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https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Romanian-Deadlift | How to Do a Romanian Deadlift | To do a Romanian deadlift, start by placing the barbell on the floor in front of you, and load it with a weight you think you can manage. It's a good idea to add less weight for your first time until you've perfected your form, so you don't injure yourself. Once you're ready to lift, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees bent slightly. Position your arms at the same width as your legs and grab the bar with an overhand grip. Then, lift the bar up slowly as you flex the muscles in your shoulders, upper back, and abs. Pull the bar up to your shoulders, then return the bar to the front of your thighs. | Have a spotter help you if you are new to lifting. Take precautions as you learn the proper form for the exercise. Lifting heavy weights can be a little intimidating or even risky if you do it wrong. A spotter can check your form and give you feedback to help you avoid injuries as you exercise. Another way to practice is to use a bar without weights. Using the bar gives you an opportunity to refine your form without putting stress on your knees and back. Start with a barbell on the floor or on a weight rack. Load the barbell with the amount of weight you think you can manage. Make sure the weight plates are firmly in place on the bar. You don't need to have a weight rack to do deadlifts, but it can make the process a little easier. If you don't have a rack, you will need to lift the bar up to the starting position. A lot of gyms have tall racks you can rest barbells on. Position the barbell so it is near your thighs. That way, you don't need to bend down to reach it. Get close to the bar so your shoulders hang over it. Point your feet towards the bar and step forward. If the barbell is on the floor, it will be at about shin height. If you are too far away from the bar, you will end up leaning forward to reach it. This can throw your back out of alignment, so get as close as possible before you lift the weight. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your knees slightly bent. Stand as close to the bar as you can get. Maintain this general position throughout the deadlift at all times. Keeping your knees slightly bent prevents them from locking up, which is an important part of avoiding strain on your body. Hold the bar with a double overhand grip. Position your hands right beside your legs. Grasp the barbell with your palms facing downward. The overhand grip is the standard grip used for deadlifts, but you can customize it a little if you feel comfortable doing so. Some lifters prefer an alternate or mixed grip. They place 1 hand underneath the bar while the other hand stays in the overhand grip position. Engage and flex your muscles to maintain a neutral position. The muscles in your shoulders, upper back, and abs must all be engaged while you lift the barbell. This allows you to keep good form as you lift and lower the weight. Keeping your muscles flexed and engaged helps you maintain control. Start with a conventional deadlift. The Romanian deadlift is an exercise that supports the conventional deadlift. It helps you build up to a larger deadlift at the end of the day. To get into the proper position for a Romanian deadlift, you first need to raise the bar to your hips using a conventional deadlift. The conventional deadlift is a compound exercise, which means you're moving both your knees and your hips. The Romanian deadlift is an isolated exercise, which means you are only moving your hips. You may feel tempted to stand up quickly and let your back handle the load. This can strain your back or knees, leading to injuries. Complete the motion slowly and methodically to avoid problems. Stand with your feet inside your hip bones. The conventional deadlift is different than other deadlifts because your feet are narrow and inside your hips bones. Place your hands on the outside of your legs when you hold the bar. Keep the bar as close to your body as possible. Never let it move away from you or else it will throw your spine out of alignment. Stand up tall with your back and neck straight. The barbell should rest at the top of your thighs. You are in the start position for a Romanian deadlift. Hold the bar near the top of your thighs. This is the Romanian deadlift's starting position. You return the bar to this position at the end of each repetition. Make sure the bar is as close to your thighs as you can get it. Keep your shoulders positioned over the bar. Always start with the bar on the ground, lift it up using a conventional deadlift squat before doing a Romanian deadlift. Squat down over the bar. Bend your knees, keeping your arms and back straight, then stand back up while holding the bar. Look straight ahead of you and brace your core. Press your arms against your sides as you prepare to lower the barbell. Always stand tall with your neck and back straight. When you're ready to begin, take a deep breath. Resist the temptation to look down at the bar as you move it. If you wish to check your form while doing the exercise, stand in front of a mirror. You can also have a spotter watch you and give you feedback. Bend at the waist while pushing your hips back. Go slowly to avoid injuring your back. To lower the bar safely, bend forward over the bar. Keep your arms and legs still. Move your hips and butt as far back as they can go. In a Romanian deadlift, you're only moving one joint, your hips Your knees don't move once you start the movement. Avoid bending your back. Shifting your spinal alignment is dangerous. Let your hips control the motion. Lower the bar until you feel the backs of your legs stretch. Keep the bar close to your legs as if you're rolling the bar down them towards your ankles. Drop the bar down until you can't go any further without bending your knees more. For most people, this will be when the bar is right below their knees. Remember that the Romanian deadlift isn't a contest to see who can lower the bar to the floor. Lowering the bar too much takes the pressure off your hamstrings and puts it on your knees and back. To get the greatest results, pay attention to your body so you don't go beyond your range of motion. | Have a spotter help you if you are new to lifting. Start with a barbell on the floor or on a weight rack. Get close to the bar so your shoulders hang over it. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hold the bar with a double overhand grip. Engage and flex your muscles to maintain a neutral position. Start with a conventional deadlift. Stand with your feet inside your hip bones. Stand up tall with your back and neck straight. Hold the bar near the top of your thighs. Look straight ahead of you and brace your core. Bend at the waist while pushing your hips back. Lower the bar until you feel the backs of your legs stretch. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recover-a-Disabled-Facebook-Account | How to Recover a Disabled Facebook Account | To recover a disabled Facebook account, start by visiting the Facebook website and logging in with your account's details, like your email address or telephone number, and password. If you nominated your account for deletion within the past 14 days, click “Cancel deletion” when prompted, which will allow you to begin using your account again as normal. However, if your account has been nominated for deletion for more than 14 days, you'll need to create a new account, since your old one can't be recovered. | Make sure you can still recover the account. If you temporarily deactivated your account, you can recover it whenever you like. If you nominated your account for deletion, however, you have 14 days from the time you nominate it to change your mind and log back in. If your account has been nominated for deletion for more than 14 days, it's gone, and you can't recover it. Try creating a new Facebook account. Open the Facebook website. Go to https://www.facebook.com/. This will open the Facebook home page. Enter your email address or phone number. Do so in the "Email or Phone" text box in the upper-right side of the page. Enter your Facebook password. Type the password you use to log into Facebook into the "Password" text box to the right of where you typed in your email address (or phone number). Click Log In. It's in the upper-right side of the page. Doing so will take you to your account if it's still accessible. Click Cancel Deletion if prompted. If your account was nominated for deletion, click the Cancel Deletion button to proceed to your Facebook account. You can now resume using your Facebook account the way you did before disabling it. Make sure your Facebook has been disabled. Go to the Facebook website at https://www.facebook.com/ , enter your email address and password, and click Log In. If you see a message that says "Account disabled", your account is being blocked by Facebook, which means you can send in an appeal. If you're able to access your account normally, your account isn't disabled. Open the "My Facebook account has been disabled" page. Go to https://www.facebook.com/help/www/103873106370583/. Do this on a computer. Click submit an appeal. This link is just right of the "If you think your account was disabled by mistake, please" text that's near the bottom of the section. The appeal form will open. If this form opens a page that tells you to log out, close your browser and then re-open it. You may also need to clear your browser's cookies before you can continue. Enter your email address or phone number. Type the email address or phone number that you use to log into Facebook into the "Login email address or mobile phone number" field near the top of the page. This needs to be an email address or phone number to which you currently have access. Enter your name. Type the name you use on your Facebook account into the "Your full name" field. This may be different than your legal name. Upload a picture of your ID. This can be a driver's license, a learner's permit, or a passport. To do so: Take a picture of your ID's front and back and move it to your computer. Click Choose Files Select the pictures to upload. Click Open Add details for your appeal. In the "Additional info" field near the bottom of the page, enter any extra information that you think Facebook should know. Some things to include are: If your legal name is different than your Facebook name. If you suspect that your account was hacked by someone. If you have visual evidence that someone other than you is responsible for abusive or abrasive actions on your Facebook account. If you have been harassed by someone whom you suspect is behind your account's behavior that led to it being disabled. Click Send. It's in the bottom-right side of the form. Your appeal will be sent to Facebook. If they decide to revoke the deactivation, they will send you a message letting you know that your account is now available to access. | Make sure you can still recover the account. Open the Facebook website. Enter your email address or phone number. Enter your Facebook password. Click Log In. Click Cancel Deletion if prompted. Make sure your Facebook has been disabled. Open the "My Facebook account has been disabled" page. Click submit an appeal. Enter your email address or phone number. Enter your name. Upload a picture of your ID. Add details for your appeal. Click Send. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Bulb-Syringe | How to Use a Bulb Syringe | Before using a bulb syringe, wash your hands and the bulb syringe thoroughly with soap and warm water, to prevent infection. Then, if you want to use the bulb syringe to clear an infant's nose, lay the infant on their back and drip saline solution into both nostrils. Next, press the bulb end in with your thumb and fingers, to squeeze out the air. With the bulb end still pressed down, place the syringe into the infant's nostril and slowly release your thumb, to draw up mucus. Finally, remove the syringe, clean off any mucus, and repeat for the other nostril. | Gather your materials. Suctioning the mucus out of your infant's nose will make it easier for him to breathe and to eat. The best time to suction your infant's nose is before feeding him, as this will help him suck and eat. To suction your child's nose using a bulb syringe, you will need: Saline or prescription respiratory nose drops. Ask your pediatrician for a prescription. A clean bulb syringe Soft tissues A blanket (optional) Wash your hands thoroughly before and after suctioning. Your hands have bacteria on them and you don't want to introduce this into your child's nose and mouth. To wash your hands properly: Wet your hands with warm water. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap. Wash the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails. Scrub your hands for 20 seconds. If you need a timer, hum the tune of "Happy Birthday" two times. Rinse your hands under clean, running water. Dry your hands with a paper towel. Lay the infant on her back. The child's face should be facing the ceiling. You can have someone hold the infant in position gently. If you don't have assistance, swaddle the infant tightly in a blanket. Swaddling the infant with her arms at her sides will help to keep her still. Drop three to four drops of saline solution into one of the infant's nostrils. Keep in mind he might not like this and may squirm. Try and hold the infant still for about 10 seconds, with assistance or a swaddle. The saline will help to loosen any mucus clogging his nasal passages. You can make your own saline solution at home, but this is not recommended, especially not for an infant. If you don't get the proportions just right, the saline can be very drying. In addition, you have to make sure you have distilled, sanitized water to mix the solution. Instead, choose one of the many commercially available saline solutions made specifically for infants. These are inexpensive and are made especially for this purpose. Squeeze all of the air out of the bulb syringe. Use your thumb and first two fingers to apply pressure to the bulb syringe. Place the tip of the bulb syringe into your child’s nostril. Let it gently sit in your child's nostril. Slowly release your thumb, letting the air come back into the bulb syringe. The suction will pull the mucus out of your child's nose and into the bulb. You may need to suction each nostril several times to remove all of the mucus. The mucus may be very thick, especially if your infant has a cold. If the mucus is too thick to go into the bulb syringe, thin it with a few drops of saline solution and then try to suction it again, gently. Remove the bulb from your infant’s nose. Squeeze the mucus out of the bulb onto a paper towel or a tissue. Your child may have some mucus around the outside of her nostril. Be sure to wipe this away gently to prevent skin irritation. Repeat the process with the other nostril. Take care to suction carefully to remove most of the mucus in your infant's nose. Clean the bulb syringe after use. Wash the bulb syringe with warm soapy water after each use. Make sure you rinse the syringe thoroughly to prevent soap buildup in the syringe. Squeeze the bulb several times in the soapy water to clean out the mucus. Shake the inside of the bulb before squeezing it out. Allow it to dry overnight before using it again or storing it. Don't overdo it. Limit suctioning your infant's nose to four times a day to prevent irritating the lining of your infant's nose. Understand the purpose of an enema. Infant constipation is a very common problem and if other methods fail an enema may be necessary to help them. Your infant likely has constipation if she has hard stools or difficulty pooping. Talk to your pediatrician before you give your infant an enema using a bulb syringe. Sometimes enemas can cause irritation or fissures of your child's anus, resulting in pain and stool holding. Breast feeding is less likely to cause constipation and digestive issues than formula feeding. A small amount of magnesium in a bottle can help a baby have a bowel movement. You can also try gentle tummy rubs on your infant before trying an enema. Gather your materials. To give your child an enema, you will need to have the following supplies: A clean bulb syringe Olive oil A diaper Warm water Wash your hands thoroughly before and after performing an enema on your child. You will want your hands to be clean before doing this procedure. This process can be messy once your child has a bowel movement, so you will need to wash your hands again afterwards. Make sure you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap. Lather up your hands, including between your fingers, under your nails, and the backs of your hands. Rinse your hands well and dry them with a clean paper towel. Fill the bulb syringe with one to three tablespoons of warm water. To fill the syringe, squeeze the air out of it first, then place the tip of the syringe in a bowl containing the water. Release your thumb slowly and the syringe will fill up. Make sure the water isn't too hot. It should feel lukewarm to slightly warm to touch. You should use no more than three tablespoons of water at a time. Lubricate the end of the bulb syringe with olive oil. This will make it more comfortable for your infant during the enema. Take a teaspoon of olive oil and rub it on your finger. Coat the end of the syringe with a thin layer of oil. Insert the tip of the syringe into your child's rectum. Only insert it about a half inch. Avoid squeezing the syringe or you will lose the water inside too early. This process can be unpleasant, so you may want to ask someone to help you distract your infant so he does not pay attention to his discomfort. Gently squeeze the syringe. The water will enter your child's bowel and help to loosen stool. Your infant should have a bowel movement within a couple of minutes of the enema.. Wait a few minutes for your child to have a bowel movement. To make this process less messy, you can put a diaper on her. Repeat this process, if necessary. Wash the syringe after use. Clean it with hot soapy water and let it dry overnight. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly to avoid soap buildup. Squeeze the syringe several times in soapy water to clean it. Never use an enema bulb syringe for another purpose besides enemas. Gather your materials. If you have a buildup of wax in your ears, it may be time to flush it out using a bulb syringe and a wax softening solution. Most cases of ear wax buildup can be treated at home. Before you attempt to remove ear wax, get your supplies together: A clean bulb syringe Wax softening solution. You can get this over-the-counter at your local pharmacy or use a natural remedy like baby oil, mineral oil, glycerin or hydrogen peroxide. A clean towel Put several drops of wax softening solution into your ear canal. This will help to loosen the earwax before you try to remove it. Tilt your head to one side. Drop five to 10 drops of the solution, or your chosen home remedy, into your ear canal. Leave the drops in for several minutes. Keep your head tilted or put a cotton ball in your ear canal to prevent the drops from leaking. You can wait one to two days for the wax to soften up before you use the bulb syringe. Fill a bulb syringe with warm water. Do this by squeezing the air out of it first. Then, place the tip of the syringe in a bowl of warm water. Slowly release your grip on the syringe. This will suction the warm water up into the syringe. Don't do this too quickly or you may end up with many air bubbles in the syringe. Place the tip of the syringe at the entrance of your ear canal. Tilt your head over a clean towel and pull your outer ear up and back. This will straighten your ear canal. Gently squeeze the water out of the syringe and into your ear canal. Tip your head to the side to let the water drain. Once you have squeezed water in your ear, allow the water to drain out, as well as any dislodged wax. When the water has drained completely, dry your outer ear with a towel. You can repeat this process several times to flush out the wax. Seek medical attention if the ear wax does not dislodge after several treatments. In some cases, the softening agents may only loosen the outer layer of wax and cause it to lodge deeper in your ear canal or against your eardrum. If no wax dislodges or you develop an ear ache, seek medical care for your ear. The doctor may repeat the irrigation attempts with the bulb syringe, suction your ear canal, or use a microscope to get a better look at the inside of your ear. | Gather your materials. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after suctioning. Lay the infant on her back. Drop three to four drops of saline solution into one of the infant's nostrils. Squeeze all of the air out of the bulb syringe. Place the tip of the bulb syringe into your child’s nostril. Remove the bulb from your infant’s nose. Repeat the process with the other nostril. Clean the bulb syringe after use. Don't overdo it. Understand the purpose of an enema. Gather your materials. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after performing an enema on your child. Fill the bulb syringe with one to three tablespoons of warm water. Lubricate the end of the bulb syringe with olive oil. Insert the tip of the syringe into your child's rectum. Gently squeeze the syringe. Wash the syringe after use. Gather your materials. Put several drops of wax softening solution into your ear canal. Fill a bulb syringe with warm water. Place the tip of the syringe at the entrance of your ear canal. Tip your head to the side to let the water drain. Seek medical attention if the ear wax does not dislodge after several treatments. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Bottle-Rocket | How to Build a Bottle Rocket | To build a bottle rocket, start by rolling a piece of paper into a cone and covering the outside of it with duct tape. Then, attach the cone to the bottom of an empty plastic bottle and cut out 4 cardboard triangles to make your rocket's fins. Attach the cardboard to the bottle and then fill up the bottle with water. Once you've done that, poke a hole in a cork and plug the opening of the bottle with it. Finally, attach a bicycle pump valve to the cork. | Roll a piece of paper into a cone or use a plastic cone that is easily available in the market. This will be the nose cone of the rocket. Feel free to use colored or patterned paper to design the rocket. Colored construction paper is both durable and nice-looking! Wrap the nose cone with duct tape. This will have it stronger and more water-resistant. If you want to add a bit of color to your rocket, you can use colored duct tape to wrap the nose cone. You can also paint the plastic bottle if you'd like to decorate it further. Feel free to also add a design or logo to the plastic bottle (or body of) the rocket. Attach the nose cone to the bottom of the bottle. You can glue it or use duct tape and, if you have it, wire tape. Try to put it on as straight as you can onto the bottle and make sure it is secure. Take thin cardboard and cut out 3-4 triangles. Since these will be the fins of your rocket, try to cut them at right angles so they can help the rocket stand straight. Use cardboard, construction paper, or normal paper as material for the fins. Signboards, such as the ones that say “For Rent” or “For Sale” are also very good fin material. Place the fins on the lower part of the rocket. Bend “tabs” into the sides of the fins so that they can attach to the rocket body more easily. Then, tape or glue them on. If you line up the bottoms of the fins with the bottom of the rocket, it should be able to stand on its own. Add ballast to give the rocket weight. Ballast can be any material that provides weight for the rocket and ensures the rocket can coast once it is launched. The mass should be *above* the fins. The farther the better. Use Play-Doh or clay as ballast as it is soft, malleable, and unlike pebbles or marbles, won't fall out or scatter when the rocket launches. Mold about half a cup of Play-Doh or clay into the ridges on the bottom of the bottle to form a rounded end on the outside of the bottle. Cover it with duct tape to keep it secure. Fill up the bottle with water. Pour 1 liter (0.26 US gal) of water into the bottle. Make a very small hole through a cork. Make sure the hole is the same size as the valve of your bicycle pump valve. Stuff the cork into the bottle opening. You can also wedge it in with pliers for a tighter squeeze. Place the needle-like valve of a bicycle pump into the opening of the cork. Make sure it fits into the cork tightly. Turn the rocket right-side up. Hold it by the neck of the bottle onto the bicycle pump valve, and aim it away from your face. Launch the bottle rocket. Make sure you are in an open, outdoor area. The rocket will shoot up quite fast and high so remove any obstructions and warn anyone around you before you launch it. To launch the rocket: Hold the rocket by the neck of the bottle and pump air into it. The rocket will go off when the cork can no longer withstand the pressure building up in the bottle. Let go of the bottle. The water will shoot out everywhere when the bottle rocket takes off, so be prepared to get a bit wet. Do not approach the rocket once you start pumping, even if it appears that nothing is happening with the launch, as this can lead to injury. Cut off the cap end of one of the bottles. Use scissors or a box cutter. You want a nice, clean-cut so the bottles can be taped together cleanly and straight. Cutting off the cap end of the bottle will make the rocket more aerodynamic and durable. A rounded end is also softer so it will do less damage to any objects if the rocket hits something when it lands. Keep the other bottle intact. It will act as the firing chamber that will hold the water and pressurized air. It will also be attached to the launcher or another bottle. Add any decorative paint or designs to the bottles. Feel free to personalize the two bottle rocket with any logos or patterns. Be creative! Put ballast into the cut bottle. You can use Play-Doh, similar to the procedure for the one bottle rocket, or kitty litter. Kitty litter is cheap, heavy, and when wet, will stay in place well. To put in the kitty litter, tip the cut bottle and pour in about ½ inch of kitty litter. Then, add enough water to wet the kitty litter completely. Add another ¼ inch of kitty litter and soak it again. Avoid dumping in too much kitty litter as this can create a dry layer of kitty litter than could get loose and scatter when the rocket is launched. Too much kitty litter, or weight, in the rocket, can also cause the rocket to hit hard when it comes down. Dry the inside walls of the bottle and use duct tape to help hold the kitty litter in place. Tape together the two bottles. Line them up so that the cut bottle is on the bottom of the intact bottle. Press the bottles together, so that the edge of the bottom, cut bottle goes over the intact bottle and tape them together with duct tape. Take thin cardboard and cut out 3-4 triangles. These will be the fins of your rocket, so try to cut them at perfect right angles. This way, they will hold the two bottle rocket straight and make sure it coasts smoothly. Place the fins on the lower part of the cut bottle. Bend “tabs” into the sides of the fins so that they can attach to the rocket body more easily. Then, tape or glue them on. Make a very small hole in a cork. Ensure the hole is the same size as the valve of your bicycle pump valve. Stuff the cork into the opening of the intact bottle. You can also wedge it in with pliers for a tighter fit. Place the needle-like valve of a bicycle pump into the opening of the cork. Make sure it fits into the cork tightly. Turn the rocket right-side up. Hold it by the neck of the bottle and place it onto the bicycle pump valve. Launch the bottle rocket. Make sure you are in an open, outdoor area. The rocket will shoot up quite fast and high so remove any obstructions and warn anyone around you before you launch it. To launch the rocket: Pump air into the bottle. The rocket will go off when the cork can no longer withstand the pressure building up in the bottle. This is usually at around 80 psi. Release the bottle. The water will shoot out everywhere when the bottle rocket takes off, so be prepared to get a bit wet. Be cautious once you start pumping and do not approach the rocket, even if it appears that nothing is happening with the launch, as this can lead to injury. | Roll a piece of paper into a cone or use a plastic cone that is easily available in the market. Wrap the nose cone with duct tape. Attach the nose cone to the bottom of the bottle. Take thin cardboard and cut out 3-4 triangles. Add ballast to give the rocket weight. Fill up the bottle with water. Make a very small hole through a cork. Stuff the cork into the bottle opening. Place the needle-like valve of a bicycle pump into the opening of the cork. Turn the rocket right-side up. Launch the bottle rocket. Cut off the cap end of one of the bottles. Keep the other bottle intact. Add any decorative paint or designs to the bottles. Put ballast into the cut bottle. Tape together the two bottles. Take thin cardboard and cut out 3-4 triangles. Make a very small hole in a cork. Stuff the cork into the opening of the intact bottle. Place the needle-like valve of a bicycle pump into the opening of the cork. Turn the rocket right-side up. Launch the bottle rocket. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Personal-Data-Sheet | How to Make a Personal Data Sheet | While a job resume is targeted toward a specific position, a personal datasheet provides complete, accurate, and clear information about you and your life experiences, so it can be used to introduce you to any type of audience. To make a personal data sheet, compile as much information about yourself as you feel comfortable giving. As you begin to gather information, think about why you're making a data sheet since this might determine what you want to include on your sheet. Begin with your name and contact information. Also include an emergency contact, your driver's license number, or your social security number. Once you have your basic identification material covered, gather things like the names and addresses of references, relevant medical data, and details regarding your past jobs and educational experiences. You can also include any special skills you may have, like languages you speak, certifications you hold, or awards you've won. If you volunteer, are a member of a known organization, or have any publications, note these things as well. | Determine why you are compiling a personal data sheet. Are you sight-impaired and intending to provide useful information for a scribe? Are you compiling a medical history for yourself or your child? Do you plan to use your personal data sheet as a foundation for job applications? Understanding the purpose of your personal data sheet will help you determine what information you need to include. Gather relevant resources. Gathering name and address information for references, any relevant medical data, and details regarding your past jobs and educational experience will help expedite the writing process once you begin. Understand how a personal data sheet differs from a resume. Job resumes are targeted toward a specific position opening. While you may use the same basic format for each job to which you apply, you'll adapt the objective, and possibly some of the supporting information, to the specific characteristics of each position. A personal data sheet, on the other hand, is a compendium of information about you. This document is not generated to "sell" your qualifications to a specific audience, but rather to provide complete, accurate, and clearly presented information about you and your life experiences. Note that while you may target your information to a broad type of audience -- medical professionals, potential volunteer opportunities, etc. -- the same personal data sheet should serve to introduce you to any audience of the targeted type. If you opt to include your personal data sheet with a job application you should always provide a resume, as well. Begin with your name and contact information. Any personal data sheet should contain your full name at the top of the first page. If your personal data sheet is more than one page in length, include your last name in the header on subsequent pages. Add your current or local address, as well as a permanent address if it is different. Include all of your phone numbers, including home, work, and cell. Provide an email address, as well. Provide emergency contact information. List the name, address, and phone numbers of at least one person who should be reached in case of an emergency. Be sure to keep this information accurate and updated at all times. This information may also be used if you cannot be reached for some reason. Support your identity with a driver's license number or social security number. People are often hesitant to give out sensitive and private information such as a social security number. However, the purpose of a personal data sheet is to gather all of your information into one place, and this information is commonly requested on job applications and other forms. Include the state in which your license is registered. If you do not have a driver's license, contact your local department of motor vehicles about obtaining a personal identification card. This card is an official form of identification just like a license, but does not grant driving privileges. List your education and experience. Include complete information about your schooling and where you currently work or have worked in the past. List the names of past work supervisors. If you are still in school or recently graduated, put your education first. If you have been out of school for a while and you have a lot of work experience, list that information ahead of your educational credentials. List your most recent job first, then work backward through time. The same principle applies to listing your education -- start with the highest level of education you have completed and work backward. When in doubt, err on the side of extra information. Not all job applications, for example, may require a complete work history, but if you go ahead and provide one you'll be prepared for whatever you encounter if you or a scribe is making use of your personal data sheet to fill out forms. Share information about your special skills. Include any languages you speak, licenses or certifications you hold, or awards you may have won. You can also include memberships, publications, or community activities and volunteer work. Provide references. Include at least three references from various jobs and schools. List the reference's name, contact information, position title, and the number of years you have known the person. (Always ask potential references if they are willing to serve in this capacity before you list them on your personal data sheet!) Include data specific to the type of personal data sheet you're writing. If you plan to use this sheet for medical purposes, for example, provide information regarding your medical history -- immunizations, past procedures, and a list of current medications. Proofread carefully. One of a personal data sheet's chief advantages is that it provides a compendium of useful, accurate information that you or a scribe can employ to fill out other forms. Ensure names are correctly spelled and all details are correct. Carry copies of your personal data sheet. Having copies on hand will enable you to make use of your document on the spur of the moment. Use your personal data sheet as a foundation for completing job applications and other forms. If you are sight-impaired, being able to present your personal data sheet whenever it's needed will cut down on the confusion of making sure names are spelled correctly and important data is not transposed. Share a copy with your emergency contact(s). If their services are needed, chances are your emergency contact(s) will need access to the information provided on your personal data sheet. Save time and worry in an emergency by ensuring they are prepared in advance. Keep your information up to date. Review your personal data sheet each time you make use of it to ensure that all information is accurate. Remember that your references may have moved, changed positions, or otherwise altered their contact information, so keeping your sheet up to date may require some regular research work. | Determine why you are compiling a personal data sheet. Gather relevant resources. Understand how a personal data sheet differs from a resume. Begin with your name and contact information. Provide emergency contact information. Support your identity with a driver's license number or social security number. List your education and experience. Share information about your special skills. Provide references. Include data specific to the type of personal data sheet you're writing. Proofread carefully. Carry copies of your personal data sheet. Share a copy with your emergency contact(s). Keep your information up to date. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Espresso-(Espresso-Machine-Coffee) | How to Make an Espresso (Espresso Machine Coffee) | To make an espresso with an espresso machine, start by grinding enough espresso beans to get 7 grams of espresso. Then, turn on your espresso machine and fill the tank with water. While the machine is heating up, remove the portafilter, add the espresso to it, and use a tamp to pack it down. Next, insert the portafilter into the brew head and start pulling the espresso shot. Finally, once the machine has brewed a single shot, which should take about 20 seconds, turn it off. | Select the roast. Espresso refers to the method of preparation and the grind of the beans, not the roast level. Choose any roast level you prefer for your espresso. Roast levels can vary by region, so try several to find a level that you enjoy the most. Keep in mind that you might prefer different roasts for different purposes. For example, if you're drinking the espresso straight, you might want a single-origin bean that's not roasted very dark. Or if you'll be making the espresso into a latte or cappuccino, you might want a darker roast that will stand up to the milk. Buy your beans. If you're buying your beans from a coffee shop, ask when they were roasted. While you want fresh beans, you don't want beans that were roasted within the last day or two, since they'll still be releasing carbon dioxide. Purchase and use beans that were roasted 5 to 12 days earlier. If you're buying your beans from a store, check the label on the bag to find the roast date. Grind the espresso. If you have a high-quality burr grinder, use it to grind enough beans for one espresso shot. The burrs will do a better job of grinding the beans than a cheap metal blade. Grind the espresso on one of the finest settings, so the beans are as fine as granulated sugar. Grind enough beans to get about 7 grams of espresso. You'll use this to pull one 1-ounce (30 ml) shot. Or you could use 14 grams to make a double shot. If the beans are ground too coarsely, the water will run through them too quickly, so the flavor won't develop. If they're too fine, the shot will pull for too long which could make the espresso bitter. If you don't have a grinder, you can ask your local coffee shop to grind the beans on their espresso setting. Store any unused espresso. Although you should only grind enough espresso to use right away, if you have extra espresso, you can store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Try to use the leftover espresso as soon as you can, since the espresso will lose its flavor the longer it's stored. Avoid storing the espresso or beans in a refrigerator or freezer. These spaces can introduce moisture which will damage your beans. Heat the espresso machine. Turn on the machine about 15 to 30 minutes before you plan to use it and pull a blank shot, so the machine has a chance to heat up. If your machine isn't connected to a water source, pour water into the tank and ensure that the portafilter is in the machine. Turn the machine on to pull a blank shot of water through the brew head and into an espresso cup or shot glass. While all machines are different, you'll just need to practice to learn the specifics of using your machine. Read your espresso machine's manual to learn how it should be used. The hot water will also warm up the espresso cup or shot. Dump the water out right before you're ready to pull the actual espresso shot into it. Fill the machine's tank with water. If your machine isn't connected to a water source, you'll need to fill it with clean, filtered water. The machine should heat the water between 197 and 204 degrees F (92 and 96 C). Properly heated water is important to extract all of the flavor compounds of the espresso. Avoid using tap water because it contains minerals that can clog your espresso machine over time. If you use tap water, you'll need to descale your machine frequently. Remove the portafilter and put it on a scale. Take the portafilter out of the machine and use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the inside dry. Be careful, since the portafilter should be hot from being in the machine. If you're new to dosing, set the portafilter on a digital scale and tare it, so it registers zero. If you've practiced dosing and just know how much espresso to use, you can skip weighing out the espresso. Keep in mind that it's a good idea to occasionally check your dosing for accuracy. Dose the espresso. Place about 7 grams of ground espresso beans into the dry portafilter if you're making a single one-ounce (30 ml) shot. For a double shot, place 14 to 18 grams of ground espresso beans in the portafilter. Check the digital scale to ensure you're dosing an accurate amount. Tamp the espresso in the portafilter. Use a tamp to pack the espresso grounds into the portafilter. This will ensure that the water passes through the espresso evenly. To tamp, grip the handle of the tamp and turn your arm so your elbow is at a 90-degree angle. Set the portafilter on a level surface and push down evenly, so you're putting about 30 pounds of pressure on the coffee. Don't set the clean portafilter on a counter that's got coffee grounds on it. You don't need to knock the outside of the portafilter after you've tamped the espresso. This will create small cracks in the packed espresso puck and can prevent good flavor from developing. Insert the portafilter into the brew head. Turn the brew head on your machine on for a few seconds. This will rinse away any grounds from a previous brew, so they won't get your puck of espresso dirty or wet. As soon as the portafilter is packed and tamped, insert it into the brew head. Avoid filling the portafilter and letting it sit with packed espresso. The portafilter should still be hot from being in the machine, so letting espresso sit in it could burn it a little or give a bitter taste. Start pulling the espresso shot. Immediately turn your machine on to start the shot and place your warmed espresso cup or shot glass underneath it. You should also start a timer. You'll notice that it takes several seconds before the espresso begins to drip into the cup. It should look creamy and thick as it starts to come out. This is the crema. Don't put the filled portafilter into the brew head and wait to extract the espresso. The espresso grounds will begin to heat up as soon as they come into contact with the brew head. Stop the shot. If you're extracting a single shot, you'll probably want to stop the shot once it's brewed for around 20 seconds. If you're extracting a double shot, you'll want to let it go for 20 to 30 seconds. Turn off the machine once you've got the desired volume and the shot begins to turn blonde. Most single shots will be about 1 ounce (30 ml) and double shots are usually 2 to 2.5 ounces (60 to 75 ml). Serve the espresso and clean the machine. Set the espresso on a small plate and serve it right away. You'll also need to remove the portafilter and dump out the puck of moist espresso grounds. Rinse the portafilter out and wipe it dry. Purge (clean) the brew head by running water through it for a few seconds and then return the portafilter to the brew head. Consider serving the espresso with chocolate covered espresso beans or a small cookie. You could also use it in a latte, cappuccino, or flavored coffee beverage. | Select the roast. Buy your beans. Grind the espresso. Store any unused espresso. Heat the espresso machine. Fill the machine's tank with water. Remove the portafilter and put it on a scale. Dose the espresso. Tamp the espresso in the portafilter. Insert the portafilter into the brew head. Start pulling the espresso shot. Stop the shot. Serve the espresso and clean the machine. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Blacken-Fish | How to Blacken Fish | To blacken fish, start by seasoning it with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and oregano. Then, heat some olive oil in a stainless-steel pan over medium heat. Next, add the fish and cook it for 5-6 minutes over medium-high heat, flipping it over halfway through. For the last 2-3 minutes, reduce the heat to medium-low. Once the edges of the fish have blackened and it has a smoky color, take it off the heat and serve. | Cut the meat into fillets that are 4 by 6 in (10 by 15 cm). To properly blacken fish, the fillets need to be thin enough to cook quickly without burning. Cut your meat so that the fillets are no larger than 4 by 6 in (10 by 15 cm). They should not be thicker than ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm). For thicker cuts of fish, slice it laterally to make 2 thinner slices. Keep your fish refrigerated until you are ready to cook it. Mix all of the spices in a small bowl. Cajun spices produce the best flavor when blackening fish. You can always add or take out any spice you want. For a zesty, spicy flavor, make sure to use cayenne pepper, black and white pepper, paprika, dry mustard, cumin, thyme, and salt. Adjust the amounts to fit your preference. Don't use fresh herbs, as they will burn too quickly. Place the spices in an airtight container if you are not using them within an hour. Turn the grill on high and heat a cast iron skillet on the grill. Whether you are using a gas grill or a charcoal grill , you must make sure your pan is hot before adding the fish. Placing a cast iron skillet directly on the rack of the grill works best. After your grill is heated, it should only take around 5 minutes for the skillet to become hot. Only use skillets that can withstand high temperatures and direct heat. You can also heat a cast iron skillet on the stove on high heat for 10 minutes. However, cooking blackened fish in a cast iron skillet is not recommended indoors due to the amount of smoke the blackening method produces. Melt 3⁄4 c (180 mL) of butter and lather your piece of fish. The easiest way to melt your butter is to put it in the microwave for 10-second increments until it is completely melted. Use a bristled brush to lather your fish with butter, or dunk it in a bowl with butter. Make sure you fully saturate each piece of fish. Sprinkle both sides of the meat with blackening spices. After your fish is covered in butter, rub your spices around the exterior of the fish. You can add as much or as little spice as you want. Spices should be added immediately before you cook your fish. Put the fish directly in the hot pan after seasoning. Put a piece of fish on the skillet and spoon 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of butter on it. Place a piece of fish in the middle of the hot cast iron skillet and immediately spoon the melted butter on top. Use caution as the butter hitting the hot pan can make it flare up or smoke. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Cook the first side of the fish for 2-3 minutes and then flip the piece of fish. Spoon another 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of butter on the other side and allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The fish is done when it has a blackened color to its surface. The meat should also separate easily with a fork. If you are unsure if your fish is done, check the temperature with a meat thermometer and make sure it has reached at least 145 °F (63 °C). Serve your fish immediately. Blackened fish makes a great meal all on its own, or atop a salad. The fish should be served immediately. Store any leftover fish in the refrigerator, in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store any leftovers as soon as possible. If they are left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, throw them away. If you cannot get to your leftovers in 2-3 days, freeze them in a container or airtight bag for up to a month. You can try adding different dressings to enhance the Cajun style seasonings, like a strawberry kiwi salsa. Mix all of the spices in a small bowl. The spices vary slightly from the grilling method. You should still use paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, and add garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil. You can always add or remove spices to fit your preference. Cajun spices work best for blackened recipes. You should still avoid using fresh spices and herbs and store the spices in an airtight container if they will not be used for more than an hour. Heat a skillet with 1⁄2 tsp (2.5 mL) of olive oil on medium heat. Place your olive oil in a skillet and heat the oil before adding your fish. Disperse the oil so that it covers the entire pan evenly. Do not allow your oil to become too hot or smoke, as this can cause the oil to flare when you add the fish. Using olive oil for blackening fish on the stove will help create the charred texture. Sprinkle the fish with salt and ½ to 1 tsp (1 to 2 grams) of seasoning. Cover both sides of the fish with seasoning. You can add a splash of olive oil to the exterior of the fish before adding your spices to help the seasonings stick. After adding the spices, place your fish directly in the hot skillet. Place the fish in the skillet for 5-6 minutes. Blackening fish in a skillet takes a little longer than grilling because of the reduced temperature of the stove. Keep your stove on medium-high and flip the fish fillets halfway through. Reduce the heat to medium-low for the last 2-3 minutes. Serve your fish immediately and store leftovers in the fridge. Your meat will be done when the edges have blackened, and the fillet has a smoky color. The meat should be easy to pull apart with a fork. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can also freeze any leftovers in an airtight container or bag for up to a month. Use a meat thermometer to make sure that the inside of the fish has reached at least 145 °F (63 °C) if you are unsure if it is done. | Cut the meat into fillets that are 4 by 6 in (10 by 15 cm). Mix all of the spices in a small bowl. Turn the grill on high and heat a cast iron skillet on the grill. Melt 3⁄4 c (180 mL) of butter and lather your piece of fish. Sprinkle both sides of the meat with blackening spices. Put a piece of fish on the skillet and spoon 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of butter on it. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Serve your fish immediately. Mix all of the spices in a small bowl. Heat a skillet with 1⁄2 tsp (2.5 mL) of olive oil on medium heat. Sprinkle the fish with salt and ½ to 1 tsp (1 to 2 grams) of seasoning. Place the fish in the skillet for 5-6 minutes. Serve your fish immediately and store leftovers in the fridge. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-FBI-Agent | How to Become an FBI Agent | To become an FBI agent, you'll need to be an American citizen between the ages of 23 and 37 when you apply. You should also focus on doing well in school since you'll need to earn a 4-year degree from a college or university before you can apply. To make yourself a more competitive candidate, study a critical foreign language too, such as Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, or Hebrew. In addition to your academic work, work on your physical fitness too since you'll need to pass a fitness test that includes sit-ups, pushups, and running. | Earn a 4-year degree from an accredited institution. In order to be eligible to become an FBI agent, you have to complete a 4-year degree from a college or university first. Your degree can be in any subject, although the institution has to be accredited by an institutional association recognized by the U.S. government. While the FBI accepts applicants with degrees in a variety of subjects, as of September 2018, the agency is especially interested in applicants who've earned degrees in either finance, computer science, engineering, or international studies. All potential FBI agents must qualify for 1 of 5 Special Agent Entry Programs: Language, Law, Accounting, Computer Science, or Diversified (for those lacking the specialized skills of the other entry programs). If you'd like to qualify for any of the first 4 programs, you'll need to pursue a degree in a relevant field (e.g., computer science). Complete 3 years of professional work experience in your field. All FBI applicants need to have worked in a job in their field for at least 3 years prior to beginning the application process. The more relevant experience you can acquire, the stronger your application will be. For example, if you want to qualify for the Law Entry Program, you should have at least 3 years of experience in a legal profession (e.g., a law clerk). Study a foreign language to make yourself a more competitive applicant. Foreign language fluency or competence is not one of the FBI's entry requirements. However, it is an important skill that the agency considers very valuable. To make yourself the most competitive, study a critical foreign language and gain at least a working knowledge of it. The top languages sought by the FBI include Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Hebrew. Spanish is also considered a critical foreign language. However, you'll need to achieve a high level of fluency in the language, or the equivalent of 3 years of formal education. Acquire an official United States driver’s license. All FBI applicants need to possess an American driver's license. The license also needs to be valid in the U.S. and can't be expired. You can obtain a driver's license by submitting an application to the DMV, passing a written test on rules of the road, and completing a driving test. Confirm that your age and citizenship status meet the FBI’s entry requirements. Candidates to the FBI have to be between the ages of 23 and 37. They also need to be American citizens or citizens of the Northern Mariana Islands. Veterans who apply to become an FBI agent may be granted a waiver if they're older than 37. All other applicants must be younger than 37. Submit an online application form. The application will ask you to provide details about your residential history, education, and work experience. Be as detailed as possible and make sure that all of your information is accurate. Provide all of the addresses of your previous residences, places of employment, and schools you've attended. If you've completed any relevant internships, include information about them as well. If you've worked for multiple different employers, give reasons for why each of your previous jobs ended. The application form can be accessed at the FBIJobs website: https://www.fbijobs.gov/working-at-FBI/how-to-apply. Pass the basic knowledge exams in Phase 1. If you're selected for further testing based on your online application, you will be contacted by a local FBI agent who will guide you in scheduling and completing Phase 1 Testing. This phase consists of written exams that cover basic information in subjects like mathematics, reading comprehension, and writing, as well as assess your skills in logical reasoning and situational judgment. For example, you may be asked questions to see how well you catch details, evaluate situations, and make judgment calls about responding to situations and dealing with the public. Phase 1 Testing is carried out at an FBI facility. Make sure you arrive at the facility on-time and well-rested on the day of your exams. Note that, based on which Entry Program you intend to go through, you may be required to complete additional testing in a relevant field, such as computer science or law. Complete the written exam and oral interview in Phase 2 Testing. If you pass Phase 1, you'll move on to Phase 2, which includes a written exam and an in-person interview with a panel of FBI Special Agents. The written exam tests writing skills, while the interview will assess your communication skills and response clarity. For the written exam, you'll be given 90 minutes to analyze data and information given to you on the spot and to prepare a comprehensive report based on that data. For the interview, the panel will you ask you 13 questions designed to assess your decisiveness, integrity, adaptability, attitude, and cognitive skills. Be open and honest with the agents interviewing you. While you should certainly sell yourself as an applicant, you'll only weaken your application if you lie. Dress well for the interview; you'd be surprised how much this can impact your confidence going into the interview. Wait to receive a Conditional Letter of Appointment. After you've finished Phase 2 Testing, your next step is to wait to see if you've been selected to move forward in the hiring process. If you have been, you'll receive a Conditional Letter of Appointment in the mail. If the FBI sends you a Conditional Letter of Appointment, you will most likely receive it within 90 days of completing Phase 2. The letter will contain all of the relevant information about the next steps in the process of being hired as an FBI agent. Note that even if you pass Phase 2 Testing, you may not receive a Conditional Letter of Appointment. This is because the FBI only grants these letters based on the critical skills that the agency needs at any given time. If you did not pass Phase 2, the FBI will notify and alert you that you might be eligible to for a one-time retest. Meet the FBI’s physical requirements by passing the fitness test. There are a set of physical standards that all FBI applicants who receive a Conditional Letter of Appointment must be able to meet. These are different for male and female applicants. Male applicants must be able to perform 45-47 sit-ups in a minute, 44-49 pushups in a row, complete a 300-meter sprint in 46.1-49.9 seconds, and complete a 1.5-mile run in 10:35-11:09 minutes. Female applicants must be able to perform 44-46 sit-ups in a minute, 27-29 pushups in a row, complete a 300-meter sprint in 56.0-57.4 seconds, and complete a 1.5-mile run in 11:57-12:29 minutes. Carry out a polygraph exam as part of your background check. If you receive a Conditional Letter of Appointment, a background check will be performed on you and you'll need to undergo a polygraph examination. Be sure you are completely honest during this exam, as lying on a polygraph exam will result in your dismissal as a potential FBI agent. Your background check will include interviews with previous employers, neighbors, and family members, as well as a credit check and arrest check. Things that come up in a background check that might disqualify you include a criminal record, poor credit history, or any evidence that you lied on part of your application. Confirm you’re in good health by going through a medical examination. The medical exam is administered to those applicants who successfully complete the fitness test and background check. The exam includes a vision test, hearing test, and blood pressure test. You will not necessarily be disqualified for a minor health issue. The exam is to ensure that you don't have any health issues that may interfere with your ability to do your job as an FBI agent. Move on to the FBI training academy. Once you pass your medical exam, you will then be scheduled to undergo training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. This training will take place over 17 weeks. The training programs at the FBI academy focus on firearms skills, investigative techniques, driving skills, survival skills, and leadership training. Once you complete your training, you will be employed by the FBI as a Special Agent. | Earn a 4-year degree from an accredited institution. Complete 3 years of professional work experience in your field. Study a foreign language to make yourself a more competitive applicant. Acquire an official United States driver’s license. Confirm that your age and citizenship status meet the FBI’s entry requirements. Submit an online application form. Pass the basic knowledge exams in Phase 1. Complete the written exam and oral interview in Phase 2 Testing. Wait to receive a Conditional Letter of Appointment. Meet the FBI’s physical requirements by passing the fitness test. Carry out a polygraph exam as part of your background check. Confirm you’re in good health by going through a medical examination. Move on to the FBI training academy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Dog-More-Playful | How to Make Your Dog More Playful | If you want your dog to be more playful, try playing a variety of different games with it to see what it likes best, like fetch or tug-of-war. You can even try playing hide and seek together, since lots of dogs enjoy "hunting" for things. Always make sure to reward your dog with treats and praise when to encourage it to play in the future. Alternatively, if you know someone else with a friendly dog, you can set up a play date so that yours can socialize with other dogs. If your dog is whining, pacing, or not responding to your affection, give it time to calm down as it might be stressed, and then try again. | Play fetch or other retrieving exercises with your dog. Dogs like to chase and retrieve items, including bones and balls. If you can, try to train your dog to come to you before you throw the item and then bring it back to you once they retrieve it. Say “come” and get your dog to approach you. Get your dog to sit by putting the ball on their forehead and stating “sit” When you throw the ball, tell your dog to “get it”. After they retrieve it, tell them “bring it here” to have them take it back to you to throw again. Get or make dog toys for a variety of activities. Show off the toy to your dog, but don't play with it immediately. Try tug toys or braided rope toys that you can play back and forth with them. You can also try teething or training toys that can strengthen your dog's teeth. Talk excitedly to your dog about the toy by saying things like “Where is it?” in reference to the dog toy. If your dog wants to play, they should begin wagging their tale and get excited. When you take out the dog toy, play with it first before you start playing with the dog. Use the toy to play with the dog for a brief amount of time before they get tired with it. This will help build their excitement for the next time you break out the dog toys. Play hunting and hiding games with your dog. Dogs like finding people and objects that are hidden. These types of games can stimulate your dog's mind and their senses. While your dog is in the other room, hide in another room. Call them to come and find you. When they do, give them treats and dog toys to reward them. You can also hide doggie treats somewhere in the yard or in a room. When your dog comes into the room, they should sniff around in search of the treat. Give them encouragement when they get closer or farther away from finding the treat. Invite other dogs over to play. Your dog might get happy when he's around other dogs. For many dogs, having some friendly play with their fellow canines can be engaging and exciting. Your dog may like to roughhouse, but make sure things do not get out of hand. When they are play fighting, dogs will often avoid really biting the other dog and roll over often. If your dog is growling when playing with other dogs, their play fighting may have escalated into real fighting. You can also tell if they begin baring their teeth while wrestling with the other dog. Teach your dog tricks. Dog tricks can be fun, but also very useful. While there are many different tricks you can teach your dog, a few essential tricks can really show off your dog's ability and make them more playful. Rollover is one easy trick to teach your dog. When your dog is lying down, move a food lure across its muzzle, neck, and shoulders. Use the command “Roll over” while doing so to get them to associate your command with the action. Stay can also be a very useful command. Ask your dog to sit in front of you while holding a treat and maintaining eye contact. If they are able to stay still, reward them with the treat and add the command “Stay” so they know what to do when you state the command. A “Go to” command can be useful in directing your dog. With a treat, walk to a whichever place you want them to go and place the treat there. Eventually, they will associate the place with the treat and with your specific “Go to” command. Take your dog to a dog park. Dog parks can a fun place for your dog to play with other dogs. It's important for your dog to be able to play well with other dogs, so they don't get into any fights with other dogs. After you've walked around the park with the dog to make sure it's safe, you can take off their leash so they can run around. You'll want to know where your dog is at all times, but not having a leash gives them greater freedom to roam around the park. If you have a small dog, try to bring them specifically to a section of the park with other small dogs. Otherwise, they may get overwhelmed. Show physical affection to your dog. Dogs like physical affection, and it can bond them closer to their owners. Spend time petting or grooming your dog nearly every day. Dogs can be sensitive to touch at first. Touching them each day can build up their sensitivity and get them to crave your touch. You can also groom them on a regular basis. Just something as simple as brushing their coat with a brush can show your dog physical affection. Spend one-on-one time with your dog every day. Even if you're at work all day, it's good to have some time alone with your dog. Taking your dog for a walk every day can be a good way to reaffirm your bond with your dog. If you go on a walk with your dog, make it an engaging activity for your dog. Instead of walking aimlessly, try to give your dog specific goals and landmarks to walk or run to that you can do together. Talk to your dog or teach them a trick. If you try a new trick every few weeks, this will bond you and your dog together and keep them focused on doing well for you. Do focused activities with your dog. Dogs like to have structure, since it gives them a clear sense of purpose. When you play with your dog, try to make them task-oriented. Give them directions on where to run, jump, and play. Playing catch is a good example of directed play. Dogs also like to please their owners. Focused activities can tell your dog that they have fulfilled your expectations and you're happy with them. Give praise to your dog. When you are training your dog, it's especially good to give positive reinforcement. Additionally, praising your dog can make you grow closer together. While treats may be the most common type of positive reinforcement, it's also important to speak to your dog positively. They will associate your tone of voice with your mood and feel happy as well. If your dog does not respond to treats, a toy may also be a good way to praise your dog. They may also like physical affection from you, such as being petted, as a method of praise. Start obedience training. Dogs like to be trained, since they like structure. You can either have your dog join a class or do it just with you. In either case, you should be heavily involved in any training with your dog. If you are training your dog, always use positive reinforcement. Dogs like treats and voice training (like "Good boy") that tell them they are doing well. Pay attention to your dog's mood. They need to be in the right mood for training. Otherwise, it will not be an effective training session and will be frustrated with you and your dog. Take your dog to a training or activity class. If you're working a specific skill or behavior, a training or activity class can be fun for you to do with your dog. These classes can be good for you and your dog to use to bond over a shared activity. Activity classes can work from puppies to adult dogs. For puppies, these activity classes may be especially useful to teach them discipline and some general training. If you have a new dog that's not a puppy, it may be a good idea to bring them to a training class. Even if they are trained, you and your dog could use the class to learn how to work together. Know your dog's likes and dislikes. Since not all dogs are the same, every dog has different things they like and don't like. Paying attention to things like their favorite and least favorite things let them know you care. Your dog likely has favorite foods, toys, and games. Give them these things, so they will affiliated their favorites with you. Stay away from things you know your dog dislikes. Some things that all dogs dislikes are head pats, hugging, floral smells, and loud noises. Read your dog's body language. Your dog gives you plenty of clues how they feel. Watch your dog during activities and you should be able to tell if they are enjoying them or not. When your dog is playful, they are performing a "play bow". In the play bow, their rear end is up and their front end is down. Dogs that are whining, pacing, or doing anything unusual are usually stressed or fearful. These activities show you that your dog is not ready to play and likely needs to calm down. Tail wagging can mean many things. While a loose wag means your dog is open and comfortable, a tight wag can mean they are agitated. Put yourself in a calm state of mind. Very often, your dog's mood will reflect your mood. If you are happy and playful, your dog is more likely to also be happy and playful. Dogs try to read your intention. If you seem uncertain about your intention, they may try to guess; often, they may guess incorrectly. Be clear even when you are calm. Dogs like directions, so it's good to tell them what you want and when. | Play fetch or other retrieving exercises with your dog. Get or make dog toys for a variety of activities. Play hunting and hiding games with your dog. Invite other dogs over to play. Teach your dog tricks. Take your dog to a dog park. Show physical affection to your dog. Spend one-on-one time with your dog every day. Do focused activities with your dog. Give praise to your dog. Start obedience training. Take your dog to a training or activity class. Know your dog's likes and dislikes. Read your dog's body language. Put yourself in a calm state of mind. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Kaleidoscope | How to Make a Kaleidoscope | To make a kaleidoscope at home, fold a piece of clear plastic into a triangular tube, and slide it into a cardboard cylinder. Then, cut a circle out of a piece of black paper, and punch a small hole into the circle, attaching it to the end of the tube. On the opposite end, push a piece of plastic wrap into the triangle to make a pouch, and fill the pouch with colorful beads and sequins, covering it with a piece of waxed paper. To use your creation, point the tube at a bright light and look through the peephole! | Draw an eight-by-four inch rectangle on a clear plastic report cover.This is going to be the base of your Kaleidoscope. Cut it out, using scissors. Draw three horizontal lines across the rectangle, splitting it into three 1 ⁄ 4 inch (3.2 cm) pieces and one ⁄ 4 inch (0.6 cm) piece. Note that you'll need to make it this size to fit your paper towel roll. To make these lines easier to fold later, you may wish to measure and trace these lines in marker first, then use a paper cutter or box cutter to lightly score these lines into the plastic. Do not cut completely through the plastic, however. Fold the plastic along the lines to form a triangular shape. The quarter-inch strip should stay on the outside and act as a flap. Tape the strip along the edge using transparent tape, so the triangle hold its shape. Slide the triangle into the cardboard and create your peephole. Cut a paper towel roll down to 8 inches, the same size as your triangle. Slide the plastic triangle into the paper towel roll. To create your peephole, turn the paper towel tube on one end, standing straight up. Trace a circle around it on black construction or contact paper. Then, poke a hole through the center of the circle, using scissors or a sharp pencil, and making it large enough so you can see through it. Tape the circle over one end of the tube. If you'd like, make the circle a little bit bigger. You can then cut tiny slits along the edges so the circle lies flat on the end. Then you have some wiggle room to work with and won't have tape on the visible part of your kaleidoscope. And if there is tape that's visible, you can always cover it in glitter. Cut out a four-inch square of plastic wrap. Place the square of plastic wrap over the other end of the tube. Use your fingers to poke it down into the plastic triangle, until it forms a little pouch. Fill the pouch with beads, sequins, and confetti. Anything small and shiny will do the trick, but translucent objects are best. You also want different shapes and sizes. Your kaleidoscope won't be shoved in a drawer anytime soon if there's infinite variations as to what can be seen! If this doesn't end up looking like you want it to look, you can always go back into your kaleidoscope and make adjustments! Place a square of waxed paper over the pouch. Place a four-inch square of waxed paper over the pouch and around the cardboard tube, sealing in the beads and sequins. Stretch a rubber band over both the waxed paper and the plastic wrap. Make sure it's on tight so nothing spills out! Trim the corners of the squares. This will make the kaleidoscope look neater. You can replace the rubber band with some sticky tape, if you like. Decorate the outside of your kaleidoscope. You can use stickers, wrapping paper, contact paper (just be diligent in bubble prevention!), or construction paper. Some contact paper looks like wood, metal, or gold. But why stop at paper? You could add glitter or sequins on the outside, too! Use your kaleidoscope. Hold the tube up to one eye, facing the light, and look through it. Turn it slowly -- what happens? It's your own light show! The light is bouncing back and forth against your report cover, creating this constantly changing display in front of your very eyes. Take it away from your eye for a second, give it a quick, gentle shake, and put it back up to your eye. Just how different is what you're seeing? What happens if you do it again? Can you recreate anything? Cut the mirror into 3 strips that are 1 ½" wide. That's about 3.8 centimeter (1.5 in). The best kind of "mirrors" for this are acrylic -- or those cheap little locker mirrors they sell everywhere when it's back-to-school season. They're not really mirrors, so they're fairly easy to cut into with a box or paper cutter. Lay the 3 strips side by side and upside down. Be sure to leave a small gap between each strip. "Small gap" here means about 1/8" (.3 cm). Then, tape the mirrors together (along the gaps), bend them into a triangle shape, and set aside. Cut your cardboard roll to the length of your mirror plus 1/3" (. 85 cm). This is easiest with a box cutter, but scissors will do. Just be careful not to stab yourself! Create your peephole. Here's how: Place one of the circular ends of your tube flat on a piece of paper -- contact paper is best, but construction paper or even gift wrap will work, too. Cut about 1" (2.5 cm) around the traced circle; with that extra 1", cut little notches around the circle so it bends more easily (it'll sort of look like a firework). Cut a triangle or circle in the center of the paper to view through. Center the cardboard tube on top of your circle and secure the edges with tape (unless you're using contact paper, of course). Create your plastic lenses. Get an empty plastic container or two and trace two circles using the end of your tube (permanent marker is easiest to see). With an object that's about ½" (1.25 cm) larger than your tube, draw around the previous ones. Then, cut around the each of the larger circles with scissors. Lenses! With one of the circles, cut notches all the way to the inside of the smaller circle -- this'll be called lens 1. It should sort of resemble a gear. With the other circle, cut notches to the outside tracing of the smaller circle — this'll be lens 2. Lay them flat against the table and bend the notches upwards. Assemble the inside of your kaleidoscope. To begin, slide your triangular mirror inside the cardboard tube. Take lens 1 and place it inside your tube against the edges of the mirror, notches facing up; this should form a sort of makeshift pouch. Place your selected beads, sequins, glitter, gems, and/or confetti on top of this plastic lens. Cap your gems using lens 2, notches facing down , and use masking tape to secure it all together. Decorate your tube. The easiest way to make this kaleidoscope look as impressive as possible is contact paper -- so long as you work out the bubbles! But you can also use construction paper or even gift wrap to jazz it up. And then add on some glitter or stickers if the urge strikes! If there's some tape exposed where you secured your lens, cover it in glitter! It's easy and mess-free if you pour your glitter in the crease of a folded piece of paper. Just coat the very tip of your kaleidoscope in glue and place it in the crease, rotating it around until it's fully coated. Put your kaleidoscope to good use. Done! Now all you have to do is hold it up to the light and look through it. The light bounces off the mirrors, creating the kaleidoscope effect you see inside. What happens when you jostle it? When you turn it slowly? Can you ever create the same image twice? Prepare the mirrors. Cut a piece of acrylic mirror into three 7 ⁄ 8 inch (20.0 cm) by 1 ⁄ 8 inch (2.9 cm) rectangles, using an operating table saw with a carbide-tip blade. Use a vacuum to clean any sawdust from the mirrors. Prepare the PVC pipe. Cut a white PVC pipe with a diameter of 1 ⁄ 2 inches (3.8 cm) to a length of 7 ⁄ 8 inches (20.0 cm) using a chop saw with a carbide tip-wood blade. Clean the tube to remove any dirt or debris. Prepare the end cap. Drill a ⁄ 8 inch (1.0 cm) hole into the center of a 1 ⁄ 2 inch (3.8 cm) PVC socket end cap. Wipe around the hole to remove any debris. Prepare the foam strips. Cut a strip of adhesive-backed foam into pieces about one inch long. You will need three pieces for the kaleidoscope. Prepare the foam rope. Get a piece of foam rope that's half an inch in diameter. Cut it into one inch pieces. You will need three of these for the kaleidoscope. Glue a petri dish to one end of the PVC tube. The petri dish should be 60 mm by 15 mm and should be made out of plastic. Use PVC cement to attach the petri dish to the tube, being careful not to get any cement on the dish. You can either leave the glass clear to create a "world view" kaleidoscope or you can create a colored kaleidoscope by drawing on the inside face of the petri dish using colored permanent markers before you attach it to the PVC tube. Assemble the mirrors. Gather the three mirrors, long sides together and gently fold them into a triangle with the shiny sides facing in. Make sure you have removed any protective film first. Neatly tape the mirrors together using transparent tape, so that the edges of the three mirrors form an equilateral triangle. Attach the foam strips to the mirrors. Remove the adhesive backing from the three pieces of foam and stick one piece on the side of each mirror, approximately one inch from the end. Place the mirrors inside the PVC tube. Gently insert the mirrors, foam end first, into the PVC tube. You may need to squeeze the foam to make it fit. Insert the three pieces of foam rope into the spaces between the mirrors and the tube. Close it up. Place the PVC end cap over the open end of the PVC tube, twist to secure tightly. Your kaleidoscope is now ready, enjoy the view! | Draw an eight-by-four inch rectangle on a clear plastic report cover.This is going to be the base of your Kaleidoscope. Fold the plastic along the lines to form a triangular shape. Slide the triangle into the cardboard and create your peephole. Cut out a four-inch square of plastic wrap. Fill the pouch with beads, sequins, and confetti. Place a square of waxed paper over the pouch. Decorate the outside of your kaleidoscope. Use your kaleidoscope. Cut the mirror into 3 strips that are 1 ½" wide. Lay the 3 strips side by side and upside down. Cut your cardboard roll to the length of your mirror plus 1/3" (. Create your peephole. Create your plastic lenses. Assemble the inside of your kaleidoscope. Decorate your tube. Put your kaleidoscope to good use. Prepare the mirrors. Prepare the PVC pipe. Prepare the end cap. Prepare the foam strips. Prepare the foam rope. Glue a petri dish to one end of the PVC tube. Assemble the mirrors. Attach the foam strips to the mirrors. Place the mirrors inside the PVC tube. Close it up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Busy | How to Be Busy | The best way to be busy depends on where your passions lie. If you have a hobby or goal, spend time developing your skills and becoming an expert in that field. If you want to do something new, try learning a new language or practicing a new instrument. If you're just trying to have a fun night, browse for new movies on Netflix, play a family board game, or try a one-person game like Sudoku. | Do what you love. Keeping busy with menial tasks and other day to day activities can become exhausting. Staying busy with activities that are meaningful to you, however, can be energizing. Focus on devoting more time to doing the things that really matter to you. Get inspired and busy yourself with activities that will move you closer to some of your life goals. Make a list of your life goals. Include the loftier ones that feel more like dreams than goals, too! The list is your road map. Plot out what steps need to be taken to reach each goal and then get started. Pursue a hobby. You probably have at least one hobby in your life that you really enjoy, if not more. Concentrate on one or two of them. Become an expert! If your hobby is an artistic or creative pursuit, put some time and energy into becoming more skillful at it. Even hobbies that don't seem action-oriented on the surface can be explored deeply. For example, if your hobby is reading, you can start in on that stack of novels you've been meaning to read. But don't stop there. Research new authors and explore new genres. Start a blog and write reviews of the books you read. Join a book club. No matter what your hobby is, there is always a way to take it to the next level. Focus on a project. If you're in the middle of a work or school project that you're enjoying, really throw yourself into honing your skills and making it a success. Or you could get busy with a project at home, like replacing all of the curtains, building a piece of furniture, or painting the walls a new color. If you are coordinating an event soon, you can focus on that as a project. For example, you could finally rebuild that classic car you've had stored in the garage for months. Take a class. Sharpen some of your current skills by signing up for an online college course on the topic. For instance, maybe you want to improve your writing or Photoshop skills. If you enjoy cooking, try taking a cooking class. Love yoga? Sign up for a program at your local gym. Technical school classes and on-the-job training are great ways to develop and increase your skills, as well. Taking a formal class isn't the only way to approach this. Be your own instructor and educate yourself! For example, perhaps you have some specialized knowledge on a topic that you can develop further by doing internet research, checking out local libraries, visiting museums, etc. Play a game. Pass the time by playing an old school board game, like Monopoly or Clue, with a friend or sibling. If you're looking for something a little different, go online and try out some of the many games available there. Everything from Scrabble and Tetris to role playing games like World of Warcraft are online, and you can play against opponents that live all over the world. Master your favorite video game, if that's more your style. Keep yourself busy with solo games like Sudoku, solitaire and crossword puzzles. If you are looking for something a little more intense, give chess a try. Call a friend. Instead of texting or sending your friends instant messages via your computer or tablet, give them a call. A good chat with a friend will keep you occupied and raise your spirits. Call up your friends just to chat, or make plans to meet up with them later and hang out. Plan some activities that you can all do together, like go to the movies, head to the mall, go bowling, visit the local skate park, check out a museum or just go on a walk together to catch up. Offer to help with chores. Keep yourself busy by helping out around the house. Ask one of your parents to give you a list of chores that you can take care of each week. Consider working out a system with your parents so that you could get paid a small allowance for fulfilling your weekly "duties." That way you'll stay busy with chores and once you're finished, you will have spending money to go do something fun! Watch movies. Write down a list of movies you've been wanting to see. If you can't think of any, ask your friends and family members for recommendations. Go online and research the movie genres that you like and discover films to watch that way. Keep your list handy and work your way through the movies by watching them on Netflix or via iTunes. Consider starting a blog of your movie reviews. Invite friends over and watch movies together, then rate them and talk about them afterward. Starting a group blog of movie reviews would also be fun. Start a workout routine. Adults should aim for about 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week. If you prefer more intense workouts, you should strive for 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity every week. Two days of strength training is also recommended. Develop a balanced weekly routine for yourself and stick to it. Getting fit is an excellent way to keep busy, but the real payoff is becoming a healthier person. Starting a fitness program may reduce your risk for chronic disease, improve your mood and self-esteem, develop better sleep habits and improve your balance and coordination. Keep a journal. Set aside time each day to write, whether that session is an hour or just 15 minutes long. Document your daily life, express yourself and write down your dreams. Use your journal any way you see fit – you aren't limited to writing words only. You can get creative and draw, paint, collect photos and keepsakes, etc. If you want to take journal-writing to the next level, consider writing your own memoir. Study a new language or learn to play an instrument. Both of these activities require a lot of time and dedication to master, so they will definitely keep you busy. Use language-learning software to become proficient in another language or sign up for a college class. If music is more your thing, find a community member who gives lessons and learn to play the guitar or piano. Look for ways to contribute. Get involved with your community in whatever capacity appeals to you. Volunteer at a local hospital, homeless shelter or some other non-profit organization. Join a local committee or sit on a board. Mentor a young person. Tutor students. Look for open internships. There are so many ways to help people, both big and small. Pay attention to what's going on around you, at your job, and in your friends' and family's lives. Offer your help to friends, family or coworkers whenever you see that someone's in need. Do some spring cleaning. Take on some of the bigger cleaning projects, such as steam cleaning your carpet, laundering all of the drapes, wiping down the baseboards, reorganizing your closet, cleaning the ceiling fans and so on. Organize your workspace by cleaning off your desk, organizing your files and removing clutter. Clean and organize the attic, basement or garage of your home. There are always cleaning tasks that can be done. Or you could finally finish that house project you've been putting off for months. Become handier around the house. Look for ways that your home can be improved or repaired. Learn some of the practical skills, such as electrical wiring, plumbing, landscaping, etc., you'd need to complete those tasks yourself. Then go for it! Consider other handy skills, like learning how to install or troubleshoot computers or the basics of car repair. Redecorate. Whether you want to redecorate your bedroom or take on the whole house, it's a fun process that will certainly keep you busy. Consider repainting your walls, rearranging furniture, changing the artwork, making your own curtains, restoring and reupholstering furniture – there are tons of possibilities. Explore DIY projects online and incorporate some of those ideas. Choose the tasks that you would enjoy doing the most and update your home's décor. | Do what you love. Pursue a hobby. Focus on a project. Take a class. Play a game. Call a friend. Offer to help with chores. Watch movies. Start a workout routine. Keep a journal. Study a new language or learn to play an instrument. Look for ways to contribute. Do some spring cleaning. Become handier around the house. Redecorate. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Clean-Soot-Stains-from-Walls | How to Clean Soot Stains from Walls | To clean soot stains from walls, begin by using a dry cleaning sponge to wipe the soot from the wall with downward strokes. Work from the top left edge of the stain to the bottom, replacing the sponge as it becomes clogged with soot. Then, repeat this process until you've removed as much loose soot as you can. Next, soak a sponge in soapy water and use it to wipe any remaining residue from the wall. Finally, rinse the wall with water and dry it with a towel. | Open the windows. Soot can irritate your lungs and cause lung disease if you inhale too much of it, so it's important to open the windows in the room before you start working. Open windows will provide fresh air, decreasing the amount of soot you inhale. Open windows will also help air out the room, and allow soot particles to escape outside, rather than settling on your carpets or furniture. Turn on fans and open vents. Ventilation is also important when you're cleaning soot because it will provide a constant supply of fresh air, and circulate fresh air throughout the room. Turn on ceiling fans, set up a standing fan, and turn on any nearby vents or fans in places like the laundry room, bathroom, and kitchen. Wear personal protective gear. To protect your eyes, skin, and lungs from soot particles, you should wear a full array of personal protective equipment when you're cleaning soot from a wall. Safety equipment you should consider includes: Safety glasses Rubber or latex gloves Mask or respirator Long-sleeved shirt Thick apron Empty the room. As you clean soot from the walls, particles will float around the room and settle on furniture, decorations, and anything else that's in the room. To protect your personal belongings, remove everything from the room that you can. This will also remove clutter, making it easier to move around and clean. Remove items like: Furniture Carpets and rugs Paintings and pictures Plants Drapes and curtains Personal belongings Protect the floor. Once everything is out of the room, cover the entire floor with a plastic drop sheet, canvas, or newspaper. The soot will float around on the air, so cover the whole floor, and not just the section near where you'll be cleaning. Position the drop sheet so it comes up and over the baseboards too, and tape the sheet in place so it doesn't move around. If there are any items left in the room, such as furniture that was too large to move, cover it with a drop sheet as well. Use a dry cleaning sponge. Dry cleaning sponges are specifically designed to absorb residue, which makes them perfect for cleaning soot. Soot is easy to smear, so if you use a regular sponge, you risk pushing the soot farther into the wall and causing a permanent stain. Dry cleaning sponges are also called chemical sponges, but they don't contain any chemicals. Instead, they're made from vulcanized rubber. Dry cleaning sponges are available from building stores, hardware stores, cleaning supply stores, and online. Wipe the wall with downward and overlapping strokes. Start at the top left edge of the soot stain. Press the sponge firmly against the wall and wipe downward in a vertical line. Then, go back to the top. Move over one section, overlapping the first stroke by an inch or two (2.5 to 5 cm), and wipe again. Repeat until you get to the bottom-right edge of the stain and have wiped the entire surface. The key to cleaning soot off walls is to wipe, not scrub, because scrubbing can move the soot around and cause the stain to spread. Switch to a fresh section of sponge as necessary. After each stroke, check the sponge to see how saturated it is with soot. When the sponge becomes clogged and full of soot, flip it over and use the clean side. Repeat with all four sides until the upper layer of the sponge is clogged with soot. Do not rinse the sponge with water to clean it, or it will become unusable for cleaning soot. Cut off the layers of sponge that are clogged with soot. Place the sponge on a flat surface. Hold the sponge in place with one hand, and use a utility knife, retractable razor knife, or razor blade to slice off the dirty outer layer of the sponge. Turn the sponge over and repeat until you've sliced off all the clogged sections. When the sponge is clean again, you can continue using it to remove soot. Continue until the wall is clean. Repeat wiping the wall with the downward, vertical, and overlapping strokes until the sponge comes away clean. Once the sponge has absorbed all the soot it can, you can remove any remaining stain with a regular sponge and a degreasing cleaner. Make a degreasing cleaning solution. Once the soot is gone from the wall, you can treat the remaining stain with a degreaser, such as denatured alcohol, sugar soap, ammonia-based cleaners, trisodium phosphate, degreasing dish detergent, or a citrus cleaner. Mix your cleaning solution in a bucket: To make a cleaning solution with sugar soap, mix 3 tablespoons of sugar soap with ½ gallon (1.9 L) of water. To make a cleaning solution with TSP, mix ½ cup (4 ounces) of trisodium phosphate with ½ gallon (1.9 L) of water. To make a cleaning solution with degreasing dish detergent, mix 2 tablespoons of liquid detergent with ½ gallon (1.9 L) of water. Clean the wall with a degreasing cleaner. Soak a sponge in the solution and wring out the excess. Wipe the wall with the damp sponge to remove soot residue. As the sponge gets dirty, rinse it in the cleaning solution and wring it out again before continuing. Because the majority of the soot is gone and you're just cleaning the residue, you don't have to use a special technique to clean the wall. Rinse the area with water. When you've finished cleaning the wall with a degreaser, dump the cleaning solution, rinse the bucket, and fill it with plain water. Rinse out your sponge or grab a fresh one, dampen the sponge, and wipe away excess cleaner and soot with the wet sponge. Dry the wall. When the wall is clean, use a towel or rag to dry the surface. Depending on the size of the soot stain you had to remove, you may need more than one towel. When you've removed as much water as you can, let the wall air dry for several hours. Remove the cover from the floor. Once the wall is clean, you can remove the protective cover you had over the floor. Peel the tape from the wall or baseboards at a 45-degree angle. Starting at the edges, fold the drop sheet over on itself toward the center to avoid throwing soot everywhere. Discard newspapers and plastic drop sheets to avoid spreading soot around. If you used a canvas drop sheet, take it outside and bang it out to remove excess soot before laundering it. Vacuum everything thoroughly. In case any soot did manage to settle on the contents of the room, vacuum the floors, carpets, baseboards, and furniture that was left in the room when you were cleaning the wall. Use the long nozzle attachment to vacuum. When you vacuum, avoid pressing the vacuum directly against the surface you're cleaning, as this can push soot particles deeper into the surface. Instead, hold the nozzle about an inch (2.5 cm) from the surface as you vacuum. When the walls and floors are clean, you can return carpets, rugs, furniture, decorations, and personal items to their original places in the room. | Open the windows. Turn on fans and open vents. Wear personal protective gear. Empty the room. Protect the floor. Use a dry cleaning sponge. Wipe the wall with downward and overlapping strokes. Switch to a fresh section of sponge as necessary. Cut off the layers of sponge that are clogged with soot. Continue until the wall is clean. Make a degreasing cleaning solution. Clean the wall with a degreasing cleaner. Rinse the area with water. Dry the wall. Remove the cover from the floor. Vacuum everything thoroughly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-a-Friend | How to Help a Friend | It can be hard if your friend is struggling, but there are a few simple ways to support them and let them know you care! If your friend hasn't opened up to you, let them know that you're there to help. For instance, you could say, “John, I've noticed you haven't been coming to game nights lately. I'm here if you ever want to talk.” Sometimes the best thing a friend can do is listen. If your friend asks for advice, try to brainstorm solutions with them. Otherwise, you can just be there for them. Check up on your friend a couple of times a week to see how they're doing. A short phone call or even a text is a great way to show you've been thinking about them. You can also invite them to do something together, like seeing a movie or trying a new restaurant. If they're up for it, you could also plan a group activity to help your friend feel better. | Tell your friend if you’re worried about them. If your friend has been saying or doing concerning things, let them know that you've noticed and that you're worried about them. Avoid getting upset or emotional when you do this as it may cause them to feel worse. Just tell your friend what you are concerned about in a straightforward manner. For example, you might say something like, “John, I've noticed that you stopped coming to game nights and that you are spending most of your time alone. I'm worried about you.” Some examples of concerning behavior may include withdrawing, acting sad, self-harming, using drugs, gambling, or having unsafe sex. Let your friend know that you are there for them if they need your help. It's important not to put too much pressure on your friend to talk, but letting them know that you're there for them if they need you can help to reassure them. Offer to help them in any way that you can. Try saying something like, “I'm here for you if you ever want to talk,” or, “Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.” Listen to your friend if they want to talk with you. Give your friend your undivided attention if they want to talk, such as by putting away your phone and shutting off the TV or your computer. Face them and make eye contact with them. While your friend is talking, pay close attention to what they say and nod to show you are hearing them. You can also rephrase what they say now and then to show you're paying attention. For example, you might say something like, “It sounds like you're saying that you haven't felt happy in a while. Is that right?” Empathize with your friend to gain insight into what they’re feeling. Empathy is a way of understanding other people's feelings by putting yourself into their shoes. Try to imagine how you'd feel if you were going through what your friend has experienced or described. You might feel sad, angry, confused, lonely, or all of these things at once. Be sensitive to your friend's emotions as you listen and respond to them. For example, if your friend shares with you that they have been feeling depressed since the death of a family pet, imagine how you might feel if your pet died. Tell your friend a story if something similar happened to you. If you have had an experience that is similar to your friend's experience, sharing it with them might help them to feel better. However, make sure to share the story in a shortened version so you don't end up turning the spotlight onto yourself. Remember that the point of sharing the story is to help your friend feel validated and less alone in their experience. For example, if your friend shares with you that they are having trouble with schoolwork and worried about failing, you might say something like, “I struggled a lot with math last year and I thought I was going to fail. I had to get tutoring after school a few days per week for a while.” Or, if a friend shares with you that they're feeling depressed and don't know what to do about it, you might say, “I felt really lost, too, when I went through a depressive episode a couple of years ago. I don't know if it would help you, but therapy really helped me.” Make suggestions only if your friend asks for your advice. Unsolicited advice is not usually received well, so it's best to avoid advising your friend about what they should do. Instead, focus on listening to them and only offer advice if they directly ask you for it. And if you do make a suggestion, make sure to maintain a non-judgmental and somewhat uncertain tone. For example, if your friend asks what they should do about a conflict with another friend, you might say something like, “I don't know if this will help you, but I usually find it's best to talk to someone when I'm having an issue with them.” If you really want to share your opinion, ask your friend for permission first. If they say yes, try to keep your opinion short and objective. Validate their feelings if they share them with you. Acknowledge your friend's feelings by letting them know that you have heard them and that you are sympathetic to their plight. Name the feeling they have expressed and let them know that you are sorry for what they are going through. For example, if a friend shares with you about the difficult time they have been having with a coworker or classmate, you could say something like, “It sounds like you have been getting bullied by this person. I'm so sorry you have had to go through that.” Or, if your friend shares with you about the sadness they have been feeling since their parents' divorce, you might say something like, “You've had such a difficult year. I'm sorry you've been feeling so sad.” Call or text your friend 1-2 times per week to check up on them. If you don't see your friend on a regular basis, calling or texting them once or twice per week is a good way to help them. Ask how they are, what's new, and if there's anything you can do to help them. For example, you might call or text your friend, “Hey Angie! Thinking about you! How's your week going so far?” Invite your friend to hang out with you and other people. Having things to look forward to can help your friend to stay positive and feel better if they have been struggling. Try to include your friend in your plans with other people at least once per week. For example, you could ask your friend to go bowling with you and some other friends on the weekend, make plans to check out a new restaurant or café together, or invite them over for a movie night at your place. Ask your friend what activities might make them feel better. Hobbies, sports, and other special interests can help people to feel validated and happy in their daily lives. If your friend used to participate in activities and they no longer have the time or interest, you might encourage them to get into them again. Try saying something like, “Remember when you took that baking class and made all those beautiful cakes? You're so talented! Maybe getting back into baking would help you feel better.” Or, you could say, “You were always so active with student government in high school. Do you think you might like to do that in college as well?” Tell someone who can help if your friend is in danger. If you have a friend who is being bullied, threatened, harassed, abused, or who is in danger in another way, tell someone who can help them right away! Tell a teacher, parent, supervisor, or someone else who can do something about it. If your friend is an adult, talk with their significant other, an adult sibling of theirs, or another friend. Early intervention is important for preventing a serious issue from becoming even worse. Try saying something like, “I'm worried about my friend. She is being bullied and I think it's getting worse. Can you please help?” Or, for an adult friend, you could say something like, “Clarissa has been drinking more than seems healthy and I'm worried about her. Have you noticed this, too?” Encourage your friend to seek professional help if they are struggling. If your friend is depressed or dealing with trauma or other emotional issues, encourage them to talk to someone who can help them. They might benefit from seeing a therapist or talking with a school counselor. If your friend is in grade school or college, have them start by talking with the school counselor. You could even go with them if they are reluctant. Help your friend make a doctor’s appointment for a health issue. If your friend is struggling with addiction, an eating disorder, chronic illness, or another issue, they will need to see a doctor for treatment. Your friend might need to start by seeing a general practitioner and then find a specialist for additional treatment. Help your friend find a doctor if they're having a hard time taking this step. For example, you could look up doctor profiles online with your friend and even make the phone call to set up an appointment if they're nervous. You could even offer to go to the appointment with your friend if they are worried or frightened. Take good care of yourself as well. While it is admirable to want to help a friend, make sure that you are also taking care of your own needs. Reach out to other people for support as you try to help your friend. Tell a trusted friend or family member what's been going on and how it has affected you emotionally. If your friend continues to struggle despite your attempts to help them, remember that this is not because of you. | Tell your friend if you’re worried about them. Let your friend know that you are there for them if they need your help. Listen to your friend if they want to talk with you. Empathize with your friend to gain insight into what they’re feeling. Tell your friend a story if something similar happened to you. Make suggestions only if your friend asks for your advice. Validate their feelings if they share them with you. Call or text your friend 1-2 times per week to check up on them. Invite your friend to hang out with you and other people. Ask your friend what activities might make them feel better. Tell someone who can help if your friend is in danger. Encourage your friend to seek professional help if they are struggling. Help your friend make a doctor’s appointment for a health issue. Take good care of yourself as well. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Free-Makeup-Samples | How to Get Free Makeup Samples | To get free makeup samples in person, ask at the counter of a major beauty store like Sephora or Ultra, which often give out testers of different products. If you don't have a beauty store near you, ask at the beauty counter of your nearest department store like Nordstrom. Alternatively, join a free reward program online for your favorite brands or stores, which often send you free samples when you join, on your birthday, or at random times. Keep an eye on their social media pages too, since they often have giveaways for free samples. | Ask for samples at the counter of most major beauty stores. If you want to try a product before you buy it, visit a beauty store like Sephora or Ulta, or stop by the beauty counter at a department store like Nordstrom, and ask if they have any samples available. Often, the salespeople will have trial-size versions of different products that you can have for free, or they may even transfer a little of the product into a small container for you to take home. If you can, visit during off-hours when it's less crowded. That way, the salespeople won't be rushed and will be more receptive to helping you get the samples you want. Weekdays during the day, for example, aren't as busy as weekends. Do a little research first and have a list of the specific brands or items you'd like to try. Get a free makeover at a beauty store like Sephora or MAC. Visit a beauty store that offers complimentary services like makeup tutorials or demonstrations. After your makeover, ask if you can take any leftover samples that the makeup artist uses home with you. Pick a service related to the type of samples you want. For example, if you'd like free foundation samples, choose a skincare makeover or lesson on foundation or concealer. Other popular stores that do free makeovers include Ulta and Nordstrom. Shop on Black Friday to get makeup samples and discounts. Go to your favorite stores on Black Friday, which is the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. On Black Friday, most retailers offer some of the best deals of the year, along with promotions like freebies that are designed to entice crowds of shoppers. Go as early in the day as possible, preferably in the morning. Promotional products, especially free ones, usually run out quickly. Attend beauty conventions if you don’t mind paying the registration fee. While you'll have to pay for admission to these events, you'll also have the opportunity to collect tons of free samples once you're inside. Take a tote bag and browse the different vendors, who will often have baskets of cosmetic samples sitting out for you to snag. Conferences can range from $50 to $100, depending on the size. However, many people leave with a collection of samples and full-sized products that are worth at least the ticket price. Search for conventions and conferences in your area or follow popular beauty bloggers to find which events they attend or like. Join any free rewards programs offered by your favorite brands or stores. Sign up to be a member of a retailer's rewards program or subscribe to their email newsletter for the opportunity to receive free samples when you join or on your birthday. Typically, you earn points toward samples or full-sized products with every purchase you make. You may even occasionally receive rewards just for being a member of the program, like a gift on your birthday! You can find rewards programs at major retailers, like Sephora and Ulta, but some brands, like MAC and Smashbox, have online loyalty programs on their websites as well. You can even join a loyalty program at a chain store like CVS or Walgreens to earn free full-sized products from popular drug-store brands! Join as many different retailers' programs as you'd can to get as many rewards as possible. Get free samples when you buy online from stores like Sephora. Visit different retailers' websites to find any current deals or promotions that give you samples for free with the purchase of other items. If you know you're buying something anyway, like a new hairbrush, see if you can buy it from a site that offers free samples instead of from a site without any perks. If you order online from Sephora, for example, you'll receive 2 free beauty samples, but many other beauty retailers offer similar deals as well. Some companies may have a minimum purchase to receive samples, like $25 or $50. Keep an eye out for these types of deals around the holidays, like Christmas or New Year's, when they're more popular. Enter a giveaway on social media if you want to win samples. Follow your favorite beauty brands on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter for the chance to win free samples through giveaways. Keep an eye out for contests that require you to like, share, or comment on a post to be entered to win, then follow the directions to enter. While it's not a guarantee, if you're lucky, you could score free product from a brand you love! Make sure your notifications from the brand's page are turned on in your settings if you're using Instagram. Sign up to be a product tester for the chance to try full-size products. Find companies that offer cosmetic product testing or review programs. Register to receive samples in exchange for writing positive reviews, sharing the product on your social media pages, or completing a survey. Know what the expectations are when you sign up. For example, if you agree to share the product on your Facebook page, ask the company if there's there a specific photo you need to post, key talking points, or a certain time they want the post to go up. Some popular companies for makeup testing include Influenster, PINCHMe, and Vogue Insiders. Request samples by writing an email if you want a specific product. Make a list of brands or companies where you'd like to get free samples from. Then, find an email address for the company's media relations or customer service department on the company's “About Us” or “Contact Us” page. To write the email, start by complimenting the company's cosmetics and then work your way to requesting samples. When you're finished, hit the send button. If you're a blogger or social media influencer, include that you can provide free publicity to your followers for the brand. | Ask for samples at the counter of most major beauty stores. Get a free makeover at a beauty store like Sephora or MAC. Shop on Black Friday to get makeup samples and discounts. Attend beauty conventions if you don’t mind paying the registration fee. Join any free rewards programs offered by your favorite brands or stores. Get free samples when you buy online from stores like Sephora. Enter a giveaway on social media if you want to win samples. Sign up to be a product tester for the chance to try full-size products. Request samples by writing an email if you want a specific product. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Authorization-Letter | How to Make an Authorization Letter | To write an authorization letter, start by putting your name, address, and the date in the top left-hand corner of the page. Then, write the recipient's name and address below that. Open your letter with a formal salutation, like "Dear Mr. Smith" or "To whom it may concern." As you're writing the body of the letter, make sure it's single-spaced and that the paragraphs aren't indented. Finally, conclude your letter with "Sincerely," followed by your name and a handwritten signature. | Place your name and address on the top left side of the page. Follow the standard format of a business letter. Your name should be on the first line, your street information on the second line, and your city, state and zip code on the third line. All lines (including those that follow) should be single spaced. Include the date. After your name and address, skip one line and place the current date on the next line. Write out the full date (such as February 2, 2015, for example). Do not abbreviate the date. Write the recipient's name and address next. Leave one blank line between the date and first part of the recipient's name and address. The receiver's information should be in the same format as your information. Keep in mind that the recipient is not the same as the one authorized to make decisions for you. You are granting authority to a third party (a proxy) to act on your behalf, but the letter should be addressed to second party (the one with whom you and your proxy are dealing). You may have to leave this portion blank if you do not know the party with which you will be dealing. For example, if you have granted emergency medical powers over your child to a child care worker in case you cannot be reached, you may not know which hospital your proxy will have to deal with. Write the salutation. Use the appropriate titles, such as "Dr.," "Ms.," "Mrs.," or "Mr.," rather than using first names. The salutation may open with "Dear," or more formally just the word "To." Use the full name and title of the person to whom the letter is addressed. If you do not know the specific name of the party with whom your proxy will be dealing, write "To whom it may concern." Keep the authorization letter short and precise. Longer letters will include more information that can be interpreted in different ways. Brief letters that specifically address the matter with as little extra verbiage as possible are less likely to lead to conflicting interpretations. Specify the duties that your representative is authorized to do on your behalf. Make sure your authorization letter is concise and precise. You need to give specific details about the authorization you are granting. For example, your representative can authorize a medical procedure, sign legal documents in your absence, or withdraw funds from your bank. For example, start out the authorization letter with: I, (insert your full name), hereby authorize (insert proxy's full name) to release to (insert the organization that will receive your medical records), the following medical information from my personal medical records: (list the medical information here). Give very specific details for this authorization. If the letter is regarding your medical information, include your medical insurance number and claim information. If you need assistance regarding a legal matter, include the case number. For financial matters, include the applicable account information. Give the dates for the authorization. Specify when this authorization is in effect. Give the beginning and ending dates. For example, you might write, “The proxy has authorization to make medical decisions for my child while staying at (address) from September 1, 2015 to September 15, 2015.” In some cases, you may be unsure of the dates, such as if you are authorizing in case of an emergency. For this type of authorization, specify a length of time. For example, you might write, “In the event of an emergency, the proxy has authorization to act on my behalf for 30 days.” Give the reason for the authorization. Explain why you need a representative to act on your behalf. The explanation might indicate that you are ill, out of town, or may not be able to be reached for certain periods of time. Explain any restrictions on the authorization. You may also want to identify the areas that you are not authorizing. For example, you might say that the proxy is not allowed to use your medical information for any other purpose than specified in the letter. Or, you might say that the proxy is not allowed to make certain financial decisions on your behalf without prior written consent. Conclude the letter. Finish up the letter with a closing word such as “Sincerely.” Leave four blank lines, which is where you'll put your handwritten signature, and then type your full name. Format the letter properly. A letter of authorization is a business letter and should be formal in tone and format. Standard business letters use a block format. The body should be single-spaced, and there should be no indentation of the paragraphs. Instead a blank line between the salutation and the first paragraph as well as between paragraphs. Find a witness or notary public. A witness is someone who will observe you signing the authorization letter. This ensures that you are not signing the letter under duress, and that you are in fact the person giving the authorization. In some instances, it is a good idea to have your letter notarized by a notary public. This person is someone authorized by your state to attest to legal documents. This person should not be anyone named in the letter. Sign the letter. Print out the letter and sign it with blue or black ink. You may choose to include a date line next to your signature. If so, write the date that you sign the document. Have your witness sign and date the letter as well, or ask the notary public to notarize the letter. Give the original letter to the proxy. In most cases, the proxy will retain the letter so that he or she has proper documentation of authority granted. The proxy may need to present the letter to immigration officials, for example, if he is traveling internationally with your child. Keep a copy of the letter. Make sure to retain a copy of the letter for your records. You may need to produce it if any questions arise regarding the authorization you've given to your proxy. Understand what an authorization letter does. An authorization letter gives another person the right to act on your behalf in specific matters. They are primarily used in circumstances in which the letter writer is not able to represent themselves. A few examples of situations that may require an authorization letter include: A parent or guardian may grant child care workers authorization to make basic emergency medical decisions regarding the children in their care. It is advisable to give an authorization letter for minors traveling with adults who are not their parents or guardians. This will protect the minor from child trafficking and child custody issues. If you have money held in a regional bank that you can no longer easily access, you may need to write a letter of authorization to allow someone else to handle issues that arise with the account or financial institution. An authorization letter can allow release of personal information, such as medical records. You may also need to authorize another party to act on your behalf to handle especially fast-moving financial transactions. Not every business deal can wait for you; if you are temporarily indisposed, you can write a letter of authorization and temporarily grant decision-making powers to a trusted colleague. Identify the different parties involved in an authorization letter. There are three parties involved in an authorization letter. The first party is the original rights holder, such as the parent of a child or the owner of a bank account. The second party is the group or individual with whom the first party is conducting a transaction, such as a financial institution or hospital. The third party is the person selected to act as a proxy in the first party's absence. The letter should be addressed to the second party. The letter will explain the rights granted to the proxy who will be acting in your place. If the second party is not known (especially in cases where authority was granted for potential emergency situations), you will have to address the letter simply "To whom it may concern." Type your authorization letter rather than writing it by hand. A handwritten letter may be difficult to read and isn't as professional in appearance as a typed letter. The authorization letter is an important document authorizing someone to hold your legal or financial powers for you. It must be prepared to meet scrutiny. If someone else close to you wants to dispute the authority of the letter holder, the document may be used as evidence in a court of law. | Place your name and address on the top left side of the page. Include the date. Write the recipient's name and address next. Write the salutation. Keep the authorization letter short and precise. Specify the duties that your representative is authorized to do on your behalf. Give the dates for the authorization. Give the reason for the authorization. Explain any restrictions on the authorization. Conclude the letter. Format the letter properly. Find a witness or notary public. Sign the letter. Give the original letter to the proxy. Keep a copy of the letter. Understand what an authorization letter does. Identify the different parties involved in an authorization letter. Type your authorization letter rather than writing it by hand. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Sassy | How to Be Sassy | To be sassy, try to think of quick comebacks whenever someone says something that might be rude, and deliver your statements with confidence. Practice saying more risque or brash statements to give them a little attitude. Make sure your statements are funny, not offensive or rude, and keep your quips lighthearted. Be direct and honest with others, but in a funny way that doesn't make your comment seem mean! | Be a bit cheeky. This one toes the line. You want to be confident, not cocky. You want to be honest, but not hurtful. And you want to be cheeky, but not rude. Cheeky is when you say something where the words might be a little brash, but you say it with a smile on your face, and you don't actually mean anything by it. It's a spice of attitude thrown in the mix! It's a pretty common term in British English; its closest American equivalent? A sassy smart-ass. So the next time your friend texts you, "Hey, can I come over and play with your ferret?" and you're sick and tired of your friend's typos, instead of responding with "Okay!" you opt for, "What?! I am a ferret?! RUDE." Being cheeky. Be quick with a comeback. When Shayla says she's leaving your party to go to a cooler one, you tell her she might want to change first, so her shirt matches her shoes. Again -- it's with a coy smile and a laugh -- not a snip-snap, hair-tossed retort full of vitriol. It's just that when someone else wants to say something a little less than tactful, you show that you can be a little less than tactful, too. Play the game, baby! Our buddy William Shakespeare said it best when he said, "I'd challenge you to a battle of wits, but I see you are unarmed." Comebacks are sassy when they're disguised as a statement of fact or a question, as opposed to stating your opinion. They're nicer on the outside than they are on the inside. Instead of saying, "Oi! Shut up!" You say, "Is your name Kanye West? It's not? Then stop interrupting me." Kind of like that. Or, next time your friend is talking about how awesome they are, you say, "I'd like to agree with you, but I don't want to be wrong." Zing! Be confident. If there's one thing that's true of all sassy girls, it's that they're confident. It takes knowing and loving yourself to have that gusto to do your own thing, to speak your mind, to not have the personality of a wilting wallflower. So to empower your inner sass, grab that confident girl within you and let her out! Because she's freaking cool. If being confident sounds like a challenge to you, it may be easiest to start on the outside in. True, confidence comes from the inside, but a little can seep in from the outside! Get dressed up, start feeling good on the outside, and act like you think a confident you might act. Practice makes a habit, after all! Be funny. Might as well ask your pet ferret to recite soliloquies, huh? But you can't think of it like that -- everyone has a sense of humor; everyone has things that they find humorous. It's a human thing, and it doesn't select for genes. So trust your gut -- if it makes you laugh, it probably makes someone else laugh, too! Sassy girls tend to zero-in on two types of humor: humor at another's expense and humor at their expense (aka self-deprecating humor). Both are light-hearted, of course! So next time your friend has chocolate cake on their face all day, tell them, "You had chocolate cake on your face all day. Because you ate it alone. So. Very. Alone." And then when you have chocolate cake on your face all day, you tell everyone it's because you ate it alone. So. Very. Alone. Be direct and honest. Once we hit ten years old or so, we start unconsciously learning to not say what we have on our minds, girls especially. We learn to be courteous, polite, and we definitely learn to avoid embarrassing ourselves. In learning that, we lose our ability to be direct and honest. Well, to be sassy, you've got to get a little bit of that back! This is, however, not an excuse to be mean. Sassy is not mean. So when your friend isn't pulling their weight on that group project of yours, it's not your place to say, "Yo. Check yourself before you wreck our grade, slacker." Instead, you're the one in the group with the moxie to say, "Hey. We're all working our butts off here. If you don't want to help, you're more than welcome to do a project alone, but we'd rather you chip in." Yeah, some people will take your directness and honesty as being mean, but those are the people that expect you to be a doormat. As long as you're not going around hurting feelings for breakfast, you're fine. Be energetic. There's something about being sassy that is intrinsically fun. It's happy, it's bouncy, it's fun, and it's full of energy. If you're subdued, listless, and unenthusiastic, your sassiness could easily just get mistaken for cynicism. A pep to your step keeps your sassiness fun and enviable. The easiest way to seem energetic (without running around the room, which is not what we mean) is to be present. Instead of slouching over your phone and responding to questions with glazed-over looks or daydreaming in your own little world, get in the moment. Look at people when they talk and smile and nod. Ask questions. Joke around and flirt. Live in the moment. Have fun! This is a lot like the above step, but it doesn't hurt to have the reminder that being sassy is a lot about having fun. Why wouldn't you? You're confident, energetic, and cracking people up (even if it's just you). So don't be afraid to create an atmosphere of awesome, regardless of the situation. Because with the right outlook, everything is and you are, too. Seriously. Be that person that can have fun with anything. Did you get an extra-large slice of coffee cake at lunch today? SCORE. Uh oh. Did you spill that coffee cake on your shirt? Fashion show time! Stains are all the rage, you know. Is Becky looking at you funny, modeling your coffee cake stain? Just tell her if she can rock pit stains, you can rock the cake stains. (Said with a smile, of course.) Make your presence known. You know those people that manage to have some sort of invisibility power? They can walk into any room, and practically no one notices? They stick to the wall, slink in and slink out, barely making a sound? Yeah, that's not you. You're too rambunctious for that. Being sassy is something everyone notices! So whether you're cracking jokes, telling stories, or putting on lunch-stain fashion shows, go for it. Don't shy away from all eyes being on you. And the best part? Your positive energy and vivaciousness will keep any party going. Not everybody can play that role! Speak your mind. To be the sassy one, you'll be the one comfortable saying what everybody is thinking. You don't get embarrassed by telling it like it is -- good or bad. So many people are afraid to ask for what they want or to give even just their true thoughts on the matter. Not you! So when your teacher gives you three days to write that 5-page paper, you tell him that that's an illogical amount of time. When your crush tells a funny joke, you're not afraid to tell him how cute he is. And when your friend is wearing that pair of pants she should not be wearing, you tell her before anyone else notices. Make your body language sassy, too. Since you're confident, vivacious, and bold, your body language needs to match. What does a sassy girl seem like with her mouth shut? Here's a couple things: Walk with your head high! Shoulders back and not slouching. Too much confidence for that! Don't shy away from eye contact. You've got things to say and other people do, too. Why not connect with them in the process? Be flirty. Smile, touch the person you're interested in, laugh -- you know how it goes. An eye roll or some other body equivalent (something like "talk to the hand," but less 1999) has its place in being sassy, too, but keep it to a minimum. That stuff gets negative pretty easily. Don't worry what others think. Just for the record, there's not a lot of room for it in the "being sassy" domain. Some people are going to find your behavior off-putting; if you're a woman, some fiercely believe that women should be quiet and shy. And in addition to that, some people may be very sensitive and find your tell-it-like-it-is mentality to be hurtful. This is going to happen. Listen to the remarks, sure. Some may have points. But if they don't, don't pay 'em any mind. Being sassy is partly about knowing your audience. You may have a friend that can't handle your sarcasm or you poking fun at them. If that's the case, recognize this. You shouldn't have to change yourself for anyone, no, but you should have to consider their feelings. Find a role model. Being sassy isn't exactly a stereotype that's easily accessible in modern society; however, that does seem to be slowly changing. There are more and more women in media who are stronger, bolder, and sassier by the minute. So find a role model and get some inspiration. Sometimes we need an example to follow! Prominent examples that come to mind? Beyoncé, Ke$ha, Rihanna, even Taylor Swift has her sassy moments. Kristin Wiig, Jennifer Lawrence, and Tina Fey are good, too. Though your Aunt Jean isn't a bad idea, either! Dress stylishly. If a hobo is sassy, she's just being insubordinate and might be a little drunk. But if a girl who's rocking the style is sassy, she's got the whole package. While it shouldn't have anything to do with the clothes you wear, it definitely helps. When your clothes have a punch of attitude, it'll be easier for you to feel the sass, too. "Stylishly" is obviously relative. If you're into the punk scene, you're not going to think haute couture is stylish. Trust whatever this word means to you. The important thing to take away from this is that your clothes have an effect on people -- including you. Can you imagine being sassy in a walrus outfit? Challenge your fears. There is something about sassy that is unafraid. It's willing to go outside of the box and do whatever it takes. So if being confident is easy if speaking your mind is easy, take it to the next level and challenge your fears -- you'll be all the better for it. You'll be bolder and shine brighter. What's not to like? So whether it's public speaking, heights, or slugs, challenge yourself. You're not afraid of challenging others, right? You call 'em out, you tell it as it is, you're honest -- so you have to be honest with yourself, too. It's only fair! Dunno where to start? How about wikiHow's How to Overcome Fear article? Try something new. Sassy girls (and guys!) are dynamic and anything but boring. Since they can find joy and humor in just about anything, there's nothing they're not unwilling to try. So be the one in yoga class that also practices krav maga. Bring your ukulele to choir practice. Let your personality run free. Don't be surprised when everyone else starts doing krav maga or playing the uke, too. The sassy ones are often the trendsetters, doing what other people are often too afraid to do. | Be a bit cheeky. Be quick with a comeback. Be confident. Be funny. Be direct and honest. Be energetic. Have fun! Make your presence known. Speak your mind. Make your body language sassy, too. Don't worry what others think. Find a role model. Dress stylishly. Challenge your fears. Try something new. |
https://www.wikihow.com/React-if-Your-Husband-Calls-You-Fat | How to React if Your Husband Calls You Fat | Being called fat by your husband can be upsetting, but remember that no one's words or opinions determine your self-worth, even your husband's. Although it's natural to feel angry or hurt, try not to let your emotions take over, since this will probably make things worse. If you think your husband is trying to belittle you, say something like, “I recognize that you're trying to make me feel bad about myself, but I won't let you hurt me. I'm stronger than that.” If he only says it during an argument and you don't think he means it, ask him to focus on solving the problem at hand, instead of trading insults. If your husband regularly makes you feel bad about yourself, this may be emotional abuse and you should talk to someone you trust or a counselor about it so they can help you. | Take a moment to breathe before responding. When someone says something rude or insulting, it can hit a nerve, particularly when that someone is your husband. Take a minute to breathe deeply and gather your thoughts. Consider stepping away and saying, "I need a moment after what you just said." Avoid engaging in further conversation until you've stepped away and had some space. Take 5 deep breaths. Visualize something positive in your life, rather than focusing on what your husband just said. Think before you react. Being insulted will likely make you feel angry and defensive. While it's okay to feel angry and upset about what was said, attacking back will likely lead to more arguments and frustration. Find calm and patient words to say how you feel about what was said. If it seems like your husband is trying to belittle you, and there is a pattern of this behavior, consider saying, "I recognize that you're trying to make me feel bad about myself. I won't let you hurt me. I am stronger than that." If your husband is generally understanding, but said that you're fat in a heated moment, consider saying, "What you just said makes me feel small and ugly. Can we focus on how to make things better without hurting each other?" See if you and your husband can talk rather than argue. Consider approaching the conversation as a way to discuss what is bothering you and your husband, rather than blaming one another. Consider turning the hateful words into a way to more effectively communicate. If your husband is resistant to talking about what's bothering him, or listening to what's bothering you, you may need to evaluate whether you both are able to talk about each other's feelings effectively. Consider whether you and your husband are able to talk about difficult subjects without feeling emotionally drained, exhausted, and disrespected. Try to focus the conversation on finding compromise instead of attacking each other. Remember that you determine your self-worth. No one controls your worth and self-esteem except you. While you may seek approval from your husband, understand that he can't change how you feel about yourself, but you can. While getting words of reassurance from your husband can help to boost your self-esteem, don't rely solely on him to determine how you feel about yourself or your appearance. Practice building up your self-esteem and self-worth. Consider saying these words of self-affirmation: "My self-worth is not determined by the number on the scale," or "I am more than my appearance." Figure out your goals, regardless of what your husband says. Don't fall into despair when your husband says you're fat. If you already have certain goals about your body image, keep them going. Avoid letting your husband control the goals that you have for your health, your happiness, and your life. Determine what goals feel right for you about your health and body image. Determine what makes you feel special and appreciated. Advocate for yourself and your needs. Find ways to feel good about who you are beyond what your husband says. Think about what activities make you truly happy. If your husband's comment didn't strike a nerve, deal with the name calling rather than focusing on the bit about your appearance. Practice self-care. When you've been hurt or insulted, you may feel like you want to retreat or fight back. Rather than expending so much energy on negative thoughts and feelings, focus on what makes you feel positive about yourself and your life. Take time for yourself to do these things: Reflect on the positive things about you and your body. Write in a journal about what you like about yourself. Choose at least 3 things to write about. Do activities that are independent of your spouse or family. Have a night out with your friends. Go out and explore a new place. Cross something off your bucket list. Focus on activities that restore a sense of peace and love for your body. Consider gentle yoga or meditation. Get a massage. Do things that make you feel beautiful and refreshed. Identify if your husband's negative words are common. Do you feel like your husband calling you fat, or putting you down, is a common occurrence? Does he say insulting and demeaning things that make you feel helpless and ashamed of yourself? If your husband knows that your weight is a sensitive subject, he is lashing out on purpose to hurt you. Consider keeping a record of how often your husband insults you or makes you feel bad. Is it multiple times a day? Or is it once in a few months? If you are being mistreated regularly, this may not be a healthy relationship. If you feel like you've been hurt over and over by your husband's rude and demeaning words, you may be suffering from abuse. No one should make you feel less than, particularly your husband. Assess if you feel respected in your relationship. Marriage isn't just about love, but it's also about respect. It's important that you feel equal to your husband, and that you feel your views and thoughts are being respected. Consider these questions as you evaluate if respect is part of your relationship: Do you trust your husband? Do you feel safe to talk with him about what you're feeling? Do you feel appreciated for what you do and who you are? Watch out for signs of verbal abuse. Abusive behavior involves control. Assess if your spouse is trying to say you're fat or other hurtful things as way to control and humiliate you. Abusers will make you feel guilty or make excuses for their behavior in order to normalize it. Think back on your relationship and assess if your husband has been doing the following: dominating, humiliating, isolating, threatening, intimidating, or blaming you. Assess if you feel safe and secure in your home. Do you feel like you have to "walk on eggshells" around him? Don't feel alone. Have strength to see what you deserve in a relationship. Contact a crisis hotline if you feel at risk for abuse. If you're feeling lost and unsafe with your husband, seek help immediately. Talk with a crisis counselor, and to understand what makes a healthy and unhealthy relationship. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: http://www.thehotline.org/ or 1-800-799-7233 Learn about what services and support are available in your community to help you. Consider seeing a marriage or couples counselor. If you generally feel safe with your husband, but are increasingly having arguments, consider seeing a counselor to help you both communicate more effectively. See counseling as a way to grow and better your relationship, rather than feeling shame. Make counseling a priority. See it as an opportunity to improve the health of your relationship and feel more confident in yourself. If your husband rejects marriage or couples counseling, consider going to counseling just for you. Counselors can help you cope better with challenging relationships. Connect with friends and family for reassurance and support. Identify people that you trust, and talk with them about your relationship with your husband and what he said. There may be wisdom or guidance in what they say. Avoid isolating yourself when your husband, or anyone else, puts you down or makes you feel bad. Instead, reach out to your loving and supportive friends or family. Gain strength and wisdom from others who have overcome body image issues or difficult relationships. | Take a moment to breathe before responding. Think before you react. See if you and your husband can talk rather than argue. Remember that you determine your self-worth. Figure out your goals, regardless of what your husband says. Practice self-care. Identify if your husband's negative words are common. Assess if you feel respected in your relationship. Watch out for signs of verbal abuse. Contact a crisis hotline if you feel at risk for abuse. Consider seeing a marriage or couples counselor. Connect with friends and family for reassurance and support. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-when-to-Euthanize-Your-Cat | How to Know when to Euthanize Your Cat | If you're not sure whether to euthanize your cat, decide whether it is right to keep your pet alive if it struggles to walk to the water bowl, since it will be in pain and dehydrated. Additionally, consider other factors in your cat's life, like whether it's soiling itself or able to groom. Alternatively, work out its body score on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being emaciated and 5 being obese. Euthanasia will be your only option if your cat has a body score of 1 out of 5 and has been losing weight. | Consider your cat's weight and ability to eat. Food is essential to life. If the cat has pain (dental, arthritic, or abdominal are the most common in older pets) then it may inhibit her from eating because it hurts to get up and do so. Another example is the cat that eats but regularly vomits food back up. Either of these scenarios are a cause for worry and will result in the cat losing weight. Weight loss in itself is not an indication for euthanasia but if the cat's body score falls to around 1.5 / 5 the cat is likely to feel weak, and lacking in energy. If there is no prospect of her gaining weight, you must consider euthanasia. If the body score falls further, to 1/5 then it is time to let her go. Determine your cat's body score. A body score is a simple way of assessing how fat or thin your cat is. It consists of a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being obese and 1 emaciated. An ideal body score is around 3. Score 1: Ribs, spine, and pelvis are visibly sticking out, even at a distance. The cat has no body fat and looks starved and bony. Score 2: Ribs, spine, and pelvis are easily felt. Viewed from above, the cat has a distinct waist, and from the side the belly is tucked up. The cat looks thin. Score 3: Ribs and spine can be felt but not seen. The cat has a slight waist when viewed from above, and a level, but not saggy tummy from the side. Ideal. Score 4: Ribs and spine difficult to locate. Pear-shaped tummy from above and sagging down from the side. Can be described as chunky or stout. Score 5: Bony landmarks obscured by fat. Thick cover of fat over chest and tummy. Oval silhouette. Obese. Assess whether the cat is able to walk to her water bowl. Elderly cats need to drink more than young, fit cats. This is because their kidney function often relies on drinking to flush toxins out of the system. The cat needs to be mobile enough to get up and walk to the water bowl, with minimum discomfort. Cats in pain will not get up unless it is essential. They are likely to wait longer between drinks and are prone to dehydration, which in turn puts a strain on their kidneys and makes them more likely to feel nauseous and increasing unwell from the build-up of toxins. Obviously, you can move the water bowl within reach, but the principle remains that it is a basic requirement for the cat to be mobile enough to walk a short distance without distress. If this is not the case then the pet's quality of life is in question and euthanasia should be considered. Take note if your cat starts soiling herself. Cats are proud, clean creatures. They have a basic need to keep themselves clean. If they are unable to keep themselves clean, then the cat's dignity suffers and keeping them alive is morally questionable. Of course a one off or occasional accident is no reason to act, but if the cat either has intractable diarrhea which catches her off-guard, or lacks bladder control such that her coat starts to smell, this causes the cat significant distress. It is also a cause for concern if a cat that used to be house trained starts soiling in the house. However, before you decide she has to be euthanized, speak to the vet about whether pain relief is appropriate, or look into changing her litter box to one with lower sides. Cats with arthritis can find it difficult to jump into steep sided boxes and may take the easier route of using the floor. Likewise, stiff achy joints can make the cat less willing to walk to another room to the tray. A trial with pain relief meds may be all it takes to clear up this unseemly habit. Consider your cat's ability to groom herself. Lack of grooming could be a sign of a stiff back, or even that your cat is sleeping more and not devoting the necessary to coat care. If this is your cat's only quirk, don't panic, the chances are she's okay for a while yet. However, you can also look at things the other way round. A cat with a glossy, well-kept coat is a cat that still has a pride in her appearance and is well enough to do something about it. If this describes your cat, then it's likely she isn't ready to depart just yet. Of course, if your cat is having difficulty grooming herself, this is one area where you can make a big difference. Giving an elderly, unkempt cat a comb and brush over can make her feel much better about herself. Determine whether your cat is able to rest without pain. This is a big one. It is a basic necessity that the cat can sleep and rest without being disturbed by pain. A cat in pain is more likely to be restless, and show tell-tale signs such as swishing her tail, or resting with her ears drawn back. Pain also causes tension in the muscles and the cat is more likely to have a hunched-up, "tight" appearance, rather than lying on her side with her legs extended. Cats in pain are also more short-tempered and grouchy. So be alert for changes in character from sweet-tempered to hissy and spitty. Of course pain comes in different intensities and different cats have differing tolerances to pain. When deciding whether it's time for euthanasia the underlying question to ask yourself is if the pain means she spends more time feeling unwell, than she does getting pleasure out of life. Discuss the matter with your vet. Don't forget your vet is there to advise you. The ideal situation is if your cat has seen the same vet for years, because she has followed the cat throughout her life and is aware of her normal appearance and behaviors. The veterinarian will also know you, and this makes it easier to have a full and honest discussion about what is best for your pet. Call your vet at the first sign of concern. If your cat is on regular medication and the vet is familiar with him, you should ring and ask to speak to the vet at the first sign of concern. The vet may suggest a visit to the clinic, or suggest a change of medication or a different dose. The vet will try to find a solution to your pet's problems before the topic of putting the cat down is even broached. When you first become concerned, speaking to a professional does not commit you to having the pet euthanized - it simply gives your pet the best chance of finding a medical solution. Set up an appointment to have your cat physically examined. If your pet has not been to the vet for some time and you are growing concerned about their physical condition, book an appointment for a physical exam. Again, this is not committing you to euthanasia but it will give to vet an opportunity to conduct a full examination and give you time to discuss your cat's health in person. This allows you to get an honest opinion about the cat's health, and if it isn't time to let her go it provides a bench mark against which to measure any deterioration later on. Know what signs the vet is looking for when considering euthanasia. There are two elements in making a decision about euthanasia. The first is the physical side, and the second is the mental. The vet's role is to check for signs of ill health or pain that mean the animal is suffering, or about to suffer, and to advise you on the options for treatment. Sadly, euthanasia is sometimes considered an appropriate "treatment" if it is not possible or practical to alleviate the cat's suffering through medications or other means. During the health check the vet will assess things such as the cat's hydration levels, body condition, and signs of pain. She will also trouble shoot for conditions such as anemia or cancer that might indicate that the cat is unlikely to respond to treatment. She will assess the cat's general mobility and state of mind. Understand that the vet only wants what's best for your cat. It is the veterinarian's job to ensure an animal does not suffer, and if the cat has a problem that is badly affecting her quality of life and there is little chance of improvement, then the vet will help you understand this and guide you towards making the best decision. Be honest with the vet about the cat's condition. In some cases, cats who are feeling poorly at home will seem to perk up at the vet's clinic. This is simply a result of stress. Be aware this can happen, (and vet's know it), so be honest with the veterinarian and explain how the cat acts at home. She will appreciate the honesty and help you make the best decision. Keep in mind that certain factors, such as senility, are often best judged by the owner who lives with the pet, rather than the vet in a ten minute consultation. Make a list when you are calm. While the cat is still well, make a list of things that would be unacceptable to you if the cat started/stopped doing them. The list could include things like no longer grooming herself, no longer eating, or soiling on carpets and furniture regularly. Having this list will help to make it easier for you to decide if your cat starts doing any of these things. Find the tipping point. Life is a balancing act. Sometimes things go well, other times they go badly, but everything should balance out in the end. Your cat's life is a bit like this. An elderly or sick cat will have good days and bad days, but if the overall balance is positive and the "bad" is never extreme pain, then it is reasonable to carry on. However, there comes a time when the bad outweighs the good. The tipping point may occur when the cat stops responding to pain medications, or you notice a deterioration in house training. Although it varies from cat to cat, a point is usually reached beyond which quality of life becomes unacceptable. Once this tipping point has been reached, euthanasia may be the kindest thing for your cat. Try to balance all the factors. It is the nature of hard decisions that they are not clear cut. Continuing with the scales analogy, it may not be one large thing that tips the balance (such as the cat having a stroke) but it may be lots of smaller things added together (such as the cat no longer grooming, soiling herself, and losing weight). Consider your cat's quality of life. "Quality of life" are three words much talked about in the context of animal euthanasia. As well as physical factors such as pain, quality of life can be quite an abstract idea that includes factors such as the cat's enjoyment of life. Considering the cat's quality of life will help you to reach a decision about what is moral and humane. Prioritize quality of life over quantity of life. A useful concept to keep at the back of your mind is "quality of life, not quantity of life." If you decide to keep your cat alive, it's important to ensure that her life is worth living. If she is in constant pain, it would be kinder to put her down, as her quality of life is non-existent. Trust your instincts. Trust your instincts is sage advice when it comes to euthanasia. You know your pet, and chances are if you think she is suffering, then she is. No owner wants to say goodbye, but it comes down to putting the cat's best interests first, and your reluctance to let go second. You may just know when it is time. Don't feel guilty about making the right decision. The first thing to remember is that by deciding to euthanize your cat, you are not killing her, or playing God. These ideas are not helpful. In fact, what you are doing is making a positive decision to prevent the cat from unnecessary pain, discomfort and distress. The second thing to remember is that it is better to let the cat pass early, rather than do nothing and watch the cat deteriorate. Owners do not consider euthanasia lightly, and it is highly likely that if the thought of euthanizing your cat has occurred to you, then your cat is close-to, or already in distress. The third thing to remember is that cats show you love and compassion throughout their life, and when their quality of life fails, it is an unselfish decision on your part to say goodbye and bring that life to a dignified end. | Consider your cat's weight and ability to eat. Determine your cat's body score. Assess whether the cat is able to walk to her water bowl. Take note if your cat starts soiling herself. Consider your cat's ability to groom herself. Determine whether your cat is able to rest without pain. Discuss the matter with your vet. Call your vet at the first sign of concern. Set up an appointment to have your cat physically examined. Know what signs the vet is looking for when considering euthanasia. Understand that the vet only wants what's best for your cat. Be honest with the vet about the cat's condition. Make a list when you are calm. Find the tipping point. Try to balance all the factors. Consider your cat's quality of life. Prioritize quality of life over quantity of life. Trust your instincts. Don't feel guilty about making the right decision. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Publish-a-Book | How to Publish a Book | If you want to publish a fiction book, you will need to prepare a full-length, completed manuscript. You may find better success if you choose a literary agent to help market your book to publishers, but you can contact publishers directly if they are accepting unsolicited submissions. You can find this out by researching different publishing houses online. Once you find a publisher, write a query letter containing information about yourself and your book, as well as a brief synopsis. If they are interested, they will ask you to send them your manuscript. | Know whether you should prepare a manuscript or a proposal. Fiction writers should prepare a full-length manuscript, while non-fiction writers will have to write a solid book proposal instead. Knowing what you need to have written will save you time and will make you look more professional when you send your work out into the world. Many fiction writers try to publish their books before they have completed a manuscript — to no avail. If you are a seasoned writer working with a literary agent, then just a few chapters or even a proposal can get you a contract, but for most people starting out in the fiction business, the book should be 100% done before moving forward to the publication stage. If you're writing non-fiction, then you need to have a completed book proposal first. If you are writing a fitness book or a cookbook, then you should focus on the proposal. If you're working on more literary non-fiction, then you should work on more sample chapters or even a completed manuscript, in some cases. If you have determined that you only need a proposal for the type of nonfiction you are writing, then skip to step 6 and decide whether you want to hire a literary agent or go directly to the publishing house. If you are writing an academic textbook, then skip to the last section and learn how to publish your book by contacting a publisher directly. Revise your book. Revising your book can be even trickier than finishing it. Once you've written a solid draft of your book, whether it's a historical novel or a thriller, you'll need to revise it so it's in the best shape possible before you take it to an agent or publishing house. Here are some things to do as you revise your book: Make sure your book is as engaging as possible. Though not every book is a spy novel or a page turner, make sure your readers are hooked from the beginning, and that they always have a reason to keep turning those pages. Get rid of any wordiness or excess. Many agents say that they rarely accept a debut novelist's book if it's over 100,000 words. Make sure you get your point across. Whether you're writing a romance novel or science fiction, you should have reached your objective and communicated your message by the end of the book. Make sure your thoughts are as clear as possible. Your ideas may be crystal clear to you, but would they confuse your average reader? Of course, your book may be targeted toward a certain audience, but members of that audience (such as college students or nurses) should be able to clearly follow your thoughts. Get feedback on your book. Once you think you're really done, it's important to get some feedback on your book to know if it's ready for publication. You may feel that it's absolutely perfect, but there is almost always room for improvement. It's better to get feedback from a fellow writer or trusted professional than to get rejected by an agent or publisher. If you ask for feedback too early in the drafting process, you may feel stifled, so make sure your book feels really ready before you ask for help. Here are some ways to get feedback on your book: Ask a fellow writer. A friend who knows how to write will have some insight into what works and what does not work in a book. Ask a voracious reader. Someone who reads a lot will be able to tell you if your book was a page turner, or if they were asleep after the first chapter. Ask someone who knows your subject. If you're writing non-fiction about something in a field such as business, science, or cooking, ask someone who is an expert in this field to see if you really know your stuff. Submit your stuff to a writing workshop. Whether you have an informal writer's workshop with friends in your area or you're attending a writing conference, submitting a chapter of your work to a workshop can give you insight into a variety of perspectives at once. If you're in an M.A. or M.F.A. program in creative writing, you will have lots of resources for feedback, whether it's your classmates or faculty. Find a reputable editor and ask for a manuscript evaluation. This can be very expensive, but asking the right person can help you see if your book is ready. Remember to take your feedback with a grain of salt. Not everyone will fall in love with your book, and that's okay. It's important to get constructive feedback from people you trust, but recognize that you won't benefit from every opinion. Getting good feedback means knowing who to ask. Revise your book further if it's necessary. Revise your book based on the feedback you received. You won't regret it. Take some time to absorb the feedback you received, and then get to work. Though your revision should take you in the right direction, you should ask for more feedback to make sure you made the draft stronger. When you've revised your manuscript again, put it away for a few weeks or even a month. Then take it out and read it with fresh eyes to see if it's in the best possible shape. Last, copy edit your book. Once all of the larger points are taken care of, make sure your manuscript is free of grammatical and punctuation errors. These errors will make your work look unprofessional and will keep your readers from appreciating your hard work. Prepare your manuscript. Once you feel that your manuscript is completely ready, you'll have to format it so it meets the requirements of the agents or publishers you are seeking. There are a few rules of thumb you can follow, but you should also check the websites of the publishers or the agents' guidelines to ensure that your manuscript meets their standards. Here are a few things you can do: Always double-space your manuscript. Have one-inch margins on the left and right-hand sides of the manuscript. No fancy fonts. Times New Roman is the best font to use. Courier, or the font that looks like a typewriter, used to be more prominent, but TNR will do just fine. Number your pages. Number the pages of your manuscript on the top right-hand side, along with your last name and title before the page number. Ex: "Smith/WHITE SKY/1" Have a cover page. The cover page should include the following: Your name, email address, phone number, and address should appear on the left-hand side of the page. The title of your novel should be capitalized and centered on the page, along with your last name. Example: "WHITE SKY" on one line and "a novel by John Smith" written directly below it. Your word count should be centered on the bottom of the page. You can round to the nearest 5,000 words. You can write, "about 75,000" words. Decide whether you want to enlist the help of a literary agent or to go straight to the publisher. Though signing with a literary agent is incredibly challenging, contacting a publishing house directly to try to publish your book is even tougher. The benefit of working directly with a publisher is that you don't have to use (or pay) an agent as a middleman. The drawback is that the publishing houses trust the agents to screen the submissions, so if you don't have an agent, they will be less likely to consider you. You can also try literary agents first and go to the publisher if it doesn't work out. However, if your work is rejected by many literary agents, it's even more likely to be rejected by the publishers. Research the market. Once you're ready to take your book to agents, you need to research the market to find your niche. Find books in your field or genre to see where you fit in, and see how well these books are selling and who are big names in your field. If your book doesn't neatly fit in one genre, research multiple types of books that your book may be like. Once you've researched the market, you should be able to find a way to neatly describe your book. Is it science fiction, literary, or historical? Is it a science fiction and a historical novel? Is it literary, or more of a young adult novel? Knowing what kind of book you have will help you contact the right agent. Research literary agents. Now that you know what type of agent you're working with, it's time for you to find the perfect agent to represent you. The ideal agent will connect with your material, will be enthusiastic about your work, and will work with you to revise your book and sell it to a publisher. Make sure your agent sells books in your genre, or contacting that agent will be a waste of time. Here is how to find a good agent for you: Read a reputable guide to Literary Agents. This book will tell you more about thousands of literary agents and will also say which genres they specialize in, how many new clients they take on each year, and how many recent sales they have made. Check out Publisher's Marketplace. Though you'll have to pay $25 a month for full access to the site, you will gain insight into which agents made recent sales, what type of books they sold, and who is selling the most books. Check out Query Tracker. This site will help you see which agents respond to queries quickly, and which rarely respond or take months to respond. The statistics on this site are reported by other writers, so the data set isn't complete, but it can give you a good indication of how receptive some agents can be. The site can also tell you which agents specialize in what genres. Check out the websites of different agents. When you find an agent who sounds like a good fit, check out his or her website to get more information about submission policies and what genres and clients they represent. Make sure the agent is accepting unsolicited submissions. Unless you have a connection, you'll have to submit to the agent this way. Watch out for con-artists posting as agents. No reputable agent will ever ask for a reading fee to see your manuscript. The agent will only make money if he can sell your book. Check out Preditors & Editors to make sure the agent has a good rating. Write a query letter. Once you've found your dream agent — or better yet, a handful of dream agents — it's time to prepare your query letter. Your query letter is your chance to introduce yourself to the agent, to get the agent hooked on your book, and to provide a very brief synopsis of the book. It can take a while to hear back from agents, so contact a few at a time (as long as they allow simultaneous submissions) and sit back and wait. The query letter should follow the following format: Paragraph one: an introduction of your book and your interest in the agent. Here is what should go in the first paragraph: Start off with one or two sentences that gives the agent a "blurb" of what your book is about. It should be specific, original, and gripping. Then, tell the agent what genre your book falls under, whether it's multi-cultural, young adult, or historical. It can fall into a number of categories. You should mention the word count in the first paragraph as well. Tell the agent why you've chosen her. Does she represent a lot of books in your genre, or does she represent a few authors whose work is similar to yours? Do you have a personal connection to the agent? If so, mention it right away. Paragraph two: a synopsis of your book. Here is what should go in the synopsis: Describe what happens in your book and what themes are highlighted. Make the description as accurate and gripping as possible. Show who the main characters are, what the stakes are, and why the book is important. You can do this in one or two paragraphs at most. Paragraph three : some brief information about yourself. Tell the agent if you've won any awards and how the book personally connects to your life. Paragraph four : tell the agent that the full manuscript or sample chapters (if you're writing non-fiction) are available upon request and give your contact information. Thank the agent for taking the time to consider your work. Follow directions carefully. If the agent also asks for an outline or sample chapters, send those along too. If you get an offer with an agent, sign a contract — if it feels right. If the agent liked your query letter, he or she will ask you to send along some sample chapters or even the whole manuscript. If the agent falls in love with your work after that, you will receive what you've been dreaming about: an offer of representation! But before you sign with the agent, you have to make sure he really is the dream agent you've been seeking. Talk to the agent over the phone. If you can, meet with the agent in person. If you live near Manhattan, this will be easier, since many literary agents are based in New York City. Get a sense of this person's character and how enthusiastic he is about your book. Trust your gut. If something is telling you the agent sounds too busy, too eager to get off the phone, or not very excited about your work, don't sign with him. It's better to continue your agent search than to put your book in the hands of the wrong person. Ask if you can talk to some of the agent's clients. A good agent will be glad to give you the names of a few of his clients, so you can chat with them and get a better sense of whether or not the agent is a good fit. Double-check your research. Make sure the agent has made sales and has a solid client list before you get on board. Read over your contract carefully. Once you see that the contract is pretty standard, and that the agent gets around a 15% of your domestic sales and 20% of your foreign sales, and you feel good about signing with the agent, then sign your contract, put it in the mail, and celebrate a job well done. Revise with the agent. Even if your agent is bowled over by your book, you will almost always have to revise the book once, twice, or even three times before it's ready to go to the market. You'll have to do things like trim down the word count, make your narrator more likable, and address any questions your agent may have. Remember that the book is still yours and that you don't have to change it completely to suit the needs of the agent. Only make changes that you're comfortable with. Take your book to the market. Once your agent is happy with your manuscript, and you have prepared a package for the book, she will take it to the publishers. This is the most nerve-wracking part because your book's fate will be out of your hands. Your agent will pitch your book to a list of trusted editors at various publishers, and if you're lucky, you'll end up with a deal with an editor at a publishing house! Sign the contract that includes you, your agent, and the publishing house. Work with an editor. Now that your book has been sold, you'll sign with a publishing house and will continue to work to revise the book with an editor there. You'll work until the writing is exactly where it should be, and then other aspects of publishing will be decided, such as when and how the book will be released, and what the cover will look like. But you can't just sit tight and wait for the publication date. There is more work to be done! Market your book. Once the fact that your book will be published has sunk in, you'll need to work your butt off to market your book, whether it's through your publicist, your website, Facebook, informal readings, and word of mouth. Do what you have to do to get the word out there so your sales are high when the book does come out. Don't ever stop advertising for your book — especially not after it is published. You can bask in your glory for a little while, but remember that promoting your book is just as important as writing it! Research publishers. Check out the websites of different publishing houses to see if they accept query letters or if they only accept solicitations from agents. Many publishing houses only accept work that has been brought to them through an agent. Find publishers that not only accept unagented submissions, but which specialize in the type of book you are writing. Write a query letter to the right publishers. The method for writing a query letter for a publishing house is the same as it is for contacting an agent. You'll have to introduce your book as well as yourself and to provide a brief synopsis of the work. If the publishing house is impressed by your letter, you will be asked to send along part of or all of the manuscript. If your book is accepted, sign with a reputable publishing house. If the publishing house is impressed by your work, you will be given an offer. Look at your contract carefully and sign it if it meets your demands. Revise with an editor. Work with an editor to revise your book until it is ready for publication. Market your book. While you're waiting for the book to be released, market the book to everyone you know — and people you don't know. Once your book is published, you will have to continue to advertise for your book. You can enjoy your publication, but remember that marketing should never stop. Promote your book through blogging, interviewing, and reading from your book. Develop a Facebook fan page and website to advertise your book. Look up self-publishing companies. Create an account with the company that works for you. Write your book on Microsoft Word or other programs like that. Most self-publishing companies will require you to upload a Microsoft Word file of your book. Choose the size and type of book you would like (paperback vs. hardcover). After completing the steps it takes to self-publish your book, make it available for people to purchase it. Make sure to provide a choice of a payment method so you can receive the money you earn from each book sold. Advertise your book. Begin by telling friends and family. This will increase your chances of having your books purchased by others. Use social media and online advertising to get your book known even further. | Know whether you should prepare a manuscript or a proposal. Revise your book. Get feedback on your book. Revise your book further if it's necessary. Prepare your manuscript. Decide whether you want to enlist the help of a literary agent or to go straight to the publisher. Research the market. Research literary agents. Write a query letter. If you get an offer with an agent, sign a contract — if it feels right. Revise with the agent. Take your book to the market. Work with an editor. Market your book. Research publishers. Write a query letter to the right publishers. If your book is accepted, sign with a reputable publishing house. Revise with an editor. Market your book. Look up self-publishing companies. Create an account with the company that works for you. Write your book on Microsoft Word or other programs like that. Choose the size and type of book you would like (paperback vs. After completing the steps it takes to self-publish your book, make it available for people to purchase it. Advertise your book. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-a-Red-Bellied-Parrot-Is-Right-for-You | How to Know if a Red Bellied Parrot Is Right for You | Before you get a red bellied parrot, determine if you can spend at least an hour interacting with your parrot each day. Red bellied parrots need regular socialization in order to be well adjusted. You'll also need to spend time every day cleaning and maintaining its cage. Additionally, consider whether you might need help caring for the parrot. If so, talk to your family or friends to make sure someone is available to give you a hand. To really be sure that a red bellied parrot is the right pet for you, spend time around red bellied parrots or volunteer to foster one. | Plan to show attention to the parrot on a regular basis. Red bellied parrots require ongoing attention from their owners. You will need to be willing to bond with the parrot by interacting with it regularly. It will then form an emotional attachment with you. Red bellied parrots do best when their owners chat, play, and interact with them at least once a day. Red bellied parrots can grow attached to one person and become possessive if they're not socialized at a young age. If you want your red bellied parrot to get along with other people, you'll need to introduce it to strangers when it's young. Look at your existing time commitments. You will need to check on the parrot in the morning and spend 30 minutes to one hour feeding it and interacting with it. You will then need to set aside 30 minutes to an hour later in the day to play with it again. You will also need to set aside 30 minutes a day to clean and maintain the parrot's cage. This involves replacing the liner at the bottom of the cage, washing and refilling its food and water dishes, and clearing the surrounding area of any debris. You will also need to do deeper, weekly and monthly cleanings that involve taking everything out of the cage and scrubbing down the cage itself. To get a sense of your time management, block out the amount of time per day you are going to need to care for the parrot. Make sure you can find enough time to care for the bird, in addition to your existing commitments. Consider if you will need help to care for the parrot. Caring for a red bellied parrot can be a lot of work. You may need help caring for the parrot at home. Ask friends, family, and partners to give you a hand caring for the parrot. Splitting the care with someone else can make it more manageable and feasible for you. Spend time with a red bellied parrot before getting one. Visit animal shelters that have red bellied parrots and spend time with the species before you buy one. Ask a friend who has a red bellied parrot if you can pet sit it for a day. You can also foster a red bellied parrot from an animal shelter, where you take care of the bird until a permanent home is found for it. Put aside the funds for a cage and cage accessories. Red bellied parrots are very active and need a large cage — at least 24 inches (61 cm) by 30 inches (76 cm) by 24 inches (61 cm) — with at least two perches. The cage should be tall and rectangular so the bird can hop and climb around easily. You will need to buy a large, high quality bird cage for the parrot, as well as bird toys and accessories. It can cost you around $400 to $500 USD to house the parrot.. You should also factor in annual vet check ups, which can be $50 to $100 USD per visit. Set up the cage outdoors in sunlight. Red bellied parrots thrive in direct sunlight, as this is closest to their natural habitat. Look for a spot in your yard that gets sunlight most of the day. Provide sun cover on one side of the cage so the bird can get some shade as needed. The cage should be around 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit (18-27 degrees Celsius). If you can't keep the parrot outdoors, place it in a sunny spot in your home, such as by a south facing window. You can have two separate cages for the bird, one indoors and one outdoors. If you do place your bird's cage near a window, make sure there isn't a draft or your bird could get cold and sick. Be aware of the cost of food for the parrot. Red bellied parrots should be given pellet food for parrots. You can also give the parrot fresh vegetables and fruits, and a small amount of seed mix. You should also factor in the cost of bird treats for the parrot. You can use vegetables and fruits as treats to save money, and boost the health of your bird. Note the grooming time for the parrot. This species enjoys regular bathing or showering so it can stay clean and healthy. You will need to mist the bird in the shower and let it dry in the sun or with a blow dryer. Groom the bird at least once a week with a shower or bath. You do not need to clip the parrot's wings excessively. You can clip them so the parrot can fly around low to the ground. Clip the parrot's wings yourself, which will need to be done every few months, or get a professional groomer to do it. Set aside time to socialize the parrot. Red bellied parrots should be introduced to other people besides their owner so they do not become one-person birds. Try to socialize the bird by having it interact with friends and family on a regular basis. Let others hold the bird and play with it. Red bellied parrots can also be skittish and anxious, so their environment should feel comfortable and safe at all times. Be conscious of this when socializing the bird with others. Go for a red bellied parrot if you like an outgoing, affectionate bird. Red bellied parrots are lively birds and enjoy socializing with people. They are smaller in size than other parrot species and are not usually as noisy as other parrots, such as Cockatoos. They are a good option if you want a friendly bird without too much noise or talking. Red bellied parrots can be taught to talk and sing. However, they are not as naturally talkative as other parrot species. Keep other pets away from the parrot. Red bellied parrots can become possessive of their owner, especially if they receive a lot of care and attention. They may act aggressively toward other pets, such as cats or dogs. When you first get the parrot, it should be kept separate from other pets so it has time to adapt to its new environment. Over time, the parrot should become comfortable with other pets. Red bellied parrots do better as single pets, rather than pairs. Try to keep it away from other birds so it does not become aggressive. Note the difference between male and female red bellied parrots. The sexes as distinguished by the coloring on their coats. Male red bellied parrots have an orange-red coloring on their chest. Female red bellied parrots have green and gray coloring on their chest. Male and female red bellied parrots have similar personality traits and habits, although males can get aggressive during the mating season. They are best kept as single birds and mixing the genders in one cage is not recommended. | Plan to show attention to the parrot on a regular basis. Look at your existing time commitments. Consider if you will need help to care for the parrot. Spend time with a red bellied parrot before getting one. Put aside the funds for a cage and cage accessories. Set up the cage outdoors in sunlight. Be aware of the cost of food for the parrot. Note the grooming time for the parrot. Set aside time to socialize the parrot. Go for a red bellied parrot if you like an outgoing, affectionate bird. Keep other pets away from the parrot. Note the difference between male and female red bellied parrots. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Respiratory-Problems-in-Guinea-Pigs | How to Treat Respiratory Problems in Guinea Pigs | While respiratory problems are common in guinea pigs, it's important that you get it treated quickly since they can make your guinea pig very sick quite quickly. If your guinea pig has trouble breathing, is wheezing, has green or yellow discharge in its eyes or nose, or has been eating less, it may have a respiratory illness. Take it to your vet to be diagnosed and treated. At the vet, they'll likely perform a physical exam and listen to its lungs. Depending on the illness, they may decide to give your guinea pig antibiotics to treat the problem. | Determine if your guinea pig has trouble breathing. When your guinea pig is healthy, his breathing will be quiet and easy. However, respiratory problems can make it hard for him to breathe. Your guinea pig may start wheezing. In addition, you may hear clicking or rattling noises when he breathes. Look at your guinea pig’s eyes and nose. A respiratory problem can cause your guinea pig's eyes and nose to produce discharge. If the discharge is green or yellow, your guinea pig could have a bacterial respiratory infection. A respiratory infection could also cause your guinea pig's conjunctiva, the inner part of your guinea pig's eyelids, to become red. Allergies, another type of respiratory problem, can make your guinea pig's nose red and sore from a lot of itching and scratching. Take note of your guinea pig’s appetite. A respiratory problem can make your guinea pig feel pretty sick and not in the mood to eat. He may eat less, or not at all. When you feed him, observe how much he eats. With a reduced appetite, your guinea pig will lose weight. A lack of vitamin C is one possible cause of respiratory problems in guinea pigs. If your guinea pig is not eating much because he feels sick, he may not be getting enough vitamin C, which could make him feel even worse. Have your vet diagnose your guinea pig. Although your guinea pig may have obvious symptoms of a respiratory problem, your vet will need to determine the exact cause of the illness and how serious it is. To do this, they will perform a physical exam that will include listening to your guinea pig's lungs. Your vet will also take samples (e.g., nasal swab, discharge from the eyes or nose) to identify the specific bacteria causing the respiratory infection. Chest x-rays can also help your vet diagnose your guinea pig's respiratory problem. Chest x-rays will show whether your guinea pig has pneumonia. Dental disease can cause respiratory problems in guinea pig because the roots of the cheek teeth (premolars and molars) are so close to the nasal passages. If your guinea pig has dental disease, skull x-rays will help your vet see the extent of the disease. Treat your guinea pig immediately. If left untreated, your guinea pig's respiratory problem could make him extremely sick. For example, if he has a cold, it could quickly progress to pneumonia, which may be difficult for him to recover from. The sooner you get him treated, the better his chances of a good recovery. Hospitalize your guinea pig, if necessary. If your guinea pig is extremely sick (e.g., very labored breathing, inability to eat, very weak), your vet will likely want to hospitalize him for intense treatment. In-hospital treatments include assisted feeding, injectable medications, and extra oxygen. Your vet will want to hospitalize your guinea pig until he is strong and stable enough for at-home care. If your guinea pig has severe breathing troubles, your vet may also humidify the oxygen your guinea pig is receiving. Your vet may give your guinea pig an oral or injectable multivitamin in the hospital if he is extremely weak. Injectable medications usually work faster than oral medications. Have your vet correct your guinea pig’s dental problems. If dental disease caused your guinea pig's respiratory problems, then your vet will need to treat it at the hospital. Your vet will need to anesthetize him and use specialized dental tools to work on his teeth. After surgery, your vet may prescribe a pain medication for your guinea pig. Give your guinea pig antibiotics. Two types of bacteria — Bordetella bronchiseptica and Streptococcus pneumoniae — are the primary causes of respiratory infections in guinea pigs. Your vet will use diagnostic test results to select which antibiotic will effectively treat your guinea pig's respiratory problem. Follow your vet's instructions carefully to ensure all the bacteria is killed. If the antibiotic comes in liquid form, you can use a medicine dropper to put the prescribed number of drops into the corner of your guinea pig's mouth. If he resists that, you could place the drops on his favorite food. Contact your vet if you are having trouble giving your guinea pig the antibiotics. Monitor your guinea pig. Some antibiotics can cause diarrhea in guinea pigs by killing the healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. If your guinea pig develops diarrhea from the antibiotics, stop giving them immediately and contact your vet. Your guinea pig will probably need to be treated with a different antibiotic. Clean your guinea pig’s cage regularly. Once your guinea pig has been treated for a respiratory problem, you won't want him to get another one. Keeping his cage clean is one of the best ways to prevent a future respiratory problem. Clean his cage twice a week. To give your guinea pig's cage a thorough cleaning, remove all cage accessories and discard the bedding. Wash the cage with hot, soapy water. Rinse the cage and let it dry completely. Each day, remove leftover food, feces, and dirty bedding. Use proper bedding in your guinea pig’s cage. Proper bedding can also prevent respiratory infections in guinea pigs. Dust-free bedding will not irritate your guinea pig's nose. Examples of dust-free beddings are CareFRESH® and fleece. Do not use cedar or pine shavings. These shavings contain oils that can be very irritating to a guinea pig's respiratory tract. Replace the bedding whenever it becomes soiled or wet. Damp bedding can become moldy and increase your guinea pig's chances of getting sick. Keep your guinea pig’s cage well ventilated. Adequate air circulation is important in preventing respiratory problems in guinea pigs. A wire cage would provide more ventilation than a solid glass cage. Make sure the cage is not in the direct path of a vent or draft — a constant draft of cool air could make your guinea pig sick. Do not overcrowd your guinea pig’s cage. If you have multiple guinea pigs, they should be in a cage large enough to house all of them comfortably. If the cage is too small, your guinea pigs could develop respiratory infections from the stress of overcrowding. The stress would weaken their immune systems and make them susceptible to infection. If you have 2 guinea pigs, their cage should be at least 30 inches x 50 inches (76 cm x 127 cm). Do not house rabbits and guinea pigs together. Rabbits can harbor Bordatella in their bodies and pass it on to guinea pigs. In addition, a rabbit can bully a guinea pig, causing the guinea pig stress if it cannot find a safe place to get away. To prevent a respiratory infection, house your rabbits and guinea pigs in different cages. The stress from bullying could cause a respiratory problem by weakening your guinea pig's immune system. Add vitamin C to your guinea pig’s diet. Adequate amounts of vitamin C are essential to preventing respiratory problems in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C in their bodies, so they must get this nutrient from food. Examples of vitamin C-rich foods are broccoli, parsley, green peppers, and mustard greens. Vitamin C dietary supplements are also available. Talk to your vet before giving your guinea pig a supplement. Your guinea pig should receive 50 mg of vitamin C per day. Your vet can help you ensure that your guinea pig receives enough daily vitamin C. | Determine if your guinea pig has trouble breathing. Look at your guinea pig’s eyes and nose. Take note of your guinea pig’s appetite. Have your vet diagnose your guinea pig. Treat your guinea pig immediately. Hospitalize your guinea pig, if necessary. Have your vet correct your guinea pig’s dental problems. Give your guinea pig antibiotics. Monitor your guinea pig. Clean your guinea pig’s cage regularly. Use proper bedding in your guinea pig’s cage. Keep your guinea pig’s cage well ventilated. Do not overcrowd your guinea pig’s cage. Do not house rabbits and guinea pigs together. Add vitamin C to your guinea pig’s diet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Cooktop | How to Install a Cooktop | Installing a cooktop is relatively easy, but it's important that you do it safely. Make sure you turn off the power to your junction box at the fuse box or turn off the gas before installing your cooktop. If you don't have the right sized hole in your counter, you'll need to cut it with a saw or screw on extra metal pieces so your cooktop will fit. Then, screw in the spring clips or brackets that came with your cooktop. Feed the wires through the hole first and place your cooktop in the hole. Finally, you'll need to connect the wires or hose to the electricity or gas line under the counter. | Remove the old cooktop if there is one. If you are replacing an old cooktop then you will first have to remove it. Turn off the power to this cooktop at the fuse box. Remove any caulking or attachments on the cooktop. Disconnect the wiring, remembering how the old cooktop is wired, and lift the cooktop out of the opening. You must be absolutely certain that the power is turned off to your cooktop. You can use a circuit tester to double check by touching one lead on the circuit tester to any wire that is not green or white and the other lead to a white or green (ground) wire. If the light comes on, it means the power is still on. Make sure you remember how the old wiring was connected because the new wiring will connect in the same way. You can even label wires and take a picture of the wiring before removal to help you remember. Get someone to help you lift the cooktop out of its location because they can be quite heavy. Make sure there is enough clearance around your chosen location. Ideally you should have at least 30 inches (76 cm) of clearance above the cooktop and 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) of clearance on the sides. You must also check that there is enough space below the cooktop for your desired model. Check the manufacturer's instructions for specific requirements for your cooktop. Check that the appropriate junction box exists in your desired location. Most cooktops will require a 240 VAC junction box. If you are replacing a cooktop then you probably will already have this installed. If there is no junction box then you should hire a professional to install one for you. You must also check that the old cooktop has the same amperage as the new cooktop or else the wiring may need to be performed by a professional. Many old cooktops have only a 30-amp circuit while modern cooktops often have a 40-amp or 50-amp circuit. Measure the dimensions of the cooktop and make sure it will fit if there is an existing hole. If you have removed a previously installed cooktop then there should already be a hole so you must check the dimensions of the new cooktop to see if it will fit. Measure the length and width of the cooktop and subtract ½ - 1 inch (1.25-2.5 cm) from each side to account for the lip that will overlap the countertop. Alter the hole in the countertop to fit the cooktop. The hole needs to be the size of the cooktop minus the ½ to 1 inch for the lip. If there is no hole currently or if the hole is too small then you will need to cut a hole or make it larger. If the hole is too big then you can screw shims (long flat metal pieces) into the sides around the opening. You may need to remove tile around the area before cutting through the counter with a saw. You will need a wet saw to cut through a granite countertop. Alternatively hire a professional for this job because granite can be difficult to cut cleanly. You should also seal the stone before placing the cooktop into its location. Detach any removable pieces on your cooktop to make it easier to set in place. Your cooktop may have removable burners, screens or other parts that can be set aside for now. You should also remove any packaging that may be around the cooktop. Install the spring clips. These hold the cooktop in place. You should hang them from the upper edge of the cutout and then secure them with screws. If you have a granite counter then you should secure the spring clips using double-sided adhesive tape rather than screws. Lower the new cooktop into place. Lower the new cooktop into the opening, making sure to draw the wires through the opening first. Press down until it clicks into place in the spring clips. If you had to remove tile then you will have to reinstall the tiles to lay flush with the edges of the cooktop before laying it into place. You may need to wait for 24 hours for the tiles to set before putting the cooktop into place. Connect the wires of the new cooktop to the power supply. The power must still be off when you do this to prevent injury and shocks. Connect the wires of the cooktop to their corresponding wire in the power supply. The red and black wires (can also be other colors) are the hot wires which carry electricity to the appliance. Connect the red and black wires on the cooktop to the red and black wires in the power supply box. The white wire is the neutral wire, which completes the circuit. The white wire on the cooktop will connect to the white wire in the power supply. The green wire is the ground wire, which grounds the circuit. Connect the green wire on the cooktop to the green wire in the power supply. Connect all wires together using a wire nut, which is like a little cap. Line up the wires next to each other and then twist the wires around each other. Screw the wire nut onto the twisted wires. The wire nut protects them from touching other bare wires, preventing potential fires. Install the removable pieces of your cooktop. Put back any burners, screens or other removable parts. Turn the power back on and test the cooktop. Flip the breaker back on and turn on the cooktop to check that everything is working well. Make sure you have a gas line. A gas cooktop will require a gas line to bring fuel to the burners. If you are replacing an existing gas cooktop then you should already have a gas line installed. If you do not have a gas line then you should hire a professional to install one for you. It is particularly important for a gas line to be installed properly because leaks can cause fires and be dangerous for people breathing in the gas. Remove the cabinet doors and anything inside the cabinets. Removing the doors and drawers can help make it easier to access the space under the cooktop. You will also need to remove any items from the cabinets to access the gas line and hose. To remove cabinet doors you can unscrew the hinges holding them in place. Turn off the gas flow to an existing gas cooktop. There will be a small valve where the flexible hose of the cooktop attaches to the built-in gas line of the house. Turn this valve so that it is perpendicular to the hose, or so that it sticks out to the side. If you do not close the valve properly, it will release gas when you unhook the hose and can cause suffocation and/or fires. When the gas line is open the handle on the valve will be pointing in the direction of gas flow. It is very important to turn this valve 90 degrees to close the valve. Unplug the power cord. Many gas cooktops have power cords to provide electricity to light the burners. You must unplug this power cable from the outlet before proceeding. Turn on all your burners for a few seconds. Even though you have switched off the gas valve, there may still be gas trapped in the hose. Turn on all the burners to release this trapped gas. Do not light them. This will release all the extra gas after a few minutes. Turn on your range hood while you have the burners on to disperse all the gas that is released. Disconnect the flexible gas line from the wall using two wrenches. Take one wrench and set it on the nut of the flexible gas hose and take the other wrench and set it on the nut on the wall hose. Hold the wrench connected to the wall hose to keep it in place. Turn the wrench attached to the flexible gas hose counterclockwise to unscrew. Continue turning counterclockwise until the hose is completely detached from the wall pipe. Some wall pipes will have a special fitting that goes between the wall gas pipe and the flexible hose pipe. Make sure you leave this fitting in place when unscrewing the hose. Remove any loose parts from the cooktop. Remove the burners, screens and any other removable pieces before proceeding. This will make it easier to move the cooktop around. Remove the brackets holding the existing cooktop in place. Unscrew the brackets from the underside of the existing cooktop. Push up from underneath to lift the cooktop from the countertop. Remove the cooktop from the counter and place it somewhere safe. Don't forget that the hose is still attached when you are pulling it out of place. Place it upside down when you are setting it aside to keep it from being damaged. Remove the hose from the cooktop. If you will be reusing the hose for your new cooktop then you should unscrew it from the old cooktop. Use two wrenches to unscrew, attaching one to the cooktop and the other to the nut on the flexible hose. Turn the wrench attached to the flexible hose counterclockwise to unscrew. Attach the hose to the new cooktop. Apply pipe sealant to the threads where the hose attaches on the cooktop. Brush the sealant liberally on all the threads but be careful not to get any sealant inside the hose. Use the wrench to screw the hose to the cooktop. Make sure the threads on the cooktop are completely covered with sealant because this will prevent gas leaks later on. Some cooktops come with a regulator to make sure the gas pressure remains constant. If there is one you will attach the regulator to the cooktop threads and the hose to the regulator. Make sure you apply sealant to the threads before screwing the regulator and hose into place. Use a small paintbrush to apply the sealant if your container does not come with one. Place the new cooktop into place in the counter. Slide the cooktop into place carefully making sure you do not damage any of the valves on the bottom. You should also put the hose through the opening before sliding the cooktop into place. Attach the flexible hose pipe to the built-in wall pipe. Apply sealant to the threads on the fitting on the wall pipe. Then screw the flexible pipe into place using a wrench. Make sure you tighten the pipe securely. Make sure you get the sealant spread all the way around the threads to prevent leaks. Mix a solution of soap and water. Make a solution of half dish soap and half water to test if there are any leaks. Stir the mix well and then either spray on all the connections or use a paintbrush to apply to all the connections. Turn on the valve to the built-in pipe by turning the valve so that it points in the same direction as the flow of gas. Check if any bubbles are forming at any of the connections. You should also make sure that you do not smell any gas. Both of these would signal that there is a leak in the connections. If there is a leak then immediately turn off the valve. Unscrew the connections, apply more sealant, and then reconnect. Test again using the soapy water mixture. Check several times to make sure there really are no leaks. You must also make sure you check every connection that you have made. Turn on the burners to check that everything is working. If there are no leaks from your soapy water test then try turning on the burner. It may take a few seconds for the gas to come through and light because you first need to push out the air in the hose. You may smell a little gas before it lights so make sure the range hood is on before lighting. If it doesn't light after 4 seconds, turn off the burner and wait a few minutes before trying again. Reattach the brackets connecting the cooktop to the counter. Now that the cooktop is definitely working, reattach any brackets to connect the cooktop to the counter. Your gas cooktop is now fully installed. Reattach any cabinets or drawers that you previously removed and replace all the items inside the cabinets. Choose a cooktop when you want your oven separate from the cooktop. Cooktops can be useful because you put them in an island or peninsula. They are also helpful when you want to install a built-in oven, which is easier on the back than a normal oven. Cooktops also allow two people to work with separate appliances at the same time. Cooktops are also less visible than normal ranges because you can install them virtually flush with the countertop. Cooktops can also be easier to clean than normal ranges. Install a downdraft cooktop to avoid having an exhaust hood overhead. If you have want to install your cooktop over an island and do not wish to have an exhaust hood then you can choose one that comes with downdraft ventilation. This kind of ventilation brings the air from the surface to down below the cooktop. Some cooktops come with telescoping vents that rise above the cooktop while cooking and then can be pushed below the surface between meals. Choose between a gas or electric cooktop. Traditionally gas cooktops were chosen because they provide an immediate response once lit and they can be seen for adjustments. However, modern electric cooktops also gain heat very quickly and come in very low heat versions. You should also look at style, size, number of burners, color, cost, materials and safety features when deciding on a cooktop. Examine the cost of operation when choosing between gas and electric. You can also compare the prices of gas and electricity that will be used for your cooktop. Decide how many burners you need. In most cases of typical family cooking a four burner unit would be sufficient. However, if you host parties or family gatherings, or if you routinely host people at your home, additional burners could be incredibly useful. Decide on how many burners you will need for your particular uses. Choose a cooktop that will fit into the space. If you are replacing an old cooktop, check to see that the new cooktop will fit in the place of the old cooktop. If it is a different size then you should make sure there is space to cut the correctly sized hole for the new cooktop. Consider the financial implications. Gas stoves can be a little more expensive to purchase but will usually cost less in the long run because fuel is cheaper than electricity. You should also consider the costs of installing wiring (for electric stoves) or gas lines (for gas stoves) if there is no wiring or gas lines to begin with. | Remove the old cooktop if there is one. Make sure there is enough clearance around your chosen location. Check that the appropriate junction box exists in your desired location. Measure the dimensions of the cooktop and make sure it will fit if there is an existing hole. Alter the hole in the countertop to fit the cooktop. Detach any removable pieces on your cooktop to make it easier to set in place. Install the spring clips. Lower the new cooktop into place. Connect the wires of the new cooktop to the power supply. Install the removable pieces of your cooktop. Turn the power back on and test the cooktop. Make sure you have a gas line. Remove the cabinet doors and anything inside the cabinets. Turn off the gas flow to an existing gas cooktop. Unplug the power cord. Turn on all your burners for a few seconds. Disconnect the flexible gas line from the wall using two wrenches. Remove any loose parts from the cooktop. Remove the brackets holding the existing cooktop in place. Push up from underneath to lift the cooktop from the countertop. Remove the hose from the cooktop. Attach the hose to the new cooktop. Place the new cooktop into place in the counter. Attach the flexible hose pipe to the built-in wall pipe. Mix a solution of soap and water. Turn on the burners to check that everything is working. Reattach the brackets connecting the cooktop to the counter. Choose a cooktop when you want your oven separate from the cooktop. Install a downdraft cooktop to avoid having an exhaust hood overhead. Choose between a gas or electric cooktop. Decide how many burners you need. Choose a cooktop that will fit into the space. Consider the financial implications. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Kitchen-Table | How to Build a Kitchen Table | To build a kitchen table, use a miter saw to cut down 5 pieces of lumber to be 69 inches long, lay the pieces out side by side, and screw them together to form the tabletop. Next, create the table ends by cutting pieces of lumber at an angle and sanding the rough edges down. Then, put together the table ends and use a drill to screw them together. Finally, cut lumber to form the braces and attach them to the table with screws before applying the finish and sealant of your choice. | Cut the lumber for the tabletop. You may use construction-grade lumber if you don't mind a rustic look, but choose boards with as little warp as possible. Measure and mark the cut lines first, then cut the lumber with a miter saw. Cut five 2x10" boards to 69 inches (180 cm) in length. If the miter saw is too small to make one cut, cut halfway through, then rotate the board and cut again. Refer to the end of this article for a list of all lumber and supplies required. If you'd like to change the measurements of your table, draw a diagram first so you know how much lumber to buy. Arrange the tabletop on a flat surface. Find the flattest surface you can, such as a garage floor. Lay out the five 69" boards in a row, as flush as possible. A little warp is fine, but try a different order for the boards if there's a major gap. Mark the pocket hole locations. For each border between two boards, draw a series of marks along one side, spacing them 8–10 inches (20.3–25.4 cm) apart. This is where you'll drill pocket holes to hold the tabletop together. In addition, mark two spots on each end of each board, where you'll be attaching breadboard ends. Adjust the Kreg Jig depth. Insert a drill bit into the depth guide on your Kreg Jig, until the step touches the 1.5 inch (3.8 cm) mark. Tighten the depth collar with an allen wrench. The step is the edge between the wide and narrow portions of the drill bit. Don't use the tip of the drill bit as your guide. Adjust the jig placement. Manually loosen the screw on the back of the jig so you can move the hole guide. Raise or lower it until set to the 1.5 inch (3.8 cm) mark, then tighten the screw. Drill the pocket holes. Stand the edge of a board into the Kreg Jig, centered on one of your marks. Drill through the hole on top of the Kreg Jig to make a pocket hole in the board. Repeat with each mark on each board. It can help to rest the board on a 3/4" spacer, to keep it level. Don't forget the marks on the end of each board. Stand the board vertically to drill these. Lay out the boards. Sweep the floor of sawdust and lay out your boards again, in the same order. Confirm that all ends are flush before you continue. Attach boards with 2.5 inch (6.3 cm) Kreg screws. Place the screw into one of the pocket holes you just drilled, and drill it in to fasten the boards together. Keep the boards as level and flush as possible while you do this, and check afterward to make sure they haven't shifted. Repeat for each pocket hole between two boards. Clamp together the boards if possible. It also helps to weigh down the boards with heavy objects. Sand the surface. Run your orbital sander over the surface of the boards, as well as both ends of the tabletop. Cut the breadboard ends. Measure the width of your tabletop to find out how long the breadboard ends should be. Cut two more lengths of 2x10 to this length. This should be about 46¼". Attach the breadboard ends. Line these up level and flush with the two ends of the table. Drill 2.5" Kreg screws through the remaining pocket holes to attach these two boards. Your tabletop is now complete. Cut 4x4 lumber to form the table ends. Cut these with a miter saw, adjusting the saw to cut at an angle where described below. You'll need the following cuts of lumber to form the two ends of the table: Two 4x4s to 43" length (end tops) Four 4x4s to 25⅜" length, with ends cut parallel at a 10º angle (table legs) Two 4x4 at 36¼" length, with ends cut not parallel at 10º angle (end braces) Sand off rough edges. As before, run an orbital sander over the cut wood to smooth out the surface. Lay out the end. On a flat surface, lay out a table end as follows: Put down one of the 43" "end top." Position two 25⅜" legs against the first board, leaning inward in the style of a picnic table. Place a 36¼" board between the two legs as a horizontal base. Adjust the position of this piece and the legs until they are flush against each other, and centered under the top board. Put together the table ends. Drill in three 6" torque screws at each point where two boards touch (twelve screws in all). Put together the second table end the same way you did the first. An impact wrench makes it easier to drill in the torque screws and reduces the chance of stripping the bit. Cut lumber for the long braces. Position the end pieces upside down on either end of the tabletop. Measure the distance between them (it should be about 73"), then cut the following lumber to that dimension: Two 4x4s for braces Two 2x4s for the apron As before, sand the cut surfaces smooth before you continue. Attach one brace to the end pieces. One of the 4x4 braces connects the top of the table ends. Keep the table ends upside down so you can rest this brace on the floor. Drill each end into the brace with two or three 6" torque screws. Attach the 2x4 apron with the Kreg Jig. Drill two pocket holes at each end of each 2x4, using the same 1.5" setting as before. Lay these parallel with the 4x4 brace you just drilled, running between the two ends right where the table legs connect to the rest of the table. Drill each pocket hole with 2.5" Kreg screws, as before. For greater strength, stand the 2x4s vertically rather than laying them flat. Attach the final 4x4 brace. You'll have to attach this one in midair, running parallel with the other 4x4, between the two end braces. Either have a friend hold it in place or raise it with two jack clamps. Use two or three 6" torque screws for each end. Attach the base to the tabletop. Lay the tabletop flat on the floor and place the base on top of it. Drill torque screws through the bottom of the boards and into the tabletop. Place them as follows: Two 4.5" torque screws near each end of the end top, outside of the legs A 4.5" screw about every 5-6" on the end top, between the legs More 4.5" screws every 5-6" along the central lengthwise 4x4 brace. Switch to 2.5" torque screws and drill one every 5-6" through the 2x4 apron boards. Cut and attach diagonal braces. Flip the table on its side. Measure the length of a line running at a 45º angle from the end of the central 4x4 inward to the lower 4x4 brace. (This should be about 26⅛".) Cut two 4x4s to this length, cutting the ends to a 45º angle so they are not parallel with each other. Sand them, then drill them in with three 6" torque screws on each end. Level the top with a hand planer. The tabletop surface may be rough, especially if you used construction-grade lumber. Wear down the worst offending areas with a hand planer. Sand the table. Start with obvious dents using a 40-60 grit sanding pad. Next, sand the entire table using progressively higher grit, ending with 120 or 220 grit. Be sure to sand the sides of the tabletop as well, especially where the breadboard ends attach to the main surface. Optionally, smooth out the corners and top edge of the table with the sander. Distress the table (optional). If you prefer a well-worn look, you can mark the table with nail dents, saw marks, or any other surface damage you'd like to inflict. Apply finish. You may refer to our detailed guide , or follow the instructions on the wood finish of your choice. Wipe on the finish with a clean rag. Wait a few hours for the finish to dry, or as directed on the finish instructions. You can make your own rustic finish by letting steel wool dissolve in white vinegar. This takes about two or three days in an open Mason jar. Filter the liquid through a paper towel, then wait a few additional hours until it turns an amber color. Seal the table. A polyurethane sealer will protect from spills and enhance the wood's color. Brush on two or three coats of polyurethane, letting the wood dry for 12+ hours between each coat. For best results, sand the table before each coat and wipe it off with a damp rag. Follow the safety instructions on the product. Work in a well-ventilated area or wear a respiratory mask. Use a well-made brush in good condition to avoid losing bristles in the polyurethane. | Cut the lumber for the tabletop. Arrange the tabletop on a flat surface. Mark the pocket hole locations. Adjust the Kreg Jig depth. Adjust the jig placement. Drill the pocket holes. Lay out the boards. Attach boards with 2.5 inch (6.3 cm) Kreg screws. Sand the surface. Cut the breadboard ends. Attach the breadboard ends. Cut 4x4 lumber to form the table ends. Sand off rough edges. Lay out the end. Put together the table ends. Cut lumber for the long braces. Attach one brace to the end pieces. Attach the 2x4 apron with the Kreg Jig. Attach the final 4x4 brace. Attach the base to the tabletop. Cut and attach diagonal braces. Level the top with a hand planer. Sand the table. Distress the table (optional). Apply finish. Seal the table. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Skin-Lighter | How to Make Your Skin Lighter | To lighten your skin, try applying lemon juice to your skin with a cotton ball. Leave the juice on for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. Repeat 2-3 times per week. You can also try applying coconut water to your skin using a cotton ball and then leaving it on overnight, which may help lighten your skin. Also, you may be able to lighten your skin by applying aloe vera gel several times a day for a couple of weeks. If home remedies aren't producing the results you want, consider using a skin-lightening cream or getting a chemical peel. | Apply lemon juice to your skin with a cotton ball. While not scientifically proven, many believe that lemon juice can have skin lightening effects. To test this theory yourself, cut a lemon in half. Using only one half, squeeze the lemon juice into a bowl. Use a cotton ball to soak up the lemon juice and then rub it onto the area you wish to lighten. Leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off. Use warm water to rinse, and always apply moisturizer afterwards. Repeat this 2 - 3 times per week. You could apply it to your face, neck, or anywhere else you wish to lighten. Avoid getting the lemon juice in your eyes. If you feel that the lemon juice is too harsh on your skin, try diluting it to half strength with water before applying. Make a lemon juice mask for your face. A mask will let the acidic part of the lemon slowly seep into pores and gradually change the complexion of the skin. Mix together 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of tomato juice, 1 tablespoon of cucumber juice, and 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of sandalwood paste into a paste. Apply it to your face and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and moisturize. Masks, exfoliants, and peels should be used sparingly—once or twice a week. Too much exfoliation can cause excessive dryness or irritation. Use a lemon exfoliator. An exfoliant will help lighten skin by using the natural lightening components of citric acid, as well as by sloughing off the top layer of dead skin cells. Mix together 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) brown sugar, 1 egg white, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Massage the exfoliant into your skin using gentle circular motions. Gently scrub or keep it on for 10-15 minutes, rinse with warm water, and moisturize. Apply this mask sparingly. You should only apply it once a week to avoid drying out your skin. Lemons contain citric acid, which is a natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). Exfoliation with AHAs help remove the top layer of skin to allow growth of new skin, which may help fade superficial discolored areas. Make a mask out of turmeric, lemon juice, and cucumber. When turmeric is used topically, it can improve some skin conditions, such as facial photoaging. To use turmeric for skin lightening, make a mask containing half a teaspoon (2.5 g) of turmeric, 2 teaspoons (9.8 mL) of lemon juice, and two teaspoons (9.8 mL) of cucumber juice. Spread it on the area you wish to lighten. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing off. Apply this mask up to a few times a week. You can also take turmeric internally by using it in your cooking. Try this Indian curry. The turmeric may stain your skin slightly yellow, but don't worry, it will fade quickly. Dip a cotton ball in coconut water. While no scientific research has been done on the subject, some say that coconut water can lighten the skin, while also leaving it soft and supple. Dip a cotton ball into a bowl of coconut water. Then, wipe the liquid over your face or any other area you wish to lighten. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off in the morning. You can repeat this daily. You can also try drinking coconut water to hydrate your skin from the inside out. Coconut water is a great source of essential minerals and is also low in calories. Coconut oil can also have a positive impact on your skin. Apply it two times daily to improve symptoms of eczema and moisturize your skin. Apply aloe vera gel to your skin. Gel made from aloe vera plants is very soothing for the skin. It is also moisturizing and encourages skin rejuvenation. Some think that this enables it to fade dark patches and lighten skin. Break off the leaf of an aloe vera plant (available in plant nurseries) and rub the gel-like sap all over the area you wish to lighten. Repeat this four times a day for at least 15 days in a row. Aloe vera is good for your skin, so you can use it as often as you'd like with no fear of side effects. You can use commercial aloe gel if it is organic and not made from chemicals. Aloe vera can also help with psoriasis, seborrhea, dandruff, minor burns, skin abrasions, and also radiation-induced skin injuries. Rub raw potato on your skin. Many think that potatoes can lighten skin although there's currently no scientific evidence that proves this. The juice from a raw potato is said to have mild bleaching properties which naturally lighten skin, due to the high quantities of vitamin C it contains. All you need to do is cut a raw potato in half, and rub the exposed flesh on the skin that you wish to lighten. Leave it on your face for 15 minutes and then wash it off. You can use raw potato daily. Be aware of the risks associated with skin lightening creams. Many natural bleaching agents can lead to allergy or irritation. Prolonged use of skin lightening products can also lead to premature aging of skin because of increased sensitivity to UVA/UVB rays. Some chemical ingredients in topical creams can be absorbed into your bloodstream, so it is important to avoid products that contain harmful ingredients, such as mercury and steroids. Steroids in some skin lightening products can increase the chance of infection and increase the likelihood of acne. To be safe, only use products manufactured in the U.S. or those recommended by your dermatologist. Try a skin lightening cream. Look for a cream that contains beneficial rather than harmful ingredients. Purchase an over-the-counter cream containing kojic acid, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin C or arbutin (also known as bearberry extract). Alternatively, get a dermatologist to prescribe a stronger skin lightening cream containing retinoids (acidic form of vitamin A) or an ingredient called hydroquinone. All of these skin lightening products work by reducing melanin, which is a pigment that causes skin to tan when exposed to sunlight. Try chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments are sometimes recommended by dermatologists to achieve skin lightening. Both of these treatments work to peel or exfoliate away the outer, darker pigmented skin, revealing the fresher, lighter colored skin underneath. These treatments can also help with acne scars, brown spots, and other pigmentation problems. A chemical peel involves having a concentrated acidic solution applied to the skin by a dermatologist. The acid will burn away the outer, pigmented layers of skin, leaving lighter skin behind. Microdermabrasion achieves the same results, but uses a different method. With microdermabrasion, a rotating wire brush is used to slough off the top layers of pigmented skin. Wear sunscreen every day. The sun can cause serious damage to the skin—from sun spots to burns and skin cancer. This is why it's important that you wear sunscreen every day to protect your skin and keep it healthy. Even if it's cloudy, the sun's UV rays can still break through, so you need to wear sunscreen in winter too. Use an SPF of at least 30 on a daily basis. It's especially important to wear sunscreen when using skin lightening treatments. Drink a lot of water. Keeping your skin hydrated helps your skin stay healthy. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses a day for best results. Keep a bottle of water with you to make keeping yourself hydrated a little easier. Add lemon or another type of fruit if you don't like the taste of water alone. Follow a skincare routine. Cleanse your face twice a day with a foaming cleanser or soap and follow with a good moisturizer. You should also use gentle skincare products formulated for your skin type. If you use products unsuitable for your skin, it may cause redness. Along with a daily routine, exfoliate at least once a week to remove dead skin cells. Always take your makeup off before bed. Otherwise, the oils could clog your pores, leading to uneven skin tone or even breakouts. Be careful about using a lot of products on your skin at once since it could cause irritation and dryness. | Apply lemon juice to your skin with a cotton ball. Make a lemon juice mask for your face. Use a lemon exfoliator. Make a mask out of turmeric, lemon juice, and cucumber. Dip a cotton ball in coconut water. Apply aloe vera gel to your skin. Rub raw potato on your skin. Be aware of the risks associated with skin lightening creams. Try a skin lightening cream. Try chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Wear sunscreen every day. Drink a lot of water. Follow a skincare routine. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-a-Starter-Solenoid | How to Replace a Starter Solenoid | A starter solenoid transfers electricity from your battery to your ignition when you turn the key in your car. If you're having difficulty starting your vehicle, it may be time to replace the solenoid. Park your car on a flat surface and jack it up so you can access the starter. The starter is usually a cylinder attached to the side of the transmission belt. On the side of the starter, you should find a smaller cylinder, which is the starter solenoid. Before you remove it, mark the 3 wires connected to it so you know which 1 goes where when it's time to install the new one. Then, disconnect the old solenoid and pull it out. If your new solenoid has 4 terminals, do not connect any of the 3 wires to the “I” terminal, since this is only used for vehicles with 4 wires. Finish by pushing the new solenoid into place and attaching it to the starter. | Park the car on a solid surface. In order you to access the starter in some vehicles, you will need to jack it up. It's important that you find a solid surface that can support the weight of the vehicle while it is supported on a jack and jack stands. Concrete and blacktop are the preferred surfaces for jacking up a vehicle. Never jack a vehicle up on grass, dirt or gravel. Disconnect the battery. Before starting any project in your vehicle, you should disconnect the power source to prevent shocks and ensure you don't damage the electrical system. Use a hand or socket wrench to loosen the nut on the negative terminal on the battery, then slide it off the terminal post. Tuck the cable to the side of the battery to ensure it can't come into contact with the terminal. You will not need to disconnect the positive cable. Jack up the vehicle if need be. If you need to be beneath the vehicle to access the starter, slide a scissor or trolley jack under the vehicle at one of the designated jack points. Jack up the vehicle by lifting and pressing or turning the handle until it's high enough for you to work under. If you are unsure where the designated jack points are for your vehicle, refer to the owner's manual. Be careful not to jack the vehicle up in an area that can't support the weight of the vehicle or you may do frame damage. Place jack stands beneath the vehicle. Never work beneath a vehicle that is supported solely by a jack. Slide jack stands beneath the vehicle at designated jack points. Slowly lower the vehicle down onto the jack stands to ensure the vehicle is steady and the stands are in the proper position. Jack stands will not allow the vehicle to drop below the set height on the stand. Hydraulic jacks may allow the vehicle to lower at an unpredictable rate without stands to support the vehicle. Locate the starter. The starter solenoid is attached to the starter in most applications. The starter is a cylindrical component that is usually attached to the side of the transmission's bell housing, where the transmission and engine meet. If you are unable to locate the starter, refer to the service manual for your vehicle for further guidance. If your vehicle's starter solenoid is not attached to the starter, use your vehicle's service manual to locate it. Mark the wires on the starter. The smaller cylinder attached to the starter is the starter solenoid. On most solenoids, there are three wires connected to terminals. Use pieces of masking tape to mark each wire with its corresponding terminal. One wire will be the top, or further from the starter, another will be the bottom, or closest, and the last one will be a wire pigtail that can only connect in one place. Marking the wires before you disconnect them will allow you to easily determine which wire connects where on the new solenoid. If your solenoid has four wires going into it, be sure to mark the fourth accordingly. Disconnect the starter wiring. With the wires clearly marked, disconnect each of them from the solenoid. The pigtail can be disconnected by pressing on the release clip and pulling backward on the plastic harness. Do not pull on the wiring itself, or it may tear out of the plastic harness. The other two are often held in place by a bolt of screw. If you have to remove hardware to disconnect the wires, set them aside someplace safe. Remove the starter mounting bolts if necessary. In some vehicles, you will not be able to access the solenoid's fasteners without removing the starter itself. In these applications, use a wrench to remove the two bolts that secure the starter to the bell housing. Then slide the starter off of the engine. If you can access the solenoid easily without removing the starter, there is no need to remove it. Be sure to keep the bolts you remove in a safe place for reuse when putting the starter back in. Unbolt or unscrew the solenoid from the starter. The starter solenoid is usually held in place by two screws. In some applications it may be bolts instead. Use the appropriate hand tool to remove the fasteners that secure the solenoid to the starter. You may need to spray the fasteners with a rust remover like WD40 in order to loosen them. Be careful not to break the bolts as you remove them. Pull the solenoid out away from the starter. With the fasteners removed, grip the solenoid tightly with one hand and slide it away from the starter and out. If the starter is still in the vehicle, this will be easier to do, but if you had to remove it, use your other hand to brace the starter as you pull the two components apart. The solenoid will pop out when you apply enough force. Be sure the fasteners are removed before pulling on the solenoid, otherwise it will not release. Compare the new solenoid to the old one. While it's always important to compare your new parts to the old ones to ensure they'll fit, it is of particular importance with starter solenoid. The solenoid in your vehicle may have come with three terminals, whereas the replacement one likely will come with four. If your factory solenoid came with only three terminals, connect the third wire to the terminal marked with an “S” and do not utilize the other one. The terminal marked with the letter “I” is used only for vehicles that have four wires going to their starter solenoid. If your vehicle came with three wires, a four terminal solenoid will work provided you connect the wires in the right way. Slide the new solenoid into the starter. Slide the new solenoid into the starter by sliding it into the housing you removed the old one from. You may need to apply a bit of pressure to pop the plunger into the starter housing. Be careful not to press the solenoid in at an angle. Insert the bolts or screws to secure the solenoid. Take the screws or bolts you removed from the old solenoid and insert them into the new one. Tighten them by hand until the solenoid is secure and won't vibrate loose. If the screws were damaged as you removed them, replace them with identical fasteners from your local hardware or auto parts store. Reinstall the starter if necessary. If you had to remove the starter in order to gain access to the fasteners on the solenoid, put it back in the vehicle. Use the bolts you removed previously to secure the starter to the bell housing on the transmission. You may want to have your starter tested at a local auto parts store before reinstalling it to ensure there are no issues. Be careful not to allow any debris to fall into the hole as you put the starter back into place. Connect the wiring. Use the labels you placed on the wires to guide you as you connect the wiring to the new solenoid. The top and bottom wires will go in exactly the same places as they did on the old solenoid. If your replacement solenoid has four terminals and you have three wires, attach the third wire to the terminal marked with an “S”. Once connected, reconnect the battery and attempt to start the vehicle. Be sure the batter has a full charge or the starter will not initiate. | Park the car on a solid surface. Disconnect the battery. Jack up the vehicle if need be. Place jack stands beneath the vehicle. Locate the starter. Mark the wires on the starter. Disconnect the starter wiring. Remove the starter mounting bolts if necessary. Unbolt or unscrew the solenoid from the starter. Pull the solenoid out away from the starter. Compare the new solenoid to the old one. Slide the new solenoid into the starter. Insert the bolts or screws to secure the solenoid. Reinstall the starter if necessary. Connect the wiring. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Eczema-and-Staph | How to Get Rid of Eczema and Staph | To get rid of eczema and staph, it's important that you go to the doctor since you'll need prescription topical solutions and possibly antibiotics to clear up the infection. Then, apply the ointment you're prescribed to your rash three times a day for two weeks and take any antibiotics as instructed. To reduce itching in the short term, buy hydrocortisone over the counter or use prescription topical corticosteroids. You can also ask your doctor about phototherapy, which uses prolonged exposure to artificial light. | Consult a doctor. Antibiotics have an array of potentially negative side effects, because of which antibacterial treatment cannot be used indefinitely or indiscriminately. Before taking antibiotics, talk to a doctor. She will be able to say whether the condition is severe enough to warrant antibiotic treatment. Your doctor will be able to determine if your eczema is also infected with staph. If so, she will prescribe some sort of antibiotic treatment. Use a topical solution. Topical solutions, which can be spread over the skin, are used for smaller outbreaks. If prescribed, apply the ointment to the rash three times a day for approximately two weeks. Mupirocin and fusidic acid are the two commonly prescribed creams in these cases. Take oral antibiotics. Oral antibiotics, instead of affecting a small area of skin, will affect your whole body. Use of oral antibiotics is only recommended in case of extreme infection. Many oral antibiotics are available. If your infection is recurrent, draining, or very recent, your doctor may need to swab the area to determine what sort of infections you might have and what they are resistant to. This will inform his decision as to which oral medications should be prescribed. Try hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone is a topical corticosteroid that can be spread over the rash. It will not cure it, but it will reduce itching. Hydrocortisone can be obtained in a very low dose over-the-counter and thus should generally be the first medical solution you try. Apply four times a day for no longer than seven days. If you have shown no improvement by then, you should speak with your doctor. Do not begin use of any other hydrocortisone product until you have spoken with your doctor. Use prescription topical corticosteroids. These are stronger steroids that can be applied directly to the rash during flare-ups. They can effectively reduce itching and irritation. Topical corticosteroids are not meant for long-term use, as they can cause serious side effects. These creams can cause the skin to thin and produce stretch marks. These medications must be prescribed by a doctor. Always apply strictly as recommended by your doctor. Do not use more often than recommended. Your doctor may suggest mixing your steroid cream with a good, thick moisturizing cream or ointment to reduce the dose and manage flares — you want to use as little of this product as possible to reduce side effects. Try topical calcineurin inhibitors. These are also topical creams that reduce itching and rashes. They do not include steroids and thus do not cause thinning of the skin or stretch marks. These, however, are only recommended if other therapies have failed. Two name brand creams that are currently on the market are Elidel and Protopic. Try phototherapy. Phototherapy involves prolonged exposure to artificial light that reduces itching, and inflammation while increasing the ability of your skin to fight bacteria. It has been effective in 60–70% of patients who did not respond to topical solutions. Although these treatments remove much of the UV light that causes the negative effects you would experience in a tanning bed, you still may experience some of the consequences associated with prolonged exposure to light. These risks include aging, burning, and even skin cancer. This treatment also requires two to three visits to the doctor per week, for a period of a month to two months. Thus, it can mean a substantial time commitment. To receive phototherapy, you will likely need to talk to a dermatologist who can refer you to a hospital that has the appropriate facilities. Do not attempt at-home treatments. Proper facilities will remove much of the dangerous UV light. If you try to replicate this treatment with prolonged exposure to sunlight or sun tanning beds, you will put yourself at considerable risk for skin cancer and other skin problems. Take lukewarm showers or baths. Hot showers and baths can dry out your skin, worsening your condition. Shower once daily, for about 10 to 15 minutes. Use gentle, nonabrasive soap. Bleach and vinegar baths can also prevent or end staph infections in your eczema. Take bleach baths to kill bacteria and prevent outbreaks. Use half a cup of bleach for a full bathtub and soak for approximately 10 minutes. Try to use this procedure approximately two to three times a week. For a more natural antibacterial bath, add between one cup and one pint of vinegar. If, during a significant flare-up, your skin is too irritated for bath water, try adding salt. Put one cup of table salt in the water to reduce discomfort. To reduce itching, try baking soda or oatmeal baths. Throw in approximately a cup of either to sooth your skin. Pat skin dry. To avoid abrasive contact after your shower, do not rub yourself with the towel. Instead, you should try to pat yourself dry softly with the towel. Apply moisturizer shortly after washing. Within three minutes of washing, you should apply a moisturizer to trap the moisture in your skin. This is important to reduce dryness. Reapply moisturizer several times throughout the day. Some people recommend taking the shower and using a moisturizer before going to bed at night. This makes it less likely that your skin will dry out during the night. Lotions often evaporate too quickly to effectively treat dry skin and creams have additional ingredients that can cause adverse reactions in people with eczema. The best moisturizers for those with eczema are ointments like petroleum jelly and mineral oil. These should not be adulterated with perfumes or other ingredients. Pure petroleum jelly is best, even though many people dislike the feeling of it. Look for a cream or ointment with ceramides, which help in keeping a good skin barrier. You can also use food-grade oils such as coconut oil, which has some antimicrobial activity. Wear soft, cotton fabrics. If you are having an outbreak, the last thing you want to do is aggravate the skin. Avoid rough, scratchy fabrics and clothes that are overly tight. Use a humidifier. A humidifier can help protect your skin from becoming overly dry. This is particularly imperative when it is cold outside, and you are using a heater inside for much of the day. Reduce stress. Stress can be a factor in producing eczema. To counteract it, try to take time off from work. Make time to relax. Consider mild exercise. While exercise can be good for eliminating stress, it can also be counterproductive if it causes too much sweating or exposes you to wild swings in temperature. Sometimes visiting a professional therapist can help reduce stress. A therapist might also be able to help you cope with the itching. Refrain from scratching. Scratching can worsen the condition, hardening the skin. The eczema will become thick and leather like. Avoid scratching as much as possible and minimize the impact when you cannot contain yourself. If you keep your fingernails short, it will cause less damage if you do feel compelled to scratch. Figure out your triggers. Some people find that there are particular allergies that produce their eczema. Carefully consider what you have come into contact with before a case of eczema and try to eliminate or reduce exposure. See if this improves your condition. Try removing carpets from your house. Food allergies may trigger eczema. Try keeping a food and symptom diary, keeping track of what you eat and when you experience a flare-up. This may help you identify foods that you should eliminate from your diet. Pet dander can be a contributing factor. Most dander can be removed from dogs by bathing them once every three days. Otherwise, try to keep pets outside or off couches. Replace air filters often to reduce the amount of dander circulating through your home. Do your best to clean the house thoroughly. This includes sweeping and dusting. | Consult a doctor. Use a topical solution. Take oral antibiotics. Try hydrocortisone. Use prescription topical corticosteroids. Try topical calcineurin inhibitors. Try phototherapy. Take lukewarm showers or baths. Pat skin dry. Apply moisturizer shortly after washing. Wear soft, cotton fabrics. Use a humidifier. Reduce stress. Refrain from scratching. Figure out your triggers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Chicken-in-a-Slow-Cooker | How to Cook Chicken in a Slow Cooker | If you want to cook chicken in a slow cooker, start by washing your hands and removing the bag of giblets in the chicken's cavity. Then, prep the chicken by patting it dry with a paper towel and seasoning the outside with salt and pepper. Before you put your chicken in the cooker, create a base at the bottom by making 3 balls of aluminum foil and sitting your chicken on top, breast-side up. If you want the chicken to cook faster, set your slow cooker to 'High' and let it sit for 3 ½ hours. Otherwise, set it to 'Low' and cook the chicken for 4 ½ hours. Once the cooking time is up, insert a meat thermometer into the thigh of the chicken and if it hasn't reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit, keep cooking it. | Wash your hands before beginning. With warm water and soap, scrub your hands. Clean your palms, knuckles, your fingernails, and your wrists so that your fingers are completely sterile. Because chicken can be dangerous if not cooked properly, having clean hands is vital before beginning for maximum safety. Remove the giblets inside the chicken. Reach into the cavity of the chicken (use a glove for this if you're squeamish) and remove the bag of giblets. They're usually found near the center of the chicken. Once you've taken them out, throw them out, or use them later on for making a chicken stock. If you can't find the giblets, check near the neck of the chicken. Otherwise you may have purchased a chicken that already has had the giblets removed. Pat the chicken dry. With some paper towels, gently pat the outside of the chicken so that it is completely dry. Check behind the wings and legs for moisture. Once you're finished with the outside, try and dry the inside to the best of your ability. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Using 1 teaspoon (0.021 c) of salt and ⁄ 2 teaspoon (0.010 c) of pepper, season the outside of the chicken evenly, sprinkling it across the top. Salt and pepper will help bring out the natural flavors of the chicken as it cooks. Create a base at the bottom of the slow cooker. To cook the chicken evenly and to get it as juicy as possible you will want to prop the chicken off the surface. The best way to do this is to make 3 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide balls of aluminium foil and placing them across the bottom of the slow cooker. If you have one, a slow cooker rack achieves the same effect. Put the chicken in the slow cooker breast-side up. With two hands, lift the chicken up and rotate it so that the breast-side is facing upwards. Then, lower it into the cooker, balancing it upon the aluminium balls you put there earlier. Try to keep the chicken as centralised as possible so that it will cook evenly. Cook the chicken at high or low depending on your needs. Put the cover over the slow cooker. If you want the chicken to cook faster, set the slow cooker to the 'High' setting and let the chicken cook for 3 1/2 hours. If you're not in a rush, set the slow cooker to 'Low' and let the chicken cook for 4 1/2 to 5 hours. The cooking time can change depending on the size of the chicken. If you're chicken is heavier or lighter than usual, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Check the chicken's internal heat is 165 °F (74 °C). Take the cover off the slow cooker and insert a meat thermometer into the thigh of the chicken. The internal temperature should read close to 165 °F (74 °C). If it hasn't reached that temperature yet, keeping cooking it. You can also check if the chicken is cooked by whether the wings are able to wiggle easily or the juices that run from the chicken have gone clear. To be safe, check for all these signs before deciding it's cooked. Rest the chicken for 15 minutes. Once the chicken is ready, remove it with a pair of oven gloves and set it onto a clean chopping board. Let it rest for 15 minutes so the juices will settle and the meat will be as tender as possible before serving it hot. The meat should fall off the bone easily. You can pull the meat straight off the chicken and store in plastic tubs in the fridge as filling for sandwiches or as a way to add some protein into salads.. | Wash your hands before beginning. Remove the giblets inside the chicken. Pat the chicken dry. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Create a base at the bottom of the slow cooker. Put the chicken in the slow cooker breast-side up. Cook the chicken at high or low depending on your needs. Check the chicken's internal heat is 165 °F (74 °C). Rest the chicken for 15 minutes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Observe-People | How to Observe People | If you want to be better at observing people, pay attention to their body language, especially when they're talking and when they think no one is looking. For instance, if you notice someone is tapping their feet, they may be feeling anxious or impatient. If someone has their arms crossed or is hunching, they may be feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious. Also, pay attention to a person's tone of voice, volume, and the pace of their speech when they're talking, as these can help you understand how they're feeling. | Don't be in a hurry. Do you tend to fly through your day, rushing from one task to the next without taking time to drink things in? Being observant takes practice, and it starts with the ability to slow down, stop, and watch. You can't do that if you're always in a hurry, and trying it once or twice won't cut it, either. You can practice being more observant by slowing down in any given situation and taking time to 'smell the roses,' so to speak. Start with your own family members. Do you have a habit of half-listening when your partner or child tells you about his or her day? Put down your phone or tablet, face the person who's talking and look him or her in the eye. Part of being observant is being a good listener. If you tend to breeze into your workplace every morning, saying "hello" without bothering to make eye contact, start taking a different approach. Stop and talk with your boss or coworker for several minutes, giving them your complete attention. You'll notice so much more this way. Walking down the street, riding the subway or moving through any public setting gives you the opportunity to practice being observant. Don't just look right through people - look at them. Notice them. What do you see? Get out of your head. Being constantly preoccupied with your own thoughts, desires, insecurities and so on is a distraction from observing other people. For the sake of being more observant, put your own needs aside and concentrate on the other person. This takes practice, since thought patterns are actually habits that aren't easily changed. Be more aware of where your thoughts are leading, and consciously focus on other people so you can observe them. If you walk into a party and are immediately concerned with finding the coolest person to talk to, getting to the bar ASAP or finding the closest exit, you're not giving your brain the space to observe people. Take a step back and let yourself focus on other people (you'll have a better time that way, too). When you're talking to someone face to face and you're worried about whether your lipstick's on straight and how your laugh sounds, you aren't being observant. Don't worry about yourself; focus on the other person - you'll learn a lot more that way. Don't be obvious. You're not going to get an accurate reading of someone if you make it clear that you're trying to interpret their every move. At best, the person will unconsciously start performing a little bit, projecting what they want you to see instead of the truth; at worst, the person will find your inquisitiveness annoying or even intrusive. You should act like your normal self, even when your mind is making careful and calculated assessments. Don't stare. People will notice that something's up if you keep looking them up and down. Even if your brain is entirely focused on someone, make sure your eyes flick away when appropriate. Be inconspicuous if you're trying to observe someone from afar. If you're at a party, for example, don't stand in a dark corner tracking the person your'e interested in observing. Or if you do decide to be a fly on the wall instead of participating, make sure you're in a spot where no one will happen upon you and decide that you're being creepy. Look when they think no one's watching. People reveal a lot about themselves when they don't think anyone's going to notice what they're doing. Be especially observant of people during those times when they feel comfortable letting it all hang loose. This will give you a baseline reading of the person, cluing you in to his or her true emotions. You might notice the expression on your coworker's face when she walks down an empty hallway, for example. Pay attention to how people look after they're finished with a conversation, during that break when they have a moment to themselves. Sit on a park bench or at a cafe table with an open newspaper in front of you, and take time to look around at others around you. Notice differences. Once you have a baseline reading of someone, you can compare it to later behavior and note the differences. This can clue you in to interesting facts about the person, like what they might want to hide and how they express their true feelings. Take note of reactions. People's immediate reactions to different situations can be giveaways as to their true thoughts and feelings. While observing someone, notice his or her facial expression the moment he or she is given a piece of news. You can deliver the news yourself or watch as someone else delivers it and take note of what happens. For example, if you and your friends are out to dinner and one friend announces she just got a raise of work, observe other people's reactions. Someone who waits a beat before expressing congratulations might not be overjoyed to hear the news; could jealousy be at play? Look for patterns. Write down what you observe about people so you can begin to notice patterns. This can help you gain a deeper understanding of an individual, but it's also a good way to understand humanity at large. You'll start to pick up on the little details that betray people's preoccupations, desires, stressors, fears and weaknesses. The accumulation of this kind of information will help you get better and better at observing people and making split-second deductions that turn out to be true. Watch people's body language. Body language is incredibly revealing. People often say one thing, but their body language tells a totally different story. Look at the positioning of people's head, arms, hands, back, legs and feet. What can you learn from the language of a person's body? If someone says "yes" while shaking his or her head, that can indicate the answer is actually "no." If someone refuses to make eye contact, they're probably uncomfortable. (It's a common misconception that lack of eye contact is an indication of lying ; actually, the opposite is true.) If someone leans back or away while talking, that can indicate the person is stressed out or afraid. If someone crosses his or her arms, that usually means he or she is feeling uncomfortable with a situation. If someone's hunched over or has bad posture, a confidence issue might be the reason. If someone taps his or her feet, anxiety or impatience might be at play. If a woman touches her throat, she might be feeling vulnerable. If a man strokes his chin, he might be feeling anxious. Look closely at facial expressions. People obviously communicate with their faces by expressing everything from happiness to devastation, but how skilled are you at interpreting the subtle differences between emotions? Some people are naturally empathetic and able to tell the difference between emotions as close as impatience and irritation, while others have trouble distinguishing emotions as different as thoughtfulness and boredom. The better you are at telling emotions apart, the better you'll be at understanding the people around you. If you find that you have a lot of room for improvement in this area, practice focusing on defining people's emotions. For example, when someone smiles, don't automatically assume "happy." Look for subtleties that can help you find the deeper, truer emotion. Is the person smiling with his or her entire face (including the eyes) or just the mouth? The former might be an indicator of elation, while the latter might be an indicator of mile amusement. Studies show that reading more literary fiction can help you develop greater empathy , which results in a greater power of observation. Listen carefully. The way a person speaks is another big indication of how he or she is feeling. The pace, volume, and pitch of speech are all important factors. Notice whether the person you're observing is speaking quickly or slowly, higher or lower than normal, and whether their voice is loud or soft. People who whisper or speak quietly may be shy or have low confidence. Nervousness is often expressed through faster speech. People tend to speak at a slightly higher pitch than normal when they're lying. When people want to assert dominance, they speak at a slightly lower register. Monitor people's breathing. This is one of the easiest physical signs to observe, since it's something that most people can't control. Notice whether someone is breathing heavily or quickly, and whether their voice sounds breathy. When someone's breath quickens, it could indicate that they're feeling nervous or stressed out about the topic at hand. Heavy breathing may be a sign of health problems. It could also mean they're feeling attracted to someone - possibly you... Look at the size of their pupils. Tiny pupils can be an indicator that someone's using drugs. Dilated pupils can be a sign that someone is feeling pleasure or attraction. When you're observing someone's pupils, make sure light isn't a factor; bright lights will make the pupils shrink, while low light makes them dilate. Look to see if they're sweating. It's a clear indication that adrenaline is rushing through someone's body, which could mean they're feeling stressed, exhilarated or afraid, depending on the situation. Look for a light glow on someone's face, or dampness in the armpit area of someone's shirt. (Take the weather and room temperature into account, of course). Look at people's clothes and hair. Body language, facial expressions and other physical indicators aside, you can learn a lot by simply looking at the way a person presents to the world. The clothing, accessories, hairstyle and makeup people wear can be extremely telling. First take note of the obvious: a person wearing an expensive business suit is probably a white collar worker; a person wearing a cross around her neck is probably Christian; a person sporting a Grateful Dead t-shirt and Birkenstocks is probably a hippie - you get the picture. Look more closely for details about a person's life: the white hairs coating the cuffs of your coworker's black pants. The dried mud caked on the bottom of someone's shoes. A person's nails bitten to the quick. A receding hairline masked with a careful combover. What do these subtle details add up to? Notice people's habits. When you're observing someone over time, check out what makes that person unique. What does she read on the train every day? What does he drink to perk up in the morning? Does he bring his lunch or order out every day? Does she conspicuously avoid the subject of her husband? You can learn something from each of these observations. Use your imagination. Now that you've taken the time to observe someone, what can you learn from the information you gathered? Imagining what's behind people's unique body language and personality quirks is all part of the fun of observing them. Whether you're just people watching or you're trying to better understand someone you know, using your imagination to connect the dots is the next step. If you're people watching, it can be fun to make up stories about people. That man you see riding the train every morning - what's his background? Based on what he wears and where he gets off the train, what can you deduce? It's fun to use your imagination to try to figure out where people are coming from, but if you really want to understand people, you need to find out if you're right. Ask why to come up with a theory. You already have the "what" in this scenario - your observations. The logical next step on your path to understanding someone is to figure out why something is true. This will give you a clearer picture of what's going on in someone's life and where they might be coming from. For instance, if you observe that someone begins to talk faster and sweat when you ask her about her future plans, why do you think she reacts in this way? Could she be anxious about failing at something she's trying to achieve? Might she be lying about something? Narrow your theory down by asking pointed questions or observing the person more carefully. Put the pieces together. Once you have a theory in mind, determine whether your other observations support it. Figure out if you're right. When you start making deductions based on your analysis of your observations, it's important to figure out a way to know if you're right. If you tend to draw a lot of false conclusions, your observation technique might need some improvement. Let's say you've been noticing that your friend smiles broadly when he's talking to you, his pupils often look dilated, and his hands tend to get a little sweaty. (Plus he wears blue every day because you told him it looks good with his eyes, and he waits for you in the afternoons after class). You've taken the evidence into account and concluded that your friend is nursing a crush on you. Determine if your deduction is correct by flirting with him and observing his response - or you could just ask him if he has feelings for you. Learn by trial and error. Sometimes you'll find that your observations were correct, and other times you'll be completely wrong. While people often betray their emotions through body language and other means, they're also quite adept at keeping their feelings private. The goal of learning how to observe people is a worthy one - ultimately you'll gain a better understanding of people in general - but don't make the mistake of believing you can read people's minds just by looking at them. The mystery that naturally surrounds people is part of what makes them so fun to observe. | Don't be in a hurry. Get out of your head. Don't be obvious. Look when they think no one's watching. Notice differences. Take note of reactions. Look for patterns. Watch people's body language. Look closely at facial expressions. Listen carefully. Monitor people's breathing. Look at the size of their pupils. Look to see if they're sweating. Look at people's clothes and hair. Notice people's habits. Use your imagination. Ask why to come up with a theory. Figure out if you're right. Learn by trial and error. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Solve-Digestive-Problems-With-Small-Dogs | How to Solve Digestive Problems With Small Dogs | If you've noticed signs of digestive problems in your small dog, like runny or liquid feces, strange-colored feces, or difficulty defecating, try removing its food for 24 hours to settle its stomach. Just make sure you leave its water dish out so it doesn't get dehydrated. After 24 hours, try reintroducing bland, easy-to-digest food like chicken and rice in small portions, 4 times a day. If your dog is lethargic, refuses to eat, or has blood-stained stool, its digestive problem may be more serious and you should see the vet. Once your vet diagnoses your dog, they may test for vitamin deficiencies and prescribe supplements if necessary. | Be intimately acquainted with your small dog's regular toileting habits. A healthy digestive system produces a formed stool which can be picked up. Dogs usually move their bowel after eating, so if your dog is fed twice a day, their natural tendency is to toilet twice a day - although individual variation occurs and if it is normal for your dog to go once or three times a day, then that's fine. Be vigilant about what they are producing. If you let the dog out into the yard and for days on end never check what they've produced, this can mean you miss the early stages of a digestive upset. Do a daily poop patrol so that you are aware of changes in consistency and color, and know if blood or mucus is present. Monitor your dog for vomiting. If the dog vomits, take note of the color and consistency. An occasional barf is nothing to be concerned about, but if the dog seems unwell and vomits, he repeatedly retches and doesn't bring anything up (a sign of bloat) or vomits repeatedly over the course of a few hours, then you should seek veterinary attention. In the meantime, whilst you are waiting for the appointment, take his food away but leave water down. It is best to rest the dog's stomach. Know the signs of digestive problems. Indications that your dog may have a digestive problem include its feces becoming runny or liquid, the presence of blood or mucus in the feces, repeated straining to move his bowel, and increased frequency of passing a motion. If necessary, take a photo of your dog's abnormal bowel movement as it is helpful for your veterinarian to see the consistency for himself. Assess whether your dog's digestive issues are serious. A "well" dog with a funny tummy can usually be treated at home. If your small dog has a disturbed digestion but is perky and asking to eat, then you can try to solve the problem before calling the vet. If the problem persists beyond 24 hours, or the dog deteriorates and becomes unwell, then reassess the situation and call the vet. Remove food for 24 hours, but leave water down. Check the dog is drinking (the water level goes down in the bowl if you don't actually catch him in the act of drinking), which helps him avoid dehydration. If the dog has diarrhea (liquid stools) and refuses to drink, there is a risk of dehydration so phone the vet for advice. Introduce a bland diet after 24 hours of starvation. Feed an easy to digest food that is easy on the stomach and easier for the bowel to digest. A common home prepared diet is chicken and rice. The ratio of rice to chicken is 2 to 1, which means you give 2 cups of rice to every one cup of cooked chicken. Feed little and often, so four small meals should be spaced over the day. Alternatively, you can source prescription foods that are designed to ease stomach upsets, from your vet. These include Hills ID, and Purina EN. Feed a bland diet until the dog's stools have firmed up. Be aware the volume of stool will be smaller than usual, as so much of the food is digested. Once your dog has produced formed stool for 1 - 2 days, then gradually transition back onto a regular diet. To do this start by adding in a small amount of the regular food. For example, on switch-over day one, give your dog ¾ chicken and rice with ¼ normal diet. On day two your dog gets ½ and ½, on day three it gets ¼ chicken and rice with ¾ regular food, and then fully onto your dog's normal diet on the fourth day. Consider asking your vet for a probiotic suitable for dogs, such as Fortiflora. Sometimes when a dog has an upset stomach it loses the bacteria that aids digestion and gets an overgrowth of bacteria that interferes with digestion. Your dog could need a course of antibiotic to correct the imbalance, but it might be corrected by a course of doggy probiotic. Fortiflora is a powder and comes in sachets. You mix one sachet a day for 5 days with the dogs food. You should see an improvement within this time frame if the problem is due to an bacterial imbalance. Human probiotics contain different bacteria to those found in the dog gut and are unlikely to be helpful. Consider trying a hypoallergenic diet. This is a diet that consists of one protein source (a meat) and one carbohydrate (potato, pea, or rice) that the dog has never eaten before. This diet is fed exclusively (nothing other than this) for 8 - 12 weeks. The idea behind this diet is that any allergens or ingredients the dog was intolerant to pass out of the system, and the new protein and carbohydrate do not trigger the same response. It can take around 8 weeks for the inflammation caused by a dietary allergy or intolerance to settle down, so this won't be a quick fix. At the end of this time the dog should have a normal stool, have a glossy coat, and regained lost weight. If the dog's bowel movement still doesn't improve then dietary allergy is less likely. At this stage he or she really must see a vet. Know what not to feed your dog. Do not feed your dog people food. It's especially important not to feed your dog fried foods, grapes or raisins and their products, dates or dried fruits, olives or their oils, chocolate, and tropical fruits or their oils unless the vet gives the OK. Also avoid wheat, gluten, and soy ingredients if you can; these can cause digestive issues in sensitive canines. Decide if your dog's digestive problems are bad enough to warrant a visit to it's vet. If your small dog lacks energy, refuses to eat, passes blood-stained stools, or has a poor appetite and is losing weight, then he or she should see a vet. These could be signs of a severe medical issue. If the problem is long term, lasting for several days or weeks, and your dog is fed a regular dog food (and you are unable to get to a vet) consider changing his diet. Some dogs have a dietary intolerance and cannot properly digest some of the ingredients in their food. Take along a fecal sample to the consultation. Your vet may want to send it away for analysis and culture to see if any parasites or gut infections are present. This can then point to a specific course of treatment, such as fenbendazole for coccidial infections, or antibiotics for giardia or campylobacter. Follow any directions for treatment your vet gives. There are a variety of possible diagnoses your vet may give and all of these will have specific treatments. Along with the fecal sample, your vet may take a blood sample to test for common health problems that lead to problems with digestion. Digestive problems in small dogs can be caused by EPI (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency). This is a lack of the digestive enzymes necessary to digest fat, and can lead to cow-pat like, rancid stools. You vet can diagnose this using a blood test and the treatment is a pancreatic enzyme replacement powder sprinkled on your dog's food. Another common issue is low levels of B vitamin in the bowel wall. B vitamins are vital to good appetite and healthy digestion and sometimes the levels do fall. Again, this is diagnosed with a blood test. The B vitamin needs to be boosted up by four, weekly injections. Unfortunately, oral supplements are less effective because the stomach acid is likely to destroy them. | Be intimately acquainted with your small dog's regular toileting habits. Be vigilant about what they are producing. Monitor your dog for vomiting. Know the signs of digestive problems. Assess whether your dog's digestive issues are serious. Remove food for 24 hours, but leave water down. Introduce a bland diet after 24 hours of starvation. Feed a bland diet until the dog's stools have firmed up. Consider asking your vet for a probiotic suitable for dogs, such as Fortiflora. Consider trying a hypoallergenic diet. Know what not to feed your dog. Decide if your dog's digestive problems are bad enough to warrant a visit to it's vet. Take along a fecal sample to the consultation. Follow any directions for treatment your vet gives. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Terminate-a-Contract | How to Terminate a Contract | If you want to terminate a contract, follow the steps contained in its termination clause. However, remember that you may need to pay a penalty, which will be specified in the clause. Alternatively, try arguing that the contract is impossible to fulfill, either due to the actions of another person or an act of nature. For example, if a hurricane destroyed the boat you'd agreed to sell, you could terminate the sales contract. If you're unable to terminate the contract, you could try negotiating with the other party to cancel the agreement by mutual consent. | Use a termination clause. Many types of long-term and automatically renewing contracts have a termination clause. This gives you the steps you need to take if you want to terminate the contract. A common termination clause says that the person who wants out of the contract must notify the others involved of his intent to do so. This must be in writing and within a certain number of days from when they want to end the contract or when it will be automatically renewed. Termination clauses may include fees for early termination. Be sure you are willing to pay the penalty before using the clause and terminating the contract. Argue the contract is impossible. If you are unable to perform your obligations due to some impossibility, you may have a legal right to terminate the contract. You cannot be unable to fulfill the contract because of circumstances you caused yourself. It must be either the fault of the other person involved. It can also be the result of an act of nature, such as a hurricane or tornado. For example, if you agree to sell your boat tomorrow and tonight a hurricane comes and damages it beyond repair, the sale becomes impossible, and both parties can be excused from the contract. Claim a frustration of purpose. Frustration of purpose occurs when the reason behind entering a contract goes away. To be able to terminate a contract based on frustration of purpose, the purpose of the contract must be known by all parties involved. For example, if you sub-lease an apartment in order to participate in a large local event such as a parade, but the parade is cancelled, you may be able to terminate the sub-lease contract if the other party involved was aware that your purpose for the sub-lease was to participate in the parade. Identify a failure of condition. If one party fails to fulfill his end of a contract, that lack of performance may allow the second party to terminate his end of a contract. For example, if someone was contracted to paint a wall, the other party was contracted to pay him for his service. If the painter fails to uphold his part of the contract (painting the wall), then the other party can legally terminate his side of the contract (to pay for the service) because the painting is a condition of the payment. Negotiate a termination. If you know you want to terminate a contract, contact the other person involved in the contract. Attempt to negotiate an end to the contract. You and the others involved can cancel the contract by mutual agreement at any time. You may want to offer some compromise by offering to pay some type of cancellation fee, returning funds received as a result of the contract, or offering to continue the contract for a few more months. Be sure to put any new arrangement reached in writing and have both parties sign it. Claim breach of contract. If the person you are in the contract with knowingly fails to keep the terms of the contract, you may terminate your end of the contract. The person who broke the contract has no right to complain that you ended the contract. Since she breached the contract, they have no say in whether or not you terminate the contract. Rescind the contract. Rescission, or cancellation, of a contract returns the people involved in the contract back to the way they were before they signed the contract. It is a complete cancellation of a contract and may be allowed in certain circumstances. You need to look for the cancellation clause in the contract. The clause will have instructions for rescinding the contract. It will also tell you the time frame that you can do this within. If you are still within the time frame, you need to follow the instructions in the contract to cancel it. For example, a cancellation clause might say that anyone involved in the contract can write to the others involved in the contract and formally cancel the contract. This can be a pre-made form or simple letter stating that you are rescinding the contract. This is only valid after they allow 30 days to pass from the time they wrote the letter of cancellation. Show a Statute of Frauds violation. Each state has a Statute of Frauds, which determines that certain types of contracts must be in writing in order to be legally enforceable. These types of contracts include the sale of goods with a value over $500, the sale of land or real estate, the payment of another person's debts, contracts of marriage, and contracts that cannot be completed in one year. You should be able to terminate a verbal contract for any of these things, since they must be in writing to be legally enforceable. Deal with a no cancellation clause. If your contract does not have this clause, check your state's statutes to see if you may be within a cancellation period. You can also check with a lawyer or your state's Attorney General. Some state and federal laws require that certain contracts allow for cancellation within a specific period. This can range from 3 days to an indefinite period, depending on the law. For example, the Federal Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z) lets you cancel certain contracts, in which your home is used for collateral, before midnight of the third business day after signing the contract. Federal law also allows you three days to cancel a contract for the purchase of $25 or more in goods or services from a door-to-door salesperson. You can also look for resources from your State Attorney General's office or on their website. Alternatively, you can check court records in your jurisdiction to see how other contracts without cancellation clauses were treated. Negotiate cancellation. If your contract does not have a rescission clause and cannot be cancelled by state or federal law, you can try to arrange a cancellation with the other person who signed the contract. You and the other person or people who are part of the contract may agree at any time to cancel it. This can happen even if the contract itself says it can't be cancelled. If you are able to get the others to cancel the contract, be sure you put any agreement in writing. It also need to be signed by everyone involved in the contract. Claim Constructive Fraud. You may be able to void a contract because of fraud. There are two kinds of fraud, Constructive Fraud and Actual Fraud. Constructive Fraud occurs when one of the people involved unintentionally makes a false claim about something that the other person relies on. As a result of this action, the person is injured. For example, a real estate broker accidentally tells a buyer that the property they want to buy is larger than it really is. Based on this, the buyer purchases the property. The court can find that the broker committed constructive fraud, even though he didn't do it on purpose. If this happens, the broker will have to pay any damages to the buyer and the contract would no longer be valid. Declare Actual Fraud. This type, also known as fraudulent misrepresentation, happens when one person intentionally lies about something regarding part of the contract. If the other person believes it and is somehow injured, then it is Actual Fraud. This has to be about something material that can be proven false. For example, a painter says he will paint your living room brown using a specific brand of paint. Even if he knows he will use a different brand, the lie is not material. You asked for a brown living room and got one. If the paint works and is brown, the fact that the painter used the wrong brand doesn't matter. If he paints it red instead, he has committed actual fraud. Prove lack of capacity. There are certain types of people who lack capacity, or the ability, to make certain decisions for themselves. These people cannot enter into legally binding contracts. Age, mental incapacity, or intoxication can interfere with an individual's capacity to sign contracts. ). If you signed a contract and lack capacity, you can void your contract. If you signed a contract with someone else who lacks capacity, he may terminate the contract at any time. For example, Melissa, 17, signs a contract for a mobile phone service without her parents' permission. Since Melissa is under 18 and considered a minor in her state, she cannot be held to the contract. Reveal that you entered into a contract under duress. If you were forced, pressured, or blackmailed into entering a contract, the contract becomes void. You must have entered into the contract knowingly and freely, of your own will, for it to be enforceable. Show illegality. A contract that is drawn up for something that is illegal is void and unenforceable. This means that either person involved may terminate the contract at any time. In the eyes of the law, there is no contract. For example, Adam agrees to purchase a brothel from Barbara for $500,000. Since brothels are illegal, both Adam and Barbara have the legal right to terminate the contract. This is also true if something makes the action illegal after the contract is signed. For example, Adam agrees to lease property to Barbara for a commercial purpose. Just after they sign, the city rezones the property for residential use only. Because the reason for the contract is now illegal, both Adam and Barbara have a legal right to terminate the contract. Decide it was a mutual mistake. Mutual mistake occurs when the parties involved in the contract miscommunicated and really never agreed on anything because they did not understand what they were agreeing on. If both you and the other people involved make a genuine mistake in the details of the contract, the contract can be voided if the other person has not yet fulfilled his part of the contract. Once either of you realize the mistake, the contract can be terminated. For example, you buy a piece of cattle at a low price because you and the seller believe the cattle is infertile. You later realize that the cattle is fertile. This would raise the price of the cattle from what you paid. In this case, you both made a mutual mistake that can make the contract unenforceable. Identify a breach of contract. A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to uphold his side of the contract without an adequate legal excuse. A breach of contract can be indicated by a failure to perform or by words or actions that indicate future nonperformance. Recover your materials. If you are involved in a contract that involves materials (such as the sale of an item), you should be entitled to a full recovery of materials if the other party does not fulfill his end of the contract. For example, if you sell a boat to your neighbor and give him an owner-financed payment plan but he stops making payments, you are entitled to a full recovery of the boat, regardless of the amount your neighbor has paid towards the full amount. Mitigate your damages. If you are the non-breach party in a contract, you can seek to mitigate (lessen) the damages caused by the other party's breach of contract by seeking replacement goods or services (known as “cover.”) If the cover costs you the same or less money than your original contract, you may not be entitled to damages. However, if your cover costs you more, you can ask the contract-breaching party to pay the damages (the difference between the original cost and the cover.) Finding cover as soon as possible to the breach of contract can help you show the court that you've done your best to avoid consequential damages, or further expenses due to your own failure to act. For example, you may have a contract with a wedding photographer. If your photographer backs out of the contract the week before your wedding, you may need to scramble and find a new photographer at the last minute. If the last-minute photographer costs the same as your original photographer, there are no damages. If the last-minute photographer charges you an additional $500 for the lack of notice, you can ask that the original photographer pay the $500 fee. Refuse to perform. If you cannot uphold your end of a contract, you can refuse to fulfill the obligations that are laid out in the contract. Refusing to perform your contractual obligations will constitute a breach of contract and may expose you to a breach of contract lawsuit. Before choosing this option, you should consult with an attorney to ensure that you completely understand all consequences of deciding to breach a contract. File a lawsuit against the breaching party. If the other party has breached a contract, you can file a lawsuit for damages incurred due to the breach. Be sure that you have a copy of the contract, can specifically identify how and when the breach occurred, and document any financial or other damages that you accumulated as a result of the breach. You can hire a lawyer to file the lawsuit for you, or you can do it yourself at your local courthouse. File the lawsuit as soon as possible after the breach. States have varying statutes of limitations for how long after a breach a lawsuit can be filed, but waiting too long can prevent you from being able to take legal action against the breaching party. Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution. After a contract has been breached, the parties involved may want to consider using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a tool to settle a contract dispute. With ADR, anyone involved in the contract often share the cost of hiring a neutral mediator. This person will assist all of you to work out a mutually agreeable outcome. The ADR process includes an evaluation by a neutral third-party who isn't a lawyer. It also includes a negotiation and mediation. Arbitration is another form of ADR. It allows you to take care of the problem without going to court. Arbitration is a good idea in complex cases or when damages are difficult to calculate. | Use a termination clause. Argue the contract is impossible. Claim a frustration of purpose. Identify a failure of condition. Negotiate a termination. Claim breach of contract. Rescind the contract. Show a Statute of Frauds violation. Deal with a no cancellation clause. Negotiate cancellation. Claim Constructive Fraud. Declare Actual Fraud. Prove lack of capacity. Reveal that you entered into a contract under duress. Show illegality. Decide it was a mutual mistake. Identify a breach of contract. Recover your materials. Mitigate your damages. Refuse to perform. File a lawsuit against the breaching party. Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Crossbow | How to Make a Crossbow | To make a crossbow, you'll need a pine board that's around 38 inches long for the stock, which is the wooden center of the crossbow. Once you have your pine board, you'll need to figure out where you want the trigger and handle, which you can do by holding the stock against your shoulder. After cutting the trigger and making a groove in the stock to hold the string, create a grip by adding another piece of wood to the bottom of the stock. Finish your crossbow by attaching PVC pipes and pulleys to make the bow. | Measure wood for the stock. You need to have the stock a comfortable length for your arms. Start with pine board that measures around 38 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 2 inches tall. Hold it in your hands similar to a rifle with one end pressed against your shoulder and your hands gripping the wood. Find a comfortable length and mark the wood where you want it cut. The longer your stock is, the more power you will achieve. However, it is not wise to go over 1 meter (3.2 feet) so the PVC bow won't shatter. Saw off the extra wood. Use a circular or hand saw to cut the wood on the mark you made for length. Use safety goggles to make sure you don't get sawdust in your eyes. Saw in a well ventilated area. Mark the area for a trigger. Hold up the wood again as you would a crossbow stock, with one end pressed against your shoulder and your hands gripping the wood. Make a small mark where it feels comfortable to have the trigger and the handle. Draw a rounded rectangle shape in the center of where you marked the trigger. This needs to be drawn on the top of the pine wood, not the side. The rectangle should be around 4 inches long, and 1 inch wide. Make sure the rectangle is drawn in the center of the wood where you have marked it. Cut the rectangle out of the wood. Using a chisel, drill and wood rasp, gouge out the wood within the rectangular area while being very careful not to split the wood. Use a combination of all three tools to slowly remove the wood inside the rectangle until you have a rectangle shaped hole. Use sandpaper to smooth the area around the hole after you have finished. Make the groove to hold the string. The groove will create a place for the string to rest horizontally across the rectangle hole. Use a chisel or wood rasp to create a 1/8 inch groove near the front of the trigger hole. Sand the groove after it is cut. Cut the groove that holds the bolt. This grove will be centered and extend from the rectangle hole to the end of the wood. Find and mark the center of the end of the wood, farthest from the string groove. Find and mark the center of the end of the rectangle hole, farthest from the string groove. Draw a straight line between the two marks. Use a drill, chisel, and hammer to carve a ¼ inch deep channel along the marked line. Sand the groove until completely smooth. Create the grip to hold when shooting. Use a second piece of pine wood to make the grip. Cut the wood to be around 8 inches long. Use PVC glue or wood glue to attach it to the bottom of the stock, making sure it is centered. Leave the glue to dry for at least an hour. Protect the wood with sealer. Use varnish, wood stain, or another wood sealer to ensure the wood will be protected from the elements. Wait until the glue has dried completely before applying a sealer. Cut the PVC pipe. Use a hacksaw to cut a 1” PVC pipe into a 36 inch length. Make sure to measure and mark the length before cutting to ensure accuracy. Cut a groove into the ends of the PVC pipe. On each end of the PVC pipe, use a hacksaw to cut a small groove just large enough to fit a small wood screw. Attach the pulleys. The pulleys are attached to either end of the PVC bow, and the string will feed through them. Insert a small wood screw on both ends of the PVC pipe. Attach the pulleys to the wood screws on either end of the pipe using wire ties. Thread the string. The nylon string needs to be threaded through both pulleys correctly for the crossbow to be able to fire. Securely tie one end of the nylon string to the wood screw on the left side of the PVC pipe. Bring the string across to the pulley on the right end of the PVC pipe, and loop it in and around the pulley. Bring the sting back to the left side and loop the string in and around the pulley on the left. Finally, bring the string back to the right and tie it securely to the right wood screw. Do not pull the string tightly when you wrap around the pulleys or you will not be able to pull it back to fire the crossbow. Check the string for accuracy. It's important to have the string threaded correctly. The string should run across the PVC pipe 3 times. Do a quick test to make sure you have threaded the string correctly. Pull on the string coming out of the pulleys. The PVC pipe should flex like a bow. If the pipe does not bend slightly like a bow would, pull the thread out and start again. Create a groove for the bow on the end of the stock. The wood of the stock needs to have a groove carved in for the round PVC pipe to snugly fit. Use a wood rasp or chisel to carve out a rounded groove wide enough to fit the pipe on the end of the wood stock. The groove needs to be deep enough to fit the PVC pipe securely. Carve slowly while repetitively checking how the pipe fits. This will ensure you end up with the perfect fit. The pipe shouldn't have room to move around. Secure the PVC bow to the stock. The bow needs to be secured to the stock to ensure proper use. You need to have the strings in the correct place for the crossbow to be effective. Use duct tape to secure the PVC pipe to the stock by wrapping it around the pipe and the end of the wood stock. Only the firing string coming out of the pulleys should be on top of the wood. The other two strings should be on the bottom so they don't interfere with the firing process. Test the bow. You need to test to make sure the strings are in the right place and the bow will fire correctly. Draw back the firing string and place it in the string notch on the rectangle hole. It should be able to stay notched and ready by itself. If the string will not stay notched, you need to make the groove deeper to hold the string. Cut the wood for the trigger system. Use a thinner piece (around 1 inch thick) of pine wood to create the trigger system. Draw a rough L-shape on the wood. The small (horizontal) portion of the “L” shape should be slightly smaller than the box you carved in the stock. Cut the L-shape out of the wood with a saw. This L-shaped piece of wood will be the trigger. Sand it until it is smooth. Create a channel on the trigger. Use a wood rasp or chisel to carve about a ⅛ inch channel across the short part of the L-shaped wood. Drill a hole in the L-shape wood. The hole should be drilled down by the corner of the L, but centered in the wood. The hole should be big enough to fit the nail you are using to attach it to the stock. Attach the trigger. You need to attach the trigger onto the stock so that it will pop the string out of the groove when pulled. Put L-shaped trigger in the rectangle hole with the groove facing upwards and the L pointing forward. Make sure it has space to move without hitting the back of the hole. Use a hammer to push a nail through the stock and hold the L-shaped trigger in place at the angle. Sand the trigger. Use sand paper to fine tune the trigger until the action is smooth. Cut the handle. The handle is what you hold to steady the crossbow so you can pull the trigger. Use pine wood to cut a 20 centimetre (8 inch) length to be used as the handle. Sand it into the rough shape of a handle. Attach the handle to the stock. The handle should be attached behind the trigger so you can easily fire the crossbow. Use PVC or wood glue to attach the handle to the stock. Wait an hour for the glue to dry. When the glue is dry, you can use a hammer to drive a few nails into the handle to firmly secure it on the stock if you would like. Put padding on the butt. You use a crossbow by pressing the butt against your shoulder, so padding the butt of the crossbow will make it more comfortable. Secure foam around the end of the stock that is placed on your shoulder with duct tape. Acquire the right size bolts. You need to have bolts that fit the channel of your crossbow. You can either purchase bolts from a store or make your own out of dowels. To make your own bolts, cut a dowel to fit the size of the channel on your crossbow, and create a notch on the end of the dowel to hold the string. Set up a target. Use a cardboard box or a piece of paper with circles to aim your crossbow at. Make sure your target is away from other people. Test fire your crossbow. Find a safe place to try out your crossbow. Your crossbow should shoot your bolts around 65 to 100 feet. Have fun! | Measure wood for the stock. Saw off the extra wood. Mark the area for a trigger. Cut the rectangle out of the wood. Make the groove to hold the string. Cut the groove that holds the bolt. Create the grip to hold when shooting. Protect the wood with sealer. Cut the PVC pipe. Cut a groove into the ends of the PVC pipe. Attach the pulleys. Thread the string. Check the string for accuracy. Create a groove for the bow on the end of the stock. Secure the PVC bow to the stock. Test the bow. Cut the wood for the trigger system. Create a channel on the trigger. Drill a hole in the L-shape wood. Attach the trigger. Sand the trigger. Cut the handle. Attach the handle to the stock. Put padding on the butt. Acquire the right size bolts. Set up a target. Test fire your crossbow. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-a-Cold-Shower | How to Take a Cold Shower | If you want to take a cold shower, start by washing your hands and feet under the running water to help your body adjust to the cold temperature. Then, take some water and splash it on your head, torso, arms, and legs to prepare the rest of your body. When you feel ready, bend at the waist and stick your head under the water until it's wet enough to apply shampoo. Rinse out the shampoo as quickly as possible. Finally, quickly wash and rinse your torso, arms, and legs. Just make sure you have a towel within reach of the shower so you can warm up as quickly as possible afterwards! | Have a towel and dry clothes nearby for after your shower. Gather anything you need to wash off with during your shower, such as your soap, shampoo, and washcloth. Turn on your shower faucet until the water is coming out cold. Remove whatever clothes you don't want to get wet. You'll be pretty cold after your shower, so place at least one towel and your dry clothes on a chair or countertop nearby so they're ready to use right after you're finished. Wash your feet and hands under the running water first. Put your feet under the water first to help your body become slowly used to the cold temperature of the water. Apply some soap to your washcloth and wipe your feet clean. Rinse your feet, then wash your hands using the same procedure. Step out of the water so your feet are no longer underneath it. Splash some cold water onto dry parts of your body. Cup your hands and put them under the water to allow them to fill with water. Take the water and splash some onto a dry area of your body, such as your head, torso, arms, or legs. Do this a few times until you've gotten a few dry parts of your body wet. This will help parts of your body prepare for going under the cold water all the way. Wash your hair and face next. Bend at your waist to stick your head under the running water to wet your hair and face without getting the rest of your body wet. Remove your head after it's wet, squirt a normal amount of shampoo into your hands, and rub the shampoo into your hair. Rinse it out, then apply and rinse out your conditioner if you use it. Apply some soap to your washcloth or your hands to rub onto your face. Wash your face as you normally would, then rinse it, allowing only your face to be under the running water. Turn around and wash your torso, arms, and legs last. Finally, turn around and get your back under the water. Quickly turn back around to get your chest, arms, and legs wet, while avoiding putting your head under water again. Step back out of the water and clean yourself with your soapy washcloth. Rub soap all over yourself to wash your body without standing under the water. Rinse off quickly and get out. Step back under the water to rinse the soap off your back, arms, legs, and chest. Turn the water off and dry yourself off with your towel. Get dressed after you're dry. For extra warmth, have a few towels ready to use. Wrap your hair in one, wrap your torso up under your arms with another, and use a third towel to dry your face, arms, and legs the rest of the way. Go into a warm room or drink something warm if you find yourself still shivering a few minutes after you're dried off and dressed. Repeat taking a cold shower every day until you get more used to it. After a few days of taking a cold shower, you will become more used to the sensation of being under cold water. The water may not feel quite as cold the more often you take cold showers. Listen to your favorite music to distract yourself. Make a playlist of 2 or 3 of your favorite songs that inspire you. If you work out, the music you work out to is perfect to play during your shower to help you get through it. Try singing along or dancing a bit to your favorite music during your shower to further distract yourself from feeling cold. Just be careful not to slip when the shower floor gets wet and soapy. Tell yourself you love cold showers to change your attitude. Repeat to yourself, “I love cold showers. Nothing can stop me today after this!” Telling yourself these positive phrases will help you feel motivated about your shower. Try saying this to yourself in the mirror as well. It's amazing what positive self-talk can do to improve your attitude. Take slow, deep breaths to calm down during the shower. The cold water will probably make you take short, shallow breaths at first. Try to focus on drawing in a deep breath, then slowly letting it out while you're under the cold water. See if you can finish washing different parts of your body with just 1 or 2 deep breaths. You'll probably be moving pretty quickly during your shower, so this is totally possible! Visualize you’re somewhere beautiful to help relax yourself. Close your eyes and imagine that you're under a beautiful forest waterfall during your shower. In your mind's eye, you can look out under the water and see the rushing river before you, flowing between the trees of a beautiful green forest. If you're more of a beach person, visualize that you're under a waterfall near your favorite beach instead. Imagine the ocean waves rolling in toward you as you clean yourself with the pure, cool water. Continue using whatever combinations of these calming techniques work to help you enjoy your cold showers more. | Have a towel and dry clothes nearby for after your shower. Wash your feet and hands under the running water first. Splash some cold water onto dry parts of your body. Wash your hair and face next. Turn around and wash your torso, arms, and legs last. Rinse off quickly and get out. Repeat taking a cold shower every day until you get more used to it. Listen to your favorite music to distract yourself. Tell yourself you love cold showers to change your attitude. Take slow, deep breaths to calm down during the shower. Visualize you’re somewhere beautiful to help relax yourself. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-an-Alcoholic-Stop-Drinking | How to Help an Alcoholic Stop Drinking | Watching a friend or family member suffer from alcoholism is deeply distressing and frustrating. To help the person stop drinking, you'll need to confront them and try to support them as they get help. Tell them that you're worried, that you care about them, and that you want them to get help. If the person is open to getting help, offer to put them in touch with a professional. Have a list of resources ready, including contact information for local Alcoholics Anonymous groups, the names of therapists and psychologists who specialize in helping alcoholics, and a list of rehabilitation centers. If the person refuses to seek treatment, consider consulting with a therapist, who can help you create a plan for treatment. | Look for signs of alcoholism. Someone who has an "alcohol problem" may not have crossed the threshold into full alcoholism. An alcohol problem can be addressed and overcome by someone on his own, but alcoholism is a disease that cannot be cured. This requires outside intervention to control. Alcoholics usually show these signs: Problems at work and school, such as showing up late or not showing up at all due to hangovers. Frequent blackouts after heavy drinking. Legal problems due to drinking, such as arrests for being drunk in public or drunk driving. Inability to leave a glass of alcohol half full or to be around alcohol without drinking it. Planning schedules around drinking and hangovers that follow. Relationships that have been harmed due to the person's alcohol use. Craving alcohol first thing in the morning and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. Practice what you'll say. Once you've decided to talk to the person about his or her drinking habits, practice exactly what you'll say. Keep it brief, non-judgmental, and detailed. This will keep the other person from zoning off if you talk too long and keep him from feeling as though you're emotionally ganging up on him. Try to remember a few key sentences that are important to you. For example, you could say, "I love you and I'm worried that you're hurting your health by binging on the weekends. I'll support you in getting the help you need." It may also help to have a group of trusted friends to help you talk to your loved one. Be careful that they do not feel ganged up on, however. Talk to the person. If you've noticed some signs of alcoholism, have a talk with the person and tell him that you're worried. Explain that his behavior is affecting other people and that it's time to stop drinking for his own good and the good of the family. Tell him about the problems that his drinking is causing. Pick a time to talk when the person hasn't been drinking. Speaking in the morning is usually best. It's alright to talk if the person is feeling hungover. Bring up the fact that the person is harming his body by making it sick day in and day out. Be prepared for denial. Alcoholics typically deny there is much if any problem with his or her alcohol intake. He or she is unlikely to acknowledge the issue, or take it seriously until he or she is ready. While you should keep attempting to bring truth and reality to the person, be prepared for the fact this is unlikely to be the day. Avoid argument, judgement, or nagging. When you're talking to the person about his drinking habits, don't start by accusing or judging the person. Avoid constantly nagging about the drinking problem, since this could just make it worse. Arguing will make it harder for the person to open up to you about the reasons for drinking. Be warned this will likely trigger a personal attack or personal criticism. Part of an alcoholic's defense against fully recognizing what negative effects his or her behaviors are having is often by making other people the reason he or she drinks. As a result, commonly any comment that there is a problem will be countered that the "problem" is the issue (such as work or spouse), not the person. Try listening honestly and be reasonable. This, of course, is much easier said than done. But it is hard to get angry at someone who is being pleasant, accepting, and honest. You do not have to accept blame or abuse. Healthy boundaries are important in dealing with an alcoholic, as often this is lacking with a person dealing with alcohol issues. Even if there are problems that have contributed to alcohol issues (relationship issues, for instance), 'you did not cause the alcoholism'. Nor is it acceptable to act in an cruel, manipulative, irresponsible, or otherwise abusive way. You have every right to walk away or otherwise disengage from an alcoholic acting in such a manner. This is not "being mean" or "abandoning" the person. If the alcoholic does not have to face that such behavior has a negative effect on his or her life, he or she is likely to keep drinking. Try to understand the person. When you're talking about his drinking, be sure to ask if there are problems or things that stress him, leading him to drink. You should also find out if the person has a good support system. If not, you may want to suggest getting group help. The person may not want to discuss the issue that leads to the drinking or might deny there's even a problem. Understand, however, that alcohol use fundamentally changes a person, often to the point it is hard to know what is due to drinking, and what is the real person inside. Alcohol can cause irrational behavior, poor decision-making, and muddy thinking. This can still continue even when an alcoholic is not currently swigging a drink. Asking an alcoholic "why did you do that?" may not yield useful answers. The "answer" may simply be "because of the alcoholism." It is OK if you still do not understand. You may not be able to, and you may not be in the best position to do so. Just loving a person a lot does not mean you can fix them. For example: A 14 year old may not be able to understand the world the way a 41 year old can. A person who has not been in combat cannot fully comprehend what it is like to see a comrade die in battle. Do not try to force the person to stop drinking. Alcoholism is a complex disease, and one of the difficulties is the paradoxical nature of the condition. If you push a person to quit drinking, it may actually lead the person to drink more. You need to understand that you cannot stop the person from drinking. But you can suggest and assist the person in finding help. This does not, however, mean you help the person get alcohol, or condone him or her using it. Do not drink around the person. Drinking around an alcoholic, like it or not, puts up a "you drink, why can't I?" argument for the alcoholic--it does not matter if you can handle drinking because he or she cannot. It may also lead to unhealthy drinking habits within your own life. You can help the other person by meeting and spending time in places that do not serve alcohol. This will make it easier for the person to stop drinking. Talk to others. Ask people closest to the person if they've noticed any concerning behaviors or if they think the person has a problem. Avoid telling them the person is an alcoholic and be careful not to tell anyone who doesn't need to know. Don't risk destroying the person's privacy. If you think the person is an alcoholic, the time has come to get others involved. The problem is too big for you to tackle by yourself, and you must get outside help for the alcoholic as soon as possible. Talk to the person. Remind him that you're worried, that you care about him, and want him to get help. Share your thoughts on what you've noticed and ask what you can do to help. Be prepared if the person doesn't want your help or avoids you for a while. If the person is open to getting help, offer to put him in touch with a professional. Have a list of resources ready to hand to the alcoholic. It should include contact information for local Alcoholics Anonymous groups, the names of therapists and psychologists who specialize in helping alcoholics, and a list of rehabilitation centers. Try to involve a professional. If the alcoholic refuses to go into treatment or even consider it, try to involve a therapist. A therapist will have experience dealing with different types of alcoholics, and will work with you to create a plan for the alcoholic. A professional therapist will know how to handle defensiveness and other behaviors that may upset or confuse close family members. Be encouraging throughout the treatment period. If the alcoholic does agree to go to treatment and take steps toward sobriety, make it clear that you're supportive and that this is the best thing the person could be doing. Curb the person's feelings of guilt or embarrassment by showing that you're proud of him for getting help. Be prepared to support a relapse. If the person attended a rehab center and has completed a course of treatment, he may be vulnerable when he leaves. For most people, treatment is never over and alcoholism is something the person must constantly deal with. The alcoholic's family and friends should continue to support the person, even if he relapses. Relapse happens with almost every alcoholic. Come up with non-alcoholic activities to do together. Very often, when an alcoholic has made drinking so much a part of his or her life, finding activities that are alcohol-free can feel unnatural. Being a good role model and friend can mean rediscovering that one can have fun, socialize, and relax without a drink. Encourage the person to attend AA meetings frequently and to get counseling when needed. Let him know that you're there to talk if he needs you. Take care of yourself. Being a close friend or family member of an alcoholic is exhausting and can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair. Alcoholism is often called a "family disease," since its effects go so far beyond the life of the person with the alcohol problem. Take time to do activities that make you feel good and bolster your confidence and self-esteem during this time. Consider getting therapy. It might be helpful to have someone to talk to about your feelings during this emotionally difficult time. Spend time with other friends and family members. You need to take breaks from dealing with the person's drinking problems. While you're focused on the well-being of your alcoholic family member, spending time with other people in your life can help take your mind off of things and restore your energy. Make sure you're dealing with your own personal issues during this time. Avoid focusing so much on the person with the drinking problem, that you hurt other relationships in your life or develop dependency issues of your own. | Look for signs of alcoholism. Practice what you'll say. Talk to the person. Avoid argument, judgement, or nagging. Try to understand the person. Do not try to force the person to stop drinking. Do not drink around the person. Talk to others. Talk to the person. Try to involve a professional. Be encouraging throughout the treatment period. Be prepared to support a relapse. Take care of yourself. Spend time with other friends and family members. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Perfume | How to Store Perfume | To store perfume, keep it in a dark, dry spot that's away from extreme temperatures, like in a bedroom or hallway closet. Avoid storing your perfume in the bathroom since the heat and humidity from the shower can affect its quality. You can also store your perfume in the fridge as long as it's not cold enough to freeze anything inside of it. For even more protection, put your perfume in a box before you store it to help shield it from sunlight and fluctuating temperatures. | Choose a spot away from direct light. Sunlight can damage a perfume bottle. In general, they tend to last longer when stored in darker places. A closet or a drawer is a good way to store perfume to make it last. Perfume that comes in a colorful bottle, rather than a clear one, may be susceptible to less damage from light. However, it still may not be worth the risk of displaying bottles. You do not want perfume, especially expensive perfume, to lose its scent. Find a place with a consistent temperature. Extremely high and extremely low temperatures can affect the quality of your perfume. You want to store your perfume in an area of your home that is not subject to dramatic temperature changes. The kitchen and the bathroom are strictly off limits when it comes to storing perfume. The kitchen may get very hot during cooking, and the bathroom tends to warm up when people shower or bathe. A closet in the living room or in a hallway is a much better place to safely store perfume. Avoid humid areas. Humidity can really affect the quality of perfume. This is why storing bottles in the bathroom is generally a bad idea. Pick an area of your home not subject to extreme humidity in order to keep your perfume safe. If you have a dehumidifier set up anywhere, like your bedroom for example, this can be a great place to keep your perfume. Consider the refrigerator, if it's not too cold. Some people find success storing perfume in the refrigerator. While it may feel odd to have vials of perfume next to your food, the temperature is generally consistent and not too cool. If you have room, try popping your perfume in the fridge. However, very cold fridges can damage perfume. If you frequently notice drinks, fruits, and vegetables freezing slightly in your fridge, do not store your perfume here. Try a closet. A closet is usually the ideal place to store perfume. A closet is away from light and generally has a consistent temperature. Try clearing a space in your closet to store your best perfumes. Remember, however, to consider the area of your home. A bathroom closet or kitchen cabinet is not a good place for perfume. A closet near your front door or by a window may also be a bad option. Such areas may be prone to drafts, and changes in temperature can affect the quality of perfume. Keep your perfume in its original bottle. If you still have the storage container your perfume came in, keep the perfume in this bottle. Do not transfer it to another container, as this will expose it to air. This can cause it to lose some of its smell. Store perfume in boxes. To best store, you should place bottles in boxes before placing them in storage. Boxes will further protect perfume from things like heat and sunlight. Before placing your perfume in a closet or on a shelf, put all the bottles in a box. Make sure the caps on all the bottles are firmly sealed. You do not want perfume leaking in a box. Decorative boxes can be a fun way to store perfume. Invest in travel containers. If you want to travel with your perfume, travel containers can help keep it safe. Opt for travel friendly bottles of your favorite perfumes before a trip, especially if you have to fly. If you can't find travel sized bottles, buy an empty bottle and transfer the perfume here. Travel containers are a good idea because there's always a risk of losing your perfume while traveling. You do not want to use an entire bottle of good perfume. While it's generally best not to transfer perfume to another bottle, it's acceptable if you have to travel. Make sure to keep the cap on the bottle. Never leave the cap off after using your perfume. The less exposure perfume has to open air, the better it will keep. Make sure the cap is firmly in place when putting it back on the bottle. Avoid shaking perfume bottles. Many people shake perfume prior to use. Shaking the bottle can expose the perfume to excess air, which can be harmful. Unless there are specific instructions to shake perfume before use, avoid doing so before applying the perfume. Limit your use of applicators. Perfume applicators are wands people often dip in perfume and then swap on their bodies. Applicators can provide precision. However, reusable applicators can damage perfume by introducing bacteria and oils to the bottles. In general, opt for using perfume as a spray. If you do want to use an applicator, use disposable ones. Keep fragile bottles off of high shelves. If a box falls from a high shelf, a fragile bottle could easily shatter. This will ruin an entire bottle of perfume. Always keep delicate bottles on the floor of a closet or on a lower shelf. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to earthquakes, like California. | Choose a spot away from direct light. Find a place with a consistent temperature. Avoid humid areas. Consider the refrigerator, if it's not too cold. Try a closet. Keep your perfume in its original bottle. Store perfume in boxes. Invest in travel containers. Make sure to keep the cap on the bottle. Avoid shaking perfume bottles. Limit your use of applicators. Keep fragile bottles off of high shelves. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Resolve-a-Vector-Into-Components | How to Resolve a Vector Into Components | To resolve a vector into components, start by selecting an appropriate scale for your graph. Next draw the vector as accurately as possible, and make sure to represent both the direction and length of the vector. Using your ruler to help with precision, draw a right triangle with the vector as the hypotenuse. Make sure to label all of the vectors, not just your original vector. Then measure the component vectors by using the graph paper or your ruler. Once you measure your vectors, remember to label your results. | Select an appropriate scale. To graph the vector and its components, you need to decide on a scale for your graph. You need to choose a scale that is large enough to work with comfortably and accurately, but small enough that your vector can be drawn to scale. For example, suppose you're starting with a vector that represents a speed of 200 mph (320 km/h) in a northeasterly direction. If you're using graph paper with 4 squares per inch, you might choose to have each square represent 20 mph (32.2 km/h). This represents a scale of 1 inch (2.5 cm) = 80 mph. The vector's placement with respect to the origin is irrelevant, so there's no need to draw an x-axis and y-axis. You're only measuring the vector itself, not its location in 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional space. The graph paper is just a measuring tool, so location doesn't matter. Draw the vector to scale. It is important that you sketch your vector as accurately as possible. You need to represent both the correct direction and length of the vector in your drawing. Use an accurate ruler. For example, if you've chosen the scale of one square on your graph paper representing 20 mph (32.2 km/h), and each square is ⁄ 4 inch (0.6 cm), then a vector of 200 mph (320 km/h) will be a line that is 10 squares, or 2 1/2 inches, long. Use a protractor, if necessary, to show the angle or direction of the vector. For example, if the vector shows movement in the northeast direction, draw a line at a 45-degree angle from the horizontal. The vector's can indicate many different kinds of direction measurements. If you're discussing travel, it might mean a direction on the map. To depict the path of a thrown or hit object, the vector's angle might mean the angle of travel from the ground. In nuclear physics, a vector might indicate an electron's direction. Draw a right triangle, with the vector as hypotenuse. Using your ruler, begin at the tail of the vector and draw a horizontal line as wide as necessary to coincide with the head of the vector. Mark an arrowhead at the tip of that line to indicate that this is also a component vector. Then draw a vertical line from that point to the head of the original vector. Mark an arrowhead at this point as well. You should have created a right triangle, consisting of 3 vectors. The original vector is the hypotenuse of the right triangle. The base of the right triangle is a horizontal vector, and the height of the right triangle is a vertical vector. There are 2 exceptions when you can't construct a right triangle. This will occur when the original vector is either exactly horizontal or vertical. For a horizontal vector, the vertical component is zero, and for a vertical vector, the horizontal component is zero. Label the two component vectors. Depending on what is being represented by your original vector, you should label the two component vectors that you have just drawn. For example, using the vector that represents travel in a northeasterly direction, the horizontal vector represents “East,” and the vertical vector represents “North.” Other samples of components might be “Up/Down” or “Left/Right.” Measure the component vectors. You can determine the magnitudes of your 2 component vectors using either the graph paper alone or a ruler. If you use a ruler, then measure the length of each of the component vectors and convert using the scale you have selected. For example, a horizontal line that is 1 ⁄ 4 inches (3.2 cm) long, using a scale of 1 inch (2.5 cm) = 80 mph., would represent an easterly component of 100 mph (160 km/h). If you choose to rely on the graph paper rather than a ruler, you may need to estimate a bit. If your line crosses 3 full squares on the graph paper and falls in the middle of the 4th square, you would need to estimate the fraction of that last square and multiply by your scale. For example, if 1 square = 20 mph (32.2 km/h), and you estimate that a component vector is 3 1/2 squares, then that vector represents 70 mph. Repeat the measurement for both the horizontal and vertical component vectors, and label your results. Construct a rough sketch of the original vector. By relying on mathematical calculations, your graph does not need to be as neatly drawn. You do not need to determine any measurement scale. Just sketch a ray in the general direction of your vector. Label your sketched vector with its magnitude and the angle that it makes from the horizontal. For example, consider a rocket that's being fired upwards at a 60-degree angle, at a velocity of 1,500 meters (5,000 ft) per second. You would sketch a ray that points diagonally upward. Label its length “1500 m/s” and label its base angle “60°.” The diagram shown above indicates a force vector of 5 Newtons at an angle of 37 degrees from the horizontal. Sketch and label the component vectors. Sketch a horizontal ray beginning at the base of your original vector, pointing in the same direction (left or right) as the original. This represents the horizontal component of the original vector. Sketch a vertical ray that connects the head of your horizontal vector to the head of your original angled vector. This represents the vertical component of the original vector. A vector's horizontal and vertical components represent a theoretical, mathematical way of breaking a force into 2 parts. Imagine the child's toy Etch-a-Sketch, with the separate "Vertical" and "Horizontal" drawing knobs. If you drew a line using only the "Vertical" knob and then followed with a line using only the "Horizontal" knob, you would end at the same spot as if you had turned both knobs together at exactly the same speeds. This illustrates how a horizontal and vertical force can act simultaneously on an object. Use the sine function to calculate the vertical component. Because the components of a vector create a right triangle, you can use trigonometric calculations to get precise measurements of the components. Use the equation: sin θ = vertical hypotenuse {\displaystyle \sin \theta ={\frac {\text{vertical}}{\text{hypotenuse}}}} For the missile example, you can calculate the vertical component by substituting the values that you know, and then simplifying, as follows: sin θ = vertical hypotenuse {\displaystyle \sin \theta ={\frac {\text{vertical}}{\text{hypotenuse}}}} sin ( 60 ) = vertical 1500 {\displaystyle \sin(60)={\frac {\text{vertical}}{1500}}} 1500 sin ( 60 ) = vertical {\displaystyle 1500\sin(60)={\text{vertical}}} 1500 ∗ 0.866 = vertical {\displaystyle 1500*0.866={\text{vertical}}} 1 , 299 {\displaystyle 1,299} Label your result with the appropriate units. In this case, the vertical component represents an upward speed of 1,299 meters (4,000 ft) per second. The diagram above shows an alternate example, calculating the components of a force of 5 Newtons at a 37 degree angle. Using the sine function, the vertical force is calculated to be 3 Newtons. Use the cosine function to calculate the horizontal component. In the same way that you use sine to calculate the vertical component, you can use cosine to find the magnitude of the horizontal component. Use the equation: cos θ = horizontal hypotenuse {\displaystyle \cos \theta ={\frac {\text{horizontal}}{\text{hypotenuse}}}} Use the details from the missile example to find its horizontal component as follows: cos θ = horizontal hypotenuse {\displaystyle \cos \theta ={\frac {\text{horizontal}}{\text{hypotenuse}}}} cos ( 60 ) = horizontal 1500 {\displaystyle \cos(60)={\frac {\text{horizontal}}{1500}}} 1500 cos ( 60 ) = horizontal {\displaystyle 1500\cos(60)={\text{horizontal}}} 1500 ∗ 0.5 = horizontal {\displaystyle 1500*0.5={\text{horizontal}}} 750 {\displaystyle 750} Label your result with the appropriate units. In this case, the horizontal component represents a forward (or left, right, backward) speed of 750 meters (2,000 ft) per second. The diagram above shows an alternate example, calculating the components of a force of 5 Newtons at a 37 degree angle. Using the cosine function, the horizontal force is calculated to be 4 Newtons. Understand what “adding” vectors means. Addition is generally a fairly simple concept, but it takes on special meaning when working with vectors. A single vector represents a movement, a force, or some other physical element acting upon an object. If there are two or more forces acting at the same time, you can “add” these forces to find the resultant force acting on the object. For example, think of a golf ball that's hit into the air. One force acting on the ball is the force of the initial hit, and it consists of an angle and magnitude. Another force might be the wind, which has its own angle and magnitude. Adding these 2 forces can describe the resulting travel of the ball. Break each vector into its component parts. Before you can add the vectors, you need to determine the components of each one. Using either of the processes described in this article, find the horizontal and vertical components of each force. For example, suppose the golf ball is hit at a 30-degree angle upward with a speed of 130 mph (210 km/h). Using trigonometry, the 2 component vectors are, therefore: Vertical = 130 sin ( 30 ) = 65 mph {\displaystyle {\text{Vertical}}=130\sin(30)=65{\text{mph}}} Horizontal = 130 cos ( 30 ) = 112.6 mph {\displaystyle {\text{Horizontal}}=130\cos(30)=112.6{\text{mph}}} Then consider the vector that represents the force of the wind. Suppose the wind is blowing the ball downward at an angle of 10 degrees, at speed of 10 mph (16.1 km/h). (We are ignoring left and right forces for simplicity of calculation). The wind's two components can be calculated similarly: Vertical = 10 sin ( − 10 ) = − 1.74 mph {\displaystyle {\text{Vertical}}=10\sin(-10)=-1.74{\text{mph}}} Horizontal = 10 cos ( − 10 ) = 9.85 mph {\displaystyle {\text{Horizontal}}=10\cos(-10)=9.85{\text{mph}}} Notice that we use an angle of -10 degrees because the wind is blowing down, acting against the force of the hit. Add the components. Because the component vectors are always measured at right angles, you can add them directly. Pay attention matching the horizontal component of 1 vector to the horizontal component of the other, and the same for the vertical components. For this sample, the resultant vertical vector is the sum of the two components: Vertical = 65 + ( − 1.74 ) = 63.26 {\displaystyle {\text{Vertical}}=65+(-1.74)=63.26} Horizontal = 112.6 + 9.85 = 122.45 {\displaystyle {\text{Horizontal}}=112.6+9.85=122.45} Interpret the meaning of these results. The net force acting on the golf ball, due to both the hit and the wind, is the equivalent of a single force with components of 63.26 mph (101.81 km/h) vertically and 122.45 miles per hour horizontally. Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the magnitude of the resultant vector. Ultimately, what you would like to know is the net effect of both the golf swing and the wind, acting together on the ball. If you know the two components, you can put them together with the Pythagorean theorem to find the magnitude of the resultant vector. Recall that the component vectors represent the legs of a right triangle. The resultant vector is the hypotenuse of that right triangle. Using the Pythagorean theorem, c 2 = a 2 + b 2 {\displaystyle c^{2}=a^{2}+b^{2}} , you can calculate this as follows: Resultant 2 = 63.26 2 + 122.45 2 {\displaystyle {\text{Resultant}}^{2}=63.26^{2}+122.45^{2}} Resultant 2 = 18 , 995.83 {\displaystyle {\text{Resultant}}^{2}=18,995.83} Resultant = 18 , 995.83 {\displaystyle {\text{Resultant}}={\sqrt {18,995.83}}} Resultant = 137.83 {\displaystyle {\text{Resultant}}=137.83} Thus, the resultant vector represents a single force on the ball with a magnitude of 137.83 mph (221.82 km/h). Notice that this is slightly higher than the force of the initial hit, because the wind is pushing the ball forward at the same time that it pushes it down. Use trigonometry to find the angle of the resultant vector. Knowing the force of the resultant vector is half of the solution. The other half is to find the net angle of the resultant vector. In this example, because the golf swing applies an upward force and the wind applies a downward, though lesser, force, you need to find the resulting angle. Sketch a right triangle and label the component parts. The horizontal base of the triangle represents the forward vector component of 122.45. The vertical leg represents the upward vector component of 63.26. The hypotenuse represents the resultant vector with a magnitude of 137.83. You can choose either the sine function, with the vertical component, or the cosine function, with the horizontal component, to find the angle. The result will be the same. sin θ = 63.26 137.83 {\displaystyle \sin \theta ={\frac {63.26}{137.83}}} sin θ = 0.459 {\displaystyle \sin \theta =0.459} θ = arcsin ( 0.459 ) {\displaystyle \theta =\arcsin(0.459)} θ = 27.32 {\displaystyle \theta =27.32} Thus, the resultant vector represents a single force acting on the ball at an upward angle of 27.32 degrees. This makes sense, as it's slightly lower than the swing's angle, at 30 degrees, due to the downward force of the wind. However, the golf swing is a much stronger force than the wind in this example, so the angle is still close to 30. Summarize your resultant vector. To report the resultant vector, give both its angle and magnitude. In the golf ball example, the resultant vector has a magnitude of 137.83 mph (221.82 km/h), at an angle of 27.32 degrees above the horizontal. Recall the definition of a vector. A vector is a mathematical tool that is used in physics to represent the way forces act on an object. A vector is said to represent two elements of the force, its direction and its magnitude. For example, you can describe a moving object's movement by giving the direction of its travel and speed. You might say a plane is moving in a northwest direction at 500 mph (800 km/h). Northwest is the direction, and 500 mph (800 km/h) is the magnitude. A dog being held on a leash experiences a vector force. The leash held by the owner is being pulled diagonally upward with some measure of force. The angle of the diagonal is the vector's direction, and the strength of the force is the magnitude. Understand the terminology of graphing vectors. When you draw a vector, either using a precisely drawn representation on graph paper or just a rough sketch, certain geometrical terms are used. A vector is represented graphically by a ray {\displaystyle {\text{ray}}}. A ray, in geometry, is a line segment that begins at one point and, theoretically, continues infinitely in some direction. A ray is drawn by marking a point, then a line segment of appropriate length, and marking an arrowhead at the opposite end of the line segment. The tail {\displaystyle {\text{tail}}} of a vector is its starting point. Geometrically, this is the endpoint of the ray. The head {\displaystyle {\text{head}}} of a vector is the position of the arrowhead. The difference between a geometric ray and a vector is that the ray's arrowhead represents theoretical travel of infinite distance in the given direction. A vector, however, uses the arrowhead to indicate direction, but the length of the vector ends at the tip of the line segment, to measure its magnitude. In other words, if you sketch a ray in geometry, the length is irrelevant. If you draw a vector, however, the length is very important. Recall some basic trigonometry. Component parts of a vector rely on the trigonometry of right triangles. Any diagonal line segment can become the hypotenuse of a right triangle by sketching a horizontal line from one end and a vertical line from the other end. When those two lines meet, you will have defined a right triangle. The reference angle is the angle that is made by measuring from the horizontal base of the right triangle to the hypotenuse. The sine of the reference angle can be determined by dividing the length of the opposite leg by the length of the hypotenuse. The cosine of the reference angle can be determined by dividing the length of the base of the triangle (or the adjacent leg) by the length of the hypotenuse. | Select an appropriate scale. Draw the vector to scale. Draw a right triangle, with the vector as hypotenuse. Label the two component vectors. Measure the component vectors. Construct a rough sketch of the original vector. Sketch and label the component vectors. Use the sine function to calculate the vertical component. Use the cosine function to calculate the horizontal component. Understand what “adding” vectors means. Break each vector into its component parts. Add the components. Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the magnitude of the resultant vector. Use trigonometry to find the angle of the resultant vector. Summarize your resultant vector. Recall the definition of a vector. Understand the terminology of graphing vectors. Recall some basic trigonometry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dive-Into-a-Pool | How to Dive Into a Pool | To dive into a pool, start by placing your lead foot over the rim of the pool and raising your arms straight above your head. Then, push off with your lead foot and dive head first into the pool so your hands enter the water first. To do a jackknife dive, start by taking a few steps forward on a diving board and then lunging and jumping so you land right on the end. Then, jump off the diving board and reach your arms down to your toes so you look like an upside-down V. Finally, straighten out your body and dive into the water. | Find a deep diving pool. Since diving means entering a pool headfirst, the water has to be deep enough so that you don't hit the bottom too quickly and risk getting a head or spine injury. The Red Cross considers nine feet to be a good depth for diving if you want to be especially cautious, but the diving area in many pools is eight feet deep. Never dive into a pool that's less than eight feet deep. If you're unsure how deep a pool is, it's best to avoid diving there. It can be hard to gauge a pool's depth just by looking. Find a pool where the depth of the water is clearly marked. In many cases there will also be a sign posted that specifies diving is permitted there. Avoid diving into lakes, ponds and other natural bodies of water unless the area is supervised and has been cleared for diving. The depth of the water in these natural places is very inconsistent, and there may be boulders hiding in the water that you can't see from the shore. Get used to the thought of diving in headfirst. Many beginner divers, especially kids, are afraid to dive at first. It makes sense, since in any other situation launching toward something headfirst would result in pain and injury. If you're nervous about taking the plunge, try these techniques to feel more comfortable with the idea: Jump into the water feet first, so you get used to the feeling of entering water from a height. Sometimes kids think that water is hard, so it can help to point out to them that it's soft as you encourage them to splash around. Practice falling while you're in the water. Stand up in the water and let yourself fall forward, then let yourself fall backward. See how the water "catches" you and prevents you from getting hurt. Do a dry run on land before diving into water. Since diving can be intimidating when you're a beginner, it helps to practice on land and visualize how the dive will go before you enter the water. Stand upright with your arms straight above your head, your upper arms hugging your ears. Keep your hands flat and place one palm over the other. Tuck in your chin. This is the way your upper body should be composed when you dive into the water. You can practice the motion of diving on land as well. Find a grassy area or practice indoors on soft carpet. Get down on one knee and angle your arms and fingertips toward the ground. Roll forward so that your hands touch the ground, followed by your arms. Keep going until you're flat on your belly. Remember to hold your hands flat and place one on top of the other, rather than clasping them. Tucking your chin into your chest is equally important. These actions help to streamline your body, making your entry into the water smoother. Crouch close to the pool and glide into the water. Stand with your toes slightly over the edge of the pool, and crouch down close. Put your arms in position over your head - remember to tuck in that chin! - and point your hands toward the water. Now rock your body forward and gently glide into the water headfirst. As your legs follow your upper body, straighten them out and point your toes. As you enter the water, exhale, then hold your breath. You might accidentally inhale underwater if you feel startled, but once you get the hang of diving it'll feel natural to hold your breath. Practice diving from a crouch until you feel completely comfortable entering the water this way. Once it starts to feel easy and you're ready to move on, you can dive from a standing position. Dive from a standing position. When you're ready to try it standing up, edge close to the pool so that your toes are at the edge. Get your arms and hands in position and bend at the waist, pointing your fingers toward the water. Tuck in your chin, then tilt forward into the water. As your legs follow your upper body, keep them together and point your toes. Consider having a spotter help you the first few times. The act of diving from a standing position can be a little intimidating, and it might help to know that someone else is there to help you. Have the person stand next to you and place one hand on your belly and the other on your back, so that he or she can guide you into the water. Once you can dive from a standing position without needing a spotter, you're ready to advance to learning a proper dive using the correct form. Soon you'll be leaping into the water without a second thought! Place your lead foot over the rim of the pool. If you're right-handed, your lead foot will be your right foot, and if you're left-handed it will be your left foot. Place your lead foot slightly in front of your back foot, so your toes slightly jut over the pool. Your back foot should be flat on the ground, with your weight balanced equally over your feet. This is the starting position for a dive. As you work on your diving form, try to start with your feet in the exact same place every time. If you dive off of a diving board you may want to mark the spot where your feet should go to help you practice. Once you're comfortable diving from a stationary position, you can work up to doing a walking or running dive. This involves taking three or five steps forward, then leaping off of your lead foot into your dive. Point your arms above your head. Just as you did when you first practiced on land, raise your arms above your head, with your elbows straight. Tuck your upper arms against your ears. Hold your hands flat, with one palm resting over the back of your other hand. Hold your arms and hands in this position until you're ready to dive. As always, remember to keep your chin tucked down to your chest. If you do a walking or running dive, you'll start with your arms at your side, but they should always end up in an upright position before you enter the water. Push off and dive into the pool. Rather than tipping forward and falling in, push off with your lead foot to add distance to your dive. Enter the water fingertips first. Keep your body straight as you dive, with your legs together and your toes pointed. Once your body is fully in the water, you can start swimming or immediately come up for air. Remember to exhale as you enter the water and hold your breath while you're in. You should be able to swim around for several seconds before needing to surface. Try walking or running into your dive if you want to dive further and faster. No matter how you start your dive, your body should always enter the water at the same angle and using the same basic form. Dive off of a starting block. In competitive swimming, races begin with a dive off of a starting block, raised slightly above the surface of the pool. To dive from this position, you start in a crouch, gripping the edge of the block with both your fingers and your toes. When the starting bell or shot sounds, you spring into a low dive and start swimming the moment you hit the water. When you're diving off of a starting block, it's important to streamline your body so that you enter the water with as little splashing as possible. Keep your body in a straight line and point your toes. This will minimize the water's drag on your body so you won't lose precious seconds during the race. Dive from the high board. When you've gotten comfortable from diving from the side of the pool, you might want to try it from a diving board. Diving off the low board isn't too different from the side of the pool, but the high board is a different story. It's usually about 10 feet (3.0 m) above the water, and requires climbing a ladder to get to the top. Make sure the high dive is above very deep water, since you'll be entering the water faster. The water should be at least 12 feet (3.7 m) deep to be on the safe side. You can use the same basic diving form to dive off the high dive as you'd use any other time. The key is to enter the water at an angle that gives you a smooth entry. If you lay out too flat, you'll end up doing a painful belly flop. Learn to hurdle off a diving board. This is the proper term for starting a dive from a walk or run. You take three to five steps, followed by a one-legged jump before entering the water. Hurdling is done before any type of advanced dive that requires gaining height in order to move or contort your body before you actually enter the water. To hurdle, do the following: Start at the back of the diving board and take three to five steps. Three will give you plenty of momentum for a good hurdle, but you can take five if you have shorter legs or feel more comfortable taking more steps. On the last step, you should be near the end of the diving board. Lunge and jump, swinging your arms upward at the same time. Don't jump off the diving board; jump straight into the air. Land on the diving board with your feet in position to dive and your arms over your head. Now you're ready to jump off of the diving board and execute your dive. Do a jackknife. This advanced dive looks elegant and is a good next step once you've mastered the basic dive. Your body will rise up from the board, fold forward at the hips, then straighten into a dive. To do a jackknife, follow these steps: Begins with a hurdle. Take three to five steps, lunge and jump, and land on the edge of the board with your arms over your head. Jump off and slightly away from the diving board. Raise your hips above shoulder level as you jump off the board. Reach your arms down toward your toes. Your body should look like and upside-down V. Straighten your body to complete the dive. | Find a deep diving pool. Get used to the thought of diving in headfirst. Do a dry run on land before diving into water. Crouch close to the pool and glide into the water. Dive from a standing position. Place your lead foot over the rim of the pool. Point your arms above your head. Push off and dive into the pool. Dive off of a starting block. Dive from the high board. Learn to hurdle off a diving board. Do a jackknife. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Variance | How to Calculate Variance | To calculate the variance of a sample, first add all of the data points in your sample set together and divide the sum by the number of data points to find the mean. For example, if your data points are 1, 3, 5, and 9, you would add those together and get 18. Then, you would divide 18 by the number of data points, which is 4, and get 4.5. Therefore, the mean of the sample is 4.5. Now subtract the mean from each data point. For example, you would subtract the mean, 4.5, from 1, 3, 5, and 9 and get -3.5, -1.5, 0.5, and 4.5. Next, square each of those differences by multiplying each number by itself. If you square -3.5, -1.5, 0.5, and 4.5, you get 12.25, 2.25, 0.25, and 20.25. Then, add up all of the squared values. For example, you would add 12.25, 2.25, 0.25, and 20.25 and get 35. Finally, divide the sum by n - 1, where n equals the number of data points. In this example, there are 4 data points, so you would divide the sum, 35, by 4 - 1, or 3, and get 11.66. Therefore, the variance of the sample is 11.66. The formula for variance is s² = ∑[(xᵢ - x̄)²]/(n - 1), where s² is variance, ∑ means to find the sum of the numbers, xᵢ is a term in the data set, x̄ is the mean of the sample, and n is the number of data points. | Write down your sample data set. In most cases, statisticians only have access to a sample, or a subset of the population they're studying. For example, instead of analyzing the population "cost of every car in Germany," a statistician could find the cost of a random sample of a few thousand cars. He can use this sample to get a good estimate of German car costs, but it will likely not match the actual numbers exactly. Example: Analyzing the number of muffins sold each day at a cafeteria, you sample six days at random and get these results: 38, 37, 36, 28, 18, 14, 12, 11, 10.7, 9.9. This is a sample, not a population, since you don't have data on every single day the cafeteria was open. If you have every data point in a population, skip down to the method below instead. Write down the sample variance formula. The variance of a data set tells you how spread out the data points are. The closer the variance is to zero, the more closely the data points are clustered together. When working with sample data sets, use the following formula to calculate variance: s 2 {\displaystyle s^{2}} = / (n - 1) s 2 {\displaystyle s^{2}} is the variance. Variance is always measured in squared units. x i {\displaystyle x_{i}} represents a term in your data set. ∑, meaning "sum," tells you to calculate the following terms for each value of x i {\displaystyle x_{i}} , then add them together. x̅ is the mean of the sample. n is the number of data points. Calculate the mean of the sample. The symbol x̅ or "x-bar" refers to the mean of a sample. Calculate this as you would any mean: add all the data points together, then divide by the number of data points. Example: First, add your data points together: 17 + 15 + 23 + 7 + 9 + 13 = 84 Next, divide your answer by the number of data points, in this case six: 84 ÷ 6 = 14. Sample mean = x̅ = 14. You can think of the mean as the "centre-point" of the data. If the data clusters around the mean, variance is low. If it is spread out far from the mean, variance is high. Subtract the mean from each data point. Now it's time to calculate x i {\displaystyle x_{i}} - x̅, where x i {\displaystyle x_{i}} is each number in your data set. Each answer tells you that number's deviation from the mean, or in plain language, how far away it is from the mean.. Example: x 1 {\displaystyle x_{1}} - x̅ = 17 - 14 = 3 x 2 {\displaystyle x_{2}} - x̅ = 15 - 14 = 1 x 3 {\displaystyle x_{3}} - x̅ = 23 - 14 = 9 x 4 {\displaystyle x_{4}} - x̅ = 7 - 14 = -7 x 5 {\displaystyle x_{5}} - x̅ = 9 - 14 = -5 x 6 {\displaystyle x_{6}} - x̅ = 13 - 14 = -1 It's easy to check your work, as your answers should add up to zero. This is due to the definition of mean, since the negative answers (distance from mean to smaller numbers) exactly cancel out the positive answers (distance from mean to larger numbers). Square each result. As noted above, your current list of deviations ( x i {\displaystyle x_{i}} - x̅) sum up to zero. This means the "average deviation" will always be zero as well, so that doesn't tell use anything about how spread out the data is. To solve this problem, find the square of each deviation. This will make them all positive numbers, so the negative and positive values no longer cancel out to zero. Example: ( x 1 {\displaystyle x_{1}} - x̅) 2 = 3 2 = 9 {\displaystyle ^{2}=3^{2}=9} ( x 2 {\displaystyle (x_{2}} - x̅) 2 = 1 2 = 1 {\displaystyle ^{2}=1^{2}=1} 9 = 81 (-7) = 49 (-5) = 25 (-1) = 1 You now have the value ( x i {\displaystyle x_{i}} - x̅) 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} for each data point in your sample. Find the sum of the squared values. Now it's time to calculate the entire numerator of the formula: ∑[( x i {\displaystyle x_{i}} - x̅) 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} ]. The upper-case sigma, ∑, tells you to sum the value of the following term for each value of x i {\displaystyle x_{i}}. You've already calculated ( x i {\displaystyle x_{i}} - x̅) 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} for each value of x i {\displaystyle x_{i}} in your sample, so all you need to do is add the results together. Example: 9 + 1 + 81 + 49 + 25 + 1 = 166. Divide by n - 1, where n is the number of data points. A long time ago, statisticians just divided by n when calculating the variance of the sample. This gives you the average value of the squared deviation, which is a perfect match for the variance of that sample. But remember, a sample is just an estimate of a larger population. If you took another random sample and made the same calculation, you would get a different result. As it turns out, dividing by n - 1 instead of n gives you a better estimate of variance of the larger population, which is what you're really interested in. This correction is so common that it is now the accepted definition of a sample's variance. Example: There are six data points in the sample, so n = 6. Variance of the sample = s 2 = 166 6 − 1 = {\displaystyle s^{2}={\frac {166}{6-1}}=} 33.2 Understand variance and standard deviation. Note that, since there was an exponent in the formula, variance is measured in the squared unit of the original data. This can make it difficult to understand intuitively. Instead, it's often useful to use the standard deviation. You didn't waste your effort, though, as the standard deviation is defined as the square root of the variance. This is why the variance of a sample is written s 2 {\displaystyle s^{2}} , and the standard deviation of a sample is s {\displaystyle s}. For example, the standard deviation of the sample above = s = √33.2 = 5.76. Start with a population data set. The term "population" refers to the total set of relevant observations. For example, if you're studying the age of Texas residents, your population would include the age of every single Texas resident. You would normally create a spreadsheet for a large data set like that, but here's a smaller example data set: Example: There are exactly six fish tanks in a room of the aquarium. The six tanks contain the following numbers of fish: x 1 = 5 {\displaystyle x_{1}=5} x 2 = 5 {\displaystyle x_{2}=5} x 3 = 8 {\displaystyle x_{3}=8} x 4 = 12 {\displaystyle x_{4}=12} x 5 = 15 {\displaystyle x_{5}=15} x 6 = 18 {\displaystyle x_{6}=18} Write down the population variance formula. Since a population contains all the data you need, this formula gives you the exact variance of the population. In order to distinguish it from sample variance (which is only an estimate), statisticians use different variables: σ 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} = / n σ 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} = population variance. This is a lower-case sigma, squared. Variance is measured in squared units. x i {\displaystyle x_{i}} represents a term in your data set. The terms inside ∑ will be calculated for each value of x i {\displaystyle x_{i}} , then summed. μ is the population mean n is the number of data points in the population Find the mean of the population. When analyzing a population, the symbol μ ("mu") represents the arithmetic mean. To find the mean, add all the data points together, then divide by the number of data points. You can think of the mean as the "average," but be careful, as that word has multiple definitions in mathematics. Example: mean = μ = 5 + 5 + 8 + 12 + 15 + 18 6 {\displaystyle {\frac {5+5+8+12+15+18}{6}}} = 10.5 Subtract the mean from each data point. Data points close to the mean will result in a difference closer to zero. Repeat the subtraction problem for each data point, and you might start to get a sense of how spread out the data is. Example: x 1 {\displaystyle x_{1}} - μ = 5 - 10.5 = -5.5 x 2 {\displaystyle x_{2}} - μ = 5 - 10.5 = -5.5 x 3 {\displaystyle x_{3}} - μ = 8 - 10.5 = -2.5 x 4 {\displaystyle x_{4}} - μ = 12 - 10.5 = 1.5 x 5 {\displaystyle x_{5}} - μ = 15 - 10.5 = 4.5 x 6 {\displaystyle x_{6}} - μ = 18 - 10.5 = 7.5 Square each answer. Right now, some of your numbers from the last step will be negative, and some will be positive. If you picture your data on a number line, these two categories represent numbers to the left of the mean, and numbers to the right of the mean. This is no good for calculating variance, since these two groups will cancel each other out. Square each number so they are all positive instead. Example: ( x i {\displaystyle x_{i}} - μ) 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} for each value of i from 1 to 6: (-5.5) 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} = 30.25 (-5.5) 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} = 30.25 (-2.5) 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} = 6.25 (1.5) 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} = 2.25 (4.5) 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} = 20.25 (7.5) 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} = 56.25 Find the mean of your results. Now you have a value for each data point, related (indirectly) to how far that data point is from the mean. Take the mean of these values by adding them all together, then dividing by the number of values. Example: Variance of the population = 30.25 + 30.25 + 6.25 + 2.25 + 20.25 + 56.25 6 = 145.5 6 = {\displaystyle {\frac {30.25+30.25+6.25+2.25+20.25+56.25}{6}}={\frac {145.5}{6}}=} 24.25 Relate this back to the formula. If you're not sure how this matches the formula at the beginning of this method, try writing out the whole problem in longhand: After finding the difference from the mean and squaring, you have the value ( x 1 {\displaystyle x_{1}} - μ) 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} , ( x 2 {\displaystyle x_{2}} - μ) 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} , and so on up to ( x n {\displaystyle x_{n}} - μ) 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} , where x n {\displaystyle x_{n}} is the last data point in the set. To find the mean of these values, you sum them up and divide by n: ( ( x 1 {\displaystyle x_{1}} - μ) 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} + ( x 2 {\displaystyle x_{2}} - μ) 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} +... + ( x n {\displaystyle x_{n}} - μ) 2 {\displaystyle ^{2}} ) / n After rewriting the numerator in sigma notation, you have / n , the formula for variance. | Write down your sample data set. Write down the sample variance formula. Calculate the mean of the sample. Subtract the mean from each data point. Square each result. Find the sum of the squared values. Divide by n - 1, where n is the number of data points. Understand variance and standard deviation. Start with a population data set. Write down the population variance formula. Find the mean of the population. Subtract the mean from each data point. Square each answer. Find the mean of your results. Relate this back to the formula. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Car-in-Freezing-Cold-Winter-Weather | How to Start a Car in Freezing Cold Winter Weather | To start a car in freezing cold winter weather, start by shutting all of the doors and turning off any accessories, like the heater, radio, and lights. Then, put the keys in the ignition and turn and hold the key for up to 10 seconds. If the car doesn't start after 10 seconds, wait a minute or 2 before trying again. If you're still not able to start the car, the battery may be dead and you'll need to jump start it with jumper cables and another vehicle. | Minimize electrical drain on the battery. Ideally, this was done when the car was last used before the cold weather hit. But doing these steps just prior to starting will give you the best chance of starting. Shut the car's doors (mostly to keep the overhead light off) Turn off all accessories; this includes the heater/blower, radio and lights. Turn the key to start and hold it for up to 10 seconds. Don't hold it for any longer than 10 seconds, as overworking the starter will not make it any more likely to start. If you put the key in the ignition, turn it, and check if the dashboard lights up. If you do, there is at least some charge in the battery--a good sign. If there is no sound, (no start-up motor noise or no ticking) with turning the key and no lights on the dash, you most likely have a completely dead battery. Stop and get help in jumping the battery. No amount of starting will start the car unless the battery issue is resolved. Turn the key and try to start the engine. Hopefully, it will start up with or without some hesitation. Hesitation is fine--it does not hurt the engine. If there is a ticking but with no engine turnover there may not be quite enough battery power to start the ignition. Stop at this point, because the battery is too drained to start properly. If the engine fails to crank, wait a couple of minutes and try again. Sometimes this will allow some residual charge to build in the battery, and possibly enough to start the engine. Let the battery recover if the car fails to start. If your car does not start after ten to twenty seconds of cranking, stop and wait for a minute or two before attempting to start again. This gives the battery time to recover, and it will have warmed a bit. Mostly, it allows the starter motor to cool down. If the car is coming close to starting, but seems sluggish, give it a break and try again. If the battery won't make any effort to turn the engine over, it is discharged and you're going to need to jump it. If after trying many times the starter is still sluggish, you may need to heat up the battery. You can do this by removing it and bringing it inside, but be aware you may have a fault indication for a while after it is reinstalled. You will not harm the vehicle by removing the battery. From very cold weather, it may take up to 2 hours to warm the battery sufficiently to increase its available amperage. Consult the owner's manual. Almost every vehicle today has cold-starting instructions in the Operator's Manual that instruct you to use a small amount of throttle to help with a cold start. Refer to your vehicle's Operator's Manual for further information. If you do not have the owner's manual for your car, you can order one from a car dealer, find one at a salvage yard or look for one at an auto parts chain. You can also find many owner's manuals online. Try typing in "car owner manual" into a reputable search engine and look for relevant results. For cars older than about 1985, with engines with a carburetor, gently push on the gas pedal while still parked. Depress the accelerator once and then release it. This will dispense a small amount of fuel into the intake, which can help get things going. Note that there is no need to do this with fuel-injected engines. If your car is newer than about 1990, it has electronic fuel injection. Jump-start the battery if it fails completely to start. If the starter won't turn over at all, your battery is probably dead. It's now time for a jump-start. You will need a set of jumper cables and a willing volunteer with a running car to complete the jump. Position the running car as close to the car with the dead battery as possible. You'll want the front ends of the cars facing each other, if possible. Hook up the jumper cables to the appropriate terminals. Look for the + and - symbols on the jumper cables and connect the one with the + symbol to the positive terminals on both the running car and the car with the dead battery. Attach the cable with the - symbol to the negative terminals. An easy way to remember how to hook up the jumper cables is to remember "red-dead, red-alive." Hook up the red clamp to the red post on the dead battery, then the red clamp to the red post on the running car, and then do the opposite for the black clamps. The black post to the "alive" car and lastly the black clamp to the "dead" car. Please note that the black clamp on the "dead" car must be connected either an unpainted engine bolt or the mounting bracket of the alternator, not the battery terminal itself. This is to avoid a short circuit. Allow the dead battery to charge from the running car for a few minutes. When you are about to start the car with the dead battery, it may be helpful to rev the running car a bit. 2000 RPM is plenty. Try to start the car with the dead battery. If it doesn't work on the first try, double-check to make sure the jumper cables are connected properly (especially the negative/black cable if not connected to the battery) before letting the running car run for a while and trying again. Disconnect the cables promptly, but continue to run the engine of the both cars for several minutes to ensure both batteries have charged enough for another start. Since modern cars have alternators, they are able to maintain charging voltage even at idle RPM. There is no need to rev the engine. Replace the battery if necessary. At some point in every car's lifetime, its battery must be replaced. This is because car batteries have a limited service life, and no amount of maintenance or care can reverse the effects of chemicals on metal. Car batteries typically last about four years. If you're changing your car battery yourself, ensure your vehicle is turned off and in park, with the emergency brake set. Always wear gloves and safety glasses when changing the battery of a car, as car batteries contain potentially hazardous acids and gases, which can be released if the battery is mishandled. You should also make sure that your car battery is recycled using the correct procedures, you can do this by bringing your used battery to a local recycling center, or to certain repair shops. Warm the engine with a block heater. An engine block heater is a small heating device installed in the engine that plugs into a wall socket. It warms the engine and oil and eases start-up. Engine block heaters are not expensive, but they must be installed properly by a mechanic. Keeping your car's battery warm. Your car's battery can deliver much more power when it's warm. You can do this using a battery wrap. A battery wrap or blanket is usually a fixed installation of insulation and heating element around the battery. They require about an hour to sufficiently warm the battery. Park indoors. Parking indoors, in a garage, helps to shelter a car's engine from icy winds and freezing temperatures. Heat the garage, if possible, to keep the temperature warmer. Use thinner oil. In the extreme cold, oil thickens and doesn't flow quickly to vital engine parts that need lubrication. A lightweight, winter-grade oil flows easier in cold weather and increases fuel economy. Your owner's manual should tell you the ideal type of oil you should use. Use gas line antifreeze with fuel stabilizer. Gas line antifreeze, also known as dry gas, is a chemical (essentially Methyl Hydrate) that is added to your gas tank to inhibit your gas line freezing. If your gas line freezes, your car will not be able to start until it thaws. Many gas stations already add an anti-freeze agent into their gas during colder weather months. Check with your station of choice and see if this is their practice. Add dry gas to your petrol or gas fill-up before filling the tank (if possible) to ensure it mixes completely in the tank. For diesel engines, consider using fuel conditioner. A fuel conditioner is a multi-functional diesel fuel additive. A diesel engine will start better in the cold if you use fuel conditioner, which prevents the fuel from "gelling" and ensures reliable fuel performance in severe winter conditions. Keep your fuel tank full. Condensation on the walls of a gas tank will form and will eventually sink to the bottom and cause freezing problems in your fuel lines. It's much more difficult to start a cold car with a mostly-empty tank, so do yourself a favor and gas up often in the winter before letting the car sit. Replace your windshield wipers and wiper fluid. Wiper blades crack in the cold and become much less effective, which can be dangerous in inclement weather. Low visibility can make driving in cold weather extremely dangerous, so it's important to make sure the wiper blades are up in tip-top shape. Replace them every 6 months or so. Check your tire pressure and consider snow tires. Extreme shifts in temperature affects the pressure of your tires, and driving on tires with inadequate pressure in them can be quite dangerous. Cold tires will read differently than tires that have been warmed, so you'll want to drive around a bit before checking the pressure at the gas station or at the tire shop. If you live in a place with heavy snowfall, consider putting snow tires on your car, or purchasing a set of chains to use in bad weather. Check your local laws on the use of chains however, as they are illegal in some regions due to the risk of damage to the road surface. Maintain the battery. Winter is tough on batteries, for two main reasons. The battery cannot produce its normal amount of power because of the cold. The chemical reactions that generate electricity are slower at a lower temperatures. Checking your car battery from time to time will help you stay on top of any maintenance issues, but be aware that most car batteries only last between three and five years. In addition, engines are harder to turn over because the oil inside them is thicker. This demands more amperage from a battery. Multi-viscosity oils, such as 10W30, though, alleviate most of this impact. Check the battery cables and clamps for fraying or corrosion. If there's a white, powdery substance around the clamps, that's corrosion from battery acid. You can clean it off easily with baking soda, water and a toothbrush. Your battery contains a liquid electrolyte, which can evaporate and spill so make sure it has enough inside. Most batteries have caps on top, and you can check the level by removing the caps. If it's low, fill the holes with distilled water, being careful not to fill past any fill level indicator or the bottom of the cap. | Minimize electrical drain on the battery. Turn the key to start and hold it for up to 10 seconds. Let the battery recover if the car fails to start. Consult the owner's manual. For cars older than about 1985, with engines with a carburetor, gently push on the gas pedal while still parked. Jump-start the battery if it fails completely to start. Position the running car as close to the car with the dead battery as possible. Hook up the jumper cables to the appropriate terminals. Allow the dead battery to charge from the running car for a few minutes. Try to start the car with the dead battery. Disconnect the cables promptly, but continue to run the engine of the both cars for several minutes to ensure both batteries have charged enough for another start. Replace the battery if necessary. Warm the engine with a block heater. Keeping your car's battery warm. Park indoors. Use thinner oil. Use gas line antifreeze with fuel stabilizer. For diesel engines, consider using fuel conditioner. Keep your fuel tank full. Replace your windshield wipers and wiper fluid. Check your tire pressure and consider snow tires. Maintain the battery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Give-Feedback | How to Give Feedback | Before you deliver feedback, write down your observations and divide them into pro and con so you have a clear idea of what you want to say. When you're ready to give feedback, try to remain as neutral as possible to make it constructive. To get started, explain to the person why you're giving them feedback and start with a compliment, as this will make it easier for the person to accept negative feedback. Then, state your observations clearly before allowing the person to respond to the positive or constructive comments. | Focus on one criticism at a time. Hearing criticism after criticism is often too much for a person to take. They can end up feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, instead of feeling inspired to do better. They may also feel attacked. Select the most pressing issue to address first. Move onto the next once you believe the initial problem is resolved. Get into specifics. Vagueness doesn't do anyone any good when it comes to feedback. You'll need to give specific examples or direction if you want the behavior to continue or stop. For example, instead of saying, “Good job on that report,” tell them specifically what you liked about it. Giving detailed examples increases the chances they will continue the same high level of work. Use “and” and “what if. ” The words you use can make a big difference in how feedback is absorbed. Adding the words “and” and “what if” to your criticism often make the person feel encouraged and inspired to improve their performance. It also makes your feedback feel less like an attack. For example, say, “I think your opener is strong, and what if we added a few more action steps?” Avoid the word “but” as it adds a negative connotation. Create safety. Feedback is typically only applied about 30 percent of the time. The percentage is even less if the person doesn't feel comfortable when receiving the feedback. Creating an atmosphere in which the person feels respected and safe increases the chances of them implementing the feedback given. Always stay civil with the person while you are giving your negative feedback. Avoid trying to make them look silly in front of people around you. Doing so will only backfire and cause them to lose respect for you. Additionally, they may ignore your feedback out of spite. Be direct. There's no point in sugar-coating your feedback. In fact, your criticism will likely become lost if you sandwich it between praise. Instead, simply come out with what needs improvement. Additionally, use specifics in your feedback. Say exactly what it is that the person should work on. If not, they won't know how to become better. Say it when it occurs. Give the positive or negative feedback as soon as you see something that needs to be addressed. Waiting until after the fact is often dangerous because you may not remember exactly what happened, and neither will the person you're giving feedback to. Pull the person aside as soon as you can and say, “I noticed you completed the task like this. However, I don't think that's the best way to do it.” Or, “I really like how you handled the task you were given.” You are more likely to make an impact when you address the situation immediately. Decide where to say it. Criticism should be given in private, as your goal isn't to embarrass anyone. Praise, however, can take place in public. Typically, giving positive feedback around others makes the person you're addressing feel good about themselves and can boost the overall morale. For example, you can send out a mass email praising the person. You could also create an employee of the month or wall of fame to showcase accomplishments. Give them a chance to respond. Pause and ask for their opinion after you've given your feedback. Give them the time they need to formulate a response and try not to rush them. You will make them feel like they are a part of the conversation—and solution—if they are also given a say. Don't allow them to become disrespectful with you. However, give them a chance to say what they really feel. Try not to interrupt and then return with positive suggestions, if applicable. Ask their opinion. Ask them their perspective on what happened before you give your negative feedback. You may get an explanation for their behavior or performance that you might not otherwise. Hold them accountable for their actions, but don't become unprofessional. Resist any temptation to tell them how ridiculous their performance was. Doing so will only cause negative feelings and prevent them from wanting to improve. Instead, listen to what they have to say and use their explanation to figure out how to stop them from doing it again. Focus on improvement instead of criticism. You may really want to put the person in their place if they've acted poorly. However, focusing on what they did wrong instead of how to improve will result in poor morale and the same lackluster performance. Along with the feedback, give exact details on how to improve. Chances are the person does want to do a good job, but may not know how to. Explain the effects of their performance. Telling them how their actions impacted those around them is more effective than just simply telling them what they did wrong or right. Going into detail about how people were affected—clients, co-workers, etc.—can make them want to improve or keep up their performance. For instance, say, “Your excellent performance caused our clients to renew their contract for another year,” instead of something generic like, “Our clients were really happy with what you did for them.” Hearing that they achieved a goal will likely encourage them to continue their hard work. | Focus on one criticism at a time. Get into specifics. Use “and” and “what if. Create safety. Be direct. Say it when it occurs. Decide where to say it. Give them a chance to respond. Ask their opinion. Focus on improvement instead of criticism. Explain the effects of their performance. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Around-the-World | How to Play Around the World | Around the world is a fun basketball game that tests how good you are at shooting hoops. Before the game starts, select spots along a small half-circle in front of the basket. Mark them with tape or chalk to make sure everyone shoots from the same spots. Set 5 or more spots in an arc around the basket. Each player gets 2 shots from each spot. If you make the shot, you move on to the next spot. If you miss, you get one more chance. Missing 2 shots in a row will set you back to the starting point. The first person to make it all the way around wins the game. | Win by making every shot "around the world"before everyone else. Around the World is all about accuracy and consistency when shooting. You set five or more spots in an arc around the basket. Each player gets two shots at each spot. If you make it, you move on to the next one. If you miss two in a row, you start from scratch. The first player all the way around wins. You need at least two players. However, there is no upper limit on the number of people that can play. Select your "world spots" before the game starts. You want to make a small half-circle around the basket. If you're new to the game, set it up around the key, the rectangle in front of the goal. If you're experienced you can back up, even setting every spot around the three point line. You want to make a half-circle, representing the world, so that you have to shoot from every angle and on both sides of the basket. However, you should feel free to pick whatever spots you want. Mark them with tape or chalk. In general, you want your spots evenly spaced out. You can have as many spots as you want, depending on how long you want the game to go on for. Some people like to add the free-throw line as the first and last shot -- your "home base." Choose who goes first. Know, however, that everyone will get a chance to shoot. If the first person happens to win, everyone else gets one round to try and tie them, forcing a rematch or overtime. Thus, the person who goes first does not matter too much. Shoot from the first spot. Take your first shot. If you make it, move on to the next spot and shoot again. If you miss it, you get one more shot. If you miss both shots, it is the next person's turn to shoot. Since there is nowhere to go back to on the first shot, there is no reason to skip your second shot. Skip your second shot to stay in place, especially if you're worried about missing. This is where the strategy comes into play. If you miss two shots in a row, you must start over on your next turn. But if you miss the first one you can skip your next shot. When it is your turn again you get to start from the same spot you left off. If you have a big lead, it is often best to wait. Remember, however, that it only takes one good turn for someone to catch up -- or even win. If you're behind, it might be worth the risk to take your second shot. If you can develop some rhythm, one great round might help you come back. Keep shooting until you miss twice or skip a turn. You could theoretically win on the very first turn if you make every shot. The goal, especially for real basketball, is to develop shooting consistency, getting into a rhythm of good shots. Allow everyone the same number of rounds to shoot. Every player should get the same number of chances to win. Say, for example, you're playing with four people who shoot in the order A, B, C, and D. During the fifth round, player B makes every bucket and wins. However, players C and D only got to play for four rounds. They each get one more chance to win, forcing a playoff. Player A, who got the same number of chances as Player B, loses. For tie-breakers, play one more round. Whatever player gets the furthest around wins. Create more complicated patterns for harder games. Once you have the basics down, it's time to make your world a little tougher. You can add in the free-throw line, make players go down the line and come back, or make the last shot an extra-difficult 3-pointer. Make sure everyone understands all of the shots before beginning -- it makes a big difference when deciding whether to move on or stay put for the second shot. Add different types of shooting to work on other skills. Mix-in different kinds of shots, such as layups. Throw in blind shots, backwards throws, backboard shots only (or no backboard shots at all), or any other challenge you can think of to make the game more interesting. Eliminate the second shot for higher stakes games. If you're a great shooter, you should be able to constantly hit every shot under pressure. If you're really looking to improve your game or make things tenser, only allow one shot per spot. You can also eliminate the ability to skip a shot, forcing players to take both shots every time and move back if they fail. Allow simultaneous shooting for a chaotic, strategic game. This is best for smaller groups of 2-4 players, and you may need a referee to ensure it all works out. Start with every player on roughly the same square, say go, and start shooting. The rest of the rules apply as well, except you cannot skip turns. If you miss twice, you start over. Players will have to be strategic about when to shoot, and smart players can even try and hit other players balls to knock them back to start -- though you'll be sacrificing one of your own shots as well. To make it easier to enforce the rules, players should shout "chance shot" every time they take a second shot, allowing you to know if they must restart if they miss. Limit the number of skips per game. You could only allow three total skips in the entire game, making them much more strategic and putting a greater focus on good shooting. It can, however, also make the game much longer. Make shooters use both hands. This little variation mixes up the normal game and allows for odd and spectacular shots. You can make players alternate arms every shot (making them more or less likely to risk the second shot), or force them to shoot opposite handed whenever they want to take a second shot. You can mix this up with backwards shots or blind, eyes-closed shots as well to make things interesting. | Win by making every shot "around the world"before everyone else. Select your "world spots" before the game starts. Choose who goes first. Shoot from the first spot. Skip your second shot to stay in place, especially if you're worried about missing. Keep shooting until you miss twice or skip a turn. Allow everyone the same number of rounds to shoot. Create more complicated patterns for harder games. Add different types of shooting to work on other skills. Eliminate the second shot for higher stakes games. Allow simultaneous shooting for a chaotic, strategic game. Limit the number of skips per game. Make shooters use both hands. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Flax-from-Seed | How to Grow Flax from Seed | To grow flax from seed, wait until early or mid-spring and choose a planting location that gets full sun for at least 6 hours per day. Next, add organic matter like manure or compost to the soil and till the area deeply to incorporate the amendments and remove as many weeds as possible. Then, place the seeds on the surface of the soil and cover them with a layer of soil that's less than an inch thick. Seedlings should start appearing in 1-3 weeks! | Find the seeds of the correct flax species. There are hundreds of species of Linum in the world. Only two blue species are commonly grown in gardens. These mainly look very similar in appearance and are only identifiable to a beginning botanist or gardener by the life cycle of the plant. One is annual meaning it germinates (sprouts from seed), grows and flowers then dies within a year. The other species is a perennial plant meaning it flowers and survives the remaining season as a dormant (sleeping) root and comes back for many years in appropriate climates. Both species look very similar with 2 to 4 feet tall arching stems with greyish-blue green needle-like leaves that look somewhat like a blue spruce sapling but soft and flexible. These plants have a deep taproot shaped like a skinny carrot and don't like being transplanted (moved) once established. Early summer to late summer the plant produces beautiful 5 petaled sky blue flowers that last only a day each but are produced in such large numbers from hanging tear-shaped buds that the plant is literally covered in blooms for 1 to 3 months. Linum usitatissimum or Common Flax is the one that's used for making linen fabric and linseed oil used as food. Flaxseed of this species is also used for food consumption as well. This plant is the annual. Linum perenne or Perennial Flax is the almost exact twin. Linum lewisii native wildflower of North America is or is not depending to different experts, a subspecies (part of an isolated population) of Linum perenne. This one is the perennial. There are other flax species that produce red ( Linum grandiflorum ) pink and yellow flowers (golden flax ( Linum. flavum ). as well. Try shopping online for Linum usitatissiumum and other rarer species of flax. Although it's commonly used in agriculture for food and fabric production, Linum usitatissimum is not readily available in many garden centers. Type the name of the species you want in a search engine like Google and you will find many online garden shops and seed shops that sell the seeds. Linum perenne is the one sold in seed packs in many garden centers. The same goes for more unusual and rarer Linum species. If there's a flax species you want to try but have little information about it's growing conditions and/or seed germination requirements you can always ask the person in the shop via chat or email or talk to experts on many garden forums. With any plant group there's always possible exceptions to the rules and this article is very general. Select the correct growing site. Flax is a very adaptable and easy plant to grow. Hot and humid climate regions like the Southeast Coast of United States are not very good though for this plant of prairies and deserts. The site should receive full sun (6 hours or more of unshaded sunlight a day). Rotate the crops of flax (Linum usitatissiumum and other annuals) every year. Don't plant it in the exact spot every year as this will put plants at greater risk for diseases and pests. Plant something different in the previous year's spot where flax was grown like another vegetable or annual flowers. Prepare the soil. Flax grows best in loose rich soil like loam (like the topsoil sold in stores) and sand. Heavy soils like compacted clay will not work well unless you dig the soil very deep and replace the clay in the soil with topsoil and compost. Mix/rake in lots of organic matter into the soil like manure and compost into the site. Cultivate and till the soil deeply and remove as many weeds as possible. Flax seedlings don't compete well with fast-growing weeds. Blue Flax species are hardy and can be planted early and withstand heavy frost (temps below 40 degrees F)Other ones are from warmer even tropical regions and this cold can kill them. Do not plant flax seeds where there are cold season weeds that will compete with the young seedlings. These are weeds that grow during the cool beginning periods of spring (March or April) or fall. Wild mustards, clovers, and burweeds are a few examples of these winter weeds as well as some grasses like winter rye. These weeds can also keep growing during an unusually warm winter. Test the soil. Flax seeds like to be planted in cool soil like peas and spinach. Starting in Early or Mid Spring take a sample of the soil from the planting site in your hand and make a ball. If the soil is muddy-feeling or soggy it's too early. If the soil is still frozen wait until later. If the soil feels like it does in a bag of potting soil or crumbles into crumbs it's ready. It it's dry and dusty it's too dry and you have to wait until the soil is rained on again or water it first and repeat the test. If the soil is ready place the seeds on the surface and cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Less than an inch and not over. If the seed is covered more than an inch the seeds will drown and die in the soil and never raise. You can also just mash the seeds into the surface of the soil with a flat surface like a brick, back of the shovel, or rolling pan. This pressing ensures the seeds make soil contact and helps in germination. Seeds will sprout in 1 to 3 weeks and you can notice them as skinny bluish-green things popping out the soil. You can also grow flax seeds inside a peat pot or other degradable (nonplastic pot) following the above step. After that, plant the young plants outside during spring when the soil warms up and the weather settles. First, before setting the plants directly in the garden, place them in a sheltered protected spot for a week and then move them to more exposed and sunny situations. Make sure you cover the entire peat pot and tear out the bottom and the peat pot apart so the peat pot doesn't take water from plant or prevent the plant from growing strong deep roots into the soil. Don't disturb the flax seedlings or mature plants! They do not like to be moved and moving them can cause them to wilt. This can also break the taproot thus stunting very likely killing the plant. If you must move a flax plant do it in the fall when the plant is dormant to help ease the shock. Control the weeds. When the seedlings are small cut the heads of the weeds off to the soil line and when the seedlings get big enough and gained strong roots you can begin pulling and destroying the weeds. Don't outroot the weeds when the flax plants are very small or you'll uproot and disturb the baby flax seedlings. Flax Plants are low maintenance plants and need little aftercare. These species develop long and deep taproots that make them quite tolerant of drought. The long flowering stems will produce flowers at around 30 to 60 days (annuals) and wait the second year after planting (perennial) and produce those lovely flowers. Heavy rains or hail may flatten your plants but you can always stake and support them. After flowering stops cut the plant down to the ground for perennial types. Annual species at this time should be uprooted and thrown away to prevent diseases from affecting and killing next year's flax crop as these diseases can live in the soil for years. If you want to you can collect seeds from the tiny little brown "paper lanterns" and store them for next year in a tightly sealed ziplock bag. The only disease flax can get frequently is fungal and mildew. Place flax in a well-circulated breezy site and check for plants turning brown, black, and mushy. Flax does not take well to high humidity at night. Water plants in the morning to prevent water on the leaves from turning into a fungal rot problem. Several species of moth caterpillars use this group of plants for food and are not major problems. One called cutworm can sometimes kill young plants by just chewing on the only stem straight through. | Find the seeds of the correct flax species. Try shopping online for Linum usitatissiumum and other rarer species of flax. Select the correct growing site. Prepare the soil. Test the soil. If the soil is ready place the seeds on the surface and cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Control the weeds. Flax Plants are low maintenance plants and need little aftercare. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Differentiate-Between-a-Gluten-Allergy-and-Lactose-Intolerance | How to Differentiate Between a Gluten Allergy and Lactose Intolerance | If you think you might have a gluten allergy or lactose intolerance, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms and run tests to help you determine what's causing them. To narrow down the potential triggers, write down everything you eat and any symptoms you experience in a food journal. Include details like when you ate the food and when the symptoms started. Eat your normal diet for 2 weeks and watch for problems, then try eliminating potential triggers, such as milk or wheat products. If your symptoms go away, add the eliminated foods back into your diet one by one and see if they return. For a more definite diagnosis, ask your doctor about taking tests such as a blood lactose tolerance test. | Talk to your doctor. It's crucial to talk to your doctor (possibly an allergist) if you suspect you have a food allergy. They will be able to guide you on what's appropriate as far as diet, diagnostic tests and treatment. Tell your doctor about your symptoms. While a food allergy can cause some of the same symptoms an intolerance or sensitivity, other symptoms include: rash, hives, itchy skin, shortness of breath, chest pain, or even a sudden drop in blood pressure. A food allergy usually comes on suddenly after exposure and can be life-threatening. Never start a restrictive or elimination diet prior to talking to your doctor or a allergy certified registered dietitian. Do not eat any foods that you think could cause life threatening allergic responses unless under the care of a physician. If symptoms do not resolve after eliminating the suspected offending food, go back to the doctor for further evaluation. Start a food/symptom journal. Logging all your meals, snacks and beverages along with any symptoms you may experience can help you figure out what type of sensitivity you have and to what food. It will be difficult to determine what food is causing you symptoms without a journal. It might be wise to do your journal by hand. Start with a notebook and jot down everything you consume (including any supplements or medications) and symptoms you experience. Many food journaling apps are not detailed enough for what you should be tracking. Make sure to note the time you ate and the time you experience symptoms (if at all). Typical food sensitivities symptoms may include: nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, fatigue, rashes, and gas. Also include the serving size of the foods you consume. For example, some individuals have an extreme lactose intolerance (meaning they cannot tolerate any lactose), but others may have a mild lactose intolerance (and can tolerate small doses of lactose). By logging how much you eat, you can gauge the amount of your body will tolerate without adverse symptoms. Eat a regular diet for two weeks. To help you decide what food is giving you trouble, you actually need to consume that food. You'll need to trigger the symptoms to be able to associate those symptoms with a specific food and then avoid them to see if symptoms disappear. Continuing with a regular, non-restrictive diet may not be comfortable, but producing symptoms will help point the finger at the suspected food. Only upon elimination of the food and resolution of symptoms will you have an accurate answer. You may only have one symptom or you may experience multiple symptoms. They usually begin between 30 minutes and two hours after the food is consumed. Typical symptoms of food sensitivities include: bloating, gas, stomach pain, diarrhea and/or nausea. If your symptoms are life threatening, do not consume any food you suspect will trigger symptoms. You can perform oral food challenges in the care of a doctor in a safe and controlled environment. Eliminate lactose-containing products. Identify foods containing lactose and eliminate all of them from your diet. If you are lactose intolerant, symptoms you were experiencing during the non-restrictive diet should be alleviated and discontinue. Milk and milk products contain the sugar lactose. Foods that are mainly dairy or have been made with dairy will contain lactose in varying amounts. Check ingredient lists on all products. Some lesser known dairy products that contain lactose are whey, caseinate, malted milk, milk derivative and milk solids. The lesser known dairy products are usually used as an ingredient in another type of food. Avoid antacids. Many antacids contain lactose and will make the symptoms worse. Discuss medication options for other alternatives to acid reducers with your doctor if you feel it is necessary. If symptoms continue after two weeks of a lactose-free diet, you most likely have a different food sensitivity. Dairy and other lactose containing products can be added back into the diet. If you add lactose back to your diet and your symptoms worsen, you may have dual sensitivities and lactose is only part of the problem. Continue to keep lactose out of your diet. Eliminate foods containing gluten. Identify foods containing gluten and eliminate all of them from your diet. If you have a gluten sensitivity any symptoms should resolve after you discontinue eating gluten containing foods. Wheat and wheat products contain gluten. Also, other grains, such as barley and rye contain gluten. Gluten is in a wide range of foods and can be very hard to avoid. It is found in most breads, beer, other baked goods and pasta. Read ingredient labels on all products. Gluten may be added to foods for its functional properties, and may be on the ingredient statement as vital wheat gluten, wheat gluten or just gluten. Also, malt contains gluten and is often added as a flavoring to many processed foods (like soy sauce). Some other lesser known ingredients containing gluten are Atta flour, bulgur, couscous, farina, graham, wheat bran, wheat germ, wheat starch, triticale and matzoh. If symptoms continue after two weeks of a gluten-free diet, you most likely have a different food sensitivity. Gluten containing products can be added back into the diet. If you add gluten back to your diet and your symptoms worsen, you may have dual sensitivities and gluten is only part of the problem. Continue to keep gluten out of your diet. Take a lactose tolerance test. If you feel compelled or a doctor recommends a concrete diagnosis, you can take one of the three tests used by medical professionals to determine lactose intolerance. The blood lactose tolerance test will measure how well your body digests lactose. It is done by drinking a lactose solution and then having several blood samples drawn over a period of time. This test is mainly used for adults. The hydrogen breath test measures amount of hydrogen during respiration. The more hydrogen that is breathed out, the better the body is digesting the lactose. This test is non-invasive and used for adults. Stool acidity test. The stool acidity test measures the acidity of stool after consumption of lactose. The more acidic the stool, the less the body is able to digest lactose. This test is mainly used for children. There is no diagnostic test for gluten sensitivity. It is "diagnosed" by exclusion only. So if symptoms go away or are managed well on a gluten-free diet, you can assume a gluten sensitivity. Talk to a registered dietitian. Living with food allergies or sensitivities can be difficult. This is especially true if you have an issue with more than one food. Restrictive diets or fear of foods may cause you not to eat a balanced diet. A dietitian can help you find a diet that's appropriate for you. Cutting out or eliminating the offending food is one of the only ways to deal with sensitivities. However, an overly restrictive diet may not provide your body with the recommended amount of a variety of essential nutrients. Review your medical history, thoughts on what your offending foods are and your food and symptom journal with your dietitian. They are nutrition experts and will be able to provide you with a meal plan and food substitutes that will not cause a reaction. Continue with your food/symptom journal. Although you may have figured out which food has been causing symptoms, it's still wise to continue with your journal. This will help other health professionals and yourself as you continue to modify and change your diet. Food and symptom journals are also incredibly helpful to allergists, dietitians and other health professionals. They may see patterns or trends in your journal that you do not. If you have a flare up of symptoms again, you'll be able to return to your journal to see what the offending food was and how to replace that or avoid it in the future. Use lactose-free foods. The best way to treat lactose intolerance is to avoid lactose containing products. Avoiding most or all foods with lactose will be the primary way you will avoid symptoms long-term. However, it's important to replace nutrients commonly found in lactose containing foods. Lactose containing foods are generally high in calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus. You can get these nutrients from other foods like: broccoli, canned salmon, fortified juices, pinto beans and spinach. There are many lactose free and lactose reduced milks, yogurt and cheese. These types of products may not be easy to find and have a slightly different taste than the original, but work great as substitutes. All vegan products, like vegan cheese, will also not contain any lactose. These are a safe bet when purchasing dairy alternatives. Take a lactase enzyme supplement. These are pills that can be taken before the consumption of lactose to help digest the lactose. They are sold at most pharmacies and health food stores. Consume gluten free foods. The best way to avoid symptoms related to a gluten sensitivity is to give up and eliminate all gluten containing foods from your diet. Again, it's important to replace any nutrients that were found in gluten containing foods. The biggest and most common source of gluten is wheat (followed by barley and rye). Common nutrients found in these grains are folate, thiamin, riboflavin and other B vitamins. Fortunately other food groups contain many of these vitamins - like protein foods. In addition, consuming other grains that do not contain gluten and have a variety of B vitamins include: quinoa, teff, amaranth, rice, corn and buckwheat. Currently there are many specialty pre-packaged foods that are gluten free. Anything from pasta, muffins, breads, baking mixes, waffles, pancakes, etc. These can be found at most grocery stores. There is no medication or supplement that can prevent or lessen symptoms from a gluten sensitivity. Take supplements. If you plan to avoid lactose or gluten containing foods, talk with a doctor about supplementation. You may need to replace vitamins, minerals and other nutrients found in these foods. There are a variety of over-the-counter vitamins and minerals that can help you replace nutrients in foods you are avoiding. Note, it's not ideal or recommended to rely solely on supplements for your nutrition. The best source of nutrients is from consuming foods. Always talk to your doctor prior to starting any vitamin/mineral supplement to make sure it's safe and appropriate for you. | Talk to your doctor. Start a food/symptom journal. Eat a regular diet for two weeks. Eliminate lactose-containing products. Eliminate foods containing gluten. Take a lactose tolerance test. Talk to a registered dietitian. Continue with your food/symptom journal. Use lactose-free foods. Consume gluten free foods. Take supplements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prune-a-Leyland-Cypress | How to Prune a Leyland Cypress | Leyland cypresses are relatively low-maintenance and only need pruning during growing season. For the tree's first spring, cut away most of its side shoots except for 3 or 4. During its first summer, give it a light trim to keep it under control. After the first year, just trim the sