnose the problem and prescribe a treatment for your specific case. For mild cases, your doctor may prescribe voice rest. For moderate to severe cases, your doctor may prescribe cough depressants or antibiotics in addition to voice rest. For severe cases, your doctor may prescribe surgery to fix the issue, especially if you have nodules on your vocal cords. Rest your voice. Depending on the severity of the damage, you should rest your voice for one to five days. To rest your voice you must avoid any kind of speaking, as well as activities that may strain your vocal cords like strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. Write things down if you need to communicate to others. If you must talk, then take a 10-minute break for every 20 minutes of talking. Do not substitute whispering for talking. Whispering actually places more strain on your vocal cords than regular talking. Activities you can do while resting your voice are reading, breathing exercises, sleeping, and watching movies or TV. Drink water. Drinking water will help keep your vocal cords lubricated, which can help promote healing. Keep a water bottle with you so you can refresh your throat whenever it feels dry. At the same time, you should try to avoid liquids that can prevent a speedy recovery such as alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks. Get plenty of sleep. Sleep also enables your vocal cords to rest and heal. Therefore, make sure you are getting at least seven hours of sleep each night while they are healing. If you are taking a day or two off from work or school to rest your vocal cords, try not to go to bed too late. Heat a cup (236.6 ml) of water. In the microwave or on the stove, heat a cup of water until it is warm. Warm water is around 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 to 37.8 degrees Celsius). Make sure the water is not too hot (or too cold) as this can irritate your vocal cords. For the best results, use filtered or bottled water. Mix in two tablespoons (30 ml) of honey. Mix the honey in the warm water until it is dissolved. At this point, you can also mix in herb extracts that have been recommended by your doctor. Mix three to five drops of the extract into the water. Herbs that are known to help sooth and heal your throat and vocal cords are cayenne pepper, licorice, marshmallow, propolis, sage, slippery elm and turmeric. Gargle for 20 seconds. Take a sip of the liquid and tilt your head back. Allow the liquid to go as far back in your throat as possible without swallowing it. Softly blow air from the back of your throat to start gargling. Make sure to spit out the liquid once you finish gargling. For each session, gargle three times. Gargle every two to three hours throughout the day. Make sure to gargle before you go to bed. This way the herbs and honey can soothe and treat your vocal cords while you sleep. Heat six cups (1,419.5 ml) of water. Pour six cups of water into a pot. Place the pot on the stove and set the heat to medium-high. Once the water starts to steam or evaporate (about eight to ten minutes), turn off the heat and take the pot off the stove. Water that is 150 degrees Fahrenheit will provide enough steam. If the water is boiling then it is too hot. Let the water cool for a minute or two before you begin the steam inhalation. Pour the hot water in a bowl. Place a bowl on a table and pour the hot water into it. You may add herbal extracts to the water at this point. Add five to eight drops of extract to the water. You can add herbal extracts like chamomile, thyme, peppermint, lemon, oregano, and clove to the water for added benefits. Drape a towel over your head and shoulders. While you are sitting, lean over the bowl at a comfortable distance away from the steam. Place a towel over your head, shoulders, and the bowl to create an enclosure. This will trap the steam so you can breathe it in. Breathe in the steam. You only need to breathe the steam in for eight to ten minutes for this to be effective. Set a timer to keep track of the time. Once you have finished the steam inhalation, try not speak for 30 minutes afterwards. This will enable your vocal cords to rest and heal after the procedure. Set up an appointment with a voice therapist. A voice therapist will help you strengthen your vocal cords through various exercises and activities. Depending on the severity of the damage, your voice therapist may also help you recover breath control while speaking, as well as regain muscle control around the damaged vocal cord to prevent abnormal tension or to protect your airways while swallowing. Receive a bulk injection. Bulk injections are done by your laryngologist. It consists of injecting your damaged vocal cord with collagen, body fat or another approved substance to enlarge the cord. This enables your vocal cords to make closer contact when speaking. This procedure may improve your speech and reduce pain when swallowing and coughing. Get surgery. If voice therapy and/or bulk injections do not improve your situation, then your doctor may suggest surgery. Surgery may consist of structural implants (thyroplasty), the repositioning of your vocal cords, nerve replacement (reinnervations), or a tracheotomy. Discuss the options with your doctor to see which procedure fits your individual situation and needs. Thyroplasty consists of using an implant to reposition your vocal cord. Vocal cord repositioning consists of moving your vocal cords closer together by moving tissue from the outside of your vocal box toward the inside. Reinnervation consists of replacing the damaged vocal cord with a healthy nerve from a different area of your neck. A tracheotomy consists of making an incision in your neck to create an opening to access your windpipe. A tube will be inserted in the opening to allow air to bypass the damaged vocal cords. | Consult your doctor. Rest your voice. Drink water. Get plenty of sleep. Heat a cup (236.6 ml) of water. Mix in two tablespoons (30 ml) of honey. Gargle for 20 seconds. Heat six cups (1,419.5 ml) of water. Pour the hot water in a bowl. Drape a towel over your head and shoulders. Breathe in the steam. Set up an appointment with a voice therapist. Receive a bulk injection. Get surgery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Splice-Wire | How to Splice Wire | Before you splice wires together, disconnect any power going to the wires and strip back 1 inch of each wire's insulation. Then, hold the wire ends so they're touching one another and twist a wire cap clockwise onto the exposed wires, which will wrap the wires together inside of the cap. You can get a wire cap at your local home improvement center. Finally, once the wires are secure inside of the cap, wrap electrical tape around the cap and exposed wires, overlapping each layer of tape so none of the wires are exposed. | Disconnect power from the wires. Unplug the device that you're splicing wires to if you can. If the wire is in the wall or can't be unplugged, turn off the circuit leading to the area so you don't get shocked while working. If you can't disconnect the power, do not attempt to splice the wire or else you could get electrocuted. Strip back 1 in (2.5 cm) of each wire’s insulation. Pick a hole on the wire stripper that's 1-2 sizes smaller than your wire. Clamp the wire in the hole and pull the stripper towards the end to completely remove the insulation. Repeat the process on the other piece of wire. Wire strippers can be bought at your local hardware store. If you are using uninsulated wire, you can skip this step. Slide a 3 in (7.6 cm) piece of shrink tube onto one of the wires. Shrink tube is made from plastic that gets smaller when it's heated. Slide a piece of the shrink tube on your wire before you splice them so you can easily slide it into place once you're finished. You don't need to use shrink tube if you're splicing with a wire cap. Shrink tube can be purchased in the electrical department of your local hardware store. Hold the wire ends so they’re touching one another. Press the exposed ends of the wires together so they're right next to each other. Don't twist or coil the wires together or else they won't stay as secure in the wire cap. Twist a wire cap clockwise onto the exposed wires. Set a wire cap on top of the exposed wires and start twisting it on with your fingers. Turn it clockwise for about 5 seconds so the wires wrap and coil inside of the cap. Lightly tug on the wires to see if they stay in place. If not, tighten the wire cap more. There's a spring inside a wire cap, so as you spin it, it will get tighter and tighter around the wire. Wire caps can be purchased from your local home improvement or hardware store. Strip off more insulation if you need to keep twisting the wire. Layer electrical tape around the wire cap and exposed wires. Wrap black electrical tape around the bottom of the wire cap so it's completely covered. Overlap each layer of tape by half so there's no chance for exposed wiring. Use a pair of scissors or a utility knife to cut the tape when you're finished. If you're working on multiple wiring projects, use different colors of electric tape to mark which wires are connected. Slide 1 of the exposed wires into the end of your butt splice. Butt splices are small tubes with openings on each end to insert wires. Take one of your wires and place it in the center of the butt splice. Push the exposed end until it's in the middle of the splice. Butt splices can be bought at your local hardware store in the electrical department. This method is a good way to connect thicker wires securely. Use a wire crimper one-quarter of the way in from the end of the splice. Match the crimper hole to the size of your butt splice. Place the jaws of the crimper ⁄ 4 – ⁄ 2 in (0.64–1.27 cm) from the edge of the butt splice. Squeeze the crimper handles all the way so the wire is held in place. Don't use a hole that's too small or else you may cut through your wire. Many wire strippers have a crimper built into them so you don't have to get multiple tools. Put the second wire in the other side of the splice and crimp it. Repeat the process on the other side of the butt splice. When you insert the second wire, make sure it touches the first one inside of the splice. Use your crimper to secure the second wire in place. Some butt splices are see-through in the center so you can tell when the wires are touching one another. Slide the shrink tube over the butt splice. Take the shrink tube from one of your wires and completely cover the butt splice. If the shrink tube is too loose or falls off of the butt splice, crimp it in place. If you forgot to use shrink tube before you spliced your wires, you can wrap the entire splice and any exposed wires with electrical tape. Heat the shrink tube with a heat gun. Turn on your heat gun and point the nozzle toward the shrink tubing. Rotate the wire in your hands so the tube shrinks evenly around the splice to insulate the wires. If you don't have access to a heat gun, you can use a small torch or a lighter to heat the tubing. Don't let the flame touch the wire or tubing so it doesn't melt. Form a 90-degree angle with each of the exposed wires. Bend each of the wires with your fingers or needle-nose pliers into L-shapes. Make sure each side of the angle measures ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) long so you have space to wrap the wires. Hook the wires together so the corners are touching. Set one wire onto the other so one L-shape is upside down and the other is rightside up. Make sure the corners of the wires are touching one another before moving on. Coil the end of the upright wire around the wire perpendicular to it. Wrap the end of the wire that's pointing up around the straight piece of the other wire. Make sure the wrap is tight so the wires make a solid connection with one another. Aim to get at least 3 coils around the other wire if you can. Repeat the process on the other side. Use needle-nose pliers if you have trouble coiling the wire with your fingers. Solder the coils together to hold them in place. Heat up your soldering iron and hold it near your wire coils with your dominant hand. Hold a rod of silver solder with your non-dominant hand next to the tip of your soldering iron. Melt the silver onto your coils so it drips between your wires and coats your entire splice. Avoid touching the end of your soldering iron with your bare hands or else you'll get burned. Line your work surface with paper towel or scrap wood to protect against any accidental drips. Move the shrink tube over the soldered wires. Slide the tube over the entire splice so none of the wires are exposed to the outside. Crimp the tube in place if it moves around easily. Wrap electrical tape around the coils if you don't have any shrink tube. Heat the shrink tube with a heat gun until it’s tight. Turn on your heat gun and point it toward the shrink tube. Spin the wire in your hand to evenly heat the tube so it shrinks around the coils. Continue heating the shrink tube until it's tight against the wire insulation. Use a lighter or torch to heat the tube if you don't have a heat gun. | Disconnect power from the wires. Strip back 1 in (2.5 cm) of each wire’s insulation. Slide a 3 in (7.6 cm) piece of shrink tube onto one of the wires. Hold the wire ends so they’re touching one another. Twist a wire cap clockwise onto the exposed wires. Layer electrical tape around the wire cap and exposed wires. Slide 1 of the exposed wires into the end of your butt splice. Use a wire crimper one-quarter of the way in from the end of the splice. Put the second wire in the other side of the splice and crimp it. Slide the shrink tube over the butt splice. Heat the shrink tube with a heat gun. Form a 90-degree angle with each of the exposed wires. Hook the wires together so the corners are touching. Coil the end of the upright wire around the wire perpendicular to it. Solder the coils together to hold them in place. Move the shrink tube over the soldered wires. Heat the shrink tube with a heat gun until it’s tight. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Boil-Water | How to Boil Water | To boil water for cooking, fill a pot with water and place it on a stovetop over high heat. Then, wait for the surface of the water to start steaming and bubbling constantly before adding your food. If you're trying to purify water for drinking, heat the water until it's bubbling constantly and let it boil for a few minutes before turning off the heat and letting it cool. | Choose a pot with a lid. A lid will trap heat inside the pot, making the water boil faster. A large pot will take longer to boil, but the shape does not make a noticeable difference. Add cold tap water. Hot tap water can pick up lead from your water pipes, and is not recommended for drinking or cooking. Start with cold tap water instead. Don't fill it all the way — a full pot can splash you as it boils, and you'll need space to add the food if you're cooking. Don't believe the myth: cold water does not boil faster than hot water. It's the safe option, but it will take a bit longer. Add salt for flavor (optional). Salt has almost no effect on the boiling temperature, even if you add enough to make it seawater! Add it only to flavor the food — especially pasta, which will absorb the salt along with the water. You might notice a bunch of bubbles rise up as soon as you put the salt in. It's a fun effect, but it doesn't change the temperature. Add salt when boiling eggs. If the shell cracks, the salt will help the egg white solidify, plugging the hole. Place the pot over high heat. Place the pot on the stove and turn the burner underneath it to high. Cover the pot with a lid to help the water boil a little faster. Learn the stages of boiling. Most recipes will either call for a simmer or a rolling boil. Learn how to recognize these stages, plus a couple less common options that will help you find the perfect temperature: Quiver: Tiny bubbles appear at the base of the pot, but do not rise. The surface quivers slightly. This happens at about 140–170ºF (60–75ºC), a temperature good for poaching eggs, fruit, or fish. Sub-simmer: A couple little streams of bubbles are rising, but most of the water is still. The water is around 170–195ºF (75–90ºC), and can be used for stew or braising meat. Simmer: Small to medium bubbles break the surface often, all across the pot. At 195–212ºF (90–100ºC), this is a good time to steaming veggies or melting chocolate, depending how healthy you're feeling. Full, rolling boil: Steam and constant movement that doesn't stop when you stir the water. This is the hottest your water is going to get: 212ºF (100ºC). Cook pasta at this temperature. Add the food. If you are boiling something in the water, add it now. The cold food will lower the water temperature, and might reduce it to an earlier stage. That's fine; just leave the heat on high or medium until the water returns to the correct level. Unless a recipe specifically tells you to, don't add the food before the water is hot. That makes it hard to estimate the cooking time, and can have unexpected effects. For example, meat ends up tougher and less flavorful if exposed to cold water at any time during cooking. Turn down the heat. High heat is useful when you want to get the water to reach boiling temperature quickly. Once you've got where you want, reduce the heat to medium (for boiling) or medium-low (for simmering). Once the water is at a rolling boil, more heat will only make it boil away faster. Check on the pot occasionally for the first few minutes, to make sure the water is stable at the stage you want it. When you're making soup or another long-simmering dish, leave the lid slightly ajar. Closing the lid completely will raise the temperature too high for these recipes. Boil water to kill bacteria and other pathogens. Just about every harmful microorganism found in water will die when the water is heated. Boiling will not remove most chemical contamination. If the water is cloudy, filter the water first to remove dirt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. It's the heat that kills microorganisms, not the boiling action itself. However, without a thermometer, a rolling boil is the only accurate way to tell how hot the water is. Wait until the water is steaming and churning for at least one to three minutes. By this point, all the dangerous organisms should be dead. Keep boiling for 1–3 minutes. To be extra cautious, leave the water at a rolling boil for 1 minute. (Count to 60 slowly.) If you are higher than 6,500 ft (2,000 m) above sea level, let it boil for 3 minutes instead. (Count to 180 slowly.) Water boils at a lower temperature at high elevations. This slightly cooler water takes longer to kill organisms. Let cool and store in closed containers. Even after cooling, the boiled water will be safe to drink. Keep it in clean, closed containers. The water will taste "flat" compared to normal water, because some of the air inside it escaped. To improve the taste, pour the water back and forth between two clean containers. The water will trap more air as it falls. Carry a portable boiling device when traveling. If you will have access to electricity, bring along an electric heating coil. If not, carry a camping stove or kettle, plus a fuel source or batteries. Leave plastic containers in the sun as a last resort. If you have no way to boil water, put the water in a clear, plastic container. Leave it for at least six hours in direct sunlight. This will kill some dangerous bacteria, but it is not as safe as boiling. Put the water in a microwave-safe cup or bowl. If you can't find a dish labeled "microwave safe," choose glass or ceramic cookware that does not have any metallic paint. To test whether it is microwave safe, place it in the microwave, empty, next to a cup of water. Microwave for one minute. If the dish is hot after the minute is up, it is not microwave safe. For increased safety, use a container that has a scratch or chip (in scientific terms, a nucleation site) on the interior surface. This will help the water bubble, reducing the risk of an (already unlikely) "superheated" explosion. Add a microwave-safe object to the water. This also helps the water bubble. Try a wooden spoon, chopstick, or popsicle stick. If you don't mind flavoring the water, even a spoonful of salt or sugar should be enough. Avoid using a plastic object, which may be too smooth to allow bubbles to form on it. Put the water in the microwave. In most microwaves, the edge of the rotating carousel will heat up faster than the center. Heat in short intervals, stirring regularly. For maximum safety, look up recommended water heating times in your microwave's manual. If you don't have the manual, try heating in 1-minute intervals. After each interval, cautiously stir the water, then remove it from the microwave to test its temperature. The water is ready when it's steaming and too hot to touch. If the water is still cool after the first couple minutes, increase the length of each session to 1.5 or 2 minutes. The total amount of time depends on your microwave's power and the amount of water you're boiling. Don't expect a "rolling boil" in a microwave. The water will still reach boiling temperatures, but it will be less obvious. Understand the effect. Moving up from sea level, the air gets thinner and thinner. With fewer air molecules to push the water down, each water molecule has an easier time breaking away from the others and entering the air. In other words, it takes less heat to get the water boiling. The water will boil sooner, but the low temperature will make it harder to cook food. You don't need to worry about this effect unless you're at 2,000 ft (610m) or higher. Start with more water. Since liquids evaporate faster at higher altitudes you should also add a little extra water to compensate. If you're planning to cook food in the water, you should add even more water. The food will require a longer cooking time, so more water than you're used to will boil away. Boil food for longer times. To make up for the lower temperature, you can cook the food for a longer amount of time. Here's a simple rule for how much time to add: If the recipe would take less than 20 minutes to boil at sea level, add 1 minute of cooking time for each 1,000 ft (305m) above sea level. If the recipe would take more than 20 minutes to boil at sea level, add 2 minutes for each 1,000 ft (305m) above sea level. Consider using a pressure cooker. At especially high altitudes, cooking in boiling water can take an unreasonably long time. Boil water a pressure cooker instead. This traps the water under an airtight lid, and raises the pressure so the water can reach higher temperatures. In a pressure cooker, you can follow the recipe as though you were cooking at sea level. | Choose a pot with a lid. Add cold tap water. Add salt for flavor (optional). Place the pot over high heat. Learn the stages of boiling. Add the food. Turn down the heat. Boil water to kill bacteria and other pathogens. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Keep boiling for 1–3 minutes. Let cool and store in closed containers. Carry a portable boiling device when traveling. Leave plastic containers in the sun as a last resort. Put the water in a microwave-safe cup or bowl. Add a microwave-safe object to the water. Put the water in the microwave. Heat in short intervals, stirring regularly. Understand the effect. Start with more water. Boil food for longer times. Consider using a pressure cooker. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Increase-Penis-Size-Using-Herbs | How to Increase Penis Size Using Herbs | While there's not a lot of evidence that herbs can actually increase your penis size, some herbs may promote better blood flow and help you achieve stronger erections. To boost your erections, try taking ginkgo in capsule or tea form, since it may help increase blood flow to your penis. You could also take 1 gram of L-arginine supplements 3 times a day, which may help you get an erection after taking it for several weeks. Alternatively, try 500 milligrams of Korean ginseng root per day, which has been shown in one study to improve sexual performance. Remember to consult with your doctor before using any supplements if you are taking medications or have a history of medical disorders, since they can sometimes have negative side effects. If you'd rather try another non-invasive treatment, consider using a penis ring, which fits over your penis and helps retain blood so it stays hard. | Try ginseng. Korean red ginseng is said to give the nervous system a boost through ginsenosides, a natural component of the plant. While there is no conclusive scientific evidence that ginseng causes the penis to get bigger, men who took ginseng extract tablets as part of a study in South Korea experienced better sexual function after taking the supplements for several weeks. Ginseng contraindicates with several medications, and it can have negative side effects for people with certain cancers, heart disease, insomnia, and other disorders. Be sure to talk with your doctor before you begin taking ginkgo regularly. If you're considering taking ginseng supplements, look for a supplement labeled "Korean ginseng root" and take 500 mg per day. Since herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA, there is always a risk when taking them. Be sure to purchase the supplements from a reputable company, and never take more than the recommended dosage. Consider ginkgo biloba. This herb is often taken to boost memory, but it also helps with blood circulation and may enhance blood flow to the penis. According to a study conducted at the University of California, ginkgo is most effective at helping men on anti-depressants that can lead to sexual dysfunction. Another study found that gingko had no effect. Scientific data is inconclusive, but since gingko enhances memory and has relatively few side effects, it might be worth a try. Gingko can be consumed as a tea or a supplement in the form of a capsule. Both forms of the herb are widely available in health food stores. Do not take gingko supplements if you have a history of seizures or you're on blood thinning medication. See your doctor to make sure this supplement is safe for you to take. Look into taking maca supplements. This powder is known for being an aphrodisiac. It contains the phytochemicals macamides and macaenes, which are said to boost energy and help men maintain erections. Because no conclusive scientific studies have been conducted on this substance, it's best to proceed with caution. Be sure to discuss it with your doctor before you start adding this supplement to your daily routine. Consider taking L-arginine. This is an amino acid that leads to increased blood flow, helping the penis get larger during an erection. A study conducted at Tel Aviv University showed that some men experienced improvements after taking the supplement for 6 weeks. It's available in natural food stores, and the recommended dose is 1 gram (0.035 oz), 3 times a day. This supplement should not be taken if you're on nitroglycerin for your heart, because it can cause a drop in blood pressure. Talk with your doctor about whether you should take L-arginine. Eat watermelon. It's not an herb, but it has properties that might help increase the size and duration of erections in a similar way to arginine. Watermelon contains an amino acid called citrulline, which gets converted into arginine and leads to the dilation of blood vessels. The fact that watermelon contains citrulline is a relatively new finding, so no studies have been conducted to find out how well it really works or how much watermelon you'd have to eat to see the benefits. However, since watermelon is considered a superfood when it comes to men's health, you can't go wrong by eating plenty of it while it's in season. Stop smoking. The size of your penis, whether it's flaccid or erect, depends on how much blood it contains. Using tobacco products causes the body's arteries to become narrower, which in turn reduces blood flow to the penis. If you smoke, you're inhibiting your penis from being as large as it could be. Exercise regularly. Moving your body enhances circulatory health, strengthening the arteries that carry blood to your penis. If you don't exercise at all, your penis may not be realizing its full potential. Aim to exercise for about an hour a day, whether you want to go for a swim, a walk, a jog, or a bike ride. Any type of exercise will help increase blood flow to your penis. However, there's no way to exercise your penis itself in a way that will make it get bigger. The penis is composed of smooth muscle, which doesn't increase in mass with exercise. Exercise your pelvic floor. You may not be able to build up the penis itself through exercise, but if you strengthen your pelvic floor your body will be better able to hold blood in your penis. The pelvic floor presses on the vein that keeps blood from leaving the penis during erections. You can strengthen your pelvic floor using Kegel exercises. A trial conducted in Britain concluded that men who performed Kegel exercises experienced better sexual function than those who made other lifestyle changes but didn't perform the exercises. Find your pelvic floor by tightening the same muscle you use to stop your urine flow. Tighten and release the muscle 8 times. Rest and do it 8 more times, and again until you've done 3 or 4 sets. Do the exercises once a day for best results. Lose belly fat. Your penis may look smaller than it really is if it's partially obscured by skin that droops over the top. Losing belly fat is no simple task, but it can make a big difference when it comes to the perceived size of your penis. Start taking measures to lose weight and you'll likely see improvement in other areas as well. According to a report from Harvard, men with a 42 in (110 cm) waist are 50% more likely to have erectile dysfunction (ED) than men with a 32 in (81 cm) waist. A regular exercise regimen will help you slim down. Aim to do cardio exercises as well as weight training. Eat whole foods, like lean meat, fish, whole grains, beans, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and healthy oils. Avoid refined and processed foods, excessive sugar and starch, and hydrogenated oils. Try penis-enhancing devices. There are a few simple, non-invasive devices you can use to help your penis grow and stay enlarged long enough to have sex. If your aim is to have a bigger, firmer erection without using drugs or invasive treatments, try one of these devices: A penis ring. This works by holding blood in the penis when it becomes engorged during an erection. Your penis will temporarily be larger and stiffer. A penis pump. It's a vacuum device that fits around the penis. When you operate a hand pump, it draws blood into the penis and keeps it erect temporarily. Stay away from products claiming to increase penis size. Since wanting a larger penis is such a common desire, there are a lot of scammers out there making promises they can't back up. There is no magic potion that will make your penis grow. It's completely genetic. Don't waste your money or jeopardize your health by falling prey to a company that promises to permanently give you a bigger penis with its product. Not only are these products unlikely to be an effective way to enhance your penis size, but they may also be unsafe. Be wary of "herbal Viagra" products. These are cocktails of the herbs known to increase blood flow to the penis, but since they aren't regulated by the FDA, it's difficult to know what the side effects might be. It's better to try herbs one at a time, controlling your dosage so that you don't accidentally take too much. Avoid ordering products online, even if the site selling them looks legitimate. If you do end up buying such a product, be cautious. Be sure not to try any type of penis-enhancement product until you check with your doctor. Don't bother with stretching or weight-hanging. These two techniques are said to lengthen the penis, and in some cases they do. But the longer it gets, the thinner it gets; both methods cause the penis to lose girth as it stretches out. The only time to use a penis stretcher is after having surgery, when it's necessary to prevent the accumulation of scar tissue. If you need to stretch your penis for medical reasons, your doctor can show you how to do it safely using special traction devices. Think it through carefully before getting surgery. Surgical penis enlargement, or phalloplasty, has unfortunate side effects. With this surgical procedure, the penis is extended in length, but you sacrifice function. After an enlargement procedure the penis is no longer able to stand out from the body; instead, it hangs between the legs. And sometimes, it no longer gets erect at all. Looking into natural solutions is a much better bet. Phalloplasty is used to build up a very small penis, also called a "micropenis," and in these cases the surgery is beneficial. However, phalloplasty performed on an average-length penis can lead to erectile dysfunction, scarring, and deformity. | Try ginseng. Consider ginkgo biloba. Look into taking maca supplements. Consider taking L-arginine. Eat watermelon. Stop smoking. Exercise regularly. Exercise your pelvic floor. Lose belly fat. Try penis-enhancing devices. Stay away from products claiming to increase penis size. Be wary of "herbal Viagra" products. Don't bother with stretching or weight-hanging. Think it through carefully before getting surgery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Mummy | How to Make a Mummy | To make a mummy, start by getting a doll or making a human-shaped form out of aluminum foil. Then, cover the doll with strips of white paper or cloth using paper mache paste, letting it dry for 1-2 days when you're finished. If you want to make a sarcophagus for your mummy, start by wrapping a plastic bag around it and covering the bag in paper mache. Then, let the sarcophagus dry for 1-2 days before cutting it in half and painting it gold, red, blue, and green. | Find or create a “Pharaoh. ” You can either make a small, human-shaped form out of foil or use a doll, like a barbie doll. If you decide to use a doll, cut off as much of its hair as you can. Otherwise, the head of the mummy will be difficult to wrap. Don't use someone else's doll without asking permission. Inexpensive dolls can be bought at grocery stores and discount department stores. Create the papier mâché paste. Add one part water to one part flour in a large mixing bowl. Next, whisk the mixture together to create a smooth paste. The paste should have the consistency of pancake batter. If it's too thick, add a few splashes of water. If it's too thin, sprinkle in more flour. For example, if you use one cup of flour, you will need one cup of water. Add a tablespoon of salt to the paste if you want to prevent molding. Prepare some mummy strips. Tear out small, thin strips of unruled white paper or thin cloth. You can also use newspaper, tissue paper, or paper towels. If you're making an authentic-looking mummy, choose white paper or fabric. Otherwise, the mummy will be multicolored. The strips should be about 3-4 inches long (7.5 to 10 centimeters) and half an inch wide (1.3 centimeters). Wrap the Pharaoh in papier mâché strips. First, dip a strip of paper or fabric into your paste and coat each side. Gently squeeze the strip to remove any excess paste. Next, wrap the strip around the mummy as tightly as you can. Wrap the arms against the body. Mummies usually don't have individually wrapped arms. If you decide to do more than one layer of papier mâché, let each layer dry completely before adding another. Let the mummy dry. Leave the mummy in a sunny spot for twenty-four to forty-eight hours. This will guarantee that any layers have dried. Otherwise, the mummy may mold. To test whether or not the mummy is dry, press it gently with a finger. The papier mâché should be chalky and stiff. To speed the drying process, place the mummy under a fan. Wrap the mummy in plastic. Use a plastic bag, a trash bag, or a grocery bag. Create a thick, padded layer around the mummy. This will mimic the sarcophagus shape. After wrapping, your mummy should look like a small plastic baguette. Cover the plastic-wrapped mummy in papier mâché. Lay paste-covered strips of paper or fabric all over the plastic. Wrap the strips completely around the mummy so that all parts are covered. Add three or four layers to create a thick sarcophagus wall. Let each layer dry for an hour or two before applying another. Allow the papier mâché to dry. Set the sarcophagus in a sunny spot to dry for a day or two. To check whether or not it's ready, gently press a finger against the papier mâché. The sarcophagus should feel stiff and chalky to the touch. Place the sarcophagus under a fan to speed up the drying process. The sarcophagus needs to be completely dry before you paint it. Otherwise, it may mold and fall apart. Cut the sarcophagus in half. Use craft scissors or a crafting blade to carefully cut the sarcophagus in half. First, lay the sarcophagus on its back. Next, carefully make an incision halfway up the side of the sarcophagus. Continue cutting all around the side to create a front half and a back half. If needed, use a pencil to draw a guide line around the sides. Follow this line when cutting the sarcophagus. Paint the sarcophagus. Use acrylic paints to paint the sarcophagus and allow it to dry completely. Use a metallic gold paint for the face and body accents. Use a combination of red, blue, and green for the other parts of the sarcophagus. Consider adding authentic touches to the outside. For example: Add black and blue accent stripes along the side. Paint on Egyptian symbols, such as the symbol for Anubis. Detail small “offerings” by painting depictions of grain, bread, or gold. Place the mummy back in the sarcophagus. First, cut away and discard the plastic wrapping around the mummy. Next, lay the mummy in the bottom half of the sarcophagus. Place the lid on top to enclose your mummy. Wash the Pharaoh’s body. Clean the body with palm wine to remove any dirt or debris. Next, rinse the sticky palm wine away with water from the Nile river. This water is considered sacred and will purify the Pharaoh's body. Remove the internal organs. Make an incision on the Pharaoh's side, just under the rib cage. Remove the stomach, intestines, liver, and lungs. Set these sacred organs aside. Next, use a hook to remove the brain through the nose. Discard this organ. Embalm the sacred organs. Place the sacred organs in ornate, decorative jars. Fill these jars with embalming fluid or natron, a naturally occurring combination of baking soda and salt. This will preserve the organs for use in the afterlife. The heads of the jars depict: Imsety Happy the baboon-headed god Duamutef the jackal-headed god Qebehsenuef the falcon-headed god Wash the body with more wine. Palm wine can act as an antiseptic when used as a cleaning solution. Washing the body again with this wine will kill any bacteria that might disrupt the embalming process. Embalm the Pharaoh with natron. Place the Pharaoh's body in a recessed trough on a layer of natron. Insert several sachets of natron inside the body cavity. Next, pour more natron over the body until it's completely covered. Let the body embalm for forty days. Natron will draw out all of the liquid in the body to embalm it. Without bodily liquids, the Pharaoh can't decay. Wrap the body with linens. First, cover the Pharaoh in a royal funeral shroud. Next, wrap the Pharaoh with strips of fine linen. While wrapping, insert amulets and jewelry into the strips. You can also cast spells and chant incantations during this process. Depending on the time period, some Pharaohs also have their names written on each linen strip. Place the death mask on the Pharaoh. Each Pharaoh has a death mask made of gold. These masks help the spirit identify the body in death. Gently lay the death mask over the Pharaoh's wrapped head to complete the mummification. Many less wealthy Egyptians used death masks. However, these masks were made of wood or plaster. Lay the Pharaoh to rest. First, gently lay the Pharaoh in the painted and prepared sarcophagus, being careful not to disturb the death mask. After the sarcophagus is closed, the Pharaoh can be placed in his tomb. Set the sacred organ jars around the sarcophagus and seal the tomb. Depending on the wishes of the Pharaoh, servants, gold, chariots, and other worldly goods may be entombed with him. | Find or create a “Pharaoh. Create the papier mâché paste. Prepare some mummy strips. Wrap the Pharaoh in papier mâché strips. Let the mummy dry. Wrap the mummy in plastic. Cover the plastic-wrapped mummy in papier mâché. Allow the papier mâché to dry. Cut the sarcophagus in half. Paint the sarcophagus. Place the mummy back in the sarcophagus. Wash the Pharaoh’s body. Remove the internal organs. Embalm the sacred organs. Wash the body with more wine. Embalm the Pharaoh with natron. Wrap the body with linens. Place the death mask on the Pharaoh. Lay the Pharaoh to rest. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Windshield-Wiper-Blades-from-Squeaking | How to Stop Windshield Wiper Blades from Squeaking | To stop your windshield wiper blades from squeaking, try wiping down the blades with hot, soapy water or rubbing alcohol and see if that fixes the problem. If that doesn't work, try twisting the windshield wiper arms so they're not as stiff since stiff blades can cause squeaking and chattering. You can also rub some ArmorAll or WD-40 on the blades to soften them so they're not as squeaky. Also, if the fasteners holding your windshield wipers are too loose or tight, adjust them with a wrench and see if that helps. | Remove buildup from wiper blades. Lift the wiper blade so it is oriented away from the windshield. Wet a piece of paper towel with a small amount of hot, soapy water or rubbing alcohol. Wipe the blades with the towel until the paper towel comes away clean. Remember to clean the arm and hinged parts as well. Hinged parts of the wiper assembly can stiffen with dirt and grime, contributing to squeakiness. For severely dirty wipers, you may need to use several pieces of paper towel. If your paper towel is somewhat flimsy, double it up before wiping or use a rag. If your wiper blades don't stay in position when pulled away from the windshield, hold the blade away from the glass with your free hand and clean them one at a time. Clean the windshield glass thoroughly with glass cleaner. Coat your windshield with a generous amount of ammonia-free glass cleaner. Now you're ready to wipe the windshield clean with a soft, lint-free cloth, like one made from microfiber. Wipe with a top-to-bottom motion until the glass is clean. Undiluted white vinegar can be substituted for glass cleaner. Add it to a spray bottle and use it as you would glass cleaner. Avoid getting vinegar on painted areas of your car. Ammonia based cleaners can damage tinting and cause plastic to degrade quickly. Ammonia-free glass cleaners should be clearly indicated on their label. Clean a very dirty windshield with baking soda. Simply sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on a water dampened paper towel for a stronger cleaning. Then wipe the glass clean in a top-to-bottom motion. Remedy squeaking on-the-go with alcohol wipes. If squeaking starts suddenly when you're on the road, you won't have the luxury of having household supplies on hand. Instead, keep some alcohol wipes in your car. When squeaking occurs, wipe the rubber of both blades with the alcohol wipe. Refill your windshield wiper fluid. Lots of wipers skip and squeak because the windshield isn't quite wet enough. Check your fluid level and top it off when necessary. This way, your sprayers are ready for action if squeaking occurs. Adjust the position of the wiper blades when necessary. Windshield wipers are designed to follow behind the motion of the wiper arm. If your blades are stiff and don't trail behind the arm in a back-and-forth motion, twist the arm with your hands to loosen the stiffness. Blades that are too tight won't be able to alternate back and forth to trail behind the wiper arm smoothly, which causes chattering and squeaking. Wiper blades should never appear to "dig" into the windshield or remain vertical as they sweep across the windshield. Soften your windshield wipers. Stiff wiper blades can also cause chattering and squeaking. Some blades may be stiff fresh from the box, others may become stiffen through exposure to the elements. Blades that are a year old should be replaced; blades that are newer can be softened with: ArmorAll. Apply a liberal amount of ArmorAll to a piece of paper towel. Using circular motions, work the ArmorAll into the rubber of the blade to soften it. Rubbing alcohol. Dampen a paper towel with rubbing alcohol. Gently buff the rubber of the blade with the rubbing alcohol dampened towel. WD-40. Use this technique sparingly, as too much WD-40 can dry out rubber. Spray a little WD-40 on a paper towel, lightly apply it to the rubber of the blade, then wipe it dry. Adjust the tightness of fasteners. Check to see if your blades or the wiper assemblies under them are too loose or too tight. Too little or too much tension between the glass and wiper can create chattering or squeaking, too. Generally, fasteners can be tightened with a wrench by turning them clockwise and loosened by turning them counterclockwise. You may need to experiment with the tightness to find what works best. Ideally, the blades should be held firmly in place, but should still be loose enough to sweep back-and-forth across the windshield. Remove friction increasing films. Common automotive surface protectants, like Rain-X or certain kinds of wax, can cause chatter or squeaking. Remove the product an eliminate obnoxious wiper noises with an application of normal car polish. The film left behind by certain automotive surface products can increase the friction between the wiper blades and the windshield, creating unpleasant noises, like squeaking. Install new rubber inserts. If the non-rubber blade and arm parts are still in good condition, it goes without saying you won't need to replace them. But sometimes the rubber breaks down faster than non-rubber parts (especially in sunny areas). Remove and replace the rubber blade inserts. Replace your wiper blades regularly. Pull the metal arm away from the windshield. Where the blade attaches to the arm, you should see a joint. On this you'll find a release for the arm. Open the release , take out the old blade, insert a new one, and reset the release. On some cars, there may be a push-tab or tension hook attaching the blades to the arm assembly. Release these kinds of fasteners with your hands and slide off the blade. Depending on who you ask, you might hear that you should change your blades every six months or once a year, but it's always a good idea to before the rainy season. Replace the wiper assembly. Follow the wiper blade down the arm to its base. You should see a nut sticking up from this point. Remove the nut with a wrench. Now you can pull the arm off. Fit a replacement arm into place and fasten the nut and your new assembly is good to go. With time and use, the assemblies holding your wiper blades in place can become misshapen or inflexible, contributing to squeaking. | Remove buildup from wiper blades. Clean the windshield glass thoroughly with glass cleaner. Clean a very dirty windshield with baking soda. Remedy squeaking on-the-go with alcohol wipes. Refill your windshield wiper fluid. Adjust the position of the wiper blades when necessary. Soften your windshield wipers. Adjust the tightness of fasteners. Remove friction increasing films. Install new rubber inserts. Replace your wiper blades regularly. Replace the wiper assembly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Teflon-Iron | How to Clean a Teflon Iron | To clean a Teflon iron, start by mixing 2 cups of warm water with 2 teaspoons of dish soap. Then, wipe down the soleplate of your iron with the solution using a rag. Next, dip a Q-tip in the solution and scrub the grooves of the iron with it. Finally, wet a cloth with clean water and wipe down the soleplate to remove any soapy residue. If there are still stains on the soleplate, try scrubbing them off with white vinegar and baking soda. | Create a cleaning mixture. Pick a mild household detergent, like a dish detergent, and mix it with water to create a cleaning solution. This solution should help cut through some of the grime and other dirt on the bottom of your iron. Depending on the type of detergent, mix 1 or 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 ml) with 1 or 2 cups (.23 to.47 l) of water. Use warm water if you can. Wipe the soleplate. After you create your solution, take a clean white cloth or rag and wipe the soleplate with the solution. Make sure the iron is cool. Pay special attention to areas with extra dirt, grime, and stains. You may consider a microfiber cloth if you are worried about scratching the Teflon. However, you may need some of the abrasive power of cotton cloth to remove some stains. Just be careful not to use anything too abrasive, such as a wire brush, since this will damage the Teflon. Switch dirty cloths out for clean ones as needed. Use a Q-tip to clean the grooves or holes of the iron. Dip a Q-tip in your soap solution and rub it along the sides of groves and holes on your soleplate. You may need to go through a good number of Q-tips to get every hole and grove clean. If you come across stains or spots that are hard to clean, you can use a toothpick to (very lightly) loosen the grime. Wipe down the soleplate. Take another clean cloth, wet it, and use it to wipe down the soleplate. You may need to do this two times to remove all soap residue. In addition, take wet Q-tips and use them to remove any residue from the holes or groves of the soleplate. If you can, carefully rinse the soleplate under your sink's faucet. Soak a paper towel with vinegar and lay your iron on it. If you're unable to remove stains with soap, you can soak paper towels with vinegar and then place your iron on them. By leaving your iron on the vinegar-soaked paper towel, the stains and other grime will be loosened and may come off. Make sure there is a towel another absorbent item on whatever surface you place the paper towels and iron on. Allow the iron to sit on the paper towel for 5 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle baking soda on the paper towel. After loosening tough stains with vinegar, you can sprinkle baking soda on the same paper towels and place the iron on them again. Make sure you use enough baking soda so that the entire surface (soleplate) of your iron will be exposed to it. If you need to re-dampen the paper towels with vinegar, feel free to do so. Allow the iron to sit for 5 to 15 minutes. Use a clean cloth to wipe your soleplate. Lightly wet your cloth and wipe the entire surface of the iron. You may need to use 2 or 3 fresh cloths to remove all the baking soda. If you can, you may want to lightly rinse the iron in the sink. Make sure you remove all baking soda from the iron before using it again. Try using toothpaste to clean the surface of the soleplate. Toothpaste is slightly abrasive like baking soda, but it will not damage the Teflon. Apply the toothpaste to the soleplate after wiping away the baking soda. Use a clean, damp cloth to work the toothpaste around the sole plate, and then wipe it away with the cloth. You will need to wipe the sole plate and rinse the cloth at least a few times to remove all of the toothpaste. Apply oven cleaner to the soleplate if you have a burn mark on it. Oven cleaner can take off tough, burnt on stains. Put on a pair of rubber cleaning gloves before you begin and take the iron outside. Then, spray oven cleaner onto the stained area of the iron. Let the iron sit for 3 minutes, then rinse away the oven cleaner with water. Wipe the sole plate with a clean, dry towel. Make sure to do this outside or in a very well-ventilated area since oven fumes can be harmful! Fill the reservoir with water and vinegar. To remove hard water stains, mineral deposits, and other buildup from in the reservoir and elsewhere in the iron, you'll need to use a water and vinegar mixture. Fill the reservoir 1/4ths of the way with vinegar. Fill the remaining 3/4ths of the reservoir with water. Set your iron to the highest steam setting. Place the iron in a vertical position so the steam can rise easier, and so you don't burn any surface underneath. Allow the iron to steam until the vinegar solution is completely gone. Do this in a well-ventilated area since vinegar fumes can be irritating. If your iron has an auto-off setting, you may need to make sure it stays on. Wipe down the holes or groves in the soleplate, again. Take Q-tips or a damp cloth to wipe down the holes or grooves of the soleplate. You may also need to stick Q-tips into the holes to dig out gunk and grime. This is important, as your vinegar solution would likely have forced hard water or mineral buildup out of the holes. You may find a lot of loosened gunk. Use as many Q-tips as you need to remove it all. Refill the iron with water and set it to high. Before using your iron for clothes again, you'll need to run pure water through it. This will have the effect of helping remove any residual vinegar from the reservoir and elsewhere in the iron. You may be able to set your iron to auto clean, if it has this option. Allow the iron to steam until the reservoir is almost empty. This could take up to 15 minutes. | Create a cleaning mixture. Wipe the soleplate. Use a Q-tip to clean the grooves or holes of the iron. Wipe down the soleplate. Soak a paper towel with vinegar and lay your iron on it. Sprinkle baking soda on the paper towel. Use a clean cloth to wipe your soleplate. Try using toothpaste to clean the surface of the soleplate. Apply oven cleaner to the soleplate if you have a burn mark on it. Fill the reservoir with water and vinegar. Set your iron to the highest steam setting. Wipe down the holes or groves in the soleplate, again. Refill the iron with water and set it to high. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Tile-Around-a-Toilet | How to Cut Tile Around a Toilet | If you have some DIY experience and you know how to tile a floor, you should be able to tile around a toilet using paper templates. All you'll need is sheets of paper, tape, a scribing tool, and a tile file. You'll need to install the full tiles surrounding your toilet, leaving a square where your toilet is. Then, cut sheets of paper to the same size as your whole tiles and cut them to the shape you need. Remember to leave a little extra space for grout. Once you've got the right shapes, you'll need to tape the paper templates to your tiles and cut them with a scribing tool. If the edges of your tiles are too rough, smooth them out with a tile file or sandpaper. | Install the full tiles surrounding the toilet first. Take your time planning out your tile pattern and creating grid lines on the subfloor so that you need to make as few angular/circular tile cuts as possible. When you're tiling around an already-installed toilet, plan out your pattern so that at there is at least 2 in (5.1 cm) of space between the base of the toilet and the edges of any of the tiles you'll be laying around it. You'll usually save time (due to a greater margin for error with your tile cuts) if you remove the toilet, tile the floor, and then reinstall or replace the toilet. However, tiling around an existing toilet may be preferable in some cases. Tiling around an installed toilet is easier if the base rests flush against the wall behind the toilet. If you have to tile all the way around the base, including the small space between it and the wall, strongly consider removing the toilet, tiling around the toilet flange, and reinstalling the toilet. Create sheets of paper that are the same size as a whole tile. Simply cut the paper to match the size of the tile—for instance, 16 by 16 in (41 by 41 cm). Cut one sheet for each tile you'll need to lay around the base of the toilet. Estimate your tile cuts and cut parallel slits in the paper in these areas. Visualize how each tile will fit around the toilet base, and estimate which parts of each tile will need to be cut away. Transfer these estimates to the corresponding sheets of paper, and use scissors to cut parallel slits that are about 0.25 in (0.64 cm) apart in the areas that will need to be removed. When doing so, it's better to overestimate the area that will need to be removed than to underestimate. For instance, imagine that you have a toilet with an angular base that will necessitate cutting a triangular section away from one of the corners of one of your tiles. You'd cut the parallel slits into that same area of the corresponding sheet of paper, with a little extra “wiggle room” added to your cuts. Lay each sheet into place and crease the slits along the toilet base. One at a time, lay the sheets of paper down where their corresponding tiles will go, remembering to account for spacing between tiles due to grout lines. The slits will fan up and over the installed toilet's base. Use your finger to press a crease into each slit—one at a time—where the subfloor meets the toilet base. When you're done, you'll have created an accurate template for that tile. Then you can move onto the next sheet of paper. To account for future grout lines, utilize the same plastic spacers that you use when permanently setting the tiles in place. Cut the slits along the traced lines and dry-fit the sheets. Once you've creased all the sheets of paper, take your scissors and cut carefully along the crease lines. Then, lay all these cut sheets of paper down around the toilet (again, accounting for grout lines) and make sure they fit snugly against the toilet base. If one or more do not, get more paper and repeat the process. You want the finished tiles to rest right up against the base of the toilet, so take your time to make sure the paper templates fit precisely. Tape the sheets to the tiles, then trace and scribe the cut lines. When all the paper templates are just right, tape each one to a tile and use a pencil to transfer the cut pattern. After that, remove the paper and use a tile scribe to score 0.125 in (0.32 cm) deep lines into the tiles, tracing right over top of the pencil lines. Tile scribes can look like thick pencils or come in other shapes. Look for them at hardware stores or online. Remove the unneeded tile with tile nippers. Slowly and carefully squeeze the handles to snip away small “bites” of tile from the sections that need to be removed. Turn your small “bites” into tiny “nibbles” as you get to the score lines. If you try to snip off too much, you risk breaking the tile and having to start over. Tile nippers look and work like giant fingernail clippers, and are an essential tool for any tile job. Standard nippers will cut ceramic and porcelain tiles, but you may want to use specialty nippers for glass tiles or fragile stone tiles (like slate). Wear safety glasses so shards of tile don't get into your eyes, and sturdy work gloves to protect your hands from sharp tile edges. Smooth the cuts with a tile file and wipe the tiles down. Once you've finished cutting a tile with the tile nippers, use the tile file to sand down any rough edges along the cut. Follow this up with a damp cloth to wipe away any dust. After this, dry-fit the tile to make sure it rests snugly along the toilet base. If it doesn't, keep nipping, or get a new tile and start again if necessary. When all the tiles have been cut, filed, cleaned, and dry-fitted, you can move on to setting them in place permanently. Tile the areas away from the toilet flange first. When tiling a bathroom, mark out your desired grid pattern on the floor, and lay tile over the unobstructed areas first. Don't tile around the toilet flange—the circular piece that connects to the drain pipe and upon which the toilet itself will rest—until the end. Draw out a grid pattern for the tile layout on paper, and then on the subfloor itself, that reduces the number of tile cuts you need to make. If you're using larger tiles—e.g., 12 by 12 in (30 by 30 cm) or larger—you may be able to cut a circle out of a single tile to go around the flange. Cut one or more sheets of paper that match the size of your tiles. If you need to cut 1 tile to go around the flange, cut 1 sheet of paper; if you need 4 tiles, cut 4 sheets of paper. Be as precise as possible in sizing the sheets of paper properly. For instance, if your tiles are 8 by 8 in (20 by 20 cm), cut your sheets of paper to those dimensions. Lay the sheet(s) of paper in place, overlapping the flange. Place the sheet(s) of paper exactly where the tile(s) will go, making sure to account for the spacing of your grout lines. That is, if your other tiles are spaced 0.125 in (0.32 cm) apart due to the grout lines, leave this same gap between the set tiles and your paper. You can employ the same plastic spacers you use when laying the tile to make sure your grout line spacing is consistent with your paper templates. If you only need to cut a single tile, just lay a single sheet of paper right over the flange. Trace the outline of the flange onto the sheet(s) of paper. First, run your finger along the outline of the flange to create a crease in the paper. Then, lift up each sheet and use a pencil to trace an outline that's slightly—about 0.25 in (0.64 cm)— larger than the creased outline. The tracing doesn't need to be perfect, because the toilet will rest on top of the flange and the cut tile(s) and hide any minor errors. If you have a removable flange and want it to rest on top of the tile(s) instead of on the subfloor, make the pencil tracing about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) smaller than your crease outline instead. That way, the outer rim of the flange will rest on the surrounding tile(s). Cut out the flange circle and trace it onto the tile(s). Use scissors to cut the sheet(s) of paper to the correct shape, then tape the sheet(s) onto the tile(s). Transfer the cut lines onto the tile(s) with a pencil, then remove the paper. Don't discard the paper yet—you'll need it again if you break a tile while cutting it! Score the cut lines with a tile scribe. A tile scribe is a small, sharp hand tool that etches a cut line into the tile. This etching helps make sure the tile snaps where you want it to instead of breaking or cracking elsewhere. The scoring only needs to be 0.125 in (0.32 cm) or so deep. You can get a tile scribe at any hardware store or online. Use tile nippers to clip away the excess tile. Think of tile nippers as industrial-strength fingernail clippers. Start at the corner of the tile that's being cut away, and squeeze the handles together to make the top and bottom blades take small “bites” out of the tile. Start “nibbling” more carefully as you approach the scored line. Standard tile nippers will work with practically every kind of tile, although some natural stone tiles (like slate) may be too fragile. Consult your tile supplier if needed. You can also use specialty tile nippers for glass tiles or other particular types. Be careful not to nip one of your fingers while you work. Wear work gloves to protect your hands from cut tile edges and safety glasses to protect your eyes from snipped shards of tile. Make sure your cuts are correct by dry-fitting the tiles. Because the toilet base will cover the cut tile edge, your cuts don't need to be perfect. However, take the time to dry-fit the tiles in place to make sure your cuts are generally accurate—ideally, no more than 0.5 in (1.3 cm) larger than the flange. Use plastic spacers to account for your grout lines when dry-fitting the tiles. If you're going to rest a removable toilet flange on top of the installed tiles, remember to remove it before dry-fitting (and later, when laying the tile!). If your dry-fit lines up properly, you're ready to set these tiles in place in the same way you did the rest of the floor. Use an angle grinder to score the circular shape into the tile. Attach a 4 in (10 cm) diamond wheel blade to the grinder, and position it so the circular blade is at roughly a 45-degree angle to the tile. Slowly work your way around the circle traced into the tile, using very light pressure. You only need to score the tile about 0.125 in (0.32 cm) deep on this initial pass. Use caution at all times. Tie back long hair and remove any dangling jewelry, and wear long sleeves and safety glasses. The grinder will kick up a lot of dust, so wear a dust mask and consider buying a vacuum attachment that you can connect to your grinder. Angle grinders are an affordable and useful small power tool you can find at any hardware store. Diamond blades are more expensive than other blades you can get for the grinder, but they cut through tile much better. Cut sacrificial break notches if the circle is near the tile's edge. If there is less than about 1.5 in (3.8 cm) of space between your traced circle and an edge of the tile, there's a good chance the tile will break while cutting it. If this is the case, use the grinder to cut 2 or more deep score lines (about halfway through the tile) that run from the perimeter of the circle to the closest edge of the tile. The goal is to have the tile snap at these chosen, controlled spots, instead of randomly. Straight, short, controlled breaks in the tile will be barely noticeable once you set the tile in place, especially since the toilet will be resting on top of it. Continue grinding around the circle with gentle pressure. Once you've finished scoring the tile surface and creating any sacrificial break notches, keep making slow, steady passes with the grinder at a 45-degree angle. If the tile breaks at the sacrificial points, remove that section and keep cutting. Eventually, you'll grind your way through the tile and have the circular cutout that you need. Don't try to cut more than about 0.125 in (0.32 cm) deep with any single pass, or the tile will probably break in a random spot and you'll have to start over. Be as precise as possible but remember that the circle you cut doesn't need to be perfect. The actual cut line will be covered by the toilet base. Dry-fit the tile over the flange to make sure it fits. Check your work before you attempt to secure the tile in place permanently. So long as your circular cutout is less than 0.5 in (1.3 cm) larger than the toilet flange all the way around, the base of the toilet should cover the cutout. Once you know the tile fits properly, you can secure it to the floor permanently. | Install the full tiles surrounding the toilet first. Create sheets of paper that are the same size as a whole tile. Estimate your tile cuts and cut parallel slits in the paper in these areas. Lay each sheet into place and crease the slits along the toilet base. Cut the slits along the traced lines and dry-fit the sheets. Tape the sheets to the tiles, then trace and scribe the cut lines. Remove the unneeded tile with tile nippers. Smooth the cuts with a tile file and wipe the tiles down. Tile the areas away from the toilet flange first. Cut one or more sheets of paper that match the size of your tiles. Lay the sheet(s) of paper in place, overlapping the flange. Trace the outline of the flange onto the sheet(s) of paper. Cut out the flange circle and trace it onto the tile(s). Score the cut lines with a tile scribe. Use tile nippers to clip away the excess tile. Make sure your cuts are correct by dry-fitting the tiles. Use an angle grinder to score the circular shape into the tile. Cut sacrificial break notches if the circle is near the tile's edge. Continue grinding around the circle with gentle pressure. Dry-fit the tile over the flange to make sure it fits. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Healthy-Thyroid | How to Keep a Healthy Thyroid | To keep a healthy thyroid, avoid eating processed and refined foods, like white breads, pastas, cookies, and chips, since they're bad for your thyroid. Instead, focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables to help keep your thyroid healthy. Additionally, make sure you're getting enough iodine in your diet since iodine helps combat thyroid problems. You can get more iodine by cooking with table salt or by eating mushrooms, onions, and garlic. You should also aim to get in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 5 days a week, which can help regulate the thyroid hormones in your body. | Eat the right vegetables and fruits. Eating fresh vegetables and fruits will help you maintain thyroid and overall health. You should also eat vegetables and fruits high in antioxidants, such bell pepper, cherries, tomatoes, blueberries, and squash. However, when you are working toward thyroid health, you need to know which kind of thyroid issue you suffer from because some vegetables can be more harmful than helpful. For example, if you suffer from hypothyroidism, you should avoid anything in the cabbage family, such as kale, spinach, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage. These foods interfere with thyroid function. If you are taking certain medications for thyroid health, you should also avoid soy beans until you talk to your doctor. Cut out processed and refined foods. Processed and refined foods are not good for thyroid health. White breads, pastas, sugar, cookies, cakes, fast foods, and prepackaged foods are all processed and bad for your thyroid health. Instead, make meals with fresh ingredients and use as little premade or processed components as possible. Try switching out certain prepackaged things for fresh ingredients. For example, don't eat instant oatmeal in the morning. Instead, use steel-cut oatmeal and add nuts and spices to it. Avoid canned vegetables and make them fresh. These small steps will help you cut down on processed foods and help your thyroid health. Avoid alcohol and tobacco products. Caffeine and alcohol can impact the health of your thyroid. If you have hyperthyroidism, you should ask your doctor before using caffeinated beverages like soft drinks, coffee and tea. However, you should always ask your doctor before you increase your caffeine intake, no matter what kind of thyroid condition you have. Find sources of iodine. Since you need iodine to combat thyroid problems, you need to make sure you get enough of it in your diet. Iodine is eaten in dietary forms of iodine by eating foods grown in soil with the appropriate iodine content, such as mushrooms, onions, and garlic. You can also get iodine naturally by eating meat from organic grass-fed animals. Some animal feed adds in potassium iodate, which also adds iodine to the meat you eat. Table salt is also a source of iodine because it has been supplemented with it. You may suffer from a lack of iodine, or iodine deficiency, when you don't eat enough table salt because this is the primary source of iodine you get on a daily basis. This can occur in diets comprised of foods that are not cooked at home. Increase your selenium intake. The amount of selenium you get through supplementation has an impact on your thyroid health. The link between selenium deficiency was only recently established in the 1990s in relation to Graves disease, an autoimmune thyroid disease. Selenium supplementation provided a quicker return to healthy thyroid states than other methods. Incorporate more foods that contain high selenium levels, such as brazil nuts, tuna, shrimp, oysters, liver chicken, and turkey. Take vitamin A supplements. Taking vitamin A as supplements has been found to regulate thyroid metabolism and was associated with decreased thyroid hormone levels in obese and non-obese patients studied. A dosage of 25,000 IU a day is recommended to maintain healthy thyroid function. You can also incorporate more vitamin A into your diet with foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash. Get more aerobic exercise. Intense aerobic activity has been shown to help with higher levels of circulating thyroid hormones. Aerobic exercise is any exercise which increases your target heart rate for a period of 30 minutes. Incorporate more exercises, such as jogging, running, dancing, cycling and aerobics. You should work out for 30 minutes a day at least five times a week. Your target heart rate is calculated by subtracting your age from 220 and multiplying by 0.7. For example, if you are 35 years old, your target heart rate is 220-35 = 185, then 185x0.7 = 129.5. See your doctor. If you suspect that you have a thyroid problem, then the first thing you should do is see your primary care physician for a physical exam and tests. Your doctor can easily determine if you have a thyroid problem by interviewing you, performing a physical exam, and ordering some simple blood tests. Depending on your symptoms, lab tests may include a Thyroid stimulating hormone concentration (TSH test), Total thyroxine (T4 test), Total triiodothyronine (T3 Test), an/or a Free T4 Concentration test. Depending on the results of your bloodwork, you may also have to have imaging, such as an ultrasound or CT scan. Learn about thyroid conditions. There are two common problems that can affect the thyroid. The thyroid can be overactive and overproduce the thyroid hormone, which is called hyperthyroidism. The thyroid can also be underactive and produce insufficient amounts of the thyroid hormone, which is called hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is second only to diabetes as the most common endocrine disorder. Both conditions can cause a goiter, which is the enlargement of the thyroid in an effort to increase and manufacture thyroid hormone. A goiter presents as a glandular swelling that can be detected as a swelling in the neck. It is only considered a symptom, not a medical disorder in and of itself. Recognize symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism causes an increase in metabolic activity. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: Heat intolerance Tachycardia or rapid heart rate Weight loss Sweating Goiters Learn the causes of hyperthyroidism. The most common causes of hyperthyroidism are Grave's disease, a toxic thyroid adenoma, a toxic multinodular goiter, lymphocytic thyroiditis, heart medications such as amiodarone, or a primary pituitary disorder. A thyroid storm is a rare cause and at the extreme end of the spectrum of hyperthyroidism. In this condition, the patient exhibits symptoms such as increased heart rate, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, dehydration, and altered mental status. Recognize the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Every cell in the body requires thyroid hormones and without them, signs of decreased metabolism are present. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are: Weight gain Depression Dry skin Memory Impairment Poor concentration Constipation Hair thinning or loss Joint pains Goiters Cold intolerance Consider the causes of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is most commonly caused by an autoimmune destruction of the gland or by Hashimoto's disease, which is a condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism may also be caused by primary glandular insufficiency for unknown reasons, iodine deficiency, pregnancy, congenital disorders, or issues with the pituitary gland. Hypothyroidism can also result from lithium or iodine containing drugs. Talk to your doctor about getting regular tests to monitor your thyroid if you take any of these types of drugs. Get a diagnosis if you think you might have hypothyroidism. Most often, hypothyroidism is diagnosed by simple blood tests, such as the TSH test and thyroid hormone test. Generally, once you go to the doctor with the common symptoms of hypothyroidism, your doctor will run blood tests to check your hormone levels. You may want to ask for a test if you are at higher risk of hypothyroidism. Doctors may also suggest it themselves if you are an older woman or if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant. Know the side effects of hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism, the body has a number of compensatory mechanisms which keep it functioning despite decreased hormone levels. In the event of sickness, such as infection, the body can increase its metabolic rate and the levels may overwhelm the body, causing coma. A severely low thyroid can even result in a myxedema coma, which is an extreme manifestation of hypothyroidism. Take synthetic hormones for hypothyroidism. Since the only concern with hypothyroidism is hormone productions, the only medication used for hypothyroidism is synthetic hormones. When the thyroid gland is not producing enough of any hormone, it must be supplemented. This can be supplemented with a synthetic thyroid hormone such as Synthroid, in doses ranging from 50 micrograms to 300 micrograms. Your doctor will use blood tests to determine your specific dose. Your doctor will start you on a lower dose. between 50 to 100 micrograms daily and recheck the blood tests four to six weeks after starting the medication, looking for changes in your hormone levels. Your doctor will also take into account your clinical symptoms, such as weight gain, energy level, fatigue, concentration, depression, or other symptoms of decreased metabolism. If your levels are not to the point of hypothyroidism yet, your doctor may still prescribe a low dose of synthetic hormone to help level out the symptoms. In addition to synthetic hormones, your doctor may prescribe Armour Thyroid, which is actual bovine desiccated thyroid gland to help regulate yours. Starting dose is commonly 60 mg daily, and continued until blood tests indicate a response. Ask about radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism. Radioactive iodine is used to destroy any active nodules in your thyroid in order to stop their uncontrolled production of the thyroid hormone. Radioactive Iodine therapy involves injection of radionuclide tagged iodine into a vein. The iodine is taken up by the thyroid gland, which absorbs the radioactive iodine. The radiation destroys the cells that comprise these active nodules that are producing excessive thyroid hormone, which causes the gland to shrink and symptoms to disappear within three to six months. A single dose of this medication is successful in 80% of cases. Pregnant women should not have this procedure. Take other medications for hyperthyroidism. Your doctor may prescribe you anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole when radioactive iodine is not permitted, such as with pregnant women or children. These medications prevent your thyroid from producing excess levels of the thyroid hormone and start helping symptoms in six to 12 weeks. Methimazole is prescribed at 15 to 30 mg per day. Treatment of a thyroid storm is treated with beta-blockers, as well as hydration and sedatives. Beta blockers are also prescribed if you have increased heart rate as a result of your hyperthyroidism. Consider surgery for hyperthyroidism. Your doctor may suggest surgery with thyroidectomy as the treatment of choice if you did not respond to medication or cannot take the medication, if you are pregnant, or are a child. This procedure is also done in cases for those with large goiters that are unsightly or compressing the trachea. This surgery consists of the removal of the gland. If you have this surgery, you will have to have lifelong treatment to replace your thyroid hormone since you no longer have a gland to produce it. Another option is a subtotal thyroidectomy. A surgeon will remove up to 90 percent of your thyroid gland under general anaesthetic. The remaining tissue may still produce enough thyroid hormone to mean replacement treatments are never required or not required for many years. You should monitor your general health for signs of change to your hormone health if you have a subtotal thyroidectomy. | Eat the right vegetables and fruits. Cut out processed and refined foods. Avoid alcohol and tobacco products. Find sources of iodine. Increase your selenium intake. Take vitamin A supplements. Get more aerobic exercise. See your doctor. Learn about thyroid conditions. Recognize symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Learn the causes of hyperthyroidism. Recognize the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Consider the causes of hypothyroidism. Get a diagnosis if you think you might have hypothyroidism. Know the side effects of hypothyroidism. Take synthetic hormones for hypothyroidism. Ask about radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism. Take other medications for hyperthyroidism. Consider surgery for hyperthyroidism. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Toss-a-Salad | How to Toss a Salad | Before you can toss your salad, prepare the ingredients by placing the heaviest items, like tomatoes or carrots, in a large bowl first. Next, add the rest of the ingredients, then pour 1/4 of the dressing into the bowl. To begin mixing the salad, use tongs to pick up some of the ingredients from the bottom of the bowl and place them on top. After you've done this several times, add a little more dressing and repeat the process until everything is well mixed. Finish by garnishing the salad, then serve. | Choose a large bowl that is twice the size of your ingredients. This will give you enough room to move the salad around while tossing it. Don't worry if it's not pretty; you can always move the salad to a nicer bowl or platter when you're done. Rinse and dry the lettuce well. Dressing will not stick to wet lettuce, so you'll have to make sure it is dry before you start tossing it. Rinse the leaves with water, and then dry them in a salad spinner. If you don't have a salad spinner, gently pat them dry with clean paper towels instead. Prepare your ingredients as specified in the recipe. This might mean cutting or peeling the vegetables a certain way. Put the heaviest, bulkiest ingredients into the bowl first. This includes things like tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers. They will help spread the dressing around better if they are at the bottom. They will also be less likely to bruise the lettuce. Consider leaving some of the heavier ingredients for garnishing at the end. If you are making a fruit salad, you can put everything in at once. Add the lettuce. If this is a pasta salad, you can add the pasta at this point. If you plan on adding herbs, save them until the very end. Hold off on the dressing until you are ready to serve the salad. If you are making the salad in advance, don't put the dressing in yet. If you add the dressing in too soon, your salad will be soggy by the time you are ready to serve it. Pour a quarter of the dressing into the salad. You will be adding the dressing bit by bit as you toss the salad. This will keep you from using too much dressing. It will also ensure that the dressing mixes into the salad evenly. Too much dressing is not a good thing. It will overpower the different flavors in the salad. The dressing should just cover the lettuce, and not pool at the bottom. Use a pair of salad tongs to pick up some salad from the bottom of the bowl. If you don't mind getting dirty, you can also use your hands instead — just make sure that they are clean. Drop the bits you just picked up on top of the salad. Lift some more salad from the bottom of the bowl, and bring it to the top a few more times. Add a little bit more dressing, and toss the salad some more. Keep doing this until you have used up all your dressing for the recipe. Plan on using about 2 to 4 tablespoons of dressing for every 4 cups of salad. Add garnishes and herbs last. This will help their flavors really shine through. Taste the salad and adjust it, if needed. Does it need more dressing? What about salt and pepper? Serve the salad immediately. Don't let it sit too long, or the dressing will cause it to grow soggy. | Choose a large bowl that is twice the size of your ingredients. Rinse and dry the lettuce well. Prepare your ingredients as specified in the recipe. Put the heaviest, bulkiest ingredients into the bowl first. Add the lettuce. Hold off on the dressing until you are ready to serve the salad. Pour a quarter of the dressing into the salad. Use a pair of salad tongs to pick up some salad from the bottom of the bowl. Drop the bits you just picked up on top of the salad. Add a little bit more dressing, and toss the salad some more. Add garnishes and herbs last. Taste the salad and adjust it, if needed. Serve the salad immediately. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reverse-a-Curse | How to Reverse a Curse | To reverse a curse, start by filling a bowl with water and placing a taper candle into the center of it, so that it sticks out about an inch. Next, sprinkle some salt into the water. Then, light the candle and close your eyes to visualize the water being illuminated with light. After the candle has burned down and extinguished itself in the water, break it in half and bury it outside. Finally, pour the water around the buried candle in a circular motion. | Stir 1 c (273 g) of sea salt and .25 c (32 g) of baking soda into a hot bath. Run a bath that is comfortably hot to you. Then, pour the sea salt and baking soda into the water to act as purifiers. Use your hand to stir the water counterclockwise until the salt and baking soda dissolve. You don't need to be exact with your salt and baking soda. It's okay to just add 2-3 handfuls of salt and a sprinkling of baking soda. Use Epsom salt, sea salt, or Himalayan salt. Visualize positive energy flowing into the bath. After you finish your spell or prayer, imagine that a white light of positive energy is filling the water. Then, imagine that the light is covering you and your ritual bath in cleansing energy. The light could be a solid beam of light or it might spread outwards. Recite a spell or pray before you get into the water. Close your eyes and hold your hands in prayer pose or over the water. Then, say your purification spell or say a prayer asking for the negative energy to be removed from you. You might use a spell like this one: “Salt and water make me pure, bring me now the perfect cure, let this water make me free, as I will so mote it be.” Your prayer might go like this: “Dear God/Goddess, Thank you for taking care of me. Tonight I ask that you cleanse me of the negative energy that has been plaguing me. Please reverse this curse and make me pure. Amen.” Soak for at least 30-40 minutes to give the water time to cleanse you. Get into your bath and sink beneath the water. Close your eyes and relax for 30-40 minutes. During this time, imagine a white light surrounding you and think positive thoughts. You may recite your spell or prayer during the bath if you like. This might help you stay focused on the cleansing power of your bath. Sweep a selenite wand down and away from your body. A selenite wand is a white rectangular crystal that's known for its purifying and cleansing properties. Hold the wand about 6 to 12 in (15 to 30 cm) away from your body. Starting at your head, sweep the wand down your body to cleanse your aura. When you finish a sweep, bring your arm away from your body like you're brushing the energy away from you. This process may help cleanse your aura of negative energies and attachments, like a minor curse. You can get a selenite wand at a store that sells crystals, a magickal supplies shop, or online. Light a sage bundle, then use a feather to waft the smoke over you. Place your sage bundle in a heatproof container. Then, light the end of the sage and blow out the fire so that the sage is smoldering. Use a feather to sweep the smoke over your body. Start at your head and work down to your feet. Sage is commonly used for cleansing and purification and originated in Native American traditions. You can use it to cleanse yourself and your space of negative energy. Recite a cleansing spell or say a prayer. As you smudge yourself, say a spell or prayer that states your intention to be rid of the curse or negative energy. In your spell or prayer, state that you know the curse will broken so your ritual has more power. Say, “Earth, fire, water, and air, be the answer to my prayer, banish this curse and leave me pure, tonight I claim a blessed cure.” You could pray, “Dear God/Goddess, Please cleanse me of this negative energy and lift the curse. I know that you will make me free. Amen.” Put a candle in a bowl and add water up to 1 in (2.5 cm) from the tip. Get a medium-sized bowl and position a candle at the bottom of it. A taper candle works best, but any candle can work. Then, pour water into the bowl until the candle is almost covered. Leave about 1 in (2.5 cm) of candle sticking out of the water for the spell. It's best to use a black candle, if you have one. You can find a black taper candle at a department store, magickal supplies store, or online. Sprinkle a handful of salt into the water around the candle. Pour salt into your hand, then slowly sprinkle it in a circle around the candle. Add as much salt as you like to provide extra purification to your spell. You can use table salt for this, but it's best to use sea salt or Epsom salt if you have it. They haven't been processed like table salt, so their properties are more intact. Visualize a white light flowing into the water. Stare at the bowl of water and picture a beam of white light flowing into the bowl. Imagine that this light is a positive, cleansing light. Take several slow, deep breaths as you visualize the light. In Pagan traditions, the purpose of this practice is to imbue the water with positive energy to help your spell work. Light the candle, then say your spell or prayer. Use a match or lighter to light the candle. As it burns, recite a spell or say a prayer to break your curse. Make sure you finish your spell before the candle goes out. You might say, “Earth, fire, water, and air, be the answer to my prayer, banish this curse and leave me pure, tonight I claim a blessed cure.” You could pray, “Dear God/Goddess, Please cleanse me of this negative energy and lift the curse. I know that you will make me free. Amen.” Let the candle burn down to the water and go out. Don't blow out your candle because it's best to let it go out on its own. Let the candle continue burning until the wick reaches the water. At that point, the water will extinguish the fire. Your spell is almost complete! In Pagan traditions, it's believed that letting a candle go out on its own strengthens the spell and keeps the magic in place. Break the candle in half and bury it outside. Remove the candle from the water and bend it at the center. Keep bending until it breaks in half. Then, take the bowl and the candle outside. Dig a shallow hole and bury your candle. Burying the candle completes the spell to break the curse. Pour the water in a circle around the buried candle. Slowly pour the water so that you're able to complete an entire circle. If you still have water, make another pass. You do this to seal the spell. The salt may kill grass around the buried candle. Get a small box, like an Altoids tin or a cardboard jewelry box. You want a small box because it will be easier to handle. Pick a box that you don't want to use anymore. Candy tins, cardboard boxes from purchasing jewelry, and small wooden boxes are great options. Make sure the box is clean. You might want to wipe it down with a wet cloth. You can buy a small, unfinished wood box from a craft store. As another option, get creative and use an old cosmetic case or lotion jar. Buy a new small mirror and don’t look at your reflection in it. Get a mirror that's small enough to fit in your box. Ideally, your mirror will cover most or all of the inside of your box's lid. Do your best not to reflect yourself in the mirror because you don't want your energy in the box. You may prefer to use several tiny mirrors to cover the inside lid of the box. It's not the end of the world if you accidentally see yourself in the mirror. If you do, burn white sage and pass the mirror through it to purify it. Glue the mirror onto the inside of the lid of a small box or tin. Use hot glue, school glue, or super glue to attach the mirror to the inside of the lid. Hold the mirror in place as you do this so that it sticks. Make sure that you don't look into the mirror. You might want to cover the mirror with a black cloth while you press it down so that you don't look into it. However, make sure that you don't glue down the cloth. Put a representation of the person who cursed you inside the box. If you know who cursed you, place an item that represents that person. If not, use a small doll or a piece of paper that says, “The Hexer.” Place this item in the box so that it's facing the mirror. Here are some great options for a representation: A photo of the person A small doll A piece of their hair An item that belonged to them Their name Close the box and place a black candle on top of it. Put the lid on the box and seal it if possible. Then, set a black candle on top of the box to finish the spell. Any size candle will work. If the box is smaller than the candle, place the candle to the side of the box. You can find a black candle at a department store, magickal supplies store, or online. Say a spell or prayer asking for the curse to be reversed. Once your box is complete, recite a spell or say a prayer that states your intention to reverse the curse. Send the person's negative energy back to them. You might say, “Sender of evil, menacing foe, after this spell, you reap what you sow. This mirror reflects, the will that you send, my hands are clean, my spirit will mend. With this spell, my soul is free, as I will, so mote it be.” You could pray, “Dear God/Goddess, I pray that you reverse this curse back to the person who sent it. After this spell, any negative energy they send my way will be reflected back to them. Amen.” Light the candle and let it burn out. Use a match or lighter to light the candle. Then, let the candle burn until it goes out on its own. This could take awhile, depending on the size of your candle. Don't leave the candle unattended. If you must leave while the candle is burning, use a jar to extinguish the candle without blowing it out. You don't want to blow your spell away. | Stir 1 c (273 g) of sea salt and .25 c (32 g) of baking soda into a hot bath. Visualize positive energy flowing into the bath. Recite a spell or pray before you get into the water. Soak for at least 30-40 minutes to give the water time to cleanse you. Sweep a selenite wand down and away from your body. Light a sage bundle, then use a feather to waft the smoke over you. Recite a cleansing spell or say a prayer. Put a candle in a bowl and add water up to 1 in (2.5 cm) from the tip. Sprinkle a handful of salt into the water around the candle. Visualize a white light flowing into the water. Light the candle, then say your spell or prayer. Let the candle burn down to the water and go out. Break the candle in half and bury it outside. Pour the water in a circle around the buried candle. Get a small box, like an Altoids tin or a cardboard jewelry box. Buy a new small mirror and don’t look at your reflection in it. Glue the mirror onto the inside of the lid of a small box or tin. Put a representation of the person who cursed you inside the box. Close the box and place a black candle on top of it. Say a spell or prayer asking for the curse to be reversed. Light the candle and let it burn out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Boyfriend-Feel-Happy | How to Make Your Boyfriend Feel Happy | The best way to make your boyfriend happy is by showing him you care through small compliments and displays of affection. Even if your guy isn't big on public displays of affection, he still might appreciate a quick peck on the cheek when you're alone. All relationships require hard work, so make sure he knows you appreciate the things he does for you and the effort he puts into your relationship. For example, if he goes out of his way to pick you up, tell him you appreciate it. While your boyfriend will like the extra attention, give him some time to himself as well. As long as it doesn't get to the point where he's regularly ignoring you, let him spend some time with friends or relaxing alone. | Compliment him. No matter what he says or how he acts about it, your boyfriend (like everyone else) appreciates hearing nice things about himself. We all seek validation for how we look and what we do, especially when it comes from someone we care about. It's good for your boyfriend's ego, his pride, and his happiness. Don't make this more complicated than it needs to be. If you like the way he laughs, tell him. If you like the way he styles his hair or treats strangers politely, tell him. If you can compliment him on something you know he really cares about, like his basketball skills or his math grades, all the better. Tell him you appreciate him. Relationships are hard work, and require effort from both parties. Take note of the things he does for you and for the relationship, and let him know that you do notice and are thankful. Does he work a second job so he can take you out on nice dates or save money for an apartment? Does he go out of his way to pick you up so you don't have to walk home in the rain? Is he nice to your mother? Specifically say to him “I appreciate that you do [this thing] for me and for us.” Display your affections. Even if you have a guy that isn't big on public displays of affection, there are always subtle ways to let him know how you feel. Actions usually speak louder than words when it comes to demonstrating affection. Hold his hand, and kiss him for no good reason. If he's not the hand-holding type, let your hand brush against his from time to time, and maybe just slip him a quick peck on the cheek. Even most modern guys like to feel like protectors, so putting your head on his shoulder or sitting on his lap is a good way to create a sense of him protecting you with his embrace. Give him your attention. Simply spending time together is great, but make sure that you are putting your focus squarely on him for at least some of that time. That means putting your phone down, looking him in the eyes, and listening, talking, or just letting him know you're there. Make your time together quality time — something you both enjoy and will remember. Life is busy and only seems to get busier, so don't take your time together for granted. Go on a surprise day trip. Take a surfing lesson together. Just sit and talk with no distractions. According to esteemed relationship researcher John Gottman, healthy relationships tend to have a ratio of at least five positive interactions for every negative one. The more often you show interest, concern, appreciation, and affection, all of which start by paying attention, the better your odds of reaching the "magic number" of positive interactions. Speak his language. Over the past twenty-plus years, many experts and laypeople alike have embraced relationship researcher Gary Chapman's concept that all people "speak" one or more of five "love languages." By identifying the language that fits your boyfriend, you will be better prepared to communicate effectively and show affection. Chapman's five "love languages" include: words of affirmation; quality time; gifts; acts of service; and physical contact. Depending upon their primary language, people are more receptive to acts of love that match that category. For instance, someone whose language is "quality time" will respond better to a long weekend together than a gift card to his favorite store. Take note of the ways that your boyfriend responds to the different ways that you show affection. Once you determine which language he speaks, you can tailor your acts of affection to accordingly. He will in turn experience and appreciate your affection more fully. Be honest with him. No boyfriend, girlfriend, or anyone else in a relationship is going to be truly happy if they don't feel like they are trusted. Being honest, even when it is difficult, is one of the best ways to show trust. Sometimes the truth does hurt, and it may cause him distress when you speak honestly. But beneath that pain will be an appreciation that you trusted him enough to be honest with him. Admitting to cheating on your boyfriend, for example, is probably one of the most difficult times to be honest. Don't put it off indefinitely, but do wait for a time when you are both calm and can speak without distractions. Choose your words carefully (practice beforehand if it helps), but don't be so vague that your point is not being made clearly. Start with something along the lines of "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but you deserve the truth," then admit your transgression without making excuses. Apologize and explain, but don't beg or demand forgiveness; say you hope he can forgive you. If you're afraid to tell your boyfriend the truth about something because you think he'll break up with you, or are worried he may do something hurtful, then you may need to question the importance of the relationship anyway. If it can't be built on trust and honesty, it's not going to last, and neither of you will end up happy. Give him his space. Of course, a good boyfriend will want to spend a lot of time with you. But he'll still want and need some time to himself or with his friends. So long as it doesn't come to the point where he's regularly ignoring you, let him have it. You like to have some time to yourself, right? Well, remember that trust is a two-way street. If you can't let him have space to do his own thing, why should you expect it in return? Every solid relationship requires some personal space. Some need more than others. So long as he's with you when it counts — that is, when you need him, for a ride or for a shoulder to cry on — you should be glad. Don't make him be with you, make him want to be with you. Don’t expect to change him. It is a sure thing that your boyfriend isn't perfect, no matter how great he is. No doubt you find yourself thinking of the little things you'd like to change about him to make him even better. You can inspire people to change, or help them to change, but you should never expect them to change. If you can't take him as he is, don't take him. Maybe your boyfriend is a slob, or is always running late, or takes jokes a bit too far sometimes. You can talk to him about your concerns, and provide support if he wants to become better organized, more reliable, or more sensitive. But if you feel like you need to change the essence of who he is, then you probably aren't with the right guy. Make him happy. Yes, many guys do enjoy a good meal, love watching sports, and think about sex almost constantly. But, you aren't trying to make “many guys” happy — you want to make your boyfriend happy. Showing that you know his particular wants and needs is perhaps the best way into a man's heart. The advice in this section may be applicable to your boyfriend, or it may not be. Take it with a grain of salt, and rely on your best judgment. Keep up your appearance. Your boyfriend may be more than content to hang around with you while you're in sweats, but deep down he probably wants to see you make the effort to get “fancied up” for him at least sometimes. At very least, keeping up with basic hygiene and showing that you care about how you present yourself to the world will probably make him happier. Yes, there is a superficial element to it, but your boyfriend almost certainly chose to be with you in part because he was attracted to your looks, and he wants to continue to be attracted to them. The longer you're together, his love for you as a whole person will make your appearance on the outside beautiful to him no matter what. But, the fact that you're putting in the effort to be attractive can show that you care about both yourself and him. Cook him a nice meal and let him watch sports. This might be the ideal Sunday afternoon for many guys. If your boyfriend likes food and football, indulge him at least sometimes. Maybe he wants you to watch the game with him, or maybe he'd rather just watch it with his friends. Use your knowledge of him to decide what's best. Of course, maybe your guy hates sports and is on a strict diet. As mentioned, this isn't “one size fits all” advice. However, the larger principle — giving your boyfriend what makes him happy sometimes, even if it is a bit annoying for you — remains true for most any type of guy. All relationships require some sacrifices and compromises. Sometimes you have to let him have things his way, in spite of your instincts. Of course, you deserve to expect the same from him as well. Satisfy his desires. Yes, we're talking about intimate relations here. Most guys think about sex a lot, and want it a lot. Odds are, no matter how much (or how often) you give, he'll want more. While you should never feel obligated to do anything you're not ready for, satisfying his wants at whatever level of intimacy you are at is part of making him happy. Many guys have an amazing capacity to ignore tiredness, stress, or a whole host of other obstacles or problems when there's an opportunity for some romantic action. Your boyfriend may well be “in the mood” far more often than you are. Try to meet him in the middle. Of course, no matter how long you've been together, no matter what you've done or not done, you always have the right to say no. If he can't accept that, get a new boyfriend. | Compliment him. Tell him you appreciate him. Display your affections. Give him your attention. Speak his language. Be honest with him. Give him his space. Don’t expect to change him. Make him happy. Keep up your appearance. Cook him a nice meal and let him watch sports. Satisfy his desires. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Katana-Properly | How to Use a Katana Properly | Katanas are long, curved Japanese swords that can be used to strike targets and block attacks. To hold your katana, keep it perpendicular to the ground. Put your dominant hand at the top of the handle and your weaker hand at the bottom. When you're practicing with a target, stand in front of it so you can touch it with the tip of your blade. To strike the target, push forward with your dominant hand to make the blade arc, step forward, and slice into it at a 45-degree angle. If you're blocking an attack, use the side or back of the blade, since blocking with the sharp edge may damage your sword. Whether you're practicing striking or blocking, remember to practice in an open area with at least 8 feet of space all around you so you don't hurt anyone or damage anything. | Position your hands at the top and bottom of the handle. Hold the katana in front of you so it's perpendicular to the ground. Keep your dominant hand 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the top of the handle, and wrap your fingers and thumb so they're on opposite sides of the handle. Place your nondominant hand at the bottom of the handle before wrapping your fingers and thumb around it. Make sure the backs of your hands face out away from the sword on their respective sides. Keep a grip that's firm enough so the katana doesn't slip, but loose enough so you can easily maneuver around. Don't touch your hands together or else you'll cut with a hacking motion and you won't be as accurate. Keep at least 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) between them. Avoid keeping your thumbs on top of the handle since you won't get a proper grip on the sword. Stand in front of your target so you can reach it with the end of your blade. Traditional targets for practicing with a katana include bamboo or rolled tatami mats. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and pointed toward the target. Fully extend your arm with the katana and take a few steps so the blade extends 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) past the front of the target. Other targets you can try include pieces of paper or filled plastic bottles. You can also practice without a target if you just want to perfect your form. Make sure there's nothing around your target that could damage the blade or get cut by the sword. Aim to keep other items at least 10 ft (300 cm) away. Hold the blade above your head so it’s near parallel to the ground. Keep your elbows slightly bent as you raise the blade over your head. Leave your feet firmly planted on the ground and your body pointing toward the target. When you have the blade near horizontal, stop your backswing and hold it in place. You can also cut down at an angle if you want to strike the target from the side. Point the tip of the blade closer to the side where you want to start your cut. The cutting edge of the katana will point up while it's over your head. Push the top of the handle forward to help the blade arc. Don't start your swing until you're ready to go through the full swing in a single fluid motion. Straighten your dominant arm and wrist so the blade starts swinging in a forward motion. As you fully extend your arm, the katana blade will start to move forward and gain speed so it's more likely to cut through your target. It's okay to break down the steps of your swing and go slowly while you're practicing. Step forward as you bring the blade down toward the target. Once you bring your hands in front of your head, take a step with the leg on the same side of your body as your dominant hand to get more power. Try to step forward by 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) so it extends the reach of your blade as well. As you step, continue the forward motion of the blade so you don't hesitate during your strike. If you're bringing the blade down at an angle, step forward with the foot that's on the opposite side as the end of your cut. For example, if you're cutting from right to left, step forward with your right foot. Slice into the target at a 45-degree angle. Slightly turn your hands to readjust the angle of the blade as you're about to make contact with your target. Keep swinging through the full motion to cut through your target as cleanly as possible. Try to keep the cut at a 45-degree angle so it makes an angled cut and makes the best contact with the blade. Stop the blade so it's at least 2 feet (61 cm) off of the ground and doesn't get damaged. If you're swinging to practice form, try to stop your movement when you have the blade at chest level. That way, you're able to develop better control of the sword. Swing the blade horizontally from your side for a mid-level attack. Maintain your grip on the handle so your dominant hand is on top and your nondominant hand is at the end. Hold the katana on the side of your body that you want to strike from so the blade points up at a 45-degree angle. When you want to strike, straighten your dominant arm so the blade swings out in front of you at chest level. Try to keep the blade parallel to the ground and end your swing when the blade is in front of your opposite shoulder. You can do horizontal strikes using only your dominant hand but you may not have as much control over the blade. Tilt the blade upside-down to strike from below. Position the katana so it's at a 45-degree angle pointing toward the ground behind you and the cutting edge faces forward. Keep your dominant hand near the guard on the handle and the nondominant one at the end of the handle. When you're ready to strike, fully extend your dominant arm and swing it forward. End your strike at chest level so the cutting edge of the blade faces up. Keep your nondominant wrist loose so you can easily control and maneuver the blade. You may need to cross your dominant arm over your nondominant one if you're striking from the other side of your body. Use the side or back of the blade to block incoming hits. If you try to use the cutting edge to deflect incoming blows, you may damage or chip the katana. Try to block the strike near the center of the katana so it lands along the sides or back of the blade where there's thicker metal. Avoid blocking the strike with the last 1 foot (30 cm) of the blade's pointed end since you may lose your balance or grip easier. Try to sidestep away from blows while you're blocking so you can get out of the way of the attack. Keep the blade at a 45-degree angle in front of you to block overhead strikes. When you expect an attack from overhead or at an angle, hold your katana so your hands are about 1 foot (30 cm) above your head. Point the tip of the blade at a 45-degree angle to the ground in front of you so the strike slides off the katana more easily. Make sure the cutting edge faces down so you don't damage the sword. Keep the cutting edge perpendicular to the ground so it doesn't point back at you. Place your nondominant palm against the side of the katana blade to help you support it, but be careful not to touch the cutting edge, or you could hurt yourself. Hold the blade upside-down to protect against low and side attacks. Keep your wrists loose as you rotate the blade around so it's easier to position correctly. Move your katana to the side where you're expecting the strike, and turn the blade so the tip points to the ground and the cutting edge faces away from you. Lock your wrists and plant your feet firmly to prepare for the strike so the blade doesn't move once it's hit. Practice with a sparring partner so you can learn how to properly deflect hits. Push the katana’s guard from the scabbard with your nondominant thumb. Hold onto the scabbard with your nondominant hand so your thumb rests on top. Put your thumb against the circular guard around the handle of the katana and lightly push it forward. You will feel some friction before the blade slides easily within the scabbard. The scabbard holds the blade tightly in place near the guard so the katana doesn't slip out accidentally. Be careful not to push the blade out too far or it could fall out from the scabbard. Pull the blade out by its handle. Reach across the front of your body using your dominant hand and hold onto the handle 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the guard. Push the handle down lightly as you pull it out so the cutting edge doesn't get caught on the scabbard when you remove it. Pull the blade straight out and slowly point the tip out in front of you so the blade faces down. The katana will have a sharp cutting edge and a dull edge along the back. Wrap your hand around the end of the scabbard when you sheathe it. Cup the bottom of the scabbard near the opening on the end so your nondominant hand makes a U-shape. Wrap your thumb around the top of the scabbard to hold it firmly in place so it doesn't move around while you try to insert the katana. Never try to resheathe the katana without holding onto the scabbard since the blade could easily slip from place. Guide the tip of the katana into the hole in the scabbard. Slowly and carefully turn the tip of the blade toward the scabbard so the cutting edge points up. Set the blunt edge of the sword on your fingers underneath the scabbard's opening and use your dominant hand to push the tip inside. Keep your grip firmly on the scabbard even after you put the tip in. Be careful moving the tip of the katana toward you so you don't accidentally cut or stab yourself. Push in the katana until there’s 1 in (2.5 cm) of blade exposed. Slowly guide the rest of the blade into the scabbard using your dominant hand. Don't let the cutting edge scrape the top of the scabbard since it could dull the blade. Continue pushing the blade in until you feel friction, which is usually when there's about 1 inch (2.5 cm) left to insert. Don't try to force the blade into the scabbard since you could damage the blade. Press the guard against the scabbard with your nondominant thumb. Hook the thumb on your nondominant hand around the guard of the blade and pull it into the scabbard. Don't try to force the blade into position or else you could damage the tip. Keep pushing the guard until you can't see the blade anymore and the katana doesn't move around in the scabbard. Practice in an area with enough space around you to handle your blade. Look for an open area where you have at least 8–10 feet (2.4–3.0 m) of empty space around you. Hold the katana straight out in front of you while it's still in its scabbard, which is the protective case around the blade, and point it forward. Turn in a circle and make sure there's nothing in the path of the sword as you move it around, or else you may cut into it. Don't swing your katana anywhere that you could hit someone or something that you aren't intending to cut. Try practicing in your yard if you have the space to move around. Check local laws and regulations to find out the legality of bringing a katana in public since it may not be allowed in your area. Use a wooden or bamboo sword while you practice if you don’t want a real blade. While you need a real blade to cut through your target, practicing with one can be more dangerous if you're inexperienced. Search for a bokken that's the same size and length as your katana that you can use while practicing your form while striking and blocking. Whenever you feel comfortable switching to a real blade, use extra caution so you don't hurt yourself or anyone else. You can buy bokkens online or from martial arts stores. Even though bokkens don't have a cutting edge, they will still hurt someone if you hit them with it. The thinner edge of the wooden blade is considered the cutting edge while the wider flat edge is the back of the blade. Look for a class at a martial arts school to improve your katana skills. Check for dojos or martial arts instructors in your area that specialize in using Japanese swords so you can learn the correct techniques. Compare the prices, the lessons, and the amount of time you spend in each class to see what style works best for what you want to learn. If you have any questions, call the instructor and ask them anything you're concerned about. When you find a style you want to study, enroll in the class so you can start learning. Many dojos or instructors have strict rules for practices and uniforms, so make sure you follow them completely so you can stay in the course. | Position your hands at the top and bottom of the handle. Stand in front of your target so you can reach it with the end of your blade. Hold the blade above your head so it’s near parallel to the ground. Push the top of the handle forward to help the blade arc. Step forward as you bring the blade down toward the target. Slice into the target at a 45-degree angle. Swing the blade horizontally from your side for a mid-level attack. Tilt the blade upside-down to strike from below. Use the side or back of the blade to block incoming hits. Keep the blade at a 45-degree angle in front of you to block overhead strikes. Hold the blade upside-down to protect against low and side attacks. Push the katana’s guard from the scabbard with your nondominant thumb. Pull the blade out by its handle. Wrap your hand around the end of the scabbard when you sheathe it. Guide the tip of the katana into the hole in the scabbard. Push in the katana until there’s 1 in (2.5 cm) of blade exposed. Press the guard against the scabbard with your nondominant thumb. Practice in an area with enough space around you to handle your blade. Use a wooden or bamboo sword while you practice if you don’t want a real blade. Look for a class at a martial arts school to improve your katana skills. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hire-an-Employee | How to Hire an Employee | To hire an employee, draw up a list of minimum requirements for the post so you can prioritize qualified applicants. Then, come up with a set of preferred qualifications so you can narrow down the list. Afterwards, interview the candidates to find out how their skills would suit the job. Make sure to take notes during the interview so you can review them later. Finally, narrow down your list to one candidate based on qualifications and experience alone to ensure the hiring process is fair. | Develop a description of the available position. A position description is used to come up with interview questions and to evaluate how well a candidate fits the position's needs. It should clearly outline the duties and responsibilities of the position, which include general position information, the purpose of the position, essential job functions, minimum candidate requirements, and preferred candidate qualifications. Include general position information. This includes position titles, pay grades, department information, supervisor name, and other special requirements such as background checks or valid driver's license. Come up with a position purpose. Your position purpose should state the fundamental functions of the position, especially in relation to supporting, directing, or managing activities of the department or organization. It should also include the number of openings (if more than one) and the duration of the position (if a non-career position). For example, in a financial position you could say, “the purpose of the financial position is to help the department assess the financial health of the organization as a whole”. Develop an essential job function. This is used to clearly articulate the tasks and obligations required of a position so that job seekers have a clear idea of performance expectations. The essential functions should be arranged by importance, level of complexity should be discussed, and essential tasks should be listed. For instance, you could write, “The essential functions of event planning include many tasks such as: securing a venue, interviewing merchants and executing contracts, managing food delivery and setup, and overseeing all event staff". Include minimum candidate requirements. These should be basic qualifications that candidates must possess in order to be considered for the position. They must be closely related to the duties of the position, and must be necessary requirements needed to complete the essential functions of the position. "Soft skills” such as communication skills or teamwork abilities, can be included but they are better ascertained through interviews versus resumes. Requirements must be objective, non-comparative, and business related. For instance, instead of saying, “Seeking a candidate that went to a 'good' school, is within the top five candidates in years of experience, and has volunteer experience,” try saying, “Seeking a candidate with a Bachelor's degree, five years of experience, and one year of experience in accounting”. Avoid listing too many skills as it can greatly limit your potential candidates. List no more than five “hard” qualifications (degree, years of experience, etc.), and list “soft” skills based on the level of the position. Determine preferred candidate qualifications. Preferred qualifications are skills that are desired, but not necessarily a requirement for employment. These skills and abilities are used to define a higher aptitude level with which to complete essential functions. For example, you can request prior experience with Microsoft Excel, but not require it. Preferred qualifications are used with the hopes that someone who has greater aptitudes will be quicker to reach the full potential of their position. Determine the medium of posting and post an ad. When determining your method of posting your job ad, you have to figure out what medium is likely to reach the best and brightest employees for the position. Consider the essential functions, as well as skills and qualifications needed in order to determine which mediums are best for recruitment. Various means for posting jobs include online career websites, college career boards, newspapers, social media, recruiting cards, job fairs, and employee referrals. Ads should be posted for a minimum of ten days for support staff positions, and a minimum of fifteen days for management positions. “Open until filled” is the recommended option, which keeps the posting viewable until the position is filled. Utilize as many mediums as necessary to ensure a qualified pool of candidates. Review applicants. The human resources manager or search committee should view all applications and supplemental materials, such as cover letters, resumes, transcripts, etc. When assessing a candidate, you should keep in mind what you are seeking in a candidate, such as experience, education, and skills that were listed in the job description. Develop a short list. A short list is a list of applicants who have been determined to possess the skills and qualifications necessary to effectively function in the position. Short lists can also be used to determine if the candidate pool is sufficiently diverse. The shortlist usually contains three to five potential candidates for interview. It is common practice to screen candidates by phone to help narrow the field of applicants. Be prepared by having a list of potential screening questions to help determine if the applicant has potential. Telephone questions should be open-ended such as "Why are you interested in this position?" and "What specific skills would you bring to our team?" Conduct an interview. The interview is considered to be the most important step in the recruitment process because it gives both parties a chance to learn more about one another. Before the interview, employers should prepare by determining the format of the interview, questions to be posed to the candidate, and the preferred start date for the position. Determine what format you will use for your interview, and who will be present. Interviews can be conducted in many ways including a face-to-face interview, a panel interview, or a virtual interview. In addition, the interview may be conducted by one person or a committee of persons. Behavioral questions and competency questions should seek to learn more information about a candidate's on-the-job abilities and characteristics. For example, try a question such as, “describe your previous experiences working with grant writing”. Use a set of ten to twelve consistent questions so that you are better able to compare candidate responses. Always notify candidates about when you will finalize your decision, and how you will notify them. Narrow it down to one final applicant. After all interviews are complete, your search committee or hiring manager will assess how closely each candidate met the selection criteria outlined in the job description. Be sure to document your decision and ensure that the candidate was chosen based on qualifications alone in order to avoid breaking federal laws employed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity commission. The EOCC states that it is illegal to discriminate against an applicant based on their race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, nation of origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Complete various human resources checks. You can run a background check to reveal any potential issues including criminal records, state licensing records, military records, and more. In addition, employment checks can be performed to determine how an employee performed and behaved at their previous places of employment. Candidates are required to sign consent forms to authorize a potential employer to complete employment and background checks. For employment verification, describe the position and then ask the former employer, “Given the requirements discussed, what is your assessment of the individual's qualifications for this position?” Ask follow-up questions to obtain more specific responses about job performance and abilities. Background and reference checks should be conducted before an official offer is made to the candidate. This will help to guarantee that there will be no issues that hinder completion of the hiring process. Put together an offer package. Determine important information such as starting salary, benefits, start date, and training needed. In larger companies, this process is typically managed by the HR department and requires final approval. In smaller companies, this may be done by an HR manager, a supervisor, or even directly by the owner. Be sure to make a fair and reasonable offer first. Not only does it demonstrate equity and good faith to the candidate, but it also leaves room for negotiation. Notify the applicant of the offer. Once the offer has been finalized, call the candidate to notify them that you are extending an offer of employment, and to determine if they are still interested. Fully discuss the offer package including salary, benefits, and paid time off, and demonstrate your enthusiasm to have the candidate join your team. A contractual relationship is created once there has been a verbal offer of employment, and a verbal acceptance by the candidate. Therefore, it's important to make sure that you truly intend to hire the candidate for the position. Otherwise, the candidate may have a claim for breach of contract. If the candidate declines the position, you can always choose another candidate from the short list. Just make sure they are still interested, and you still follow all required personnel checks before offering a position. Prepare for a counteroffer. Occasionally, an applicant may decline the position based on the salary offered. Discuss the applicant's needs and their reasons for declining the offer. Some companies may allow counteroffers, so discuss the issue with your HR department or hiring manager. For larger companies, counteroffers must be within the guidelines set forth for that particular role, and must be reviewed by HR. Counter offers do occur, but companies usually carefully restrict what the offer includes. Negotiating effectively means finding more terms to negotiate about, such as paid time off, start date, and fringe benefits. It's important to remain flexible and consider what is important to both parties in order to come to a mutually beneficial agreement. Finalize the offer. Acceptance of an offer can be both formal and informal based on the company. For some businesses, a verbal acceptance and start date is enough. More formal finalizations include sending an offer letter (or email), obtaining written acceptance of the offer, retaining recruitment documents, and closing the job posting. Once an offer is finalized, be sure to contact the candidates that were interviewed (and not selected) by either phone or letter. | Develop a description of the available position. Include general position information. Come up with a position purpose. Develop an essential job function. Include minimum candidate requirements. Determine preferred candidate qualifications. Determine the medium of posting and post an ad. Review applicants. Develop a short list. Conduct an interview. Narrow it down to one final applicant. Complete various human resources checks. Put together an offer package. Notify the applicant of the offer. Prepare for a counteroffer. Finalize the offer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Whiskey | How to Store Whiskey | To maintain your whiskey's flavor and color, it's best to store it in a cool, dark area, like a wine cellar, cupboard, or pantry. The key is to keep it away from direct sunlight and changes in temperature. Keep your bottle upright so the whiskey doesn't soak the cork and cause it to break down. Once opened, a mostly full bottle of whiskey will stay good for about a year. However, when only about a third remains, you'll want to use it within a month before it starts to lose its flavor. Alternatively, transfer it to a smaller container. The more oxygen in a bottle, the faster the flavor depreciates. For this reason, make sure the bottle is tightly sealed with a cork or bottle cap. | Protect your bottles from direct light. Exposure to a lot of light—especially sunlight—sets off chemical reactions that will both discolor your whiskey and affect its flavor. Keep your whiskey in a dark area, such as a wine cellar , cupboard, box, or darkened pantry. If you are a collector or retailer interested in showing off your bottles, keep in mind that exposure to direct sunlight will also cause the label to fade. If you must show off your whiskey some place where it will be exposed to light, consider placing it behind a window with a UV-blocking coating. Keep your bottles in a place with cool, stable temperatures. Temperature fluctuations, and especially exposure to heat, can affect the quality of your whiskey. When whiskey gets hot, it expands in the bottle, which can eventually damage the seal and let in oxygen. Keep your whiskey in a cool, temperature-controlled room or container. Try to store your whiskey in an area where the temperature stays between 15 and 20° C (59-68° F). Refrigerating your whiskey or storing it in the freezer will not hurt it, but whiskey is less flavorful and aromatic when it is cold. Store your bottles upright. Always keep your whiskey bottles in a vertical position. If stored horizontally or upside-down, your whiskey will constantly be in contact with the cork, eventually causing the cork to deteriorate. This can affect the taste of your whiskey and allow oxygen to leak into the bottle. Turn your bottles occasionally to moisten the cork. You don't want your cork to be in constant contact with the whiskey in the bottle. However, a cork that is completely dry may crumble or chip when you open the bottle. Keep your cork moist by turning the bottle upside-down for a few seconds once a month. Store your bottles away from humidity (optional). If your bottle is well-sealed, humidity won't harm the whiskey itself. If you're concerned about keeping your bottles looking nice, however, it's a good idea to store them in an area with low humidity. Too much humidity can damage the label or even cause it to get moldy. Continue to protect your whiskey from light and heat. Once your whiskey is opened, you will need to keep protecting it from the elements. Store it in a cool, dark area, such as a wine cellar, pantry, cabinet, or box. A mostly-full, opened bottle of whiskey should stay good for about a year if kept away from heat and light. Store your whiskey in a well-sealed container. The greatest enemy of an opened bottle of whiskey is oxygen. As oxygen gets into the bottle, it reacts with the whiskey, eventually dulling the flavor. Minimize your whiskey's exposure to oxygen by keeping it tightly sealed. If the original cork just isn't cutting it, you can purchase a bottle cap that creates an airtight seal (such as a Polyseal cap) or transfer your whiskey to a hermetically sealed glass container. Transfer your whiskey to a decanter, if you wish. Unlike wine, whiskey doesn't really benefit from being decanted. However, decanting your whiskey also won't harm it, and a decanter makes an attractive and flashy serving container. Just make sure your decanter has a tight seal, and keep it in a cool, temperature-controlled area. Avoid decanters made from leaded crystal. Although these containers are very attractive and sparkly, there is a risk of lead leaching into your whiskey if you use them for long-term storage. Finish off your bottle quickly once it starts to get low. The more “headroom” a bottle of whiskey has, the faster it will begin to oxidize. In other words, a mostly full bottle of whiskey will stay fresh a lot longer than a bottle that's mostly empty. A mostly full bottle of whiskey can stay good for up to a year after opening, but a bottle that's only a quarter full will start to get flat in about a month. Once your bottle starts getting low (e.g., at around the 1/3rd mark), it may be time to invite a few friends over for a drink! You can also keep your whiskey fresh longer by transferring it into smaller containers as the level in the bottle starts to get low. Preserve whiskey longer with a preserving spray. These sprays consist of harmless, inert gasses (such as nitrogen and argon) that create a buffer between the whiskey and the oxygen that would normally collect in the empty part of the bottle. Although they are typically marketed as wine-preserving sprays, they also work for whiskey and other spirits. Follow the directions on the package to determine how to use the preserving spray. You can purchase these sprays online, or you may be able to find them at your local liquor store. | Protect your bottles from direct light. Keep your bottles in a place with cool, stable temperatures. Store your bottles upright. Turn your bottles occasionally to moisten the cork. Store your bottles away from humidity (optional). Continue to protect your whiskey from light and heat. Store your whiskey in a well-sealed container. Transfer your whiskey to a decanter, if you wish. Finish off your bottle quickly once it starts to get low. Preserve whiskey longer with a preserving spray. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Cannoli | How to Make Cannoli | To make cannolis, make the shells by mixing flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and shortening. Next, stir in eggs, vinegar, and water into the mixture. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes on a floured surface and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Then, cut the dough into 5 inch circles and wrap the pieces around a cannoli tube. Next, deep fry the shells at 360 °F until golden brown. For the cream filling, heat half and half, stir in a mixture of cornstarch and sugar, and allow to cool. Finally, use a pastry bag to fill the shells. | Blend the flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and shortening together in a large mixing bowl. Note: Prior to mixing the ingredients together, cut the shortening up into pea-size pieces to allow for easy mixing. Slowly stir in the eggs, vinegar, and water into the flour blended mix. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. It should feel chilled before working with it again. Roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface with a rolling pin. Roll until it is about 1/8 inch (3mm) thick. Cut the dough into 5 inch (12.5cm) circles. Note: See the "Tips" section below to learn how to get perfect cannoli shells every time! Roll the pieces loosely around the cannoli tube until each piece slightly overlaps the opposite edge. Press the overlapping edges together and seal by dabbing them with a drop or two of water to ensure that they stick and do not break apart in the fryer. Heat the oil in deep fryer to 360⁰ F/182ºC. Place the cannoli tube and shell in the deep fryer until golden brown. Remove each cannoli shell and tube from the deep fryer. Set the rolls on paper towel to cool. Remove the cannoli tube after it has cooled slightly. For the best results and the least breakage, do not wait until shells are cooled completely before removing them. Repeat until all dough is used. Mix the cornstarch and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl. Heat the half and half in top of double boiler over direct heat, and stir in the sugar and cornstarch gradually. Place over simmering water in double boiler, add the cinnamon stick, if desired, and cook until thickened. Remove from the heat. Cool completely in the refrigerator. Mix mini chocolate chips into cream filling once completely cooled (optional). Cover the cream filling with plastic wrap tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve. When ready to serve, remove the cinnamon stick and stir well. Fill the cannoli shells with the cream filling using a pastry bag. For best results, fill one end of the cannoli at a time. Fill shell until cream filling slightly overfills its outer edges. Top the cannolis with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Garnish outer edges of cannolis with extra chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or maraschino cherries. Be creative- the possibilities are endless! | Blend the flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and shortening together in a large mixing bowl. Slowly stir in the eggs, vinegar, and water into the flour blended mix. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface with a rolling pin. Cut the dough into 5 inch (12.5cm) circles. Roll the pieces loosely around the cannoli tube until each piece slightly overlaps the opposite edge. Heat the oil in deep fryer to 360⁰ F/182ºC. Remove each cannoli shell and tube from the deep fryer. Repeat until all dough is used. Mix the cornstarch and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl. Heat the half and half in top of double boiler over direct heat, and stir in the sugar and cornstarch gradually. Remove from the heat. Mix mini chocolate chips into cream filling once completely cooled (optional). Cover the cream filling with plastic wrap tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve. Fill the cannoli shells with the cream filling using a pastry bag. Top the cannolis with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Garnish outer edges of cannolis with extra chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or maraschino cherries. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-If-You-Have-Worms | How to Know If You Have Worms | One way to know if you have worms is by recognizing any unexplained weight loss. Even if you eat normally, you'll be getting less calories and nutrients because the worm is taking them for itself. In addition to weight loss, keep track of any sudden constipation, since worms can cause irritation in the gut, which will cause less water to be absorbed into your body. For example, if you eat a lot of high-fiber foods and drink a lot of water, yet still can't go to the bathroom, you might have a worm. You should also take note if you feel particularly gassy after traveling to a new place, especially any area that is known to have worm problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor for an official diagnosis and treatment plan. | Keep track of any unexplained weight loss. When you have worms in your body, you get less nutrients than you are used to because the worm is consuming these nutrients. You may therefore begin to lose weight because while you are eating like normal, your body is not absorbing the calories and nutrients that it should because the worm is taking them from you. If you start to lose weight without trying to, keep track of the weight you lose. If you continue to shed pounds, talk to your doctor. Monitor any unexplained constipation. If you have constipation that doesn't seem to be caused by anything, you may have worms. Worms can cause irritation in your gut that interferes with your digestion. This can cause less water to be absorbed into your body, making you constipated. For example, if you have eaten foods high in fiber, drank a lot of water, or done other things that normally help you to go to the bathroom, and you still can't go, you may have a worm. Pay attention to gaseous discomfort you feel after traveling to a new place. If you have recently traveled to a new place that is known to have worm problems, and you suddenly develop serious gaseous discomfort, you may have picked up a worm. This gaseous discomfort can be accompanied by abdominal pain. If you were traveling through a foreign country and were dealing with diarrhea, but took an anti-diarrhea pill, you should monitor your gaseous discomfort. Continuing to have discomfort after taking an anti-diarrhea pill can sometimes mean that you have picked up a worm. Be aware that worms can make you feel like you are never full or like you are never hungry. Having worms can make you feel extreme hunger just after eating, or extreme fullness when you haven't eaten anything. This is because the worms feed on the food that you have eaten, leaving you hungry, but can also cause you to feel nauseous or gaseous, which can make you feel full. Keep track of exhaustion or fatigue that won’t go away. When you have a worm, the worm takes all of the nutrients out of the food you have eaten, leaving you feeling hungry. At the same time, this lack of nutrients can make your energy levels decrease, leaving you easily exhausted. This may cause you to: Feel tired all the time. Feel exhausted after exerting a slight amount of energy. Wanting to sleep rather than do anything else. Be aware that some people will have no symptoms. Having a worm in your system can affect you differently than others experiencing the same problem. Keep in mind that it is a good idea to visit the doctor after you travel to a foreign country that is known to have a worm problem. It is generally better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to having a worm in your body. Check your stool for tapeworms. If you have a tapeworm infection, you may see the worms in the bathroom after a bowel action or on the inner part of your underwear. If you find tapeworms in either of these areas, contact a doctor right away. Tapeworms look like: Small pieces of thread. Whitish color. Look to see if your eyes and skin have become pale. If you are concerned that you have tapeworms, look at your eyes and skin in the mirror. Tapeworms can cause you to have an iron deficiency because they feed on your blood, which in turn lowers your blood levels. When your blood levels get reduced, you make notice that your skin and coloring of your eyes has become paler. Because tapeworms can lower your blood levels, you can also become anemic. Signs of anemia include an unusually rapid heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and challenges with concentration. Keep track of abdominal pain that is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Tapeworms can obstruct the openings and tubes in your intestines, and in the intestinal wall. When your intestines become blocked, you can begin to feel abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The abdominal pain is normally felt just above the stomach. Keep track of diarrhea. Tapeworms can make invade and inflame the lining of your small intestine, which in turn stimulates the intestine's lining to secrete fluid. When excess fluid is secreted, your body has a harder time absorbing the extra fluid, which can lead to you having diarrhea. Keep track of any dizziness you experience. This condition is very rare and generally only occurs in people who have been infected by fish tapeworms. Fish tapeworms consume so much vitamin B12 from your body that they can induce a condition known as megaloblastic anemia. The resulting low red blood cell count can cause: Dizziness. Memory loss. Dementia. Keep track of any skin irritation and itchiness you experience. Pinworms, which are also known as threadworms, can cause your skin to become irritated. This is because pinworms leak toxins into your blood. When these toxins accumulate in your skin, they can cause itchiness that may resemble eczema. Itchiness might be worse at night because the worms tend to lay eggs at night. Itchiness could be worse around the anus because this is generally where pinworms lay their eggs. Monitor any trouble sleeping or mood swings you are experiencing. You may find that you have trouble falling asleep or that you are waking up in the night more often than is normal for you. This can be a sign that you have pinworms, as the eggs they lay can release toxins that can get into your bloodstream. When this happens, the toxin can be carried to your brain and may interfere with your normal brain functions. This can also lead to you experiencing mood swings where you suddenly feel anxious, when you were feeling happy the moment before. Watch out for aches and pain in your muscles and joints. Like itchiness and trouble sleeping, the toxin released by pinworm eggs can also affect your muscles and joints. This is because the toxin from the eggs can be transported to your muscles and joints, which can cause: Inflammation of the muscles and joints. Dull or aching pain. Take note if you have started grinding your teeth when you sleep. If you have suddenly started grinding your teeth at night when you never have before, this could be a sign that you have a pinworm infection. The toxins that pinworms release can cause you to have simulated anxiety that may cause you to grind your teeth in the night. Signs that you have been grinding your teeth include : Your teeth becoming flatter or more worn down. Your teeth being more sensitive than normal. Jaw pain. Feeling like your jaw is tired. Ear or headache. Chewing marks on your tongue and the inside of your cheeks. Seek medical attention if you are concerned you had or are having a seizure. In severe cases, pinworm toxin can actually lead to seizures. The toxin can cause an interference in the brain that can cause you to have a seizure. Signs of a seizure include : Jerking movements of arms, legs, or other parts of the body. Feeling fuzzy or spacey. Losing control of your urine or bowel movements. Unexplained confusion, or memory loss. Keep track of when your skin suddenly becomes itchy and you notice a rash. If you have a hookworm infection, the first symptom you will notice is generally that your skin is itchier than normal. The itching begins with the hookworm larvae enter your skin. You may also notice the skin swelling and becoming red in the area where the itching sensation is the worst. This is also caused by the larvae entering your skin. People commonly feel hookworm itch in their hands and feet. Keep track of nausea and diarrhea you experience. When the hookworm enters your intestines, it can aggravate your intestines, leading to nausea and diarrhea. The hookworm can also release toxins that disrupt your digestive system. The nausea may occur with or without vomiting. Look for blood in your stool. The blood could be red or black. Keep track of cramps you experience. Hookworms can cause your colon to become inflamed. They can also irritate the lining of your intestine, which is comprised of the colon, cecum and rectum. When this occurs you might experience cramps in your abdomen. Take note if you suddenly develop an iron deficiency. This symptom only occurs in severe hookworm infections. Hookworms feed directly on their hosts blood, which can lead to their host becoming iron deficient. Signs that you are iron deficient include: Extreme fatigue and overall weakness. Pale skin and eyes. Chest pain and headache. Shortness of breath. Take note if you constantly feel like you need to pass stools. This condition is called tenesmus. Your body's immune system fights off an invading organism like worms, it can cause your digestive tract to become inflamed The inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract makes it harder for you to pass your stool normally, which can lead to tenesmus, or the feeling that you need to pass stools, even when your bowels are empty. This can cause: Straining. Pain in the rectum. Cramping. Watch out for signs that the whipworms have blocked your intestines. Whipworms can obstruct or do damage to your intestinal wall and intestinal lumens (the passages through your intestines). When your intestines get blocked, you can develop: Abdominal cramping. Nausea. Vomiting. Keep track of excessive diarrhea and dehydration. Whipworms tend to bury their heads into the intestinal wall. This can lead to increase fluid secretion and/or decreased fluid absorption in your colon. When your colon starts increasing fluid secretion, your body has a hard time reabsorbed the fluid, which can lead to : Diarrhea. Dehydration or the feeling that you are always thirsty. Loss of electrolytes and nutrients. Seek medical help if you experience rectal prolapse. In a whipworm infection, the rectum loses its internal support because the worms bury their thin heads into the intestinal lining. This can cause the muscles surrounding your intestine to weaken, which in turn can lead to rectal prolapse. This condition is when: The lower portion of your colon, which is located just inside the anal canal, turns inside out and can come a little ways out of your body. Keep track of severe abdominal pain you experience. Roundworms can block your intestines because they are usually thick, and in some cases can grow to be the size of a pencil. When your intestines become blocked, you can develop extreme abdominal pain. You may feel: A pain in your stomach, like that of a cramp that won't seem to go away. Pay attention if you begin experiencing itchiness around your anus. Roundworms can lay eggs that leak toxins into your body. These toxins can release into your system and may cause your anus to become itchy. This itchiness can get worse at night because the worms tend to lay their eggs at night while you are resting. Seek medical help if you see worms when you blow your nose or go to the bathroom. When roundworms multiply, they may start to leave your body to find a different host. This means they start to exit your body through different orifices. The most common ways for roundworm to exit is through the: Mouth. Nose. Anus. | Keep track of any unexplained weight loss. Monitor any unexplained constipation. Pay attention to gaseous discomfort you feel after traveling to a new place. Be aware that worms can make you feel like you are never full or like you are never hungry. Keep track of exhaustion or fatigue that won’t go away. Be aware that some people will have no symptoms. Check your stool for tapeworms. Look to see if your eyes and skin have become pale. Keep track of abdominal pain that is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Keep track of diarrhea. Keep track of any dizziness you experience. Keep track of any skin irritation and itchiness you experience. Monitor any trouble sleeping or mood swings you are experiencing. Watch out for aches and pain in your muscles and joints. Take note if you have started grinding your teeth when you sleep. Seek medical attention if you are concerned you had or are having a seizure. Keep track of when your skin suddenly becomes itchy and you notice a rash. Keep track of nausea and diarrhea you experience. Keep track of cramps you experience. Take note if you suddenly develop an iron deficiency. Take note if you constantly feel like you need to pass stools. Watch out for signs that the whipworms have blocked your intestines. Keep track of excessive diarrhea and dehydration. Seek medical help if you experience rectal prolapse. Keep track of severe abdominal pain you experience. Pay attention if you begin experiencing itchiness around your anus. Seek medical help if you see worms when you blow your nose or go to the bathroom. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Handle-Hypoglycemia-in-Young-Puppies | How to Handle Hypoglycemia in Young Puppies | To handle hypoglycemia in a young puppy, feed it as soon as you notice symptoms, which may raise its blood glucose to a healthy level. If your puppy won't eat, get a liquid sugar source, like maple syrup or molasses, and rub 1-2 tablespoons of it into your puppy's gums or underneath its tongue. If your puppy doesn't perk back up in a couple of minutes, contact a vet immediately. | Recognize hypoglycemia. Glucose gives the body energy. If your puppy is hypoglycemic, you'll first notice it moving more slowly and becoming restless. As the hypoglycemia worsens and your puppy's brain is starved for glucose, your puppy will tremble, have a blank stare, and fall on its side. Other signs of hypoglycemia include: Fatigue Weakness Wobbly walking Shivering Head tilt Feed your puppy. As soon as you notice your young puppy looking restless, try feeding it some food. Eating a little bit of food may be enough to raise your puppy's blood glucose back to normal levels. If your puppy does not want to eat, then you will need to feed it something sweet like honey, corn syrup, or sugar dissolved in water. If your young puppy is still nursing, you may need to bottle feed it. Select a sugar source. A small dose of sugar will help to quickly raise your puppy's blood glucose levels. Rather than giving your puppy sugar crystals, give it a liquid sugar source: Nutri-Cal® (available at your local pet store) Maple syrup Karo syrup Molasses Administer the sugar source. Give your puppy the sugar source by either rubbing a small amount on the gums with your finger or placing a few drops under your puppy's tongue. Placing the sugar source on the gums or under the tongue will help it be absorbed more quickly by the body. One to two tablespoons of a sugar source is usually enough to revive a small dog with hypoglycemia. If your young puppy is really tiny, ask your vet about how much you should give. You can also place a few drops of the sugar source on your puppy's tongue. If you're going to give drops of the sugar source, use a medicine dropper. To prevent your puppy from choking, do not put the sugar source directly down its throat. Wait for your puppy to perk up. In many instances of puppy hypoglycemia, just a small amount of sugar will be enough to revive the puppy. If the hypoglycemia is not severe, your puppy should perk back up in one to two minutes. If your puppy does not respond, contact your vet immediately. Be aware that the sugar source is just a quick fix. Your puppy's blood glucose levels may drop again, causing another episode of hypoglycemia. If your puppy becomes hypoglycemic again, give it more of the sugar source and contact your vet. Give your puppy a small meal. If you needed to give your puppy a sugar source to handle its hypoglycemia, feed it a small amount of high-quality canned puppy food once it perks up. The food will give your puppy more glucose and help it recover. If your puppy refuses the canned food, try feeding it some tasty treats. Take your puppy to your vet. Even if your puppy looks fine after getting a little bit of sugar, your vet should still examine your puppy to determine if a health problem has caused the hypoglycemia. If your puppy did not respond at all to the sugar, then a vet visit is essential to get your puppy the intensive care it will need to recover. Your puppy will also need to see your vet if it responded to the sugar, but became hypoglycemic again. Have your vet diagnose the hypoglycemia. Your vet will need to confirm that your young puppy has hypoglycemia. They will first perform a physical exam of your puppy. Then, they will take a small blood sample to measure your puppy's blood glucose levels. Intestinal parasites can rob your young puppy's body of important nutrients like glucose. Your vet may also perform a fecal exam to look for intestinal parasites. Allow your vet to treat the hypoglycemia. If your puppy has severe hypoglycemia, it will need immediate and intensive treatment by your vet. To administer this treatment, your vet will need to hospitalize your puppy for at least one day. Examples of intensive treatment for young puppies with hypoglycemia are: Intravenous dextrose (a type of sugar) Deworming (kills intestinal parasites) Heat therapy Fluids Maintain a regular feeding schedule. A young puppy's body cannot regulate its blood glucose levels very well. Feeding your young puppy multiple times a day, at the same times each day, can help prevent hypoglycemia. Puppies should eat 3-4 times a day, depending on their age. Leave the food out for 10 to 20 minutes. This will help prevent your puppy from becoming a picky eater—it will learn that it should eat right away, rather than pick at the food for a long time. Feed your puppy a high-quality puppy diet. A healthy puppy diet, when fed multiple times a day, will help keep your young puppy's blood glucose levels from dropping too low. Also, high-quality puppy food will give your puppy the nutrients it needs to grow into a healthy adult dog. Many types of puppy diets are available. If you are unsure which one is right for your puppy, talk with your vet for guidance. Puppies have specific nutritional needs. Do not feed your puppy an adult dog diet. Canned foods tend to be tastier than dry foods. Your puppy may prefer canned food. Realize that the feeding guidelines on the food label may not work for your young puppy. Talk with your vet to determine how much you should feed your puppy at each meal. Weigh your puppy each day. A puppy should gain a little bit of weight every day. Daily weight gain means it's eating enough food and getting enough nutrients, including glucose. Try weighing your puppy using a gram scale, which you can purchase a kitchen supply store. Record the weight on a piece of paper. If your young puppy is too big or wiggly for a gram scale, try this: Weigh yourself on a regular scale, then hold your puppy in your arms. To get your puppy's weight, subtract your weight from the weight of you and your puppy. If your puppy is not gaining weight, or is losing weight, it could be sick. Take your puppy to your vet. Keep your puppy warm. A cold puppy will use up extra glucose to stay warm, causing a condition called juvenile hypoglycemia. To prevent this type of hypoglycemia, wrap your young puppy in extra blankets to keep it warm. Also, keep your home at a warm temperature. Reduce your puppy’s stress. Stress can cause a young puppy to become hypoglycemic. Examples of stressful events are vaccinations (or vet visits in general), over-handling, illness, and changes in a puppy's environment. Minimizing your puppy's stress can help prevent hypoglycemia. Give your puppy treats when it behaves well at the vet's office. That way, it may not get so stressed when it's there. Do not try to handle your puppy all the time. Give it some alone time so it can rest. Keep your puppy's routine the same from day to day. | Recognize hypoglycemia. Feed your puppy. Select a sugar source. Administer the sugar source. Wait for your puppy to perk up. Give your puppy a small meal. Take your puppy to your vet. Have your vet diagnose the hypoglycemia. Allow your vet to treat the hypoglycemia. Maintain a regular feeding schedule. Feed your puppy a high-quality puppy diet. Weigh your puppy each day. Keep your puppy warm. Reduce your puppy’s stress. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Neurosurgeon | How to Become a Neurosurgeon | To become a neurosurgeon, go to an accredited 4-year college and take courses like chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology to satisfy pre-medical school requirements and earn a bachelor's degree. Next, study for and take the MCAT, which is required for medical school admission, and enroll in an accredited medical school. When you're nearing graduation, match into a residency program and complete 6-8 years of residency. Then, take the ABNS certification exam and apply for your medical license to start practicing! | Practice cultivating patience, understanding and empathy early. These are qualities that allow neurosurgeons to communicate with, diagnose and treat patients who may be in distress or pain. They may work with people who are unable to communicate effectively or have special needs. Meet new people, find things you have in common and try to understand your differences. Put yourself in other people's shoes to understand what a person is feeling or why he chose certain actions. Challenge prejudices. We often have preconceived notions about groups of people. Focus on what you share with individuals instead of what divides you. Listen to people. The ability to focus on another person's emotional state and needs is an important skill for a neurosurgeon to have. Paraphrase what people say to you to show that you are an active listener and ensure you understand what they are saying. Consider learning another language. This is an extremely valuable skill. You will often encounter people who speak a different language. Speaking another (or multiple) language can help you easily communicate with these patients and can help you stand out when applying to med school. Practice professionalism. Learn to work well within a team and take on leadership roles. Physicians understand ethical principles and moral reasoning. They must make decisions about patient care and implement treatment plans. Use critical-thinking and problem-solving skills regularly. Learn how to collect information and research problems to find solutions. Explore areas you are unfamiliar with and use trusted sources of information to gain new knowledge. Build 3D models and put together puzzles. Neurosurgeons operate in and around the brain so they need to be able to understand spatial relationships and use their hands with skill. Visualize how things go together. Put together complex models with your hands. Learn how to collect information and research problems to find solutions. You will also need to be skilled and dexterous with your hands, as neurosurgery is delicate work. However, don't stress over this too much, as much of your manual dexterity will be acquired through experience. Take advanced science, biology, anatomy and physics classes in high school. Colleges look for students who can succeed in challenging and rigorous courses. These classes will also help you succeed in the demanding college courses required to get into medical school. Volunteer at hospitals, clinics and nursing homes as early as you can. Familiarize yourself with the way healthcare settings function, such as how physicians and staff interact. Watch how patients are treated and what physicians do. Shadow a doctor, preferably a neurologist or neurosurgeon if you can. Go to an accredited college and earn your bachelor's degree. Make sure to take courses that satisfy pre-medical school requirements. Many successful medical students major in biology but it is not a requirement for admission to medical school. Consider a major in neurobiology or neuroscience if these are offered. Your degree should include a core curriculum that consists of chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, calculus and physics courses with labs. Taking biochemistry, microbiology and human anatomy classes will increase your chances of getting into medical school and doing well there. A few medical schools offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last six or seven years. If this interests you, look into these programs. Study and get good grades. Medical school is very competitive. Strive for at least a 3.0 GPA, though a 3.5 or above is better. Your first-year biology grades are especially important. Some schools will disqualify students with Cs and lower. Try to earn at least a 3.75 GPA your freshman year of college. Spend time studying throughout the week to review material covered in class. Join a study group and go over important information with friends. Purchase, borrow or rent course reviews and quizzes. If you need help, get a tutor through your college or hire an independent instructor. The higher you can get your grades, the better you will look to admissions committees. This will give you the best chance of getting into the college you want. GPA is also important to qualify for scholarships that will pay for college. Do undergraduate research. This is another way to set yourself apart from other applicants. Participating in undergraduate research indicates that you are a curious and hardworking, and it may help you get additional recommendations and advocates from your mentors. Ask your professors if they are working on any research projects to which you might contribute, or if they have any colleagues that you could work with. In addition, look into research opportunities for undergraduates at medical clinics (such as the Cleveland Clinic). Seek recommendations. You will need to submit letters of recommendations to get into medical school from professors or employers who are familiar with you and your work. Take on a research or teaching assistant position and take this opportunity to build a relationship with faculty members. Plan to take the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test). This is a standardized examination required by all US medical schools and many in Canada. This test score is one of the most important factors for medical school admission. Give yourself adequate time to prepare for it. Many students take the MCAT during their junior year after studying for several months, while others prefer to finish four years of college before taking the MCAT. You might decide to take the test sooner if you have taken some advanced placement coursework or classes during the summer. The MCAT tests foundational concepts, scientific inquiry, critical analysis and reasoning skills drawn from biology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, general chemistry, physics, psychology and sociology. Do your best to be familiar with these disciplines and practice your reading analysis skills. Register to take the MCAT. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) administers the MCAT throughout the year at hundreds of test sites throughout the US and Canada, along with other locations. Check with the AAMC for test dates and locations near you. Register early, at least 60 days in advance of the exam date, to get your preferred test date or location. You must pre-register online and pay a fee. Enter your information into the Scheduling and Registration System exactly as it appears on your identification (ID) and make sure your contact information is correct. If you are unable to pay for the MCAT exam, you may be eligible for the Fee Assistance Program (FAP). You will need to submit an application and be approved before you register for the MCAT. Take the MCAT. Arrive at least 30 minutes early with a government-issued ID. You can only bring yourself, your clothes and a watch into the test room. Lockers and locks are usually offered for your other personal items, such as a cell phone. Study hard before the test. Aim for a score of 32 or higher. Buy or rent an MCAT prep book or take a review course. You may also sign up for practice exams that prepare you for the real thing. If you don't get the score you want, you can retake the MCAT up to three times a year and seven times during your lifetime. Keep in mind, though, that different schools will treat multiple scores differently—some may average them while others may take the most recent or best score. Choose several accredited medical schools with strong neurosurgery programs to apply to. Medical schools can be very different and you will need to research each school to find the best medical schools for you. Factors to consider include location, cost, curriculum, facilities, financial aid, residency placement and reputation. Apply to several accredited medical schools at the same time. This will increase your chances of getting accepted. If you select schools that take part in the Early Decision Program (EDP), then you may secure an acceptance early and still have time to apply to other schools if you are not accepted. Applicants usually submit transcripts, MCAT scores and letters of recommendation but schools may also consider personality, leadership qualities and participation in extracurricular activities. Most schools will require interviews with admissions committee members. You will apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and/or the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) and the services will send your application to your desired schools. US medical schools that confer the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree use AMCAS as the primary application method for students whereas osteopathic medical schools that confer the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree use AACOMAS. In the case of rejection, don't give up. Not everyone gets into the medical school of choice but with hard work and dedication you will get into a medical school. Most applicants to medical school have at least a bachelor's degree, but many have advanced degrees as well. If you have difficulty getting into medical school consider getting a master's degree or higher before applying again. If you are selected to interview, study up on the school so you will be able to ask relevant questions. You may want to practice your interviewing skills before you meet with the school. A good impression will give you a good chance at being offered a position with the school. Take all required courses for the M.D. or D.O. degree You will attend medical school for four years. This time will be spent in laboratories and classrooms as well as gaining practical skills, such as taking medical histories and diagnosing patients under the supervision of experienced physicians. Identify a resident and faculty mentor in neurosurgery as soon as possible. These mentors can help you put together your residency application and expose you to operating room and neurosurgery clinics. Enrolling in an elective during medical school can help you decide if being a neurosurgeon is right for you. If you are interested in neurosurgery, you should do sub-internships during the fourth year of medical school. You can also gain neurosurgery exposure by attending the weekly didactic sessions and grand rounds at your school's neurosurgery residency program. You can learn more about neurosurgery and interact with faculty and residents at these sessions. Get good grades. You want to do well in medical school and make connections to get a good internship and residency placement later on. You will want to cultivate relationships and earn letters of recommendation. Participate in research projects. You should gain experience with research, preferably in the neuroscience and neurosurgical fields. Research participation will help you get to know faculty members, contribute to exciting advances in medicine and increase your chances of getting into the residency of your choice. Look into faculty members credentials, interests and the research they are involved in. Talk to them about potential openings for students to participate. Let them know you are interested and find out what you need to do to apply. Publishing in a peer-reviewed journal about your research will look excellent on your application to residency programs. The summer after your first year of medical school may be an optimal time to begin researching and shadowing at this level. You can also attend national conferences like the annual meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons to make connections with residents and neurosurgeons from around the world. Match into a residency program. Toward the end of medical school, medical students interested in a career in neurosurgery will apply through the Neurosurgery Match Program. The program pairs applicants and neurosurgical programs. There are around 100 neurosurgical residency programs in the US and each accepts about one to three residents. You will need to apply to more than one residency program to ensure that you get in, though odds are very good for candidates in neurosurgery. Plan for alternatives. Matching a residency in neurosurgery is extremely competitive, and there is a possibility you will not match. Ask yourself what you will do in this event. How can you improve your application? What can you do in the year before you can reapply — research, an internship, or something else? You may wish to consider applying for a general surgical position while also applying to neurosurgery positions. Talk to your advisors about what you might do to prepare for this possibility. Do your internship. Usually, you will do your internship at the same place as your neurosurgery residency program. This is your first year as a doctor, and you will learn how to manage patients, learn procedures, management decisions and basic operative techniques. Spend six to eight years in a neurosurgery residency. During this time, you will spend the first two years as a junior resident managing ICU patients, doing consultations and basic to more complicated operations. As a mid-level resident, you may do a rotation at a children's hospital, elective time or research. Afterward, you will do one to two years of research or a fellowship in a sub-specialty before doing one year as chief resident with increasing responsibilities and performing complex operations. Take the ABNS certification exam. At the conclusion of your residency, you will study for and pass the certification examination administered by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS). Most states require physicians to have this certification to get a license. There may also be other state requirements, so check with your state. Apply for a license. In the US, surgeons must pass a standardized national licensure examination. M.D.s take the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and DOs take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX). By gaining licensure, you can practice as a neurosurgeon. Candidates must graduate from an accredited medical school, complete one year of residency training in their specialty and pass written and practical exams in order to qualify for a license. Complete a fellowship. You may want to specialize in a particular area of neurosurgery after residency. These include pediatric, spinal, vascular/endovascular, tumor, peripheral nerve, functional or skull base. To do this, you must undertake a fellowship under the supervision of a qualified specialist and then obtain state certification. Set up your own business or get employed by a hospital. Apply for open neurosurgeon positions at the hospital or clinic of your choice. Consult with relevant attorneys and business advisors about opening your practice. To open your own practice, first secure financing and a location. You may get loans through local or commercial banks. You could also try a lending company as well as philanthropists or those looking for an investment opportunity. Look for a suitable office space that is accessible. Procure computers, software and medical equipment to help your practice run smoothly. You will need to hire staff members, such as other physicians, nurses, medical assistants, office managers and administrative assistants. Get credentialed with major insurance companies to begin accepting new patients. This process with the health insurance companies can take several months. Find medical malpractice insurance. Look for reasonable rates and coverage. Bring in patients through advertisements, online reviews, word of mouth, etc. and start practicing. Keep up with continuing education requirements. This may include annual meetings, conferences, scientific journals and research. You need to be up to date with rapidly advancing neurosurgeon research and technology. | Practice cultivating patience, understanding and empathy early. Practice professionalism. Use critical-thinking and problem-solving skills regularly. Build 3D models and put together puzzles. Take advanced science, biology, anatomy and physics classes in high school. Volunteer at hospitals, clinics and nursing homes as early as you can. Go to an accredited college and earn your bachelor's degree. Study and get good grades. Do undergraduate research. Seek recommendations. Plan to take the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test). Register to take the MCAT. Take the MCAT. Choose several accredited medical schools with strong neurosurgery programs to apply to. Apply to several accredited medical schools at the same time. Take all required courses for the M.D. Get good grades. Participate in research projects. Match into a residency program. Do your internship. Spend six to eight years in a neurosurgery residency. Take the ABNS certification exam. Apply for a license. Complete a fellowship. Set up your own business or get employed by a hospital. Keep up with continuing education requirements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-Wholesale | How to Buy Wholesale | To buy wholesale, start by organizing the necessary paperwork, such as tax documents and certain licenses, so you can legally make wholesale purchases. Next, research possible suppliers and consider ordering sample units before placing a large wholesale order. After selecting a supplier, place your order, choose how your freight will be delivered, and request an itemized list for each delivery so you can confirm the order is correct! | Do an Internet search to locate specific products. Search first by typing the name of the product you are looking for. Include a model number if you are looking for something specific. Follow it with words like “wholesaler” or “distributor.” Your Internet search may show you a list of businesses selling merchandise at reasonable prices. Type your area code into the search as well in order to cut down on shipping expenses. Research companies before you buy from them. Search for the company name online to check customer reviews. Use a business database such as the Better Business Bureau. Call companies not only to discuss purchases, but to gauge their legitimacy. Most legitimate companies will have business protocols such as a departmental phone system or receptionist. Speak to brand manufacturers to order from them directly. Many manufacturers are tough to buy from since they tend to fulfill high volume orders only. However, you get the cheapest prices when you buy from them. Call up their sales department or send them an email. Ask them, “Can I order your product from you directly? Do you have a minimum order amount?” To contact a brand manufacturer, search for their information online. Look for emails and phone numbers on the manufacturer's website or in business listings. If the manufacturer can't sell to you directly, ask them, “Can I have a list of your distributors?” Many times you can connect with regional distributors or wholesalers to purchase products at a reduced price. Visit trade shows if you want to order from manufacturers in person. Manufacturers and even wholesalers sometimes set up booths at trade shows. Purchasing products here can be a little more expensive and less efficient than over the Internet, but you also get a chance to network with various company representatives. Trade shows provide an opportunity to view products and ask questions about wholesaling in person. Search online to find trade show listings in your area. Use a site such as http://www.expodatabase.com/. Network with other wholesalers if you want to find deals. Make connections with manufacturers, distributors, and other buyers. The people you know may direct you to new acquaintances and opportunities for a deal. Search online for wholesale communities so you have a place to discuss business and have access to deal-finding tools. For instance, find a list of wholesalers at a site such as https://www.wholesalecentral.com/. Meet up with other wholesalers when you can. Befriend them, talk to them, share sources, and discuss your purchases. Ask to be introduced to other wholesalers and sellers so you can expand your network. Make connections at trade shows and in professional organizations. Other wholesalers may be using these sources too. Join professional groups offering wholesale prices in trade magazines. These groups occasionally run ads in trade magazines. Stumbling upon ads can be hit or miss, but by reading a magazine or website relevant to what you want to buy, you may come across good deals. These organizations often provide purchase discounts to members. For example, read about the food or restaurant industry if you are interested in buying food or kitchen supplies wholesale. Paying to access deals may seem rough at first, but it quickly becomes worth it if you find what you need. Buy from business to business sites if you want to shop internationally. There are a few of these wholesale sites available that can help you make purchases, the biggest of them being Alibaba or AliExpress. You can connect to manufacturers across the world so you can buy goods directly from places like China. You can then place larger orders if you plan on reselling items. Business to business websites facilitate purchases. By using them, you can get price quotes and place orders without calling up a manufacturer. This means less worries about issues like language barriers or shipping. Choose products to buy that fit your needs. If you need a specific product for yourself at wholesale prices, your choice is easy. If you want to resell a product, you also need to think about what you are able to store and sell. When starting out, stick to a few products you are knowledgeable about. Chances are you will have an easier time getting what you need and selling the product for a fair value if you don't want to keep it. For example, you might buy beauty products at wholesale prices and sell them to others. If you know more about computers than beauty products, you might start with laptops instead. Compare prices between different sellers. Don't stop looking once you find a product to buy. You may be able to find the same product elsewhere for less money. This is because the price increases for every broker that handles the merchandise. Getting the product from its source will save you money. The manufacturer sells at the cheapest price. Manufacturers have regional distributors that sell products in a certain area. Wholesale businesses often buy from distributors and sell to retailers. You will also hear about jobbers or brokers. These are wholesalers who sell products to businesses in a small area. You can usually get better prices by speaking to their distributors. Also consider branching out to similar products. If one type of laptop is too expensive to purchase, you may be able to find a different brand, for example. Ask for discounts and other perks from wholesale suppliers. When making a purchase, ask the seller, “Do you have any discount offers?” Sometimes you can find great products at reduced prices. Other times, you get to save money because suppliers compete for your business and want you as a repeat customer. Sign up for email lists and newsletters. Discount, closeout, and liquidation offers are often listed there. You may have better luck asking for discounts after placing a few orders with the same supplier. However, you can sometimes find good deals for new customers. Select an inexpensive way to have the items shipped to you. You're going to need to find a way to get the product from the supplier to you. Generally, sticking with a trusted name in the freight business is recommended. The cheapest way to receive a shipment is by land through trucks or trains. Sea freight is a cheap but slow way to bring large shipments overseas, while air transport is the quickest but often the most expensive method. To find trusted freight companies, research the company's reputation online. Use sites such as the Better Business Bureau in America. Also, ask other wholesale shoppers what shipment companies they use. The shipping cost depends on how far away you are from the supplier. You will end up paying less if you can find suppliers in your area. You can often choose how fast you need the product delivered. Faster shipping costs more money. The seller will most likely finalize this arrangement. Unless you place a large order, your product will end up in a truck with other orders. The costs of shipping may be split by everyone who placed an order. View the return policy before placing an order. As most wholesale merchandise is sold “as is,” clarify the seller's return policy. Ask them about it if you aren't sure. Make sure you also understand the cost of the order and the processing and shipping times. You need to know all of this so you can return items you don't want and recoup the cost. If you think an offer isn't good enough, negotiate. Many times the supplier will improve the return policy or lower the overall price, especially if you can get a better deal elsewhere. For orders over $50,000, you may wish to have a lawyer review the shipping contract before you sign it. This way, you ensure you aren't out a lot of money in case something goes wrong. Get a business license if you plan on reselling wholesale items. In most areas, you need a business license with a valid tax ID before you can buy wholesale products. To apply for a license , speak to your government's licensing board. You will need to fill out an application explaining your business, such as what you are buying and your plans to resell the items to other customers. You can usually apply through your government's website. Organizations such as the Small Business Administration in the U.S. can help you with this. For tax purposes, get a federal employee ID number. You can do this by registering your business with your government's tax department. For example, visit the IRS' website, if you're in the U.S., and fill out a form describing what your business does. If you purchase wholesale products for yourself, you don't need a license. You may also be fine without a license if you don't buy a lot of products or sell them often. Apply for a resale certificate with your government to avoid taxes. Visit your government's licensing board or their website to begin your application. You will need to supply your business license, tax ID, and a description of your business. With a resale certificate, you can avoid paying for sales taxes. All you have to do is show the certificate to the seller. Without a certificate, you pay the sales tax when you purchase wholesale items. If you have a license, your customer has to pay the sales tax when they buy the item(s) from you. Like with business licenses, you do not need a resale certificate unless you plan on reselling wholesale items. If you do plan on running a business, having a certificate saves you money. Find a place to store what you buy. Purchasing wholesale goods can take up a lot of space. If you plan on reselling merchandise and make frequent purchases, you may soon end up finding yourself overwhelmed. Clear out some space in your home, such as in your basement or attic, so that you can keep the items. Some of your items may not sell right away. Count on having enough space to store items for a several months at a time. Many professional resellers rent out storage warehouses. Look for some empty storage buildings in your area. Start off with sample units until you want to buy more of a product. Instead of trying to hawk 1,000 units of something, try selling 20 units of the same thing first. Even though many wholesale suppliers operate by selling large quantities, some will let you buy sample or test units at discounted prices. You can then keep or sell the units at your own pace without taking a big risk. Ask your source for a sample order or simply order a small quantity of the item. Sticking to small quantities is useful if you don't have a lot of extra cash or storage space, but remember that wholesaling is a volume-based business. If an item sells like hotcakes, you can easily purchase more of it. If it sells poorly, you won't be stuck with a lot of costly junk. Order items in higher quantities to save money. In wholesale, volume is very important. Companies offer you lower prices when you buy units in bulk. Many commercial wholesale businesses are “volume-centric,” making money by selling a lot of products quickly at reduced prices. In fact, some manufacturers and distributors won't sell to you unless you order a certain amount of their product. Balance your supply and physical needs with inventory constraints. A deal on 2,000 computer laptops won't do you much good if you have no place to store them. Large bulk wholesalers maintain purchase minimums, such as requiring you to place orders over $5,000 USD. These types of purchases work well for retail stores. Light bulk wholesalers operate in smaller quantities, such as by selling a single case of an item or by accepting orders less than $500. Working with these sorts of sellers is useful when you're just starting out. Request an itemized list of what's on the pallet or truckload. Often referred to as a "manifest", these listings describe the goods, quantity you receive, approximate retail value (ARV), and item number assigned by the retailer or manufacturer. This information is useful for recordkeeping and researching products. Type the product number and other information into an online search engine to see if you can find comparable wholesale prices. Tell the seller you want an itemized listing when you place your order. Also, ask the shipping service for their records. You can also find this information by typing in a product's UPC barcode number online. Inspect shipments to make sure you received what you paid for. Take time to check your merchandise as soon as you receive it. Use the manifest, if you requested it, as guidance. Make sure you received the full order and that the merchandise isn't damaged. Sometimes miscommunications happen, so stay vigilant to avoid nasty surprises. The return policy is important when you don't get what you want. Read it carefully before agreeing to a purchase. You can research your sources online to find reviews from other buyers. If you feel uncertain about a source, ask other wholesalers for their opinions. If you are unable to return an order or get your money back, you will know to avoid buying from this source in the future. | Do an Internet search to locate specific products. Speak to brand manufacturers to order from them directly. Visit trade shows if you want to order from manufacturers in person. Network with other wholesalers if you want to find deals. Join professional groups offering wholesale prices in trade magazines. Buy from business to business sites if you want to shop internationally. Choose products to buy that fit your needs. Compare prices between different sellers. Ask for discounts and other perks from wholesale suppliers. Select an inexpensive way to have the items shipped to you. View the return policy before placing an order. Get a business license if you plan on reselling wholesale items. Apply for a resale certificate with your government to avoid taxes. Find a place to store what you buy. Start off with sample units until you want to buy more of a product. Order items in higher quantities to save money. Request an itemized list of what's on the pallet or truckload. Inspect shipments to make sure you received what you paid for. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Naturally-Prevent-Cramps-(for-Girls) | How to Prevent Cramps (for Girls): Can Natural Remedies Help? | If you want to naturally prevent cramps, try to relax your body even if it feels hard. Relaxation will keep the stomach muscles from folding inward, which can lead to more pressure and cramping. Additionally, you can try using home remedies for relief, like drinking a glass of hot water or raspberry tea, which naturally eases cramps by soothing the chemicals in your body that cause them. Finally, find yourself a nice distraction you enjoy, like watching a movie or working on a puzzle, to keep your mind off of your cramps. | Exercise regularly to reduce period pain. In general, women who are active and exercise regularly experience less pain and cramping during their periods. If you aren't very active, then try starting an exercise regimen to see if this reduces your period pain. The general guideline is to get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. Space this out and exercise for 30 minutes 5 days per week for the best results. You don't need an intense exercise routine. Simply walking or taking a light jog a few times a week can be a big help. Other activities like gardening, working around the house, and taking the stairs all count as physical activity. Sex counts as well. Exercising during your period can also ease pain, so if you feel up to it, try to do some physical activity if you're feeling cramps. Follow a healthy, low-fat diet. A healthy diet could help because nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and vitamins can all reduce period pain. Women who follow a low-fat diet tend to experience less period pain as well. Base your diet around fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products to see if this helps reduce your pain. Calcium, antioxidants, and vitamins are particularly helpful for stopping period pain. Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, berries, citrus fruits, beans, and dairy to get these nutrients. Also avoid fatty or sugary desserts, as well as fried and processed foods. These could all make your pain worse. Drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. Dehydration can cause muscle spasms, which could make period pain worse. Stay hydrated all the time, especially during your period, by drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day. If you feel thirsty or your urine is dark yellow, then you're starting to get dehydrated. Drink some more water to boost your hydration. Practice relaxation exercises to relieve stress. Reducing stress and building a more positive mindset could reduce your period cramps. Try doing some yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises regularly. This is good for your physical and mental health, and could also reduce your period pain. Stop drinking alcohol before your period. Drinking alcohol during your period dehydrates you and make cramping worse. Don't drink in the few days before your period starts or during your period. This could shorten or prevent the pain. Alcohol poses other health risks as well, so cut back if you normally drink excessively. The CDC recommends women to limit their drinking to 1 drink per day. Quit smoking or don’t start in the first place. Smoking is not only unhealthy, but it tends to make period pain worse. If you smoke, then quit as soon as possible to avoid health problems. If you don't smoke, then it's best not to start at all. Secondhand smoke can also be harmful, so don't let anyone smoke in your home either. Drink chamomile tea to prevent pain. Chamomile is and anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety herb, all of which could treat period pain. It's most effective if you take it before the pain starts. Try drinking a few cups of chamomile tea each day starting 3-5 days before your period, and continue until your period ends. Chamomile is naturally caffeine-free, so you don't have to worry about drinking it close to bed. Chamomile is overall safe and has no drug interactions, but some people are allergic to it. If you have a ragweed allergy or experience any itching or sneezing after drinking chamomile, then avoid it. Fight inflammation with ginger extract. Ginger can also relieve inflammation in your body and could help ease cramping. It might even be more effective than vitamins in preventing period cramps. Try taking 250-500 mg per day of ginger extract 2 days before your period starts and continue until it ends to see if this helps. Ginger also eases an upset stomach, which could help with indigestion or bloating during your period. You can also use more fresh ginger in your diet and drink some ginger tea. Take magnesium with vitamin B6 to minimize cramps. Women who took a magnesium and B6 supplement during their period reported reduced pain overall, including from cramps. Try taking 25-350 mg of a magnesium and B6 supplement on the first day of your period, and continue until the start of your next period. If your pain decreases, ask your doctor if taking magnesium and B6 all the time is safe for you. Plain magnesium also showed some success in reducing period pain. However, it was more effective when paired with B6. Take calcium supplements to prevent pain and contractions. Calcium could ease pain from cramps by preventing contractions in your uterus. Take 1,200 mg per day starting 7-10 days after your last period ends, and continue for 3 menstrual periods to see if this reduces your pain. Calcium also might reduce the mood swings from PMS if you take it before your period. Add vitamin D supplements to help your body absorb calcium. Since calcium can reduce contractions and cramping during your period, and vitamin D helps your body absorb and process calcium, then a vitamin D supplement could help relieve your pain even more. This could further ease your pain. Try taking 500-1,000 mg of vitamin D starting 2 days before your period starts and continue until it ends. You could also get more vitamin D in your daily diet from dairy products, fish, eggs, soy, and fortified food. See if vitamin E supplements work. Vitamin E doesn't work as well as other vitamins for treating period pain, but it could still help. Try taking 100 IU (international units) per day when your period starts to ease some of the pain you feel. Reduce pain with fennel extract. Studies show that fennel extract has a numbing effect on the body, which is proven to help reduce period pains. Try taking a 30 mg tablet 3-4 times per day when your period starts and continue for 3-5 days to help avoid pain and discomfort. You could also mix more fennel into your diet to keep it in your system consistently. | Exercise regularly to reduce period pain. Follow a healthy, low-fat diet. Drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. Practice relaxation exercises to relieve stress. Stop drinking alcohol before your period. Quit smoking or don’t start in the first place. Drink chamomile tea to prevent pain. Fight inflammation with ginger extract. Take magnesium with vitamin B6 to minimize cramps. Take calcium supplements to prevent pain and contractions. Add vitamin D supplements to help your body absorb calcium. See if vitamin E supplements work. Reduce pain with fennel extract. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Edible-Christmas-Ornaments | How to Make Edible Christmas Ornaments | To make edible Christmas ornaments, start by mixing butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, baking soda, and salt, and chilling the dough overnight. Then, roll out the dough and cut it into Christmas shapes, like stars or Christmas trees, using cookie cutters. Next, bake the cookies for 6-8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the cookies are done baking, poke a hole near the top of each one and thread a string through it. Finally, dip the cookies in icing and let them cool before hanging them up. | Get a large sized bowl. Add the butter and sugar into the bowl before creaming them together until the mixture is smooth. T Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Cover the bowl with the mixed ingredients, then chill it for at least an hour or overnight. This will be your dough. Preheat your oven to 400 °F (204 °C) after the bowl's contents are chilled for a considerable amount of time. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface. The dough needs to be a little bit thick. Cut out the dough with a Christmas cookie-cutter(s). Layer it with one more cookie. Bake the cookies for 6-8 minutes in the oven. Set the cookies on a wire rack to cool once they have finished baking. Do not remove them until they are completely cooled. Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar into a bowl. Pour in 1 tsp of vanilla carefully. Pour 1/4 cup of milk with the sugar and vanilla. Mix it all together, then add a little more milk, but not too much! Mix in food coloring of any color you desire. Note that the color you choose will be the icing's color. Take a knife and carefully cut a small hole into each cookie. Try not to make the hole too near the edge, or your cookie may crumble. Try to go for the center or near the top. If your cookies are not properly baked, they could easily crumble. Slip a string through the hole in each cookie. You could have an individual string for each cookie, or string a whole bunch of them together - this is all up to you. Tie the string into a secure knot so that the cookies will not fall out once the cookies have been stringed. Dip the cookie into the icing carefully while hiding the string. Make sure the icing is smooth enough so that the cookie can easily enter and exit the icing. Carefully wipe off any excess icing dripping over the sides of the cookie, as you'll want to avoid leaving any stains on the floor or furniture. If desired, repeat the directions for the icing. Put the icing in a sandwich bag, then cut a hole at the tip of the sandwich bag. This will create an icing tube so that you will be able to pipe on designs onto the cookies. An optional step would be to purchase an icing tube and fill it with your icing, then design your cookies with the icing. Let the iced cookies cool for 5-10 minutes before hanging. | Get a large sized bowl. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Cover the bowl with the mixed ingredients, then chill it for at least an hour or overnight. Preheat your oven to 400 °F (204 °C) after the bowl's contents are chilled for a considerable amount of time. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface. Cut out the dough with a Christmas cookie-cutter(s). Layer it with one more cookie. Bake the cookies for 6-8 minutes in the oven. Set the cookies on a wire rack to cool once they have finished baking. Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar into a bowl. Pour in 1 tsp of vanilla carefully. Pour 1/4 cup of milk with the sugar and vanilla. Mix in food coloring of any color you desire. Take a knife and carefully cut a small hole into each cookie. Slip a string through the hole in each cookie. Tie the string into a secure knot so that the cookies will not fall out once the cookies have been stringed. Dip the cookie into the icing carefully while hiding the string. Let the iced cookies cool for 5-10 minutes before hanging. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Chef%27s-Hat | How to Make a Chef's Hat | To make a chef's hat with tissue paper, measure around your head and add 1 inch. Draw a rectangle with the same length on thick white paper and cut it out. Next, make several ¼ inch pleats along a sheet of white tissue paper and tape the pleats to secure them. Continue making pleats until you reach the halfway point of the band, then make pleats on the other end of the tissue. Stand the hat up and fold the tissue paper halfway down. Then, pull the unattached edge of tissue paper inside the band, tuck the open end inside, and fluff the top. | Measure your head with a tape measure. Before you start working on the pleated, fluffy upper part of the chef's hat, you first have to make the band that serves as the base of the hat. Use a tape measure to measure the circumference of your head so you can customize the hat especially for you and don't end up making one that is too big or small. Measure your head by wrapping the tape measure around your head directly above your ears, where the brim of the hat will lie. Add one inch onto your measurements. After you measure your head, add one inch (2.54 cm) on to the measurement number. It's a good idea to make the brim a little bit larger than the size of your head so that it isn't too snug. Outline the shape of the band on thick white paper. Take a piece of Bristol board, cardstock or stiff, white paper and draw a long rectangle using pencil, with the measurement that you calculated as its length. Decide how tall you want the brim of your hat, then use that number as the width. You can alter the band's height to make the band taller or shorter, depending on your preference. Anywhere between 2 and 8 inches (5 and 20.3 cm) is generally a good height for the brim. Cut out the band you outlined. Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut the rectangular band out of the paper. Try to cut in straight, even lines to make the hat look crisp and professional. Start to create pleats in a sheet of white tissue paper. After you create the band of your hat, it's time to start making the puffy top of the hat. To begin, take a rectangular sheet of white tissue paper and make ¼ inch (.63 cm) pleats along one of the shorter edges of the tissue paper. Make around five pleats. Make the pleats by pinching the tissue paper between your fingers, then creasing the paper into a pleat. Make the pleats about 5 inches (12.7 cm) tall. Tape the pleats. After you've created around five pleats, lay the pleated edge of the tissue paper over the paper band you created, overlapping by about ½ inch (1.2 cm). Then tape the tissue paper onto the band by placing a strip of tape so that it covers the pleated section and some of the long paper band. Make pleats until halfway along the band length. Continue pleating the tissue doing five pleats at a time, taping each section to the band of paper. Continue until the pleats reach the halfway point of the band. Make pleats on the other end of the tissue paper. You also need to make pleats on the opposite end of the tissue paper. Create ¼ inch (.63 cm) pleats like you did for the other end of the tissue paper, this time taping over the pleats without attaching them to anything. Make sure that the strip of tape is folded lengthwise over the edge of the tissue paper, so that it covers both sides of the pleats. Fold the tissue paper over in half. Place the chef's hat upright so that it stands on its horizontal band. The pleated tissue paper should be standing straight up in the air. Take the tissue paper and fold it downward halfway along its height, making the hat half as tall as before. Pull the unattached edge of tissue paper inside the band. Take the edge of tissue paper that you just folded over and tuck it inside the band of the hat, overlapping by about ½ inch (1.27 cm). Then tape the tissue paper to the inside of the band. Tape the unattached tissue paper by placing the hat on its side, reaching in through the open band of the hat and taping the pleats to the band on the inside. It's ok there are gaps on either side of the tissue paper. You will correct this later. Tuck the open end inside the hat. You should see that there are still two open sections of tissue paper that haven't been tucked inside the hat that form an upside down U shape. Pinch the pleats of this tissue paper together, then pull the tissue paper and tuck it inside the brim of the hat. Tape the unattached tissue paper to the inside of the hat to secure it. Fluff up the top with your hand. By now, your chef's hat is complete! You may want to stick your hand up inside the hat and spread out the tissue paper to make it fluff up. You should be left with a tall, fluffed chef's hat that is ready to wear! Measure your head. Use a tape measure to measure around your forehead, above your ears where the hat will fit. Then add an inch to this measurement so that the hat won't be too tight. Figure out how high you want the brim of your hat. You may prefer the style of a shorter brimmed chef's hat, or like how a stiffer, taller chef's hat looks. Approximate how tall you would like the brim of the hat to be, picking a number between 2 and 8 inches (5 and 20.3 cm). Then multiply this number by two and add on one inch (2.54 cm). You will create the brim out of a piece of cloth that has been folded over, which is why you need to multiply the number by two. You need to add the inch on to the measurement to allow for seams. Outline the brim of the hat onto white cloth and cut. Measure a rectangle onto a white pillowcase or another similar material, with the first measurement you calculated as the length, and the second measurement as the width. Then cut out the rectangle you created. You want to create your hat out of a white cloth that is light and crisp. Cotton is an ideal fabric, and using two white cotton pillowcases works well. Before using the pillowcases, cut them open, rip out any seams, and iron them so that they're flat sheets of white cloth. Cut out a piece of stiffener. Outline a rectangle onto a piece of stiffener or interfacing. The length of the rectangle will be the first measurement you calculated (the circumference of your head plus an inch) and the width will be the exact height you want your hat brim to be (do not multiply this number by two or add on an inch as you did for the fabric). Cut out the rectangle using a pair of sharp scissors. Use a piece of stiffener or interfacing that is white or light-colored. Draw ¼ of a circle on a piece of folded fabric. Take the second pillowcase and cut it into a square that is about 2 ft x 2 ft (.6 m x.6m). Then fold the square into fourths by folding it in half twice. Using a pencil or pen, draw a curve that starts an inch (2.54 cm) from the top right corner and arcs down to a spot that is one inch (2.54 cm) to the right of the bottom left hand corner. This arc is one fourth of the circle with will serve as the top, floppy section of the chef's hat. This size piece of cloth produces a floppy chef's hat. If you want one that is less floppy, make the original square of fabric smaller. Cut out the circle. Make sure that the edges of your folded fabric line up, then carefully cut along the arc with a pair of sharp scissors, through the multiple layers of fabric. Discard the leftover fabric, then unfold the cloth to see the circle you created. It's ok if the circle isn't perfectly round, since its edges will be hidden when you eventually sew it into the brim. Sew the interfacing and brim piece in loops. Take the stiffener or interfacing and fold it in half lengthwise, to make the strip half as long. Then use a sewing machine or sew by hand to create a seam about ¼ inch (.63 cm) in from the edge that connects the shorter, raw edges of the interfacing. Do the same for the brim piece, so that you are left with two loops. Cuff the brim piece. Take the loop you made from your brim piece and cuff it in on itself to make it half its original width. This should leave you with a cuffed piece of cloth that has a folded edge on one side of its length and raw edges on the other side. Fold the raw edges of the brim and iron. After cuffing your brim piece, fold the raw edges of the brim piece inward about ¼ inch (.63 cm). Make sure to fold them over to the inside rather to the outside to hide the raw edges. Iron the brim piece, paying special attention to press the area you just folded over. Sew the stiffener into the brim piece. Turn the brim piece inside out so that the seams are visible. Then tuck the stiffener or interfacing into the ¼ inch (.63 cm) “cuff” that you made by tucking in the raw edges. Sew by hand using straight stitches or use a sewing machine to sew the two fabrics together. Make ruffles around the circle. Adjust your sewing machine's stitch length and the machine's tension to the highest setting. Then place the edge of the circular cloth under the needle of the machine and sew all the way around the circle, about ½ inch (1.25 cm) from the edge. This will create ruffled pleats in what will become the puffy top of the chef's hat. Adjust the stitch length and tension of your machine back to the usual settings after you finish. If you don't have a sewing machine, hand sew using long, straight stitches and pull tightly after each stitch to create pleats. Pin the hat top to the cuff. Slide the ruffled top part of the hat into the “cuff” of the brim piece you made, so that ½ inch (1.25 cm) of the ruffled hat top is inside the open part of the brim. Pin all the way around the top of the brim to keep the top part of the hat in place. Sew around the top of the brim to connect the two pieces. Hand sew or machine sew all around the brim where it overlaps with the ruffled top piece, about ¼ inch (.63 cm) from the top edge of the hat brim. When you remove the pins, you will be left with a handsome chef's hat that can be used for a costume or worn while cooking! Finished. | Measure your head with a tape measure. Add one inch onto your measurements. Outline the shape of the band on thick white paper. Cut out the band you outlined. Start to create pleats in a sheet of white tissue paper. Tape the pleats. Make pleats until halfway along the band length. Make pleats on the other end of the tissue paper. Fold the tissue paper over in half. Pull the unattached edge of tissue paper inside the band. Tuck the open end inside the hat. Fluff up the top with your hand. Measure your head. Figure out how high you want the brim of your hat. Outline the brim of the hat onto white cloth and cut. Cut out a piece of stiffener. Draw ¼ of a circle on a piece of folded fabric. Cut out the circle. Sew the interfacing and brim piece in loops. Cuff the brim piece. Fold the raw edges of the brim and iron. Sew the stiffener into the brim piece. Make ruffles around the circle. Pin the hat top to the cuff. Sew around the top of the brim to connect the two pieces. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Money-with-Free-Online-Surveys | How to Make Money with Free Online Surveys | To make money with free online surveys, start by checking survey site aggregators, like GetPaidSurveys or BigSpot, for sites that are highly ranked by their members. Additionally, avoid sites that require up front fees, since they're usually scams. Then, check the site's privacy policy to make sure they won't sell, give away, or share your information without your consent. You should also verify that you'll be paid in cash rather than prizes, and how much you need to earn before you can cash out your earnings. | Be prepared. Surveyors are looking for specific types of people, and while you won't qualify for every survey (if you're a 25-year-old healthy hipster and they're looking for a 60-year-old couch potato, you're just not going to make the cut). Fill out the surveys. Many survey companies offer screener surveys when you register, which usually don't pay. However, it's an important first step, and worth the little extra time it takes to fill these screening surveys out because the more demographic information the market research companies have on you, the more surveys they can send you. Remember, you will only be matched with surveys that you can actually contribute to, so if you leave all your screener information blank to get through it more quickly, you will receive fewer survey opportunities. Check often! Keep an eye out on both the site and your email regularly for survey opportunities. Some companies offer surveys more often than others—and you certainly don't want to miss any of them! Any individual survey site may only offer a couple of surveys to you in a given month. The more companies you sign up with, the more surveys you'll be able to complete. Set up a rule for your email so that any survey emails that come in are flagged, make noise when they arrive, and appear at the top of your list. Everything you do to make them stand out will help. Choose and complete the best surveys. Once you have lots of surveys available, you can be more selective and pick the ones that seem like the best use of your time. If time isn't an issue, on the other hand, you can do them all. You're under no obligation to complete any surveys if you don't want to. Get searching, but be wary. There are many legitimate survey companies out there, and money to be made. Which, of course, means that there will be unscrupulous people out there as well, looking to nab some dollars without working for it. Here's how to steer clear of scammers: Never pay up front. Some companies will ask you to pay a small fee up-front for access to survey lists, which is absolutely unnecessary. Check Terms and Conditions , FAQs , or any other area on a survey company's page containing information on how the company operates. (If such information is hard or impossible to locate, consider it a red flag and cross that site off your list.) Make sure you will be paid in cash. There are tons of surveys on the internet that can be completed for cash (or points that you exchange for cash), but some only pay in gift cards or enter you into a sweepstakes. Some sites offer a combination of these, which may or may not be to your benefit. Be sure you know exactly how you will be rewarded by checking a sites FAQs , Terms and Conditions , etc. Some companies offer prizes or products, or let you accrue points that you can trade in for such. Many of these won't be as useful or valuable to you as cash, but occasionally you will get lucky. Just be sure to price-hunt any items before accepting them (or investing valuable energy into trying to earn them). Get fine-print savvy. Some websites will say you won an Xbox360 or a new laptop, for example, but if you look carefully, you'll usually find an asterisk near the "you won" part. Be especially wary of weasel words, like "you may have already won," or "new laptop is based on a purchase of gummy bears worth $5,000 or more." Don't fall into these sorts of traps; they're ridiculously difficult and not worth it. Read the Privacy Policy. It is usually found at the bottom of a site's homepage. This is important: who will your information be shared with? Always look for a statement along the lines of: “Email addresses given to our company will never be sold, given away, or shared with any third parties without your consent.” When you read those, think to yourself if there's anything in the language that would let them sell their mailing list. Check for age restrictions. Online surveys can be a great way for teens to make pocket money, but not all sites allow it. (Many allow it if parental permission is given.) Look for a minimum payment amount. Most sites won't allow you to cash in until you have accrued a certain amount of money, which reduces the number of transactions they have to process (and, of course, gets people to invest more in the site). Make sure the amount required is fair before diving in—twenty dollars is common—and, more importantly, if you don't like a site and plan to cash out soon, make sure to time it so that you don't have to do a lot more surveys to unlock your cash. Look for sites that have good ratings. Finding a reputable survey-site aggregator (such as GetPaidSurveys or BigSpot) that allows members to rank the companies they've worked with is a good way to do this. Don't take any stock in reviews or testimonials that are self-posted by survey sites. Make a dedicated email account just for surveys. This will keep junk mail out of your normal inbox. They may say they won't sell your information, but less-reputable companies might give it away for a favor. Once your information is out, it's out. Register with legitimate companies. You will usually be required to provide basic information such as your name, email address, birth date, gender, and address. Later in the process, you will also need to provide PayPal information—usually associated with an email address—so that you can receive the money you've earned. This is a good time to review the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy if necessary, as you will be asked to legally agree to them. Check your email to verify. After registration, companies will email the email address you've provided to verify. Open this email and activate your account to confirm. Add the site’s email address to your address book. If an incoming address doesn't match one in your address book, your e-mail account might mark it as spam automatically. | Be prepared. Fill out the surveys. Check often! Choose and complete the best surveys. Get searching, but be wary. Never pay up front. Make sure you will be paid in cash. Read the Privacy Policy. Check for age restrictions. Look for a minimum payment amount. Look for sites that have good ratings. Make a dedicated email account just for surveys. Register with legitimate companies. Check your email to verify. Add the site’s email address to your address book. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-an-Abstract-Painting | How to Create an Abstract Painting | To create a random geometric abstract painting, first make a textured background by applying Gesso, a thick, gel-like primer, to your canvas. Then, use blue painter's tape and tape lines at intersecting points across the canvas to create geometric shapes, like triangles and squares. Next, mix the paint colors you want to use, and paint them in the spaces between the tape. If you want crisp, clear edges on your painting, remove the tape right away. Removing the tape after the paint dries will give you a look with rougher edges. | Find a canvas. You can buy a ready made canvas of any size in a craft store. It will be prepared for immediate use; however, there are no rules saying you have to use a primed and stretched canvas. In fact, abstract artists often use unstretched, unprimed canvases. If you prefer a colored background, buy a jar of Gesso to prime the canvas and give it a touch of color. The primer should dry quickly. Choose your paints. Decide whether to use acrylics or oil paint. Acrylics have no odor and are easy to work with since they dry fast and can be painted over if you make a mistake. Oils, on the other hand, aren't usually used because they take longer to dry, have an odor, and do not allow you to paint over mistakes. Gather brushes and other tools. Pick whatever brushes you like to use with the paint you've already chosen. You might also consider using a palette knife to apply paint, giving it a textured look. While some artists like to use an easel, many abstract artists choose to place their canvases directly on the floor in order to be closer to the work. If you're unsure about what colors work well together, think about picking up a color chart/wheel. This will actually show you which colors compliment each other. Change into painting clothes. Depending on how messy you're planning on getting, it's wise to change into an old shirt or painting smock. Wearing something you're not worried about will allow you to focus more on the painting or process of abstract art. You may want to lay down newspapers to prevent drips or spills, especially if you plan on flicking paint or laying the canvas on the ground. Get a color wheel. Quite simply, a color wheel is a circular tool that features a variety of colors. It's useful for showing the relationship between colors - what looks good together, what clashes, and so on. Find a color wheel at a local artist supply store, craft store, or paint department. Understand primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. At their most basic, a color wheel is divided into three parts: the primary colors (red, blue, yellow). Secondary colors are created by mixing these primary colors together (green, orange, purple). Tertiary colors can me made by mixing the primary and secondary colors (yellow-orange, red-orange, red-purple, blue-purple, blue-green & yellow-green). To become familiar with color creation, try making your own color wheel. Learn about warm and cool colors. Warm colors, such as reds, yellows, oranges, tend to create a sense of movement and advance in space. Cool colors, like blues, greens, purples, recede or show little movement. They are calming colors. White, black, and gray are seen as neutral colors. Work with color harmonies. Several formulas exist for choosing colors that work well together. Try: Analogous colors: Choose two or three colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. One of the colors will probably stand out, but all three will look great together. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Create-an-Abstract-Painting-Step-8Bullet1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-an-Abstract-Painting-Step-8Bullet1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Create-an-Abstract-Painting-Step-8Bullet1-Version-3.jpg\/aid60079-v4-728px-Create-an-Abstract-Painting-Step-8Bullet1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Complementary colors: Choose two colors that are directly opposite of each other on the color wheel. These colors can really pop out. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Create-an-Abstract-Painting-Step-8Bullet2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-an-Abstract-Painting-Step-8Bullet2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Create-an-Abstract-Painting-Step-8Bullet2-Version-3.jpg\/aid60079-v4-728px-Create-an-Abstract-Painting-Step-8Bullet2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Triadic colors: Choose three colors that are evenly spaced on the color wheel. If you drew a line to connect the colors you chose, you would have a triangle. These colors will really stand out. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Create-an-Abstract-Painting-Step-8Bullet3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-an-Abstract-Painting-Step-8Bullet3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Create-an-Abstract-Painting-Step-8Bullet3-Version-3.jpg\/aid60079-v4-728px-Create-an-Abstract-Painting-Step-8Bullet3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Create a textured background. One of the easiest ways to do this is to apply artist-quality Gesso, a thick gel-like primer. Apply it like paint, or spread it around with a palette knife, if it's thick enough. This will allow you to control the style of the texture. You could also leave the canvas smooth and blank. Again, there are no rules for abstract art saying you must have a textured background. Many artists simply start painting on a blank canvas. Tape lines at intersecting points across the canvas. Use blue painter's tape and place several lines, creating geometric shapes, such as triangles, squares, and rectangles. The goal is to create images that aren't representative of reality. The taped lines will help you paint Painter's tape will ensure that your painting has crisp, clear lines and shapes. Use rulers and pencil lines instead of tape. If you don't want to deal with the gaps that the painter's tape will cause when you remove it, try marking your canvas using a ruler and pencil. Again, lay your ruler down across several points to create geometric shapes. Mix your paint colors. Decide which colors you'll be using to complete your painting. Mix them on an artist's palette or plate. You could also mix the colors directly on the canvas, but this will take away some control over the finished look. Paint in the spaces between the tape. Don't worry if you happen to get paint on the painter's tape. Also, don't feel as though you must fill your entire canvas, or all of the shapes, with color. Some abstract artists will outline the colors of each shape before they begin painting. Others simply paint and decide which colors to use as they go along. Remove the tape. As soon as you've decided the painting is complete, remove the painter's tape. If you'd like crisp, clear edges, remove the tape while the paint is still wet. If you remove the tape from a dry painting, it's liable to pull paint away with it, creating slightly rough edges. Fill in the blank space from the tape, optional. Once you remove the tape, you'll notice white lines from where the tape was covering the canvas. While you can leave it, you could also paint the lines in. Create a textured background. One of the easiest ways to do this is to apply artist-quality Gesso, a thick gel-like primer. Apply it like paint, or spread it around with a palette knife, if it's thick enough. This will allow you to control the style of the texture. You could also use heavy paper or poster board. If you do this, you won't need to prepare or prime the surface. Use a ruler and pencil to create lines. You should make several horizontal lines with varying spaces in between, as well as vertical lines. Mark as many as you like, but be aware that fewer lines will mean larger squares and rectangles. Paint the lines. Use black paint to create bold lines. You can make some lines thicker and others thinner. Your painting will now look like a grid with black lines. Paint only a few squares and rectangles. Use primary colors (red, blue, yellow) and fill in several shapes with paint. While you could fill in every shape, this will make your painting look busy and overwhelming. Instead, choose just a few shapes to paint in. They'll stand out more. Leave the white space. The white space will make your primary colored squares pop. Move your canvas to the floor. Many abstract artists say that this allows them to be closer to the work. Also, if you're creating a gestural, or action, abstract painting, it will be easier to apply the paint in a variety of ways. Don't feel as though you can't move the canvas while you're painting. In fact, you may create unique designs by starting on the floor and then moving the canvas upright while the paint is still wet. Clear your mind. With gestural abstract art, you're not attempting to represent an image. Instead, focus on the process of applying the paint. Try a variety of applications and see what you like. Mix your paint directly on the canvas. Since this is more about the process of painting, you don't need to worry about creating a specific palette to work from before you begin. Instead, work on the colors as you're painting. Pour paint onto the canvas, optional. Pouring paint on the canvas is simply one way to create a totally unique and unplanned image. Pour as much or as little paint as you like. You can also vary the distances from which your pour paint onto your canvas. Pouring from a great height will most likely create splatters, while pouring closer will offer more control and precision. Splatter or drip paint onto the canvas, optional. Use whatever implement you like and dip in the paint. Then, flick the tool in order to splatter the paint or hold it over the canvas, allowing the paint to drip. You can use brushes, straws, squirt bottles, or old toothbrushes to splatter or drip the paint. Try closing your eyes and painting. If there's one thing that most abstract artists agree on, it's that an abstract painting shouldn't represent reality. One of the best ways to remove yourself from accidentally painting a recognizable form is to paint with your eyes closed. Allow the brush and paint to move over the canvas without worrying about the image you're creating. This type of painting is more about the experience than the outcome. Stop when the painting feels complete. Do not go back to improve or touch it up. Abstract artists don't think about the outcome; they just stop when they feel ready. Do not overwork your painting, but learn to finish it the moment you feel it is finished. | Find a canvas. Choose your paints. Gather brushes and other tools. Change into painting clothes. Get a color wheel. Understand primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Learn about warm and cool colors. Work with color harmonies. Create a textured background. Tape lines at intersecting points across the canvas. Mix your paint colors. Paint in the spaces between the tape. Remove the tape. Fill in the blank space from the tape, optional. Create a textured background. Use a ruler and pencil to create lines. Paint the lines. Paint only a few squares and rectangles. Leave the white space. Move your canvas to the floor. Clear your mind. Mix your paint directly on the canvas. Pour paint onto the canvas, optional. Splatter or drip paint onto the canvas, optional. Try closing your eyes and painting. Stop when the painting feels complete. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Yodel | How to Yodel | To yodel, start by picking a vowel sound like "oh" and moving your voice from your lowest register to your highest. The "break," which is essential for yodeling, occurs when your normal voice transitions up to a breathier, shriller, non-chest vibrating tone. Practice moving from low to high notes, making sure to emphasize the break each time, and alternate between consonants and vowel sounds to expand your range. Listening to yodeling albums can offer more guidance as you work on your technique! | Identify the break between the chest and upper registers. Yodeling requires you to switch between your chest register (normal voice) and upper register (falsetto). Where normal voice transitions to falsetto, there will be a break or voiceless gap in your tone. You'll have to vocally jump back-and-forth across this break when yodeling. Your normal voice will vibrate your chest and have a mellow sound. The break occurs where your normal voice transitions up to breathier, shriller, non-chest vibrating tone, which is your falsetto. Find your own break. This might sound painful, but it won't hurt your voice at all. Pick a vowel sound, such as "oh," and move your voice from a low rumble to as high as you can. Try that in reverse now. At some point between your chest voice and falsetto, you'll hear the break. The point at which your voice breaks will be unique to you. If you're having trouble finding yours, slowly descend from a high-pitched siren-like “Aow” until you feel the tone vibrate in your chest. Practice alternating between chest voice and falsetto. You might be surprised at how much this works out your vocal chords. Keep relaxed and take frequent breaks, especially if your voice feels tired or overworked. Practice moving from low to high notes, making sure to emphasize the break. Since yodeling alternates between consonants and vowel sounds, you might practice by singing a mid-range note in your chest as "Yoh," then jump up to a high note in falsetto using "Dee." Emphasize the break between chest voice and falsetto when you practice. Unlike other styles, where singers try to move smoothly from one note to the next, the break is essential for yodeling. Remember and practice the yodeling pattern with a knock-knock joke. Once you get the hang of it, the alternating consonant/vowel pattern of yodeling will come second nature. But until that day comes, you can use the following knock-knock joke when practicing: Knock-knock. Who's there? Little old lady. Little-old-lady-WHO! Practice your yodel by singing "little-old-lady-WHO." Jump from chest voice to falsetto between "lady" and "who." Attempt a triad yodel. Most styles of yodeling are founded around three notes: the triad. Try singing the notes middle A, E, then D to form a triad yodel. The A should be sung in your chest voice, while the E and D notes should be sung in your head voice. You can listen to a reference to the tones for middle A, E, and D online, on an instrument tuner, a pitch pipe, or on instruments that hold tone well (like a piano). Once you've mastered the triad, try putting the word "yodel" in front of it to sing "yodel - A (Ay) - E (Ee) - D (Dee)!" Sing triad yodels up and down a scale. Try singing the same "yodel-A-E-D" pattern you did previously for each note on an eight-note scale. Sing your triad on middle C, then move up to middle D. Continue to scale up until you transition to high C, eight notes above where you started. This may be easiest to do with an instrument playing the root note (starting note) of the triad as you sing it. Breathe deeply to relax tension. You might not realize it, but tension can build up just from breathing. This can lead to tightness that worsens your tone when you sing. Keep your shoulders low and relaxed, take a normal breath, then exhale. Repeat this several times. During this simple exercise, pay attention to your chest, neck, and shoulders. There should be no tension in these parts of your body. You should feel your breathing in the area of your abdomen below your rib cage. This area should expand as you breathe. Work out mouth and jaw tension with a self-massage. Tension also builds naturally in your jaw and mouth when speaking or singing. Relaxing this will improve your tone. Starting from the top of your jaw and working toward your chin, massage your face with the heels of your hands. Massage your face by kneading the muscles along your jaw and mouth in small circles, pressing gently inward and downward as you move toward your chin. When massaging, your jaw should relax and open as you progress down your face to your chin. This happens naturally when tension leaves your jaw. Limber up your lips with trills. Yodeling quickly jumps from sound to sound, so it's a good idea to prepare your lips for these acrobatics. Trill your lips while you exhale so you sound like a horse. This may feel funny, but it's an effective warmup. Your lips should be placed together loosely as you exhale, causing them to flap together to create noise, somewhat similar to blowing a raspberry or pursing your lips for trumpet. Once you've practiced this a few times, try doing this with a “b” at the start. Practice the “b” trill in an ascending eight-note scale, from middle C to high C. Exercise your upper and lower registers with sirens. This will warm up your upper and lower range, which is important when yodeling. With your mouth in an “o” shape, slide down from the highest pitch possible to the lowest while saying “woo.” Do this several times. You may feel like you have to belt out the volume on the really high or really low notes, but try to keep your volume moderate and consistent. Reverse this process and siren up from your lowest note to the highest. Try this exercise while buzzing your lips like a kazoo. Round out your warmup with some scales. A two octave (16-note) scale is ideal. This will provide the best stretch for your vocal folds. Try a simple octave (eight-note) scale first, then increase the range little by little until you can do a whole two-octave scale. Try sliding up and down scales with a “me” sound. Next, try doing the same with an “ee” and “oo” sound. Humming scales is another great way of warming up. Avoid pushing your upper and lower vocal range when practicing scales, but do your best to stretch your range a little bit. Cool down your voice to prevent strain. Especially if you don't sing regularly, warming up can be a lot of work. Cool off your voice with short, gentle glides that use an “mm” sound. After that, take a short five-minute break. Singing too long without breaks can strain your voice. Expect mistakes in the beginning. Don't feel bad if you sound terrible at first. Learning to yodel well takes time. If you're self-conscious about yodeling in front of others, yodel when you're alone at home or in nature. If the acoustics in your bathroom are good, yodel in the shower. You may need to put in many hours of practice before you sound like an authentic Swiss milkmaid (or milklad) instead of a strangled cat. Persevere! When you master this, it'll sound awesome. Watch yodeling videos. One of the best ways to improve your yodeling technique by imitating top-notch yodelers. There are loads of great yodeling videos and tutorials you can watch online. For a classical take, check out Julie Andrews' "The Sound of Music." If your heart yearns for alpine yodeling, check out the videos of Franzl Lang. For cowboy yodeling, try Wylie Gustafson or America's Got Talent runner-up, Taylor Ware. For a classic example of yodeling in pop-culture, listen to the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by the Tokens. Listen to yodeling albums. You might be able to get your hands on some yodeling CDs for relatively cheap, but you could also order yodeling albums through online sellers. Listen to the yodeling experts on these albums and sing along to improve. Turn yodeling into a game to play with your friends. This way you can involve your friends in fun and still get some practice. Teach your friends the basics of yodeling and encourage them to try. It's as simple as that! Getting the hang of yodeling can be comical; enjoy the laughs that follow. Join a yodeling group. You may have friends willing to yodel along, or to at least bear with you as you yodel. Search for other local yodelers on Facebook, Meetup.com, MEETin.org, or through a general online keyword search for “yodeling groups near me.” You might find fellow yodelers at a central European cultural center. Yodeling is still a popular traditional activity in countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Play an instrument. If you can play an instrument, such as the guitar or piano, you could play along as you yodel. All the better! Singing along with an instrument will help you stay in tune and make your whole performance more impressive. Even a simple instrument, like a harmonica , can interject variety in your yodeling and help you stay in tune. | Identify the break between the chest and upper registers. Find your own break. Practice alternating between chest voice and falsetto. Remember and practice the yodeling pattern with a knock-knock joke. Attempt a triad yodel. Sing triad yodels up and down a scale. Breathe deeply to relax tension. Work out mouth and jaw tension with a self-massage. Limber up your lips with trills. Exercise your upper and lower registers with sirens. Round out your warmup with some scales. Cool down your voice to prevent strain. Expect mistakes in the beginning. Watch yodeling videos. Listen to yodeling albums. Turn yodeling into a game to play with your friends. Join a yodeling group. Play an instrument. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Paper | How to Start a Paper | To start a paper, try opening with a quote that's relevant to your topic. Just make sure you mention who wrote or said the quote so you're not plagiarizing. You can also try starting your essay with a question that relates to your topic. To come up with a good question, take a look at your research and determine what questions it answers. Then, choose one of those questions to open your essay with. | Attain access to the internet. If you do not have a computer at home, go to your school/college library and schedule some time to use theirs. It'll be much easier to sift through quotes if you're on a desktop or laptop; a smaller device will limit the efficiency of your search. Google quotes. A number of websites will pop up. Most of them will have categories for you to narrow down your search. Consider the themes of the piece you're analyzing as you skim for quotes. Go through a few of the search result sites and find one you like. Then bookmark it for future use. BrainyQuote and GoodReads are two good sites to start from. You can search by category or by author. Find a quote that captures the topic or feel of your paper. It only has to abstractly allude to the themes or timeframe of your work. If you can find one by the same author, great! Hit Ctrl + F to search for specific words; you may be able to find a quote much quicker this way if you have something very precise in mind. Copy the quote into your paper. Make sure you mention who said or wrote the quote originally; no plagiarism please! Start with the quote and lead into your analysis with how the two connect. Analyze your quote for a second. Think of the main words in the quote to draw the connection to your paper. You do not need a long quote to get your point across. Think about the point of your paper. If you are covering research, there is a definite answer your research has provided. What was the question? This can be as abstract or concrete as you see fit. It could be the direct questions your paper poses or it could be a question directly stated to the reader, asking them for their thoughts and opinions. Write an outline of your paper. Just because you can't come up with an introduction doesn't mean you can't write a skeleton of what you want to say. Cover the main and supporting points; don't worry about detail. This outline will help you realize what it is your paper says. That way, you'll be able to understand what questions you are asking and answering. Come up with a short list of questions and choose one. Using your outline, come up with 2 or 3 questions that your paper touches upon. Seeing as your paper probably has at least 3 points, try to have one question per point. Think of what you are clarifying with your paper. If there is a standard point of view your paper is challenging, your could ask a question of the accepted definition of a word, concept, or societal norm. Choose the question that speaks strongest to your work as a whole. It'll be the one that's easiest to transition from into the bulk of your paper. Write a rough draft of your work. It by no means has to be perfect -- it only has to outline what you want to say. Cover all the main points with supporting evidence, but don't worry about transitions now. Have a general idea of your purpose in mind. Having a paper to work off of makes it much easier to see the overall arc of your work. Without it, all the information is just floating around in your head, unorganized. Keep in mind which points are strongest and which are weakest. If any just don't seem to fit right, throw them out now. Find the connection between all your points. Before your paper, you had "pollution is bad." An idea to start off with, but definitely not anything revelatory. Now, hopefully, you can narrow it down -- "Consumption by the world's largest economies needs to be cut in half by 2020" is much better. How do all your points agree? What does their agreement say that you didn't necessarily set out to write? Does their agreement expose anything to strengthen your argument? Start with your thesis. Now that you've found out what it is exactly you're writing about, go. Come out with it right out of the gate. Your introduction will be direct and to the point; you can deal with the details later. Consider the following example: "The illusion of power drives men to do many things. It causes them to go mad, to destroy, and to distrust. In Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov does all this in his quest to become an Übermensch and seize the power he believes he deserves." With this start, the reader knows exactly what to expect and how the author feels about the work. A solid thesis and a solid start to the paper. | Attain access to the internet. Google quotes. Go through a few of the search result sites and find one you like. Find a quote that captures the topic or feel of your paper. Copy the quote into your paper. Think about the point of your paper. Write an outline of your paper. Come up with a short list of questions and choose one. Write a rough draft of your work. Find the connection between all your points. Start with your thesis. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Run-a-Dinner-Fundraiser | How to Run a Dinner Fundraiser | Running a dinner fundraiser is a great way to raise money for a good cause. First, work out how much you'll need to spend on expenses like catering, entertainment, and space rental. Popular forms of entertainment include live music, speakers, and a talent show. Once you've figured out your budget, you can price your tickets. Then, send out individual invitations for a private dinner or advertise your tickets for a public dinner. If you're hosting a large dinner, consider enlisting a committee to help you organize the different elements like catering, entertainment, sending invitations, and setting everything up on the day. | Set your goal. Decide how much you want to raise, i.e. your net gain after expenses are deducted. Linking your goal directly to a clear objective will make it easier to get people to attend. Perhaps you're raising money to cover the cost of a new roof for your coop nursery school, or to send a missionary to China. Don't just raise money. Raise it for a reason. First, decide the specific thing you are trying to accomplish, then analyze how much it will cost. If raising money for a new roof, for instance, you would want to cost the project with contractors. If raising money to help cover general costs at a nursery school, you would want to know total costs (last year's, plus expected additional costs for the coming year) and total expected revenue (tuition) in order to set a goal. Goals should be specific, measurable, and achievable. The last of these is important. Set high goals, but be realistic about whether you can achieve them. Not everyone you invite will attend your fundraising dinner. If you have an auction, not everything will sell. Do research or ask around to determine how much people are willing to pay for tickets before you set the price. You don't want to price people out, but you also want to be sure you hit your goals. Set up your team. Regardless of the scale of your event, you will need to assign staff or volunteers to coordinate various portions of the dinner: Invitations and marketing Sales and donations Location and decorations Food and catering Entertainment Special events (auction, bake sale, etc.) Set up and break down Thank you notes Establish a host committee. If you are running a foundation or non-profit with high level donors, you will want to call on wealthy donors, business leaders, and local celebrities to set up a “host committee” – people who contribute large amounts to the event and encourage others to do so as well. Try to reach out first to people who have shown a past interest in the cause your dinner seeks to fund. Call or meet with them to discuss the event, why it is important, and how they can help. Also be sure to include key stakeholders – for example an executive from a corporation sponsoring your event. Though your committee is geared mostly towards soliciting donations, it helps to create subcommittees with clearly defined tasks – volunteer recruitment, fundraising and sponsorship, entertainment – so that committee members feel ownership of the entire event without feeling overburdened. Create a budget. You can't decide how much to charge for tickets, or how many additional activities you'll need (auctions, bake sales, etc.) until you know your budget. List all expenses, such as: Staff. Invitations. Space rental. Catering. Entertainment. Transportation. Security. Utilities. Extra for unforeseen costs. Choose a space. If preparing your own food, you will need access to somewhere with a kitchen. Schools or churches can save money by hosting the event. Non-profits with interesting settings, like zoos and libraries, should also consider hosting. For most dinner fundraisers, though, you will want to rent a space. When renting, be sure to ask these questions: Does the venue offer discount rates for non-profits? Are there days of the week the space costs less? If you are a large scale non-profit with many members, ask if they are willing to donate space in return for free advertising in your promotional materials (emails, flyers, Facebook page, etc.). Will the vendor consider waiving costs like security, cleanup, etc. for non-profits? Are they willing to give a percentage of the food or alcohol tab back to your cause? Decide on food. Are you going to cater the event or make your own? Is it going to be buffet style or a sit-down meal? Will there be desert? Coffee? Alcohol? Remember, the more you spend on food, the more you will have to charge for tickets if you want to hit your fundraising goals. Table service is more formal, but is also more time consuming and expensive. A buffet is less formal and less expensive. If making your own food, consider picking a meal that is easy to prepare for lots of people like spaghetti with salad and garlic bread, or hamburgers and veggieburgers with salad. Having guests bring dessert will save on time and money. If catering, ask if local restaurants will consider catering for free in lieu of a donation. Mention that this will be great advertising for their business. You'll also need to have a plan for what to do with leftover food. Consider donating it. Think about adding entertainment. For expensive dinners, you will want to consider live music, and perhaps a speaker. A band also goes over well for churches or schools, but also consider using free talent – a talent show, the school band or the church choir. Consider combining your dinner with an auction or bake sale. Auctions, in particular, can bring in a lot of extra money, but they take work. You'll need an auction coordinator to solicit donations from local businesses. For schools and churches, also consider having the parents or members donate their own skills or prepare their own items, like gift baskets. Know your audience. Is this a broad invitation – the entire church, school, or town? Or are you focusing on a particular group – church members who have made large donations, a grade or class at school, or people involved with your project? Knowing your audience will also help you decide where to hold your event and what type of food and entertainment to choose. Word of mouth. For schools and churches, this is the easiest and most effective means of advertisement, since you have your members / students in front of you at least once a week. Tell them about the upcoming fundraiser and why it is important. Try to tell a compelling story. That's the best way to get people to spread the word. Framing your event as a story will best capture attention. Start with the need you are addressing and a concrete example of it before moving onto the even itself. For example: Last week the kids' art projects all got wet when the roof leaked; we're holding a fundraising dinner to raise money for a new roof. It will be great! For churches, be sure to mention the fundraiser in sermons, at bible studies, and other church events in the weeks leading up to it. For schools, discuss the fundraiser at school meetings and PTA meetings. Also send informational fliers for parents home with children. For non-profits, be sure to mention the fundraiser whenever you can, Every conversation, especially with potential donors, is a chance to hype your event. Use direct mail and email. Lower budget fundraisers might want to stick with email to save money. For more expensive fundraisers, send well-produced mailings. A series of mailings or emails in the months leading up to the event works best. Post flyers and posters in neighborhood stores and public spaces. A simple flyer will suffice to get the word out. When posting, be sure to talk about your event to store owners. Word of mouth can be even more powerful than your flyer. Coffee shops often have boards where you can post fliers. Local retail stores will often let you put fliers in their window. If a church or school, be sure to post fliers on the grounds in multiple places where people will see them. Use social media and the internet. Adults in the U.S. spend an average of 42 minutes a day on Facebook, 34 on Tumblr, 21 on Instagram and Pinterest, and 17 on Twitter. If you want to reach people, you need to be online, too. Create a Facebook page. You can give updates, post pictures of the venue, and run contests that get people engaged (most clever post, best fundraiser themed picture, etc.). At the very least, use the Event app on Facebook to create a page for your event and invite friends who might be interested. Start a blog. It takes time and effort, but a blog is a great way to tell people the story of your event and what you are trying to accomplish, as well as getting them excited for the big night. Consider farming out blog duties to a number of people, each writing an article a day. Tweet. Twitter has a smaller reach than Facebook, but can be useful, particularly for driving people to your blog or Facebook page. Buy ads. Look for local websites that offer inexpensive banner ads, or consider targeted advertising on Facebook. For higher impact, use your ads to direct people to your blog. Advertise in local papers and magazines. Particularly for neighborhood events, an ad in the local paper can be very effective. Be sure to include the basics: who, what, when, where, and why. Make a YouTube video. It does not have to be a work of art. A couple of people talking about how important your cause is, or a few pictures with voice over, is enough. Link to the video from your Facebook page or send a link in one of your email announcements. Send a news release to local media. Let newspapers, radio stations, television stations, and magazines know that you are hosting an event and that you would like coverage. Provide lots of information so the event is easy for them to write up. Even small events can often get an article in the local newspaper. Larger, more expensive events might attract more coverage. Make a plan. You should have a schedule of events, and all staff or volunteers should know where they need to be during the event and the flow of activities. Be sure you have also discussed timing with any vendors. You'll want to include things like: When vendors and volunteers need to arrive to set up. When volunteers will meet before the event to discuss and rehearse as needed. When guests will arrive and how they will be greeted, guided into the event. When entertainment or additional activities like auctions will start. When food service will start. When and how food clean-up will begin. When the event will end. Who will stay for clean up and break down. Have a person assigned to troubleshooting. Not everything will go perfectly. If you are at a high-level fundraiser and are trying to speak with important guests, you don't want to have to be troubleshooting at the same time. Local fundraisers can also be harrowing if everyone is worrying about last minute details. Assigning someone this task will make everyone else's life easier. Arrive early to set things up. If you are preparing your own food or providing your own entertainment, you'll need to arrive several hours early to start cooking and setting up. If you are catering and hiring entertainment, your event organizers will still need to arrive early in the day to make sure that the space is open and vendors are arriving and setting up as promised. Check that everything is in order. Before guests arrive, you'll want to go through a series of checks to make sure everything is running smoothly. Check: The sound system. The lights. The décor. The number or chairs. The silverware / flatware. The readiness of performers and food. Help the guest park. You should work out where guests will park in advance. Have people on the street ready to direct traffic. For events at rented spaces, it is nice to have valet parking available. Greet the guests. Have people posted outside to direct people in. For events during the winter, a coat check or a place to hang jackets is important. You will of course also need people at the entrance to greet guests, take their tickets, and distribute a program if there is one. A program not only informs guests about the order of events, it is also a great opportunity to reinforce your fundraising message by including information about your cause. Work the room. You will want to be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to talk to attendees about your cause and projects. While the dinner's goal is to make money, it is also an opportunity to cultivate donors. Be friendly and introduce guests to one another, but don't be afraid to also specifically ask for commitments to annual pledges or special projects. Stay on time. This is imperative. Having your dinner drag on too long is a sure way to lose your guests' interest. Someone should be tasked with the job of keeping the dinner running on time. That means you need to start on time, hit your marks during the night, and end on time. Send thank you letters. Your efforts are not over when the dinner ends. It is important to continue to cultivate donors and volunteers so that they will be willing to give more time and money in the future. Be sure to send thank you notes to all contributors, volunteers, and vendors. Let people know how great the event was. The best way to have a great fundraiser is to make it an annual thing, so that word of mouth has time to spread. Start getting ready for next years fundraiser right away by reminding everyone how great this year's was. Post event photos to Facebook, twitter, or instagram. Contact local media to let them know how successful the fundraiser was. Do a post-dinner autopsy. If you want next year's event to be even better, you need to learn from this one. The event leaders should meet in the week after the event to discuss what worked and what could have worked better. This is especially important for organizations like schools, which may not have the same volunteers from year to year. Writing down what you have learned can create institutional knowledge you can pass on to the next bunch of parents. | Set your goal. Set up your team. Establish a host committee. Create a budget. Choose a space. Decide on food. Think about adding entertainment. Consider combining your dinner with an auction or bake sale. Know your audience. Word of mouth. Use direct mail and email. Post flyers and posters in neighborhood stores and public spaces. Use social media and the internet. Advertise in local papers and magazines. Make a YouTube video. Send a news release to local media. Make a plan. Have a person assigned to troubleshooting. Arrive early to set things up. Check that everything is in order. Help the guest park. Greet the guests. Work the room. Stay on time. Send thank you letters. Let people know how great the event was. Do a post-dinner autopsy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Catalytic-Converter | How to Clean a Catalytic Converter | To clean a catalytic converter, start by choosing a commercial cleaner made specifically for your car's engine type. Then, pour the cleaner into the gas tank and drive your car to run the cleaner through the catalytic converter. Once the tank is nearly empty, refill your car with gas as normal. | Purchase or borrow an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) scanner. OBD-II scanners are made to “read” the problems that are communicated by the check engine light. They're available for purchase online and at most auto part stores. If you don't want to buy one, consider borrowing one from a friend, or take your car to a mechanic. When you're looking for a scanner, make sure the scanner that you buy works with the make of your car. Some scanners are made to work only with specific makes! Scanners have become very inexpensive in the last few years. It costs around $20-$30 for the most basic scanner that only produces a trouble code. Plug an OBD-II scanner into the port under the dashboard. Plug the scanner into the port under the driver's side dashboard. Check the owner's manual if you're not sure where the port is located. If you're having trouble finding the port after looking in the owner's manual, use a flashlight to look under the steering wheel and along the bottom of the dashboard on the driver's side. Turn the key of the car without starting the engine. This will turn on the electricity in the car and activate the scanner. Wait until the scanner lights up and loads, and keep the car on without the engine running as long as the scanner is plugged in. Don't turn on the engine while using the scanner. This can interfere with the scanner and cause it to function improperly. Input the car’s make, model, and VIN into the scanner. Once the scanner is on, a screen will pop up asking for more information about your car. Using the keypad, carefully type in all of the required information to make sure the scanner can get an accurate reading. The VIN for most cars is located on the driver's side, and you can see it by looking at the bottom right hand corner on the outside of the windshield. Sometimes, the scanner will also ask for the engine type. If you don't know what kind of engine you have, check the owner's manual. Wait for the reader to produce a trouble code. After a few seconds, the reader will produce a code or a few codes that it gathered from the car's data. Normally, they will be a set of numbers and letters. Write them down or take a picture of the codes on the scanner for future reference. Some high-end scanners might show 2-3 words that indicate where the issue originated or what part the code corresponds to. Look in the owner’s manual or online to ensure that the catalytic converter is the source. Search online for the code that the scanner produced, or look in the owner's manual for a set of known problem codes. Make sure that the code corresponds to a catalytic converter issue and isn't a problem with a different part on the car. If you're having trouble finding information on the code, try searching for the make and model of the car, the word “forum,” and the error code. This might lead you to more car forums where drivers discuss issues that they've had with their cars. Decide which cleaner is right for your engine. Different cleaners offer different benefits, and mostly will depend on the type of car that you drive. Research online for the best cleaner for your make, model, and engine type. The engine type is very important when it comes to selecting a cleaner. Some cleaners are specially formulated for diesel vehicles, while others are made for cars that take gas. Wait until your tank has about 4 US gal (15 L) of gas remaining. Some products require more gas, while some require less. As a general rule plan to have a few gallons of gas in your tank before adding the cleaner. Always read the directions on the packaging before you add the product to the tank! If the check engine light appears when your tank is nearly empty, get the right amount of gas for your cleaner before you add the product to the tank. Pour the cleaner into the gas tank. Depending on which brand you use and how much gas is in your tank, use either part or all of the bottle of cleaner. The cleaner will mix with the gas and run through the catalytic converter as you drive the car. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle carefully. The correct mixture of cleaner and fuel will ensure that the engine continues working properly. Refill the tank with gas when it is nearly empty. Drive the car as normal until the tank is almost on “empty” and then fill your gas tank as normal. Once you refill the tank, your car should be working as normal, and you might even notice your engine running more smoothly! If you're in a hurry and don't want to wait until the tank is empty, be sure to drive for at least 10 miles (16 km). Go to a mechanic immediately if the check engine light returns. In the United States, it's against federal law to remove a catalytic converter from a car. If the light returns, take your car to a licensed mechanic immediately to diagnose any underlying problems or replace a failed converter. The mechanic can recommend replacing the converter, or they might recommend a different product that will work better with your car. | Purchase or borrow an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) scanner. Plug an OBD-II scanner into the port under the dashboard. Turn the key of the car without starting the engine. Input the car’s make, model, and VIN into the scanner. Wait for the reader to produce a trouble code. Look in the owner’s manual or online to ensure that the catalytic converter is the source. Decide which cleaner is right for your engine. Wait until your tank has about 4 US gal (15 L) of gas remaining. Pour the cleaner into the gas tank. Refill the tank with gas when it is nearly empty. Go to a mechanic immediately if the check engine light returns. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Annualized-GDP-Growth-Rates | How to Calculate Annualized GDP Growth Rates | To calculate annualized GDP growth rates, start by finding the GDP for 2 consecutive years. Then, subtract the GDP from the first year from the GDP for the second year. Finally, divide the difference by the GDP for the first year to find the growth rate. Remember to express your answer as a percentage. | Determine the time period you want to calculate. The annualized GDP growth rate is a measure of the increase or decrease of the GDP from one year to the next. Understanding this measurement is a way of knowing whether the general economy for the country (or other chosen location) is getting better, worse or staying stable over time. GDP figures are generally made available on a quarterly basis. To calculate the “annualized” GDP growth rate specifically, use data for the full year, not just a selected quarter. This figure is always called the “growth” rate and uses a single formula, regardless of whether the GDP is increasing or decreasing. If the value of the GDP increases from one year to the next, the formula will produce a positive result. If the result is negative, the value is dropping, and you can say that there has been “negative growth” over the selected time period. Collect the data from reliable government resources. In the United States, the accepted source for GDP data is the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The BEA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, which is charged with calculating the GDP for the United States. The BEA has the resources available to collect all the sales and employment data that becomes part of the GDP. Visit the BEA website at http://www.bea.gov. From the home page, you can see numerous links to National GDP, Regional GDP, and a wide variety of press releases and data releases. For the annual GDP for the country, choose the link to “GDP.” You will be directed to a spreadsheet that contains the GDP, broken down by year and quarter for approximately the last 100 years. Find the GDP for two consecutive years. To determine the annualized GDP growth rate, you need to know the GDP of two consecutive years. Using the data from the BEA, find the annual GDP for one year and the annual GDP for the next year. If the GDP is reported quarterly, add together the four quarters for the year to find the annual GDP. For example, the BEA reports quarterly GDP data for the U.S. For the years, 2015 and 2016, add the quarters together as follows to find the annual GDP of each year. The data shown here is reported in terms of billions of dollars: 2015 GDP = $ 17 , 783.60 + $ 17 , 998.30 + $ 18 , 141.90 + $ 18 , 222.80 = $ 72 , 146.60 {\displaystyle {\text{2015 GDP}}=\$17,783.60+\$17,998.30+\$18,141.90+\$18,222.80=\$72,146.60} 2016 GDP = $ 18 , 281.60 + $ 18 , 450.10 + $ 18 , 675.30 + $ 18 , 860.80 = $ 74 , 267.80 {\displaystyle {\text{2016 GDP}}=\$18,281.60+\$18,450.10+\$18,675.30+\$18,860.80=\$74,267.80} Use the formula for growth rate. To calculate the growth rate over the chosen time period, use the formula: Rate = Final GDP − Initial GDP Initial GDP {\displaystyle {\text{Rate}}={\frac {{\text{Final GDP}}-{\text{Initial GDP}}}{\text{Initial GDP}}}} For the example of calculating the annual growth rate from 2015 to 2016, insert the figures as follows: Rate = Final GDP − Initial GDP Initial GDP {\displaystyle {\text{Rate}}={\frac {{\text{Final GDP}}-{\text{Initial GDP}}}{\text{Initial GDP}}}} Rate = $ 74 , 267.80 − $ 72 , 146.60 $ 72 , 146.60 {\displaystyle {\text{Rate}}={\frac {\$74,267.80-\$72,146.60}{\$72,146.60}}} Rate = 0.02940 {\displaystyle {\text{Rate}}=0.02940} Interpret your result as a percentage. The growth rate formula provides you with a final result as a decimal number. To convert this to a percentage form that makes sense to economists, multiply by 100%. You can then report the annual growth rate as a percentage figure. For example, again using the data from 2015 to 2016, the calculation produced a result of 0.02940. Convert this to a percentage as follows: 0.02940 ∗ 100 % = 2.940 % {\displaystyle 0.02940*100\%=2.940\%} Thus, you can report that the annualized growth rate of the U.S. GDP from 2015 to 2016 is 2.940%. Because the figure is positive, the GDP is improving over that time period. Collect the data for a chosen time period. A comparison of GDP growth rates does not have to be limited to annual data. In fact, economists often want to know results and see trends over smaller time periods. In the U.S., the BEA calculates and reports GDP data each quarter. You can use and manipulate the data in any way you wish, as long as you define your calculations appropriately. For example, you might want to measure a short-term GDP growth from the third quarter of 2016 to the fourth quarter of 2016. Alternatively, you might want to compare the third quarter of 2015 to the third quarter of 2016. Note that, while this is a measure of data from two different years, this is not an annualized calculation. It is a comparison of a specific portion of each year, perhaps to determine whether the time of year has any impact on spending or production. Finally, someone studying long range changes in economies might even want to compare decades. For example, you could compare the GDP from 1980-1989 to the GDP from 1990-1999. You would do this by adding together the GDPs of the ten individual years. Use the same percent change formula. Whether you want to calculate a growth rate over an annual range or for a shorter or longer time period, the formula remains the same. You find the difference of the two chosen time periods, divided by the GDP of the initial time period. While you can measure quarters, years, decades or any other period you wish, you must be consistent. For example, it would be meaningless to compare the GDP of one quarter of a year, to the GDP of another full year. Suppose, for example, you wish to find the growth rate of the GDP from the third quarter of 2016 ($18,675.30) to the fourth quarter of 2016 ($18,860.80). The calculation would be as follows: Rate = Final GDP − Initial GDP Initial GDP {\displaystyle {\text{Rate}}={\frac {{\text{Final GDP}}-{\text{Initial GDP}}}{\text{Initial GDP}}}} Rate = $ 18 , 860.80 − $ 18 , 675.30 $ 18 , 675.30 {\displaystyle {\text{Rate}}={\frac {\$18,860.80-\$18,675.30}{\$18,675.30}}} Rate = 0.009933 {\displaystyle {\text{Rate}}=0.009933} Convert and interpret the result. Finally, use the figure that you obtain from the calculation and convert it to a percentage by multiplying by 100%. The result is the growth or decline of the GDP over your selected time period. For the final two quarters of 2016, this calculation is: 0.009933 ∗ 100 % = 0.9933 % {\displaystyle 0.009933*100\%=0.9933\%} You would report that the GDP increased by 0.9933%, or almost 1% over the given two quarters. Identify a location. The GDP is the gross domestic product of any identified geographic area. Usually, people measure and compare the GDP of individual countries. However, within the U.S., you might compare the GDP of separate states. On a broader scale, you may wish to find the GDP of North America or Asia. Just as you need to define a location if you want to calculate GDP growth rates, you also need to understand what location is being represented when you read GDP data. Select a method for measuring GDP. The GDP can be calculated in one of three different ways. Each method is valid but describes a slightly different approach to viewing the economy. When you calculate the GDP, you need to define which method you are using. The three methods are: Expenditures approach. This method calculates the sum of expenditures by final consumers of products. The traditional formula when calculating GDP in this way is: GDP = Consumption + Investment + Gov't Spending + (Exports - Imports) Income approach. Less commonly used, this method accounts for all the incomes earned and costs incurred in the country's production. Value-added approach. This calculation measures the total sales of an area minus the value of services or supplies added during the course of production. This approach is regularly used in measuring U.S. industrial production. Research the data that comprises the GDP. The expenditures approach is the most direct calculation and the one most commonly used and studied by economists around the world. This calculation takes into account the following basic areas: Consumption. This first term accounts for personal consumption expenditures, which is basically the total amount of money that the population spends over the selected time period. The BEA breaks this down into two subcategories of goods and services. Goods are concrete items that can be bought and sold, and services are payments for other people's labor or expertise. Investment. The investment figure constitutes the total of purchases that businesses make in the process of creating their products. This would include purchases of all supplies used in production as well as new equipment or machinery used to expand production. The investment category also includes materials used in residential construction projects. Government Spending. This item tracks what the government of the chosen region or country actually spends over the selected time period. Values are calculated at the prices that the government actually spends on items as diverse as office equipment, building supplies for government projects or weapons and items for the military. Net exports. Some formulas for GDP include a single term of “net exports,” while others will incorporate two terms, exports and imports. As long as both are included, the result will be the same. The calculation is to add all exports to the GDP and deduct the value of all imports. The net is the positive growth for the GDP. Compile the data for the final calculation. The GDP, in basic terms, is the sum of the data that you calculated in the preceding step. When all the portions are determined, they are added to provide the final result. For example, the BEA reports the following figures for the fourth quarter GDP of 2016 (figures are in billions of dollars): Consumption = $12,980.40 Investment = $3,106.50 Government = $3,312.10 Net exports = -$538.30 GDP = $18,860.70 | Determine the time period you want to calculate. Collect the data from reliable government resources. Find the GDP for two consecutive years. Use the formula for growth rate. Interpret your result as a percentage. Collect the data for a chosen time period. Use the same percent change formula. Convert and interpret the result. Identify a location. Select a method for measuring GDP. Research the data that comprises the GDP. Compile the data for the final calculation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Soundproof-a-Ceiling | How to Soundproof a Ceiling | Before you soundproof a ceiling, drill a hole into it and check to see if there's any insulation. If there's not, blow in cellulose or medium density fiberglass insulation before you get started. Once the ceiling is insulated, get a 1/2-5/8 inch sheet of drywall and apply a damping compound to it. Then, screw the drywall into the underside of the ceiling and fill any gaps with acoustical caulk. Finally, let the damping compound dry completely, which can take up to 10 days. | Understand this method. This is a middle ground approach, moderately effective and relatively easy to install. You can expect it to add roughly 6 to 9 "STC points," reducing loud conversations to indistinct speech or murmurs. If you're trying to block music and other loud noises, decouple the ceiling instead. Use the decoupling method for concrete ceilings as well. Install insulation if needed. Drill a quarter-sized hole in the ceiling and look for insulation. If none is present, blow in cellulose or medium density fiberglass insulation. There is no need to repair the holes afterward, since you will be installing new drywall underneath. Do not install new insulation if there's any old insulation, even if it's worn out. The old insulation will prevent you from blowing in new insulation evenly. Avoid foam insulation and expensive "extra dense" products. These can make low density vibrations worse. Apply damping compound to a new drywall sheet. "Green Glue" or another damping compound will reduce vibration between the two layers of material. Apply it to the back of a new sheet of drywall, according to label instructions. ⅝" (15.9mm) drywall is recommended, since extra mass blocks more sound. However, if the existing drywall is ⅝" thick, choose ½" (12.7mm) sheets for the new layer. Different thicknesses resonate at different frequencies, so two different types will block more sound. You can buy pre-dampened drywall, but this is expensive and no different from what you could make yourself. Install the drywall. Screw the drywall to the underside of your ceiling. Try to keep the gap around the perimeter as small as possible. Fill all gaps with acoustical caulk. Even a narrow gap around the perimeter or ceiling fixture can let a lot of noise through. Before choosing an acoustical caulk, read the label carefully: Confirm the caulk is suitable for use on your materials. Check whether you can paint over the caulk. If not, make sure the color matches your ceiling. Consider a fire-resistant caulk to prevent spread of fire between floors. This may be required by your local building code. Wait for the compound to dry. The damping compound is a major part of this installation. It may take ten days or more for the compound to cure fully and reach its final soundproofing qualities. Check the compound label for a specific time frame. Add an additional layer if necessary. If soundproofing is improved but still not ideal, consider repeating the process. A third layer of drywall and damping compound can make a significant difference. If the room is not noticeably more soundproof, another layer is unlikely to help. It may be more effective to treat the ceilings in adjacent rooms, or to soundproof the walls. Remove the existing ceiling drywall. The current drywall is in direct contact with the ceiling joists. This allows sound from the floor above to pass directly through the joists with little resistance. Once the old drywall is removed, you can install a new ceiling with an air gap between it and the floor above. Reinforce the floor above (recommended). Decoupling alone is very effective at reducing the sound of conversation and high-pitched noises, but it can make low frequencies (such as stomping feet) sound louder! To get the best of both worlds, apply damping compound to a new sheet of thick drywall and screw it onto the subfloor from below. See above for detailed instructions. Take care not to use screws that break through the floor above. Alternatively, complete the rest of this method first, then reinforce the new ceiling with a second layer. Reinforce both ends if extreme soundproofing is required. Install insulation between the ceiling joists. Standard R19 fiberglass insulation is just as good as the more expensive "acoustic" insulation. Fill the gaps between the joists, but avoid over-compression, which can carry vibrations through the floor. Cellulose, mineral fiber, cotton, or polyester are effective alternatives. Do not use foam insulation. If you choose the floating ceiling joist approach (see below), install the joists before you insulate. Consider floating ceiling joists. This is the most effective decoupling method, but may not be feasible if the ceiling space is taken up by ductwork. To do this, install a new joist between each pair of ceiling joists. The new joists should extend 1–2 inches (2.5–5cm) further down than the original joists. Ideally, the floating joist can rest on the inside layer of a decoupled wall. This creates another air gap between the joists and the outside layer of the wall. If you choose this approach, you do not need to follow the rest of the instructions. Just install more drywall over the joists, then fill in the perimeter with acoustic caulk. Purchase hat channel instead. Installing hat channel (furring channel) and sound clips is less effective than floating joists, but uses less vertical space. For best soundproofing, choose furring channel marked "087F125-18" or confirm that it meets these specifications: ⅞" (22.2mm) depth; 25 gauge; hemmed long edge. Twenty gauge channel is more common, but significantly worse for soundproofing. Alternatively, you can purchase resilient channel, which is designed for soundproofing. However (at least in North America), resilient channel is not standardized, so it's difficult to guarantee it will work. Read customer reviews before purchasing. Install the hat channel perpendicular to the joists. Install the channels no more than 24" (61cm) apart, and position the end channels within 6" (15cm) of the wall. If there is a vent in your ceiling, end the channel flush against the frame of the vent on either side. Place additional short lengths of channel on either side of the vent to increase stability. If the channel is not long enough to reach across the ceiling, overlap channel lengths by at least 6" (15cm) and screw together. Do not install sound clips onto overlapped areas. Place the channels within 16" (41cm) of each other if you plan to support a triple layer of drywall. Screw in resilient sound clips. Hat channel alone is not very effective, especially under non-dampened drywall. Install soundproofing clips through the hat channel as follows: Place clips around the perimeter of the ceiling, within 6" (15cm) of each wall. Fill in the first channel with sound clips spaced 48" (122cm) apart. For best results, shift the next row's sound clip placement by 16" and fill it out, spacing clips 48" apart as before. Repeat the shift for each row. To save money (using about 10% fewer clips), arrange clips in a grid pattern instead, using the same positioning as the first channel. See your clip product instructions for how to fasten. Avoid over-tightening, which can reduce soundproofing. Install drywall over the channel. Install drywall sections perpendicular to the channels for maximum strength. Fill in gaps around the perimeter with acoustic caulk. Applying damping compound and adding a second layer of drywall is recommended, especially if you did not reinforce the subfloor above. | Understand this method. Install insulation if needed. Apply damping compound to a new drywall sheet. Install the drywall. Fill all gaps with acoustical caulk. Wait for the compound to dry. Add an additional layer if necessary. Remove the existing ceiling drywall. Reinforce the floor above (recommended). Install insulation between the ceiling joists. Consider floating ceiling joists. Purchase hat channel instead. Install the hat channel perpendicular to the joists. Screw in resilient sound clips. Install drywall over the channel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-a-Moth | How to Catch a Moth | To catch a moth, make moth bait by mixing beer or apple cider with sugar, molasses, and over-ripe bananas. Next, apply the bait mixture to a tree trunk or leave it out in a bowl at dusk. Once the sun sets, check the bait every 30 minutes for moths to accumulate. Then, wait until the moths are at rest and approach them slowly from behind. Finally, sweep your net forward quickly to capture a moth and secure it in a container. | Learn about moth behavior. Acquaint yourself with moth behavior before you begin catching the insects. This may help you more effectively catch a moth or moths. Moths are generally nocturnal, which means they mostly fly at night. However, some species, like the buck moth, that are diurnal, meaning they fly both day and night. Moths prefer warm, humid and overcast nights to cooler, clear nights. There are thousands of species of moths and butterflies. Some eat plants, while others may eat wool and items of clothing. Contact your local county extension to help identify any moths you may have in or around your home. Gather equipment. You'll need a few items to most effectively catch a moth. By gathering the following materials before you start, you may be able to catch one—or many—moths: An outdoor light bulb bright enough to attract moths at night. Moth “food” to attract insects. A butterfly/ moth net. A homemade net or other container, such as a jar or box, with holes so the moth can breathe. Bait moths you want to catch. “Baiting”, which is also called “sugaring” is a technique you can use to attract moths you want to catch. Baiting involves making “moth food” and putting in places to attract moths. Make bait by mixing one can of beer or apple cider, 1.5 cups sugar, ¼- ½ cup molasses, four over-ripe bananas or other fruit such as apples or peaches in a blender. You can also add a spoonful of cornmeal and some brewer's yeast if you like, too. Place fermenting fruits like spoiled watermelon as another form of bait. Remember that moths are also attracted to any kind of light, so you can seek them near outdoor or indoor lights if you wish. Apply an approximately 20-30cm patch of bait to tree trunks with a brush just before sunset. Find trees with smooth bark or plates of smooth bark such as pine, hickory, cherry, or birch. Fill a small bowl or your container with bait if you want to catch the moth in your home. Be aware that bait can attract more than moths. Bears, mice, skunks, and foxes may like your bait in addition to the moths you want to catch. Check the bait. In order to effectively catch your moth or moths, you need to check the bait or light sources. Check the bait every 30 minutes to see what you've lured in to your bait. Decide whether you want to catch individual moths or groups when you check the bait. Approach the moth slowly. Wait until the moth or moths are at rest or not moving before you catch them. Once you've observed them, approach them slowly so that you don't startle them away. Avoid sudden movements, which may startle moths into flight. Approach the moth from behind if you can. Catch the moth. Take out your net or container and sweep it forward quickly. This can help you effectively capture the moth in your container without releasing it. Make secure to quickly secure the container over the moth so that it can't escape. Ensure that the moth is at the deep or far end of your container to minimize the risk of it escaping. Seal the container. Once you've captured the moth, seal your net or container. This can help you transport the moth so that you can release it or observe it. If you're using a net, collapse the end of it with your fingers. Leave enough space at the end of the net to minimize the risk of damage to the moth. If you're using a jar, box, or another container, slowly thread a piece of paper or a lid under it. Make sure to not lift the container up too high so that the moth doesn't escape. Release the moth. After you've caught the moth and observed it if you want, release it into the outdoors or someplace outside your home where it won't bother you any longer. This is a more humane way to deal with a moth than killing it. Inspect and clean your spaces regularly. Set up regular inspections and clean sessions of spaces that attract moths. This can help you nip problems in the bud before they become infestations and kill larvae. Check closets, human and pet bedding, behind furniture, in curtains, behind radiators or heaters, in air ducts and vents, and along baseboards. Wipe down and vacuum areas attractive to moths at least once a week. Clean your clothes regularly as well. Moths are attracted to garments soiled by food, drinks, sweat, and urine. Store items in airtight containers. If you are concerned about clothing, fabric, or other material getting infested by moths, store them in airtight containers. This may kill any moths current residing in your belongings and prevent them from reproducing. Store your items below 40 degrees Fahrenheit if possible. Scatter mothballs. Distribute mothballs in places that currently have a moth infestation or where you'd like to deter them. You may want to consider this as a last resort before professional extermination because mothballs come with an unpleasant smell and can have health side effects. Inhaling the vapors from mothballs over a longer period of time can have health consequences. These include: anemia, liver damage, neurological damage, and cataracts. Ensure that spaces where you place mothballs are airtight to help prevent you from inhaling the vapors. Mix a lavender spray. There is some evidence that lavender repels moths. Mixing a lavender spray may help you keep any moth infestations at bay. Mix 30-40 drops of lavender essential oil with 1.5 ounces of distilled water. Use a clean spray bottle. The stronger you want the spray, the more oil you will mix with water. Boil 3-4 cups of distilled water and 3-4 tablespoons of dried lavender to make a spray with lavender you purchase or grow at home. Strain leaves from the mixture and allow it to cool before using it. Spray the mixture wherever you want to repel moths. Avoid dousing material, which may promote the growth of mold. Grow lavender in your garden. Add some lavender plants in and around your home. It can help not only repel moths from your spaces, but it will also leave a pleasant scent. Try other natural moth repellants. There is some evidence that other natural herbs, such as cloves, may repel moths from your home. Set a small amount of these herbs in places where you have moths. Use a jar of cloves or a handful of cinnamon sticks in areas infested or frequented by moths. Be aware that if you place cloves or cinnamon near clothing or other fabric, that you may end up smelling “Christmas-y.” Zap moths with a black light and lure. Studies have shown that using a bug zappers in conjunction with a pheromone lure may help kill moths. Consider buying a zapper and pheromone lure if you have a moth problem outside. Get a high voltage electronic black light. Purchase a pheromone lure at a home or hardware store. Use these items in conjunction with one another for optimal results. There is some evidence that a pheromone lure may not work effectively on its own. Ignite a citronella candle. There is some evidence that burning citronella candles may control insect infestations. Burn citronella candles in areas where you want to repel moths. Make sure the concentration of citronella in your candle is 5-10% for the best results. Burn the candle when you are outside. | Learn about moth behavior. Gather equipment. Bait moths you want to catch. Check the bait. Approach the moth slowly. Catch the moth. Seal the container. Release the moth. Inspect and clean your spaces regularly. Store items in airtight containers. Scatter mothballs. Mix a lavender spray. Grow lavender in your garden. Try other natural moth repellants. Zap moths with a black light and lure. Ignite a citronella candle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Potato-Spirals | How to Make Potato Spirals | Before making potato spirals, preheat your oven to 390 degrees F, and soak the bamboo skewers in water for 40 to 60 minutes. Next, cut the narrow ends off the potatoes and pierce them with the skewers. Then, set each potato down on your work surface, and use the skewer to turn it towards you as you cut the potato in a spiral. Once the potatoes are cut, pull them apart gently with your hands to achieve the classic corkscrew shape. Finally, place the potatoes in a baking dish, brush them with melted butter and seasonings, and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. | Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Soak and oil the bamboo skewers. Soak four bamboo skewers in water for 40 to 60 minutes. This will keep them from burning in the oven. Once they are soaked, take them out, pat them dry, and rub some cooking oil onto them. This will make it easier to form the potato spirals. Cut and skewer the potatoes. Cut one of the narrow ends off of a potato. Place it cut-side-down onto the cutting board. Push a skewer down through the other narrow end. Slide the potato onto the center of the skewer when you are done. Repeat this step for the other skewers and potatoes. Cut the potatoes around the skewer. Set the skewered potato down in front of you, oriented horizontally. Cut straight down into the right end of the potato; make sure that the tip of the knife is angled to the left. Start turning the skewer towards you as you cut the potato in a spiral. Gently stretch the potatoes. Wrap your hand around the right end of the potato. Gently pull your hand across the potato towards the other end. You may have to do this a few times until you get the trademark corkscrew shape. Set the skewered potatoes onto a deep baking dish. The dish needs to be narrow enough so that you can set the skewers over the edges. It also needs to be deep enough so that the potatoes don't touch the bottom. If you don't have such a baking dish, you can try setting the potatoes down onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper instead. Prepare the seasoning. Melt the butter in the microwave or in a little saucepan over the stove. Pour it into a small mixing bowl, then stir in the garlic, Italian season, salt, and pepper. You can do this with a fork or mini whisk. Brush the seasoned butter onto the potatoes. You can do this with a basting brush or a pastry brush. If you don't have either of those, you can carefully pour the butter over the potatoes instead. Be sure to rotate the potatoes so that they get evenly coated. Bake the potato spirals for 30 to 40 minutes. After about 15 to 20 minutes, rotate the potatoes by turning the skewers. This will allow them to cook evenly on both sides. They are ready when they are cooked through and have crispy edges. Allow the potatoes to cool slightly before serving them. After about 5 minutes, they are ready to eat. You can serve them as they are, or you can garnish them with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Prepare the potatoes. Clean and peel the potatoes first, then cut them into cubes. You need enough potatoes to fill 1⅔ (375 grams). Cook the potatoes until they turn soft. Place the potatoes into a pot and cover them with 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) of cold water. Add some salt, if desired, then bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water starts to boil, reduce it to a simmer. Let the potatoes cook, uncovered, until they are tender. Check the potatoes every 5 minutes. They should be done in 10 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes. Once the potatoes are cooked through, take them off the stove. Place a colander in the sink, then pour the potatoes into it. Shake the colander gently to remove any excess water, then place the potatoes back into the pot. Mash the potatoes. You can do this with a potato masher or with a fork. Keep mashing the potatoes until they are smooth. And lumps or clumps will end up clogging your piping bag. Add the egg, potato starch, milk, salt, and pepper. For extra flavor, add in some Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until evenly combined. Transfer the mashed potatoes into a piping bag. Place a piping bag into a cup and fold down the top over the edge of the glass. Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to scoop the mashed potato mixture into the bag. Tie off the top and snip off the bottom of the bag. If you want to, you can fit the piping bag with a large, round tip. No piping bag? No problem. Fill a plastic bag with the potato mixture, tie off the end, then snip off the bottom corner. Heat your cooking oil. Fill a large skillet about 1inch (2.54 centimeters) deep with oil. Turn on the stove to medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat up to to 375°F (191°C). Squeeze the mashed potato mixture into the oil. Move the piping bag from center-out to create a tight spiral shape. Try to keep the spiral as flat as you can. The spiral will unravel slightly as they cook to form a looser spiral. You should be able to fit at least three spirals in your skillet. Cook the spirals until they turn a golden brown color. This should take about 2½ to 3 minutes. Once they turn golden, flip them over with a spatula, and cook them for a few more seconds. Drain the potato spirals. Use a spatula to transfer the spirals from the skillet to a paper towel. As they drain, you can make more spirals. Serve the spirals. You can serve them as they are, or you can garnish them further with salt and/or dried herbs. Eat them on their own, or serve them alongside your favorite fry dip, such as ketchup or mustard. | Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Soak and oil the bamboo skewers. Cut and skewer the potatoes. Cut the potatoes around the skewer. Gently stretch the potatoes. Set the skewered potatoes onto a deep baking dish. Prepare the seasoning. Brush the seasoned butter onto the potatoes. Bake the potato spirals for 30 to 40 minutes. Allow the potatoes to cool slightly before serving them. Prepare the potatoes. Cook the potatoes until they turn soft. Drain the potatoes. Mash the potatoes. Add the egg, potato starch, milk, salt, and pepper. Transfer the mashed potatoes into a piping bag. Heat your cooking oil. Squeeze the mashed potato mixture into the oil. Cook the spirals until they turn a golden brown color. Drain the potato spirals. Serve the spirals. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Chiggers | How to Get Rid of Chiggers | To get rid of chiggers, sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your lawn and over any patches of tall grass or weeds. You can also try mowing your lawn and pulling up any weeds since chiggers like to hide in areas with tall, weedy grass. If you have any sources of water in your yard, remove them if possible since chiggers tend to follow animals that hang around water. | Mow your lawn regularly and cut back tall vegetation. Briars, weeds, and tall grass are all well-known hiding spots for chiggers. Pulling weeds and keeping your grass short is a simple yet effective way to get rid of any chiggers living in your yard. Regularly prune your trees, bushes, and other shrubs to lower the humidity around those plants and allow more sunlight to filter in. These measures reduce the shade and moisture chiggers thrive in. They particularly dislike dry, sunny areas with good air circulation. Continue these practices year-round. Dormant chiggers will return once the weather warms up. Discourage chigger host animals from entering your yard. Reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals are favorite hosts among chiggers. Discouraging these animals from hanging around may also cause the chiggers to leave, since they'll follow their food source. Remove sources of water that invite reptiles and amphibians. Cut back dense foliage or shrubbery to discourage small mammals that use these areas as convenient hiding places. Secure the lids of your trash cans and set up fencing around the perimeter of your garden or yard. Identify chigger hot spots in your yard for targeted treatment. When applying natural or chemical insecticides to kill chiggers, you should treat hot spots instead of treating the entire area. This is less expensive, quicker, and generally more effective. To do this, though, you first need to find the chiggers! Pick out hot spots by propping up small squares of black cardboard around your yard, especially in damp, shady areas with thicker vegetation. After 15-30 minutes, check for tiny yellow or pink specks on the cardboard—these are chigger larvae! Alternatively, place small dishes of water in the same strategic locations. The larvae should be attracted to the elevated humidity. Keep track of the hot spots you identify for targeted treatment. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth over chigger hot spots in your yard. Doing a broadcast application of diatomaceous earth, which is a natural, organic pesticide, can help eliminate chiggers and other garden and lawn pests. Wear gloves, glasses, and a facemask and either spread it by hand or with a lawn spreader. This is a natural product made up of the fossils of small creatures called diatoms. It comes in the form of a fine white or off-white powder. Sprinkle the diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your yard and over any areas that may offer ideal conditions for chiggers to live in. Focus on tall grass, weeds, and briars. If a chigger ingests any of the diatomaceous earth, it will die of dehydration. The sharp granules may also cut into and kill any chiggers that crawl over it. Spray chigger hot spots with an appropriate insecticide. Look for an insecticide containing bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, esfenvalerate, chlorpyrifos, diazinon bifenthrin, carbaryl, cyhalothrin, or permethrin. Insecticides containing any of these chemicals are usually effective at killing chiggers. However, read the label carefully to determine if a specific insecticide is formulated for mites and/or chiggers. Follow the label instructions concerning application safety. Wear protective clothing to prevent insecticides from coming into contact with your skin or eyes as you apply them. Retreat the area 2 to 3 weeks later if you have a large number of chiggers infesting your yard. Liquid spray insecticides are generally more effective against chiggers than granular insecticides. If selecting a granular insecticide, however, choose one containing bifenthrin. Call a professional pest control operator for severe infestations. If preventative measures, natural remedies, and home chemical remedies do not succeed in getting rid of your chigger problem, contact a professional exterminator. Pest control professionals are licensed to use stronger formulations of chemicals that are more hazardous yet more effective. For instance, the exterminator may use propoxur, cyfluthrin, or fluvalinate to get rid of chiggers. Stay off treated areas until dry. Prevent children and pets from walking over treated areas for as long as recommended by the exterminator. Even with these stronger chemicals, you may need to retreat the area after 2 or 3 weeks if the infestation is heavy enough. Brush off any exposed skin every 15-30 minutes while outside. Chiggers do not necessarily latch on as soon as they come into contact with your flesh. Regularly brushing over any exposed skin on your arms and legs may help you to get rid of any chiggers hanging out on your body. To the same end, you can also brush off your clothes to help remove chiggers from your garments. Use a towel or soft bristled brush. Shower with hot water and soap after coming indoors. If you were in an area that may be infested by chiggers, take a hot bath or shower immediately after coming back inside. If you're lucky, you'll wash away and kill any chiggers before they get the opportunity to latch onto your skin. To ensure extermination, you should lather, rinse, and repeat several times during the shower. The water must also be very warm to hot, not lukewarm. Vigorously scrub your skin with a washcloth to dislodge any chiggers that may have attached themselves. Wash your clothes in hot water. If you may have been exposed to chiggers outside, get rid of any hiding out in your clothes by washing the garments in hot, soapy water. The water should reach a minimum of 125 °F (52 °C), or the chiggers may not be killed. Additionally, the washing cycle should last for 30 minutes or more to ensure the chiggers are washed away. After washing your clothes, dry them in a drying machine or in the sunlight. Do not wear chigger-infested clothes before washing them. Do not wash the clothes in cool water, since this may not kill the chiggers. Reduce the itching of any bites without scratching them. If chiggers did attach themselves to your skin, you'll have to deal with itchy bug bites within a few hours. Itching associated with chigger bites can be temporarily relieved with benzocaine ointment, hydrocortisone cream, and calamine lotion. You may also be able to reduce itching with petroleum jelly, baby oil, or a paste of baking soda and water. Don't scratch the bites, no matter how much they itch! If you do, you may break the skin and cause an infection. If you feel warmth in the area or see a discharge coming from the bite, contact your doctor. Cover your skin with tightly-woven fabrics to block chiggers. If you're going into a chigger hot spot or any area with tall vegetation, prevent chiggers from attaching to you by concealing as much skin as possible. Wear long sleeves, long pants, long socks, and tall boots. Opt for tightly-woven fabrics over airy, loosely-woven ones. Chiggers are small enough to find their way in between the gaps present between threads of loosely-woven fabrics, but they will have a significantly harder time finding their way through clothes with smaller gaps. Tuck or tie off all openings in your clothes. Chiggers can find their way to your skin by hopping onto your clothes and crawling underneath. To get rid of them before this happens, seal off any openings to your skin as best as possible. Focus especially on areas from the waist down, since chiggers often move from tall grass to your lower body. Tuck your socks into your pants or your pant legs into your socks, sealing off the gap of skin between them. Tuck your shirt into your pants. Chiggers like to nibble on areas with thinner skin, such as the genitals—ouch! If venturing into tall grass or weeds, tie off your sleeves around the wrists with rubber bands or ribbon. When possible, wear clothes with zippers rather than buttons. Sprinkle sulfur powder in your socks and shoes. Certain strong odors, including sulfur powder, are reputedly effective at driving chiggers away. Sprinkle a fine dusting of sulfur powder into your shoes and/or socks to drive off any chiggers lurking in the grass and weeds by your feet. For even better protection, consider sprinkling a light dusting of sulfur powder over the inside of your shirt and pants. Note that sulfur powder has a potent odor, which may make it a less than ideal solution if you have a particularly sensitive sense of smell. There's also not much reliable evidence to prove that this method really works. Use a repellent containing diethyltoluamide (DEET). DEET is one of the most effective bug repellents for use against chiggers and other mites. Apply the repellent to your exposed skin, especially on the hands, arms, and legs. You can also apply it to your clothing (but not your skin underneath clothing) in these areas. DEET treatments can last for 2 to 3 hours. You'll have to reapply it after that. Do not spray DEET repellents near your mouth or eyes. Do not spray DEET repellents on skin covered by clothing, as doing so may cause skin irritation. Follow the label directions carefully. Some repellents can damage clothing, plastics, nail polish, and painted or varnished surfaces. Try permethrin treatments for your clothes. Like DEET, permethrin (0.5%) repellents are also very useful against chiggers. However, permethrin should only be applied to your clothes, never directly to your skin. Permethrin repellents can last for several days after application and remain on your clothes after being washed once or twice. In fact, you may want to treat your clothes the day before you wear them. Apply the repellent to both sides of your clothing, focusing on openings like cuffs, necks, and waistbands. Let the repellent dry completely before putting the clothes on. Follow the label directions carefully as you apply the repellent. As with DEET repellents, some permethrin repellents can damage clothing, plastics, nail polish, and painted or varnished surfaces. Avoid venturing into tall grass whenever possible. If you are walking in a park, picnic area, or other location where you have no control over how tall the grass and weeds are, make sure you stick to well-worn paths. Assume that any spot with tall grass is a chigger hot spot, especially if it's also damp and shaded. Steer clear of unmowed fields and walk in the center of mowed trails to avoid accidentally brushing up against taller vegetation. Chiggers need well-hidden vegetation that offers plenty of shade and moisture in order to thrive. Tall vegetation provides the perfect chigger environment. Don’t sit or lie on the ground, especially anywhere near a potential hot spot. Even though chiggers do not often hang out in low-cut grass, they may be in the area if there is taller vegetation nearby. If chiggers have migrated to the shorter grass, they may bite and attach themselves to the bare skin of your hands, neck, or head. | Mow your lawn regularly and cut back tall vegetation. Discourage chigger host animals from entering your yard. Identify chigger hot spots in your yard for targeted treatment. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth over chigger hot spots in your yard. Spray chigger hot spots with an appropriate insecticide. Call a professional pest control operator for severe infestations. Brush off any exposed skin every 15-30 minutes while outside. Shower with hot water and soap after coming indoors. Wash your clothes in hot water. Reduce the itching of any bites without scratching them. Cover your skin with tightly-woven fabrics to block chiggers. Tuck or tie off all openings in your clothes. Sprinkle sulfur powder in your socks and shoes. Use a repellent containing diethyltoluamide (DEET). Try permethrin treatments for your clothes. Avoid venturing into tall grass whenever possible. Don’t sit or lie on the ground, especially anywhere near a potential hot spot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Mean-Arterial-Pressure | How to Calculate Mean Arterial Pressure | To calculate mean arterial pressure, start by taking both your diastolic and systolic blood pressures. Next, multiply your diastolic by 2 and add it to your systolic. Then, divide the sum by 3 to get the mean arterial pressure. For example, if your diastolic pressure is 87 and your systolic pressure if 120, you'd begin by multiplying 87 by 2 to get 174. You can then add 120 to 174 to get 294, and divide that by 3 to get a final mean arterial pressure of 98. | Take your blood pressure. To be able to calculate your mean arterial pressure, you'll need to know both your diastolic and systolic blood pressures. If you don't already know these, take your blood pressure to find them. Though there are a variety of fancy methods for taking your own blood pressure, all you'll need for reasonably accurate results is a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope. As a reminder, your blood pressure when you hear the first beat in the stethoscope is your systolic pressure and your blood pressure when you stop hearing beats is your diastolic. If you're not sure of how to take your own blood pressure, consult the section below for step-by-step instructions or see our article on the subject. Another option is to use the automatic blood pressure machines that are available for free at many pharmacies and grocery stores. Use the formula MAP = (2(DBP) + SBP)/3. Once you know your diastolic and systolic blood pressures, finding your MAP is easy. Simply multiply your diastolic by two, add it to your systolic, and divide the total by three. This is essentially the same as the basic equation for finding the average (mean) of a range of numbers. MAP is measured in mm Hg (or "millimeters of mercury"), a standard pressure measurement. Note that the diastolic pressure is multiplied by two because the cardiac system spends about two-thirds of its time in the "resting" diastole phase. For example, let's say that we take our blood pressure and find that we have a diastolic pressure of about 87 and a systolic pressure of about 120. In this case, we'd plug our values into our equation and solve as follows: MAP = (2(87) + 120)/3 = (294)/3 = 98 mm Hg. Alternatively, use the formula MAP = 1/3(SBP – DBP) + DBP. Another way to find your MAP is with this simple alternate equation. Subtract your diastolic from your systolic, divide by three, and add your diastolic. The result you get should be exactly the same as you'd get from the equation above. Using the same blood pressure values as above, we can solve this equation as follows: MAP = 1/3(120 – 87) + 87 = 1/3(33) + 87 = 11 + 87 = 98 mm Hg. For estimation purposes, use the formula MAP approx = CO × SVR. In medical situations, this alternate equation, which uses the variables of cardiac output (CO; measured in L/min) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR; measured in mm HG × min/L) is sometimes used to find a quick estimate for a person's MAP. Though the results from this equation sometimes aren't 100% accurate, they are usually suitable as approximate estimates. Note that CO and SVR are usually measured in medical settings with special equipment (though it is possible to find them with simpler methods). For the average female, normal cardiac output is about 5 L/min. If we assume an SVR of 20 mm HG × min/L (on the high end of normal levels), the female's MAP will be about 5 × 20 = 100 mm Hg. Consider using a calculator for convenience. It's important to note that MAP calculations don't have to be carried out manually. If you're in a hurry, a wide variety of online calculators (such as this one ) can allow you to find your MAP value instantaneously by simply inputting your blood pressure values. Know the “normal” MAP range. As with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, certain ranges for MAP are generally considered to be "normal" or "healthy". Though some healthy people may have MAP scores outside this range, this can sometimes signify the potential for dangerous cardiovascular conditions. In general, an MAP value of between 70-110 mm Hg is considered normal. Consult a doctor if you have dangerous MAP or blood pressure values. If you have a resting MAP that is outside of the "normal" range above, you may not necessarily be in any danger, but you should still consult a doctor for a thorough examination and analysis. The same is true if you have abnormal values for your resting systolic or diastolic blood pressures (which should be below 120 and 80 mm Hg respectively). Don't put off talking your doctor — many cardiovascular conditions are easily treated if they're addressed before they develop into a serious problem. Note that an MAP of below 60 is generally considered dangerous. As noted above, MAP is used to determine how well blood is reaching the organs — an MAP value of greater than 60 is usually required for adequate perfusion. Know how certain medical conditions can affect MAP. It's important to understand that certain types of medical conditions and medications can alter what is considered a "normal" or "healthy" MAP score. In these cases, a doctor may need to carefully monitor your MAP to ensure that it does not fall outside of the new acceptable range to prevent serious harm. Below are just a few types of patients whose MAP may need to be tightly-controlled. If you're not sure whether a condition you have or a medicine you're taking is altering your acceptable MAP range, talk to your doctor immediately: Patients with head injuries Patients with certain types of aneurysm Patients suffering from septic shock who are on vasopressors Patients on vasodilator (GTN) infusion Find your pulse. If you're unsure of what your resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures are, performing a manual blood pressure test is relatively easy. All you'll need is a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope — both should be available at a local pharmacy. Wait until you're completely relaxed, then sit down and feel the underside of your forearm or wrist until you find a pulse. Put your stethoscope in your ears in preparation for the next step. If you're having a hard time, try using your stethoscope to listen for your pulse. When you hear a light, regular "bump", you've found the right spot. Inflate the cuff on your upper arm. Take your blood pressure cuff and fasten it around your bicep on the same arm you found the pulse on. Most modern cuffs have a velcro strap to make them easy to fasten. When the cuff is snug (but not tight), use the attached hand bulb to inflate it. Watch the pressure gauge — you want to inflate the cuff to a pressure that's about 30 mm Hg higher than you expect your systolic pressure to be. As you do this, hold the head of your stethoscope to the spot where you found your pulse (or, if you couldn't find it, in the crook of your elbow). Listen — if you've inflated your cuff to a high enough pressure, you shouldn't be able to hear your pulse at this point. Allow the cuff to deflate while you watch the pressure gauge. If air isn't already flowing out of the cuff, turn the release valve (the small screw on the inflation bulb) counterclockwise until air is flowing at a slow, steady rate. Keep your eyes on the pressure gauge while air flows out of the cuff — it should be steadily decreasing. Listen for the first beat. As soon as you hear the first heartbeat in your stethoscope, write down the pressure displayed on the gauge. This is your systolic pressure. In other words, it's the pressure when the arteries are tightest just after a heart beat. As soon as the pressure in the cuff is the same as your systolic pressure, blood can flow underneath the cuff during each of the heart's "pumps". This is why we use the pressure on the gauge during the first audible beat as the value for systolic pressure. Listen and feel for the beats to disappear. Keep listening. As soon as you can't hear any more pulse beats in your stethoscope, write down the pressure on the gauge. This is your diastolic pressure. In other words, it's the pressure when the arteries are "resting" between beats. As soon as the pressure in the cuff is the same as your diastolic pressure, blood can flow underneath the cuff even when the heart isn't pumping. This is why you can no longer hear pulses at this point and why we use the pressure on the gauge after the final heart beat as the value for diastolic pressure. Know what can affect your blood pressure. "Normal" blood pressure values are generally considered to be under 80 mm Hg for diastolic pressure and under 120 mm Hg for systolic pressure. If either of your blood pressure values is greater than these normal values, you may not have need for concern. A variety of conditions both serious and insignificant can affect a person's blood pressure. If one of the following conditions is true for you, try waiting until the condition subsides, then try again. Being nervous or stressed out Having eaten recently Having exercised recently Tobacco, alcohol, or drug use Note that if you have a consistently high blood pressure, you should contact your doctor (even if you feel fine). This can be a sign of hypertension (high blood pressure) or prehypertension, which can eventually develop into harmful conditions. | Take your blood pressure. Use the formula MAP = (2(DBP) + SBP)/3. Alternatively, use the formula MAP = 1/3(SBP – DBP) + DBP. For estimation purposes, use the formula MAP approx = CO × SVR. Consider using a calculator for convenience. Know the “normal” MAP range. Consult a doctor if you have dangerous MAP or blood pressure values. Know how certain medical conditions can affect MAP. Find your pulse. Inflate the cuff on your upper arm. Allow the cuff to deflate while you watch the pressure gauge. Listen for the first beat. Listen and feel for the beats to disappear. Know what can affect your blood pressure. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-a-Gift-Card-Code-to-Amazon | How to Apply a Gift Card Code to Amazon | If you have an Amazon gift card, you can apply it to your account by entering the claim code into the “Gift Card” section of your account settings. Start by signing into your Amazon account and clicking the “Your Account” tab. Then, click “Redeem a Gift Card” under the “Gift Cards” tab. Enter the card's claim code, which is the number on the back of the card. If you're redeeming a digital code, select it from the confirmation email and paste it into the claim code field. Finally, click “Apply to your balance” to add the gift card's balance to your Amazon account. You can also apply a gift card to a particular purchase. When you're ready to check out, enter the gift card code in the “Enter Code” field under the “Payment method” section. | Navigate to Amazon's site. Click the link provided to do so. If you're using the Amazon app, tap the app to open Amazon. You'll need an internet or data connection to access your account. Click the "Sign in" option. This is below and to the right of the search bar. On mobile, tap the three horizontal lines in the top left corner, then click "Sign in" at the top of the menu. Enter your email and password. When you're done, press "Sign in" to access your account. Click the "Your Account" tab. This is in the same place as the "Sign in" button was. Clicking the "Your Account" tab should link you straight to your account page. You can also hover your cursor over the "Your Account" tab and click "Your Account" at the top of the drop-down menu. On mobile, tap the three horizontal lines in the top left corner, then tap "Gift Cards and Registry". Click "Redeem a Gift Card". This option is under the "Gift Cards" tab of the "Your Account" page. On mobile, tap the "Gift Cards" option at the top of your screen. Enter your gift card's claim code in the claim code field. Your claim code should be on the back of your card; you may have to scratch the protective film off of the back to view the code. If you're redeeming a digital code, select the claim code from the confirmation email and paste it into the claim code field. For mobile, scroll down to "Redeem an Amazon Gift Card" and tap it. You can enter the claim code from here, Click or tap "Apply to your balance". This will add the gift card's balance to Amazon! Double-check your code's accuracy before entering it. Navigate to Amazon's site. Click the link provided to do so. Your gift card balance will be automatically applied to whichever purchase you make after entering the card's code; to apply your balance to a specific purchase, you'll need to enter the card's code at the checkout screen. If you're using the Amazon app, tap the app to open Amazon. You'll need an internet or data connection to access your account. Click the "Sign in" option. This is below and to the right of the search bar. On mobile, tap the three horizontal lines in the top left corner, then click "Sign in" at the top of the menu. Enter your email and password. When you're done, press "Sign in" to access your account. Add any items you wish to purchase to your cart. After you're done adding items, you'll be ready to check out. Click or tap the cart icon. This is in the top right corner of the Amazon interface. You can also click "Proceed to checkout" button below the cart icon. Click or tap the "Enter Code" field. This is under the "Payment method" section of the checkout screen. On mobile, you may have to scroll down to find this option. Enter your gift card's claim code. Your claim code should be on the back of your card; you may have to scratch the protective film off of the back to view the code. If you're redeeming a digital code, select the claim code from the confirmation email and paste it into the claim code field. Click or tap "Place your order". Your Amazon gift card balance should be applied to your order! Navigate to Amazon's site. Click the link provided to do so. If you're using the Amazon app, tap the app to open Amazon. You'll need an internet or data connection to access your account. Click the "Sign in" option. This is below and to the right of the search bar. On mobile, tap the three horizontal lines in the top left corner, then click "Sign in" at the top of the menu. Enter your email and password. When you're done, press "Sign in" to access your account. Navigate to the "Reload Your Balance" page. Click the link provided to do so. If you just want to add more money to your existing gift card balance, this menu lets you choose a dollar amount and a checking account; when you're ready to reload your balance, simply click "Reload $[X] Now". For mobile, you'll need to open the "Your Account" menu, scroll down to "Manage Gift Card Balance", enter your password, and tap "Reload Your Balance". Once you're in your balance menu, choose a dollar amount and the account from which you want to withdraw funds. Open the "Gift Cards" page. Click the link provided to do so. On mobile, this option is accessible by tapping the three horizontal lines at the top left corner of your screen, then tapping the "Gift Cards and Registry" tab. Review your purchase options. There are several ways you can purchase an Amazon gift card online: Select the "eGift" option to purchase a claim code. From this menu, you can select a dollar amount for the gift card, a recipient email address, and payment options. Click "Proceed to checkout" when you're ready to purchase your eGift. Select the "Print at Home" option to customize a gift card. From this menu, you can select a dollar amount, write a message, and choose a design. Click "Proceed to checkout" when you're ready to purchase and print. Select the "Mail" option to have a physical gift card mailed to your address. From this menu, you can select a dollar amount for the card and choose a design. Click "Proceed to checkout" when you're ready to purchase your card. Consider purchasing a physical gift card in a retail store. If you don't want to buy a card online, you can find Amazon gift cards in most popular retail stores such as Fred Meyer, Walmart, and Best Buy. Turn in your coins into a Coinstar machine (where available). Without a fee for this type of redemption method, you can "purchase" an Amazon gift card receipt/code that you can later enter at Amazon. | Navigate to Amazon's site. Click the "Sign in" option. Enter your email and password. Click the "Your Account" tab. Click "Redeem a Gift Card". Enter your gift card's claim code in the claim code field. Click or tap "Apply to your balance". Navigate to Amazon's site. Click the "Sign in" option. Enter your email and password. Add any items you wish to purchase to your cart. Click or tap the cart icon. Click or tap the "Enter Code" field. Enter your gift card's claim code. Click or tap "Place your order". Navigate to Amazon's site. Click the "Sign in" option. Enter your email and password. Navigate to the "Reload Your Balance" page. Open the "Gift Cards" page. Review your purchase options. Consider purchasing a physical gift card in a retail store. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-and-Prevent-Macaw-Bites | How to Treat and Prevent Macaw Bites | To treat a macaw bite, you should immediately wash the wound with warm water and soap. Then, visit your doctor so they can prescribe you antibiotics, which will kill the type of germs that macaws transfer when they bite. If the bite is painful or swollen, you can take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory to provide some relief. To prevent future macaw bites, feed your bird lots of treats by hand so it learns to trust you reaching towards it. Additionally, maintain a calm environment and move slowly around your macaw to avoid stressing it. | Wash the wound right away. Just as you would any other cut or bite, you should rinse the wound under warm water and clean it with soap. Wash away any visible debris or dirt in or around the wound. If the wound is bleeding significantly, apply first aid. See your doctor to receive special antibiotics. Doctors prescribe antibiotics for many cuts to help prevent infections. Macaws carry particular germs in their saliva that won't be killed by usual antibiotics, however. Your doctor will prescribe special ones like doxycycline instead of or in addition to more common medicines. Make sure to take the antibiotics exactly as your doctor tells you to. The microbes that macaws carry can cause fevers and other issues in addition to an infected wound. Take an over-the-counter product for pain and swelling. If the bite caused by the macaw is irritated or painful, an anti-inflammatory medicine or cream can provide some relief. Follow the product's directions for use. Ask your doctor if you have questions about which products are safe for you to use, if you aren't sure.. Give lots of treats by hand. Macaws are especially likely to bite your hand, since that is how you interact with the bird. If you give your friend lots of treats by hand, however, it will come to expect good things when you reach toward it, reducing the chances of a bite. Macaws will love treats like sunflower seeds, almonds, and banana. If the macaw bites often, offer treats on a wooden spoon. Praise your pet when they take the treat nicely. Over time, inch the end of the spoon closer to your hand until your macaw can take the treat without hurting you. Hold your feathered friend often. Take time everyday to hold your macaw, just for fun. Pet it, talk to it, and give it treats. This will make bird used to being in your hand, and less likely to become agitated and bite. When you only pick the bird up to take it out of the cage and put it back in, it will see your hand as a threat. Bonding with it by holding it will create more positive associations with your hand. Keep the bird below eye level. When macaws are low to the ground, they are less likely to become aggressive. If you don't have a specific reason to be holding your bird up high, it's best to keep it down low. This will also reduce the chance of a potentially painful bite to the face. Figure out if the macaw is afraid of something. Macaws aren't particularly aggressive birds, so if yours has a biting problem, it might just be reacting out of fear. For instance, if you have a dog, the bird might become scared when it's out of its cage and sees the canine. If you realize the bird is afraid of something, put distance between the two. Over time, you can try bringing the bird closer to whatever it's afraid of, and giving it lots of treats. This can create more positive associations, and prevent the biting reaction. Learn the warning signs. Macaws aren't likely to bite at random, and they will usually give you a warning that they're agitated before they bite. Pay attention to your bird's behavior. If you see it do things like narrow its pupils or ruffle its feathers before a bite, take these as your bird's way of warning you it's upset. Next time you see the warning sign, set the bird down immediately. Avoid over-exciting your friend. Macaws are more likely to bite because they are excited than out of pure aggression. Try to keep noise levels low, and move calmly around your bird, especially when handling it. This will help them to stay calm. Make sure your macaw is not sick. Illness can be another reason that a macaw bites. If yours doesn't feel well, it may want to be left alone. Biting is one way they can convey this message. If your bird has begun to bite, is eating less, or shows any other signs of unusual behavior, call your vet to have it examined. Do not yell or scream at your birdy. When an animal like a pet dog bites you, your cry of pain will scare the animal and signal that you do not want to be bit. For a macaw, however, crying out in reaction to a bite only encourages it to bite again. Tell the macaw “no” in a calm voice. Look the bird in the eye, and say “no” or “stop” in a normal voice. Ignore the instinct to pull yourself out of the macaw's beak, since this will make the bite worse and encourage the behavior. Just keep calmly saying “no” until the bird releases you. Gently blowing in the bird's face may also make it stop biting you. As you say no, try moving your hand closer to the bird rather than yanking it away. This will encourage the bird to release your hand. Lower the bird. To encourage the macaw to release you from its grip, lower it down to the ground. The bird won't like being moved downward, and will likely let go. This will also help send the message that you do not want to be bit. | Wash the wound right away. See your doctor to receive special antibiotics. Take an over-the-counter product for pain and swelling. Give lots of treats by hand. Hold your feathered friend often. Keep the bird below eye level. Figure out if the macaw is afraid of something. Learn the warning signs. Avoid over-exciting your friend. Make sure your macaw is not sick. Do not yell or scream at your birdy. Tell the macaw “no” in a calm voice. Lower the bird. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Boho-Chic | How to Look Boho Chic | To achieve a Boho Chic look, look for natural tones and fabrics, and for loose, flowy clothing in fun patterns. Additionally, choose bold accessories, like bangles, leather handbags with fringe, and crystal pendants. When it comes to shoes, look for leather or suede flats, sandals, or boots. Don't be afraid to wear several layers, and to mix materials and patterns like leather, suede, lace, and beads. At the same time, try not to go “overboard,” so limit yourself to a couple statement accessories instead of wearing everything you own. | Choose clothing in natural tones and fabrics. When building your Boho Chic wardrobe, choose items made from natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, velvet, chiffon, silk, leather, suede, and fur. You'll also want to choose items in natural tones and colors — for example, white, beige, brown, earthy reds and oranges, and dark greens. Note that wearing fur is considered by many to be cruel and unethical. If you like the look but don't want to wear real fur, there are many good faux fur clothing items available. Say yes to lace, crochet and other embellishments. Crocheted and lace dresses, tops, hats, and bags are staples of Boho Chic. Beads, fringe, and embroidery are also hugely popular, and can appear in your clothing and your accessories. Experiment with fun patterns. Boho Chic clothing comes in many patterns: floral and avant-garde-style accents are popular, as are checks and ethnic-inspired prints. If you do experiment with fun patterns, be sure to pair them with relatively neutral items for a balanced outfit. Think comfort. A key ingredient in Boho Chic style is comfort — you'll see a lot of soft, loose-fitting, flowy clothes, often worn in layers. Maxi dresses (full-length, usually loose-fitting dresses) are a great example of the flowy comfort common to Boho Chic. Cut-offs and a flowy white lace top paired with a long, beige knitted sweater is another example of a comfortable Boho Chic outfit. Combine fitted and flowy clothes. Not everything you wear has to be flowy — you can combine flowy shirts with fitted pants or skirts, or vice versa. Here's an example of an outfit you could wear in colder months, when the rain and snow make flowy dresses and skirts impractical: Pair some faded, fitted light-blue jeans with a white chambray top and a big, knitted, neutral-toned sweater. Add interest to the outfit with a long silver-chain necklace punctuated by a pretty stone pendant — turquoise would work well. You could also combine this outfit with a colorful, jewel-toned scarf. For shoes, go with brown, tan, or beige ankle boots with a relatively low, chunky heel. (Think cowboy boot heels.) Wear shoes in natural shades and fabrics. Ballet flats and ethnic-inspired sandals (i.e. Greek, Roman, or African) are the generally accepted staples of Boho Chic. For cooler weather, you can wear cowboy boots, ankle boots with thick heels, or high '70s-inspired boots. Leather and suede are the preferred fabrics for shoes; natural shades such as beige, tan, and brown are recommended. If you're vegan, it's possible to buy convincing vegan “leather” versions of natural leather shoes. Avoid neon. Bright colors are great for adding heat to your Boho Chic outfit; just make sure they're colors you would find in nature — for example, jewel tones like ruby red or sapphire blue, or the bright green-blue of a clear mountain lake. Don't go overboard. With all the patterns and layers available, building a Boho Chic outfit can be daunting. Avoid the temptation to wear all of your favourite things at once. You'll also want to avoid being too colourful: aim for mostly neutral tones plus one or two accent colors. It's also important to consider textures. Wearing patterned pants with a lace top and a crocheted fringe vest would definitely be going overboard. Similarly If you're wearing a beaded top, it may be overkill to wear a bunch of beaded necklaces with it. If you're unsure of what sort of color combinations to use, an online search for “Boho Chic color combinations” will return a lot of creative suggestions. Dress for your body type. If you're curvier, look for items with more structure, as flowy items and layers can make you look bigger than you are. If you're thin and short, you may get lost in long, flowy layers; aim for shorter tops and/or skirts, slimmer fits, and shoes with heels. Know that accessorizing is a must. Boho Chic is all about layers, and accessories are an important part of this. Wear bracelets. Bracelets are a must-have for the Boho Chic style. Thin silver bangles and colorful, woven Mexican bracelets are amongst the most popular types. For a creative twist, you could also wear wooden bangles. You can wear bracelets on your ankles (i.e. anklets) too! Thin, dangly silver ones are nice. You can also wear bracelets (also known as armbands) on your upper arms: braided and metal armbands are popular. Wear dangly earrings. Boho Chic earrings are dangly and often combine metal and natural stones. They can also include feathers and leather. As with everything that is Boho Chic, seek out natural shades and materials. Wear a necklace. Boho Chic necklaces range in lengths, but what they're composed of is generally the same: natural materials and colors. Leather, metals, stones, shells, fringe, cottons and wools are common materials. (These are also common materials for earrings and bracelets.) Ethnic-inspired pieces are particularly popular. Get at least one hat. Fedoras and floppy, wide-brimmed hats are popular in Boho Chic, as are crocheted caps. Floppy, wide-brimmed hats in neutral tones are often paired with long dresses, or with flowy tops and short shorts. Buy a headband. Floral headbands were hugely popular in summer 2015. Other types of head pieces that are popular include braided headbands and chain tiaras. Tying scarves or bandanas around your hair or wearing them as headbands is also popular. Get a colorful handbag. Colorfully patterned handbags as well as handbags with fringe and tassels are popular Boho Chic choices. As with everything Boho Chic, aim for natural fabrics and shades. Wear vintage-style sunglasses. Big sunglasses in varying shapes are key elements of Boho Chic. Round glasses and aviators are quite popular, but anything big and vintage-looking will do — choose what looks best on your face! Don't overdo it. Select your accessories carefully, taking your entire outfit into consideration. You want to make sure that a) your accessories match the tone of your outfit, and b) they aren't competing with each other. You don't need to wear five necklaces with big stone pendants on them: just choose the one that looks best with your outfit. You probably don't want to wear a chain tiara with jeans and a simple white top. It would be more appropriate with a summery maxi dress. Buy makeup in neutral shades. The idea is to look natural without appearing washed out. To figure out what shades of makeup to buy, look at your face when you're flushed: After working out or doing something that gets your heart rate up, have a look at your face. What color are your cheeks and lips? These are the colors you want to aim for in doing your Boho Chic makeup. Ensure that your skin looks even and unblemished. If you have perfect skin, lucky you! If you're like the rest of us, you'll want to put some concealer on any breakouts, and perhaps even put a foundation on your whole face. If your skin is pretty smooth, with only some light redness, try a tinted moisturizer, BB cream or CC cream instead of a full foundation. This will help even out your skin without being too thick or cakey. If your face is shiny, apply a light powder foundation. Do it with a brush instead of the applicator to help it spread more evenly. Apply a highlighter. Highlighting balms and powders are wonderful for adding a bit of extra glow to your face. Apply it to the inner corners of your eyes (the skin beside your tear ducts), your upper cheekbones, and in that little V-shaped dip where your philtrum meets your lips. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also apply a highlighter to other parts of your face, such as your chin and forehead. Apply blush to your cheeks. Once your face looks clear, add some light blush to your cheeks. Smile and apply a light dusting of blush from the apples of your cheeks outwards, following the natural curve of your cheek. When applying blush, think youthful radiance, not post-intense workout. A little bit of blush along the bridge of your nose will help give you a sun-kissed look — just don't go overboard lest you wind up looking sick, with a red nose. If you're tanned or have darker skin, you can use a bronzer instead of blush. Play up your eyes. Boho Chic makeup ranges from neutral to smokey eyes. For a more traditional Boho Chic, look, wear shades that play up your eyes without making it obvious that you're wearing makeup. Earthy browns, reds, and golds are popular paired with a non-clumping black mascara on curled lashes. If you do go for a more dramatic look on your eyes, stick with a neutral lip, otherwise you'll risk looking overly made up. Have healthy-looking lips. If you wear nothing else on your lips, wear lip balm to keep your lips looking soft and juicy. If you want to wear lipstick, choose something that looks natural on you. Glosses, stains, and moisturizing lipsticks in pink, peach, and wine and berry shades are popular. Avoid vibrant matte lipsticks and sparkly glosses — these will look unnatural on your lips. Go for a natural look with your hair. Boho Chic hair is most popularly shown as being long and wavy, and in natural browns, reds, and blondes. If you don't have long hair, don't worry, just aim for a hairstyle that looks classic — ideally not spikey, razored, or shaved. Loose braids and loose waves are amongst the most popular styles worn. If you insist upon flat ironing your hair, give it a bit of curve at the bottom so that it doesn't look unnaturally straight. | Choose clothing in natural tones and fabrics. Say yes to lace, crochet and other embellishments. Experiment with fun patterns. Think comfort. Combine fitted and flowy clothes. Wear shoes in natural shades and fabrics. Avoid neon. Don't go overboard. Dress for your body type. Know that accessorizing is a must. Wear bracelets. Wear dangly earrings. Wear a necklace. Get at least one hat. Buy a headband. Get a colorful handbag. Wear vintage-style sunglasses. Don't overdo it. Buy makeup in neutral shades. Ensure that your skin looks even and unblemished. Apply a highlighter. Apply blush to your cheeks. Play up your eyes. Have healthy-looking lips. Go for a natural look with your hair. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-over-Your-Fear-of-Sharks | How to Get over Your Fear of Sharks | To get over your fear of sharks, try gradually exposing yourself to them until they're not as scary anymore. For example, you could start by visiting an aquarium to look at sharks safely through the glass. Then, you could move on to petting a baby shark at an aquarium or fish store. After that, you could try cage-diving with sharks to watch them up close in a safe, controlled environment. Over time, as you slowly expose yourself to sharks and see for yourself that they're mostly harmless, you'll find that you're less and less afraid of them! | Learn as much as you can about sharks. To begin overcoming your fear of sharks, research sharks. Becoming familiar with the habits of the sharks will help you to dispel the myth that popular culture has created of the man eating sea monster. Some important key facts about sharks include: There are more that 465 known species of sharks. Sharks are apex marine predators and help regulate the ocean populations. Sharks exist on diets consisting of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, plankton, krill, marine mammals and other sharks. Understand that sharks don't eat humans. Human is not part of a shark's diet. There is no evidence of a man-eating shark. Humans contain too many bones and not enough fat for a shark to be interested in eating. Sharks would much rather make a meal out of a seal or a sea turtle than a human. Know your odds of a shark attack. Most people who fear sharks are specifically terrified of being attacked by a shark. Setting foot in the ocean brings up images of large razor-sharp teeth. However, shark attacks are extremely rare. The odds of being attacked by a shark are 1 in 11.5 million. On average, only 5 people die from shark-related fatalities each year. To put those odds into perspective, think about these common, every day things: Mosquitoes, bees, and snake bites are responsible for more deaths each year than sharks. You are more likely to get beach-related injuries such as spinal damage, dehydration, jellyfish stings, and sunburn than you are a shark attack injury. From 1990-2009, 15,000 people died in bicycle-related fatalities while only 14 people died from a shark attack. During that same period in Florida, over 112,000 people were injured in bicycle-related incidents while there were only 435 shark-related injuries. You are more likely to get attacked by a domestic dog than a shark. 40,000 people die annually in auto accidents in the United States. Know which species of sharks are most likely to bite humans. Out of over 465 known species, only a few have been known to bite humans. The great white shark, bull shark, and tiger shark have all been reported as biting humans. Tiger sharks are known to be social animals that divers have swum around safely. Great whites can be territorial and try to scare you out of their water, and they are curious, so they may bite to figure out what you are; however, there are accounts of large great whites being social animals that will play with divers. Divers all over the world have been known to dive among bull sharks. Whale sharks, one of the largest species of sharks, feeds mostly on plankton and is characterized as gentle. Realize that most shark bites are out of curiosity or from mistaken identity. Most shark bites are not intended to be harmful. Instead, the bites are exploratory and used by the shark to figure out what the person is. Think about a shark bite as the same gesture that a human does when it reaches out and explores something with her fingers. The other common reason shark bites occur is due to mistaken identity. Certain swimwear can confuse sharks. Wearing contrasting colors, like black and white or neon and black, along with patterns with high contrasting colors can confuse sharks into thinking the lighter sections of your swimwear is a fish. Think about the danger humans pose to sharks. Despite the few annual injuries caused to humans by sharks, humans cause exponentially more damage to sharks each year. Between 26 to 73 million sharks are killed and traded in markets each year by illegal poaching and by finning - slicing off the fin and then dumping the body overboard, sometimes while the animal is still alive. That's, on average, over 11,000 sharks killed per hour. 90% of the ocean's shark population has been depleted since 1970. Due to this, many species of sharks are on the endangered species list, and several species of sharks will become extinct in our lifetimes. Resist media shark sensationalism. Thanks to popular culture, sharks have become man-eating monsters from the depths of the ocean. Movies like Jaws have helped this stereotype; think of how many times the theme to Jaws is used to scare someone. But it's not just monster movies that have perpetuated this erroneous stereotype. Whenever there is a shark-human interaction, the news media goes crazy with it. They use the words shark attack , while many times there is no attack, just a simple shark encounter. 38% of so-called shark attacks reported from 1970-2009 in New South Wales, Australia resulted in no injury at all. A group of shark scientists have started campaigning to get the media terminology changed so that news reports would use terminology ranging from shark sighting and shark encounter to fatal shark bites so that the news media might stop perpetuating negative and harmful stereotypes about sharks. Talk to a shark expert. Visit a local aquarium and speak to the shark keeper. These scientists will have a vast knowledge about sharks and can answer any questions and address any concerns you have about these animals. Confront the sharks. One of the best ways to overcome your fear of sharks is to swim with them. Many aquariums offer opportunities for you to swim with sharks. This puts you in a safe, controlled environment with sharks so that you can face your fears and start to unravel the fear that all sharks are killers. Go diving or snorkeling in the ocean. Diving or snorkeling can give you a clear view of the ocean, where you can see that there are very few - if any - sharks in most ocean water, while it's full of coral, reefs, and fish. If you do swim among some sharks, you will realize that most sharks are docile creatures uninterested in humans. Go out into the water. Wade out into the water. Go swimming. Go surfing. Take a boat trip out into the ocean. Realize that being in the water isn't going to attract a shark. Don't let your fear of sharks stop you from enjoying ocean activities. When out in the water, put your hands in the water to help you get over your fears of the unknown. Visit the sharks. If swimming with sharks or going into the ocean is too much for you, start slowly. Get close to a shark by visiting your local aquarium to check out the shark exhibit. Walk right up to the glass and look into the shark's eyes. Acclimate yourself to the sharks. Watch them, see how they act around other marine life, study how they swim and move their body. Think of them as an animal instead of a monster. If you are truly afraid of getting close to a shark even behind glass, look at pictures of sharks. Watch documentaries and programs that feature the true nature of sharks instead of painting them as cold-blooded killers. Become comfortable with the reality of sharks, then slowly progress towards seeing them at the aquarium. Try petting baby sharks at your local fish store. At stores where they sell tropical fish, they may have small sharks. Ask the employees there if you can touch a baby shark. This gives you a chance to feel its skin and interact with it. Some aquariums also have this option. This may take away a lot of your nerves about sharks. Talk to a therapist or hypnotherapist. If none of these ideas work, try talking to a professional. A therapist might be able to help you get to the root of your phobia, which may be linked to some other, unrelated problem. A hypnotherapist might be able to help you overcome your fear by alternate means. Avoid dark, murky water. Water where you aren't easily visible can prove dangerous. A shark may not realize that you are a human and mistake you for food. This could result in a shark bite. Stay close to the shore. Try to stay away from steep drop offs and channel openings. Sharks are known to congregate in these places. Stay away from well-known shark beaches. While sharks are in the entire ocean, the most shark encounters seem to happen at certain beaches. A section of beach in Volusia County, Florida is well-known for its high number of shark encounters. Beaches in California, South Africa, and Australia also have a greater number of shark interaction. Research which beaches are known for sharks, and stay away from those beaches. Don't be in the ocean around dusk or dawn. These two times of day are the most active times of day for sharks. This is when they are feeding. Swimming, diving, and surfing during these times, especially in waters where sharks are known to be, can be dangerous. You are more likely to get bitten if you interrupt a shark's feeding time. Be cautious during full and new moons, too. These lunar cycles are when the tides are highest and may alter a shark's breeding or behavioral pattern. Resist spots with lots of seals. Be careful when swimming, diving, or surfing in spots with lots of seals. Seals are one of the main sources of food for sharks, so your chances of encountering a shark increase in these areas. You might also run the risk of a shark mistaking you for a seal and accidentally biting you. Never go into the water alone. Sharks are more likely to bite a single person than a group. Swim, dive, and surf with another person. If that isn't possible, stay close within the sights of lifeguards. If you want to go diving to swim with sharks, always go with someone who is experienced in swimming with sharks. They can help ensure your safety. Learn about how to behave around sharks before diving with sharks, and learn as much about sharks as you can beforehand. Don't go into the water while bleeding. Blood can attract sharks, so don't go into the water if you have a fresh cut or wound. If you are menstruating, consider waiting until you are finished, or wear a leak-proof tampon. Also refrain from swimming, diving, or surfing around areas that have dead, bleeding fish that could attract sharks. Avoid wearing shiny objects in the water. Sharks are attracted to shiny objects, along with flashes of light color on dark backgrounds. To avoid attracting a shark, don't wear jewelry, shiny bathing suits, or a mixture of bright and dark colors while in the water. Don't thrash around. If you find yourself near a shark that may be dangerous, like a great white, tiger, or bull shark, don't thrash around. Sharks are attracted to sudden, fast movements; they mistake it for a fish, and therefore, their prey. Try to move away from the shark as calmly and slowly as possible, though swim quickly if the shark is following you. Wear special shark-repelling suits. Scientists have designed sea-camouflage suits that help divers blend in to the surrounding sea life, along with developing other suits that resemble fish that sharks avoid because they are poisonous. Another company developed a Shark Shield, a device that repels sharks by emitting electromagnetic pulses. These devices can be used on kayaks, fishing boats, and dive kits. | Learn as much as you can about sharks. Understand that sharks don't eat humans. Know your odds of a shark attack. Know which species of sharks are most likely to bite humans. Realize that most shark bites are out of curiosity or from mistaken identity. Think about the danger humans pose to sharks. Resist media shark sensationalism. Talk to a shark expert. Confront the sharks. Go out into the water. Visit the sharks. Try petting baby sharks at your local fish store. Talk to a therapist or hypnotherapist. Avoid dark, murky water. Stay away from well-known shark beaches. Don't be in the ocean around dusk or dawn. Resist spots with lots of seals. Never go into the water alone. Don't go into the water while bleeding. Avoid wearing shiny objects in the water. Don't thrash around. Wear special shark-repelling suits. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Pitch | How to Play Pitch | To play Pitch, start by dealing out 6 cards to each player, then having each person place a bid of 2, 3, or 4 cards. Next, determine the trump suit by having the highest bidder throw down the first card. Then, have the rest of the players, starting from the left of the highest bidder, throw down 1 card. Afterwards, determine the winner of the hand based on who has the highest card in suit, or the highest trump card. Continue the round until everyone is out of cards, then tally up the points for the first round and keep playing until someone reaches 21 points. | Get at least three players together. Pitch requires at least three people, though you can play with more. Typically, a traditional game is played with partners. So, four players are ideal for this game. The dealer shuffles and then deals out six cards to each player. The dealer should hand out the cards in the pattern of 1, then 2, then 3 cards per deal. Evaluate your cards. Once the cards have been dealt, look at the cards you've been given. If you're playing with a partner, look at the cards with your partner. The values for the cards are: Ten: 10 points. Ace: 4 points. King: 3 points. Queen: 2 points. Jack: 1 point. Make bids. Every player must now make a bid. How much you bid corresponds to how much confidence you have in the hand you've been dealt. The bidding starts with the person to the left of the dealer, and goes in a circle. You can bid 2, 3, or 4 cards. The bid represents the number of points that you think you will get in this hand. If you aren't confident at all, you may pass, unless you are the last to bid (i.e. the dealer) and everyone else has passed, in which case you have to bid at least 2. Match the bids. Once someone has placed a bid, you have to match them, surpass them, or pass on your turn. For example, you cannot bid two if three has already been bid. The point of bidding is to figure out who is the most confident in their hand, because that is the person who is going to get to choose the trump suit. Know how the trump works. The points that you can get in pitch are these: high of trump, low of trump, jack of trump, and game. "High" is the highest trump card played, "low" is the lowest trump card played, "jack" is the jack of trump, and "game" has to do with how many face cards you end up with. Determine who has the highest trump. Which suit becomes trump depends on who bids the highest, because whoever bids the highest gets to throw down first. The first card that they throw down becomes the trump suit. Therefore, if you have the ace of spades, the two of spades, and the jack of spades, you probably want to bid four, because then you will get to make "spades" the trump suit and you will probably be able to get four points. Throw down the first card. Whoever bid the highest gets to throw down first. Whichever is the first card that they throw becomes the trump suit. Play continues to the left. Everyone throws down one card. The winner of the "hand" is the person who has thrown either the highest card in suit, or the highest trump card. Trump can be played anytime. Trump always beats "in suit." Complete the first round. The winner of the hand is the player that puts down the trump card or the highest suit. The game continues on until everyone is out of cards. When everyone is out of cards (which should happen concurrently), the cards are tallied up to see who gets points. The winner of the round gets to take all of the cards that he has won. Hand out the points. If the highest initial bidder (the person who threw the trump at the beginning of the game) has come up with the points that they bid, he gets those points. If not, he gets negative of those points. Meanwhile, anyone else who scores points gets them free of charge (i.e., if the bidder bid 3, and he got high low and game, he gets 3 points). The person who got jack gets 1 point. If the bidder bid 3, and got high and low, he gets negative three points. Whoever got jack gets a point, whoever got game gets a point. Points are assigned as follows: 1 point to the lowest trump card played. 1 point to the highest trump card played. 1 point to the jack of trump. 1 point to "game." This is the person with the highest number, if you count the 10 card of any suit as 10 and each jack as 1, queen as 2, king as 3, ace as 4. Play until someone reaches 21 points. In a traditional game, the game ends when someone reaches 21 games. The game should also end when all of the playable cards have been played. The game may end sooner or later if you are playing a variation of the game. You can choose to make the end of the game be reached at 32 points. Play with money. In this version of the game, players pay for ten cents a point. The players in this version play individually. There are no partners. Players can leave the game after any hand. Ten cents are received for each point that is above average. The players lose ten cents for each point they are below the average. The smudge bid (4 point bid) is called “shooting the moon” in this version of the game. One dollar is received for a successful attempt at shooting the moon. Play a cutthroat game. There aren't any partners in this version of the game. Every person plays individually. This version is called “cutthroat” because players are allowed to gang up against the bidder. The goal is to prevent the bidder from making their bid. The players in the game should try to convince the bidder that their bid is not good. This can be done by intimidation, or by bluffing about the bid you are about to make. Make sure rules are set before the game. For example, determine is insults and swearing will be allowed. Choose to play another version of the money game. Another version of the money game is called “Racehorse.” It is usually played by five or more players that are playing for themselves. One dollar is received from each player for each successful bid that is made. If a bid fails, the player that made the losing bid pays one dollar to each player. | Get at least three players together. Evaluate your cards. Make bids. Match the bids. Know how the trump works. Determine who has the highest trump. Throw down the first card. Complete the first round. Hand out the points. Play until someone reaches 21 points. Play with money. Play a cutthroat game. Choose to play another version of the money game. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recycle-Your-Socks | How to Recycle Your Socks | Recycling socks is a great way to use mismatched socks that you can no longer wear. To use a sock as a duster, stick your hand inside the sock and dampen it with water or furniture polish. Then, wipe surfaces around your home. Alternatively, create a hot pack for sore muscle by filling the sock with rice and tying a knot at the top. When you want to use it, simply microwave it for 1 minute to warm it up. You can also easily turn a sock into a drink cozy. All you need to do is cut off the top so you're left with enough material to wrap around your cup. If you want to make it look neater, turn down the top rim about 1 inch and sew in a hem. You can also cut a vertical slit on the side of the sock to leave space for a handle. | Pull the sock over your hand. Fuzzy socks work best because the texture picks up dust and hair better than smooth socks. Simply stick your hand inside the sock. Dampen the sock. While fuzzy socks can pick up a lot when dry, other socks cannot. Run the sock under the faucet or add furniture polish. You don't need a lot, only enough to cover the outside of the sock. Wipe dust off your surfaces. The sock is ready to be used. Go and wipe it over any surface where dust has collected. When it looks like the sock is too full of hair and dust to pick up more, brush it off over a trash can or turn it inside-out to continue dusting. Wash the sock. Throw the sock in the washer and dryer cycle with the rest of your laundry. Your sock will come out fresh and ready to use again. Fill the sock with rice. The best socks for heat packs are long ones without holes. Add four cups (946.4 mL) of non-instant white rice or other heatable food, including dried corn kernels and flaxseed, to the sock. The amount of filler you use can be adjusted. Less for example makes the heat pack softer and able to be used to focus on smaller areas on your body. Tie a knot at the top of the sock. Wrap the end of the sock so that you can twist it into the knot. This keeps the filler from spilling out and giving away heat. Microwave the sock. Limit the amount of time microwaving to one minute at a time and no more than three minutes. The sock can get too hot and the filler can burn. The sock should feel warm to the touch but not painful. Keeping a cup of water in the microwave next to the sock will slow down the heating process. Place the sock on your body. Now that the sock is warm, it is useful for treating cold, sore, or painful spots. Drape the sock on the painful muscle or area or press it against the area you wish to treat. Measure the length of sock you need. If you have a specific size you need, such as for your favorite coffee container, break out the tape measure. Hold it up to the cup. Measure only the part you want covered by the cozy, then add an inch (2.54 cm). Measure up from the toe of the sock. If you want the cozy to bunch up a little, add extra length to your calculation. Cut off the top of the sock. When you get to the end of the length of sock you need, remove anything above it by cutting across with scissors. At this point, you may be able to use the sock as an undecorated cozy. Turn the sock inside-out. Reverse the sock. Working with the less attractive inside of the sock will leave you with a better-looking cozy later. Fold the sock downwards. Find the end that's going to be the top of your cozy. Take the top and fold it downwards about one inch (2.54 cm). Sew the hem. Use a sewing needle to secure the bottom of the folded part to the rest of the sock underneath it. If you don't want to sew, you can also place bonding tape between the parts of the sock and iron them together or use fabric glue. Fabric glue requires you to place a heavy object, such as a book, on top of the sock and let the glue sit for an hour. Turn the sock inside out. Reverse the sock again. This time the sewing marks or other adhesive will be on the inside of the cozy where you can no longer see it. For most drink containers, the cozy will be ready for use. Cut out a handle. In case you are making a cozy for a coffee mug, find the side you want to use for a handle. With scissors, cut a vertical slit in the middle of the sock. Also remove any frayed ends. It is a good idea to apply a little bit of fabric glue around the edges of the hole to protect the threads from fraying. Add corn kernels to a sock. Pour the cup (236.6 mL) of dry kernels or other heat-absorbent foodstuff, such as dried beans or peas, into the sock. Let it settle at the bottom. Place quilt batting in the sock. Add an equal amount of fluffy stuffing as you did foodstuff. Quilt batting is a heat-absorbent stuffing found at craft stores. You can substitute in another stuffing, such as that from an old pillow. Alternate layers. Next, add another cup of your corn kernels, then follow it with another cup of quilt batting. Alternate these layers until the sock is stuffed all the way to the top. Stuff another sock. This is optional but can be done to cover a large crack, such as the underside of a doorway. You may need to create one or two more draft protectors, depending on the length of sock. Repeat the steps to fill these socks with half corn kernels, half stuffing. Pull the sock ends over one another. Place the open end of one of your socks next to the bottom end of another one, if combining them into a larger draft protector. Pull the open end over the bottom of the next sock. Repeat this with other socks you wish to add. Sew the socks together. Where the socks meet, take needle and thread. Sew the hem of the outer sock to the one it covers. Alternatively, apply fabric glue and let it rest for an hour. Decorate the socks as you please, such as by sewing on eyes and a tongue to form a snake. Place a tennis ball inside the sock. Push the dog's ball down to the toe of the sock. Other objects that can be put inside the sock instead of a ball include treats or an empty plastic water bottle. The dog will enjoy any of these objects but the sock will cause them to last longer than store-bought toys. Tie a knot above the ball. Wrap the sock around itself to form a knot. Do this above the ball so the dog has an easier time picking up the toy and won't chew the ends off immediately. If you want the dog to get the object out right away, such as with a treat, don't tie the sock. Bunch the sock into a ball. Test out the toy with your dog. Throw the toy. The dog will likely see that the toy is in the shape of a ball, smell the treat, or hear the water bottle. As long as they've seen the object inside the sock, they won't use your good socks as chew toys. Monitor the toy for damage. After use, the sock will eventually begin to wear down. Trim off any frayed threads while the sock is in use and pick up torn pieces. When the sock is too damaged, replace the toy. Some dogs may consume pieces of the sock, which can lead to bowel blockage, so be careful and opt for smoother socks. | Pull the sock over your hand. Dampen the sock. Wipe dust off your surfaces. Wash the sock. Fill the sock with rice. Tie a knot at the top of the sock. Microwave the sock. Place the sock on your body. Measure the length of sock you need. Cut off the top of the sock. Turn the sock inside-out. Fold the sock downwards. Sew the hem. Turn the sock inside out. Cut out a handle. Add corn kernels to a sock. Place quilt batting in the sock. Alternate layers. Stuff another sock. Pull the sock ends over one another. Sew the socks together. Place a tennis ball inside the sock. Tie a knot above the ball. Test out the toy with your dog. Monitor the toy for damage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Picking-Your-Lips | How to Stop Picking Your Lips | To stop picking your lips, try exfoliating them with a wet toothbrush so you're not tempted to pick at the dead skin on your lips. Also, regularly apply a lip balm with moisturizing ingredients, such as shea butter, cocoa butter, or jojoba oil, in order to hydrate and heal your lips. Make sure to use your lip balm instead of licking your lips whenever they feel dry, since the enzymes in your saliva will cause them to dry out even more. You should also drink more water throughout the day to prevent dry lips as a result of dehydration. | Work on conditioning your lips instead of picking. Do you absentmindedly pick away the dead skin that builds up on your lips? When you feel a bit of skin flaking off, it may be impossible to resist picking it. However, picking your lips doesn't actually make them less dry or healthier. Instead of picking the skin off, try putting that energy into making your lips healthier. The result will be supple, dry-skin-free lips that look great, rather than rough-looking lips that bleed where you pick them. If your picking habit is actually a persistent bad habit or nervous tic, it'll take more than conditioning your lips to fix the problem. See How to Break a Bad Habit for help on putting a stop to your lip picking for good. If you're worried you can't stop on your own, see a therapist and determine whether you might have Compulsive Skin Picking disorder, which is closely linked with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. This is very difficult to solve on your own, so seek the help of someone who can advise you. Brush your lips with a toothbrush. Moisten your lips with warm water, then use a clean toothbrush to gently brush them in a circular motion. This will remove the buildup of dry, dead skin that's causing your lips to be chapped and flaky. While picking your lips often removes too much skin and results in bleeding, brushing your lips removes just the top layer of dead skin, keeping the protective layer in place. A clean loofah is another good item to use to brush your lips. Just make sure you don't use an older loofah, since these can harbor bacteria. Do not scrub your lips too hard with the brush. It's OK if your lips are still a little rough after brushing. You may need more than one session to completely get rid of the dead skin. Try a sugar scrub. This is a great option if your lips are very chapped and sore, since it's a little gentler than using a brush. Make a simple mixture of one teaspoon of sugar and one teaspoon of honey. Spread a little on your lips and use your fingers to massage the scrub across your lips. It will remove the top layer of dead skin without damaging the layer underneath. When you're finished, rinse your lips with warm water. Apply an emollient lip balm. An emollient is a substance that traps moisture in your skin and protects it from getting dried out. When your lips are severely chapped or torn up, regular chapstick may not be enough to help them heal. Look for a product that contains one of the following emollients as a primary ingredient: Shea butter Cocoa butter Jojoba oil Avocado oil no Rosehip oil Coconut butter Repeat until your lips are free of dry skin. It may take more than one conditioning session to get your lips back into shape. Every few days, repeat the process of exfoliating your lips. In between sessions, wear an emollient product on your lips during the day and at night while you sleep. Don't repeat the process more than once a day, since that could cause skin irritation. Avoid using products that dry out your lips. Your average drugstore lip balm is likely to contain ingredients that actually make your lips drier over time. Keep using a good emollient balm with gentle ingredients. Avoid products (including lipsticks, stains and glosses) that contain the following skin irritants: Alcohol Fragrance Silicones Parabens Camphor, eucalyptus, or menthol Flavorings like cinnamon, citrus, and mint Salicylic acid Don't lick your lips. You might be compelled to lick your lips when they're dry, but enzymes in your saliva will cause them to dry out even more. Just as you're resisting the urge to pick, resist the urge to lick. Protect your lips overnight. Do you tend to wake up with dry lips? That may be the result of sleeping with your mouth open. When you breathe through your mouth all night long, your lips can dry out quickly. While it may be difficult to change your breathing habits, you can correct the problem by protecting your lips at night. Remember to apply lip balm every night before bed so you'll wake up with lips that are moisturized instead of flaky. Drink lots of water. Dry, chapped lips are often a side effect of dehydration. It's possible you aren't drinking enough water during the day. Drink every time you get thirsty, and try to switch out coffee and soda for water whenever possible. Within a few days your lips will be softer and better moisturized. Alcohol is notorious for causing dehydration. If you tend to wake up with chapped lips, try cutting off alcohol use a few hours before bed and drinking lots of water before you go to sleep. Carry a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day so you'll always have fresh water available when you're thirsty. Try a humidifier. If your skin is naturally dry, a humidifier can be a lifesaver, especially during the winter. Humidifiers add moisture to dry air so that it's much easier on your skin. Set one up in your bedroom and see if you can tell the difference after a few days. Eat less salt. Salt buildup on the lips can cause them to dry out quickly. Changing your diet so that it includes less salt might make a big difference in the texture of your lips. When you do eat salty foods, rinse your lips with warm water afterward so the salt doesn't sit on your lips. Avoid smoking. Smoking is tough on lips, causing dryness and irritation. If you're a smoker, there are lots of good reasons to kick the habit , and having healthy lips is one of them. Try to cut back on smoking as much as possible to save your lips from getting damaged. Protect your lips from sunburn. Just like the rest of your skin, the skin on your lips is susceptible to sun damage. Wear lip balm with SPF 15 or higher to protect your lips from getting burned. Cover your face in cold or dry weather. There's nothing like the cold, dry air of winter to make your lips dry and flaky. If you tend to pick your lips more in the winter than in the summer, that's why. Try pulling your scarf up over your mouth when you go outside to protect your lips from the cold. | Work on conditioning your lips instead of picking. Brush your lips with a toothbrush. Try a sugar scrub. Apply an emollient lip balm. Repeat until your lips are free of dry skin. Avoid using products that dry out your lips. Don't lick your lips. Protect your lips overnight. Drink lots of water. Try a humidifier. Eat less salt. Avoid smoking. Protect your lips from sunburn. Cover your face in cold or dry weather. |
https://www.wikihow.com/File | How to File | To file documents, try creating a folder for each month and a folder for each day of the month if you have a lot of tasks to work on. Then, you can file your documents in the right folder depending on when you need to work on them. Alternatively, if you're filing documents on individuals, businesses, or specific subjects, create a folder for each letter of the alphabet and file the documents alphabetically. Whichever method you choose, consider color coding your files so they're easier to find. | Create a central in-box to hold papers until you can sort them. A central in-box is where you put all of the papers that come across your desk or through your mailbox each day. This may help you to stay organized until you have time to sort and handle each item. You can use a small cardboard box as your central in-box, or get a special box, basket, or tray for this purpose. Place the box on the corner of your desk, on a table near your front door, or somewhere else visible so that you will not forget about it. Go through the in-box daily and set aside important items. Look at each of the items in your in-box once per day to look for items that require your immediate attention. These may include bills that are due soon, party invitations, or time-sensitive forms. Set these items aside so that you can take care of them immediately. You may want to get a second box in a different color than the first box to put urgent items into. For example, you could get a red box to indicate that these are urgent items. Place items that you want to file in a filing box. Keep a third box next to the central in-box and urgent box. Use this as your collection point for items you want to file. This will help you to keep them organized until you are ready to file them. Make sure this box is a different color than the other boxes. Otherwise, you may get the boxes mixed up. Toss unneeded items into a paper recycling bin. Any junk mail or other non-essential items that end up in your in-box can go straight into the recycling bin. Identify these items as you sift through the documents and move them to the bin right away to help keep your in-box clutter free. Keep your recycling bin on the floor so that you will not confuse it with your other boxes. If any of the unneeded items contain personal information, shred them before disposing of them. Designate a monthly and daily file if you have a lot of tasks to manage. This is known as the Tickler filing system and it is a great way to keep track of what you need to do each day. Designate a file folder for each month and a folder for each day of the month. Then, insert items into the files. File the items according to the dates you need to work on them. For example, if you need to pay a bill on September 23rd, then insert the bill into the folder for that date. File folders alphabetically to keep important documents handy. Alphabetical filing is useful for finding files for individual people, businesses, or subjects. This may be ideal if you have lots of customers and you want to keep a file on each one, or if you want a simple way to manage your home filing. Make sure to place the last name of individuals first on files labels, such as, “Jones, Susan” or “Watson, David.” Ignore words like “The,” “A,” and “An” when filing by business name. For example, if you have a client whose business is called “The Cake Goddess,” then file according to the “C” in “Cake,” and ignore the “T” in “The” when filing. Choose a numerical filing system for short term filing needs. If you have a short term project that you want to maintain records for, then a numerical filing system may work best. This is when you assign a number to each document and file it according to number. However, keep in mind that you will also have to keep track of which document corresponds to which number, such as by using a spreadsheet. For example, you might assign all of the items you received during the week of March 14th to a file folder labeled 1, then all the items for the week of March 21st in a file labeled 2, and so on. Another option is to label the files by date and organize them chronologically. For example, items received on May 2nd, 2018 could be kept in a file labeled 5/2/2018. Color-code your files to make finding items quick and easy. Designate a color to each category of your files. This will help you to locate a category of files at a glance. For example, use red for medical bills, blue for taxes, and green for insurance. To color-code numerical or alphabetical files, assign a color to a numerical or alphabetical range, such as making files 1-25 or A-G green, 25-50 or H-M purple, and 50-75 or N-R yellow. Include additional relevant information on the file folder. Adding additional information to describe the contents of the file or any action required will also help to make your filing system more efficient. To do this, you may want to add 1 or more of the following items: File number or name File title Date the file was opened and closed Name of the department or team Computer record number Disposal date and method of disposal Place the most recent document on top of the file. Use the date that is listed on the document to help you do this. After you have your papers ready to file and your filing system set up, you can begin placing items into files. Always make sure to keep the most recent documents for each file right on top so they will be easy to access. For example, if you have a file for your homeowner's insurance, then you would want to place the most recent record of your paid homeowner's insurance on the top of the file. Keep attachments with the documents they relate to. If you have any relevant receipts or other documents that need to be kept along with another document, make sure to keep them together in the same file. You may even want to staple or paperclip attachments to the back of the document. For example, if you have a receipt for paying your electric bill, staple it behind the bill in case you need to reference it. Place large documents into separate envelopes. You can file these envelopes behind the files that they are related to. Make sure to include a description of the contents on the front of the envelope. This will help to eliminate clutter in your files and improve the efficiency of your filing system. For example, if you have the blueprints for a project you are working on, you could place these into a large envelope. File the original document and dispose of any copies. Not filing duplicates will help to prevent confusion when you are looking for an item in your files. If you come across any duplicates, dispose of these and only file the original document. If you are unsure which document is the original, then you might need to file both items to be sure you have the original. However, try not to do this too often or your files will bulk up quickly! | Create a central in-box to hold papers until you can sort them. Go through the in-box daily and set aside important items. Place items that you want to file in a filing box. Toss unneeded items into a paper recycling bin. Designate a monthly and daily file if you have a lot of tasks to manage. File folders alphabetically to keep important documents handy. Choose a numerical filing system for short term filing needs. Color-code your files to make finding items quick and easy. Include additional relevant information on the file folder. Place the most recent document on top of the file. Keep attachments with the documents they relate to. Place large documents into separate envelopes. File the original document and dispose of any copies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Single-Cup-of-Coffee | How to Make a Single Cup of Coffee | To make a single cup of coffee, start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a kettle or pot. While that's heating up, insert a filter into a coffee maker. Then, pour a quarter of the hot water into the filter to rinse it out, which will remove any residue that could affect the taste of your coffee. Next, add 2-3 tablespoons of coffee grounds to the filter and pour in enough of the hot water to completely saturate the grounds. Finally, slowly pour the rest of the water into the filter for 3-4 minutes to brew your coffee. | Measure out 21 grams, or about 2-3 tablespoons, of coffee grounds. If you have a digital kitchen scale , use it to measure out 21 grams of grounds for the most precise brew. However, if you don't have a kitchen scale available, you can just measure out about 2-3 tablespoons' worth of coffee grounds instead. Adjust up or down depending on how strong you like your coffee. You can set the measured coffee grounds aside for now. Don't forget to calibrate your digital scale before you start measuring! Insert a #4 cone filter into the pour-over brewer. Tuck the cone filter inside the coffee maker, making sure the sides of the filter are as flat as possible against the brewer's walls. You may need to line up the folded sides of the filter with the brewer's handle, but not all brewers require this. Your brewer should come with a glass carafe that goes underneath the brewer. If it doesn't, use a tall glass mug. Add 2 cups (470 ml) of water to a kettle and bring it to a boil. Fill your kettle with about 2 cups (470 ml) of water and place it on the stove. Turn your burner to HIGH and wait for the kettle to whistle, which indicates the water is boiling. The typical ratio of water to coffee grounds is.5 cups (120 ml) of water for each tablespoon of coffee. You're using about 3 tablespoons of coffee, so you'll need 1.5 cups (350 ml) of water to make 1 serving of coffee. You're boiling a total of 2 cups (470 ml) of water so you can use the other.5 cups (120 ml) of water to rinse out the filter. If you don't have a kettle, you can always use a regular pot for this. Just be extra careful when you're pouring the boiling water into the brewer! Pour about .5 cups (120 ml) of hot water into the filter to rinse it out. Take the kettle off the stove and pour a small amount of hot water into the filter. Aim to use about.5 cups (120 ml) of hot water, but it doesn't have to be exact. Rinsing out the filter first gets rid of the papery residue on its surface, which can affect the taste of the coffee, and warms up the brewer. You can discard the rinsing water immediately. Place the kettle on a heat-safe surface. You can place the kettle back on the stove if you'd like, but you don't need to continue heating the water over a hot burner. The boiled water needs to sit for about 60 seconds before you use it, so any heat-safe surface will do. 60 seconds is the perfect amount of time to finish preparing the filter and coffee grounds! Add the pre-measured coffee grounds to the filter. Dump the grounds into the rinsed filter and make sure to level them off so that the surface of the grounds is as flat as possible. You don't need to do anything special for this—you can just gently shake the brewer until the grounds settle evenly into the filter. Pour in enough hot water to saturate the coffee grounds completely. Slowly and steadily pour the hot water from the kettle over the coffee grounds in the filter. Aim for the center of the grounds and use slow, circular motions to saturate from the center out toward the edges. Stop as soon as the grounds are fully saturated and before brewed coffee starts to drip through the filter. This technique is called a “bloom pour” and it prevents your coffee from tasting too bitter or too weak. Pour the rest of the hot water slowly into the filter. Stay in the center of the grounds as you continue to pour. Be sure to keep the dripper about half full during this time, which means your pouring pretty slowly! It will take approximately 3-4 minutes for you to pour the rest of the water and brew the full cup of coffee. Remove the coffee filter and brewer and enjoy your coffee. Transfer the freshly brewed coffee from the glass carafe to your coffee mug. Stir in sugar, cream, milk, cinnamon, or any other add-ins of your choice and enjoy your brew! Put 2 tablespoons (10 grams) of coarse grind coffee in the bottom of the press. When you're using a French press, coarse grind coffee will definitely give the best flavor and prevent you from ending up with a bitter cup of coffee. The granules should be about the size of breadcrumbs. Measure the grounds out and dump them into the bottom of your French press. You can adjust the amount of coffee grounds to suit your personal preference. Bring 1 cup (240 ml) of water to a boil over high heat. Fill your kettle with about 1 cup (240 ml) of water and place it on your stove. Crank the burner up to HIGH and wait for the water to come to a rolling boil. For the best flavor, use bottled or filtered water. If you want to use water from your tap, let it run for a few seconds before adding it to the kettle. Take the kettle off the burner and let it sit for 30-60 seconds. If you pour the water in immediately while it's still boiling, it will scald the coffee grounds and negatively affect the test. Remove the kettle from the heat, place it on heat-safe surface, and let cool for about a minute. If you want to get super technical, the water should cool to 195 °F (91 °C) before pouring it into the French press. It should reach that temperature in about 1 minute, but you can always use a thermometer if you want to be certain. Fill the press carafe halfway with water and set a timer for 4 minutes. It's important to start with half of the water so that your coffee doesn't end up too bitter or too weak. This saturation technique is called the “bloom.” Once you've poured the water, set a timer for 4 minutes. Stir the grounds after 60 seconds have passed. 1 minute into the 4-minute brewing process, you need to stir the grounds to break up the caked-together blobs that are floating to the top of the water. Use a spoon to separate the coffee grounds on the water's surface. You may need to use a vigorous up-and-down motion to get the grounds to break up fully. Pour in the remaining water and put the lid on the French press. Right after breaking up the grounds, pour the rest of the hot water into the press, starting in the center and working in a circular motion outward. Then, place the lid on your French press, but don't engage the plunger yet. Engage the plunger at the 4-minute mark. When your timer goes off, it's time to plunge! Press the plunger all the way down to the bottom. The plunger should move easily and without resistance. Then, pour your coffee into your mug and enjoy it immediately. If the plunger seems resistant, make sure the mesh filter is lowered evenly. Be sure to pour all of the coffee out of the press right away to prevent it from over-steeping and getting bitter. Measure out 2 tablespoons (10 grams) of finely ground coffee. If you're using an Aero Press, it's important to use finely ground coffee for the best tasting brew. Avoid coarse brews when using this gadget. If you only have coarsely ground coffee on hand, try popping it in a coffee grinder for 15 seconds or so before using it. Bring 1.25 cups (300 ml) of water to a boil over high heat. You'll use about 1 cup (240 ml) of water to brew your coffee, but you need the other.25 cups (59 ml) cup of water for rinsing out the filter. Once it comes to a boil, remove the kettle from the heat and place it on a heat-safe surface. It needs to sit for about 60 seconds before you start using it. Rinsing the filter first ensures a better-tasting cup of coffee. Bottled or filtered water will give you the best tasting coffee, but tap water will work fine if that's all you have on hand. Situate the filter into the Aero Press's cap and put it over your mug. Nestle the paper filter into the filter slot located in the press's cap. Once it's in place, put the Aero Press right on top of your coffee mug. The press is made to fit over a mug perfectly. Dribble a small bit of hot water on the filter to get it wet. You'll only need to use about.25 cups (59 ml) of water for this process, if even that amount. Aim to saturate the filter but don't pour in so much water that it starts dripping through the press. Add the pre-measured coffee grounds to the filter. All you need to do is dump the grounds into the filter opening and you're all set. Try to make the surface of the grounds as flat and even as possible once you dump them into the filter. To flatten the surface of the grounds, shake the filter gently so the grounds settle. You can also just use a spoon the smooth out the surface. Pour in the rest of the hot water and stir the coffee mixture 1 time. Dump the rest of the water out of the kettle into the filter, right on top of the coffee grounds. Then, use a spoon or paddle stirrer to give the coffee mixture 1 brief stir. Avoid stirring vigorously—1 brief stir is all you need. Insert and engage the plunger to brew your cup of coffee. Put the plunger right over the coffee and water mixture and press down on the plunger until you hear a hissing sound. The coffee will brew straight into your coffee mug. The hissing sound simply indicates that the brewing process is complete. Be sure to let the liquid cool off a little before enjoying your java! | Measure out 21 grams, or about 2-3 tablespoons, of coffee grounds. Insert a #4 cone filter into the pour-over brewer. Add 2 cups (470 ml) of water to a kettle and bring it to a boil. Pour about .5 cups (120 ml) of hot water into the filter to rinse it out. Place the kettle on a heat-safe surface. Add the pre-measured coffee grounds to the filter. Pour in enough hot water to saturate the coffee grounds completely. Pour the rest of the hot water slowly into the filter. Remove the coffee filter and brewer and enjoy your coffee. Put 2 tablespoons (10 grams) of coarse grind coffee in the bottom of the press. Bring 1 cup (240 ml) of water to a boil over high heat. Take the kettle off the burner and let it sit for 30-60 seconds. Fill the press carafe halfway with water and set a timer for 4 minutes. Stir the grounds after 60 seconds have passed. Pour in the remaining water and put the lid on the French press. Engage the plunger at the 4-minute mark. Measure out 2 tablespoons (10 grams) of finely ground coffee. Bring 1.25 cups (300 ml) of water to a boil over high heat. Situate the filter into the Aero Press's cap and put it over your mug. Dribble a small bit of hot water on the filter to get it wet. Add the pre-measured coffee grounds to the filter. Pour in the rest of the hot water and stir the coffee mixture 1 time. Insert and engage the plunger to brew your cup of coffee. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Patent-an-Invention | How to Patent an Invention | If you have invented something completely new, you can patent that invention so no one else can copy your idea. If you like, you can file a provisional patent application with the patent office in your country, which will give you a year to complete your full application, and you can use “Patent Pending” when describing your product. Within that year, you can file your non-provisional application, which should include the full specifications of your product and a notarized oath that you invented the product. | Understand what a patent is. A patent rewards an inventor with certain exclusive legal rights, for a limited time, in exchange for a full disclosure of the invention, which becomes public information. A patent is represented by a document issued by a federal government upon a proper application, after examination, regarding a qualifying invention. It includes one or more "claims" to a single invention. As a rule, patents are issued only to the "first to file" a disclosure of a patentable invention in a patent application. Also, nobody is allowed to claim an invention they did not invent. The owner of the patent is generally authorized to prevent others from making, using, selling or importing the invention, within the jurisdiction, after the patent is issued and until the patent lapses or expires. Those unlawful acts are known as "patent infringement". Patent claims are also considered to include minor changes that are "equivalent" to any of the patented claims. However, a new means to obtain an equivalent result might still be patentable by you or others. Relatively few patents turn out to be valuable, but yours could certainly be the exception. You must decide whether to pursue the protection of a patent, or perhaps obtain more value if you keep your invention a "trade secret". To enforce your patent you would need to take legal action against an infringer, assuming the infringement occurs in a country where your patent is issued and remains valid and enforceable. In some cases a patent claim can be ruled as "void" because it was issued improperly, making it unenforceable. There are also exceptions for certain limited uses of patented inventions by people who do not own the patent, even without a license from the patent owners. Write down your idea. The act of writing will force you to define your invention, break down the invention into its elements, and think about variations of the invention. Written materials produced as a result will also be helpful for preparing a patent application. Ask yourself these questions: What problem does my invention solve? How does my invention actually work? Who is my target audience? How is my invention different from others like it? Is my invention "new" and "non-obvious" in the current state of the art? How much money will I need to produce my invention? Can I think of potential investors? Know who can apply for a patent. Patents can only be applied for in the name of the actual inventor(s). You can apply for a patent individually or as part of a joint research group. In some cases an employer can file an application in the name of former employees who were the inventors. Understand what types of inventions can be patented. There are three main types of patents - utility, design, and plant - that are granted for different types of inventions. You can secure a utility patent for a process, machine, article of manufacture, composition of matter (i.e. a drug), or an improvement upon any of these existing inventions. Though you will apply for a different type of patent, you can also patent an ornamental design of an article of manufacture or an asexually reproduced plant variety. In addition, your invention must provide some utility to society, must not be offensive to public standards of morality, and must be novel, non-obvious, adequately described or enabled, and claimed by the inventor in clear and definite terms. The requirements for "new and non-obvious" are assessed in view of everything ever disclosed in a publication or used in public by anyone (including you), at any time prior to your filing date, not just anything previously patented. Understand what cannot be patented. There are several ideas or products of human labor that cannot be patented, although many can be protected through other channels such as securing a copyright. You cannot patent: laws of nature, physical phenomena, abstract ideas, literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works (you need a copyright for these). Determine the type of patent you need to protect your invention. Apply for a utility patent for a product that has a specific, clearly-defined benefit to society. Most inventions fall into this category. Patent protection offered by a utility patent lasts for 20 years from the effective filing date of the patent. Apply for a design patent if you have an invention for a new, improved design on an existing product or process that doesn't affect the function of the original product. A design patent lasts 15 years from the date of the patent issuance, if filed after May 13, 2015, or 14 years if filed before that. A plant patent is applicable if you develop a new asexually-reproductive variety of plant. Protection for a plant patent exists for 20 years from the original patent application filing date. Determine whether your invention is "new" and "non-obvious" by searching the literature in your field as well as patents in the USA and the rest of the world. If your invention has already been disclosed by others, or your invention is an obvious change to or combination of other inventions, it is probably not patentable. It may be possible that your invention is a patentable improvement over all previously known inventions, even if you cannot quickly determine that. If your invention is an "improvement" to an invention currently under protection of patents by others, your patent search may help you understand whether you will need licenses from others before you can start making and selling your own version in their countries. Contact the nearest Patent and Trademark Depository Library (PTDL) and consult search experts. Patent searching is a difficult process because it requires that you perform several keyword searches and databases house all patents dating back to 1790. If you are in the Washington, D.C. area, you can visit the USPTO Search Facilities located in Alexandria, VA. Enlist the help of a registered patent attorney or agent to help you conduct your search. There are experts who know how to operate the patent system and efficiently find out whether or not your product is already patented. Alternately, conduct a patent search online. It will take you between 25 and 30 hours to complete a patent search in most cases. Think of all possible ways of describing your invention. Write a list of all the words you can possibly think of to adequately explain what your product does, who it affects, what problem(s) it solves, etc. Having this list pre-written will help you decide what terms to search for in the online database. Don't be afraid to be too broad in your terms. Look up the terms in the USPTO online database. Visit http://www.uspto.gov and select "Patent Classification" from the drop-down "Patents" tab on the left-hand side of the page. Look under "Patent Classification Resources," and click on the link that says "Classification Index, Patents." You are now in the USPTO index. Select the category that most closely describes the broad classification that your invention falls under. There will be subcategories under the broader category which you will need to make a second selection from. Choose the category that most narrowly describes your invention. You may have to conduct several searches using different keywords that you brainstormed. Find your classification codes. Once you choose a subcategory, there will be two numbers located to the right of the subcategory name separated by a forward slash. The first number is the class, and the second is the subclass. Take note of both of these numbers. Click on the subclass number. This will take you to the specific subclass number page of the Manual of Classification. Look at the subclasses around the subclass you selected for similar categories. To make sure that your browser is displaying all relevant subclasses, choose "Expand All Indent Levels" from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. Click on "Submit" and scroll back down to your subclass. Note that you are looking for subclasses that are physically displayed close to your chosen subclass, not ones that are close in number to your subclass. Some original subclasses have been divided into smaller subclasses over time and thus have been shifted around and out of order. Understand that the dots to the left of the subclass titles are indicators of specificity. The more dots, the more specific a subclass will be. Dot numbers range from zero to seven. Click on the most appropriate subclass number. Doing so will take you to "Classification Definitions," where you can view more information about the subclass that you clicked on. Choose "Show Definition View" to view more information about a particular subclass, and choose "Show Schedule View" to see a list of similar subclasses. Revisit the definition of the broad class and make sure it still aligns with the definition of your invention. Click on the red P icon to the left of the subclass number. You will be taken to a list of all U.S. Patents in that classification code, which is most likely several thousand patents long. The most recent patents will appear at the top of the page. Explore all of the patents to ensure that your invention is not already patented or otherwise disclosed in the references cited in the patents. You can view a patent by clicking on the patent number located to the left of the patent title. If issued after 1976, you can view the full text online. If issued before 1976, you will have to view the patent with a TIFF viewer. Examine the drawings and claims sections of each patent to quickly pick out similarities or differences between your invention and another. Write down the references that other patents cite to direct you to similar patents and related inventions. Perform a keyword search if you are having difficulty finding an appropriate subclass. Choose "Patent Process" from the drop-down "Patent" menu on the USPTO homepage and click on the link called "Search for Patents." Under "Searching Full Text Patents (Since 1976)", click on "Advanced Search" and type your keywords into the search box. Click on the patent number to view the full text. Decide whether you wish to file a provisional or a non-provisional patent application. The provisional application is associated with relatively inexpensive filing fees but serves merely to "hold your place in line" at the patent office for up to one year. If you do not file a non-provisional application within that year, referencing your provisional application, all your rights to your provisional application will be abandoned. Provisional applications do require a cover sheet and a filing fee. After a provisional application is filed, the inventor is allowed up to 12 months to file a non-provisional application that references one or more provisional applications. If the non-provisional application is approved, the invention is entitled to the inventor ship priority of the filing date of the provisional applications that disclose the claimed invention. Provisional applications do not require claims or an oath or declaration. They simply allow the title "patent pending" to be associated with your invention. Provisional applications cannot be filed for design patent applications, however. The value of a provisional application is the ability to extend your ownership of the invention you disclose in the application prior to filing for an actual patent. A complete disclosure is required in your provisional application, if you want to later prove what you knew at the time. Nothing prevents you from filing additional provisional applications during the year, if you discover valuable improvements along the way. You can only claim the "benefit" in a non-provisional for those provisional applications that have not yet expired at the time of filing the non-provisional applications that reference them. You may find informal discussions about getting a "provisional patent", but that is a misnomer. A provisional application for a patent is not examined for patentability and does not become a patent with any enforceable rights. It is a "provisional application", not a "provisional patent". Employ a registered patent attorney or agent. If you choose to hire someone to help prepare your patent application, make sure that s/he is USPTO registered. A registered patent attorney has proven a thorough knowledge of patent law and can ensure that you complete the patent application correctly. Alternately, prepare your patent application yourself. The patent application process is rather extensive and expensive. You can file your application by mail or online to the Director of the USPTO. As of November 15, 2011, you can save almost $300 by applying online. Applications require six parts: Application transmittal form. Fee transmittal form. Visit http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/ac/qs/ope/fee031913.htm to find out what the current patent fees are. Issue and maintenance fees will also be applied if your patent application is approved. Application data sheet. Specification. A written document that outlines the invention description and claims. This document must claim the subject matter which the applicant regards as the invention. You may make several claims in this document as long as they are different from or build upon a previous claim. Include the names of all inventors associated with the specific invention and their addresses and the official name of the invention. The specification should include the following sections in the following order: Title of the invention provided on a cover sheet. List of cross references to related patented inventions (if applicable). Disclosure of federally sponsored research and development (if applicable). Names of other inventors or members of a joint research agreement. Reference to a ”Sequence Listing,” a table, or a computer program listing appendix submitted on an external CD. Background of the invention, including the origin of the idea. Short abstract of the invention. Short description of any drawings or diagrams provided. Detailed description of the invention. One or more claims to the specific invention. Abstract of the disclosure. Sequence listing (if applicable). Drawings, showing the elements of the invention that you are claiming. Executed oath or declaration. This is an oath or declaration that the product was your original invention. An oath must be certified before a notary public or other officer authorized to administer oaths. A statutory "declaration" may be used in lieu of an oath and need not be certified by a third party. It relies upon the fact that making a false declaration would be a felony. Note that, as a rule, the specification and drawings cannot be amended to add new matter during the prosecution of the application. Claims may be amended, but only within the scope of what was disclosed in the original application and any cited provisional applications. It is not unusual for an examiner to request amendment of a title or abstract for clarity. Make sure your documents are in the specified dimensions and written in English. You can use any standard word processing program such as Microsoft Word, and the documents can be in.doc or PDF form. If you need to scan drawings or diagrams, they must be in PDF form. Make sure your documents contain at least a one-inch left margin and a 3/4-inch right, top, and bottom margin. All documents must be one and a half or double spaced. If you do not include an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS), listing the references you found in your searching, you will need to do that before the statutory deadline (e.g., within 3 months) or additional fees and complications may arise. Submit the required documents in a single packet at the same time. You will receive an application number and a filing date after you submit your materials. The filing date will be the date that the USPTO receives your application, not necessarily the day that you file the application. An application mailed via USPS Priority Mail® may be given the "filing date' of the date when it was deposited in the mail and an application filed electronically will be given the filing date when it was received electronically. You will be notified of any "missing parts" and given a date by which to submit them. If your application is related to other non-provisional applications you have already filed, whether in the USA or elsewhere, there are highly technical rules of which you need to be aware. They may be found in the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure, or "MPEP", on the USPTO website. Wait for the USPTO to evaluate your application. After an application is filed, the USPTO will conduct their own search of relevant prior art, including patents and millions of other documents, to check for duplicates and conflicting inventions. Your application will normally be published 18 months after your filing date, making it available for anyone in the world to see. In particular, if your application contains any "trade secrets", they will become public knowledge at that time. During examination, the examiner will typically ask for clarification of your invention or for a narrowing of the scope of protection sought. In addition, there is no guarantee that any application will eventually be granted as a patent. The examination process will vary in duration depending on the nature of your invention and schedule of the patent office. It is unusual for a non-provisional patent application to result in a patent issuance without any interim rebuttal from the USPTO. You should expect it to be rejected, perhaps for numerous reasons, as part of the normal initial process. Do not consider this a setback. You have a limited time in which to reply to each and every basis of objection or rejection, and your application will "go abandoned" if you miss the deadline, including any extensions that you are allowed to purchase. During the "patent pending" phase of your application, you may try to sell or exploit your invention without fear of losing any rights to the invention. If you desire patent protection in other countries, you have a limited time in which to file your patent applications in those countries and still claim invention priority of your US application. Your US "patent pending" does not prevent anyone from making, using, selling or importing your disclosed invention in the USA or any other country. It is merely a warning. You cannot sue for infringement of a patent that is not yet issued. Pay approval fees. If your patent application is approved, you will be sent a Notice of Allowance and Fee(s) Due. Pay the fees within three months from the date on the notice to avoid having your application abandoned. Receive your patent. After the payments are received, you will be issued your patent as soon as possible. Timing will depend on the amount of printing required and the workload of the USPTO. Enjoy the the right to exclude others from "making, using, offering for sale, or selling the invention throughout the United States or importing the invention into the United States", until your patent expires. You may also find it more economical to license others to make or sell your invention for you, rather than starting your own company. However, if you have proven the value of your invention, by making a profit, other investors may be more interested in acquiring your licenses, if not the patent and your entire company with it. Patrol your industry for possible infringements of your patent because only you can decide whether to enforce your patents. Patent litigation can be very expensive. Continue to prosecute your patent applications in other countries, based upon any amendments that were necessary for obtaining your US patent. Be sure to pay your maintenance fees. To maintain a US patent in force, you must pay fees due at 3 1/2, 7 1/2, and 11 1/2 years from the date the patent is issued. If you fail to pay these fees, your patent may expire early. Sell or mortgage your patent. A patent is personal property and may be sold, mortgaged, bequeathed by a will, or passed to future heirs. A written document is required to transfer a patent. | Understand what a patent is. Write down your idea. Know who can apply for a patent. Understand what types of inventions can be patented. Understand what cannot be patented. Determine the type of patent you need to protect your invention. Determine whether your invention is "new" and "non-obvious" by searching the literature in your field as well as patents in the USA and the rest of the world. Contact the nearest Patent and Trademark Depository Library (PTDL) and consult search experts. Enlist the help of a registered patent attorney or agent to help you conduct your search. Alternately, conduct a patent search online. Think of all possible ways of describing your invention. Look up the terms in the USPTO online database. Find your classification codes. Click on the subclass number. Look at the subclasses around the subclass you selected for similar categories. Click on the most appropriate subclass number. Click on the red P icon to the left of the subclass number. Explore all of the patents to ensure that your invention is not already patented or otherwise disclosed in the references cited in the patents. Perform a keyword search if you are having difficulty finding an appropriate subclass. Decide whether you wish to file a provisional or a non-provisional patent application. Employ a registered patent attorney or agent. Alternately, prepare your patent application yourself. Make sure your documents are in the specified dimensions and written in English. Submit the required documents in a single packet at the same time. Wait for the USPTO to evaluate your application. Pay approval fees. Receive your patent. Enjoy the the right to exclude others from "making, using, offering for sale, or selling the invention throughout the United States or importing the invention into the United States", until your patent expires. Be sure to pay your maintenance fees. Sell or mortgage your patent. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Saxophone-Mouthpiece | How to Clean a Saxophone Mouthpiece | To clean your saxophone's mouthpiece, start by wiping down the reed with a dry towel after each practice session to remove saliva. Additionally, you should soak the reed in warm water and vinegar to deep clean it. Then, rinse off the vinegar and let the reed dry, repeating once a week. To clean the mouthpiece, wipe it with a cotton swab soaked in vinegar to get rid of limescale. Next, wash the mouthpiece with soapy water to remove the vinegar, repeating once a month. You can also try to clean off limescale with a toothbrush. | Disassemble the saxophone. Loosen the ligature, then remove the mouthpiece, its reed, and the saxophone's neck. You're going to want to clean these parts often since they come in contact with your mouth. The reed is the part of the mouthpiece that produces sound from vibration and is sensitive to bacteria, fungus, heat, and pressure. Wipe off the reed. The warm air you blow into it contains saliva, which provides a moist place for bacterial and fungal growth as well as food particles that damage the instrument. A reed that is cleaned often requires at least a wipe down with a clean, dry towel or specialized swab after every use. This will stop bacteria and chemicals from congealing. Specialized swabs and brushes for saxophone cleaning can be bought at music stores or online. Deep clean the reed. A wipe will only remove the immediate moisture. To kill germs and prevent buildup, a more thorough cleaning is recommended. At least once a week, soak the reed in a cup of two caps of vinegar and three caps warm water for 30 minutes. Afterwards, rinse the reed with warm water to remove the vinegar. Choose a clean spot for the reed to dry in open air. Any moisture can reintroduce bacteria when it is sealed inside the saxophone case. Place it on a paper towel. After about 15 minutes, replace the paper towel and flip the reed. Once it is completely dry, store it in a reed bag inside your saxophone's case. Treat the mouthpiece regularly. Once a month, or weekly, if the saxophone is used daily, remove the mouthpiece and begin treatment. Saliva collects in the mouthpiece, causing buildup of a substance called limescale that affects the sound and makes the mouthpiece difficult to remove. Apply a weak acid. If the limescale has thickened, an acidic substance such as vinegar or hydrogen peroxide works for the purpose of removal. Exposure to these acids can hasten discoloration, though, so you may wish to brush off the limescale by hand if possible. With a vinegar of 4-6% acidity, soak two cotton wads. Let the first rest on the window of the mouthpiece. After ten minutes, remove it and gently rub off the limescale with the second. Repeat a second time for tough cases. With hydrogen peroxide, submerge the mouthpiece for two hours. The chemical will begin to dissolve the limescale on its own. Wash the mouthpiece with soap and water. Avoid hot water and harsh detergents, as these both damage the instrument. A gentle detergent and lukewarm water is enough to remove vinegar, eliminate most bacteria, and still allow you to get at the limescale. Brush away the limescale. This can be done with a small toothbrush or a specialty mouthpiece bottlebrush. Specialized swabs can be pulled from the neck and through the mouthpiece on a string. This offers some bacterial and saliva removal, but a more thorough cleaning is recommended. Soak the mouthpiece in germicide. Sterisol is a germicide readily available for use on instruments, but bathing the mouthpiece in household mouthwash for a few minutes is also effective. This step is not mandatory but is useful in eliminating any leftover bacteria. Choose a clean spot in open air for the mouthpiece to dry. This will prevent the mouthpiece from reintroducing dampness that allows bacteria to grow. Once all moisture is gone, store it in the saxophone case. Run a swab through after use. Saliva and build up collect in the neck. Put the swab in the bell and then pull it through the neck on a string. Remove the limescale. This is the same process you used on the mouthpiece, requiring warm water, soap or detergent, and a bottlebrush or toothbrush to be used weekly. Dip the brush into the warm, soapy water and use it to attack the limescale. Rinse out the remainder under a faucet with lukewarm water. Sterilize the neck. Again, this is optional, as the soap and water takes care of the bacteria well enough. Any leftover bacteria or odor can be finished with certainty here. Pour Sterisol germicide into the neck so that it coats the inside. Let it dry in a clean place on a paper towel for a minute, then rinse it under lukewarm water. Either let it air dry or dry it by hand with a swab or towel before storing. Vinegar can be used here, too. After loosening the limescale with soap, water, and brushing, stop the mouthpiece with a cork. Surface cover any holes, prop the neck upright, then add either cold or lukewarm vinegar. After 30 minutes, rinse out the vinegar with soap and warm water, then dry it in air or by hand. | Disassemble the saxophone. Wipe off the reed. Deep clean the reed. Choose a clean spot for the reed to dry in open air. Treat the mouthpiece regularly. Apply a weak acid. Wash the mouthpiece with soap and water. Brush away the limescale. Soak the mouthpiece in germicide. Choose a clean spot in open air for the mouthpiece to dry. Run a swab through after use. Remove the limescale. Sterilize the neck. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Embroider-on-Crochet | How to Embroider on Crochet | One of the easiest ways to embroider on crochet is with a surface slip stitch. Knot the yarn you want to embroider with onto a crochet hook using a basic slip knot, then take the knot off the hook. Place the loop at the end of the knot behind your crocheted piece, then pull it through with the hook. Push the other end of the hook through an adjacent hole in the crochet and wrap your embroidery yarn around it to make another loop. Pull the second loop through the first to make an embroidery stitch. Keep repeating this process to create the design you want. | Work on a single crochet or Tunisian crochet piece of fabric. Some styles of crochet pattern hold embroidery better, especially if the stitches make a tight, grid-like pattern. Choose a single crochet or Tunisian crochet project to embroider so it's easier to work a detailed pattern. Crochet a few practice swatches if you'd like to get comfortable with embroidering before moving on to a larger project. Use an embroidery needle to create detailed designs. It is possible to embroider with a small crochet hook, but an embroidery needle gives you more control and it doesn't widen gaps between your crochet stitches. Choose an embroidery needle that has a large eye and sharp point. It's hard to use a standard sewing needle since the eye is too small to thread yarn or embroidery floss. Choose yarn for a rustic style or embroidery floss for a polished look. If you're embroidering a large project with thick yarn, use yarn to embroider so it stands out against the crocheted piece. To embroider a smaller crocheted work like a stuffed animal or a shawl, use embroidery floss in a color that stands out against the crocheted stitches. Remember that you can double up the strands of embroidery floss for thicker embroidery stitches. Fold the yarn end between paper to make it easier to thread your needle. It can be tricky to push yarn through the eye of a needle even if you're using an embroidery needle. For a time-saving trick, fold a ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) square of paper in half so it can fit through the needle's eye. Open the paper so you see the crease and lay your yarn tail in the crease. Fold the paper shut and press firmly as you push it through the eye of the needle. If the paper doesn't fit through the eye, trim it down until it does. Sketch a design onto the crochet piece if you want guidelines. If you're only embroidering a few small embellishments, you can probably do them freehand. For a larger embroidery pattern, use fabric chalk to draw the design right onto the crocheted fabric. This washes out once you've finished embroidering the piece. Avoid using wax pencils since the wax is difficult to wash out of the yarn. Make a slip knot and attach it to a crochet hook. Pull out a 6 in (15 cm) length of yarn and form a slip knot. Slide it onto a crochet hook that's the same size as the hook you used to make the crocheted piece. Pull the end of the yarn to make a loose slip knot. Don't pull the slip knot tightly since you're going to take the slip knot off of the crochet hook. Remove the slip knot and attach it to the back of your crocheted piece. Carefully slide the hook away from the slip knot and hold the loop so your knot doesn't come undone. Keep it at the back of the work. Decide where you'd like to start embroidering and push the empty hook through the front of the crocheted work and grab the slip knot's loop at the back. Then, pull the slip knot through the crocheted fabric to the front so the loop stays on your hook. Insert your crochet hook through a gap in the crochet stitches so you don't split them. The knot stays at the back of the crocheted piece so it's not visible. Push the hook through the fabric and wrap the yarn around it. Keep the loop on the hook and insert it where you'd like to make your slip stitch. Push the hook into the gap between stitches instead of through the yarn itself. Then, grab the working yarn with the hook. You might work the slip stitch into the crocheted stitch that's above, below, to the side, or diagonally from your starting point. Pull the yarn to the front and through the loop to make a slip stitch. Draw the yarn through the crocheted piece to the front. Keep pulling your hook through the slip knot loop and pull the working yarn gently to tighten the stitch. This makes 1 surface slip stitch. The slip stitch is also called a chain stitch since each loop on the surface looks like a chain. Work as many surface slip stitches as you like. Insert your hook down into the stitch that's next to the one you just made. Remember that your next stitch can be in any direction. Grab the yarn at the back with your hook and pull it to the front of the fabric. Bring it through the previous loop and pull gently to make another slip stitch. Make a row of slip stitches on the sides of your crocheted piece to frame the work or use slip stitches as edging for a blanket, for instance. Keep your stitches loose so they don't make the crocheted fabric pucker. Work a row of slip stitches to make a letter. Leave a space between letters if you'd like to create a word using slip stitches. Tie off the yarn and bring it to the back of the work to finish the slip stitches. Once you're done with all the slip stitches you want to make, cut the working yarn to leave a 4 in (10 cm) tail. Push the crochet hook from back to front and grab the tail. Pull it to the back of the work and weave in the tail. Use a darning needle to weave in the yarn tail so it's not visible on the surface. There's no need to tie a knot since you're weaving the tail through the crocheted piece. Cut 1 ft (0.30 m) of yarn or embroidery floss and tie a large knot at 1 end. If you're embroidering a lot, you may need to use more yarn or floss, but start with around 1 foot (0.30 m) so it's easier to work with. Tie a knot at 1 end that's larger than the gap between your crochet stitches. If you're using embroidery floss, use as many strands as you like. Keep in mind that sewing with 2 or 3 strands gives your embroidery a thicker, fuller appearance. Thread an embroidery or tapestry needle. Choose a needle with a large eye so you can easily push the unknotted end of the yarn or embroidery floss through it. Pull about 3 inches (7.6 cm) through the needle and let it hang over the side. Use a plastic needle if you like working with a flexible needle or choose a metal needle for more support while you sew. Bring the needle from the back to the front of the work. Decide where you want to make your first running stitch and push the needle from the back of the crocheted piece to the front. Keep pulling the yarn up and away to begin embroidering. Work through the gaps between the crochet stitches instead of splitting through the yarn. Don't pull so hard that the knot comes through the fabric. Instead, stop pulling as soon as the knot rests against the back of the crocheted fabric. Push the needle down through the fabric to make a straight stitch. Make your stitches as long or short as you like. For example, insert your needle down into the gap that's next to your starting point. Draw the needle under the fabric and pull the yarn or floss until you see the stitch on your crocheted piece. Make your stitch in any direction from the starting point. Embroider the running stitch vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Draw the needle back up through the fabric so it's a stitch-length away. Leave a gap that's as long as the stitch you just made and push the needle back up through the fabric. Pull the needle so your yarn is fully extended from the top of the crocheted piece. If you want to leave a bigger space between your stitches, make the gap larger before you push the needle back up through the crocheted work. Continue to embroider the running stitch to make lines, curves, or edges. Remember to leave the same amount of space between your stitches before you make another straight stitch. The running stitch is useful for making an outline for shapes or creating letters and words. If you're making words, leave a large gap between each letter so they stand out. If you want a continuous line, bring your needle back 1 space and make back stitches across your pattern. Use the running stitch for simple flower stems, geometric designs, or shapes like hearts and stars. Cut the yarn or floss and tie it off before you weave in the ends. Once you reach the end of the running stitch, insert your needle through the fabric so your working yarn is on the underside of the crocheted work. Cut the yarn or floss to leave a 6 in (15 cm) tail and thread it onto a needle. Then, weave in the ends. It's important to tie off the yarn under your work so the knot is hidden. | Work on a single crochet or Tunisian crochet piece of fabric. Use an embroidery needle to create detailed designs. Choose yarn for a rustic style or embroidery floss for a polished look. Fold the yarn end between paper to make it easier to thread your needle. Sketch a design onto the crochet piece if you want guidelines. Make a slip knot and attach it to a crochet hook. Remove the slip knot and attach it to the back of your crocheted piece. Push the hook through the fabric and wrap the yarn around it. Pull the yarn to the front and through the loop to make a slip stitch. Work as many surface slip stitches as you like. Tie off the yarn and bring it to the back of the work to finish the slip stitches. Cut 1 ft (0.30 m) of yarn or embroidery floss and tie a large knot at 1 end. Thread an embroidery or tapestry needle. Bring the needle from the back to the front of the work. Push the needle down through the fabric to make a straight stitch. Draw the needle back up through the fabric so it's a stitch-length away. Continue to embroider the running stitch to make lines, curves, or edges. Cut the yarn or floss and tie it off before you weave in the ends. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Blow-up-a-Balloon-With-Baking-Soda-and-Vinegar | How to Blow up a Balloon With Baking Soda and Vinegar | To blow up a balloon with baking soda and vinegar, pour 1–2 inches of white vinegar into a plastic bottle. Next, hold a balloon loosely by the neck, fit a funnel or plastic straw into it, and pour 2 tablespoons of baking soda through it into the balloon. Then, stretch the neck of the balloon over the top of the bottle before lifting the balloon up over the bottle. The baking soda will fall out of the balloon, through the neck of the bottle, and into the vinegar. The 2 ingredients will fizz and react to create carbon dioxide, which will then inflate your balloon! | Pour a little vinegar into a plastic bottle. Choose a plastic water bottle, or another bottle with a narrow neck. Pour 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of vinegar into the bottle, using a funnel if you have one. Use white vinegar, also called distilled vinegar, for the best result. You can try this with any kind of vinegar, but the inflation might take longer or require more vinegar to work. Other types of vinegar tend to be more expensive as well. Vinegar can damage metal containers, potentially adding an unpleasant taste to food and drink stored in that container. If you have no plastic bottles, use a high-quality stainless steel bottle to minimize the chance of this happening. Weakening the vinegar with an equal amount of water might also help, and won't prevent the balloon from inflating. Use a funnel or straw to put a little baking soda into a limp balloon. You can use any shape and color of balloon. Hold it loosely by the neck, with the open side of the balloon facing towards you. Fit a funnel into the neck if you have one, then pour about two tablespoons (30 mL) baking soda into the balloon, or just fill the balloon about halfway full. If you don't have a funnel, you can place a plastic straw into a pile of baking soda, put your finger over the top hole of the straw, then poke the straw into the balloon and lift your finger. Tap the straw to get the baking soda to fall out, and repeat until the balloon is at least 1/3 of the way full. Stretch the neck of the balloon over the top of the bottle. Be careful not to spill the baking soda while you do this. Hold the balloon's neck with both hands and stretch it over the top of the plastic bottle containing vinegar. Have a friend keep the bottle steady if the table or bottle is wobbly. Lift the balloon up over the bottle and watch the reaction. The baking soda should fall out of the balloon, through the neck of the bottle, and into the vinegar at the bottom. Here, the two chemicals will fizz and react, turning into other chemicals. One of these is carbon dioxide, a gas, which will rise up and inflate the balloon. Shake the bottle gently to mix the two ingredients if there's not much fizzing. Try again with more vinegar or baking soda, if it doesn't work the first time. If the fizzing has stopped and the balloon still hasn't inflated after you count to 100, empty out the bottle and try again with more vinegar and baking soda. The stuff left in the bottle has turned into other chemicals, mostly water, so it can't be used again. Don't go overboard. The bottle should never be more than about 1/3 full of vinegar. Learn about chemical reactions. Just about everything around you is made up of molecules, or different types of substances. Often, two kinds of molecules react with each other, breaking up and forming different molecules out of the pieces. Learn about baking soda and vinegar. The reactants , or substances that reacted with each other in the fizzy reaction you saw, are baking soda and vinegar. Unlike many ingredients in your kitchen, both of these are simple chemicals, not complicated mixtures of many chemicals: Baking soda is another word for the molecule sodium bicarbonate. White vinegar is a mixture of acetic acid and water. Only the acetic acid reacts with the baking soda. Read about the reaction. Baking soda is a type of substance called a base. Vinegar, or acetic acid, is a type of substance called an acid. Bases and acids react with each other, partially breaking apart and forming different substances. This is described as "neutralization" because the end result is neither a base nor an acid. In this case, the new substances are water, a kind of salt, and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide, a gas, leaves the liquid mixture and expands throughout the bottle and the balloon, inflating it. Although the definition of acid and base can get complicated, you can compare the differences between the original substances and the "neutralized" result to see there are obvious changes. For instance, vinegar has a strong smell and can be used to dissolve grime and dirt. After being mixed with baking soda, it smells much less strongly and is no more effective at cleaning than water is. Study the chemical formula. If you're familiar with some chemistry, or curious about how scientists describe reactions, the formula below describes the reaction between sodium bicarbonate NaHCO 3 and acetic acid HC 2 H 3 O 2 (aq). Can you figure out how each molecule splits apart and reforms? NaHCO 3 + HC 2 H 3 O 2 (aq) → NaC 2 H 3 O 2 (aq) + H 2 O(l) + CO 2 (g) The letters in parentheses show the state the chemicals are in during and after the reaction: (g)as, (l)iquid, or (aq)ueous. "Aqueous" means the chemical is dissolved in water. | Pour a little vinegar into a plastic bottle. Use a funnel or straw to put a little baking soda into a limp balloon. Stretch the neck of the balloon over the top of the bottle. Lift the balloon up over the bottle and watch the reaction. Try again with more vinegar or baking soda, if it doesn't work the first time. Learn about chemical reactions. Learn about baking soda and vinegar. Read about the reaction. Study the chemical formula. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Gastric-Torsion-and-Bloat-in-Labrador-Retrievers | How to Diagnose Gastric Torsion and Bloat in Labrador Retrievers | To diagnose gastric torsion and bloat in your Labrador Retriever, look for initial signs of the condition like excessive drooling, frequent stretching or pacing, a belly which seems large and tight, vomiting without bringing anything up, and a stressed or anxious appearance. Since these symptoms can appear suddenly and get worse very quickly, keep a close eye on your pet if you notice that it seems unwell. If the condition isn't spotted quickly, your pet may display signs of shock from its swollen stomach pressing on other vital organs. Your dog may be in shock if you notice weak pulses in its legs, difficulty breathing, pale gums, and a rapid heartbeat. You should take your dog to the vet or an emergency clinic as soon as possible if you suspect it has gastric torsion and bloat, since the condition can be fatal. | Look for the first signs of gastric torsion and bloat. It is important to spot this condition as quickly as possible, in order to get it treated swiftly. Initially, the signs of include: The dog appears uncomfortable with an anxious or stressed appearance. The dog may stretch or pace. The belly begins to get large or tight. Drool or excessive saliva will fall from its mouth. The dog will try to vomit but nothing comes out. Pay attention to the signs of shock. If nothing is done at the beginning of the dog's condition, it will quickly get worse. The signs of shock will develop as the involved tissue begins to die and toxins are released into the blood stream. These signs include: Weak pulses in the legs Difficulty breathing Pale gums Rapid heartbeat Keep a close eye on large-breed dogs. It appears that large breed dogs with deep chests are predisposed to develop this condition. This means that Labrador retrievers are prone to this condition. It may be that a narrow thorax is responsible for the higher rates of GDV in large, deep-chested breeds. Watch for signs in big dogs that eat quickly. The eating behavior of the dog can also influence the development of GDV. Dog's that are “greedy” eaters, gulping their food down and swallowing air as they gulp, can fill their stomachs with air. This means that those that are fed only one large meal a day can develop GDV more easily. To decrease the risk of GDV, feed your Lab small and frequent feedings of its dog food. This means splitting up the total daily food amount into two or, better yet, three feedings. Dogs that gulp their food can be slowed down by the use of a slow feeder. A slow feeder is simply a food bowl that has large pillars inside it that the dog has to work around to get to the food. The type of food fed can also effect the chances of developing GDV. Dry food listing oil(s) as one of the first four ingredients has been implicated in this condition. Take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. It is important to get your Lab under the care of a veterinarian quickly so that it can get treatment. Call your veterinary office and tell them about the situation. They should get you in immediately on an emergency basis. If your veterinary clinic is not open, take your dog to an emergency dog clinic or hospital. Gastric torsion and bloat are very, very serious. This is because the dilation of the stomach and subsequent twisting does not only affect the stomach. It can compress big arteries and veins in the abdomen, which can drop blood pressure and affect the liver. This can lead to shock and a serious, sometimes deadly, condition called disseminated intravascular coagulation or excessive blood clotting. The heart can also be affected by arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat. Approve additional testing. Your veterinarian may want to do additional testing to get a better sense of the overall health of the dog. Dogs that are suspected of having GDV will have blood work done at the veterinary clinic, which will include a complete blood count and blood chemistry tests. These tests may show the dog to be dehydrated, toxic and/or in shock. In addition, radiographs, or possibly an ultrasound, of the abdomen will performed. Radiographs (or X-rays) will show an air or fluid-filled stomach with a tell-tale sign called “double-bubble” or “Popeye's arm,” in which the twisted stomach appears as two air filled bubbles. Follow your veterinarian's suggestions for treatment. The immediate goal of treatment is to restart circulation through the stomach. Once a firm diagnosis is made, the dog will need to be stabilized with fluids and medication. It will then be taken to surgery to decompress and untwist the stomach. Even after surgery, the dog will not be out of danger for a few days, due to the severe intestinal and circulatory problems this condition causes. | Look for the first signs of gastric torsion and bloat. Pay attention to the signs of shock. Keep a close eye on large-breed dogs. Watch for signs in big dogs that eat quickly. Take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Approve additional testing. Follow your veterinarian's suggestions for treatment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Forget-Someone-You-Love | How to Forget Someone You Love | If you need to forget someone you love, throw away pictures and other mementos that remind you of the person, or put them into storage if you can't bring yourself to throw them out. Next, spend time around people who make you feel good, and make it a priority to reconnect with friends you lost touch with during your relationship. If none of that helps, find a new hobby or new friends so you can start replacing painful memories with positive ones. | Break off contact completely. It's hard to get over someone or forget them if you're still talking to them or even if you're still just friends on social media. Unfriend the person on all your social media accounts. Let the person know you need a long break from them, even if you want to be friends in the future. You could say, "Even though I would like to be on friendly terms in the future, I'm having a hard time right now. I need to step away from our friendship." If you must see the person, try to be friendly without moving into friendship. For instance, say hello if you pass them in the hall or make polite chitchat about logistics if you're sharing kids. However, leave it at that and don't try to go deeper. Give up the possibility that you could get the person back. Don't dwell on the thought that you might get back together. That only makes you hope and fantasize about the person. Instead, focus on letting go of the relationship, reminding yourself that it's over when you need to. Tell yourself, "We broke up for a reason, and I deserve to move on with someone new." Write a letter to the person that you don't send. Get all your feelings out on paper. Tell your ex how they hurt you. Write down the good memories and the bad, and just use the time to get out some of your emotions. The letter is for you; there's no need to send it. Delete the person's emails, texts, and voicemails. When you have text or messages from your ex, you're likely to go back and read them, dwelling in the past. Go through all of your accounts, and delete all messages, so you won't be tempted. If you're afraid you might want the memories later, try saving them on an external hard drive and give it to a friend. Then you can't take it out at will to remember. Take down or delete all the photos you have of the person. Remove the photos from the walls and your picture albums. Delete any photos you have on your phone or computer, as well as any on your social media accounts. You don't need those reminders around. Once again, if you can't quite let go, put them on an external hard drive along with any hard copies you have and ask a friend to hold them for a while. Have a ceremonial burning of any reminders you have around. Sometimes, you just need to cleanse your mind of the other person. One way to do that is to gather up items you have around that remind you of them. Put them in a metal trash can, and set them on fire. You can do this with old letters, photos, or clothing, for instance. Just be sure to do this outside in a non-windy area. Have a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby just in case. Remind yourself why it didn't work out. If you're having a hard time getting over someone, it's likely because you're remembering all the good times without the bad. Take time to remember why you broke up, so you can break through the fantasy. Try writing about it. Journal about the painful memories you have with the intention of letting go of that hurt, too, so you can move on. You're relationship ended because something happened or it wasn't going well, and if you put that relationship on a pedestal of perfection, it's hard to get over it. Forgive the person to let go of your anger. One way to work on forgiving them is to remember the good parts of the person, too. Think about what made you like them in the first place, so you can think of them as a whole person who makes mistakes. It's only when you think of them as a fallible human being with both good and bad qualities that you can forgive them their mistakes. Another way to work on forgiveness is to think about how you feel about what the person did to you. Think about how those emotions are affecting your life. For instance, if you feel angry and bitter, how is that coloring how you see the world? Of course, some "mistakes" are bigger than others. With serious issues like emotional and physical abuse, it's much harder to forgive the other person. Keep in mind, though, that forgiveness is mainly for your benefit; it doesn't absolve the other person for what they've done. Forgiveness is about letting go of the bitterness you have against the other person. It's hard to let go of your negative feelings towards the person if you're not willing to forgive them. You don't forget your pain, just that you stop harboring anger in your heart towards the person. Reframe the breakup as "no-fault" instead of casting blame. You may blame yourself for the breakup, or you may feel the need to blame the other person. But, in the end, the fact is you just weren't compatible with the other person, and no one deserves the blame for that. If you had a fairly amiable relationship, try to remember that you were both trying your best to make the relationship work, and work on letting go of the blaming cycle. Work on changing your response to the past rather than wishing it away. Sometimes, you may wish you could go back in time and change how things happened. It's a fairly natural response, but in the end, fruitless. All you can change is how you respond to the past. Accept that fact instead of constantly wishing you could take back something you said or did. Try thinking about a particular moment that bugs you. You might be thinking, "I wish I could take back what I said." Instead, rephrase the statement: "I regret that I said that, but I've learned from my mistake. I'll do better in the future." See a therapist if you're struggling. You may feel like seeing a therapist carries a social stigma. However, keep in mind that millions of people just like you go to therapists, counselors, advisers, and other professionals for advice and guidance during difficult times, and you can, too. There's no reason to be afraid to get help. Some of the people you may consider talking to are professional therapists, psychiatrists, school and occupational counselors, and, if desired, authoritative voices in your community like priests or rabbis. Just find a voice you trust who has some professional expertise. Ask your friends or family for recommendations if you're not sure who to talk to. Teach yourself to be independent again. During this time, remember that you are a whole person on your own. You don't need someone else to make you complete, so take this time to discover yourself again without the other person. Make a list of all the things you can do now that you're not in a relationship. For instance, maybe you can spend more time with your friends and family, go on solo trips, move out of town, or stay up as late as you want. This list can you remind you of how fun it can be to be independent. Remind yourself of your strength. When you break up with someone, you may be feeling vulnerable and like you don't have the power to get over the pain. But you are strong enough, you just need to give yourself some reminders. Take time to write down a few of your strengths and past triumphs to show yourself that you can and will get through this time. For instance, you might write, "I have great tenacity. It only took me a year from when I started running to complete a marathon! And if I have tenacity, I can get through this, too." Make some new friends that aren't in the same circle. If you've been in a relationship for a while, you may have a lot of mutual friends with your ex. Work on making new friends who won't constantly bring up the person's name or want to do things with both of you, which will make it easier to move on. You don't need to completely give up on your old friends, but having a new circle gives you a safe space to socialize. You can also rely on friends you don't have in common. Try rekindling an old friendship you may have let go by the wayside a bit. To make new friends, try going to community meetups, taking fun classes at your library or with your parks and recreation department, or even striking up a conversation with someone at a local coffee shop. Date again, when you're ready. Give yourself some time to grieve, but when you start feeling a little better, try dating someone new. You don't have to commit to a relationship. Just go on a few dates with a person you like, or even just a few first dates with a couple of different people. Let yourself go as slow as you need when you start dating again. There's no rush. In fact, it might be a good idea to bring that up with anyone you're dating. You might say, "Hey, I should let you know that I just got out of a difficult relationship, so I'm just looking for something casual right now." Let your emotions out physically in laughter and tears. Sometimes, the pain is just going to hit you again, and you may feel like you need to cry. That's fine! Take some time to cry. But, don't forget to laugh, too. Watch some silly videos on the internet, check out some cute memes, or put in your favorite comedy. Laughter is good for the soul, and it can make you feel as good or better than a good cry. Go out with friends and have a good laugh together! Eat healthy food every day. When you're grieving, you may not want to eat at all, or you may want to just eat junk food. However, that can just make you feel worse, when you crash from a sugar high, for instance. Make sure you're getting in some fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins at the very least. Of course, you can still have that piece of chocolate cake or a bag of chips, especially in the first day or so. Just try not to only eat chips and cake. Opt for some healthy foods, too. Get some exercise, especially if it's outside. Take a hike in the woods or go for a walk with a friend. Kayak across a nearby lake or go for a swim in your favorite pool. Play a game of tennis, run in a park, or just hit the gym. Yoga is also a great option. Whatever you do will help get you out of your head and make you feel better. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Exercise is great for the brain because it releases feel-good chemicals in your body. If you're outside, you'll also get the benefit of vitamin D! Plus, it's great for your body and gets you out of the house. Leave plenty of time for sleep. Sleep is your body's way of healing, and that's true for emotional pain, too. If you're having trouble sleeping, make sure to leave extra time to get to sleep, and work on getting at least 8 hours each night. Try getting into a nighttime routine. Shut off your electronics at least an hour before you want to go to bed, so your brain starts winding down. Have some warm milk or herbal tea, or take a warm bath to soothe your mind. You may have the opposite problem, too, where you want to sleep all the time. While getting some extra sleep isn't a bad idea (9-10 hours a night), try not to overdo it. Force yourself to get up and get out in the world. Fall back on your friends and family for support. The people who love you--your family members, personal mentors, and close friends--want to see you happy. Don't be afraid to ask these people for a little extra love. Talk to an old friend, a parent, or a sibling to help you work through your stress and emotions. Your ex was not the only person that loved you; use this time to remember that and spend time with those that matter. Even if you find that the advice you receive from your close confidants isn't perfect, the sense of comradeship can still make you feel better. Get back into a regular schedule. A regular schedule helps you stay in a routine, which helps you feel more normal. Try to get up and go to bed at the same time each day, eat your meals at the same time, and so on. However, it's okay to go easy on yourself. You are going through a hard time, and it's okay to take breaks when you need them. Just try to keep up as much as you can. Pamper yourself a little. Take a hot bubble bath or get a massage. Now is the perfect time for a little pampering. Go to a movie you've wanted to see, take a little shopping spree, or even get out of town for a few days. Just do something that makes you feel good. You can even do something as simple as getting cup of coffee from your favorite coffee shop and curling up with a good book. Try a new hobby to break out of your old habits. Work on learning a new language or take a fun cooking class. Pick up books at your library to learn a hobby you've always wanted to try or just watch some videos online. You could even take a class at a local community college in a subject that interests you. Striking out on your own with a new pastime gives you a sense of independence and freedom, plus it can be invigorating, sparking creativity. | Break off contact completely. Give up the possibility that you could get the person back. Write a letter to the person that you don't send. Delete the person's emails, texts, and voicemails. Take down or delete all the photos you have of the person. Have a ceremonial burning of any reminders you have around. Remind yourself why it didn't work out. Forgive the person to let go of your anger. Reframe the breakup as "no-fault" instead of casting blame. Work on changing your response to the past rather than wishing it away. See a therapist if you're struggling. Teach yourself to be independent again. Remind yourself of your strength. Make some new friends that aren't in the same circle. Date again, when you're ready. Let your emotions out physically in laughter and tears. Eat healthy food every day. Get some exercise, especially if it's outside. Leave plenty of time for sleep. Fall back on your friends and family for support. Get back into a regular schedule. Pamper yourself a little. Try a new hobby to break out of your old habits. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-a-Codependent-Family-Member | How to Deal With a Codependent Family Member | If you have a codependent family member, first try to identify if there are any ways that you enable their codependence, such as lending them money and doing chores for them. Then, start to distance yourself from those codependent behaviors by establishing personal boundaries, like only seeing your family member during certain times. If you find yourself being pressured into doing something you don't want to, calmly hold your ground by saying something like, “Sorry, I just wouldn't be comfortable doing that.' You might also want to take some alone time to focus on your own needs and find clarity in your own thoughts. | Read up on codependent behavior. To recognize codependency, you have to know what it looks like. Taking time to educate yourself will not only help you see if your family member fits the description, it will also help you understand their mental state. Only a mental health professional can diagnose codependency, but some telltale symptoms include: Low self-esteem Constant people-pleasing Little to no boundaries Caretaking as a means of control Painful emotions Understand that you cannot cure your family member of codependency. Codependency is a mental health condition. Like many other mental health problems, it's not something you can cure or eliminate for your family member. They may not even recognize it as a problem, and instead, think that they are getting along just fine with you and your other family members. Don't expect your family member to see their behavior as codependent if they haven't already come to that conclusion on their own. Trying to force your family member to see your perspective may only make matters worse. Treatment in the form of psychotherapy is available. However, your family member likely won't seek it until they come to their own conclusion that there are no other options. Look at where the codependent person is coming from. You should not feel like you need to withstand emotional manipulation in any sense. However, it is also important to understand that a codependent person may not know they are manipulating you. In their mind, they are often being supportive and doing the best possible thing for you. Understanding whether a person is or is not intentionally trying to manipulate you can help you figure out how you want to interact with your family member. Do not use this to try and justify their actions in your own mind. Simply remember that a codependent person is not operating in the same frame of mind as you. Their actions are being guided by a mental health problem. Consider whether you are influencing the codependent behavior. In some cases, codependency can be an overcompensating reaction to another person's behavior. Think honestly about whether you are engaged in any activities or behaviors that may be feeding a family member's codependency. For example, codependence is often seen in the parents and spouses of addicts. The codependent person may feel an endless obligation to take care of the addict for fear of what would happen if they don't. Think honestly about whether you have behaviors and tendencies that might be feeding into a codependent person's behaviors. If so, you may be part of a codependent relationship. Detach from your family member. Detachment doesn't mean that you will never see or speak to your family member. Instead, detachment means separating your family member from their manipulative behaviors. Respond selectively to only those things that are a part of your family member's life or personality, and not that which is a part of codependency. If, for example, your mother asks for some fashion advice about shoes, this is a normal and healthy interaction. If she comes to your house to replace all of your shoes because she believes you aren't getting the best arch support, this is a codependent action. Establish personal boundaries. You may or may not choose to communicate those boundaries to your family member. You should, however, take some time to set boundaries with which you are comfortable. Consider your personal health and ask yourself what do you need to stay physically and mentally healthy on a daily basis. Build your boundaries around that. If, for example, it is important for you to have time every evening to wind down and disconnect for the day, make a boundary that says you will not answer calls, texts, or social media after a certain time. If you do choose to let your family member know about your boundaries, state them as fact. You don't need to rationalize them. You can simply tell your family member, “I've decided I don't want to be on my phone or computer after 7 pm anymore.” Then, stay steady on your new policy, even if they argue or disagree. Find the right way to say no. Part of codependent relationships is familiarity and "button-pushing."That is why in some situations, it may help to say no and distance yourself from your codependent family members, at least temporarily. Finding the right way to say no will depend on the situation, but it can empower you to walk away when things get rough. In some cases, when codependent behaviors are not spiraling or threatening your sense of self, you may use a calm response. These could include, "Sorry, I just wouldn't be comfortable doing that," or "Yes, I see that you don't have the same point of view; we are not communicating.” In situations where you feel it is important to disengage quickly, a simple “No,” or “I can't do that,” will work. You don't owe anyone an explanation. Your family member may develop an emotionally-charged response, but you are not obligated to meet their emotions. Practice nonviolent communication. Violent communication is a form of communication that causes harm, often through coercive or manipulative language. You can start to remove yourself from a codependent dynamic by practicing nonviolent communication. This can help strip the violent communication of its power, and help you detach from the controls of codependency. Nonviolent communication relies on explaining how you feel without blame or criticism and expressing your needs with empathy. For example, instead of saying, “You always try to control me! Stop!” you may say, “When I hear you telling me that, I feel like I don't have personal autonomy. I value being able to make that kind of decision for myself. Would you be willing to let me do so?” Using "I" statements helps communicate your point without assigning blame or causing your family member to get defensive. Detach for a longer period of time. If your family member's codependency is dictating or dominating your life, you may not want to selectively detach. Instead, you may find it more beneficial to detach completely for a longer period of time. This could be anywhere from a day to a period of years, depending on their behavior and your needs. In these situations, you may choose how detached you want to be. For example, you could decide you don't want to be around your family member without other people around, or you may decide you don't want to be around them period. Always leave a situation if you feel it is potentially dangerous. Expect change to be slow. Change in codependent behavior comes slowly, but believe that your attitude can help encourage change. Remember, though, that change often involves dealing with big emotions and overcoming large personal fears. These are not easy, and they will take time. Initially, codependent individuals may react with anger or aggressive outbreaks. Try your best to not react to these outbursts. These are fear-driven reactions that you should not indulge or let impact you. If there are moments where you are frustrated, try not to engage in anger. Instead, take a deep breath and think about what you are going to say before you say it. If you need to, you can even excuse yourself for a minute until you feel calm enough to return to the situation. Focus on your personal health and wellbeing. When you're dealing with a codependent family member, it can sometimes be easy to lose track of your own wellbeing. Try to not let your family member's actions distract you from your daily duties such as work and school. Beyond your daily duties, pick a few things each day that you do just for you, and stick to them. For example, you may make an evening routine out of going for a run, then taking a hot bath afterward. Look for things that both prioritize your personal health , and help you relax and detach from the stress of your codependent family member. These practices will become a type of self-care, which is critical for coping with and moving on from codependency. Treat other family members as if they are emotionally mature. Just because one family member is codependent does not mean that everyone in your family will be. Try not to let your codependent family member's behavior dictate how you interact with the rest of your family. Treat them as if they are emotionally mature unless they give you a reason not to do so. For example, this could mean simply asking someone directly for the thing you want, instead of going through a process of detachment to avoid manipulation. | Read up on codependent behavior. Understand that you cannot cure your family member of codependency. Look at where the codependent person is coming from. Consider whether you are influencing the codependent behavior. Detach from your family member. Establish personal boundaries. Find the right way to say no. Practice nonviolent communication. Detach for a longer period of time. Expect change to be slow. Focus on your personal health and wellbeing. Treat other family members as if they are emotionally mature. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Keep-Your-Guinea-Pig-Safe | How to Keep Your Guinea Pig Safe | One way to keep your guinea pig safe is to place its cage in an area away from fans, air conditioners, vents, and direct sunlight because it might get sick if the cage doesn't stay between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The cage also needs to be big enough or else your piggie could get stressed and hurt itself, so keep it in a cage that is at least 7.5 square feet to be safe. If your guinea pig has any wooden houses in its cage, check on them often because guinea pigs love to chew on wood and these object can eventually become splintered or get dangerously sharp edges. | Provide enough room for your guinea pig. If your guinea pig does not have enough room to move about, it will be unhappy, stressed, and might hurt itself. To avoid this, ensure that your guinea pig can exercise and move freely in its cage. Your guinea pig should be housed in a space that allows it to stand on its hind legs. A safe guinea pig home will have at least 7.5 square feet (2.3 square meters). Ensure the lid is secure. If the lid to the cage is not secure, your guinea pig might find a way to escape. Alternately, cats, ferrets, or other pets might get into the guinea pig's cage and hurt it. There are many ways to secure the lids of guinea pig cages. The right method for securing your cage depends on the type of cage you have. Some guinea pig cages, for instance, have a sliding handle mechanism that keeps the guinea pig from escaping. Others have a plastic door that snaps open and shut. Consult manufacturer directions for more information regarding how you can ensure the lid of your guinea pig cage is secure. Choose the right bedding. The particulate matter in dusty bedding can cause breathing problems in your guinea pig. Unsafe bedding includes pine shavings or powder and other dusty bedding. Use pellet bedding, aspen shavings, shredded paper, or fleece or cotton towels, instead. Keep your piggie at a comfortable temperature. If your guinea pig is either too hot or too cold, it could fall ill. Therefore, keep your guinea pig's cage out of direct sunlight and away from fans, air conditioners, and vents. Guinea pigs should be kept between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (20-25 degrees Celsius). Check wooden housing elements regularly. If you incorporate wooden huts or tunnels into your guinea pig's cage, check them regularly for splintering. Since guinea pigs love chewing on wood, they might chew these wooden objects in such a way that they develop sharp edges. Only use rounded mirrors. Some people like to include mirrors in their guinea pigs' cages. But mirrors with sharp edges could injure your guinea pig. If you choose to include a mirror, ensure it is round. Alternately, use a mirror with edges that are covered with rubber or plastic. You might also choose to place a mirror outside, rather than inside, the guinea pig's cage. Use a cage with solid flooring. While it's best to choose a cage with barred sides to increase airflow, a cage with barred flooring could cause foot injuries. Therefore, avoid cages with barred floors. Feed your guinea foods that will not hurt it. The staple of your guinea pig's diet should be grass hay. Acceptable varieties of grass hay include botanical hay, oat hay, alfalfa hay, timothy hay, and orchard grass. Don't give your piggy pellets that contain additives, human cereals, seeds, or peanuts. These hard objects present choking hazards. Give your guinea pig a variety of grass hay so that it won't get bored with its meals, and will receive a variety of nutrients. Don't feed your guinea pig lawnmower clippings. They might cause your guinea pig's stomach to get upset. Monitor your guinea pig during floor time. When you take your piggie out of its cage to play and explore, do not leave it alone. Always keep an eye on it. Let other family members know that you'll be playing with your guinea pig before you begin your play session. You might also encourage family members to knock before entering, thereby giving you time to collect your guinea pig, lest it run off while the door is open. Letting your family members know your piggie is out will also spur them to watch their step when passing through the area you and your guinea pig are playing. Prevent access to unsafe spaces. Take steps to prevent your guinea pig from escaping or getting into areas it shouldn't during floor time. For instance, roll up a heavy towel and lay it in front of nearby doors. Do the same for the gap beneath your refrigerator. Choose a play space that doesn't have many areas that a guinea pig could escape into, hide under, or run behind. For instance, playing right next to your bed might not be a good idea, since if your guinea pig decided to run beneath the bed, it might be difficult to get it out. Remove potentially dangerous items. Ensure all electrical cords, plastic bags, and other sharp and potentially dangerous objects are out of reach. Some houseplants can be poisonous to guinea pigs, so don't play with your guinea pig near houseplants. And if you have cats or other pets that could pose a threat to your guinea pig, take them to another room before taking your guinea pig out to play. Choose safe toys. There are a wide variety of acceptable toys for guinea pigs, including unpainted wooden blocks, and bird toys with bells on them. All safe toys will be free of small plastic pieces that could break off and pose a choking hazard. They will also be free of sharp edges. Do not buy wooden toys that easily splinter. Don't buy wired balls. These pose a risk of your guinea pig getting their head stuck inside. Never use exercise wheels or balls. Keep toxic substances away from your guinea pig. There are many objects or toys that you can give guinea pigs, but you must ensure they are free of toxins or dyes. For instance, you can provide your guinea pig a manufactured house or igloo to hide in, but it must be made of edible or nontoxic materials. Likewise, you can give your guinea pig balls of printer paper, but only if they are blank and do not have printer ink on them. Consult your vet if you are unsure whether or not a given toy or product contains substances that could prove toxic to your guinea pig. Handle your guinea pig gently. The proper way to pick up a piggie is by placing one hand over its chest, with your index and middle fingers between its front legs and your thumb wrapped around the back of its neck. Place your other hand beneath the piggie's rump, with your thumb centered on its tailbone. Be gentle but firm when handling your pet. Don’t give your piggie running wheels. Running wheels and running balls are acceptable for mice and smaller rodents, but not guinea pigs. If your piggies cage has running wheels or running balls, remove them to prevent spine and leg injuries. Avoid buying wired hay racks. Guinea pigs can get stuck inside of them and sometimes endangering their life. Pregnant guinea pigs can easily squash their abdomen trying to squeeze into the hay rack. Opt for friendlier alternatives instead such as sacks/cotton bags. Guinea pigs like to sleep and hide in their hay which encourages them to get inside the hay rack. There's nothing wrong with having the hay on the floor. Take your guinea pig to the vet regularly. It's important to make sure your guinea pig gets regular check-ups from a veterinarian. Take your piggie to the vet once every six to 12 months. Clip your guinea pig’s nails. If your guinea pig's nails grow too long, its risk of injury increases. Use regular nail clippers to trim your guinea pig's nails once each month. Just place the tip of the animal's nails between the two edges of the nail clipper, then squeeze the clippers. Alternately, take your piggie to the vet, where you can pay a fee to get your pet's nails trimmed. Check your guinea pig’s teeth. Guinea pigs' teeth are constantly growing, so you must give your pet toys that it can chew on to trim down their teeth. You should also have the vet look at your pet's teeth when they get a check-up to determine if their teeth need to be trimmed down further. | Provide enough room for your guinea pig. Ensure the lid is secure. Choose the right bedding. Keep your piggie at a comfortable temperature. Check wooden housing elements regularly. Only use rounded mirrors. Use a cage with solid flooring. Feed your guinea foods that will not hurt it. Monitor your guinea pig during floor time. Prevent access to unsafe spaces. Remove potentially dangerous items. Choose safe toys. Keep toxic substances away from your guinea pig. Handle your guinea pig gently. Don’t give your piggie running wheels. Avoid buying wired hay racks. Take your guinea pig to the vet regularly. Clip your guinea pig’s nails. Check your guinea pig’s teeth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Crystal-Red-Shrimp | How to Keep Crystal Red Shrimp | To keep crystal red shrimp, start by getting an aquarium that is 3 to 10 gallons in size. Next, add aquatic mosses, driftwood, and stones to the tank to provide plenty of hiding spots. Then, feed the shrimp blanched vegetables, like spinach and zucchini, that are chopped into very small pieces. It's also important to continually monitor your aquarium's water quality, especially the nitrate and ammonia levels, to keep your shrimp healthy. | Purchase the right size aquarium. A small aquarium, between 3-10 gallons, is suitable for raising crystal red shrimp. It's better to get a smaller tank, so you can handle them better and keep track of their whereabouts more easily. A smaller aquarium is better for smaller numbers of shrimp. In case your crystal red shrimp get sick or go missing, a smaller aquarium makes it easier to care for them individually or to count the shrimp from outside the aquarium. You should get a larger tank if you plan to have a shrimp colony. This will make it harder to manage the shrimp individually, but will give them enough room to spread out. Include aquatic mosses in your shrimp’s aquarium. Moss is great to include in your crystal red shrimp's aquarium since it contains microorganism that they eat. Additionally, these shrimp do better in a planted aquarium where there is plenty of vegetation for them. For the most part, crystal red shrimp won't eat healthy plants. They snack on mosses, but usually only eat debris, since plants are sometimes too firmly rooted for them to eat. Planted vegetation gives them places to hide as well. However, if your shrimp are hiding often and not swimming in the open water, this may be a sign that they are unhealthy and need to be cared for. Provide plenty of hiding places in the aquarium. Crystal red shrimp don't like being exposed in the open water, since it may make them feel unsafe. You can provide a number of hiding spots, including driftwood, stones, and other shrimp products. Rocks and stones can create a natural environment for your shrimp. They can also grow algae to help feed your shrimp. Some stones you can include are the Ohko, ryuoh, seiryu, yamaya, and manten stone. Driftwood is another especially good hiding place for shrimp, since it can also grow fungus for your shrimp to eat. Additionally, driftwood lowers the PH level of your water, which is necessary for your sensitive crystal red shrimp. Cholla wood and ceramic shrimp tubes can also be useful hiding places for shrimp. When they become anxious due to outside predators, these environments give them a safe place to hide. Limit the strength of the water current in the aquarium. Crystal red shrimp can easily become swept up in the current of your aquarium. This can be especially dangerous, since they can become sucked up into the filter. The water current in your tank should provide circulation, but not sweep up your crystal red shrimp. If you notice them floating along on the current, it's likely your water current is too strong for them. Avoiding things like flow accelerators is probably a good idea when keeping crystal red shrimp. For the most part, the natural flow of the water should be enough for your shrimp. Get the right filter for your crystal red shrimp. Filters can be potentially dangerous for these shrimp due to their small size. Choose a filter that will not suck your shrimp into the intakes and potentially kill them. Sponge filters are the best filters for most shrimp, especially crystal red shrimp. It will not suck them into the intakes and is relatively inexpensive. If you choose a more conventional filter make sure to cover the filter intake with a sponge or stocking. This will help to prevent the baby shrimp from being sucked up and killed. Cycle the aquarium to get the best water quality. This is essential for keeping crystal red shrimp because any amount of ammonia or nitrite will kill them. They need to have nearly perfect water to stay healthy in your aquarium. Before you begin cycling, check your tap water parameters. Crystal Red Shrimp prefer a pH between 6.2 and 7.2 and a tank temperature of around 70-78 degrees Fahrenheit. Ammonium and nitrate levels should be as close to 0 as possible before putting in your crystal red shrimp. Additionally, you should only change less than 1/3 of your total water each week, since they are very sensitive to changes in the water. Choose your shrimp grade. Crystal red shrimp come in 7 grades from the cheapest to most expensive: C, B, A ,S, S+, SS, and SSS. As the shrimp move up the grades, they become more delicate because of inbreeding. SSS grade is the highest grade of shrimp. For the most part, the higher grade shrimp has the most white coloration and the least red. A grade C crystal red shrimp is probably the best shrimp for beginners, since it's relatively inexpensive. It is characterized by transparent white and blotchy red coloration. Choose tank inhabitants for your crystal red shrimp. For optimal breeding, crystal red shrimp should be kept in a species specific aquarium. However, they can be kept with tetras, live bearers, other peaceful community fish, and other dwarf shrimp. Since crystal red shrimp have such specific water quality demands, it may be best to keep them alone in their tank. Mixing them with other fish can risk potential future generations of shrimp. Keep in mind that placing them in tanks with other bee shrimp will cause offspring to revert to their wild form. This is undesirable and should be avoided if you plan on keeping the tank for more than a few shrimp breeding cycles. Introduce the crystal red shrimp to your aquarium. Your shrimp can become shocked if introduced to the water too quickly. Transfer them from the pet store bag to a bowl before putting them in the aquarium. When you bring your crystal red shrimp home, take them from the pet store bag into a large bowl. You should use the same water from the pet store bag to maintain their aquatic environment. Slowly introduce the aquarium water into the large bowl using a siphon. After about 30 minutes, begin to introduce your crystal red shrimp into the aquarium with a soft mesh net. If your shrimp don't move when placed into the aquarium or only float at the surface, there is a problem with the water quality. Remove the shrimp immediately and retest your water for appropriate temperature, nitrate, and ammonia levels. Feed your crystal red shrimp shrimp food and algae wafers. These shrimp are not very particular about their food source. Premade shrimp food works best, since it gives them the nutrients they need. Algae wafers provide them with the algae necessary for their diet. It's important to not overfeed your shrimp. Only give them enough food to last a few hours and feed them only a few times a week. Follow the directions on the shrimp food container for the appropriate quantity of food. Sometimes, it may be a good idea to not feed your shrimp for a few days. This will allow them to cleanse their system and for you to make sure the water quality stays high. Give your shrimp vegetables. Vegetables are also a good food for red crystal shrimp, but only blanched vegetables, which are boiled vegetables doused with cold water. This will make the vegetables soft enough for the shrimp to eat. Spinach and zucchini are great vegetables for red crystal shrimp. They keep their diet healthy and will help develop their red and white stripes. Seaweed is also a good vegetable for crystal red shrimp. It's very rich in nutrients and is easy for them to eat. Beware of CO2 poisoning in your shrimp's aquarium. In planted aquariums, the plants can give off CO2, which can be dangerous to your shrimp. Additionally, CO2 injection, which is necessary for planted aquariums, can sometimes harm your shrimp. During the evening, when CO2 is not absorbed by plants due to the lack of light, the PH level of the aquarium can change dramatically. Since crystal red shrimp are sensitive to the PH level, this can cause injury or even death. A valve to inject CO2 into the aquarium only during daylight hours can useful. However, it's important to monitor this and not accidentally leave it on during the evening hours. Monitor the CO2 level of your aquarium on a regular basis. You need to make sure the level does not become too high. Less than 30 mg/l is the safest. Check the water quality regularly. Nitrate and ammonia levels need to be very small in an aquarium due to the crystal red shrimp's sensitivity. Though your initial water quality may be good, keep up the quality and continually monitor your aquarium's water. Ammonia and nitrates can easily increase in an aquarium. These levels can be decreased with bacteria that will grow naturally in the aquarium and regular water changes. Water should never be changed out all at once. Your crystal red shrimp is sensitive to changes in the water and could be easily stressed by a total change in water. Breed your shrimp carefully. If kept under good conditions, your shrimp will breed with an egg gestation period of around one month. Female shrimp keep the eggs in their swimmerets until they hatch. It's important to keep the water temperature at close to 78 degrees when baby shrimp are born. They also need places to hide so they keep warm when young. Baby shrimp will be eaten by other fish in the aquarium, especially bottom dwelling fish. Remove any larger fish when you have baby shrimp in the aquarium. | Purchase the right size aquarium. Include aquatic mosses in your shrimp’s aquarium. Provide plenty of hiding places in the aquarium. Limit the strength of the water current in the aquarium. Get the right filter for your crystal red shrimp. Cycle the aquarium to get the best water quality. Choose your shrimp grade. Choose tank inhabitants for your crystal red shrimp. Introduce the crystal red shrimp to your aquarium. Feed your crystal red shrimp shrimp food and algae wafers. Give your shrimp vegetables. Beware of CO2 poisoning in your shrimp's aquarium. Check the water quality regularly. Breed your shrimp carefully. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Train-a-Puppy-Not-to-Bite | How to Train a Puppy Not to Bite | Puppies, especially ones under 6 months old, bite things a lot because they're teething. While you can't stop a puppy from biting completely, you can train it not to bite too hard and to focus its biting on chew toys. Whenever your puppy bites down hard enough to hurt you, yell "Ouch!" or "That hurt!" so it knows you're in pain. Then, pull away and ignore your puppy for a few minutes. Over time, your puppy will learn that biting too hard can hurt people and that it won't get your attention if it keeps doing it. If your puppy is biting on something it's not supposed to, like your hand or your shoes, try redirecting its attention to a chew toy instead. Put the toy in its mouth and move it around to make it seem fun and exciting. If your puppy plays with the chew toy, give it a treat to reinforce the good behavior. Eventually, your puppy will learn that it gets rewards and attention when it chews on toys, and it should stop biting people and objects around the house as much. | React consistently to bites. Every time your puppy bites, say "NO!" in a firm voice. Then just walk away and ignore the puppy. Social isolation and time outs can be an effective form of punishment for a pack animal. You can also yelp when your puppy bites too hard. It might seem silly but puppies in a litter will cry out if a sibling accidentally bites too hard. Yelping when your puppy lays teeth on your will give feedback to very young puppies about what is acceptable playing and what isn't. Teach children not to shriek, run or flap their hands because this will engage the puppy's natural prey instincts and add to the problem. Children should remain calm and keep their hands closed and close to their bodies. Use a taste deterrent to keep your puppy from biting. Before you start playing with your puppy, spray a taste deterrent on areas of your body and clothes that your puppy likes to play rough with. When your puppy starts biting you, stop moving and wait for him to react to the taste deterrent. Once your puppy stops biting, praise him and continue playing. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to get the material off your hands. Taste deterrents include: “Bitter Apple,” “Vicks Vapor Rub,” or white vinegar. Use these on your hands to make them taste unpleasant. Contrary to a previous post, please note that tea tree oil can cause temporary paralysis in dogs; use products that are tested as safe for dogs/animals. Redirect your puppy's attention using teething toys. When he has calmed down, gently talk to him and stroke him. Keep your hand away from his mouth. Start playing again and avoid getting the puppy excited. This time, use toys instead of your hands to get your puppy engaged. Start playing fetch, so that you are tossing toys away from you and using the puppy's prey drive for positive fun. Playing with toys can be used as a training reward or break and keeps your hands away from the puppy's teeth. Some trainers suggest playing tug-of-war with your puppy. The puppy learns that the game is fun, but is also controlled by you, the human at the other end of the toy. The fun will stop if the rules of the game aren't honored, keeping everyone safe. Play safely while you supervise training. Never play roughly with a puppy that bites. Rough play will only encourage this behavior and strongly establish it in the puppy's mind. Never use your hands as toys. You should also closely watch children playing around or with the puppy. Kids are not equipped to train a puppy and injuries can happen. Don't let children play tug with the puppy unless an adult is present, the puppy fully understands the rules, and only if the puppy's size does not pose a risk to the child during the game. Use a water spray bottle in severe cases. In cases where biting is exceptionally strong or persistent, keep a water spray bottle handy. Accompany your firm "NO!" with a squirt of water in puppy's face to interrupt the behavior. Take care to set the nozzle to spray and not jet. You just want to startle the puppy, not harm him. Be aware that the puppy will associate the water spray with you, and this could make him wary of you at other times. Never threaten the puppy with the squirt bottle or create fear. You also don't want to create a situation where the puppy only behaves if the squirt bottle is in your hand. Reward good behavior. Always praise good behavior with lots of gentle love and cuddles. Use rewards effectively to reinforce good behavior. For example, if your dog successfully responds to your request to drop a toy, say, "yes!," or "good boy!" Verbal rewards work well when you're playing and may have your hands full of toys. Remember, you are now the puppy's parent. It's your responsibility to encourage him to become a happy, healthy, well-adjusted family member. Understand how puppies usually learn about biting. It's normal for puppies to bite as they develop and grow. Usually, they learn about not biting from other members of their pack, including adult dogs. Puppies learn by playing with other pack mates about when to avoid causing serious damaging through biting. If puppies don't learn to control or stop biting, the other dogs will punish the puppy more severely, possibly by biting the puppy to cause injury. If the puppy does learn easily from his pack mates, they'll become more forceful and clear about biting behavior until the puppy behaves in a manner acceptable to other members of its pack. Realize the importance of teaching your dog not to bite. If you allow puppy biting, it may get out of control and your puppy will not learn to control his bite. This can lead to serious behavioral issues when your puppy reaches adulthood. If you suspect your puppy is biting out of fear or anger, talk with an animal behavioral therapist, who may be able to help. It is not acceptable for puppies to bite people, or other animals, unless they are in true physical danger and need to defend themselves. Take safety precautions if your puppy bites. If you're starting a training program with the help of a qualified trainer, consider muzzling your puppy with a basket muzzle. Your puppy will quickly learn to stop nipping or biting with the help of the muzzle, but muzzling is not recommended if you don't have a clear understanding of the training approach and goals. If the muzzle isn't introduced and used properly, your puppy can actually become more dangerous to people, especially those trying to put the muzzle on the puppy. Rewarding the puppy by giving it a treat after wearing the muzzle can help the dog associate the muzzle with something good. This makes it less likely to be wary of you or aggressive, and it makes the whole process easier for both you and the dog. Never leave children unattended and unsupervised with dogs, even ones that seem “safe”. You may need to isolate the dog and/or crate him when a knowledgeable adult cannot be present. | React consistently to bites. Use a taste deterrent to keep your puppy from biting. Redirect your puppy's attention using teething toys. Play safely while you supervise training. Use a water spray bottle in severe cases. Reward good behavior. Understand how puppies usually learn about biting. Realize the importance of teaching your dog not to bite. Take safety precautions if your puppy bites. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Doctor-in-the-UK | How to Become a Doctor in the UK | If you want to become a doctor in the UK, you'll need patience and a willingness to do a lot of hard work. Make sure you take science and math subjects while you're in school. If possible, you'll also want to get healthcare-related experience before you apply, like volunteering at a local healthcare facility. Once you're done with your A levels, apply to medical schools. When your application passes the first stage, take the Clinical Aptitude Test to show that you have traits that are valuable in a clinical setting. You'll also need to attend a medical school interview, which is a chance for you to express your values and motives for becoming a doctor. Once you get your Bachelor's, you'll have to do your foundation program training as a junior doctor as well as complete core medical training. | Take science and maths subjects at school. As you are going through high school, make sure that you are taking the subjects that are required for entry to medical schools in the UK. Biology, physics, chemistry, or maths are all ideal options. Talk to your school career advisor for guidance on what subjects to take. Each medical school has slightly different requirements. For example, the University of Bristol requires chemistry and one other science subject at A level, whereas the University of East Anglia requires biology, and chemistry or physics. If you haven't taken the right subjects during your school years, don't worry! Although it would give you an advantage, some universities offer courses with an extra year to get students up to speed in science and maths. Get healthcare related experience before you apply. Having health or care experience is considered a valuable asset on many medical school application forms. Contact your local nursing home, hospital, or GP practice, and enquire about gaining work experience. While paid positions are possible, most will be volunteer roles. Work that is directly related to healthcare would be an advantage, however unrelated work such as cleaning or maintaining the grounds of a healthcare facility will show your commitment to the field. Some volunteer roles include being a tour guide at your local hospital, working at the information desk, and making deliveries around the hospital. Entry-level paid roles in healthcare are usually caregiver positions, where you help people with daily tasks in their own home. Research your different medical school options. There are 33 different medical schools in the UK, all with different entry requirements, teaching styles, and courses offered. Medical schools offer 4 main types of programs, and these are standard entry medicine, graduate entry medicine, medicine with a preliminary year, and medicine with a gateway year. The entry requirements differ for each school. Standard entry medicine is 5-6 years long, and results in a bachelor's degree in medicine. This is open to students applying from school. Some universities that offer this program are the University of Birmingham, Cardiff University, the University of Manchester, and the University of Oxford. Graduate entry medicine is a program that is offered to students who already have achieved a bachelor's degree. Most universities require that this degree is health related, and that the student has achieved a minimum of a 2:1. This is a 4-5 year course. Universities that offer this program include the University of Cambridge, Newcastle University, and Swansea University. Medicine with a preliminary year is a 6 year course that is offered to students who achieved well at A level, but didn't take the necessary science subjects. This program requires students to have achieved 3 As at A level. Some universities that offer this course are Cardiff University, the University of Dundee, and Keele University. Medicine with a gateway year is an option for students who have a high ability and potential for medicine, but have had barriers in their personal circumstances such as being in the first generation of their family to apply to higher education, or their family is in receipt of a means-tested benefit. These programs are open only to UK students. The University of East Anglia, the University of Leicester, and the University of Southampton are all options for this program. Achieve high grades in your A levels. The grade requirements for each medical school in the UK differ slightly. Although all require A level science subjects, some require A* grades, while others will accept As. Plan what medical schools you wish to apply for during the year. This will give you a good goal to aim for so that your grades are up to scratch. Apply for medical programs. Students in the UK can apply for up to 5 different courses, so most apply for 4 different medical schools, and use their last option to apply for a different course in case it doesn't go as planned. You will need to apply by the deadline and write a personal statement. Most students choose a health related course for their final option. This is often a bio-medical science degree, as it has lower grade requirements and can be used to pursue medicine as a postgraduate later on. Always double check the entry requirements and deadlines for your applications throughout the process. Most deadlines will be between September and October of the year before you wish to begin your course. Get a trusted family member, friend, or careers advisor to go through your application with you. They can help to check that you have everything sorted. Take the admission tests if your application passes the first stage. 26 of the 33 medical schools in the UK require applicants to take the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT). This test ensures that all successful applicants have attributes that are valuable in a clinical setting. You can apply to sit the UKCAT through the official website and booking in a test date. The UKCAT assesses attitudes, mental abilities, and behaviours. Bursaries are offered for applicants that require financial help to pay for the test. There is an eligibility criteria which includes many different circumstances, such as receiving Free School Meals or living with a parent or guardian that is in receipt of a means-tested benefit. You can apply for the bursary scheme on the UKCAT website. The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) is another type of test, but is instead for applicants who are applying for graduate medical programs. The GAMSAT tests how well the applicants can think critically, communicate clearly, and analyse information. You can register to sit the GAMSAT online, and book into a test center. Attend your medical school interview. The interview is a chance for the medical school to see you as a person and to gauge your values and motives, rather than just assess your grades. Get plenty of practice speaking confidently, genuinely, and clearly, and answer questions as honestly as possible. Although interviews can be nerve-wracking, remember that all of the other applicants feel the same way, and that it's okay to be nervous. You will be asked why you want to study medicine, and about your application, experience, background, and interests. Have genuine, well thought out answers for these questions ready, because sounding genuine will be appreciated even if you are concerned that your answers are generic. If you know anyone who has gone through a medical school interview, don't be afraid to ask them questions about their experience to help you feel more prepared. Organize for life as a medical student if you get accepted. Getting accepted into medical school is an exciting time! Start preparing for your new life by organizing your accommodation or transport if you have to move. Also explore different student finance options that could help you through your studies, such as scholarships, loans, and grants. Lots of medical schools will hold events before the course starts. Make sure that you attend these if possible to meet other people in your classes, and to feel prepared for the years ahead. If you don't get accepted to medical school at first, most schools will allow you to reapply after 1 year. It is recommended that you gain more healthcare related experience during this time. Complete your bachelor's degree in medicine. This will take between 4-6 years depending on your particular course. You will have to meet the minimum grade requirements for your classes to be able to progress through your degree, and these vary across institutions. This is the time where you will get basic training in medical sciences, core learning, and practical clinical skills. After completing your bachelor's degree, you will be called a junior doctor! Undergo your foundation program training as a junior doctor. All junior doctors are required to complete a 2 year postgraduate course which prepares them professionally and clinically, before they venture into speciality training. The foundation training is run through the UK health departments, and students are trained in the workplace. Your medical school will have to nominate you forward for the foundation training. Your application will also involve sitting 2 tests. This training is designed to ensure that all doctors will provide the highest patient care. You will get a wide variety of experiences during foundation training. You will rotate through different areas of medicine such as general medicine, general surgery, psychiatry, and geriatrics. One you complete your foundation training, you will be awarded a Foundation Programme Certificate of Completion (FPCC). This means that you will be ready to enter your next stage of training, and will be one step closer to being a fully qualified doctor. Complete 2 years of core medical training. Going into the primary care field is one option, which is if you want to train to become a general practitioner (GP). Secondary care is the alternative option, which means that you will work in a hospital. This stage is where you can slowly start to specialise as a doctor. You will need to go through the application process and an interview run by the Royal College of Physicians. The application takes approximately 10 hours to complete, and is focused on your career, experiences, background, and achievements. If you choose to complete your core training in a hospital, you will go on rotations through different departments that are 4-6 months each. If your aim is become a GP, you will need to register with the Royal College of General Practitioners, also known as the GP register, during this time. Gain membership to the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP). This occurs during your 2 years of core medical training. You will need to pass several workplace assessments and exams to gain entrance. Membership to MRCP involves 3 exams, including one initial exam, a written exam, and a clinical exam. You will need to apply online to be able to request to sit exams and assessments. Do specialty training if you want to specialise in a particular branch of medicine. Depending on the specialty that you choose, such as emergency medicine or psychiatry, this stage will take 5-8 years to complete. You will be continuously supervised and assessed by senior doctors. During your specialty training, you will need to gain entrance to the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MCRP) by passing workplace assessments and sitting an exam. Gain Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points each year. Every doctor in the UK must demonstrate their fitness to be able to continue to practice. This involves attending seminars and workshops, alongside completing online courses and modules. The main outcomes of CPD for doctors are to improve the quality of medical care for patients, and to improve the standards of the field that you work in. Medical royal colleges and facilities in the UK have CPD schemes designed to guide doctors in their professional development. Your facility will guide you towards the number of CPD points that you need to gain each year. | Take science and maths subjects at school. Get healthcare related experience before you apply. Research your different medical school options. Achieve high grades in your A levels. Apply for medical programs. Take the admission tests if your application passes the first stage. Attend your medical school interview. Organize for life as a medical student if you get accepted. Complete your bachelor's degree in medicine. Undergo your foundation program training as a junior doctor. Complete 2 years of core medical training. Gain membership to the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP). Do specialty training if you want to specialise in a particular branch of medicine. Gain Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points each year. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Rekindle-a-Relationship | How to Rekindle a Relationship | To rekindle your relationship, find a funny TV show that makes you both laugh and make a regular date to watch it, since laughter helps you relax and take the pressure off your relationship. You should also keep in touch with regular, short messages, even if it's just to ask how their day is going, since showing you care can boost intimacy. If you feel that your date nights have gotten boring, come up with new, exciting ideas, like going out dancing together, hosting a party, or going ice skating. Since small gestures can also make a big difference, try doing little things, like taking out the trash or cooking dinner. Additionally, pay them genuine compliments, such as “I like how that dress shows off your curves,” or “You look good in that shirt.” | Laugh together. Laughter is most definitely contagious, and can help people feel more at ease and relaxed. Laughing and having a sense of humor can take the pressure off of your relationship and help you cope with the inevitable ups and downs of sharing a life together. Find things that you know your partner will like and find funny. Remember things from your day that made you laugh to share with your partner when you get home. Find a TV show that makes both of you laugh and have a standing date to watch it together. Let your partner know you’re there. Even if it's not a long conversation, checking in with one another is vital. Remind the other person how you feel and that you are there when he or she needs you. Sending messages to show your level of engagement in the relationship can also help build intimacy. Don't forget to say: “I love you.” “I admire you.” “I miss you.” “I'm sorry things are going badly today. Is there any way I can help?” “I can't wait to see you.” “I hate to see you like this. Can I do anything?” Come up with new date ideas. Move away from dating clichés like dinner and a movie. In a long-term relationship, it's important to try new things to keep the magic alive. If you do go out to dinner, make an effort to try new restaurants and get dressed up from time to time. Try out the following ideas: Go out dancing. Host a party. Hit the beach. Go ice skating. Visit hot springs. Do karaoke. Take a cooking class together. Do the ‘little things’. Little things can include writing notes to show your affection, taking the trash out, or cooking dinner when your partner is exhausted. These small gestures show that you are attentive to your partner. The 'little things' are often couple specific, meaning no two couples will enjoy the same things. The important thing is to be sincere in your gestures and come from the heart. If you and your partner appreciate movies, plan a special movie night for the two of you, with your favorite snack foods. Surprise your partner with a small gift, such as flowers or a hobby-related item. Have genuine conversations. While it might have been hard to pull away from each other early in the relationship when you could talk all night long, intimate, engaging conversations may tend to dwindle over time, turning to finances, kids, and to-do lists. Make time to connect and discuss topics that you both are passionate about. Find things that you genuinely connect on, and discuss them. Start a book club for just the two of you. Learn something new about each other by asking “how” and “what” questions. For instance, “What was middle school like for you?” or “How was it for you when you moved?” Use open-ended questions that allow easy, natural conversation. Then, truly listen and connect to your mate's feelings once again. Don't criticize your partner for not talking to you. Instead, do something positive like inviting your partner to tell you about his or her day over dinner, a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine. Try saying something like, “I'd really like to know about your day. Let's sit down and you can tell me all about it.” Compliment your partner. Being in a long-term relationship may cause you and your partner to take each other for granted and forget to do or say the sweet things that you used to in the beginning of the relationship. Complimenting your partner will show that you care. Be specific. Instead of saying “You look nice,” say something like, “I love the way that dress shows off your curves” or “I love the way you look in that shirt.” Rather than saying, “You are so smart”, say, “I admire how intellectual you are and the way you discuss issues so genuinely.” Focus on what you and your partner have together. While it may be easier to focus on the negatives in your relationship, highlighting the positives will help your relationship thrive. It is especially important to focus on why you and your partner fell in love. For example, you and your partner might have bonded over a shared interest in running, a common faith, or a shared desire to help others. Make a list of all of the things that made you fall in love with your partner and ask your partner to do the same. Then, you can sit down and share lists and reconnect by reliving the beginning of your relationship. Give physical contact every single day. Skin-on-skin contact releases a hormone called oxytocin, which increases feelings of intimacy. Don't just physically touch as a prelude to sex. Instead, kiss each other goodbye in the morning, embrace when you meet again, and give each other massages as you unwind from a long or trying day. Engage in hand holding and feel free to embrace for long periods of time, especially if either needs to destress. Make small changes to spice up your sex life and reclaim your bedroom. If you live together, remove some of the clutter from your bedroom: this includes kids' toys, paperwork, and clothes strewn on the floor. Get some candles, buy new sheets, and do anything else it takes to transform your bedroom into an intimate environment. If you fall asleep to TV, consider taking the TV, laptop, and other electronics out of the bedroom. Create a sense of intimacy by agreeing to disengage with technology while together in the bedroom. Send a naughty text. Tell your partner how excited you are to see him or her and reminisce on the last time you spent a night together. Or send a racy picture of yourself. Messages like these can really get your partner revved up! Remember to only send texts that you are comfortable with; never feel pressured to send anything, even to your partner. Build your confidence. Having low self-esteem can manifest as feeling like you don't deserve to be treated well or that things will take a turn for the worst. These thoughts can sabotage the relationship and will eventually become a reality. Instead of sabotaging your relationship, work on building your confidence and your confidence in your partner. If you've been hurt in the past, heal those wounds and validate your worth, knowing that you are deserving of giving and receiving love. Instead of avoiding sexual intimacy because you're self-conscious about your body, learn to accept yourself as you are. If you choose to make changes to your body (such as losing weight), recognize that being your ideal weight may not change your insecurity and that it's up to you to feel comfortable in your own skin. Practice forgiveness. Nothing kills a relationship like holding onto a grudge. If you and your partner have an unresolved issue that is putting a strain on your relationship, then it's time to forgive each other and move on. Talk to each other openly about it and try to move past it. If you haven't had success in letting it go before this, it might be time to see a couples' counselor to help you get your relationship back on track. There's nothing wrong with going to counseling, and it can be immensely helpful in finding ways to relate to each other and grow closer emotionally. Spend some time apart. Just because you are committed to one another, doesn't mean you have to spend every waking second together. In fact, spending some time apart will usually improve your relationship by allowing you to blow off some steam, reconnect with friends, and relax. Agree with your partner about how much time you want to spend together versus apart, such as having one night each week of time apart, or one weekend each month. This choice show be arrived at by mutual agreement. Take a girls' or guys' night out every once in a while, or take a spa weekend away to unwind. Being apart temporarily often sparks up the relationship, raising the anticipation and excitement of being reunited. Don't drop your activities and hobbies when you're in a relationship. Continue to paint, dance, draw, or go to the gym, even if your partner doesn't participate. Go somewhere together. Experiencing a trip together can bring couples closer, especially when the focus is on each other and the relationship. A trip allows you to shift your focus from everyday stressors to each other. You can try for a dream trip, or just a nice weekend out of town. List out places you both have always wanted to see, and choose one that excites both of you. Every day, take steps to get closer to you both getting there. Finally, aim to create new memories, snapping photos and taking videos so you can re-live the memories later. You can go backpacking or camping to enjoy the great outdoors or plan a ritzy vacation away at a high class resort. International travel can be an exciting experience for the two of you! If you have kids, try to at least take one kid-free vacation every year. Be a good listener. Take the time and talk to your partner, and more importantly, listen. Engage your partner by asking open-ended questions, then leisurely reflect upon what he or she says. Be open with sharing your feelings, and allow your partner to do the same. You can practice reflective listening by saying, “I hear you saying that things are difficult between you and your parents” or, “It sounds like you're feeling really stressed about work.” Manage stress. With jobs, families, and other issues that require your time, sometimes the relationship is the part that suffers the most from time taken away. Stress is a normal part of life, but chronic stress causes a spike in cortisol, a hormone that can reduce the desire for physical intimacy. Needless to say, this can cause damage to your relationship in the long run. Eliminate stressful elements from your life if possible, and combat stress by exercising regularly, doing yoga, or meditating. Encourage your partner to do the same, especially if he or she struggles with stress. Manage your time to avoid the stress caused by rushing to meet a deadline. Take care of tasks as they come up rather than letting them pile up, and use a planner to keep track of obligations. Spend more time doing things that you enjoy. Life can't be all work and no play, so make it a point to devote at least one day each week to doing what you love. Do a long-term project together. Find something that will interest both of you and work toward it. Having a long-term goal assures that you will spend time together during your week and can lift you out of the work-family life rut. Some possible projects might be: Train for a sporting event together such as a triathlon. Learn a new language together, then visit a country where it's spoken. Build something like a boat, a shed, or a garden. Try something new. Trying something novel can increase intimacy. Choose an activity that neither of you has done before, and maybe even one that's a little scary. Sharing the experience of having trepidatious misgivings and then going through with an activity anyway will probably bring you closer in ways you never imagined. Plus, the experience will provide a great conversation topic among your friends. Try rock climbing, skydiving or paragliding. Go on a backpacking trip. Take a wild and native foods cooking class. Find ways to focus on the big picture. Being in a long-term relationship can lead to focusing only on yourself and your partner. To rekindle your relationship, it may be necessary for you and your partner to get out of this mindset. You may need to find a way to expand your horizons and connect through this experience. Try to engage in a spiritual practice together. If you and your partner share a spiritual belief, then you could attend services together. If not, then perhaps you can explore spiritual beliefs together. Engaging in a spiritual practice may help to reignite the spark between you and your partner. Consider volunteer work. Volunteering with your partner may also help you to get out of yourselves and bond over the experience of helping others. Try volunteering at a local food bank or animal shelter. Work together to raise money for charity. You and your partner might also be able to change your focus by working towards a charity's financial goals. Consider helping out with a telethon or run a charity 5K with your partner. | Laugh together. Let your partner know you’re there. Come up with new date ideas. Do the ‘little things’. Have genuine conversations. Compliment your partner. Focus on what you and your partner have together. Give physical contact every single day. Make small changes to spice up your sex life and reclaim your bedroom. Send a naughty text. Build your confidence. Practice forgiveness. Spend some time apart. Go somewhere together. Be a good listener. Manage stress. Do a long-term project together. Try something new. Find ways to focus on the big picture. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Test-Your-Blood-Sugar | How to Test Your Blood Sugar | To test your blood sugar with a glucometer, start by washing your hands with soap and water and cleaning the finger you're going to prick with rubbing alcohol. Then, insert a test strip into the glucometer, pull off the top of the lancing device, and push the lancet into the device until you hear a click. When the glucometer prompts you for a sample, position the lancing device on the side of your clean finger and push the button to prick the skin. Apply the drop of blood that appears to the end of the test strip and wait for the glucometer to give you the results, which typically takes 10-30 seconds. Don't forget to dispose of your lancet and test strip properly in a biohazard container once you're done! | Identify your needs. Choosing the right glucose meter is the best way to be able to check your blood sugar yourself. Some glucometers store your readings in their memory while others do not, and the machines vary in how much blood is needed and how easy they are to use. Start by thinking about what you need in a glucose meter – prioritize easy of use, price, memory capabilities, and whether there are extra functions. Look at some of the different products that are available and compare them to find the best one for you. Some special functions that machines may have include checking for ketones (for Type 1 diabetics), using alternate languages, “flagging” capabilities, and being able to upload data to a computer. The doctor or specialist who takes care of your diabetes probably has a lot of experience in helping patients choose the right blood sugar monitor. Ask something like, “Do you have a brand of glucose meter that you recommend?” Read user reviews and check ratings. Some meters are more reliable than others in terms of readings, integrity of data archived, and especially accuracy. Take the time to check into consumer ratings and comments, so you are sure to get a quality machine. Purchase the supplies you need. It's easy to obtain a glucose meter kit – you can get one at your local pharmacy or on the internet. Most kits contain lancets (testing needles), a lancing device, testing strips, and a meter to read the results. Buy from recognizable sites like Amazon or directly from the company's website, and only buy new products. Before buying your glucometer, check what test strips will be easily accessible to you. Glucometers use specific test strips, and some are much more expensive or harder to get than others, so choose a machine for which the strips will be easy to get. Minimize your costs. Before you buy your glucose meter, check with your insurance to make sure they will cover the brand of machine and test strips you need. Your doctor can probably give you a prescription for your glucometer, which will help keep costs down. Try to purchase test strips, which can be expensive, at online retail websites. You can also try to save money by using a pharmaceutical assistance program. When getting test strips online, check the expiration date on the strips and determine if you can reasonably use all those strips before that date. Read the directions that came with the meter and lancing device. Carefully read and study the pamphlet that came with your meter. Different meters can vary in how they operate. Some now have advanced functions such as pattern recognition. Carefully read through the instructions and make sure you understand exactly how to use the device. If you have any questions, contact your doctor before using the machine. It may be a good idea to bring your glucometer to your next doctor's appointment and ask them to show you how to use it. Test the glucometer first. Most glucometers come with a means to test their accuracy. The kit may include a pre-treated test strip or a liquid for you to place on an unused test strip. You will then insert this strip into the machine and check the reading against the limits provided in the instruction manual. Consider when to eat. Do you need your reading to be a fasting blood sugar? If so, do not eat for 8 hours before you check your sugar. It's best to take your reading first thing in the morning, and simply not eat after your dinner the night before. However, for those with Type 1 diabetes, fasting for more than 8 hours may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), so it might be necessary to have a snack before bed. You might want to check your blood sugar immediately after a meal, or two-hours after you eat (a postprandial reading). Discuss your goals with your doctor. They should be able to explain what you want to accomplish with your blood sugar readings, like, “Some people need to check their sugar before and after each meal, but you can just check right before you eat.” Insert a test strip into the glucometer. Your glucose meter may automatically turn on, but glucometers can differ in when you insert the test strip. You may need to insert the test strip before you lance your finger or you may need to put blood on the strip and then insert it into the machine. Be sure to insert the correct end of the strip into the machine. Place a lancet in your lancing device. Pull off the top of the lancing device and put the lancet into the device. Push the lancet into the device until you hear a click, or can feel that it is pushed down all the way into place. Most lancets will have a small cap over them, hiding the needle. Be sure to remove this before placing the lancing device cap back on. To remove it, simply twist it counter clockwise or clockwise and pull it off. Place the cap back on while rotating the cap on the end of the lancing device. Wait for the glucometer to prompt you for a sample. The glucometer will have a readout area that will alert you when it is ready. It may say "Place sample on strip" or it may use an icon, such as a drop of liquid, to show that you can insert your sample. Many machines are automatically coded, especially newer models. Others require you to look at the screen to check that the number displayed is the same as the code on the packet of strips. Read your instructions carefully to know if you have to check this. Clean your hands and sampling area. Wash your hands with warm soap and water. Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue and turn off the tap with your arm or elbow. Dry them thoroughly with a paper towel. Never use hand wipes or hand sanitizer as these can affect the result. Clean the finger you're going to prick with an alcohol swab, or with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. Alcohol evaporates rapidly so there's no need to dry the area; that will just recontaminate it. Let the alcohol air dry. Prick the side of your finger. Push the button on the top of the lancing device and then position it over the side of your fingertip, up by the edge of your fingernail. Make sure the cap is on the lancing device. Press the button on the side of the lancing device to prick your finger. This process should not be very painful — you might not even feel it. If the blood doesn't come out on its own, try squeezing or massaging the finger on either side until you squeeze out a drop. Let the blood form a small bead on your finger. Always switch fingers during the day and switch hands every day to prevent scar tissue buildup on your fingertips. If you find it hard to get a drop of blood from your finger, let your hand dangle at your side for several minutes before you prick your finger to increase blood flow. Apply the blood to the end of the test strip. Hold the bead of blood to touch the tip of the strip at the right place, which should be indicated on the strip. Some newer strips offer a "wicking" action that will draw the blood up into the test strip. Other meters and strips will require you to drop your blood onto the strip. The screen will indicate when there is enough blood on the strip to run the test. Wait for your results. The glucometer will start to count down in seconds until your results are ready to read. Newer glucometers usually take five seconds, and older versions can take 10 to 30 seconds. The meter may beep or indicate on the screen when it has a reading ready. Read the results. The results will appear on the screen. Your results will vary depending on what time of day it is, how recently you ate, and what you ate. Your results are specific to you — a good reading for one person may not be a good reading for someone else. Make sure you and your doctor have discussed what is a healthy reading for you. Dispose of your lancet and test strip carefully. Lancing needles should be disposed of in a sharps container, and test strips should be thrown away in a biohazard container. Using a new lancet each time reduces the pain involved in pricking your finger. Always use a new lancet for every test. Never reuse them. Record your blood glucose result in your glucose diary. Keeping a diary can help you to spot patterns, and discuss your results with your healthcare team. Make sure you note the day, time and whether your reading was fasting, post-prandial (2 hours after eating), or otherwise how recently you ate. Some glucometers store the readings for you in their on-board memory, but it may still be helpful to write your records down. Go the extra step of recording what you ate that day, and what dosage of medication you take, if applicable. Bring your record to your doctor visits. Your glucometer may store your results so that your doctor can see the results of all your previous tests. If it does not have this function, make sure you bring a log of all your readings. Bring your glucometer as well so your doctor can make sure it's calibrated and working correctly. Know whether your test is “fasting” or not. A “fasting” blood test means one that is done after 8 hours or more of not eating. If you are getting your blood sugar tested at your doctor's office, find out whether you need to fast the night before or not. If you are supposed to fast for your test, do not eat the night before or the morning of your appointment. Drinking water is okay. Most fasting tests are scheduled for first thing in the morning so you don't have to go hungry all day long. Expect to have a blood sample taken. If you get your blood sugar tested at your doctor's office, they will take a blood sample from a vein. Your healthcare provider will clean the area with alcohol, usually the inside of your elbow, and tie a tight band called a tourniquet around the top of your arm. They will use a syringe (medical needle) to take a blood sample, which may feel moderately uncomfortable like a bee sting. Once the sample is taken, the tourniquet will be removed, and a band aid will be put on the area. You might feel some mild throbbing afterwards, or get a small bruise. Usually the procedure is not very painful, and it's over in about a minute. If you tend to feel nervous or get lightheaded around needles, bring a small snack with you for after the sample is taken. If you get nauseated or pass out after having blood taken, it's just your body's response to feeling scared. A small sugary snack can help you feel better. Discuss the results with your doctor. You will either receive a call or have a follow-up appointment to discuss the results of your tests. Ask the doctor or nurse any questions you may have, such as "What do these results mean?"; or "Is this a good result?"; or "Is my fasting blood sugar at a healthy level?"; or "What should I do next?". Normal results for a fasting glucose test is under 100 mg/dL. Before meals, your blood sugar should be in the range of 70 to 99 mg/dL. Results of non-fasting tests will vary depending on when you last ate, and what you ate. “Postprandial” readings are taken two hours after you last ate, and should be under 140 mg/dl. | Identify your needs. Purchase the supplies you need. Minimize your costs. Read the directions that came with the meter and lancing device. Test the glucometer first. Consider when to eat. Insert a test strip into the glucometer. Place a lancet in your lancing device. Wait for the glucometer to prompt you for a sample. Clean your hands and sampling area. Prick the side of your finger. Apply the blood to the end of the test strip. Wait for your results. Read the results. Dispose of your lancet and test strip carefully. Record your blood glucose result in your glucose diary. Bring your record to your doctor visits. Know whether your test is “fasting” or not. Expect to have a blood sample taken. Discuss the results with your doctor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Ribbon-Leis | How to Make Ribbon Leis | To make a ribbon lei, pin 2 satin ribbons together with the right sides facing each other. Next, fold the ends down and inward, then secure them with pins. Sew along the entire lengths of the ribbons on both edges, leaving the ends open, and turn the ribbon tube right side out. Thread a smaller ribbon through the tube, attach beads to each end, and tie the ends into a bow. Then, shape the lei by scrunching up the tube until the folds resemble flower petals! | Select two different colors of ribbon in your desired size. Choose ribbons of the same brand and width to make the process easier. Many people choose ribbon that's 0.625 in (1.59 cm) wide, but you can pick out whatever type of ribbon you'd like. For example, if you're making the lei for a graduate whose school colors are blue and yellow, pick out a roll of ribbon in yellow and one in blue, making sure they're both the same size. Cut the ribbon strands to be roughly 5 yd (4.6 m) each in length. Unravel each roll of ribbon and lay them flat. Use a ruler or yardstick to measure at least 5 yd (4.6 m) of each ribbon, using scissors to cut them at the measured mark. You can measure out more than 5 yd (4.6 m) if you'd like to have more to work with just in case. Cut each ribbon at an angle for a more professional look or straight across depending on your preferences, making sure they're both the same length. Align the ribbons and tie a knot about 5–7 in (13–18 cm) from the ends. Take an end of each different colored ribbon and form a knot. Leaving 5–7 in (13–18 cm) of space between the knot and the end of the ribbons will give you room to tie the lei together once you're finished. Create the knot by aligning the ends together and forming a loop, or by tying the two ends together like you would tie your shoes. Create a loop with each ribbon near the knot. Form a loop with each ribbon, as if you were making bunny ears. The loops don't need to be large—a length of 2 in (5.1 cm) works well. Make each loop so that they're both roughly the same size. Hold one loop in your left hand and the other loop in your right for the best grip. Stick loop #1 through loop #2, holding on to the base. It doesn't matter which color ribbon you start with. For example, you might stick a white ribbon loop through a blue ribbon loop, or vice versa. Once a loop is through the other loop, hold the ribbons so one hand is holding each one in place at the base. If your ribbons have a shiny and non-shiny side, create your loops so that one ribbon has the shiny side showing and the other does not. Stick the shiny ribbon through the non-shiny ribbon to start the pattern of the shiny side showing on the lei. Pull on loop #2’s end to tighten it around loop #1. Pull lightly on the loose end of the ribbon you used to make loop #2, watching as the ribbon tightens around loop #1. Pull the ribbon so that it's equal to the width of loop #1. Be careful not to pull too tightly, or the ribbon will scrunch up. Avoid pulling the ribbon so that it's too loose as well—you want the ribbon to be flat against the loop for the best lei. Hold loop #1 in place so it doesn't move as the ribbon tightens around it. Make another loop using the ribbon so that there are two loops again. With loop #2 now tightened around loop #1, you'll need to make another loop #2 that's the same size. Hold the already-made loop with one hand and use your other hand to form the new loop. Put loop #2 through loop #1. Do the same thing you did before, just with opposite colors this time. Move loop #2 so that it's through the center of loop #1. Hold each loop with a separate hand to make sure they don't unravel. For example, if you first put a white ribbon's loop through a blue ribbon's loop, now you'd be putting the blue ribbon's loop through the white ribbon's. Pull on loop #1’s ribbon end to tighten it around loop #2. Hold the loops with one hand, and use the other hand to pull lightly on the loose end of loop #1's ribbon. Tighten it so that it's flat against loop #2, and the ribbon isn't bunched up or too loose. Keep the tightening of each ribbon as consistent as possible so your lei looks its best. Repeat these steps until your lei is as long as desired. Create another loop, now putting loop #1 through loop #2 again. Tighten loop #2 so the ribbon is flat against loop #1. Continue switching off between colors until you're satisfied with the length of your lei. To check how long it is so far, hold it around your neck in a U-shape and pretend to tie it together. Remember that whichever ribbon is on the outside is the ribbon you'll pull. This will also be the ribbon you'll use to form the next loop, putting it into the already-made loop. Keep each ribbon flat once it's tightened to avoid pulling them too tight or too loose. As you continue to create loops, your lei's length will get longer and longer. Put the end of one ribbon through the other’s loop. After you've tightened a loop, instead of forming another one, slide that ribbon's end into the already-formed loop. Pull it all the way through the loop so that it won't slide back out. Slide the remaining ribbon end through the same loop. You should be left with one ribbon loop and that same ribbon's end. Pull the remaining ribbon end through its loop, going in the opposite direction of the other ribbon. For example, if you pulled the first ribbon through the loop coming from the right, you'd pull the remaining ribbon through the loop coming from the left. Create a knot with both of the ribbon ends. Tie a knot with the loose ends just as you did when you first started the lei, forming it at the base of the last loops. Make a double knot to ensure it's extra secure, if desired. Snip off the extra ribbon length using scissors if desired. Once your final knot is tied, cut off the ends of the ribbon so that they're short and even. Leave at least 5 in (13 cm) of length for you to tie the ends of the lei together. Once you tie the 4 ribbon ends together in a knot or bow, your lei is finished! Cut the ends of the lei at an angle or straight across, depending on your preferences. Coat the ends in a clear nail polish top coat to keep them from fraying. You can also tie the ends to something like a sign instead, making a wearable banner. | Select two different colors of ribbon in your desired size. Cut the ribbon strands to be roughly 5 yd (4.6 m) each in length. Align the ribbons and tie a knot about 5–7 in (13–18 cm) from the ends. Create a loop with each ribbon near the knot. Stick loop #1 through loop #2, holding on to the base. Pull on loop #2’s end to tighten it around loop #1. Make another loop using the ribbon so that there are two loops again. Put loop #2 through loop #1. Pull on loop #1’s ribbon end to tighten it around loop #2. Repeat these steps until your lei is as long as desired. Put the end of one ribbon through the other’s loop. Slide the remaining ribbon end through the same loop. Create a knot with both of the ribbon ends. Snip off the extra ribbon length using scissors if desired. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-Pho | How to Eat Pho | To eat pho the traditional way, sample the broth as soon as it arrives and, if needed, season it according to your personal tastes with fish sauce, black pepper, or lime juice. Next, add a handful of bean sprouts and 10-12 basil leaves to the broth and use a spoon or chopsticks to submerge them. Then, mix equal parts hoisin sauce and sriracha in the small dish provided to create a dipping sauce. Finally, use your chopsticks to mix all the pho ingredients together evenly and dig in! | Familiarize yourself with pho eating utensils. In traditional situations, you'll be provided a spoon and a pair of chopsticks to eat pho. Generally, the spoon is held with the left hand and the chopsticks with the right, though this may be reversed if you are left handed. Additionally, you should have a small sauce dish and a holder for your chopsticks. Opposite of proper Western manners, it is alright to leave your hands on the table when eating a Vietnamese meal, like pho. This way, you can raise the bowl to your mouth to get every last bit. Wooden chopsticks can sometimes splinter when pulling them apart. In casual situations, take each chopstick and rub them together to remove splinters or burrs. However, in formal situations, this practice can be interpreted as rude. Refrain from sticking either or both chopsticks vertically into your food, or leaving your chopsticks in your food when not eating. Doing so is considered rude. Sample and season your broth. When your pho hits the table, the first thing you'll want to do is sample the broth. If you find the broth needs a little more flavor, you can add some fish sauce, a common pho condiment, to it. Two other common flavorings added to pho broth include black pepper and lime juice. Very frequently, an entire lime wedge will be squeezed into the broth. Put in herbs and sprouts, if you desire. The amount of beansprouts you add to your pho will depend on your preference, but in most cases roughly a handful will be enough. If your pho is served with Thai basil, de-stem the leaves and add 10 - 12 to the broth. After adding beansprouts, use your spoon to submerge them along with any pieces of rare beef. Some restaurants or households may serve pho with saw herb. If you'd like to add this to your pho, tear and add 2 - 3 of these into pieces about an inch in length. If you enjoy your food spicy, 3 or 4 slices of a serrano chili will give your pho a potent smolder. Those who are sensitive to spicy food should use fewer slices or none at all. Mix your dipping sauce. Take your small sauce dish and add hoisin sauce and sriracha chili to it to make a dipping sauce. Normally, equal parts hoisin sauce and sriracha chili are used, though if you are sensitive to spicy things, less sriracha may be best. You can sample your dipping sauce by inserting the tip of your chopsticks into it and tasting the sauce on your chopsticks. If you find it too spicy or not spicy enough, you may want to add more hoisin sauce or sriracha. Eat your pho. Take your chopsticks and spoon to mix all the ingredients of your pho evenly. When eating noodles, vegetables, and/or meat, collect combinations of ingredients together with your chopsticks and dip them into the sauce. In between bites, scoop up broth with your spoon and sip it until your pho is done. It may be difficult to eat the last bits of your pho with your spoon and chopsticks. In this situation, lay your spoon on its holder, bring the bowl to your mouth with your free hand, and guide the remnants into your mouth with your chopsticks. Use a soup spoon and fork for your pho. In a Western place setting, the soup spoon will be the largest. At some restaurants, a special soup spoon may be brought to you when your soup is served. Your fork will be used to wind up the pho noodles and spear other ingredients, like meat or vegetables. In British and American dining culture, the farthest right spoon is typically your soup spoon. In some cases, you may find a seafood/oyster fork to the right of your soup spoon. Allow the pho time to cool. In Western culture, it's considered impolite to blow on soup-like dishes to cool them off. Participate in dinner conversation while waiting for it to cool. Blowing on your pho can make you seem impatient or result in soup splattering on yourself, the table, or others. You can politely check the temperature of your pho by using your spoon to stir the broth and holding it to your lips. If the spoon is uncomfortably hot, your pho probably needs more time to cool. Orient the soup toward the back of the bowl. When eating pho with proper Western manners, you'll want to position your spoon toward the back of the bowl so the front of the spoon faces away from you. This will make you less likely to drip any pho on yourself while eating. Though it may feel unnatural at first, you should drink the broth by sipping it from the side of the spoon instead of putting the whole spoon in your mouth. Sample your pho and add herbs and spices. Now that you pho has cooled, take your spoon and taste the broth. Add a scoop of beansprouts and use your spoon to push these and under cooked meat to the bottom of the bowl. Add herbs and spices to your pho with serving utensils. Generally, when eating with Western manners, it is considered impolite to handle herbs, spices, and other seasonings with your bare hands. Mix the dipping sauce. The same as you would normally when eating pho, take a small dish or saucer and combine equal parts hoisin sauce and sriracha chili. If you dislike spicy food, you might want to go light on the sriracha chili or leave it out completely. You can sample your sauce to check its spiciness by dipping the tip of a utensil, like your spoon, into the sauce and tasting it. Eat your pho. Take a fork in your right hand and swirl it through the pho noodles to catch some in the tines of your fork. Hold your spoon in your left hand, and submerge it in the broth. Then: Place the tip of your fork into the bowl of your spoon and twist the fork to collect the noodles together. Scoop or skewer meat and/or vegetables on the end of your fork, then dip the noodles and veggies into the sauce. Hold your fork over the sauce dish until it stops dripping sauce, or position your spoon closely beneath your fork to catch dripped sauce, then eat the pho. When you start getting low on pho, tilt your bowl backwards slightly to collect the remnants there. Then use your spoon to finish the meal. Wait for the host to eat before partaking. Especially when dining with traditional Vietnamese friends or family, you should wait for either the head of the household or the eldest member to eat first. When in doubt, wait to eat until you see one of your adult Vietnamese dining companions also doing so. Depending on your situation, your Vietnamese dinner may or may not begin with a small offering on a family Buddhist altar. Personalize your food without hesitation. Unlike some other kinds of cuisine, Vietnamese food, including pho, is expected to be personalized to your tastes. Even special sauces that have been prepared beforehand can be poured into small sauce dishes and altered with seasonings until it suits your preferences. Avoid rude gestures. While eating your pho, you'll naturally gesture as you dine and converse with dinner companions. Avoid pointing at anyone with your index or middle finger, touching someone on the shoulder, or patting others on the back, as all of these are considered rude. The placement and usage of your feet is also important in Vietnamese culture. Refrain from pointing with your feet or putting your feet on tables. Excessive use of gestures may come across to traditional Vietnamese as rude, especially for women. Acclimate to less eye contact. In Vietnamese culture, when someone feels socially unsure or like they are of lower status, it's common for them to bow frequently and avoid eye contact. This might seem disrespectful to you, but it is actually a sign of respect. Vocalizing disagreement or criticism, especially loudly or publicly, can be viewed as disrespectful. Your comments or suggestions might go over best if saved for a more private time. Honor Vietnamese age and gender customs. Though this might be different from you home culture, Vietnamese tend to show deference by seating and serving elders most prominently, then male adults, then other members of the family, like young men, women, and children. | Familiarize yourself with pho eating utensils. Sample and season your broth. Put in herbs and sprouts, if you desire. Mix your dipping sauce. Eat your pho. Use a soup spoon and fork for your pho. Allow the pho time to cool. Orient the soup toward the back of the bowl. Sample your pho and add herbs and spices. Mix the dipping sauce. Eat your pho. Wait for the host to eat before partaking. Personalize your food without hesitation. Avoid rude gestures. Acclimate to less eye contact. Honor Vietnamese age and gender customs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Basic-Brine | How to Make a Basic Brine | To make a basic saltwater brine, measure out 1 gallon of water for every 6 pounds of meat. Next, add 1 cup of salt for each gallon of water you used and stir the mixture thoroughly. Then, submerge the meat in the brine and place it in the refrigerator. If your meat is 1/2 inch thick, brine it for 30 minutes. Keep the meat in the brine for 1 hour if it's 1 inch thick, 3 hours for 2 inches, and 8 hours for 3 inches. | Make 1 gallon (3.78 liters) of brine for 6 lbs. (2.72 kg) of meat. Mix 1 cup (227 grams) of salt for each gallon (3.78 liters) of water you use in your brine. If you make sweet brine, mix 1 cup (227 grams) of brown sugar plus 1 cup of salt per gallon. Cut the salt and sugar by half if you need just a half gallon (1.89 liters), or by 3/4 if you need just 1 quart (.946 liter). Make a flavored brine with garlic powder and ground black pepper or other seasonings. Add 1 cup (227 grams) of salt, 1 cup of white sugar, 4 tablespoons (60 grams) of garlic powder and 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of ground black pepper to 1/2 gallon (1.89 liters) of hot water. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve. Add crushed ice until you have about 1 gallon (3.78 liters) of brine. Experiment with flavorings in your brine. Add to the brine water apple juice, wine, lemon, thyme, maple syrup, soy sauce, chili powder or onions. You may also add cumin or coriander seeds, jalapeno peppers, fresh herbs, honey or rosemary. Amounts of seasonings vary depending on how much water you use. Do not over-season brine because you could ruin the meat. Add seasonings to your taste. Submerge the meat in the brine and refrigerate. If you can't fit the container in the refrigerator, place ice cubes in the brine as needed to keep the water cold. Put the ice in a sealable plastic bag and place the bag in the brine if you are brining a thick piece of meat or a turkey in a large amount of brine liquid. Keep the piece of meat submerged, if possible. If not, turn the meat occasionally and lengthen the time you brine. Brining time depends on the thickness of the meat and the intensity of the brine. It takes more time to thoroughly brine a thicker piece of meat. Brine a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) thick piece of meat in the refrigerator for a half hour; 1 inch (25.4 mm) for 1 hour; 2 inch (50.8 mm) for 3 hours; and 3 inch (76.2 mm) for 8 hours. | Make 1 gallon (3.78 liters) of brine for 6 lbs. Make a flavored brine with garlic powder and ground black pepper or other seasonings. Submerge the meat in the brine and refrigerate. Brining time depends on the thickness of the meat and the intensity of the brine. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Gasoline-Smell-Out-of-Clothes | How to Get Gasoline Smell Out of Clothes | To get gasoline smells out of clothes, start by hosing them down and allowing them to dry outside for 24 hours to let the smell dissipate. Next, put the clothing in the washing machine by itself so that other clothes don't absorb the smell. Then, wash the laundry on the highest heat setting, adding a little extra detergent and 1/4 cup of ammonia to help rinse out the gasoline smell.Once the clothes are clean, hang them outside to dry for a second time. | Hose down clothes saturated with gasoline. Take your clothing outside and hose it down. Try to rinse out as much gasoline as possible. This is especially important for clothing that's very saturated in gasoline, as it can be a hazard to wash gasoline-soaked clothing in a washing machine. If you don't have a hose, you can rinse clothing under a faucet. Air-dry the clothes for 24 hours. Find a place to hang the clothes up outside, such as a balcony or clothesline. Hang the clothing on the line and let it air outdoors for 24 hours. Check the forecast. If it's going to rain, wait until the weather clears up to treat your clothing. If you absolutely cannot hang the clothing outdoors, a well-ventilated room in your home should do the trick. Hang the clothes there until they're dry. Pre-wash the clothes with mechanic's hand soap. Before throwing your clothing in a washing machine, pick up some mechanic's hand soap at a hardware or department store. Use this to lather any particularly oily or greasy spots before throwing your clothes in the washer. Look for mechanic's soap that has lanolin listed on the ingredients label for the best results. Wash the clothes alone. Do not put any other clothing in the washing machine with gasoline-soaked clothing. This could cause other clothing to absorb the smell of gasoline or become stained. Use the highest heat setting. Look at your clothes' manufacturer's label. To best treat the smell of gasoline, you should use the highest heat setting the clothes can tolerate. If you're unsure how high of a heat setting your clothes can tolerate, search the fabric type online and look at washing guidelines. Add ammonia and extra detergent. You can purchase ammonia at most supermarkets and hardware stores. Add a quarter cup of ammonia and a little extra detergent to the laundry. This should help wash out the gasoline smell. Hang your clothing to dry. Do not place your clothing in the dryer after washing it. Instead, hang your clothing to dry outside or on a drying rack. It's very dangerous to put clothing that's been soaked with gasoline in the dryer, as gasoline is combustible. Neutralize the stains and smells with coffee grounds or baking powder. If there are stains on your clothing, they may harbor a smell. Before attempting to wash out the stains, sprinkle baking powder or coffee grounds on the stains. This will help neutralize the odor. Let the coffee grounds or baking soda sit on the stain for a few hours before brushing them off and washing the stain. Remove stains with dishwashing detergent. Liquid dishwashing detergent that's made to target grease can help remove gasoline stains. Gently rub the detergent into the stains until they lift. Then, rinse the garment and wash it in the washing machine as usual. Remember you should always hang-dry clothing that came into contact with gasoline. Try baby oil. Baby oil can also help lift gasoline stains. You can pour baby oil directly on the stains and rub the stains out. You can also toss rags soaked with baby oil into the washing machine with your gasoline-stained clothes. Send your clothes to a dry cleaner. Unfortunately, sometimes the gasoline smell remains on your clothes despite your best efforts. While this can be frustrating, professional services can help. If you can't get stains or smell out of your clothes at home, contact a local dry cleaner. You can find dry cleaners online. If your clothing has been very stained or damaged by gasoline, professional dry cleaning services may help treat your clothes. | Hose down clothes saturated with gasoline. Air-dry the clothes for 24 hours. Pre-wash the clothes with mechanic's hand soap. Wash the clothes alone. Use the highest heat setting. Add ammonia and extra detergent. Hang your clothing to dry. Neutralize the stains and smells with coffee grounds or baking powder. Remove stains with dishwashing detergent. Try baby oil. Send your clothes to a dry cleaner. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Turn-Notifications-On-or-Off-in-Instagram | How to Turn Notifications On or Off in Instagram | To turn Instagram notifications on or off on an iPhone, first open your phone's settings and select “Notifications.” Then, tap the Instagram app and check the “Allow notifications” switch, which will make it turn green. You can also tap the switches next to different kinds of notifications to enable or disable them, including sounds, badge app icons, and history. When you're done, tap the “Back” button twice to save your changes and leave the page. If you use an Android, select “Apps” in your phone's settings and click on Instagram. Next, choose “Notifications” and check the relevant switches to enable or disable the notifications you want. | Open your iPhone's Settings . Tap the grey app with gears on it. This app is typically found on the Home Screen. Tap Notifications. It's near the top of the menu. Doing so opens a list of all apps that currently support notifications. Scroll down and tap Instagram. Apps here are listed alphabetically, so you'll find Instagram in the "I" section. If Instagram is not appearing, you may need to wait until you've received a notification from someone. If Instagram is still not appearing in the list, even after receiving a notification in the app, uninstall the Instagram app, restart your phone, and then install it again. When you launch the reinstalled app, select Allow Notifications when prompted, and Instagram should appear in the Notifications section of the Settings app. Tap the white "Allow Notifications" switch . It's at the top of the screen. Tapping it will cause it to turn green {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/1\/15\/Iphoneswitchonicon1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Iphoneswitchonicon1.png\/46px-Iphoneswitchonicon1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":300,"bigWidth":"46","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an iPhone\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>"} , signifying that Instagram will send notifications to your iPhone. If you want to disable Instagram notifications completely, tap the green "Allow Notifications" switch and then skip the rest of this method. Enable or disable other notifications. Tap the white switch to the right of each of the following options to enable them, or tap the green switch next to each of them to disable them: Sounds - Turn on or off Instagram sounds. Badge App Icon - Turn on or off Instagram badge icons, which are the numbers that display in the corner of the Instagram app when you have pending notifications. Show on Lock Screen - Turn on or off notifications that appear on your iPhone's Lock Screen. Show in History - Turn on or off notifications history for Instagram. Notifications history can be checked by swiping down from the top of the screen. Show as Banners - Turn on or off banner-style notifications, which display at the top of the screen when your iPhone is unlocked. Select an alert style. Below the "Show as Banners" switch, tap either Temporary or Persistent. This option won't display if you have "Show as Banners" turned off. "Temporary" alerts appear briefly at the top of your iPhone's screen before disappearing, while "Persistent" alerts don't disappear until you swipe them away. Set a preview option. This will determine whether or not you can see the content of an Instagram notification without opening it. Scroll down and tap Show Previews , then select one of the following options: Always (Default) - You will always see previews for Instagram notifications (e.g., "Sarah liked your post"). When Unlocked - You will see previews for Instagram notifications when your iPhone is unlocked. Never - You will never see previews for Instagram notifications. Tap the "Back" button twice. It's in the top-left corner of the screen. This will take you back to the Notifications page, saving your changes in the process. Instagram will now send you notifications. Open your Android's Settings . Tap the Settings app, which resembles a white gear on a colored background. You'll find Settings in the App Drawer. Scroll down and tap Apps. It's near the middle of the Settings page. This will open a list of your currently installed apps. On a Samsung Galaxy, you may tap Applications instead. Scroll down and tap Instagram. You'll find this in the "I" section of the list of apps. Tap Notifications. It's near the middle of the page. This will open the notifications settings page for Instagram. Turn on notifications. Tap the grey "Allow peeking" switch {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/d\/d5\/Android7switchoff.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Android7switchoff.png\/35px-Android7switchoff.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":394,"bigWidth":"35","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an Android icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}. It will turn blue {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/2\/28\/Android7switchon.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Android7switchon.png\/35px-Android7switchon.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":394,"bigWidth":"35","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an Android icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} , signifying that notifications are now enabled for Instagram. If you want to receive notifications from Instagram even while in "Do Not Disturb" mode, tap the grey "Treat as priority" switch as well. To turn off notifications, tap the blue "Allow peeking" switch, then tap the grey "Block all" switch here. Tap the "Back" button. It's in the top-left corner of the screen. This will exit the Instagram notifications menu, saving your changes in the process. Open Instagram. Tap the Instagram app icon, which resembles a multicolored app with a white camera outline on it. This will open your Instagram feed if you're logged in. If you aren't logged in, enter your email address (or phone number, or username) and password before proceeding. Tap your profile icon . It's the person-shaped silhouette in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Doing so opens your profile page. If you've ever had more than one Instagram profile signed in at once, this will be your profile picture rather than a silhouette icon. Open Settings. Tap the gear-shaped icon {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/6\/68\/Android7settings.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Android7settings.png\/30px-Android7settings.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":"30","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an Android icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} (iPhone) or ⋮ (Android) in the upper-right side of the screen. Doing so opens the Settings page. Scroll down and tap Push Notification Settings. It's below the "Settings" heading in the middle of the page. On Android, you may have to tap Push Notifications instead. Select settings to enable. You can determine which actions in the Instagram app (e.g., someone liking a post) will push a notification to your phone from here. To do so: Find a notification type (e.g., "Likes"). Tap a notification option (e.g., From Everyone ) below the type heading. Tap Off to disable notifications for that type entirely. Repeat this process for each notification type. Tap the "Back" button. It's in the upper-left corner of the screen. This will exit the Notifications page and apply your settings. You should now receive notifications for anything that you've enabled in the Instagram app. Open Instagram. Tap the Instagram app icon, which resembles a multicolored app with a white camera outline on it. This will open your Instagram feed if you're logged in. If you aren't logged in, enter your email address (or phone number, or username) and password before proceeding. Go to a user's profile. Tap a user's name in your Instagram feed, or tap the Search magnifying glass, enter their name in the search bar, and tap their account when it appears. Follow the user if necessary. If you aren't following the person for whom you want to turn on post notifications, tap Follow at the top of their profile page. Tap ⋯ (iPhone) or ⋮ (Android). It's in the upper-right corner of the screen. A menu will appear. Tap Turn on Post Notifications. This option is in the menu. Doing so will turn on post notifications, meaning that you'll receive a notification on your phone whenever the account in question uploads. You can disable post notifications by going back to the profile, tapping ⋯ or ⋮ , and tapping Turn off Post Notifications in the menu. | Open your iPhone's Settings . Tap Notifications. Scroll down and tap Instagram. Tap the white "Allow Notifications" switch . Enable or disable other notifications. Select an alert style. Set a preview option. Tap the "Back" button twice. Open your Android's Settings . Scroll down and tap Apps. Scroll down and tap Instagram. Tap Notifications. Turn on notifications. Tap the "Back" button. Open Instagram. Tap your profile icon . Open Settings. Scroll down and tap Push Notification Settings. Select settings to enable. Tap the "Back" button. Open Instagram. Go to a user's profile. Follow the user if necessary. Tap ⋯ (iPhone) or ⋮ (Android). Tap Turn on Post Notifications. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Thank-God-for-Every-Blessing-He-Has-Given-Us | How to Thank God for Every Blessing He Has Given Us | If you want to thank God for every blessing He has given you, try keeping an open line of communication with Him at all times and thank Him continuously throughout your day. For example, you can say a quick prayer after small blessings, offer a special prayer after major blessings, and even give thanks to God when you're having a tough day. Aside from prayer, you can show your gratitude by performing acts of service and helping others in need. You can also tell other people about God and attribute your blessings to him in conversation whenever it seems appropriate. Finally, live according to God's will to honor Him with your life. Pray and read the Bible every day, turn away from your sins, and listen for His guidance in all of the decisions that you make. | Perform acts of service as a way to show your thanks to God. One of the best ways to show God that you appreciate the blessings He's given you is to use those blessings to help others. That might mean helping people who are less fortunate than you, but it also might mean figuring out your talents, then using them to help others. For instance, if you have been blessed with wealth, you might start a nonprofit organization that serves lunch to kids during the summer when they don't have access to school meals. If you've been blessed with the ability to be a good listener and a comfort to people who are hurting, you might decide to have a career as a counselor. Try not to feel proud or entitled about your blessings. It's human nature to feel like our accomplishments belong to us. However, if you want to live your life giving constant thanks to God, you have to let go of the idea that you should get the credit. Instead, remember that God gives us everything we have. Luke 14:11 says: "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." In Proverbs 22:4, the Bible says: "Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life." Tell other people about God. If you are truly thankful for all of the blessings that God has given you, you'll likely feel called to share God's love with others. You might simply attribute your blessings to God when others comment on them, but if they seem interested in learning more, you could even witness to them to try to convert them to your faith. For instance, if someone says, "Your home is beautiful," you might say, "Thank you! God has really blessed my life and I'm very grateful to Him." If they ask you more about your faith in God, you might invite them to come to church with you so they can learn about God's generosity as well. Sing praises to God if you're musically inclined. If you love to sing or you're talented at playing an instrument, you can use your gifts to show you're grateful for your blessings. For instance, you might worship as you sing along with a song that honors God. Try writing a simple song with lyrics that express what you're most thankful for, open your heart in prayer as you play your instrument, or d. The Bible is full of examples of God's followers using music to worship him. Psalms 95:1-3 says: "O Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods." You don't have to be the world's best musician to honor God with your song! As long as your praise comes from your heart, that will be good enough. Live according to God's will to honor Him with your life. The ultimate way to show gratitude to God is to devote your life to Him. That can be hard sometimes, because it means turning away from sinful behavior and your own vision for what you want your life to look like. However, if God has already blessed your life before you commit to Him completely, imagine the blessings that will be waiting for you as you deepen your relationship with Him. To live for God, pray and read the Bible each day, turn away from your sins, and listen for His guidance in all of the decisions that you make. Thank God continuously throughout your day. The Bible tells us that we should keep an open line of communication with God at all times, thanking Him for all He does. Not only will this help strengthen your relationship with God, but if you're constantly looking for things to be grateful for, you'll be more likely to find them. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Bible says: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Offer a special prayer of thanks after major blessings. In addition to maintaining a general spirit of gratitude, try to remember to stop and praise God for the big, life-changing events that come along. Be humble about even the biggest blessings, because as the Bible reminds us in James 1:17, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father." Major blessings might include things like meeting the love of your life, getting a major promotion, finding out that you're expecting a child, or receiving an unexpected, meaningful gift. A prayer of thanks after a blessing might be something like: "Heavenly Father, I am so humbled that you have blessed me with the gift of a child. I thank you with my whole heart. Please protect my unborn baby and give me wisdom to be a good parent. Amen." If you get caught up in the moment and you forget to thank God right when something good happens, it's okay if you pray later when you do think about it. As you keep practicing gratitude, you'll likely find that over time it will become easier to remember God in the moment. Say a quick prayer after small blessings, as well. While it's important to remember to thank God for major blessings, you should also pray any time something small makes you think of Him. For instance, you might say a short prayer of thanks because you caught a glimpse of a gorgeous sunset, or after you got a really nice compliment from a stranger when you were having a bad day. Psalms 7:17 says: "I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds." For instance, if you see one person doing a kind act for another, you might say a short prayer like, "Father, thank You for allowing me to see people showing each other the same love You have for us." Give thanks for God's love even when you can't find another blessing. Even when you're having trouble counting the blessings in your life, you can always be grateful for God's love. In fact, in 1 John 4:16, the Bible says that God IS love. No matter what else is going on, that's always something you should try to appreciate. In Psalms 118:29, the Bible also says: "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever." For instance, you might pray something like, "Dear God, I'm having a hard time today, but I know that You are watching over me. Thank You for Your unconditional, unfailing love, and please help to uplift my spirit. Amen." Even if things are going well, you can still pray to God to thank Him for loving you. | Perform acts of service as a way to show your thanks to God. Try not to feel proud or entitled about your blessings. Tell other people about God. Sing praises to God if you're musically inclined. Live according to God's will to honor Him with your life. Thank God continuously throughout your day. Offer a special prayer of thanks after major blessings. Say a quick prayer after small blessings, as well. Give thanks for God's love even when you can't find another blessing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Resize-Digital-Photos | How to Resize Digital Photos | To resize digital photos, use a free web app, like Resize Your Image, Shrink Pictures, or Web Resizer. Once you've opened an app, upload the image you want to resize. Then, locate the resizing tool, and select one of the preset sizes or enter a custom size. Also, make sure you set the image quality you want since resizing an image can affect the quality. Finally, after you resize the photo, save and download the new image to your computer. | Open the web application of your choice. There are many web services that will resize your images for free. You will need to upload your image to the site and then choose your resize options. Most programs offer the same basic features, though some will have extras available that others don't. Several of the more popular sites include: picresize Resize Your Image Shrink Pictures Web Resizer Resize Pic Upload your image. You will have to navigate to the image on your computer, and then upload it to the website. Once the upload is complete, the image editing options will appear. Most web applications have a maximum file size that is allowed to be uploaded, typically around 5 MB. Resize the image. Depending on which service you are using, you may have multiple options when it comes to resizing. You may be able to choose a percentage of the original size, or several preset size. Almost all services will allow you to set an exact size in pixels that you would like to resize to. Set the quality. Most resize services will let you set how much compression the image will have, which will affect the quality. The higher the compression, the lower the quality and the smaller the file size. Add any other effects. Depending on the service you are using, you may have access to other options such as rotation, color changes, filters, and more. Choose the effects that you want. Download the new copy. Once you've picked all of your settings and effects, click the Download button. This may be called a Resize button or something similar. The newly-edited photo will be downloaded to your computer, which you can then transfer to wherever you need. Open the file in Microsoft Paint. Click File and then Select Open. Navigate to the file on your computer. If you are trying to resize a photo from Facebook or another online service, you will need to download it first. Click the Resize button. In newer versions of Paint, the Resize button is located in the Home tab. In older versions of Paint, click the Image menu, and then select Resize/Skew. Choose your resize method. You can resize by either percentage or by pixel size. If you keep the “Maintain aspect ratio” box checked, both boxes will be filled in automatically when you enter one value, to keep the proportions the same. Click OK. This will change the image to the size that you specified. If you are unhappy with the changes, press Ctrl+Z to undo the changes. Save the resized image. Once you are happy with the resize changes, click File and then select Save As. Rename the image so that you don't overwrite the original. Select a file type. The file type you pick will affect the quality of the image after it is saved. PNG and JPG are the most popular for uploading to the internet and attaching to emails. Browse for your image in Picasa. If the image you want to resize is not located in your Picasa library, you can add it by clicking file and then selecting Add File to Picasa. Once your file is in your Picasa library, select it. Export the image. Click File and then select Export Picture to Folder. This will open the Export to Folder window. You can specify where you want the photo to be saved to. Choose your resize options. In the “Image size” section, you can choose to use preset image sizes, or specify an exact pixel size. The pixel size affects the longest edge of the image size, and the other edge will be adjusted automatically. Select the desired image quality. Click the "Image quality" dropdown menu. Automatic will attempt to preserve the original quality as much as possible. Maximum will keep as much detail as it can, but will result in higher file sizes. Minimum will result in a much smaller image size at a much lower quality. Click Export when ready. Your newly adjusted image will be copied to the location that you specified. Open the image in Photoshop. Click File and select Open. Browse for the image file on your computer or inserted disc. Open the Image Size tool. Click on the Image menu and then select Image Size. This will open the Image Size window. Choose your resize method. You can choose to resize in pixels, inches, or percentage. Enter the value you want in one field and the other field will be updated automatically to keep proportions the same. You can keep the proportions the same, or you can unlink them by clicking the Chain icon. Choose your resample options. The “Resample Image” menu will allow you to make adjustments that will affect the final quality of the resize. Pick the one that suits your needs the best. Click OK to resize the image. You will see the results in your main window. If you are satisfied with the results, click File and select Save As. Give the file a new name so that you don't overwrite the original. Open the photo in GIMP. GIMP is an open-source alternative to programs like Adobe Photoshop. To open your image, click File and then select Open. Browse for your file on your computer. Open the Scale Image tool. Click Image and then select Scale Image. This will open a new window. Choose your resize method. You can choose between pixels (px), inches (in), or percentage. Use the pulldown menu next to the Image Size fields. Enter the value that you want into one field and the other will be updated automatically to maintain proportions. If you would like to adjust each dimension individually, click the Chain icon to unlink them. Select your quality setting. Click the Quality pulldown menu and select the type of resampling that you want to use. The choice you make will affect the quality of your resized picture. Experiment to find one that works best. Click Scale to resize the image. Once you are set click the Scale button and review the changes to your image. If you are unhappy with the changes, click the Edit menu and select Undo. Save your changes. Once you are happy with the changes you've made, click file and select Save As. Choose a new file name so that you don't overwrite the original file. Download an Instagram resizer app. Since Instagram uploads take place entirely on your mobile device, it is much more convenient to edit the photos that you take directly on your phone. There are multiple apps available that can resize your photos so that Instagram does not crop them. If you want to resize a photo on your computer before uploading it to Instagram, resize it to 612 X 612 pixels. This is the size of the Instagram format. If you want to post big pictures on Instagram that are too large to post normally, this resizing app will help you do that. Run the resizer app. Depending on the app, the features may change. Most will allow you to resize your image so that it fits, and others will allow you to crop your existing image so that the cropped section fits into Instagram. Upload the image to Instagram. Open your Instagram app and browse for your newly resized image. Upload as you normally would and you won't lose any part of the image due to cropping. | Open the web application of your choice. Upload your image. Resize the image. Set the quality. Add any other effects. Download the new copy. Open the file in Microsoft Paint. Click the Resize button. Choose your resize method. Click OK. Save the resized image. Select a file type. Browse for your image in Picasa. Export the image. Choose your resize options. Select the desired image quality. Click Export when ready. Open the image in Photoshop. Open the Image Size tool. Choose your resize method. Choose your resample options. Click OK to resize the image. Open the photo in GIMP. Open the Scale Image tool. Choose your resize method. Select your quality setting. Click Scale to resize the image. Save your changes. Download an Instagram resizer app. Run the resizer app. Upload the image to Instagram. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight | How to Make a Homemade Flashlight | If you want to make a homemade flashlight, use electrical tape to attach a piece of wire, like copper speaker wire, to the negative end of a D battery. Tape the bottom of a toilet paper roll so it's completely covered, then insert the battery, wired end first, into the roll. The end of the wire should be sticking out of the top of the tube. Insert the next battery into the tube, negative side first, then tape the bulb to the top of the battery. To light the flashlight, touch the silver part of the bulb with the wire. | Gather your supplies. Clear an area to work in and invite the kids and family to come watch you manipulate electricity with your bare hands. You'll need: An empty toilet paper roll (or lightweight cardboard rolled into a small tube) (2) D batteries Tape (electrical tape works well) 5" (12.5 cm) long piece of wire (if you're using a speaker wire, use the copper kind) 2.2 volt light bulb (different bulbs are an option, but it may or may not work as well. A bulb from a string of Christmas lights works quite effectively.) Tape the wire to the negative ( - ) end of one of the batteries. Make sure it's snug and not going anywhere, or your light will end up flickering. You could use tin foil instead of wire, but it's a little less dependable and harder to work with. Tape the bottom of the toilet paper roll/cardboard well so that it is completely covered. You don't want any light to sneak through, dissipating its strength -- that would be one poorly working flashlight. Insert the battery, wired end first, into the toilet paper roll. Even though the wired end is facing the taped bottom of the roll, the other end of the wire should be sticking out of the open end. If the wire isn't sticking out enough to come around the edge of the battery, you need to shorten your tube. Insert the next battery, negative side first. Its negative side will meet the positive side of the battery, which is already inside. This connection continues the flow of electricity from back to front, ultimately lighting up your device. Tape the bulb to the top of the battery. Be confident there's an adequate direct connection between the two surfaces (basically, make sure it's sturdy). Make sure you can still see the bottom half of the bulb. Light up your flashlight. With the wire, touch the silver part of the bulb. If it doesn't light up after a few tries, check the tips below for troubleshooting. If it does function, now you have a working flashlight with an on/off feature. Gather your materials. It's time to beckon the MacGyver within you and get started. You'll need: 2 D cell batteries (separate) {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet1.jpg\/aid57890-v4-728px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} 2 5" pieces of number 22 insulated copper bell wire (1" of insulation stripped off both ends) {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet2.jpg\/aid57890-v4-728px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Cardboard tube cut to 4" in length {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet3.jpg\/aid57890-v4-728px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} PR6, or number 222, 3-volt flashlight bulb {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet4.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet4.jpg\/aid57890-v4-728px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} 2 brass fasteners (brads) {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet5.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet5.jpg\/aid57890-v4-728px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} 1" x 3" cardboard strip {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet6.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet6.jpg\/aid57890-v4-728px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Paper clip {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet7.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet7.jpg\/aid57890-v4-728px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Tape {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet8.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet8.jpg\/aid57890-v4-728px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Bathroom-size paper cup {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet9.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet9.jpg\/aid57890-v4-728px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-8Bullet9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Attach a brass tab to the end of each wire. Wrap it around to secure it. Punch the tabs through the same side of the cardboard tube, but with the wires coming out of different ends. The pointy ends should be sticking out of the tube. This'll be used to serve as part of the on/off switch. Tape your two D batteries together. Make sure the positive of one end is on the bottom of the negative end. Your battery should double in length, not width. Make sure they're firmly attached to each other and slide the batteries into the tube. Tape the wire on the negative end to the battery. The negative end is the flat one. Masking tape is sufficient for this. Cut a hole in your small cardboard strip. Place the wire on the positive end through that hole and wrap that wire around the bulb. Place the end of the bulb into the hole so it can be supported by the cardboard. Place tape around the base of the bulb and cardboard to keep it secure to the wire. It should start flickering on at this point. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-12Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-12Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-12Bullet1.jpg\/aid57890-v4-728px-Make-a-Homemade-Flashlight-Step-12Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Cut a hole in the bottom of a paper cup just large enough for the bulb. Place the bulb into the hole and secure the cup to the cardboard base with more tape. Insert a pop tab in between the two brass tab ends. When the pop tab is touching both, it conducts the electricity and turns your flashlight on. If the pop tab is moved, your flashlight turns off. Voila! You can use a paperclip instead of a pop tab, too! Finished. | Gather your supplies. Tape the wire to the negative ( - ) end of one of the batteries. Tape the bottom of the toilet paper roll/cardboard well so that it is completely covered. Insert the battery, wired end first, into the toilet paper roll. Insert the next battery, negative side first. Tape the bulb to the top of the battery. Light up your flashlight. Gather your materials. Attach a brass tab to the end of each wire. Tape your two D batteries together. Tape the wire on the negative end to the battery. Cut a hole in your small cardboard strip. Cut a hole in the bottom of a paper cup just large enough for the bulb. Insert a pop tab in between the two brass tab ends. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Blue-Ticks-on-Facebook-Messenger | How to Get Blue Ticks on Facebook Messenger | Send a message in Facebook Messenger. | Open the Facebook Messenger app. This app resembles a bolt of lightning on a blue speech bubble. If you aren't signed into Messenger, type in your phone number, tap Continue , and enter your password. Tap Home. It's the house icon in the bottom left corner of the screen. Tap a contact's name. Doing so will open your conversation with them. If you're in a conversation already, tap the Back button in the top left corner of the screen first. You can use the search bar at the top of the screen to search for a contact. Type in a message. You'll do this in the message field toward the bottom of the screen. Tap Send. You'll see a blue arrow on a white background when your message sends, but it will turn into a white arrow on a blue background when your message has been delivered to your recipient. When your contact opens your message, the white check will be replaced by a circular image of their profile picture. Open the Facebook website. The Facebook Messenger part of the Facebook site displays blue ticks for sent messages. If you aren't logged in, enter your email address (or phone number) and password and click Log In in the top right corner of the page. Click the Messenger icon. It's the lightning bolt icon in the top right side of the Facebook page toolbar. Click See All in Messenger. It's at the bottom of the Messenger drop-down menu. You can't see the blue ticks if you don't open the full Messenger program (e.g., if you open a new message at the bottom of the page). Click a contact's name. Doing so will open your conversation with them. If you're in a conversation already, tap the Back button in the top left corner of the screen first. You can also use the search bar on the top right side of the screen to search for a contact. Type in a message. You'll do this in the message field toward the bottom of the screen. Tap ↵ Enter. Doing so will send your message. You'll see a blue arrow on a white background when your message sends, but it will turn into a white arrow on a blue background when your message has been delivered to your recipient. When your contact opens your message, the white check will be replaced by a circular image of their profile picture. | Open the Facebook Messenger app. Tap Home. Tap a contact's name. Type in a message. Tap Send. Open the Facebook website. Click the Messenger icon. Click See All in Messenger. Click a contact's name. Type in a message. Tap ↵ Enter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lowlight-Hair-Yourself | How to Lowlight Hair Yourself | To lowlight your hair yourself, start by buying a hair color that's 2 or 3 shades darker than your current hair color. Then, a day or two after washing your hair, mix the dye according to the instructions on the box and section off the bottom layers of your hair that you want to dye. Next, apply the dye to small sections of your hair, starting 1/2 inch away from the scalp and going all the way down to the tips. After the amount of time specified on the box, rinse out the dye and wait at least 24 hours before shampooing to help preserve the color. | Visit a drugstore or beauty supply store to choose your colors. Some hair dye manufacturers already have products made especially for "at home" lowlights. Pick this if it is available. If not, choose your color carefully according to your natural hair color. Pick a color that is two or three shades darker than your own hair. Pick one to three colors in a similar shade. Pay attention to the shade of your skin, working with colors that are cool or warm, depending upon your skin's natural color. Make sure you are using the same brand of dyes, to avoid timing confusion when you color. Blondes should try a deeper shade of blonde or a light brown. Most store-bought coloring advertises these shades as caramel, coffee and honey colors. Brunettes should choose rich brown and red shades. These may appear on the box as cinnamon or auburn. Brunettes with pale skin should avoid color that is too dark, as you need to compliment your skin tone. Choose gold or copper tones instead. Red heads should choose red shades. However, if your hair is dark, try golden brown or brunette tones. Black haired people should choose dark shades that are tinted with other colors, such as a blue-black color. Also, keep in mind that if your hair is black or very dark brown, then lowlights may not work for you. Perform an allergy test on yourself. This is recommended by most box colorants. Test the dye by placing a drop or two of it on a small area of your skin. Wait 10 minutes to see if you have a reaction. If the skin that the dye is on or near begins to turn red or bumpy, you are allergic to the dye and should not use it. Wash your hair one or two days before dyeing. You do not want to wash your hair the day you plan on dyeing it. The natural oils your hair develops when it remains unwashed help to bind the dye to your hair. These oils also help your dye last longer. Avoid conditioning your hair the day before you dye it. Conditioners disrupt the natural oils your hair produces. Protect yourself and your home from dye stains. As you may have guessed, dye can really mess up a shirt, rug, or anything else it might get on besides your hair. In order to protect against dye stains, cover the ground where you will be dyeing your hair, as well as any nearby surfaces, with newspaper. You should wear an old t-shirt that you don't mind getting stained or a cape. It is a good idea to have paper towels nearby, just in case there is a dye spill. Use a towel and gloves to avoid drips and stains. Place an old towel that you don't mind staining around your shoulders. Put latex or rubber gloves on before you mix the dye so that you don't ruin that cute manicure you just got. Most dyeing kits come with gloves to use during the dyeing process. If your box doesn't, you can purchase latex and rubber gloves at your local drugstore. Avoid dyeing your ears, neck, and hairline. In order to do this, you will need to rub vaseline along your hairline, neck, and over your ears. Vaseline helps wash away the dye after you have finished dyeing your hair. Some dye boxes come with a conditioner made specifically for protecting your skin from the dye. If your dye comes with this, use it. You can also use lip balm instead of vaseline, but vaseline is recommended. Mix the dye(s). The dye you purchased will have come in a box that has directions on. Follow those specific instructions for your dye. Your box should also contain a mixing bowl and brush. If it did not, a plastic bowl that you don't mind staining will work just as well. Some dyes come with an activator. If this is the case with your dye, mix it into the dye. If you are using multiple dyes, mix them all at once to make the dyeing process more efficient. If you do not have a dye brush or your dye box didn't come with one, you can purchase a dye applicator brush at a beauty supply store. Mix the developer in with your dye. Keep in mind that only some dyes need to be mixed with developer. Your dye should have come with developer. If it did not, but the box says that you need to use developer, you will have to buy it. You can purchase developer at most beauty supply stores. It comes in levels 10, 20, 30, and 40. If you are using dye that is much darker than your hair, you should only use 10% developer. Section off the areas of hair on which you wish to apply the lowlights. To do this, use a tail comb with a metal end to section off your hair for lowlights, just as you would for doing highlights. However, unlike highlights that are added to the top of your head, these will go at the bottom, so you will need to pin your hair up on top of your head if it is long. It also helps to brush your hair thoroughly so that you do not have any tangles that make sectioning off the hair harder. Pin areas you would like to lowlight, and plan which color each strand will take, if you plan to apply more than 1 color. They do not need to be symmetrical. It will look more natural if they are varied. For a more noticeable look, plan your lowlights close together. Or, you can also “slice” hair sections for a bold look. For a more natural look, plan your lowlights further apart and weave them in. Blondes should avoid adding too many lowlights in the back of the hair, as these may not look natural, especially when they are exposed to direct sunlight. Apply the dyes one color at a time. Doing this ensures that you are choosing the areas you have planned for each shade. Your dye kit should come with an applicator or a brush to dye your hair with. Put the dye on your hair. Place the applicator no closer than 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) away from your scalp and follow the hair to the tip. You want to evenly coat the section of hair, making sure that every inch of it is covered. If you plan to do many small sections of lowlights, use small strips of foil to section off hair as you dye it with different colors. Place the foil under the hair. Brush the dye from root to tip and fold the foil. Keep the dye on the strands for the indicated time, then remove and rinse. Leave the dyes on for the specified amount of time. This is called the processing time, which is when the dye binds to your hair. The box that the dye came in will tell you how long you need to leave the dye on for. Wipe off any dye that has dripped on your face or neck. Use a wet paper towel or washcloth with soap to do this. You don't want to leave dye drips on your skin for two long or they may begin to dye your skin. While this is not permanent, it can last for several days. Rinse your hair. You can either rinse your hair in the sink or take a shower. Use cool water to wash your hair but don't use any shampoo or normal conditioner--only use the conditioner provided in your dyeing kit. Don't be shocked if it looks like all of the dye is running off of your head in rivulets--it's not, but it is going to look like it. Continue rinsing your hair until you can see anymore dye going down the drain. If post-dye conditioner did not come in your dyeing kit, purchase some at a beauty supply store. It should be a conditioner specifically made for dyed hair. Do not use normal shampoo and conditioner for at least 24 to 48 hours. If you used very temporary shampoo, dye will wash off of your hair every time you shower. Avoid UV rays. It is best to avoid direct sunlight for at least a day after you have dyed your hair. UV rays from the sun can reduce the dyed color. The same goes for blow dryers--avoid blow drying your hair for several days after the dyeing process. Wash your hair with the right shampoo and conditioner. After you have waited at least 24 hours, you can wash your hair with shampoo. However, it is highly recommended that you buy shampoo and conditioner specifically made for dyed hair. Normal shampoos can strip your hair of the dye. Re-dye your hair as needed. To keep your lowlights looking perfect, repeat this process every 6 to 8 weeks as long as you have enough new growth. In order to avoid the fried look that can sometimes come from hair that is dyed too often, leave your conditioner in your hair for a full five minutes while you shower. | Visit a drugstore or beauty supply store to choose your colors. Pick a color that is two or three shades darker than your own hair. Perform an allergy test on yourself. Wash your hair one or two days before dyeing. Protect yourself and your home from dye stains. Use a towel and gloves to avoid drips and stains. Avoid dyeing your ears, neck, and hairline. Mix the dye(s). Mix the developer in with your dye. Section off the areas of hair on which you wish to apply the lowlights. Pin areas you would like to lowlight, and plan which color each strand will take, if you plan to apply more than 1 color. Apply the dyes one color at a time. Put the dye on your hair. Leave the dyes on for the specified amount of time. Wipe off any dye that has dripped on your face or neck. Rinse your hair. Avoid UV rays. Wash your hair with the right shampoo and conditioner. Re-dye your hair as needed. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Keep-Small-Pets-Safe-Around-a-New-Dog | How to Keep Small Pets Safe Around a New Dog | To keep small pets safe around a new dog, designate a room for each animal in your house with its food, bedding, and toys so that you can easily keep them away from each other. Once you're able to control your new dog with verbal commands like “sit” and “stay,” you can bring it and your other animals together for introduction sessions. Have these meetings regularly over a month or two in a neutral, familiar space like your living room. You should also make sure all your animals are secure with a leash or in a carrier or cage to protect them from getting hurt. During the sessions, move them so they're close together as long as they are not too excited or scared. | . Train your dog Properly training your new dog is essential to ensuring your smaller animal's safety. Making sure that your dog responds to verbal commands will enable you to have complete control over your animal. When it comes to introducing your animals, your dog needs to be able to respond to “sit” and “stay.” Visit your veterinarian. You should visit your veterinarian before introducing any new animals into your home. You will want to make sure that the animals currently residing in your home can handle the stress of a new dog. Conversely, you want to make sure that your new dog will be okay mixing with the animals in your house. Some breeds of dog are less likely to get along with other animals. While there are sometimes exceptions, generalities about each breed should still be considered. Make sure you research dog breeds before bringing home a new dog. Smaller dogs, like Chihuahuas, tend to be very territorial and may not get along well with other animals. Greyhounds have a high prey drive and the ones who race are trained to chase small fluffy animals. Golden retrievers, Anatolian shepherds, great Danes, and other large dogs tend to get along well with other pets. Talk with a trainer or behaviorist. A dog with behavior issues may need some professional help before you introduce it to the smaller animals in your home. A behaviorist or a trainer may be able to correct your dog's behavior issues. However, some dogs are unable to adapt to life with smaller animals and should not be kept in close quarters with pets that they may hurt. If your dog has some behavior issues, be sure to talk with a professional before introducing it to other animals. Designate a room for each animal in your home. Before you bring home your new dog, you will need to make a space for each animal. This space should have a door that you can close to keep the animals away from each other. If you cannot use a room with a door, consider putting up guards, like puppy or baby gates, to keep your animals away from each other. If your small animal is already residing in a room that can be isolated, you should leave them in there. The familiar surroundings will make adjusting to the arrival of the new pet easier. If you have multiple small animals, you can consider keeping them in a room together as long as they get along with each other. However, if you have a small dog and a small cat, you will likely want to give them their own rooms. If your animal spends most of its time in a cage, you should keep its cage in a separate room and place it up where a dog cannot get to it. Place each animal’s food and bedding in its designated area. Once you have designated a safe space for each animal, you should put each animal's food, water, bedding, litter box, toys, and other items in that area. This will ensure that your small animal has all of its needs met while staying safe from your new dog. It also keeps the new dog from destroying or eating your animal's things. You especially do not want your new dog eating your smaller pet's food or waste. A dog will eat the other animal's food, which is not formulated for it and can make it sick. Dogs will also get into your cat's litter box and eat the animal's feces. This is particularly important if you have a big dog and a small dog. If you feed them at the same time, the two animals may fight with each other over the food. This can lead to a smaller dog getting hurt by the bigger one. Toys should also be gathered up and put in a safe place, as dogs may fight over these as well. Rotate which animal gets to roam around. When you are home, you will want to let your animals out of their respective safe spaces at different times. This will allow them some time to exercise and familiarize themselves with each other's scents. Let them explore your home and investigate each other's scent. You might also consider rubbing your small animal's scent on a rag and letting your dog smell it. This will help it become familiar with your small animal's scent before you do a leashed introduction. If your dog paws at the door of the area where you are keeping your smaller animal, you may need to visit trainer before introducing your animals. The dog could just be curious, but if it is very intense and focused, you will need guidance. Keep both animals confined if no one is home. When you are away, make sure that you securely place both animals in their safe space. You do not want to come home and find that your new dog has destroyed your home while chasing your smaller animal, or worse, injured or killed it. Make sure that you shut doors and lock any gates before leaving. This is also a great opportunity to crate train your new dog. Set up an introduction. Once your dog has calmed down and become less obsessed with the other animal, you can begin planning an initial introduction. Pick a nice neutral space that both animals are familiar and comfortable with. Be sure to feed and exercise both animals before the meeting so that they are both relaxed. If you have not trained your dog to respond verbal cues, you should do so before initiating an introduction. It will be difficult to control your dog without some training. Introducing a new animal is an intense situation, and you should expect that your dog may not respond to all of your commands. Introducing a new puppy to your cat may be slightly easier considering a cat can usually handle itself with a smaller dog. You may not need to be as cautious when introducing a puppy. Secure both animals. Because your new dog will likely get excited and possibly attack your smaller animal, you will want to have it on a leash so that you can control its behavior. You should also put the other animal in its carrier or cage. These added levels of protection will ensure that neither animal gets hurt. If you are introducing your cat to a new dog , consider trimming your cat's nails so that it does not scratch the dog's sensitive nose, but only if you're certain the dog won't try to harm the cat. Allow both animals in the same room. Once you secure both animals, place them in the same space. Your dog will likely be very curious about the other animal and want to sniff it. If your dog is particularly excited, restrain it using commands and the leash. Try to limit the initial interaction to only a few minutes. Birds, hamsters, and rabbits may run away from a particularly rambunctious dog. You will likely want to keep them in their cages initially. Do not be surprised if your cat hisses at the dog. Use verbal cues, like “sit” and “stay” to keep your dog under control. You should never leave the animals unsupervised during introduction sessions. Consider having a someone else hold the smaller animal during initial introductions. Controlling both animals may be difficult on your own. Reward both animals for good behavior. As the animals interact nicely with each other, provide verbal praise and treats. This is particularly important for reinforcing the dog's good behavior. During the introduction sessions, it is also important that you maintain an even yet firm tone. This will help both animals stay calm. Constantly scolding your dog during introductions may lead it to become aggressive towards the smaller animal. Repeat introductions until both animals are calm. In order to familiarize both animals with each other, you will need to hold introduction sessions regularly over the course of a month or two. Initially, you will want to keep these introduction sessions short. However, as the animals become more familiar with each other, you can increase the length. Go for multiple short introductions instead of fewer long sessions. Try to bring the two animals physically closer together each session. If either animal is excited or fearful, move back a little and take a break. Let the smaller animal explore. After a few sessions or when your dog calms down, let the smaller animal explore on its own. Use verbal cues, like “sit” and “stay” to keep your dog seated and calm. Continue to use the leash until you completely trust your dog. Reward the dog with treats and praise if it responds to your commands and plays nice with the other animal. Make sure that the animal has an escape route in case the dog gets away from you. Phase out the leash. Once your animals have had consecutive days without an incident, you should let go of the dog's leash. However, be prepared to grab it in case your dog goes after the smaller animal. After multiple sessions of good behavior with the leash released, take your dog off the leash and rely on verbal cues. Gradually increase no-leash sessions until there are no incidents and both animals are comfortable. Make sure your smaller animal has an escape route in case things get out of hand. This final step should not be rushed and should be pursued with caution. It can take weeks or even months to introduce your animals to each other. | . Visit your veterinarian. Talk with a trainer or behaviorist. Designate a room for each animal in your home. Place each animal’s food and bedding in its designated area. Rotate which animal gets to roam around. Keep both animals confined if no one is home. Set up an introduction. Secure both animals. Allow both animals in the same room. Reward both animals for good behavior. Repeat introductions until both animals are calm. Let the smaller animal explore. Phase out the leash. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Edgy | How to Be Edgy | To be edgy, you need to have spunk, take risks, and be on the cutting edge of new ideas. You should also step out of your comfort zone by trying new things, like going on solo road trips, eating cuisines you've never had before, and picking up new hobbies. Additionally, spend time doing the things you love and getting completely absorbed in them since edgy people aren't afraid to be intense about their passions. When you're having conversations with people, try to ditch the small talk and dive straight into meaningful conversation, which will make you seem edgier and more interesting. For example, instead of talking about the weather, you could ask someone for their opinion on a topic you're passionate about. | Take risks with your life, experiencing as many different things as you can. Edgy people are always willing to try new things. You don't have to go skydiving if it's not your thing, but you should accept invitations from people you're just getting to know, try a new cuisine you didn't even know existed, or take a last-minute road trip to hike a beautiful mountain. Don't just do the same old thing and make a goal of doing something completely new at least once a week. Being edgy requires you to fill your life with new ideas, people, and places. To stay on the cutting edge of ideas, you need to constantly be exposed to them! Start small, if you're feeling timid. Book a single vacation, take up the new hobby you've wanted to try, or try out a new bar or party. Follow your dreams, even when they seem like a longshot. This may sound like it has nothing to do with an edge, but finding your dreams and going after them have everything to do with being confident and cool. Being edgy means looking at everything a little differently, doing your own thing, and being okay with the fact that it may not fit the world's idea of what you should be doing with your life. Pablo Picasso, Albert Einstein, and Coco Chanel were all edgy in their own ways, even if they only seemed eccentric or "different" at the time. They succeeded because they kept trying. Whatever your dreams are, be confident and comfortable about following them. So what if you want to be an actress or to publish a killer novel while knowing there's a good chance it won't happen for you? Following your dreams, however impractical they are, will give you some edge. And if you don't know what your dreams are, then now is a good time to find out. You can't really be edgy if you're feeling aimless or like you're just plugging along instead of following a passion. Know that even bad experiences make for amazing stories. Do things even if the result may be consequential. Unless you have reason to fear for your life and safety, sometimes you need to just "do it for the story." Edgy people understand that things won't always go perfectly in the moment, but that these challenges and tribulations are the bases of many incredible, edge-of-your-seat stories later on in life. Though having goals is important, it's also important to sit at the top of a cliff once in a while. Make every experience matter. Do some things just because they feel right. Let your passion for life shine through. It's okay if you don't rush downstairs to greet your roommate the second she walks in the house or tear your eyes off your captivating book the moment your crush walks by. Get engrossed. Get obsessed. Get completely absorbed. It's okay to be so focused that you don't completely notice what's going on around you; what's most important is that you're committed to caring about whatever makes you excited about being alive. Whenever you do something, give your full attention and effort to the task. You'll not only be edgier, but you'll learn faster and have more meaningful experiences. Stand up for yourself and those you love. Edgy people don't just roll over when challenged. If someone calls you out, gossips about you, or even says something nasty about you to your face, don't back off. You don't have to start a fight or start name-calling, but you should be proud enough to be yourself that you know you're worth defending. Don't let anyone think he can get away with putting you down. You'll find that most people, when challenged, will back down. Don't feel the need to pursue or punish them if they do -- you've already won the battle. Stay up-to-date. If you want to be edgy, you have to be on the cutting edge of things. This means you should see the new Sundance Film Festival winner, that you should check out the new Burmese restaurant everyone has been raving about, and that you should update your hair and fashion more than once every five years. It also means that you should actually watch the news, read the papers, and be able to carry an intelligent conversation about what's going on in the world. Being up-to-date doesn't mean you have to copy every trend that comes your way. There's a difference between being aware of trends and following them obsessively. You can never be current about every topic. Instead, get deeply immersed in the topics that mean the most to you, following your passion. Hang out with people who challenge you. If you run next to someone who is faster than you, you will run faster. If you run next to someone who is way slower, your body will naturally slow down. The same goes for being edgy. If you know someone who is the height of edginess, who you deeply respect and admire and want to emulate, then keep on hanging with that person. If you know a group of people who likes to stay up late talking about Marxism, going green, or whatever it is that excites you, then make a habit of hanging out with them more. You don't have to think of them as your "edgy" friends. Just think of them people who encourage you to develop your inner edge. Make strong eye contact with people and keep your posture upright. When you run into someone, make eye contact instead of looking down at the floor or seeming distracted. Show that you're not afraid to make a connection and that you're completely confident in yourself. Keep your back straight and your chin up, whether sitting or standing, and let your shoulders relax and pull backward. Great posture not only makes you look confident -- you feel it, too. Making eye contact shows that you're confident and ready to take things to another level. Don't let anything sag, especially your shoulders and chin. Keeping these two body parts level and strong will help the rest of your posture fall into place naturally. Ditch small talk, going straight to conversations that matter. This doesn't mean "don't be friendly," it means talking about the relationships, ideas, and ideologies that make the world work, even if (especially if) it is the first time you meet people. Challenge others with deep questions, such as their hopes and goals, what they'd rather do than work, and their opinions on the major topics of the day. Don't be afraid to make people a little uncomfortable at first-- you'll be surprised how many people appreciate deeper conversations than "how about that weather." Follow your curiosities in a conversation -- don't tailor your topics to what is "polite" or right. Let your opinions run free, but be sure you can passionately back them up. Edgy people tend to stray towards the extremes when they have opinions. This doesn't mean you need to take a stand on every issue -- quite the opposite. Instead, get deep into the issues that really matter, becoming a passionate advocate and leader on the cutting edge of issues. For the rest, remove yourself. It seems paradoxical, but it is far more edgy to ignore an issue you know nothing about than to hop on a bandwagon and pretend. Some opinions will be unpopular, such as what you think of your sister's new boyfriend or your political views. Just because your opinion is unpopular doesn't mean you should suppress it. Edgy people need to be well-informed about new developments and ideas, at least in your favorite subjects. Don't equate edgy with uneducated, even if you hate the education system. Speak only when you truly have something to say. Don't mince words, offer half-thought ideas, or give compliments when you don't actually mean them. There is nothing wrong with thoughtful silence, especially when the alternative is mealy, useless conversation. The flip-side of this statement, however, is equally important -- when you truly have something to say, say it! People will fish for compliments or advice, but there is nothing wrong with being honest if you don't have any to give. In fact, it is far edgier than lying or ignoring the question. Ignore the haters, squares, and others who throw you shade. Who really cares what the "popular" crowd thinks? If they make fun of you, just smile and walk away. This doesn't mean you're being mean or off-putting. Rather, you're realizing that you can only control your own behavior and that you rock. If you can't change the haters, don't bother with them at all. Don't waste your time trying to please people who don't really matter to you. Do things for you, not because you feel like someone else wants you to do them. Never forget that the only person you can control is yourself -- and that's a good thing! Edgy people focus on themselves. Wear clothes because you like them, making that the only criteria for buying clothes. Who gives a flying care what others think of your clothes, if they match, or if they came from a thrift store? Furthermore, who cares if you spent $5,000 on that new jacket? The only factor determining whether or not you wear something is whether or not you want to wear it. Get your clothes from anywhere -- garage sales, thrift stores, high-end shops, big-box stores -- and worry about matching later. Throw different styles together in the same outfit. Again, if you think it looks good, this is more than enough. You're not going to be edgy by copying the same trends you see elsewhere, and you're only going to find new outfits that work if you take some risks first. Pull and steal style inspiration from everywhere. Don't feel like you have to be unique just for the sake of being unique-- paradoxically, you're still letting yourself be defined by what is "normal," you're just choosing to show the opposite. But fashion isn't so black and white, and neither are you. When you see something you like, an outfit idea to try, or some new accessories worth rocking, go for it. Take inspiration and ideas from everywhere and you haven't really stolen anything at all -- you've just melded it into your personal style. Always consider the overall tone or look of a style you like. How can you get this same tone across without the exact same clothes? If you'd like to just wear a "uniform," or the same basic outfit every day, this can be equally edgy. These people, including Steve Jobs (black turtleneck and jeans) and Barack Obama (gray suit), have largely ditched the societal pressure of choosing new clothes and instead wear the same well-cut, good looking thing each day. Use accessories to cheaply expand your wardrobe and look. Just a few key accessories can kick your edginess up a notch. Girls can wear long chains (gold or silver), bangles, or chunky bracelets. Both guys and girls can wear out-there shoes, crazy earrings, or extra dark sunglasses. Carry a pocket watch if it feels like something you'd enjoy. Accessories let you quickly distinguish yourself without breaking the bank. Guys can use a messenger bag or a funky belt to edge up their look. Consider a tattoo or piercing. Yes, being edgy is about being yourself, and you should never get a tattoo "just because." That said -- what are you waiting for? The reason there is so much overlap between edgy people and body modification (tattoos, piercings, etc.) is that edgier people tend to regard their body as a temporary canvass. They know that they only get one body, and they might as well "customize" it however they want. The consequences can be damned, because they aren't a big deal -- anyone who doesn't like your tattoo is just too close-minded to be worth the time. What you choose to get is up to you, but don't discount getting some incredible art just because you love it. Research local tattoo artists and breeze through their collections, or ask them if they'll make a custom design for you. Get a tattoo because you want it, not because it "probably looks cool." If you like the design still 2-3 days after you first saw it, take the plunge. Be careful -- tattoos can become addicting! | Take risks with your life, experiencing as many different things as you can. Follow your dreams, even when they seem like a longshot. Know that even bad experiences make for amazing stories. Let your passion for life shine through. Stand up for yourself and those you love. Stay up-to-date. Hang out with people who challenge you. Make strong eye contact with people and keep your posture upright. Ditch small talk, going straight to conversations that matter. Let your opinions run free, but be sure you can passionately back them up. Speak only when you truly have something to say. Ignore the haters, squares, and others who throw you shade. Wear clothes because you like them, making that the only criteria for buying clothes. Throw different styles together in the same outfit. Pull and steal style inspiration from everywhere. Use accessories to cheaply expand your wardrobe and look. Consider a tattoo or piercing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Never-Give-Up | How to Never Give Up | To never give up, practice maintaining a positive “can do” attitude so you aren't slowed down by failure. For example, if you have a negative thought, try replacing it with two positive ones instead. Additionally, since change is inevitable, try to embrace the potential for new opportunities, such as the chance to learn new skills. Then, when you do make a mistake, try to see what you could have done differently, so you can be better prepared next time! However, if you feel like life is always throwing you curveballs, try to develop greater patience, which will help you to persist until you succeed. | Develop a more positive attitude. Though you may find it nearly impossible to be positive if you feel like you've tried everything and nothing is working for you, it's important to stay as optimistic as you can if you want to never give up. Being positive makes you see all of the good things in your life that you may be missing out on because you're focusing on the negative things. It will also make you more open to more opportunities and possibilities because you'll be looking at life with a “can do” attitude. It's true. Being more positive will not only make it easier for you to deal with challenges, but it will help you embrace new ones. If you're bitter or focused on all of your failures, then you won't be able to move forward. If you catch yourself complaining or whining, try countering your negative comment with two positive ones. Though you shouldn't feel like you're faking it when you're acting positive while feeling sad on the inside, you should know that the more you fake it, the more you'll slowly begin to see the brighter side of life. One way to be more optimistic is to surround yourself with happier people who make you appreciate life more. If all of your friends are negative and discouraging, then yeah, it'll be hard to have a positive mindset and to feel like you shouldn't give up. Learn to embrace change. If you want to work on developing the right mindset for not giving up, then you have to be able to roll with the punches and to not only accept change, but to thrive in it. Sure, you might have been thrown for a loop when your boyfriend broke up with you out of nowhere or when your family announced you were moving to a new city, but you have to learn to adapt to a new situation, to focus on whatever aspects of it exist, and to make a game plan for thriving in a new situation. As Sheryl Crow once said, sometimes “A change will do you good.” Even if you're shocked or thrown off guard, tell yourself that this could be the very best thing for you. Look at change as an opportunity to learn something new, to meet new people, and to become a more well-rounded person. Though you may not see any positive aspects of the situation just yet, you should be proud of yourself for handling it with grace and for moving forward. Learn from your mistakes. If you want to be able to not give up, then you have to get into a mindset that allows you to come to terms with the mistakes you've made and to learn from them so you don't keep having the same old problems. Though you may feel only discouraged or embarrassed when you first make a mistake, you should take a step back to understand what you did wrong and make a plan for not making the same mistake the next time. Though nobody wants to make a mistake, mistakes help you learn how to avoid future problems. For example, you may feel like you really messed up by dating a possessive boyfriend who ended up breaking your heart, but this mistake earlier in life may save you from picking the wrong husband in the future. Don't be in denial about the fact that you could have acted differently. If you're so focused on looking perfect all the time, then you won't ever learn. Know that there will always be more opportunities for success. If you want to work on never giving up, then you have to have the mentality that there will always be more ways to succeed in the future. Though it's important to live in the present, you should work on getting excited about the future instead of thinking that it has nothing to offer you; if you have the attitude that you've missed the boat somehow, then good opportunities will never come because you won't be able to see them. You may feel that, because you didn't get the dream job you've been on three rounds of interviews for, that you'll never find a career that suits you, but in the long run, you'll see that you'll be able to find plenty of jobs that also feel like that perfect fit, even if it takes a while to get there. You can also work on opening up your definition of success. Sure, you might have thought that true success would be selling your novel when you were 25, but at 30, you may see that success can also be found in teaching literature to eager high school students. Seek knowledge. If you want to have a resilient mindset that helps you really succeed and not give up, then you have to continue gaining knowledge and learning more about life as well as the situation you're in. If you have a thirst for knowledge and are excited about the world, then you'll see that there's always more for you to learn and more opportunities to seek. You can also gain knowledge in whatever it is you're trying to do, whether it's to apply to college, find a new job, or sell your novel; the more you know, the more capable you'll be to handle any challenge that comes your way. Of course, reading as much as you can is the time-tested way to gain knowledge. This can mean reading novels, reading the news, or reading up on your chosen field on the Internet. However, you can also gain knowledge by talking to experts in your field, trying to network, or getting advice from people who know their stuff. As long as you're aware that there's more for you to learn out there, you won't be able to truly give up. Be more patient—good things will happen if you keep trying. Another reason that you may be thinking of giving up is because you want great things to happen to you right this second. You may think that just because you applied to 10 jobs, sent your novel manuscript to 5 agents, or have gone on dates with 4 different guys, that something should have worked out for you. However, the road to success is paved with plenty of failure, and you shouldn't give up before you even really start trying. Sometimes it can help to talk to other people who are going through the same process. For example, you may be feeling low because you applied to 20 jobs and haven't heard a peep from any hiring managers; well, your friend who just got a new job may tell you that she applied to 70 jobs before even getting asked for an interview. It takes commitment and work to go after the life you want. Sure, you may think that you're smart, talented, and hardworking and that any college, employer, or potential soul mate would be lucky to have you. While this may be true, you can't expect people to simply choose you because you and the people who know you know how awesome you are; it takes work and time to prove yourself. Don’t become a victim of learned helplessness. If you become a victim of learned helplessness, then you'll believe that you won't ever be able to succeed because the world is pitted against you. People who are victims of learned helplessness believe that they'll never get anywhere because they haven't had good results in the past. If you want to be able to deal with adversity, then you have to learn to embrace new opportunities instead of thinking that you're destined to fail. A person who has fallen victim to learned helplessness will believe something like, “Well, I haven't gotten the last five jobs I interviewed for, so this must mean that I'll just never be able to find a job. There must be something wrong with me, or finding jobs is all about networking anyway, so I might as well not even bother if I keep failing.” A person who wants to take control of her destiny will work on thinking positively and feeling like she has the power to change the situation. She'll believe something like, “Even though the last five interviews haven't worked out for me, I should be encouraged by the fact that hiring managers are interested in me at all. If I just keep sending out my resume and going on interviews, I know I'll find a great job eventually.” Get a mentor you trust. Another way to deal with adversity is to find a mentor you trust who can help you deal with the more difficult challenges in life. Having a person who has been through what you're going through or who has found a way to succeed in your field can help you feel more confident about continuing to go after what you want. Talking to another person can give you more advice and perspective on your situation, and can also help you feel encouraged. Plus, it's likely your mentor has dealt with his or her fair share of challenges and setbacks. Hearing about these will help you want to keep going, too. Maintain a strong social network. In addition to having a mentor you trust, having a strong social network can help you stay strong during a time of great need. Having friends to rely on, family members who love and care about you, and being part of a strong community of people who really care for each other can help you feel less alone and like you are capable of dealing with the challenges ahead of you. If you feel like you have to deal with this situation alone, then you are much more likely to feel hopeless and like you have to give up. Having someone to talk to about your setbacks, even if that person can't always give you the best advice, can help you feel less alone. Just having a person to talk to can make you feel like there's hope for the future. Talking to other people who care for you about your struggles can also help you relieve stress; you'll be much more likely to feel discouraged if you have to bottle up all of your feelings inside. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. If you're going through a serious period of hardship, then the case may be that the last thing you want to do is to eat three meals a day, shower regularly, or get enough rest. However, if you want to keep going, then this is exactly what you have to do to stay mentally and physically strong. It will be much easier to want to give up if you feel tired, are eating poorly, or if you haven't showered in a few days. Making an effort to eat three healthy, balanced meals that contain lean proteins, fruits or veggies, and healthy carbs can make you feel more energized and ready to tackle any challenges that come your way. Try to sleep for at least 7-8 hours a night and to go to bed and wake up around the same time. This will help you feel capable of dealing with whatever the world throws at you. Be a person of action. If you want to be able to not give up, then you can't sit around complaining about all of your failures, moping in bed, or just making excuses for all of the reasons you failed. You have to be a person of action and to make a game plan for succeeding; this means putting yourself out there, applying for jobs, networking, going on dates, or doing whatever it is you have to do to reach your goals. If you're sitting around bemoaning all of the failure you've faced and feeling sorry for yourself, then good things won't happen to you. Of course, we all need to sit back, throw a personal pity party, and feel sorry for ourselves from time to time. However, you can't let these feelings get you into a funk that keeps you from trying again. First, sit down and make a written plan for success. Having these items listed out will make you feel much more capable of getting what you want. Build your confidence. It's true, your confidence may be shaken if you've spent so many years at the same low-paying job where you don't feel valued, but you can't let that keep you from feeling worthy of something better. You should make an effort to embrace all of the things you love about yourself, to address the flaws that you can change, and to feel happy about being the person who you are. Though building true confidence takes a long time, the sooner you start, the sooner you'll be able to deal with challenges. Work on erasing self-doubt and feeling like you can achieve anything you put your mind to. If you're the first person to doubt yourself, then anyone you meet will follow you. Hang out with people who make you feel good about yourself instead of putting you down. Fake it until you make it with positive body language. Stand tall, don't slouch, and don't cross your arms over your chest. Look happy and open to what the world may bring. Grow stronger from failure. You may have heard the optimistic expression, “Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger.” However, strictly speaking, this expression isn't always true. In fact, if you experience a lot of failure and let yourself be truly discouraged by it, then you'll actually be getting yourself beat down, instead of developing a thicker skin. You need to learn to embrace failure and to look at what you can learn from it, instead of letting it make you feel like you're unworthy of success. Every time you fail, don't just let it make you feel worse, but sit down and think about what you've learned from it. Think about what you could have done differently to succeed the next time around. Be proud of yourself for failing. Many people never put themselves out there to begin with. Sure, it's no fun to fail, but it's the only way to get what you want. Don’t let your past dictate your future. You may think that, because you've failed so many times in the past, and have had no luck with selling your first novel, dating people, or losing weight, that you'll never be able to amount to anything. However, many successful people come from humble beginnings, were raised in poverty, or had the door slammed in their faces again and again and again. Let your past empower you and drive you to succeed, instead of having it make you think you're not worthy. Sure, you may feel like all of your jobs so far have only lowered your self worth and made you feel inadequate. However, this doesn't mean your future jobs have to be like that. In fact, they should inspire you to find something better for yourself. If you think you're only destined to repeat the past, then you'll be sabotaging yourself. For example, if you're in a great relationship but all you can think of is all of your failed relationships, then yeah, you're going to mess this one up, too, because you don't think you deserve any better. Set and meet reasonable goals. Another way to stay strong is to make sure that you're setting reasonable goals that you can achieve. Of course, it's great to aim for the moon so you fall among the stars if you fail, and so on, but the reality is, you should create small goals that build up to your ultimate goals, so that you feel proud of what you're accomplishing along the way. Making your life feel more manageable will drive you to not give up. For example, if your goal is to publish a novel, then yeah, you're bound to be disappointed for all of the years that you can't do it, because you're going to make yourself feel like a failure. However, if you set smaller goals, like publishing a short story in a small journal, and then publishing a short story in a more established journal, and then writing a draft of a novel, and so on, then you'll be much more capable of achieving these little goals along the way and will feel more confident moving forward. See if you need to find a new way to make your dreams come true. Okay, so nobody wants to hear it, but sometimes, you may want to sit back and think about whether or not you're just torturing yourself by setting ridiculously hard goals for yourself. Sure, you may want to be a Broadway actress; while this is a dream come true, you may also find a way to do what you love and inspire others in other ways, such as being a Drama teacher, landing smaller acting gigs, or even starting a blog about your attempts to enter the arts. You shouldn't think of this as a way of lowering your expectations, but as a way to make it easier for you to enjoy your life. You don't want to spend your whole life feeling like a loser because you never rose to fame, do you? That kind of feeling will leave you feeling unsatisfied with all you have achieved. Manage your stress. Another way to stay strong in the face of failure is to learn how to cope with all of the stress you may be feeling from wanting to give up. Whether you simply can't find a job that gives you the health benefits you so badly need, or you can't deal with juggling a family and trying to write a screenplay, you need to find a way to manage your stress to make your path to success more possible. Here are some things you can do to manage your stress: Spend time with people who help you feel calm Ditch as many stressful factors in your life as you can Scale back on your work where you can Do yoga or meditate Drink less caffeine Avoid alcohol as a coping mechanism Talk to a friend, loved one, or therapist about your problems Write in a journal Stop doing the same thing and expect different results. If you want to stay strong and to not give up, then another thing you can do is to find a new way to look at your situation. Okay, if you submitted 70 job applications and haven't heard a peep, then your best bet may not be to submit another 70, but to have someone look at your cover letter or resume to make sure they are up to speed, to seek out more volunteer experience, or to spend more time on networking. If you keep doing the same old thing over and over again, then you'll start to feel like you're butting your head against the wall. For example, if you've gone on 25 first dates and 0 second ones, then you should ask yourself what you can do differently to connect with more people. This does not mean that there's something wrong with you, but that you need to shift your perspective. Sometimes, you may find that all you need is a change. For example, if you've been begging your bosses to give you a raise or more responsibilities at work but you're getting nothing back, then you may only be able to get what you want if you search for a new job. Don’t let anyone else lower your self-worth. It's easy to feel like giving up if all of the people around you are making you feel like this is the best option. However, you can't let other people tell you who you are, whether they are literary agents, hiring managers, or boyfriends. You have to work on letting your self-worth come from within and not letting people make you feel like less of a person. Of course, if people are giving you constructive feedback, then you should listen to it instead of calling them haters. If people really want you to improve, then you should listen to them and see how you can do better the next time. Know that it's a cold world out there, and that most people spend the majority of their lives dealing with rejection. Don't think you're unique for being rejected so much and focus on changing your attitude toward this unfortunate aspect of life. Keep your life in perspective. If you want to have the drive and motivation to keep going, then you have to learn to step back and take a look at the big picture. Is your life really as completely terrible as you think it is? Sure, you may not have your dream job right now, but you're lucky to find work in this economy. Okay, so it sucks to be single sometimes, but at least you have your health and so many friends who want the best for you. Remind yourself of all of the good in your life and use it to motivate you to achieve great things. Make a gratitude list. Write down all of the things that make your life worth living and look at it frequently. This will make you see that things aren't as bad as they seem. Take the time to thank your friends and loved ones for all they have done for you. This will help you see that your life isn't all doom and gloom. Be a part of a community of people who want the same thing. Another way to not give up is to join a group of people who are going through a similar quest. If you're dealing with alcoholism, then join AA. If you're trying to get your novel published, join a writer's group. If you're trying to meet a significant other, go to singles mixers. You may feel like you're the only person in the world dealing with your particular struggle, but if you make an effort, you'll see that you are far from alone. A community of like-minded people can help you get great advice, encouragement, and a feeling of belonging. | Develop a more positive attitude. Learn to embrace change. Learn from your mistakes. Know that there will always be more opportunities for success. Seek knowledge. Be more patient—good things will happen if you keep trying. Don’t become a victim of learned helplessness. Get a mentor you trust. Maintain a strong social network. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Be a person of action. Build your confidence. Grow stronger from failure. Don’t let your past dictate your future. Set and meet reasonable goals. See if you need to find a new way to make your dreams come true. Manage your stress. Stop doing the same thing and expect different results. Don’t let anyone else lower your self-worth. Keep your life in perspective. Be a part of a community of people who want the same thing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Kreg-Jig | How to Use a Kreg Jig | To use a Kreg jig, start by measuring the thickness of the board you're using and selecting the drill bit that corresponds to that depth. Then, adjust the height of the jig to fit the board's thickness and tighten the thumbscrew on the back to secure it. Next, clamp the jig to your workbench and place the board into the jig. Once it's in place, pull the lever to press the clamp against the board so it doesn't slide around. Finally, insert the drill bit into the guide holes and drill into the wood using steady pressure until you're stopped by the collar on the jig. | Measure the wood you’re using. Before you begin drilling, it's important to measure the width of the boards you'll be working with. The thickness is what you're looking to gauge here. Knowing the exact thickness of the board will enable you to drill the pocket holes at just the right angle. Always measure your wood, regardless of the specifications given on the label. It's possible for wood to shrink or for a board's width to be based on averages rather than precise measurements. The difference of a fraction of an inch could potentially throw off your whole project. Set your drill bit collar to the correct depth. Line the pocket hole drill bit up with the specifications indicated on the base of the jig. The step (the place on the bit where it narrows to a point) should be even with the notch that corresponds to the thickness of your board. Slide the depth collar to the appropriate height and tighten it using an Allen wrench. The depth collar is slightly wider than the guide holes of the jig, and will keep you from drilling too far into the wood. A special pocket hole drill bit should be included with your new Kreg Jig. Change the placement of the jig. Using the same measurements, adjust the height of the jig to the appropriate position. To do this, loosen the thumbscrew on the back so that you can raise or lower guide hole piece freely. Once the jig is where you want it, tighten the thumbscrew to secure it. Raising and lowering the jig will change the angle of the guide holes slightly to make them suitable for boards of varying widths. Remember to reset the guide hole piece every time you drill a board of a different size. Secure the jig to the workbench. Clamp the jig down so that it will remain firmly in place. This will prevent the wood from coming loose while you're drilling. Make sure the guide holes of the jig are facing toward you on the workbench. You'll be drilling into the back side of the board, which won't be visible once the piece is completed. Clamp the wood into the jig. Place one end of the wooden board vertically against the clamp backing on the opposite side of the jig, then pull the lever to press the clamp tight against it. Test the board to make sure that it doesn't slide around. The clamp lever should lock into position once the clamp is fully extended. Fit the drill bit into the guide holes in the jig. The guide holes should be just large enough to comfortably accommodate the drill bit. Most standard Kreg Jig models will have at least three guide holes so that you can drill as many holes as needed to support the joint. For greater precision and security, keep your pocket holes spaced at even distances. Should you need more pocket holes than your jig allows, you can make room for more by shifting the wood down in the clamp after drilling your first set. Drill the desired number of pocket holes. Begin drilling into the guide holes using steady pressure until you're stopped by the depth collar. Pull back on the drill as you work to free the guide holes of loose wood chips. Drill as many holes as you need to create a strong joint that will suit the purposes of your project, then turn the board around and repeat the process on the other end. Try drilling on a scrap piece of wood first to confirm that the settings on the jig are correct. You'll need to drill at least two pocket holes—otherwise, the boards will pivot around the single screw. The jig will allow you to drill at a shallow angle into the wood, which results in a more structurally sound joint than if you were to drill straight through. Press the pieces of wood together to form a joint. Now that you've drilled the boards, arrange them the way they'll go in the finished project. Make sure the edges are evenly aligned. If you prefer, you can clamp the boards in place to make them easier to manage. Line up the boards carefully to avoid making a costly mistake. If you're using a smaller clamp, clamp both pieces of wood to the table at the seam. Glue the edges of the joint together for added security. Spread a thin layer of wood glue onto the edges of the boards where they connect. This will reinforce the joint even further and prevent the boards from coming apart as you fasten them. Give the glue a few minutes to set up to make the joint more sturdy while drilling. If you're using wood glue in addition to a conventional clamp, apply the glue before you align the edges of the boards. Drill the screws into place. Fit the screws into the pocket holes so that they're aimed at the body of the adjoining board. Drive the screws deep until they disappear inside the pocket hole. The pocket hole bit conveniently bores its own thread as it drills, so you should have no problem getting the screws to hold. For softer woods, use screws with a coarse thread. Finer threads should be reserved for hard, dense varieties of wood like maple and oak. Select the right type of screw for the exact specifications and type of wood you're using. Conceal the pocket holes with wood plugs or adhesive. Once you're done, you may notice shallow depressions left behind at the openings of the pocket holes. These can easily be filled with a glob of putty or wood glue. You could also invest in a set of Kreg wood plugs, which are specially tapered to slide right in for a smooth, seamless finish. Plugging the pocket holes is merely a cosmetic choice, and won't affect the strength of the joint in any way. Since you'll be drilling into the back or underside of the boards, the pocket holes on the finished piece shouldn't be visible even if you haven't taken steps to conceal them. | Measure the wood you’re using. Set your drill bit collar to the correct depth. Change the placement of the jig. Secure the jig to the workbench. Clamp the wood into the jig. Fit the drill bit into the guide holes in the jig. Drill the desired number of pocket holes. Press the pieces of wood together to form a joint. Glue the edges of the joint together for added security. Drill the screws into place. Conceal the pocket holes with wood plugs or adhesive. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Study-for-a-Science-Test | How to Study for a Science Test | To study for a science test, do some sample test questions and then focus on the parts of the test you struggle with the most. Use your notes from class and any study guides you were given to review the material. Also, make flashcards or find some online to study with. You can also try breaking the material up into smaller sections and reviewing one section at a time since that can actually help you retain information better. | Look for a quiet study area at your school library. A free study option is always a study area in your school library, where you can be surrounded by other students who are focused and diligently working on their own study materials. Many school libraries will have quiet areas or zones for studying and encourage students to use the school space to prepare for tests. If you are planning to study with a partner, you may be able to book a private study room where you can discuss the test and share review materials. This will ensure you can talk to your study partner without disturbing anyone around you. Talk to the circulation desk at your library about booking a study room or look at your school's library website for more information on booking a study room. Choose a secluded spot in a local coffee shop. If you prefer to study in the cozy atmosphere of a nearby coffee shop, be sure to bring headphones with you. They may come in handy if you are around people who are talking loudly or having a conversation close to you that is distracting. Some coffee shops are known for their quiet environment, especially if they are located on school campus and are frequented by many students. Consider choosing a coffee shop that is known for its student friendly atmosphere, rather than a coffee shop that is loud, bustling, and often crowded. This will ensure you will be able to get work done without being constantly interrupted or distracted by noise and chatter around you. Study at home in an area free from distractions. Some students prefer to study in the comfort of their home in their bedroom or in a room in the house that is free of distractions. You may want to set the scene if you are studying at home to make it the most study friendly. This could include telling everyone in the house that you are studying and shutting the door. Or, you could turn off any distractions, like the television, a radio, or your cellphone, and place them out of reach. This could then help you to focus on studying for the science test. While it may be tempting to lie in bed as you study, data has shown that studying in bed can lead to distraction and difficulty turning off your brain when it's time to go to bed. Instead, study at a desk in your room with a desk lamp so you get enough light and can focus on your study materials. Read over your class notes. Good class notes from your teacher's lectures and class discussions can be great study tools for tests and exams. Look over your class notes and check if there are incomplete sentences or any confusing statements. Clarify anything you missed in class or are still confused about with your teacher so you can better prepare for the upcoming test. If you have an incomplete chemistry formula written down, for example, you should clarify the complete formula with your teacher or a peer. Focus on recent class notes, especially the notes made in your most recent class, as they will likely contain important information you can use to prepare for the test. One of the best ways to make your class notes more instructive is to use visual diagrams and representations, such as the scientific process of condensation. Drawing out scientific processes can help you to better visualize them and remember them later. Highlight any key points that may relate to the test. Use a highlighter to go through your class notes and identify any key points that seem relevant to the test. Marking important concepts with a highlighter will allow you to easily scan your notes and digest complex information through the key details or points. For example, you may have notes of the process of condensation from your chemistry class or notes on the digestive system from your biology class. These processes can be detailed and contain a lot of information that can be challenging to remember. Using a highlighter to identify key points can help you to focus on the most important details in the process without getting overwhelmed by information. In your notes on the process of condensation, for example, you may start with a definition of condensation: “The process of changing water vapor in the air into liquid water.” Rather than highlight the entire sentence, you may highlight the terms “water vapor” “air” and “liquid water”. This will help you remember the key terms of the definition so you can recall it easily when you take the test. Ask your teacher for a study guide for the test. Your teacher may provide a guide for the test that contains example questions or a list of key points that are going to be on the test. Make sure you have a copy of the study guide and use it when preparing for the test. You should clarify the form of the test, such as multiple choice, short answer, or true/false. The form of the test will then help you better prepare for the test. If the test is multiple choice or true/false, you may want to focus on memorizing key definitions, examples, and concepts. If the test is short answer, you may want to practice writing out short answers that explain key definitions and concepts. An example study guide for a test on condensation, for example, may contain questions like, “What is the process of condensation?” “How is condensation different from evaporation?” “How can we demonstrate condensation in an experiment?” Though these questions may not be the exact ones used on the test, they will likely point to key concepts or points that you should study in preparation for the test. Make study flash cards. Flashcards can be useful for studying difficult concepts, especially if you are trying to remember key definitions and terms. You may decide to use a color coded system to separate key definitions from key concepts and write them on different colored flashcards. If you are creating flashcards for a test on the process of condensation, for example, you may write the definition of condensation on a green flashcard and the difference between condensation and evaporation on a yellow flashcard. You may then write the definition for evaporation on a green flashcard and the use of a pressure temperature graph on a yellow flashcard. Separating definitions from concepts can allow you to test yourself on different things using the flashcards, but still ensure they remain separate as you review them. The color coding can also help you distinguish between a definition and a concept. Use the “chunking” method. Recent studies have shown that studying information in chunks, also known as spaced repetition, can help you to better retain information and access it later during a test. Rather than try to memorize the entire condensation process or the complete digestive process in humans, you can break up the information into smaller sections or chunks and study each section over a period of time. Break up your study materials into chunks using a highlighter or a pen. You can also cover the information around the section with a piece of blank paper so you are only focusing on the one chunk, instead of the surrounding information. This will prevent you from getting distracted and allow you to stay focused on one section at a time. Create a study schedule. Once you have reviewed and organized your study materials, you should create a study schedule. A study schedule will allow you plan your study time in the most efficient manner possible and avoid procrastinating or wasting time. Try to plan your study schedule at least one to two weeks before the test. This will give you more than enough time to prepare and will ensure you stick to your study schedule. The study schedule should include one to two studying methods and indicate how many hours a day you will be studying for the test. Try to plan out exactly how much time you will allot to each method and ensure you are able to cover all the information required for the test within the allot timeframe. Keep in mind most people can concentrate well for 45 minutes before losing interest or zoning out. Take breaks between study sessions if you plan to study for more than 45 minutes at a time. For example, on Monday night, you may do a twenty minutes session using the chunking method, followed by a review of key definitions using flashcards for twenty five minutes. On Tuesday night, you may do a review of the previous night's studying and then move on to a new section in your notes. Once you complete a twenty minute session using the chunking method on a new section, you may do another round of review of key concepts with your flashcards for twenty five minutes. You may then continue this pattern until Friday, and do a big review day on the weekend, taking breaks between study sessions so you can digest the information in your study materials. Do example test questions. Once you have spent at least one week studying for the test, you should gear up for the test by doing example questions. These may be example questions created by your teacher in a study guide or you may create your own example questions. Create enough test questions to fulfill the structure of the test. For example, if your teacher tells you the test will have ten multiple choice questions total, you should create at least ten to fifteen practice multiple choice questions. If your teacher tells you there will be four true/false questions and four short answer questions, make sure your example test questions follow the same format. For a test on the process of condensation, for example, you may create test questions that cover the major concepts and definitions for this process, such as: “What is the definition of condensation?” “How does water vapor turn into liquid water through the process of condensation?” “What is the difference between condensation and evaporation?” “What is an example experiment that illustrates the process of condensation?” Grade your example test questions and identify any gaps in your knowledge. Once you have completed the example test questions, you should look over them and grade them. You may want to enlist a study partner to grade your example test questions for you, such as a peer or a family member. If you are studying with a peer in a study group, exchange test questions with them so you can grade each other. When you grade your test questions, note any questions that you got wrong or could not answer. These gaps in your knowledge can be helpful to identify, as you can then focus on filling these gaps when you review your study materials again. Have a study partner quiz you on the key points the day before the test. To boost your confidence and ensure you do not have any lingering gaps in your knowledge, have a study partner quiz you using example questions. If you don't have a peer nearby, ask a family member, a friend, or a spouse to act as your tester. Have your study partner read the questions out loud and then respond to the questions out loud. Vocalizing your answers can help you to remember them better and ensure your brain is full of relevant information that will help you ace your science test. | Look for a quiet study area at your school library. Choose a secluded spot in a local coffee shop. Study at home in an area free from distractions. Read over your class notes. Highlight any key points that may relate to the test. Ask your teacher for a study guide for the test. Make study flash cards. Use the “chunking” method. Create a study schedule. Do example test questions. Grade your example test questions and identify any gaps in your knowledge. Have a study partner quiz you on the key points the day before the test. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Pork-Chops | How to Cook Pork Chops | If you want an easy way to cook pork chops, try baking them. Preheat the oven to 400°F for boneless, center-cut pork chops or 475°F for thicker, bone-in chops. Season the pork chops to taste with salt and pepper or your favorite seasonings. Lay out the pork chops on a baking sheet, making sure they do not touch. Cook the pork chops for 10-15 minutes on the first side, then flip them and continue baking them for 10-15 more minutes. You may need to add a little more time for very thick chops. The pork chops should be cooked to a temperature of at least 145°F. | Preheat the oven to 400–475 °F (204–246 °C). For boneless center-cut pork chops, set the oven to an even 400 °F (204 °C). If you're preparing thicker bone-in chops, increase the temperature to 475 °F (246 °C) to ensure that they get done all the way through. If your oven has a convection setting, select it rather than standard bake. Convection baking allows heat to circulate better, which will help your chops cook quicker and more evenly. Make sure frozen chops have had a chance to thaw completely before you begin cooking. Season the pork chops to taste. While the oven is heating up, you can add any herbs, spices, and seasonings that you think will enhance the recipe you're preparing. Place the chops on a large serving plate, then sprinkle them with flavorings like minced garlic, parmesan cheese, oregano, or red pepper flakes. You could also keep things simple with a dash of kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper. Rub or brush the pork chops with about a tablespoon of oil to help your seasonings stick. Arrange the seasoned pork chops on a baking sheet. Lay out the chops across the entire surface, leaving a few inches of space between each. They should have plenty of room to breathe while they cook. Situating the chops too close together may cause them to heat more slowly. Grease the baking sheet with a small amount of olive or canola oil to keep the meat from sticking if you didn't already coat the pork chops during the seasoning process. Cook the pork chops for 10-15 minutes on the first side. Slide the baking sheet into the oven on the center rack. Set a timer to help you keep track of how long the chops have been in the oven. They should begin to brown lightly around the edges after about 10 minutes. A good general rule of thumb when making pork chops is that they need about 7 minutes of cooking time per ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) of thickness. For especially thick and bone-in cuts, allot an extra 2-5 minutes on each side. Turn the pork chops and continue baking for 10-15 more minutes. Carefully pull the baking sheet out from the center rack just enough to flip the chops using a fork or pair of tongs. Then, put them back in the oven until they take on a warm brown color and glisten with juice. The chops typically won't need quite as long on the second side, since they'll already be partially cooked. For your own protection, always use an insulated oven mitt anytime you remove a dish from a hot oven. Cook the pork chops to an internal temperature of 145 °F (63 °C). The best way to avoid confusion about when your dinner is ready is to use a meat thermometer. Slide the tip of the thermometer into the thickest portion of the chop, usually somewhere near the middle, then wait 30 seconds to get an accurate reading. Pork needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145 °F (63 °C) in order to be eaten safely. Cooking pork can be a little tricky, since it may look done on the outside but be dangerously undercooked in the center. Enjoy baked pork chops fresh out of the oven. Serve your chops with traditional favorites like cinnamon apples, mashed new potatoes, or rice pilaf. For a lower-calorie feast, go with sides like grilled asparagus or steam broccoli. A few sprigs of fresh parsley or a dash of rosemary can add a jolt of bold flavor without increasing the amount of calories in the dish. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven at a medium temperature. Brine the pork chops to lock in moisture. Combine 1–2 US quarts (950–1,890 ml) of warm water with the desired quantity of molasses or brown sugar in a large open container. Add salt, whole peppercorns, whole cloves, garlic, star anise, lemon rinds, or other pungent spices to taste and stir until they're evenly distributed. Add the pork chops and leave them in the refrigerator for 1-12 hours to absorb the brine. For maximum flavor, let your chops marinate overnight. Pork chops have a tendency to dry out when cooked over intense direct heat. Brining will keep them nice, tender and juicy and give you a little room for error when it comes to getting them done. Fire up the grill. Light the burners or heap the charcoals on only one side of the grill. This creates different heating zones that offer you more control over the doneness of the chops. Scour the grate with a grill brush to remove stuck-on char and other gunk before adding the pork chops. If you're using a charcoal grill, go easy on the lighter fluid. Too much can affect the flavor of the meat. Grill the pork chops uncovered for 5-7 minutes. Arrange the chops 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) apart around the hot side of the grill and sear them just long enough to give the underside a crisp, flame-kissed crust. Take a peek at their progress periodically by lifting one corner with a meat fork. You're looking for a deep brown coloration and dark grill marks. It's important to leave the chops uncovered while they're grilling. Covering them will expose them to too much surrounding heat, which can cause them to become tough. Flip the chops and grill for another 3-5 minutes. Use your meat fork or tongs to turn the chops over to the opposite side, keeping them on the hot end of the grill for now. After a few short minutes, they should have a consistent color and texture on both sides. It will usually take 2-3 minutes less on the second side. The pork chops will sear more quickly once they've been turned, so watch them closely to avoid burning them. Move the chops to the cool side of the grill. Once the pork chops have a nice outer layer of char, slide them away from the lit burners or charcoals. The surrounding heat on the opposite end of the grill will be enough to finish cooking them through without burning them to a crisp. If the chops nearest to the hot side of the grill appear to be getting done faster than the others, they made need to trade places with the ones that are furthest away to keep the temperature even. Continue grilling the chops until they’re done. This time, lower the grill cover to provide some extra heat. Avoid stabbing, pressing, or repositioning the chops while they finish cooking. Once the juices run clear and the chops are criss-crossed with grill marks, remove them from the heat and transfer them to a large serving platter to cool. When you cut into the chops, they should be a pale white color with just a hint of pink in the center. If there's any doubt about whether they're done enough, check the internal temperature with your meat thermometer, looking for a reading of 145 °F (63 °C) or higher. Serve grilled pork chops hot off the grill. Grilled pork chops eat much like a steak, so feel free to slather on your favorite grill sauce, or enjoy them with just a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. Pair them with flavorful sides like sauted asparagus, mixed green salad, burgundy mushrooms, a loaded baked potato for a hearty, satisfying meal. Chimichurri and horseradish cream also make popular condiments for accompanying grilled pork chops. Reheat your leftovers in the oven or give them a few minutes in a hot pan, and try to use them within 3-4 days. Pound the pork chops flat. Lay out the chops on your countertop or a sturdy cutting board and whack them all over with a meat tenderizer. Flip the chops and repeat on the opposite side, being sure to the pound out the entire surface, including the fatty outer edges. They should slim down to about ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) thick by the time you're done. A thorough pounding will soften up the chops and increase their overall surface area, which will allow them to cook faster in the hot pan without the risk of burning. You can also wrap your chops in plastic wrap or wax paper and flatten them with a rolling pin. Bread the pork chops (optional). If you prefer your chops to have a crispier texture, you can dredge them before you put them in the pan. Set out a pair of mixing bowls, one filled with whole beaten eggs and the other with seasoned all-purpose flour. Sift the pork chops through the flour mixture until they're lightly dusted, then dip them in the egg wash before running them back through the flour for a thicker coating. Try seasoning your breading with salt, black pepper, cayenne, paprika, or one of your own favorite spice blends. Dredge the chops in panko crumbs rather than flour on the second go-around for a delightfully crunchy finish. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet. Add the oil to the skillet, then turn on the cooktop to a medium-high heat. Tilt the skillet as the oil heats up to coat the outer edges of the cooking surface and prevent sticking. For optimal heating, the oil should sit about ⁄ 4 – ⁄ 2 inch (0.64–1.27 cm) deep on the bottom of the skillet. Mix a pat of butter in with the cooking oil for a richer, more savory flavor. Cook the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on the first side. The oil will be piping hot by this point, so place the chops in the pan carefully to limit splattering. Let them sizzle until you notice the underside beginning to brown. In the meantime, avoid moving them around too much. It may be necessary to cook multiple pork chops in individual batches if you've got a crowd to feed. Turn the chops and fry for 2-3 more minutes until done. Use a long-handled pair of tongs or meat fork to flip the meat. Continue cooking them until they achieve the perfect crisp, reddish-brown exterior. Breaded chops will have a mouthwatering golden-brown color when they're just right. If you're unsure whether your breaded pork chops are done enough, use a meat thermometer to take their temperature near the center. You should get a reading between 145–160 °F (63–71 °C). Keep a close eye on the chops to avoid burning them. They may not take as long to cook on the second side. Savor fried pork chops with other comfort food staples. No plate of crispy, golden-brown pork chops is complete with a mound of buttery mashed potatoes or a pot of green beans stewed with bacon. If you'd prefer a lighter touch to offset all the oil used for cooking, steam try steaming some fresh seasonal veggies, or slice and salt a large ripe tomato and call it a day. Southern-style sides like macaroni and cheese, corn bread muffins, and collard greens also make a great combination with fried pork chops. Breaded chops become soggy when they're reheated, which means this type of dish is best devoured hot and fresh. | Preheat the oven to 400–475 °F (204–246 °C). Season the pork chops to taste. Arrange the seasoned pork chops on a baking sheet. Cook the pork chops for 10-15 minutes on the first side. Turn the pork chops and continue baking for 10-15 more minutes. Cook the pork chops to an internal temperature of 145 °F (63 °C). Enjoy baked pork chops fresh out of the oven. Brine the pork chops to lock in moisture. Fire up the grill. Grill the pork chops uncovered for 5-7 minutes. Flip the chops and grill for another 3-5 minutes. Move the chops to the cool side of the grill. Continue grilling the chops until they’re done. Serve grilled pork chops hot off the grill. Pound the pork chops flat. Bread the pork chops (optional). Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet. Cook the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on the first side. Turn the chops and fry for 2-3 more minutes until done. Savor fried pork chops with other comfort food staples. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Fondant-Flowers | How to Make Fondant Flowers | To make fondant flowers, start by rolling some fondant into a flat sheet that's ⅛ inch thick. Next, cut out 5 circles in different sizes, and roll a toothpick around the edges of each circle to make ruffles. Then, press the largest circle into a fondant forming cup to create the bottom of your flower. If you don't have a fondant forming cup, you can also use a small remekin or an empty egg carton. Once in the cup, brush some water onto the circle, and place the other 4 circles on top, brushing water between each layer to hold them together. Finally, let the flower dry for 24 hours before using it. | Roll the fondant into a flat sheet that’s 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) thick. Use a rolling pin to flatten the fondant, applying gentle pressure as you move the pin back and forth to make sure the entire fondant is an even thickness. You can use any color fondant you want for your carnation. To prevent the fondant from sticking to the rolling pin or work surface, dust both the surface and the rolling pin with a little cornstarch before you begin, or apply a thin layer of shortening. To change the color of your fondant, squeeze a few drops of gel coloring onto the fondant. Then massage it in, kneading the fondant to spread the color evenly throughout. Cut out 5 circles in different sizes. Use fondant cutters or cookie cutters to form your circles from the flattened fondant. Start with the largest circle, which will be the base of your flower. Then make a slightly smaller circle, continuing to decrease the size for each of the remaining 3 pieces. Adjust the diameter of the circles as needed to create smaller or larger flowers. For fuller flowers, cut out more than 5 circles. If you don't have fondant or cookie cutters, you can use anything that has a circular shape, like the bottom of a drinking glass. Press it into the fondant and cut around it with a knife. Roll a toothpick around the edges of each circle to create ruffles. Press the length of the toothpick lightly into the fondant. Rock it back and forth, moving it around the perimeter of the circle. This causes the fondant to curl up into a ruffled edge. Repeat on all 5 circles. Be careful not to press too hard so you don't cut through the fondant with the toothpick. You just want to make an indentation. Some bakers choose to lay their fondant on a foam shaping mat during this step. It provides a little cushioning for the flowers to prevent them from ripping or sticking to the counter. Press the largest circle into a fondant forming cup. This will be the bottom of your flower. Set it in the fondant forming cup so that the edges curl up slightly, giving you a nice curved shape instead of a flat flower. You can use a small ramekin or even an empty egg carton instead of fondant forming cups. If you're worried about the fondant sticking to the cups, sprinkle some cornstarch on the inside of the cups first. Brush water onto the circle with a small paintbrush. The water will act like glue to hold the flower together. Use just enough water to dampen the top of the fondant. Avoid soaking it through or using so much water that it puddles in the center of the circle. Don't use a paintbrush that has been used for paint or any other toxic substances. Buy a brand new one that hasn't been contaminated. Place the 4 other circles on top, brushing water in between each layer. Arrange the 4 circles in decreasing size order so that the smallest circle is the last layer. Use a dab of water between each of the fondant circles to “glue” them together. Press down lightly on each layer as you set it in the fondant cup to adhere it securely to the previous circle. Let the flowers dry for 24 hours before using them. Place the flowers in a dry, room temperature spot to harden. The drier the flowers are, the better they'll hold their shape. Store any flowers you aren't using right away in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Roll the fondant into a rectangular shape that’s 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) thick. You want the fondant to be thin enough that the flowers don't look clunky, yet thick enough that it won't rip when you're forming the petals. Use a rolling pin with gentle pressure to evenly spread out the fondant on a flat surface. Spread a layer of shortening or sprinkle cornstarch onto your surface if you want to prevent the fondant from sticking. Use pink or red fondant for realistic roses. However, you can use any color you'd like. Trim the edges with a knife to create your rectangle, if necessary. Cut a strip of fondant that’s 1.5 to 2 in (3.8 to 5.1 cm) wide. The length of the strip doesn't matter but the width shouldn't be more than 2 inches (5.1 cm) or the rose will be too chunky. A butter knife will be sharp enough to slice through the fondant. Cut as many strips as you want roses. Each strip makes 1 rose. Fold the strip in half lengthwise. Line up the long edges of the fondant to make sure you fold the piece exactly down the center. Don't smash the 2 sides together. Just rest them on top of each other so you can still see the crease between them. If you're having trouble folding the fondant, you may have a piece that's too thin. Re-cut a wider strip. Roll the strip up, pinching the bottom to form a cone shape. Keep the open edge facing up. Squeeze the bottom of the folded strip between your thumb and forefinger as you roll so it tapers down into a slight point. The tighter you roll your strip, the smaller your rose will be. If you wind up with extra fondant at the bottom, simply pinch it off with your fingers. Brush a little bit of water along the strip before you begin rolling if you want the rose to hold its shape better. The water acts as glue. Set the roses in a room temperature spot to dry for 24 hours. Don't use the roses immediately to decorate a cake or they'll fall apart or become misshapen. Letting them dry first will harden them into their flower shape. If you aren't using your roses right away, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for no more than 2 weeks. Dab cornstarch into each of the molds with a small paintbrush. The cornstarch will prevent the fondant from sticking to the mold. Use a brand new paintbrush that hasn't been used before, so there aren't any harmful paint chemicals on it. Be sure to coat every little crevice in the mold. If there's a lot of excess cornstarch in the mold, flip it over and tap it gently to remove the extra powder. Break off a piece of fondant that’s about the same size as your mold. If you're using a very small flower mold, you'll need a smaller piece. Don't worry if it's not exact; you just need enough fondant to at least fill the mold. If you want, you can roll the fondant out into the size of your mold. It may make it easier to press the fondant evenly into the mold later on, but it isn't necessary. Press the piece of fondant into the mold, filling it completely. Use your fingers to firmly push down on the fondant, making sure you get it into every nook and cranny. It's okay if your fondant spills out over the mold. It's better to overfill it than underfill it. If your piece of fondant doesn't fill the entire mold, break off more fondant and press it on top of the original piece. Shave off any extra fondant from the mold using a knife. Use a sawing motion to work the knife carefully along the top of the mold, pulling away the excess fondant with your fingers as you go. This should smooth out the fondant inside the mold. If you don't flatten the top of the mold (which will be the bottom of the flower), you'll have trouble sticking the finished flower to a cake or cupcake. You can use an icing spatula instead of a knife. Place the filled molds in the freezer for 20 minutes. This hardens the fondant so that it's easier to remove from the molds. Set the flowers on a shelf where they'll sit flat and won't be disturbed. Set a kitchen timer or use the clock app on your phone to keep track of the time. Remove the molds from the freezer and pop the flowers out of the mold. They should come out easily. Work quickly so that the flowers don't warm up in the molds, making it more difficult to get them out cleanly. Be careful with the flowers when you're removing them. They aren't completely dry yet, so too much force could alter their shape. If the fondant won't come out of the mold, leave it in for a little longer before trying again. Let the flowers dry for at least 24 hours. Set the flowers in a room temperature spot to harden. If it's too warm, the fondant won't dry as well, or the flowers will lose their shape. Keep any flowers you aren't using immediately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. | Roll the fondant into a flat sheet that’s 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) thick. Cut out 5 circles in different sizes. Roll a toothpick around the edges of each circle to create ruffles. Press the largest circle into a fondant forming cup. Brush water onto the circle with a small paintbrush. Place the 4 other circles on top, brushing water in between each layer. Let the flowers dry for 24 hours before using them. Roll the fondant into a rectangular shape that’s 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) thick. Cut a strip of fondant that’s 1.5 to 2 in (3.8 to 5.1 cm) wide. Fold the strip in half lengthwise. Roll the strip up, pinching the bottom to form a cone shape. Set the roses in a room temperature spot to dry for 24 hours. Dab cornstarch into each of the molds with a small paintbrush. Break off a piece of fondant that’s about the same size as your mold. Press the piece of fondant into the mold, filling it completely. Shave off any extra fondant from the mold using a knife. Place the filled molds in the freezer for 20 minutes. Remove the molds from the freezer and pop the flowers out of the mold. Let the flowers dry for at least 24 hours. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Act-Confident | How to Act Confident | To act confident, stand with your back and shoulders straight, make eye contact with others, and avoid fidgeting to project a strong, relaxed persona. When you're talking to people, avoid speaking too fast, mumbling, or using words like “um,” which can be seen as signs of anxiety or nervousness. You'll also want to steer clear of criticizing yourself in front of others since this can make you appear weak. In addition to projecting a positive self-image, make an effort to compliment others as well, since confident people recognize the positive aspects of those around them too. | Find some examples of confident people. Think of people you know who are self-confident. These people can be models for you to emulate on acting confident. You might choose a parent, teacher, or even a celebrity. Observe this person's actions, speech and body language. Imitate these behaviors until they become your own. Smile often and act friendly. Being friendly to others and smiling makes you appear confident. It makes people believe that you're a nice and happy person who enjoys being around other people. In turn, they will want to be around you. Participating in a variety of different activities will give you the opportunity to be friendly and display your confidence. Introduce yourself by name to other people. This will give them the impression that you respect yourself and you are worth listening to when you speak. Speak and listen appropriately. Confident people don't over-talk, chatter, or say too much. They speak appropriately and listen to other people, engaging in conversation in socially appropriate ways. For example, don't constantly talk about yourself. When you constantly talk about your achievements, people start to think that you're looking for approval and acceptance. A confident person doesn't try to seek much external approval. Instead try asking other people about their achievements and lives! Accept compliments graciously. When people give you positive feedback, thank them and accept the compliment. Confident people know that they are worthy of compliments and respect. Don't self-deprecate by saying you're not good at something, or acting as though your success was just lucky. Have confident body language. Confident people usually don't appear anxious or nervous. Making small adjustments to your body language can convey confidence and power , despite what you might be feeling inside. Stand up with your back and shoulders straight. Make eye contact when you're talking with someone. Don't fidget. Relax tension in your muscles. Give a firm handshake. When you meet someone new, make eye contact and give a firm handshake. This will convey that you are confident and interested. Speak deliberately and clearly. Use a clear, confident voice when you speak. When your voice is timid or wobbly, you are not conveying as much confidence. If you rush through your words, you are conveying that you might not expect people to listen to you. Try to eliminate words like “um” and “uh” from your vocabulary. Dress confidently and appropriately. People often make snap judgments based on a person's appearance. Sometimes, acting confidently means that you need to dress the part. If you're wearing clothes that look like you've just got out of bed, the average person may not take you seriously. On the other hand, if you look like you're ready to get things done, people will assume you are confident and will likely be more respectful. Making an effort to be serious about your appearance will make it look like you're more serious about your demands. Speak up for yourself. Don't let others speak for you, because they can easily take advantage of you this way. If you speak up for yourself and show people that you're not going to stand to be treated with disrespect, they will see your confidence and show you the respect that you deserve. For example, if you are trying to speak and someone interrupts, say, “Excuse me, I'd like to finish my thought.” Don’t criticize yourself in front of others. People tend to treat you as well as you treat yourself. If you're always self-deprecating, other people will begin to treat you that way. By having self-respect, you can demonstrate that you will not settle for anything less from others. For example, don't talk to other people about how much you hate your hair. Find something about your appearance that you're pleased with and focus on that. Or, get a new haircut and turn a negative self-image into a positive one. Imagine you are in a different situation. If you are having trouble acting confident in one situation, imagine that you are in a different situation where you are confident. For example, you don't have trouble speaking with other people at school. But you clam up when talking at parties. When you are at a party, imagine that you are just talking with someone in your classroom. Challenge the negative thoughts you are having in the party situation by reassuring yourself that you have social skills and that you can talk easily in other situations. Compliment others. Confident people not only view themselves in a positive way; they also recognize positive attributes in other people. If your coworker did a great job or won an achievement award, congratulate that person with a smile. Give people compliments on little and big things. This can help you appear confident to other people. Take deep breaths. Initiate your body's calming response by quelling your fight or flight response. Even if you don't feel more confident for the moment, breathing deeply can calm your body. For example, if you feel nervous about a job interview, activate your body's calming response by taking ten deep breaths, breathing in for a count of four, holding for a count of four, then exhaling for a count of four. Your body will become more relaxed, which will help you appear more confident to others. Additionally, never talk about other people behind their backs. Some people may suggest that in order to become popular you have to be mean to others. However, this is far from the case. Confidence never includes talking bad about others. Communicate assertively. Communicating in an honest, straightforward manner will help your confidence in any given situation. Assertive communication helps ensure that everyone's rights (the speaker and listener) are protected. It also ensures that everyone enters into the conversation with an understanding of cooperation. This also means that everyone's opinions are considered when working out a solution. For example, if you want to act confident during an interview, you could take the interview as an opportunity to see how your work experience and knowledge is going to contribute to fulfilling the company's needs. You could say, “From what you've told me, one of the skills you are looking for is in helping to expand upon existing client's usage of intermodal rail services. In my position at ABC Transport, I was able to help three major national clients expand their use of intermodal rail services, bringing in an extra one million dollars for the company. I would love to do the same, if not more, for XYZ Intermodal.” You will seem confident to your future employer because you have conveyed your past accomplishments in a way that is factual rather than boastful. Moreover, you are conveying your enthusiasm for becoming one of the team. Make assertive decisions. When you need to make a decision, don't waffle over the options. Be decisive and firm, and stand by your decision. This can be something minor, such as deciding which restaurant you'll go to for dinner. Don't overthink this decision. Decide on a restaurant and have fun. If the decision is a large one, such as accepting a new job, you can take more time to weigh the pros and cons of the decision's outcomes. Just make sure that you are not hemming and hawing too much. Work hard. Channel any nervous energy you've got into something productive. Shift your focus onto working hard. Confident people are not afraid to look towards improvement, because what they do does not affect their own self-opinion. They know that they are always going to do their best in any given situation, so they will act confident even if mistakes happen. Don’t give up easily. Confident people don't give up easily in situations. Rather, they keep going until they have found a solution or a way to succeed. If you want to act with confidence, don't cave in when you are confronted with a challenge. Believe in yourself. The best way to act confident is to feel confident. There are several things you can do to help your self-confidence and self-esteem, which in turn will help you feel better in a variety of situations. Believing in yourself is the secret to confidence. While you can act confident, you will be much more convincing if you believe in your confidence. Look deep inside yourself and acknowledge your best attributes. You may not think you have anything special in you, but you do. This inner confidence will naturally make you feel and look great. Set realistic goals and meet them. Give yourself the confidence to know that you can successfully accomplish goals. Love yourself for who you are. Accept yourself for your positives and negatives. Give yourself leeway for mistakes and give yourself accolades when you are successful. Talk with your loved ones. People who love you can help you see the positive in yourself. They love you for particular reasons, and their influence will have a positive effect on your self-worth. Make a list of your positive attributes. In order to act confidently, shift your focus to the things that give you confidence. Think about your positive attributes. Consider the things you've done well and succeeded at (no matter how big or small). Make a list of positive things to say about yourself. Some examples are: I'm a great friend. I'm a hard-working employee. I excel at mathematics, science, spelling, grammar, etc. I won trophies for competing in chess. Remember kind things people have said to you. Recall situations in which people have complimented you. This will help you think positively about yourself, which in turn will help you to act confidently. Identify what makes you feel confident. Once you understand the situations in which you feel confident, you can transfer your confidence skills to other situations. Write a list of each situation where you feel confident. For each situation, write down what it is that enables you to feel confident in that situation. For example: “I feel confident when I am with my friends. Reasons why I feel confident: I have known them a long time. I know they don't judge me. They accept me for who I am.” Write down each situation where you don't feel as confident. For each of these situations, write down what it is that prevents you from feeling confident. For example: “I don't feel confident when I am in work. Reasons why I don't feel confident: It's a new job and I am not sure about what I am doing. My boss is a bit picky, and she has pulled me up on the work I have done.” Focus on improving yourself. Another skill you can work on is striving to succeed in the things you do at work, at school, or even at your relationships. It's all about focus. Confident people focus on how to improve what they do until they succeed. People who lack confidence will focus upon how they appear, worrying about their perceived shortcomings (which are most often not true), and worry about failing rather than trying to find a way to make things work. Reflect on a recent situation that you were in, such as giving a public talk or interviewing for a job. Count at least three things that went well in the situation. This will help keep negative thinking at bay. Quiet your inner critic. Negative thoughts cause a lot of misery for a lot of people. Negative thoughts are often based upon self-beliefs that are untrue. These types of thoughts might include, “I'm not good enough,” “I'm unlucky,” or “I mess up all the time.” Acknowledge those thoughts as they occur. You simply have picked up some bad habits along the way. Changing them is completely within your reach. Counter negative thoughts. Offer an opposite thought and then test out which one is true. For example, if you catch yourself saying, “I'm unlucky,” counter that thought with all the things you have in your life that make you lucky. For example, remind yourself, “I have a roof over my head, food on the table, and clothing on my back. I have friends and family who love me. I won $40 last year from lottery scratch tickets.” Acknowledge that your inner critic is never really correct. Quieting the inner critic can help you act confidently because you will feel more confident without someone (you) putting you down all the time. Believe in your ability to meet challenges. You can use your list of positives to increase your belief in the fact that you will rise to challenges and do your best in any given situation. If you always think about what you're doing wrong, you will decrease your sense of “self-efficacy” (your belief that you can actually accomplish things big and small). In turn, this will erode your self-confidence and cause you to act with less self-confidence. Instead, believe that you can overcome challenges. Celebrate your individuality. There may be things you want to change about yourself. But you still need to accept yourself fundamentally before you can begin to change. Don't compare yourself to others. Try not to worry about what others may think of you. Learn to follow your own path and do the things that you want to do. Do something that makes you feel strong. Accomplish something in your life that you have always wished to accomplish. Start taking classes, join a club, or do something else that you know you're great at. Accomplishing something that makes you feel strong will improve your confidence. Write in a journal. Everyday write down something that you are proud of, whether it be an act of kindness towards someone or a positive trait that you just discovered. Whenever you need to boost your confidence, look back to your journal and remind yourself that you are wonderful in so many ways. Maintain close relationships with loved ones. Spend time with people who love you and whom you love. Having supportive people in your life will help you build confidence in a multitude of situations. This includes family, friends, and significant others. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your body so that you feel good about yourself. Get enough exercise and eat healthy foods. When you feel good about yourself and your body, you will feel more confident. This will help you act more confident too. Aim to get about 30 minutes of physical activity every day. | Find some examples of confident people. Smile often and act friendly. Speak and listen appropriately. Have confident body language. Give a firm handshake. Speak deliberately and clearly. Dress confidently and appropriately. Speak up for yourself. Don’t criticize yourself in front of others. Imagine you are in a different situation. Compliment others. Take deep breaths. Additionally, never talk about other people behind their backs. Communicate assertively. Make assertive decisions. Work hard. Don’t give up easily. Believe in yourself. Make a list of your positive attributes. Remember kind things people have said to you. Identify what makes you feel confident. Focus on improving yourself. Quiet your inner critic. Believe in your ability to meet challenges. Celebrate your individuality. Do something that makes you feel strong. Write in a journal. Maintain close relationships with loved ones. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Turn-a-Girl-On | How to Turn a Girl On | To turn a girl on, let her know that you find her attractive with simple compliments, like “Hey, pretty lady,” or “Hello, beautiful.” During your date or time together, give her gentle touches, like brushing her hair from her face, to show that you're interested in going further. You can also tell her how interested you by whispering in her ear something like “I couldn't stop thinking about you today.” If she's interested too, you can hold her hand, touch her leg, or move in for a kiss. As things heat up, try some light touches or soft kisses on her neck, ankles, or ears, and watch her reactions. When you find a spot she likes, back away from it for a while and slowly work your way back to tease her a little. | Warm your girl up. The key to turning a girl on is being patient. As fast as guys usually get turned on, girls, and some women, need about that much build up. This means that you'll have to lay a little ground work and take the seduction part nice and slow. A huge part of warming her up, of course, is making her feel comfortable and safe. You're going to see a lot of steps below about respecting her, seeking consent, and otherwise doing things that you might not think of as "turn-ons". Don't neglect them, they're important. Sex is very mental for many girls and women and if you help them by making it so that they don't have to worry, then that's half the battle. Make her feel you find her attractive. You know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you find out that someone thinks you're good looking? That's what you want to create for her. The fact that you think she's lovely to look at is a significant turn-on. Here's how to communicate it without going overboard: Say "Hey, pretty lady" or "Hello, beautiful" when you greet her. It's simple and short, but direct (and potentially patronising - use with caution). Pay her a compliment. Lower the volume and tone of your voice slightly, and say something like "You look amazing today" or "I love your eyes." Be the best version of yourself. Be the person who's honestly kind, a person who respects her and thinks she's more beautiful than the most picturesque sunset. Be the person who works hard and makes it easier for her to work hard, by helping to shoulder her burdens. This will all mostly keep you from turning her off! Be confident, even if you don't act like it. Some girls like a guy who is nervous and even klutzy around her, but don't overdo it. If the girl is shy, be confident; if the girl is confident, feel free to act somewhat shy. Keep your shoulders straight and your chin high, and don't be afraid to look her in the eyes. You're communicating through your body language that you're strong, brave, and worthy of her attention. Clean up. Shower, put on deodorant, shave, brush your teeth and wear clean clothes. If you're feeling up to it, you can also do your hair and put on a light spray of cologne. Knowing that you're at your physical best will help you act confident and in-charge. Know how to treat a girl like a lady. Save the dirty jokes and discussions of bodily functions for your guy friends. When you're with the girl you like, be polite. Use good table manners, hold the door open for her, and say please and thank you. Good manners aren't necessarily attractive, but bad manners are definitely unattractive, so play it safe. Start with slow, gentle touches. You can do these in passing, at the end of a date, while you're watching a movie, whenever — the point is that they don't have to be saved for when you're already making out. They can, however, indicate that you're interested in doing a little more. Whisper in her ear. Ears are an erogenous zone for both sexes, and the light pressure of your breath will probably feel good. Saying the right things will also turn her on. Try something like: "I couldn't stop thinking about you today". Caress her. Lightly brush the back of your fingers over the side of her face. Bonus points if you can lock eyes with her at the same time. https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-power-of-touch/ Touch the back of her neck. You can gently run your thumb over her hairline if your arm is already around her shoulders, or offer to give her a neck rub. Keep your motions slow and light. Touch her wrists. Always be confident to make the first move; hold her hand. If you're holding hands, lightly stroke the inside of her wrist or her palm. A few slow kisses on the inside of the wrist could work, too. Play with her hair. The scalp is a sensitive area for most people, and the light (repeat: light, not hard) tugging that comes from you playing with her hair will feel nice. Run your fingers through it, twirl it, or stroke it. Touch her leg. If you're fairly sure it won't be unwelcome, try laying a hand on the top of her thigh. This works best if you're both sitting down. Let it rest there lightly. If she seems receptive, you can try slowly moving your thumb back and forth over her leg, keeping the rest of your hand where it is. Give her an amazing kiss. If it's done right, a kiss can be the most effective way of turning a girl on. Keep your breath fresh with some gum or mouthwash and keep your lips loose. Tight, puckered lips is how you kiss your grandma! You should also keep the tongue action delicate (at first). The motions should be light, soft and alternate between fast and slow. Know where to put your hands. The back of her neck, the sides of her face, or around her waist are all good areas for your hands to rest during a kiss. Look for consent. If you touch a girl in certain areas without her consent, it is sexual assault. A simple "Is this OK?" is enough. If she says yes, you're all clear; if she says no, stop immediately. Tell her what you want. Many girls are way more sexual than you, potentially. Give them credit for that and there's nothing wrong with telling them how much you want them (once you've gotten your foot in the door a bit). This actually turns them on! Think about it: you feel turned on when you feel desirable too. Don't be really gross about it but don't be afraid to tell them how sexy you think they are and how you can't wait to get them in bed. Focus on more intimate erogenous zones. If you tried some of the suggestions above and she seemed receptive, here are some more intimate areas you can work with, using light touches and soft, slow kisses. Neck, throat, collarbones and shoulders Feet and ankles The small of her back (toward the bottom of the spine) Back of the knees Inner thighs Ears The inside of her upper arm Use some variety. If you find an area where she likes to be touched, don't overuse it. Instead, back away from it for a while and slowly make your way back, touching everything around and up to it. The anticipation will make it more intense when you finally do touch her. Leave her wanting more. Leaving before the other person gets bored is a good rule for most social interactions, but it's particularly important here. If you break off contact while she's still interested, you'll be on her mind constantly. Pay attention to lubrication. Because many girls take longer to warm up, repeated...friction can cause skin to become sensitive or even painful. Consider getting a quality, water-soluble lubricant to keep everything slick and sexy-feeling if you plan on some prolonged fun times, but, for most girls additional lubrication shouldn't be required if they are turned on. Don't forget that a lack of natural lubrication can be a sign that your girl isn't turned on-at all! This goes for your lips too! Kiss around her mouth. Take your finger and run it very lightly around the edge of your lips. Do you feel that? There's some very sensitive skin around the edge of the mouth. Kiss her just at the corner of the mouth and deny her a proper kiss for a few minutes (no matter how much she tries). You'll drive her crazy. Master the stomach, side, and pelvic kiss. The neck and inner thighs tend to be the obvious spots. So obvious, in fact, that we forget how sensitive other parts of the body are. If you want to get her writhing, trail some kisses along the side of her ribs (that spot that's so easy to tickle), the curve of her stomach just past where her abs are, and the protruding bit of her hip bone (usually found just above or just below the waistband). Take your time when you undress her once you've made sure she's happy undressing. Don't undress her too fast and when you do undress her, make it a part of the experience, rather than just a hurdle. Girls sometimes spend a lot of time making themselves look nice. When you just rip everything off without appreciating it, it's like you got handed a pristinely wrapped present and didn't even care. Introduce just a smidgen of kink. You don't have to go wild, but a blindfold or tying her hands back with a silk scarf can force her to focus on what she's feeling. Just make sure she consents! Learn some anatomy. If you really want to get serious, one of the better ways to really physically turn her on is to make use of her anatomy. Get a good primer on female anatomy and start experimenting. Make sure she is comfortable with you touching her, it is considered illegal to touch a woman with no consent. | Warm your girl up. Make her feel you find her attractive. Be the best version of yourself. Be confident, even if you don't act like it. Clean up. Know how to treat a girl like a lady. Start with slow, gentle touches. Whisper in her ear. Caress her. Touch the back of her neck. Touch her wrists. Play with her hair. Touch her leg. Give her an amazing kiss. Look for consent. Tell her what you want. Focus on more intimate erogenous zones. Use some variety. Leave her wanting more. Pay attention to lubrication. Kiss around her mouth. Master the stomach, side, and pelvic kiss. Take your time when you undress her once you've made sure she's happy undressing. Introduce just a smidgen of kink. Learn some anatomy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Quarter-a-Chicken | How to Quarter a Chicken | To quarter a chicken, start by using a sharp butcher knife to cut through the skin and around each leg joint. Then, rotate each leg away from the body until it pops out, and cut through the meat beneath it. Next, slice through the spot where the top of the drumstick meets the thigh to separate the pieces. Once the legs are removed, cut through the ribs on either side of the backbone and slice the breast bone down the center. Finally, cut through the wing joints and separate them from the breast pieces. | Remove the chicken from its packaging and remove the giblets. Most commercial chickens comes in tight plastic wrap, which you'll need to pierce with a knife and drain into the sink. Remove the chicken from the package the discard the plastic. The giblets are usually in the cavity of the chicken, either in a small plastic bag or loosely packed. Locate them and remove them from the chicken. You can use these to create a hearty chicken stock , or discard them. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to wash the raw chicken before preparing it. Rinsing the bird in water can spread any bacteria found on it around your clean kitchen, increasing the risk of illness. Cooking the chicken to a temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) is the surest way to kill any bacteria found on it. As long as you cook it properly, you don't need to rinse it. Prepare your cutting surface. Chop up the chicken on a clean and sturdy cutting surface designated for meat. Make sure you thoroughly clean the surface and the kitchen knife before reusing, or cutting anything else on it. Use a sharp and sturdy kitchen knife. Because a quartering requires that you cut through bone, it's important to use a sturdy kitchen knife that'll allow you to do the job. A good chef's knife or a cleaver is essential to quartering chicken. Sharpen your kitchen knife well before you start, or consider having it sharpened. Separate the two legs from the chicken. Slice along each leg joint using a butcher's knife, cutting through the skin. This should loosen but not completely remove the leg. Pull the legs away from the body, rotating the drumstick until the ball joint of the leg pops out, then make another cut below the ball joints to completely remove each leg and thigh. Divide each leg into a drumstick and thigh piece. Place the chicken leg on a cutting board with the skin side down. Use a butcher's knife to find the notch at the top of the drumstick where it meets the thigh and cut between them to separate. Alternatively, you can leave the leg and thigh together for a larger piece if you wish. Remove the breasts, keeping the wings attached. Position the chicken breast-side down so the neck cavity is nearest to you. Slice along one side of the chicken's backbone toward the neck cavity, using your kitchen knife or kitchen shears to cut through the ribs. Then, slice through the breast bone, separating the two halts of the chicken. Remove excess fat and bone by cutting through the point at which the rib bones meet the breast meat, separating the back bones and discarding them, or using them for stock. Also remove the breast bone and the cartilage that connects them. Alternatively, some find it much easier to start with the chicken breast-up. With your finger, press into the center of the breast to find the hard cartilage and insert the knife to one side of it. Use the point of your knife to start, and then the flat of it to break through the front, separating the halves of the chicken in much the same way, then removing the excess rib bone you don't want. Cut through the wing joint to separate each breast and wing. Keep the edge of your knife tight into the body and pull the wing joint back to expose the seam, then insert your knife and remove the wing. | Remove the chicken from its packaging and remove the giblets. Prepare your cutting surface. Use a sharp and sturdy kitchen knife. Separate the two legs from the chicken. Divide each leg into a drumstick and thigh piece. Remove the breasts, keeping the wings attached. Cut through the wing joint to separate each breast and wing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Pranayam | How to Do Pranayam | If you want to do Kapalbhati Pranayam, inhale normally through your nostrils until your lungs are full, and then contract your stomach muscles to forcefully push the air out through your nostrils. Repeat that exercise for 5 minutes at a time, until you reach a total of 15 minutes. Alternately, to do Bahya Pranayam, lift your head and inhale slowly. Then, return your head to a normal position, exhale, and lower your chin to your chest. Repeat that 3 to 5 times. | Sit in a comfortable position. Try sitting in an easy cross-legged position with your spine long and shoulders rolled down and back from your ears. You can also sit on a yoga block or in a chair if that feels better. If you prefer, you can also lie flat on your back. When you are first learning the ujjayi breathing pattern, begin in a position that takes little effort to hold. This allows you to focus on your breath rather than your body. Once you understand the basic ujjayi breathing pattern, you can try incorporating it into a hatha yoga practice to cultivate heat, balance, and focus. Inhale slowly through your nose. Seal your lips to ensure all the air is channeling through your nostrils. Make this inhale slightly deeper and more intentional that your regular breathing, fully filling your lungs. Direct the breath across the back of your throat as you inhale so that the air makes a slight hissing sound. Your breath should mimic the sound of the ocean when water is receding from the shore in order to form the next wave. Count as you inhale to measure the length of your breath. Although there is no “correct” length, you can start by aiming for a count of 4 or 5. Keep your inhales and exhales evenly timed as you go. Exhale slowly through your nose while constricting your throat. Keeping your lips sealed, breathe out through your nose. Try to constrict the muscles in the back of your throat, just as you would if you were whispering. However, be careful not to overly constrict your throat to the extent that breathing becomes difficult. As you exhale, your breath should make a noise similar to waves crashing on the shore. If you're having trouble making the correct ujjayi sound, practice opening your mouth and making a “HAAAAAH” sound, almost as if you were trying to fog up a mirror with your breath. Then close your mouth and attempt to make a similar sound through your nasal passages. Some people compare ujjayi breathing to the breath sounds of Darth Vader from Star Wars. Try to match the length of your exhale to the length of your inhale. You may need to count in your head in order to ensure your breaths remain even. Continue to inhale and exhale for 5-8 minutes. Once you become more experienced, you can gradually increase your practice to 10-15 minutes. Always remember to stop and resume normal breathing if you become dizzy or short of breath. Ujjayi breathing can also help soothe you if you're feeling nervous or agitated. Sit in a comfortable position with your left hand resting on your lap. You can try sitting in an easy cross-legged position on the ground with your spine long and shoulders back. However, if this isn't comfortable for you, you can sit on top of a yoga block, low bench, or chair. Just make sure that your spine is straight and your chest is open rather than concave. Your left hand can relax into your lap or sit on your knee. You can connect your thumb and pointer finger to form an “okay” gesture if that feels restful, or you can simply place your hand so that your palm faces upwards. Close your right nostril with your right thumb. You can rest your pointer and middle fingers on your forehead (between your eyebrows) or fold them and rest your knuckles just below your nose. Place your thumb on the slight indentation below the bone at the top of your nose. This allows you to close the air channel without pressing too hard. Inhale through your left nostril. Breathe in slowly but steadily through your nose. To ensure your inhales and exhales are consistent, try counting to 4 or 5 as you inhale. You can increase the length of your breaths as you become more experienced with pranayam. Close your left nostril using your right ring finger and release your right nostril. At the top of the inhale, use the inside of your right ring finger to gently block your left nostril so that both nostrils are closed. You can retain your breath here for a slight pause, but do not wait more than a single count. Then release your thumb from your right nostril so that only your left nostril is blocked. If your pointer and middle fingers are resting bent below your nose, it may be easier to bend your ring and pinky fingers as well. Simply do whatever feels best for you. Focus on your breath, rather than your hands. Exhale and inhale through your right nostril. Exhale through your right nostril and pause for just a moment. Then inhale through your right nostril without moving your hand position. Try to match the length of your exhale to the length of your inhale. Counting to 4 or 5 as you exhale can help with this. Switch to block your right nostril and exhale through your left nostril. Lightly block your right nostril, unblock your left nostril, and then complete a full exhale through your left nostril. This constitutes one cycle of the pranayama. Repeat 3-5 cycles before returning to regular breathing. Begin again by inhaling through the left nostril. Then continue to alternate between nostrils as you repeat the pranayam. Allow your mind to focus on the pattern and sound of your breath. To ensure your breaths are even, you can continue to count to 4 or 5 during each inhale and exhale. Sit or lie in a comfortable position. You can try sitting in an easy cross-legged position on the ground with your spine long and shoulders back. If this doesn't feel good, you can sit on a yoga block or in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. You can also choose to lie flat on your back on top of a yoga mat or blanket. If you are sitting, visualize your sitz bones (the bones you feel in your bottom when you sit, located on the very bottom part of your pelvis) grounding into the floor or seat. If you're lying down, try to imagine every part of your body that is in contact with the floor pressing down into the earth. This helps ground you physically and mentally so that you can focus fully on your breathing. Bring your left hand to your belly and your right hand to your chest. Place your left hand slightly below your belly button and your right hand on the middle of your chest, above your nipples but below your collarbone. Allow your hands to rest comfortably without gripping tightly. Inhale through your nose into your abdomen, then rib cage, then upper chest. As you inhale, use your hands to feel as your diaphragm first fills up the abdomen. Then feel the inhale move into your ribs as your lungs fill. Finally, allow your breath to lift up into the upper chest. Each part of your abdomen and chest should lift as you breathe into it. It can be helpful to visualize each section (abdomen, ribs, upper chest) as you breathe into it. Exhale from your upper chest, then ribs, then abdomen. Breathe out through your nostrils. As you do so, allow your collarbone to deflate and relax, followed by your rib cage and your abdomen. Again, use your hands to feel the progression as each part of your chest falls. To ensure you are inhaling and exhaling for equal amounts of time, it can be helpful to count to 4 as you inhale and then again as you exhale. Repeat this pattern of inhaling and exhaling for 3-5 minutes. Continue to inhale into your belly, then ribs, then upper chest, and exhale in the reverse order for approximately 3-5 minutes. If your mind begins to wander, acknowledge the thought and then return your focus to your breathing. If you don't have a full 3-5 minutes, you can still practice dirga pranayam and receive many stress-reducing benefits. Whether you are at home beginning your day or in the middle of a difficult workday, you can find a moment to close your eyes and practice dirge pranayam for few cycles of inhales and exhales. Sit in a comfortable position and inhale deeply to prepare. Try an easy cross-legged position on the ground to begin. If that doesn't feel comfortable, you can place a yoga block under your bottom or try sitting in a chair instead. No matter how you choose to sit, make sure to keep your spine straight and your shoulders are rolled back. Kapalabhati must be practiced in a seated, rather than supine, pose. Some practitioners like to close their eyes while performing kapalabhati in order to focus on their breathing. Contract your lower belly quickly to push a sharp burst of air out of your nose. Pull your abdomen inward in order to force the air from your lungs in an active and forceful breath. It may be helpful to place your hands on your lower belly to ensure you're using the correct muscles to force the exhale. The abdomen should snap in sharply. Avoid using your chest, shoulders, neck, or face to create a forceful breath. If you're having trouble activating the lower abdomen, try cupping one hand lightly in the other and pressing them gently but quickly against your lower belly. Release the contraction to allow the inhale to come in on the “rebound. ” After the sharp contraction of your lower abdomen pushes the air out of your lungs, relax your muscles quickly. This allows the breath to flow back into your lungs naturally, recoiling or rebounding from the force of the exhalation. The inhalation, in contrast to the exhalation, is smooth and effortless. Inhale through your nose, keeping your lips sealed throughout your kapalabhati practice. Repeat this breath cycle 11 times before taking a break to breathe normally. Pace yourself slowly if you're just beginning and aim for about 1 exhale-inhale cycle every 1-2 seconds. As you become more experienced with the practice, you may want to increase your pace to 2 exhale-inhale cycles per second. If you become dizzy or lightheaded, or get a stitch in your side during kapalabhati practice, pause and breathe normally for a minute or two. Generally, try to complete 3 rounds of 11 breaths in each sitting. However, you can do less than 3 if that feels right for you. Kneel on the floor, sitting back onto your heels. Place a cushion, blanket, or yoga mat beneath you to cushion your knees. You can cross the front of the one ankle over the back of the other (with feet pointing out to the sides) if that feels better. If kneeling doesn't feel good to you, take any other comfortable seated pose. Palms can be placed firmly against your knees with fingers splayed out. Inhale deeply through the nose. Draw breath through your nostrils until your lungs are full. Lengthen through the crown of your head and draw your shoulders back as you inhale to ensure your lungs are completely expanded. Close your eyes as you inhale. Open your mouth and stretch your tongue out. After you inhale, open your mouth wide as if you were at the dentist. Stick out your tongue and lengthen the tip out and down so that it extends towards your chin. For a more intense option, open your eyes wide at the same time that you open your mouth and bring your gaze upward. Exhale the breath slowly out through your mouth. The breath should pass over the back of your throat and make a distinct “haaaa” sound. Imagine you are trying to fog up a window with your breath. You should feel the muscles in the front of your throat contract. Press down through your palms as you exhale. Repeat 2-3 times. Since the exhalation of simhasana is meant to release negative energy, it is important that it remains powerful throughout your practice. Therefore, it is best to repeat Lion's Breath only a few times in a row so that you don't lose the strength behind the breath. If the strong exhalations make you feel at all dizzy, take a break from the pranayam and breathe normally for a few minutes. You can place one hand on your chest to help regulate your breath pace. | Sit in a comfortable position. Inhale slowly through your nose. Exhale slowly through your nose while constricting your throat. Continue to inhale and exhale for 5-8 minutes. Sit in a comfortable position with your left hand resting on your lap. Close your right nostril with your right thumb. Inhale through your left nostril. Close your left nostril using your right ring finger and release your right nostril. Exhale and inhale through your right nostril. Switch to block your right nostril and exhale through your left nostril. Repeat 3-5 cycles before returning to regular breathing. Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Bring your left hand to your belly and your right hand to your chest. Inhale through your nose into your abdomen, then rib cage, then upper chest. Exhale from your upper chest, then ribs, then abdomen. Repeat this pattern of inhaling and exhaling for 3-5 minutes. Sit in a comfortable position and inhale deeply to prepare. Contract your lower belly quickly to push a sharp burst of air out of your nose. Release the contraction to allow the inhale to come in on the “rebound. Repeat this breath cycle 11 times before taking a break to breathe normally. Kneel on the floor, sitting back onto your heels. Inhale deeply through the nose. Open your mouth and stretch your tongue out. Exhale the breath slowly out through your mouth. Repeat 2-3 times. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Breed-Malawi-Cichlids | How to Breed Malawi Cichlids | To breed Malawi cichlids, start by setting up a tank with lots of hiding places, like small clay pots, since cichlids need hiding spaces to breed. Next, add a male and female of the same species to the tank. Then, wait for the male and female to continuously circle around one another, which is the beginning of the breeding process. Afterwards, look for signs that the female is pregnant, such as a square-like face and a distended throat from holding the fertilized eggs in her mouth. | Make sure your tank is big enough. Cichlids need a tank that is at least 4 feet long (1.3 meters) in order to breed. This can ensure your cichlids have enough space to comfortably breed and hide if necessary. Keep in mind that most people keep multiple cichlids in one tank, so the bigger the tank you can get, the more optimal the environment is for breeding. Maintain high water quality. Good water quality is important to keeping your Malawi cichlids healthy and happy. Making sure the water quality is appropriate to Malawis can also give them the best environment in which to breed. Test the water with fish tank water testing, which you can get at most pet stores. These tests can identify problems with the water quality, such as if the water is too acidic. Malawi cichlids like alkaline water that is a pH of 8.0 or above. If the water is not alkaline enough, you can use a carbonate buffer, calcium, or magnesium buffer to raise the levels and make the water harder. Make sure the water temperature is 80 °F (26.7 °C) (27 Celcius). You may also want to test that oxygen saturation in the tank exceeds 70%. Filter the water. Cichlids can create a lot of waste in their water. An important part of maintaining their water quality, which will also optimize breeding, is to filter it. It may also help the spawn survive. Choose a gentle filter or a freshwater trickle filter, which is good for large stocked tanks with cichlids. Make sure you replace or clean your filter once a month or more often as necessary. Arrange hiding spots. Most tanks for Malawis do well with a layer of sand on the bottom. But they also like to have hiding spaces, especially during breeding. This will give your Malawi cichlids a place to breed and the fry, or baby fish, a place to hide from adults that may eat them. Place a few flattish stones near one another on the bottom of the tank as breeding sites. You can also glue small stones together with aquarium silicone to form a “cave” in which the Malawis can breed and fry can hide. Use a few small clay pots in the tank as hiding spaces. You can easily make these more natural—and beautiful—looking in the tank by using aquarium silicone to glue small stones on the pots. Make sure you have males and females of each species. There are several different species of Malawi cichlids and you likely have a mixture in your tank. Make sure that you have males and females of both species in the tank. This can prevent hybrids, which may not have the same beautiful color as their parents and could also be sterile. It can also ensure that males and females also have partners with which to breed in the event that a specific pairing doesn't work. Be aware that most cichlid species are dimorphic, which means the males and females have distinct coloring patterns. If you have dimorphic fish and are unsure, you can check a guide to find a picture of the specific coloring. Recognize that you may have difficulty discerning subtle color differences in dimorphic cichlids or your cichlids may be monomorphic. If this is the case, you'll need to “vent” them, which means checking the genital papilla. You can find this by taking your fish out of the water and finding its anal pore. Just underneath this is the genital papilla, and the female's is generally larger than the male's papilla. Feed your cichlids appropriate amounts. The health and vitality of your cichlids is important to breeding. Making sure that you feed—and not overfeed-- your cichlids This can optimize breeding and make sure the eggs and fry survive. Make sure to feed your cichlids according to their specific species need, which can range from small shrimp to algae in the tank. In most cases, specialized cichlid food is enough to keep your cichlids healthy. Consider getting something with Spirulina flakes which is high in protein and other nutrients Malawi cichlids need. Give your fish only as much food as they can consume in 20-30 seconds. Do this by sprinkling in food 3-4 times a day, which can ensure that each fish gets enough to eat and can prevent aggression. Avoid overfeeding your cichlids because this can lead to “bloat” and is often fatal. Treat health issues. Unhealthy fish do not make good breeding fish. If any of your Malawi cichlids are showing signs of illness, you'll need to treat them before they breed. If you don't know the cause, use a commercial fish medication. This can relieve the fish of any illnesses or parasites and help breeding. Recognize typical symptoms of illness in fish: white spots or velvety patches on the body, missing scales, incomplete or ripped fins, bulging or cloudy eyes, ulcers or lesions, shaking and rapid breathing. You may also see behavioral signs of disease such as scraping against the tank, erratic swimming, listlessness, gasping at the surface, or sulking in a corner. Talk to a pet store associate about commercial fish medications if you are unsure of what to get. Recognize that commercial fish medications are not regulated by laws or government agencies. This means the medication may not work or could harm your Malawi cichlids. Check for readiness to breed. Although there is no definitive way to tell if your Malawis are ready to breed, there are certain signs that males and females are ready to breed. Watching them to detect signs can help you figure out if your Malawis are preparing to breed. This can also let you know when to remove males that may eat the fry. Look to see if the males are digging caves, which are actually nests, in the sand and near hiding spots. Observe the shape of the female to see if she is slightly plumper than normal. If she is, this can be a sign that she is ready to lay eggs in the nest the male has dug. Detect attraction in your cichlids. Just as they exhibit certain signs of being ready to breed, Malawi cichlids also have specific behavior they use when trying to attract a mate. Looking for signs of attraction can alert you to watch for eggs and fry as well as remove the male so that he doesn't eat the babies. See if the male fish starts shimmying towards the female and flicking water her way with his tail. If he does, the female may follow him to his designated spot. This begins the breeding process. If the female isn't ready, she may not follow the male and he may move on to another female. Let nature take its course—or provide a little help. Many people who breed cichlids have problems with the process while others can't keep their fish away from one another. If you have several males and females from each species and have a healthy, natural environment, your cichlids may just need a little time before they start breeding. Keep in mind that cichlids are animals and will pair off naturally when they are ready. It make take a while for your cichlids to get used to their tank or their tank mates. Make sure the tank is as natural and clean as possible. Adding a little sand, clean water, or some natural stones for hiding spots if you don't already have them may stimulate the desire to breed. You also need to make sure that you're not moving hiding spaces or caves around as they give your cichlids a sense of permanence and security. This can also help them relax and find a mate. Check your feeding patterns. Overfed fish rarely breed. Is there food leftover in the tank? If so, consider cutting back one feeding a day and how long you feed the fish. For example, cut back to 20 second feedings 3 times a day to see if that helps. You can even cut down to one quality feedings a day if necessary. Use high quality foods and increase proteins with foods like spirulina. Observe breeding. If a female Malawi cichlid follows her male to his nest, then they will begin the breeding process. You can easily observe this by watching for the pair to continuously circle around one another, head to tail. Be aware the male and female Malawi cichlids may stop every half circle so that the female can collect fertilized eggs in her mouth and the male can fertilize laid eggs. After the pair has mated the female will have a mouthful of eggs. Her throat will be distended and her face will look square like. Allow the female to rest. Once the Malawis have bred, the female will need some rest to allow the eggs to develop in her mouth. Not disturbing her for 5 days should be sufficient time for the female to rest. Be aware that she may not eat during this period. Consider partitioning your tank so that the female can have her own space. This is especially true if you choose to not remove the male from the tank. Likewise, you can also put the female in a separate tank. Remember to disturb her as little as possible because she may spit out the eggs or even swallow them. Look for the female to release the fry. A female Malawi cichlid will hold her fertilized eggs in her mouth for about 21 days. At this point, she will begin to release the fry, or baby fish, from her mouth into the hiding spots or tank. Be aware that it may take a couple of days for the female to release the fry into the water. Recognize that Malawi cichlids have relatively small batches of eggs—only 10-30. You may see anywhere from 1-30 fry, depending on their survival rate. Make sure that there are hiding spots in the tank under or in which the fry can hide from males. Don't be surprised if the female takes the fry into her mouth several times. The females will eventually abandon their fry, and it's important for the young fish to have hiding spots. Feed the fry. Your fry will need nutritious food to develop into healthy Malawi cichlids. There are a number of different nutritious foods you can feed Malawi cichlid fry. You can also watch if they're eating enough of their food by watching their bodies with a magnifying glass. You can feed your fry the following foods to promote growth: Brine shrimp Daphnia Microworms Grindal worms The fry are large and well developed, so infusoria is too small for them. | Make sure your tank is big enough. Maintain high water quality. Filter the water. Arrange hiding spots. Make sure you have males and females of each species. Feed your cichlids appropriate amounts. Treat health issues. Check for readiness to breed. Detect attraction in your cichlids. Let nature take its course—or provide a little help. Observe breeding. Allow the female to rest. Look for the female to release the fry. Feed the fry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stretch-Plastic-Shoes | How to Stretch Plastic Shoes | To stretch plastic shoes, put on thick wool socks and then put on the shoes. Set your blow dryer to the hottest setting, hold it a few inches away from the tight-fitting areas of your shoes, and blast those areas with hot air in 20-30 second intervals. Be sure to wiggle your feet and toes to help the plastic to expand! Then, while the shoes are still hot from the blow dryer, walk around in them to help the shoes to stretch out more! | Wear thick socks and put on the shoe. Wearing thick socks before putting on the shoe will give more room for it to stretch. Wear one or two pairs to fit into the shoe snugly. If the shoes have zippers, zip them up as far as they can go. Wear thick wool socks for the maximum amount of stretching. Use the blow dryer in 20-30 second intervals. While on the hottest setting, hold the blow dryer a few inches away from the shoe and heat the areas that feel tight. Wiggle your foot and toes to allow the plastic to expand. For shoes with zippers, as you heat the shoe, work the zipper up to promote stretching and a perfect fit. Walk while wearing the shoe until the shoe cools. While the shoe is still hot from the blow dryer, walk around the house to allow the shoe to stretch more. Leave on the thick socks to allow for the shoe to expand. Remove your socks and try on the shoe. Use this time to ensure that the shoes now fit. If they still don't feel right, put the socks back on and continue to blow dry and stretch. Work the shoe with heat and your foot until it fits exactly how you want. Run your thumb between your skin and the shoe to stretch the fit for shoes that come past the ankle or calf. Fill a resealable bag halfway with water. Use a durable bag that will not come undone through the process. Fill it with enough water to fit inside of your shoe. Remove the excess air from the bag and seal tight. Be sure not to overfill or else the bag could break and cause water damage to the shoe. Place the water-filled bag in your shoe. Push the bag into the toe area of your shoe. The bag should fit snugly into the shoe and fill the volume that you wish to be stretched. Ensure the seal is tight and no water is leaking. Freeze your shoes overnight. Allow for the water inside of your shoe to freeze. As it freezes, the ice will expand and stretch your shoes. To protect the outer sides of your shoes (and the rest of your freezer items), you can put your shoes in another plastic bag before putting them in the freezer. Thaw your shoes for a half hour. The following morning, allow your shoes and the bags to thaw for 20-30 minutes before removing the bags. Try on your shoes to see if they have stretched enough. If not, you can repeat the freezing process again until the desired fit. Purchase a shoe stretcher that fits your style shoe. Shoe stretchers come in a variety of styles depending on the type of shoe you're trying to stretch. Different stretchers will be available for flats, boots, high heels, and other styles. Determine if you need to adjust the length, width, or both. One shoe stretcher will work on both the left and the right shoe. A 'two-way' stretcher will adjust both length and width. Other common shoe stretchers are toe stretchers, vamp stretchers, and high heel stretchers. Many stretchers have holes to add attachments for trouble areas, such as bunions. Tighten the stretcher in your shoe. Turn the knobs clockwise until the shoe stretcher fits tight in the shoe. After that, twist the knob three or four more times to stretch the shoe. Leave the stretcher in the shoe overnight. Remember to start small as to not overstretch the shoes too quickly. Try on your shoe. Loosen the stretcher by turning the dial counter-clockwise and remove. If the shoe is still too tight, continue to use the stretcher in your shoe. Use an extra few turns when stretching again. Be careful not to overstretch the shoe as a loose shoe will not be comfortable either. | Wear thick socks and put on the shoe. Use the blow dryer in 20-30 second intervals. Walk while wearing the shoe until the shoe cools. Remove your socks and try on the shoe. Fill a resealable bag halfway with water. Place the water-filled bag in your shoe. Freeze your shoes overnight. Thaw your shoes for a half hour. Purchase a shoe stretcher that fits your style shoe. Tighten the stretcher in your shoe. Try on your shoe. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Overcome-a-Phobia | How to Overcome a Phobia | To overcome a phobia, try talking to friends or relatives so you have someone to help you when you're feeling scared. If you're alone, say a phrase or mantra to help calm your anxiety. You can also take a few deep breaths to slow your heart rate and calm yourself down. Additionally, try to visualize a calming scene, like a quiet garden, which is something you can do anywhere, at any time. Alternatively, find a support group in your local area for people who have the same phobia as you so you can talk about coping strategies. | Identify your fear. Really think about what you're afraid of. For example, while you may hate going to the dentist, it might be the use of needles that you're truly afraid of. In this case, you'd want to focus on your fear of needles, not the dentist. If you're having trouble pinpointing your phobia, write down a list of the things that scare you. You may be able to isolate the true fear. Write down your goals. Set tangible, achievable goals. It will also be helpful during treatment to consider the benefits that come from these goals. Write down a variety of goals at different levels. Having small achievements will help you work towards tougher aims. The act of writing down your goals can actually help you succeed. You're more likely to write down detailed, achievable goals, rather than vague ones. You'll also be more committed to sticking with them. Make a coping strategy. It's naive to assume that you won't encounter any obstacles. Instead, imagine how you want to react to what frightens you. You could visualize something else, face the fear head on for a set amount of time, or you could distract yourself by doing an activity. Realize that your coping strategy should change as you encounter and achieve goals. While you might initially cope by distracting yourself, you may eventually be able to face your phobia for small periods of time. Know that being afraid is perfectly normal. After all, fear has helped humans survive in many situations. On the other hand, fears may easily turn into phobias, also prevent someone from accomplishing certain things. For example: It is normal to feel anxious if you look down from a skyscraper. On the other hand, turning down a dream job just because it happens to be at the top of a skyscraper, is not helping you achieve your goals/dreams. Many people feel anxious about getting shots or having blood drawn. Shots can be painful. It is when someone starts to avoid medical examinations and treatments just because he or she might get a shot, that the fear becomes problematic. Enter the exercise feeling relaxed. While everyone relaxes differently, find something that works for you. You may try simply visualizing a calming scene, releasing tension in your muscles, practicing breathing, or meditation. Try to work on a relaxation technique that can be done anywhere at anytime. This way, when you encounter your phobia, you can overcome your fear. Write down situations where you encounter your phobia. Be as detailed as possible and include all types of experiences, from the mildly anxious to terrifying. This will help you tackle your fear at a variety of levels. For example, if you are afraid of heights, you might encounter them in the following situations: hiking on a mountain, flying in an air plane, and going up a sky scraper in an elevator. After compiling the list, you may notice similar variables between certain types of fear. For example, you may find that you have a terrifying reaction to flying and riding in an elevator. You may realize that both involve small spaces. If you have multiple phobias, such as snakes, spiders, and clowns, choose one to start with. It is easier to tackle one phobia at a time. Rank your situations. Order your list of situations by how anxious or fearful they make you. Start your list with the situations that only make you mildly anxious or tense. Place the scariest situations towards the end of your list. For example, if you are afraid of dogs, your list might start off with simply looking at a picture of a dog, and progress to seeing a dog outside your window, across the street, and end with petting a large dog off its leash. Your list may not be very long or it can be incredibly lengthy. What matters is that you have a guide to deal with your phobia. Imagine the first item on your list. You should start by visualizing the least upsetting item. Practice relaxing until you feel your muscles lose their tension. Once you've done this for a minute, take a break and repeat the exercise a few more times. Gradually work through your list. Once you have mastered an item, move on to the next one until you've reached your most feared situation. Some items might take a lot longer to master than others. For example, you might get over looking at a picture of a spider a lot quicker than actually having to hold a spider in your hand. Don't be afraid to ask someone for help if you find yourself stuck, or unable to work through an item on your list. He or she may be able to help you work through your fear. Seek out your situations in reality. Once you've worked through your situation list by visualizing and relaxing, find your phobia in real life. By now, you should be well trained in relaxing. Start with situations that produce little anxiety before encountering the scarier items on your list. Continue to confront your fear. Even once you've overcome your most dreaded fear, keep exposing yourself to it so that you don't let the fear return. This repeated exposure will allow you to manage your response. Reward yourself for a job well done. Perhaps one of the reasons you are so afraid of dogs is because you've had a bad experience with one as a child. Your mind held on to this, and turned it into a phobia. Once you conquered your fear of dogs and managed to pet a large dog without feeling anxious, go out and treat yourself. Have an ice cream cone or a fancy latte. Your mind may start to associate good things with the very thing you used to fear. Pinpoint your phobia and the negative thoughts associated with it. Phobias usually come with three different types of negativity: fortune telling, overgeneralization, and catastrophizing. And example of (bad) fortune telling is telling yourself that the bridge will collapse when you cross it, the elevator will fall when you get on it, or that you will stutter and freak out when making your speech. Over-generalizing is when you associate everything with one bad experience. For example, you might find yourself worrying that every dog will try to bite you because a certain poodle did that once to you when you were a kid. Catastrophizing is a little bit like bad fortune telling. You take simple events, such as someone coughing, and imagine the worst possible—such as the person having the swine flu, and you contracting it. Try to find something that contradicts your negative thought. For example, if you are afraid of dogs, try to remember a time when you encountered a dog, and things did not go badly. Think of all your friends who have dogs, and the nice experiences they've had. You might also try to tell yourself: That dog has a leash, and the owner is holding tightly onto the leash. The dog is very small. I can easily outrun it if it does try to chase me. The dog is playing with people and other dogs. He is unlikely to be aggressive. Consider the things you could do if your phobia actually comes true. For example, if you are afraid of elevators, you might be afraid of the dangers associated with them, such as the doors not opening, or the elevator getting stuck mid-level. Fortunately, there are ways out in these sorts of situations, such as pressing the alarm button, or pressing the call button and asking for help. Having a sort of escape plan might help you when facing your phobia. Try to rationalize your thoughts. Ask yourself, is the elevator really going to break down? Does it appear to shake and rattle? Does the dog really appear aggressive? Is it growling, or wagging its tail? Ask yourself if you are fortunetelling, over-generalizing, or catastrophizing. This does not mean that you should abandon a rational fear. If that bridge really does not look safe (it is rotting and molding, there are planks missing, and the ropes or fraying), then yes, it would probably be wise to avoid that bridge. Put yourself in a fearful friend's situation. If you are afraid of flying, try talking to yourself as you would to a friend who afraid of flying. What would you say to reassure your friend? You might say any of the following things: The ratio between successful plane flights and plane accidents is very high. That plane has a very high safety record. There have been no accidents recorded on that type of plane. The pilot and co-pilot are very experienced. Everyone was checked thoroughly before boarding the plane. There is no way someone could have brought on a weapon or a dangerous substance. I've heard of many survivor stories from plane crashes. Get enough sleep. Sleep may be related to heightened anxiety, so make sure you're getting enough. Teens need between eight and ten hours each night for optimal function, while adults should clock in about seven to nine hours. Remember, it's not just sleep quantity that's important, but sleep quality, too. Make sure you stick to a regular sleeping schedule, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary foods right before bed, and keep your bedroom quiet and dark. Exercise regularly. Exercise has been shown to help with anxiety and anxiety disorders. It produces immediate anti-anxiety benefits, and when done regularly, may lead to long lasting reductions in anxiety. Try to get 2.5 hours of moderate intensity activity, like brisk walking, or 1.25 hours of vigorous intensity activity, like jogging, each week. You can also go for a combination of the two! To get the most out of your exercise, do little each day, rather than cramming it all into the weekend. Find an exercise you like! You might enjoy dancing, biking, or taking a group class. Yoga has been shown to be particularly helpful in reducing anxiety, so consider giving it a try. Meditate. Mindfulness meditations have been shown to decrease anxiety by bringing awareness back to the present moment. To pratice this form of meditation, sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes if you want to. Then, bring all of your attention to your breath, following it as you inhale and exhale. When you feel your mind start to wander, gently redirect your attention to your breath. Start out by practicing this technique for five or ten minutes each day, working up 45 minutes or an hour over time. Reduce or eliminate caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine can worsen anxiety by mimicking the symptoms of a panic attack. Alcohol can also heighten anxiety through its interaction with neurotransmitters in the brain. Swap out your usual espresso for a decaf, and limit your alcohol intake the best you can. Eat some carbohydrates and protein-sourced tryptophan. Studies have shown that this combination can help reduce anxiety. A great example of this combination is a turkey sandwich. Eat foods rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C has been shown to reduce anxiety and distress. While many assume that citrus is the best source of Vitamin C, you should actually try eating: yellow bell pepper, guavas, black currants, and red chili peppers. Develop anxiety management skills. There are a number of techniques that can help you cope with your anxiety. One is problem solving. When you are confronted with an anxiety-inducing problem, come up with a plan for solving it, and then implement that plan. Afterwards, consider how well the plan worked. Another skill that helps with anxiety is mindfulness. When you are feeling anxious, focus on the sensations associated with your anxiety instead of trying to push them away. This can help you become more accepting of your anxiety, rather than letting it overwhelm you. Talk to a friend, family member, or someone you trust about your phobia. The purpose for this is twofold. First, you'll no longer be embarrassed by your secret fear. This will help you start to deal with the anxiety. Second, you'll be able to ask others for help, especially when you get stuck. Consider attending a self-help group for people facing similar fears. You might benefit from talking with and supporting others experiencing the same challenges you are. Try joining a self-help group. Sometimes, it is easier to face your fears knowing that you are not the only one. Your family and friends may not understand what you are going through, but the people in the self-help group may. The people in that group may also offer up advice on how they managed or overcame their phobias. Some of that advice might work for you as well. Read a self-help book. Different people have different learning methods. Some people learn better through experiences, while others must read and analyze the material. Some books might even focus on certain types of phobias. Consider seeking help from a psychologist. Some people might need additional help overcoming their phobias, especially if it that gets in the way of their daily lives. For example, an extreme fear of open spaces or talking to people, might prevent someone from going out to a store and buying food and other necessities. Use essential oils to reduce stress, tension, and create a feeling of calm. This can be especially helpful when you are trying to face your phobia. Consider using any of the following essential oil: bergamot, chamomile, jasmine, lavender, or ylang ylang. Here are some ways in which you can use essential oils: Mix a few drops of essential oil into a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba, and massage it into your skin. Add a few drops of essential oil into your bath. Consider making some homemade bath products using essential oil. A simple sugar scrub consists of 1 part sugar, 1 part coconut or olive oil, and a few drops of essential oil. Make your own oil diffuser by filling a bottle with warm water and adding 20 to 30 drops of essential oil. Stick some differ reeds into the bottle; the reeds will soak up the scented water and release their scent. Recite a mantra. Choose a word or simple phrase to repeat to yourself when facing fear or anxiety. This should be something that calms you or cheers you as you repeat it. You can chant, speak, sing, or whisper. Choose whatever relaxes you the most. Get a massage. Massage has been shown to reduce anxiety, so go get one at a spa or clinic. If you have a skilled and willing friend, ask them! | Identify your fear. Write down your goals. Make a coping strategy. Know that being afraid is perfectly normal. Enter the exercise feeling relaxed. Write down situations where you encounter your phobia. Rank your situations. Imagine the first item on your list. Gradually work through your list. Seek out your situations in reality. Continue to confront your fear. Reward yourself for a job well done. Pinpoint your phobia and the negative thoughts associated with it. Try to find something that contradicts your negative thought. Consider the things you could do if your phobia actually comes true. Try to rationalize your thoughts. Put yourself in a fearful friend's situation. Get enough sleep. Exercise regularly. Meditate. Reduce or eliminate caffeine and alcohol. Eat some carbohydrates and protein-sourced tryptophan. Eat foods rich in vitamin C. Develop anxiety management skills. Talk to a friend, family member, or someone you trust about your phobia. Try joining a self-help group. Read a self-help book. Consider seeking help from a psychologist. Use essential oils to reduce stress, tension, and create a feeling of calm. Recite a mantra. Get a massage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-After-a-Workout | How to Eat After a Workout | After a workout, eat meals high in proteins and carbohydrates in order to boost your energy. Try a peanut butter and banana sandwich for something that's easy to digest and full of carbs. Alternatively, grilled chicken with brown rice and vegetables supplies you with plenty of nutrients, proteins, and carbs. Avoid eating fatty foods, like pizza or french fries, which will slow down your digestion and add empty calories. | Find your basic metabolic rate (BMR). Your BMR is what you use to calculate your calorie intake. It is based on your age, height, weight, and gender. Most calorie calculators use the Harris-Benedict equation to determine how many calories you should be eating every day. A male's BMR is usually equal to: 65 + (6.2 x weight in pounds) + (12.7 x height in inches) – (6.8 x age in years) A female's BMR is usually equal to: 655 + (4.3 x weight in pounds) + (4.3 x height in inches) – (4.7 x age in years) Determine how active you are on a weekly basis. Calorie calculators also factor in your level of activity. If you are very active, for example, with hard exercise almost every day of the week, you may need to consume more calories than if you lead a more sedentary lifestyle, where you do little to no activity. The five different levels of activity are: Sedentary: You have a desk job where you sit all day long and do little to no exercise every week. Lightly active: You do light exercise such as walking or jogging short distances, or play sports about one to three days a week. Moderately active: You do moderate exercise or play sports occasionally, being around 4 or more days in a week. Very active: You do hard, intense exercise and/or playing sports is almost a daily activity for you. Extremely active: You do intense daily exercise or sports twice or more in a day, and have a physical labor job or are doing a training camp for football or another contact sport. Use your BMR and your fitness goals to determine your calorie intake. You can put all of the above information in calorie counting tool that will estimate your required calories per day, based on your BMR, available here. Once you have your estimated calorie intake, consider how you will reduce or increase your calorie intake per day based on your fitness goals. If you are trying to lose weight, reduce your estimated calorie intake by 500 per day. Balance your fitness plan by eating 250 calories less a day and exercising enough to burn 250 calories. For example, walking or running 2.5 miles a day. When planning your meals, cut back on portion sizes to reduce the amount of calories you consume by 250. If you are trying to gain weight, eat 500 calories more per day and limit your cardio exercises. Focus on strength training, involving free weights, to add lean muscle mass. You should also be eating at least 1 gram per pound of body weight of protein and get plenty of rest to recover from your workouts. Always start by reducing or increasing your calorie intake a little at a time, no more than 500 calories either way. This will prevent your body from going into shock and ensure you are consuming enough calories to allow your body to function. Create a workout diet based on your calorie intake. Use your estimated BMR, minus or plus 500 calories based on your fitness goals, to create meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as post workout meals. Always eat at least three meals a day, and balance out the protein, vegetables, and healthy fats on your plate to maintain a healthy diet. For example, you might be a 28 year old female who weighs 140 pounds and is very active. You do intense exercise seven days a week, with one hour at the gym every other day and recreational soccer two days a week. Your estimated calorie intake, based on your BMR, is around 2,050 a day. If you are looking to lose weight, you would remove 500 calories by subtracting 250 calories from your daily intake and burning 250 more calories during your exercise routine. You would now consume 1,800 calories a day and add more exercise to your existing routine to burn 250 extra calories. You could break down your 1,800 calories a day further into each meal, so 600 per a meal (600 x 3) or you could allow more calories for lunch and dinner and fewer calories for breakfast (500 for breakfast, 650 for lunch or your post-workout meal, and 650 for dinner). Be sure that you are not putting too many calories after your workout. You need to make sure that you have enough calories left for the rest of your day. Make post-workout meals that are high in protein and carbohydrates. You should eat a meal that balances protein and carbohydrates within two hours of your workout. If you are training as an athlete and are doing a weight training workout, you should eat a meal high in nutrient-rich carbs right after you have finished your workout. Your body is in recovery mode after a workout and this will help your body recover and will improve your muscle strength. Possible post workout meals include: Greek yogurt with fruit like blueberries or raspberries: This meal is full of protein and low on calories, so you won't risk going over your daily calorie intake per day. A peanut butter and banana sandwich: This easy meal is great for recovering after a workout, as it's packed with carbs and is easy to digest. Tuna and crackers: A handful of whole grain crackers with a can of yellowfin tuna makes a great protein-rich post-workout meal that only has 300 calories. Low-fat chocolate milk and crackers: Chocolate milk is a great source of protein and carbs, as well as water to replace the fluids you lost during your workout, plus calcium, and sugar. These ingredients will help you recover quickly from your workout. The crackers will give your body some extra carbs that are not too heavy or fattening and will help your body digest the nutrients from the chocolate milk. Grilled chicken with brown rice or vegetables: This is a nutrient-rich meal that contains protein and carbohydrates, but won't make you feel bloated. The vegetables are also good for your overall health and are good sides to protein-rich grilled chicken. Whole wheat pasta with meatballs: This is another high-protein meal that won't lead to indigestion or bloating. Make the meatballs with lean beef or chicken to keep the protein from getting too fatty. Avoid foods high in fats and empty calories. Skip the french fries, cheeseburgers, chili-dogs, and pizza, as they will add fat to your body's fat stores and slow down your digestion. While fats do sustain energy, they are less effective when eaten before and after workouts. This is due to the fact that they tend to be high calorie and prevent the body from tapping into its own fat stores for energy. You should also skip salty snacks like pretzels and chips, as they can lower your levels of potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte and essential mineral that helps your cells function. Don't deplete your potassium levels with salty snacks, as your body needs to try to replenish as many electrolytes as possible post-workout. Though it may seem like raw vegetables are good for post workout recovery, they are lacking in enough nutrients to give you the protein and carbs you need. If you have raw veggies, eat them with a protein source like hummus, a yogurt dip, or a nut butter. Milk chocolate bars and pastries should also be avoided, as they are full of empty calories that will not speed up your body's recovery. You may feel a burst of energy after eating a milk chocolate bar, but this will soon fade and your body will crave more substantial sources of protein. Use supplements after a bodybuilding workout. Supplements can help your body recover from an intense bodybuilding workout, especially if you are doing high-intensity weight training. These supplements (about 5 grams) can be dissolved into water and consumed right after your workout. Protein shakes are a great way to consume a high amount of protein quickly after a workout. Drink water instead of sports drinks. Drinking lots of water post-workout will help your body recover and stay hydrated. You should only have sports drinks if your workout required you to sweat out a lot of electrolytes or you are doing intense training for more than 60 minutes. Water, coupled with a banana for potassium, is the best option for quenching your thirst and replenishing the electrolytes you released through your sweat. Downing sugary fruit drinks or soda after a workout can slow down your metabolism and cause you to gain weight, not lose it. Continue with your workout diet for the rest of the day. Maintain your estimated calorie intake by following your workout meal plan. Try to have a post-workout meal that fits within your calorie breakdown for the day. Avoid overeating after working out or indulging in cheat foods, as this can lead to poor recovery, low energy, and possible weight gain. | Find your basic metabolic rate (BMR). Determine how active you are on a weekly basis. Use your BMR and your fitness goals to determine your calorie intake. Create a workout diet based on your calorie intake. Make post-workout meals that are high in protein and carbohydrates. Avoid foods high in fats and empty calories. Use supplements after a bodybuilding workout. Drink water instead of sports drinks. Continue with your workout diet for the rest of the day. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Spiders-Out-of-Your-Car | How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Car | To keep spiders out of your car, start by getting rid of existing spiders. Trap any spiders you see and release them far away from your car. Then, vacuum the full interior to remove any eggs, webs or additional spiders. To prevent spiders from getting inside your car, remove any garbage and unnecessary clutter to eliminate hiding spots. Vacuum your car thoroughly once a week to keep it free of crumbs and wipe down the interior. If you want to repel spiders from your car, try using a homemade, essential oil spray. Combine 5 to 7 drops of essential oil such as citrus, rosemary, or peppermint with 2 cups of water and spritz it around your car. | Remove clutter and unnecessary items from the car. Spiders hide in any dark, secluded space they can find, so do your best to eliminate hiding spots in your vehicle. Throw away any garbage in your car and place all items you don't need in a plastic or reusable bag. Place the bag in the trunk and, when you have time, take it out of the car and drop it off at your home. Clean and vacuum your car thoroughly. Spiders like to hide in dark, dirty areas. Taking the time to clean out your car can prevent spiders from finding places to live within it. Vacuum your car's floors, paying special attention to corners or any crumbs, and wipe down the interior. Try to clean out your car at least once a week to prevent infestations. Ensure your car doors seal tightly. Run your fingers along the rubber seals along each door and check for damage. If you notice any cracks or broken areas, hire a mechanic to repair or replace your rubber seals. Because spiders can enter your car through small holes, rubber seals are essential for keeping spiders out. If you notice dirt or debris clogging the rubber seals, clean them with a wet washcloth to improve their efficiency. Do not leave your car idling for long periods of time. The vibrations that idling cars make disturb spiders and, while trying to escape the vibrations, may cause them to hide in your car. If possible, avoid turning your car on before you need it, particularly if your car is prone to spider infestations. Spiders move towards, not away from, idling cars because they expect to find a "ground zero" in the car where the vibrations can't hurt them. It's comparable to seeking shelter in the eye of a hurricane. The larger your car is, the more likely that it will attract spiders while idling. Mix an essential oil spray to ward off spiders naturally. Because of their strong scent and taste, several essential oils repel spiders and other insects. Mix 5-7 drops of an essential oil with 2 cups (470 mL) of water in a spray bottle and spritz it around your car. The following essential oils work particularly well for repelling spiders: Citrus Rosemary Garlic Peppermint Lavender Spread eucalyptus leaves around your car as a non-toxic repellant. Eucalyptus leaves are a natural spider repellent with a botanical smell. Place fresh eucalyptus leaves in your car's storage compartments (like the trunk and glove box) to ward off spiders from a specific area. You can buy eucalyptus leaves online or from some plant nurseries. Spray a non-toxic spider repellant in your car to get rid of spiders quickly. Look for spider repellents at outdoor, garden, or home improvement stores. Choose a spider repellent labeled "non-toxic" to prevent poisoning or skin irritation. Spray it on the vents, door mirrors, tires, and under the hood, as these are the 4 most likely places for spiders to hide out in your car. Reapply the spider repellent once a week to ward off future infestations. Because you and other people will be sitting in your car, don't use toxic spider repellents. If you notice spiders in other areas of your car, feel free to spray the repellant there as well. But, avoid spraying any electronics like the radio or car charging port. Use a cotton bud to apply the repellent around the rubber door seals as well. Catch and get rid of any existing spiders in your car. Remove any spiders that you see while cleaning to prevent them from laying eggs in your car. Trap the spider with a cup or with your hands and exterminate it or release it far away from your car. If you can't or would prefer not to touch the spiders, set up spider sticky traps around the car where you've seen spiders before. Vacuum your entire car. Using a vacuum with a tube attachment, look for and suck away any spider egg sacks, webs, or additional spiders that you see. Pay special attention to the corners or areas under mats and chairs. Suck up any dirt, crumbs, or other debris you see as well—it could be attracting the spiders. After vacuuming the car, remove the vacuum bag and discard it far away from your car to prevent any spiders from escaping. Spider egg sacks are usually small, oval-shaped grey bundles with a silky consistency. Turn off your interior car lights while using your car. Spiders are attracted to bright lights, so keep your inside car lights turned off at all times if you've noticed an infestation. At night when you need your exterior lights on, turn them off immediately after parking. If someone uses electronics in your car, ask them to turn the screen to a low brightness setting. Fix any cracks or holes in your car so spiders can't get in it. Spiders are most likely to slip through any cracks, gaps, or holes in your car's exterior. Inspect your car for damage, particularly any holes leading to your car interior, and fix them yourself or take your car to a certified mechanic for repairs. Eliminating open spaces will make it more difficult for spiders to enter your car. This only applies to cracks, gaps, or holes made by damage. Never try to seal your car's doors, vents, windows, or pipes. If you have a broken or cracked windshield, for example, repair it yourself or hire a mechanic to fix it as soon as possible. | Remove clutter and unnecessary items from the car. Clean and vacuum your car thoroughly. Ensure your car doors seal tightly. Do not leave your car idling for long periods of time. Mix an essential oil spray to ward off spiders naturally. Spread eucalyptus leaves around your car as a non-toxic repellant. Spray a non-toxic spider repellant in your car to get rid of spiders quickly. Catch and get rid of any existing spiders in your car. Vacuum your entire car. Turn off your interior car lights while using your car. Fix any cracks or holes in your car so spiders can't get in it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Espadrilles | How to Clean Espadrilles | If you want to clean your espadrilles, you'll need to do so by hand to avoid damaging them. First, make a cleaning solution by combining 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of mild soap. Scrub off any mud on your shoes before you start washing them. Trying to wipe mud off with a cleaning solution can cause it to soak into your shoe, making it even harder to get off. Once you're ready to apply the cleaning solution, scrub it into the soles with an old toothbrush. Use a cotton cloth to clean the canvas parts of your espadrilles with the same solution. Finish by wiping the solution and dirt off your espadrilles with a damp cloth. | Mix a cleansing solution in a bowl. Pour 2 cups (470 ml) of water and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of mild soap such as laundry detergent or dishwashing soap into a bowl. Stir the mixture until the soap dissolves. You should see a few bubbles in the cleansing solution, but it won't foam up a lot. Keep in mind that heavily fragranced soaps may scent your shoes for a few days. Dry the shoes if they're muddy. Avoid rubbing the mud into the shoes which will make them more difficult to clean. Instead, leave the shoes to dry completely. Then you can gently brush off the dried mud using your fingers or a small brush. Use a toothbrush to scrub the solution into the soles. Dip an old toothbrush into the cleaning solution and gently rub it onto the jute soles of the espadrilles. Continue to dip the toothbrush into the cleaning solution as you scrub. If your shoes have parts made of suede, use a brush designed for suede instead of a toothbrush. Ensure that you don't saturate the jute with water since this can damage it. Instead, try to scrub the dirt out of the soles and then stop scrubbing. Wipe the soles with a damp cloth. Hold a clean cotton cloth under warm running water. Wring out the cloth so it's damp and not wet. Then use it to wipe away the cleaning solution and dirt from the soles. If the soles are very dirty, you may need to run the cloth under clean water again and wring it out. Wipe until there's no visible dirt on the soles. Use the same solution to rub the canvas fabric. Dip a cotton cloth into the cleansing solution and wring it out a little. Use the cotton cloth to scrub dirty places on the fabric upper-part of the shoes. Work the cloth in a circular motion to bring up the dirt. If the shoes are very dirty, you may need to dump out the cleaning solution and mix a new batch. Wipe the cleansing solution off with a damp cloth. Take a clean cotton cloth and run it under warm water. Wring the cloth out to remove the water and then wipe the cloth over the upper-part of the shoes. This will remove the cleansing solution and any surface dirt. If the shoes are very dirty, you may need to rub them with cleansing solution again. Air dry the espadrilles. Set the shoes somewhere with good air circulation and leave them to air dry completely. Don't put them in the dryer because the heat can shrink the fabric of the upper-part. The espadrilles should be dry within a few hours if they didn't get completely saturated. | Mix a cleansing solution in a bowl. Dry the shoes if they're muddy. Use a toothbrush to scrub the solution into the soles. Wipe the soles with a damp cloth. Use the same solution to rub the canvas fabric. Wipe the cleansing solution off with a damp cloth. Air dry the espadrilles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Accept-Rejection | How to Accept Rejection | If you want to accept rejection, try to remember that it doesn't define your worth. You should be proud that you had the guts to put yourself out there! Instead of thinking the worst and dwelling on it, focus your thoughts on what other opportunities are out there for you, whether that's another job or all the new people you can meet. It may be hard at first, but try looking for the silver lining in the rejection. For example, if you were rejected romantically, you can see it as an opportunity to find love again. | Don't let it define you. One way to have a more positive mindset as you learn to accept rejection is to not let it tell you who you are. Whether you got dumped by your girlfriend or were denied a job offer or rejected from your top choice college, you can't let whatever happened let you feel like you're not worth it. Sure, being rejected is never easy or pleasant, but it only has to do with one specific situation at one given moment and does not define you as a person. Instead of saying, "I was rejected by my top college," say something like, "I was denied acceptance." Don't think of it as you being rejected as a person, but as you not getting the circumstances you wanted. If the rejection makes you feel like a worthless loser, then it'll only make you destined to fail again. Instead, focus on the circumstances of what happened, not on the fact that it happened to you. Be proud of yourself for trying. Another way to put a positive spin on rejection is to think about all of the people who never even got the courage to try what you attempted to do. Maybe you put your heart out there and asked your crush out on a date. Maybe you emailed a query letter to a literary agent to see if he or she wanted to take a look at your novel manuscript. Maybe you applied for a job that you knew was a reach. Even if it didn't work out the way you wanted, you should pat yourself on the back for having the courage to put yourself out there. Don't be bummed that you got rejected. Be excited that you had the guts to embrace a unique opportunity. Think about what else you can achieve or try to achieve. The sky's the limit. Don't catastrophize. People tend to take one rejection and let it make them feel completely inadequate, like it means that they can never do anything right in that arena again. If you got rejected by a girlfriend, you need to look at it as an isolated situation, not a sign that you will never find love. If your book proposal got rejected by three agents, don't let it make you think that the next thirty won't have any kinder words for you. Think of all the future husbands/writers/geniuses who never would have accomplished anything if they stopped after hearing just one "no." Instead, look at it as an opportunity to grow and try again. If you let just one, or even just a few, or even a few dozen, rejections make you think that this is the way things will always be, then you'll have a hard time finding happiness or success. If it was a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity, it can be hard not to catastrophize. Avoid dwelling on the things you'll miss, as thinking 'if only' will not change anything. Find another opportunity for something similar, and do your best to prepare. Focus on the positive aspects of the rejection (if there are any). Okay, so let's face it: sometimes, rejection is just rejection, and there is nothing good about it at all. However, there are some times when a silver lining can be drawn out, if you look hard enough, or even if you don't look all that hard. You might have been rejected from a job, but told that you should apply again in six months because you were a strong candidate; though this is still a rejection, you can also think of it as a way of getting your foot in the door. It's all in how you choose to look at it — do you want to think of the glass as completely empty, or at least to search for a few precious drops of water that can help quench your thirst? If you were rejected in a relationship, you may not think that there is anything good about this at all, at first. However, you can also choose to look at it as a chance you had to fall in love, and the opportunity to see that you can find it again. This is far better than just looking at it as a rejection with absolutely nothing in the "plus" column. If an agent rejected your manuscript, maybe he also happened to tell you that you have a lot of talent and that you shouldn't hesitate to reach out again with a revision or a future project. Though you didn't land the agent of your dreams, you did get someone's attention, and have heightened your chances of getting noticed the next time around. Don't take it personally. Another way to be more positive when it comes to rejection is not to take things so personally. If you get rejected for a job, or if you don't get into your dream college, try not to make it all about something being wrong with you. You never know why you got rejected for a job — maybe someone was hired internally, maybe they were looking for someone who could relocate more immediately — and it's unlikely that it's because you're an unqualified loser with no future. Know that rejection happens to the best of us, and that it has nothing to do with you as a person. Okay, so if you get dumped by your significant other, then it's hard not to take it personally. But try to step back and look at the bigger picture. If you were rejected, it's because something about the relationship just wasn't working. It doesn't mean that you're not right for anybody — it just means that you weren't right for this particular person, right now. Remember: a business needs to make decisions that will profit them. Your application wasn't rejected because they like to make people feel bad. Don't be afraid to reapply if the opportunity arises. Think positively about the future. Another way to be more upbeat when it comes to rejection is to always look to the future, instead of wallowing in regret or trying to figure out why the present is so awful. If you get rejected by a job, think of all other jobs and opportunities out there for you. If you get rejected in a relationship, think of all of the other exciting people you have yet to meet. If your first novel gets rejected by fifty agents and you feel like you're losing faith in it, think of all the amazing words you have left to write. If you let your rejection define everything in your life and don't see that there is so much more out there, you'll never be able to move on from it. When you get rejected from something, think about all of the untapped opportunities still out there. Write them down and look at them. If you truly feel that there's really nothing out there, ask a friend to help you brainstorm. It's pretty unlikely that there's nothing else to look forward to. Think of it as cutting your teeth. One way to look at rejection is to think that it is inevitable on your path to success. After all, how many actresses got the leading role after their first auditions? How many writers got their book published on their first attempt? You may think that success either comes naturally to people or it doesn't, but the fact of the matter is that rejections should be worn as badges of honor and signs of your commitment, not as indicators of your future success. Whenever you get rejected, just think of it as an inevitable step on the way to success. If you're a writer seeking publication, tell yourself that you won't even have a chance to publish one of your short stories before you get 50 rejections. Every time you get one, just think of it as a step on your way to success. If you're seeking a new job, you should consider the fact that you'll get at least 5 or 10, or even 15 rejections for every time you're asked for an interview. Be proud of all of those rejections because it means you're trying and that you're closer to acceptance. See what you can do better the next time. Use the rejection to help you think about your future and the next attempt you make at whatever it is you're trying to achieve. If you didn't do well in an interview, ask yourself if you can improve your communication style or your body language — or even if you can rack up more experience before you try to follow the same path again. If your novel manuscript was rejected, ask yourself if it could stand another revision that cuts some of the meandering scenes or sharpens the dialogue. Think about the improvements you can make before you try again the next time, and work to achieve them. If you're lucky enough to get constructive feedback, then use it to help you move forward. If an employer told you you need to improve your writing skills, then get a tutor or ask a well-versed friend for help. If an agent told you your protagonist isn't original enough, see if you need to make him or her stand out. Of course, some of the feedback you get may be worthless or completely missing the point. You don't have to change yourself or your work to meet another person's notion of success unless you agree with it. Look at how much you've progressed since the first rejection. If this is your first time being rejected, then hats off to you — welcome to the club. Most of us have been rejected many times in one way or another, if you're anything like this, then you probably have a stack of rejections stored away somewhere. Don't look at this as something sad, but be proud of yourself for all of the rejections you've racked up. Then, take a look at some of your earlier rejections and see if you can chart how much you've progressed since then, whether we're talking professionally or personally. You'll see that you've grown so much as a student, writer, human, or whatever the case may be. This works especially well if you're a struggling writer. Take a look at your earlier stories and compare them to the ones you're working on now. Sure, if you're still facing a lot of rejection, then you may have doubts about your work, but don't let it get to you. Instead, think about how much you've progressed since that first rejection, and be proud of yourself for plugging forward. If we're talking about romantic rejections here, then yeah, it may not be easy to "rack" them up. Still, thinking about that first failed relationship, and consider how much you've grown as a person and how much you've been able to open up. Remember that not all rejections are created equal, and that you're always progressing, even if you feel like the rejection never ends. Know when it's time to move on. One of the hardest parts of accepting rejection is having to consider whether or not the thing you're pursuing is worth pursuing. Though you shouldn't let rejection get you down or keep you from fulfilling your potential, there's a time and a place for everything, and if you've had an endless string of rejection, it may be the moment to ask yourself whether the thing you're pursuing is worth pursuing, or whether you should go about it a different way. Insanity has been defined as trying the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. If you feel like you've been trying the same approach again and again and keep getting rejected, it may be time to follow a new path. There's a really fine line between being persistent and being stubborn. If you really believe that your book is polished and ready for an agent, then you may keep trying to find the right agent for your work after the first sixty rejections. But if all of the rejections are telling you that the book needs a lot of work, then your time may be better spent in revising your manuscript than in facing the same form of rejection again and again. If you've been asking out or trying to win back the same girl for months, and you feel like you're going nowhere, then it may be time to accept what happened and to move on. Use the experience to help you find a person who will like you for who you are instead of trying to force it. Know that everything happens for a reason (most of the time). Sure, "everything happens for a reason" may be one of the most annoying things you can possibly hear, especially when you've just been devastated by a rejection. You may think that this is just an empty phrase that people use to comfort each other and that it has no real substance. Of course, there are times when something really crappy happens and you have to lick your wounds and move on. But if you think about past rejections or setbacks in your life, you may see that they actually led to something wonderful. Even if it may not seem that way right now, accept the fact that this rejection could lead to something positive that you can't yet imagine. Let's say you got rejected from the tennis team. You may have been training all summer for it and banking everything on it, but now, you can still try out for the volleyball team. And who knows — this sport may be a better fit for you, after all. You may feel like your college experience won't be the same if you don't go to University of Michigan like you always wanted, but once you do get to college, you wouldn't be able to imagine your life without any of your new friends by your side. You'll look back on the day when you thought that UMich was your dream school and you'll laugh. This may not be imaginable now, but really, it'll happen. Maybe you'll get rejected from what you thought was your dream job. Well, the rejection may lead you to take your career in a slightly new direction — and to find a new path that you never would have otherwise considered. Talk to your friends about it. Another way to accept rejection a little more easily is to talk to a trusted friend about how you're feeling. If you're feeling low about being rejected, whether it's in a professional or a personal setting, sometimes nothing can make you feel better than talking to a trusted friend about it. Don't keep all of your angry or hurt feelings inside and stop dwelling on what might have been. Instead, call up an old friend or set up a coffee date and talk about your feelings. You'll instantly feel better and you'll be able to move on faster because you'll have someone to talk to about your problems. You may feel that the rejection was a catastrophe. However, a friend can give you a more rational, down-to-earth take on the situation. However, don't let this turn into you ranting about what happened to the five closest people within earshot. Having a friend's unbiased and helpful opinion can help cheer you on, but complaining and rehashing the same problems over and over again can actually just make you feel worse. Make sure you're talking to someone who understands how much the rejection means to you. Having a friend say, "It's not the end of the world!" when you feel like it is may be the last thing you want to hear. Talk to other people about their experiences with rejection. Chances are that you're not the only person in the world who has ever dealt with rejection. If you're feeling completely low, talk to a friend, family member, or coworker about the rejection and see what these people have gone through and suffered. Sure, your friend may have an ideal marriage now, but you never heard about the ex-boyfriend who broke her heart. Your writer friend may be at the height of his career, but you forgot about the four novels he had to write before having his work accepted for publication. Talking to other people about their own experiences with rejection will make you feel like you're less alone, and that everyone else has felt what you're feeling, in one sense or another. See how many successful people have dealt with rejection. The stories of how some of the most successful people in our culture faced one rejection after another before making it big. Knowing that you're not alone in the world when you face a rejection can help you get more motivated to push forward. Though, of course, not all people who face rejection become wildly famous, it couldn't hurt to reach for the stars. Here are some things to chew on: Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind was rejected by 38 publishers before it found a home. Marilyn Monroe was told she should quit acting when she first began. Modeling agencies told her she'd be better off as a secretary. Walt Disney was fired from the Kansas City Star because he was told his stories lacked imagination. Oprah Winfrey was fired from an early gig as a news reporter because she was told she didn't know how to separate her emotions from her stories. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. Make a habit of getting rejected when it doesn't matter that much. Another way to accept rejection is to learn to get rejected early and often. If you don't get rejected very often, then that will make it sting so much more. But if you do it routinely, especially when you don't really care all that much, then you'll learn to accept it and to see it for what it is — no big deal. Depending on your situation, there are many ways you can regularly get into the habit of getting rejected — and therefore be able to accept it faster. If you're upset about getting rejected by girls when you try to ask them out, make a habit of doing it more often. No, this doesn't mean you should ask out every girl in sight, but let's say you ask out girls 10-20% more often than you used to. If you keep getting rejected, especially if you know your heart won't really be broken, then you'll be getting into the habit of getting rejected and won't see it as such a big deal the next time it happens. If you feel devastated every time you try to send your stories out to literary journals and get a big fat rejection, then you should send your stories out to even more places. Of course, this doesn't mean you should send them out before you feel that they are ready, but that you should send them out more often, so that you won't feel the burn after you get the next rejection you've been waiting on for months. Don't dwell on it. If you want to accept rejection and move on, then you have to learn to stop dwelling on whatever bad thing happened to you. You should talk about it, write about it, make some pro and con lists about your future decisions, or do whatever you have to do to absorb and accept what happened. However, you should work on finding other enriching experiences, whether it's spending time with friends or pursuing your love for photography, to keep you going so you don't spend all your time dwelling on the rejection. Once you admit that it happened, the best thing you can do is to move forward. Easier said than done, right? It's hard to stop dwelling on rejection, especially if you're feeling bitter, confused, or hurt. But the sooner you make a goal to find other fulfilling ways to spend your time, the sooner you'll be able to move forward. That said, if we're talking about a breakup, you should avoid having a set grieving period. Let yourself feel what you feel, spend some time crying, writing in your journal, and just dealing with your emotions, and only move on when you're ready. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Another way to be more accepting of rejection is to try to avoid banking absolutely everything in your life on one result. This can mean getting into the prestigious Iowa Writer's Workshop if you're a writer, getting married to your long-term significant other, or becoming the principal of the school where you work within five years. Though having goals, both personal and professional, is what keeps us motivated to move forward, you should avoid letting one thing matter to you so, so much that not getting it will truly crush you. This isn't to say that you won't be deeply hurt if the person you've banked your future on rejects you. But it is to say that, while you can still be deeply in love, you should always feel like you have other things going on in your life other than your relationship. You can't let it be everything for you. Okay, so you may really be dying to go to the Iowa Writer's Workshop. You may think it's your only path to being a published writer. But make sure you apply to at least a handful of other programs. You'll find that you'll be accepted somewhere, and that you'll still have an enriching experience where you get to explore your passion. If you think it's Iowa or bust, then you're going to be incredibly disappointed when it doesn't work out. | Don't let it define you. Be proud of yourself for trying. Don't catastrophize. Focus on the positive aspects of the rejection (if there are any). Don't take it personally. Think positively about the future. Think of it as cutting your teeth. See what you can do better the next time. Look at how much you've progressed since the first rejection. Know when it's time to move on. Know that everything happens for a reason (most of the time). Talk to your friends about it. Talk to other people about their experiences with rejection. See how many successful people have dealt with rejection. Make a habit of getting rejected when it doesn't matter that much. Don't dwell on it. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pay-Attention-in-Class | How to Pay Attention in Class | To pay attention in class, put away distractions like your computer, phone, and any small items you can fiddle with. Try to stay focused on the present lesson and manually refocus your attention whenever your mind starts to wander. Participate in class discussions and take good notes to help you stay engaged in the lesson, and consider talking to your teacher after class if you're still having trouble focusing on the material. | Remove your distractions. The most basic thing you can do to help you concentrate in class is to get away from the distractions that are keeping you from focusing. There are lots of things that might be taking your attention away from the lesson. Try to be more aware of what you're doing when you stop paying attention. Once you know what it is, you can find a way to get rid of it. Distractions include items like a computer, a phone, and small items that you can play with. Distractions also include things that are around you, like a friend, an annoying classmate, or a window. Physical removal is the best way to deal with a distraction. So, for example, if you know a classmate is distracting you. Try sitting somewhere else. Your teacher will understand and will probably be more than happy to help you move seats. Focus on the present. You have to try to keep your brain from wandering out of the classroom. No daydreaming! Keep your mind here, in the present and save thoughts about other stuff for later. This is hard to do but if you can make the change, it will really help you a lot. Things you might catch yourself thinking about include: games, what you're doing after school, your boyfriend or girlfriend (or lack thereof!), your friends, your family...even fantasy stuff like books you'd like to read or places you wish you could go. You'll have to learn to manually refocus your attention. Catch yourself and then make yourself think about the lesson again. Eventually it becomes a habit and you learn to daydream less. This means that even if you're thinking about another aspect of the class, like the test you have coming up, you'll want to stop and refocus on what's happening right now. It's important to do things like think about tests but if your mind is wandering then you're not absorbing the information that you need to learn at the moment. Refocus your attention as necessary. Pay attention to what your mind is doing. If you catch yourself thinking about anything other than what's currently happening in the lesson then you're going to have to manually refocus your attention. Try saying back everything that your teachers says in your own head and really emphasizing the important bits. One thing you might want to practice is building your ability to focus. Test yourself by trying to do a challenging task while listening to loud, distracting music. Focus is a skill which needs to be exercised and developed, just like any other. Talk to your teacher about classes. Everyone learns in different ways. The way your teacher teaches may not be the best way for you or there may be ways to make class even better for you. Set aside some time to talk to your teacher about ways they think might help you get more out of your class. Try making customized lessons or assignments that are more interesting for you to learn. You can also ask your teacher for extra credit or side projects which help you learn the same lessons but in a way that works better for you. If you're serious about learning and you're willing to put in hard work, your teacher will probably be willing to help you come up with something. Create your own motivation. When you're more motivated, you'll find you have an easier time staying focused. Of course, if your teacher and your class can't or won't make you more motivated, you'll have to work to create that motivation for yourself. This can be frustrating but it'll be worth it: you'll get the benefits of education, whether people want to help you along or not. There are lots of ways to make yourself motivated and interested in learning and what you do will depend on who you are. You can try finding some aspect of the subject that is interesting to you. This can make the rest of the class more interesting because you'll feel more like you're building a base for the stuff that you want to learn. For example, maybe you don't really like your history class but you do like medieval knights. You can try to imagine how all of the history that you are learning ties back to medieval knights, and you'll find that that makes it easier to focus on what you're learning. Prepare before class. Sometimes you just need to be in the right mindset before you can pay attention. Before class starts, try looking over your homework, reading from your textbook, or looking at the previous day's notes. This can get your brain into "class mode", so that you can have an easier time focusing. Preparing yourself by getting everything that you'll need and arranging your desk can also help you focus. This will cut down on distractions, like needing to borrow a pencil because yours is out of lead. Find a better environment. By changing your environment, or the things around you, you can actually really help yourself concentrate. This doesn't just mean getting rid of distractions, although that can certainly help too. Just sitting in a different spot may help you focus by changing what you can do from where you sit. Sitting in the front, for example, can help you focus because you'll know the teacher is watching you. Sitting away from your friends can also help, because you won't be physically able to talk with them as much. Participate in class. Participating in class can also help you focus. Participation keeps your mind engaged and focused on the lesson because you can't just drift off or think about something else. Anything you can do to participate, from asking questions to getting in to group projects or discussions, can really help you. Ask questions. A good way to participate in class is to ask questions. When you have a question about something you don't understand or the teacher said something and you want to know more about it, raise your hand and ask. Even just focusing enough to listen for things you might want to ask questions about can help you pay way more attention. Take notes. Taking notes can help you focus on what your teacher is saying, even if you don't think you'll need the notes to study from later. If you can use the notes then even better! As your teacher talks, make an outline with a few side notes on the really complex topics. You'll find yourself focusing better before you know it. If you don't know how to take notes, we've got you covered! Do extra research. Sometimes you lose focus in class because you can't understand what your teacher is saying. This is normal and understandable. If you do extra research so that you can better understand your lessons, you might have an easier time paying attention. At the very least, learning outside of class can make up for the fact that you're having a hard time paying attention. You can find more information on just about any subject in various places online. You can even get some subject help from wikiHow. For example, if you're struggling with math, try going to Math is Fun or Wolfram Alpha to get more math help. Develop a routine. Not paying attention really is a bad habit. Just like any other habit, you can break it by replacing it with other habits. Try to create a system where you focus in class, making that time just for school and learning, but give yourself times of relief where you can have lots of fun. By teaching your brain what time of the day is for what by sticking to a routine, you can train your brain to pay attention. Get enough sleep. Sleep is incredibly important for staying focused while you're at school. If you stay up too much or if you sleep in a way that doesn't fully rest your brain, there's basically nothing you can do to stay focused during the day. Take a hard look at your sleep schedule and see if there are any changes you can make. For anyone under 12 years old, doctors recommend about 10 hours of sleep. For anyone older, eight or nine hours of sleep is recommended. However, some people need more sleep and some people need less. You'll have to experiment. Keep in mind that oversleeping can also make you tired. You might be sleeping too much, if you increase your sleep and still feel tired halfway through the day. Eat right to maintain your brain. If you don't eat enough food, or if you miss out on essential nutrients for too long, your brain will start to suffer. Much like not getting enough sleep, if you don't eat right or enough then there's not much you can do to help yourself concentrate. Take a look at your diet and decide if you need to adjust how you eat. You need to get lots of veggies, a little fruit, healthy whole grains, and plenty of lean proteins. Good options include: kale, broccoli, spinach, apples, citrus fruits, bananas, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, fish, chicken without skin, and turkey. Avoid caffeine or at least use it carefully. Caffeine can help some people focus but for others it makes them too jittery to pay attention to anything for very long. You also risk a caffeine crash. Drink plenty of water. Your body needs lots of water to function properly. When you don't drink enough, you'll end up with headaches and problems focusing. How much is enough will depend on your particular body; everyone is different. However, a good way to gauge if you're drinking enough water is to take a look at your pee. If it's pale, you're drinking enough. If it's dark, bring on the hydration. Drinking actual water is a good idea here. Soda, commercial juice, and milk are all not very good for you and the sugar in the soda and juice can actually make your problems focusing even worse. Exercise to relieve tension. Some people are very physical. Their bodies need a lot more activity to be happy. It also just takes a lot of concentration to pay attention in class and this can get your brain and body all wound up. If you find yourself feeling antsy in class, try to get some physical activity in between classes or during your breaks. This can help calm your body and brain down so that you can focus. It can also help you wake up if you're feeling tired. Try jumping up and down or running in place. You can also jog around the building or play a game with your friends if you have the time. Practice paying attention. Paying attention takes practice. That's just how it is. Your brain is like a muscle and it needs to be exercised to make it strong in the areas where you want it to work well. You'll have to practice paying attention if you want to increase your ability to pay attention. One good way to practice is actually to meditate. Sit and try to empty your mind while focusing only on one simple thing, like breathing in and out from your nose. | Remove your distractions. Focus on the present. Refocus your attention as necessary. Talk to your teacher about classes. Create your own motivation. Prepare before class. Find a better environment. Participate in class. Take notes. Do extra research. Develop a routine. Get enough sleep. Eat right to maintain your brain. Drink plenty of water. Exercise to relieve tension. Practice paying attention. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Swiss-Roll | How to Make a Swiss Roll | To make a chocolate Swiss roll, start by mixing cocoa powder, flour, salt, eggs, sugar, and melted butter to make the cake batter. Then, spread the batter out on a lined sheet pan and bake it for 5 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, roll the cake into a log and let it cool while you mix heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla for the filling. Finally, unroll the cake, spread the filling on top, and roll it back up. | Preheat your oven to 425 °F (218 °C) and grease the sheet pan. Go ahead and preheat your oven so that it can heat up while you prepare the cake batter. Line a 17 in (43 cm) x 12 in (30 cm) sheet pan with parchment paper and grease it with butter. Combine the cocoa powder, flour, and salt in a large bowl. Measure out 1/4 cup (47 grams) of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/3 cup (63 grams) of all-purpose flour, and 1/4 teaspoon (2 grams) of salt. Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl until they're thoroughly combined. Set this mixture aside for now. Bring 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Add a small amount of water to a saucepan and place it on a burner over medium heat. Once the water is boiling, turn the heat down so the water is simmering. Put the eggs and sugar in a glass bowl and situate it over the heat. Crack the eggs into the bowl and add 1/2 cup (95 grams) of sugar. Place the bowl over the water and beat the eggs and sugar together with a hand mixer using medium speed for 2 minutes. The mixture should be thick, pale yellow, and feel warm to the touch. Make sure the bowl isn't touching the water! You're essentially creating a mini double boiler. Remove the bowl from the heat and beat the eggs for 3 minutes. Continue using medium speed and beat the egg mixture until it is light and airy. If you dip a spoon into the mixture and lift it out, the liquid should fall off the spoon like ribbons and take about 5-10 seconds to settle back into the liquid. Add the melted butter and fold the dry ingredients into the mixture. Melt 4 tablespoons (59 ml) of butter in your microwave and stir the liquid into your egg mixture until it's fully incorporated. Then, dump the cocoa mixture you created earlier into the egg mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the mixture, working as quickly as possible. Spread the batter on the parchment and bake it for 5-6 minutes. Use a spatula to spread all of the batter in a thin layer over the parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) around the edges. Put the baking sheet into the preheated oven and take it out once the cake feels springy to the touch. Turn the cake out onto parchment paper and roll the cake into a log. Spread another piece of parchment paper on a flat surface. Sprinkle cocoa powder onto the parchment and turn the baking sheet upside down over it. Roll the cake up into a log while it's still warm and set it aside to cool while you make the filling. You can remove the original piece of parchment that's on top of the cake. Give the roll 30 minutes to an hour to cool completely. Beat the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla together for 5 minutes. Measure out 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream, 1/4 cup (47 grams) of sugar, and 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of vanilla extract and put them in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture for about 5 minutes at medium speed until it forms stiff peaks. Stiff peaks look like triangles that hold their shape when you lift the beaters out of the mixture. Unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling on top. Roll it the opposite way you originally rolled it so that it unfurls into a flat cake. Use a spatula to spread the cream on top of the cake, taking care to leave a 1 inch (2.5 cm) border around the edges. Roll the cake back up into a log and put it on a wire rack. Make the ganache and drizzle it over the Swiss roll before serving it. Put the 4 ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate and ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) of heavy cream in a heat-safe bowl and microwave it for 30 seconds at a time, stirring between each interval, until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Finally, drizzle the ganache mixture on top of the cake roll. It's best to refrigerate the Swiss roll for about 30 minutes before you serve it so the ganache can get firm. Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Preheat the oven to 375 °F (191 °C) and grease a sheet pan. Let the oven heat up completely while you make the cake. Line a 10 in (25 cm) x 15 in (38 cm) sheet pan with parchment paper. Then, brush the parchment with melted butter and dust it with flour. Beat the eggs, sugar, water, and vanilla together in a large bowl. Crack the eggs into the bowl, then add 4 1/2 ounces (128 grams) of caster or confectioners' sugar and beat them together with an electric mixer. Once the mixture is light and fluffy, add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of warm water and 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of vanilla extract and mix again until the ingredients are fully combined. Sift the flour and fold it into the egg mixture. Use a sifter to sift about 1/3 of the flour at a time, folding each portion into the egg mixture before moving on to the next one. You'll be using a total of 4 1/2 ounces (128 grams) of all-purpose flour for this, but you don't have to be exact when you're dividing it for sifting. Spread the batter onto the pan and bake the cake for 12-15 minutes. Use a spatula to spread a thin layer of the batter onto the greased parchment paper. Leave a 1 inch (2.5 cm) border around the edges. Then, bake the cake until it feels slightly springy to the touch. Spread parchment onto a flat surface and invert the cake out onto it. Use a piece of parchment that's just a little bigger than the cake itself. Sprinkle a little caster sugar on top of the parchment and then turn the cake out on top. Remove the original piece of parchment from the top of the cake and let the cake cool. Place a damp towel over the cake as it cools to ensure it rolls up properly. Be sure to work on a flat, stable surface. Spread the jam and whipped cream on top. Use a spatula to spread 6 ounces (170 grams) of raspberry or strawberry jam on top of the cake, leaving a 1 inch (2.5 cm) border. Then, spread 8 ounces (227 grams) of whipped cream on right top of the jam in a thin layer. Don't forget to wait until the cake is cool before you add the jam and whipped cream. Roll the cake up into a log. Position the cake so that the long side is facing you. Roll the cake away from your body until it's fully rolled into a log shape. Sprinkle with a little powdered sugar and enjoy! Refrigerate the Swiss roll in an airtight container for up to 2 days. | Preheat your oven to 425 °F (218 °C) and grease the sheet pan. Combine the cocoa powder, flour, and salt in a large bowl. Bring 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Put the eggs and sugar in a glass bowl and situate it over the heat. Remove the bowl from the heat and beat the eggs for 3 minutes. Add the melted butter and fold the dry ingredients into the mixture. Spread the batter on the parchment and bake it for 5-6 minutes. Turn the cake out onto parchment paper and roll the cake into a log. Beat the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla together for 5 minutes. Unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling on top. Make the ganache and drizzle it over the Swiss roll before serving it. Preheat the oven to 375 °F (191 °C) and grease a sheet pan. Beat the eggs, sugar, water, and vanilla together in a large bowl. Sift the flour and fold it into the egg mixture. Spread the batter onto the pan and bake the cake for 12-15 minutes. Spread parchment onto a flat surface and invert the cake out onto it. Spread the jam and whipped cream on top. Roll the cake up into a log. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-an-Infected-Ear-Piercing | How to Treat an Infected Ear Piercing | The first thing you should do if your ear piercing is infected is remove any crustiness with a cotton swab soaked in antibacterial soap or saline solution. Then, mix 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water and 3 spoonfuls of salt and apply the mixture to your infected piercing with a cotton swab. Hold a warm, moist compress against your ear for 20 minutes every day to help clear out the pus. Stay out of pools, lakes, rivers, or hot tubs until your infection is gone, and see your doctor if your infection persists. | Go to the doctor as soon as you suspect an infection. Serious complications can result from an untreated ear infection. If your ear is sore, red, or oozing pus, make an appointment with your primary care physician. An infected ear piercing may be red or swollen around the site. It may feel sore, throbbing, or warm to the touch. Any discharge or pus from a piercing should be checked out by a doctor. The pus may be yellow or white in color. If you have a fever , see a doctor immediately. This is a much more serious sign of infection. Infections usually develop within 2-4 weeks after the initial piercing, although it is possible to develop an infection even years after getting your ears pierced. Leave the piercing in the ear unless otherwise told by your doctor. Removing the piercing can interfere with healing or cause an abscess to form. Instead, leave the piercing in your ear until you see your doctor. Avoid touching, twisting, or playing with the earring while it is still in your ear. Your doctor will tell you if you can leave the piercing in or not. If your doctor decides that you need to remove the piercing, they will remove it for you. Do not put earrings back into your ear until you have your doctor's approval. Apply an antibiotic cream to minor earlobe infections. Your doctor may prescribe a cream or recommend an over-the-counter brand. Apply this to the infected site according to your doctor's instructions. Some over-the-counter ointments or creams you can use include Neosporin, bacitracin, or Polysporin. Take prescription pills for more serious infections. If you have a fever or if your infection is severe, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic pill instead. Take the pill according to your doctor's instructions. Remember to take the full course of antibiotics, even if your infection seems to go away. Pills are usually needed if you have a cartilage piercing that has become infected. Get an abscess drained if it has formed. An abscess is a wound with a large build-up of pus. If you have an abscess, your doctor will drain the wound. This is an outpatient procedure that may be done on the same day as your first visit. Your doctor may apply a warm compress to your ear to drain the abscess or they may make an incision in the abscess. Undergo surgery to remove severe cartilage infections. Cartilage piercings are riskier than earlobe piercings. If your cartilage piercing becomes infected, see your doctor as soon as possible. Severe cartilage piercings may require surgical removal of the cartilage. The cartilage is the thicker tissue in the upper portion of the outer ear, located above the earlobe. Wash your hands before handling the infected area. Your hands can spread dirt or bacteria that might worsen your infection. Before cleaning or treating the area, wash your hands using warm water and antibacterial soap. Remove pus from around the ear with a cotton swab. Moisten the tip of the swab with antibacterial soap or a saline solution. Gently remove any liquid or soft pus with the swab. Do not remove any crust or scabs, however, as these will help your ear heal.. Throw the swab away when you are done. If both ears are infected, use a different swab for each ear. Clean the infected area with a saline solution. To make a saline solution, mix 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) of salt into a 1 cup (237 ml) of warm water. Dab a sterile cotton ball or gauze into the solution and gently sweep it over both sides of the ear at the site of the piercing. Do this twice a day to keep the area clean. The area may sting slightly when you use the solution. It shouldn't be very painful, however. If it is, call your doctor. Avoid using rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based solutions on the infected area, as these can irritate the area and delay healing. Gently pat the area dry afterwards with a paper towel, tissue, or cotton swab. Avoid using a towel, as it might irritate the ear. If both ears are infected, use a different swab or gauze for each ear. Apply a warm compress to your ear to help relieve pain. Soak a washcloth in warm water or a warm saline solution. Press the cloth over your ear for 3-4 minutes. Repeat as needed for pain relief throughout the day. Afterwards, dry your ear gently by patting it down with a paper towel or tissue. Take an over-the-counter painkiller to manage the pain. Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce the pain temporarily. Take the medicine according to the instructions on the label of the bottle. Stop touching the ear or piercing unless necessary. If you are not cleaning the wound or removing the piercing, don't touch your ear. Avoid using clothing or devices too close to your infected ear as well. Don't wear headphones until your infection heals. Avoid using a phone on the infected side of your head. If both ears are infected, put the phone on speakerphone to use it. If you have long hair, keep your hair up in a bun or ponytail so that it doesn't hang by your ears. Avoid sleeping on the infected ear if possible. Keep your bed sheets and pillow cases clean to avoid spreading the infection. Avoid swimming until both the piercing and the infection heal. Generally, you should not swim for 6 weeks after getting your piercing. If your piercing has become infected, wait until the infection has healed completely and the piercing itself has healed. Wear hypoallergenic jewelry if you have a nickel sensitivity. In some cases, your doctor may diagnose you with a nickel allergy instead of an infection. In this case, start wearing earrings made out of sterling silver, gold, surgical steel, or another nickel-free material. These are less likely to cause a reaction. Allergies may appear as dry, red, or itchy skin around the site of the piercing. Continuing to wear nickel jewelry if you have an allergy can increase your risk of reinfection. | Go to the doctor as soon as you suspect an infection. Leave the piercing in the ear unless otherwise told by your doctor. Apply an antibiotic cream to minor earlobe infections. Take prescription pills for more serious infections. Get an abscess drained if it has formed. Undergo surgery to remove severe cartilage infections. Wash your hands before handling the infected area. Remove pus from around the ear with a cotton swab. Clean the infected area with a saline solution. Apply a warm compress to your ear to help relieve pain. Take an over-the-counter painkiller to manage the pain. Stop touching the ear or piercing unless necessary. Avoid swimming until both the piercing and the infection heal. Wear hypoallergenic jewelry if you have a nickel sensitivity. |
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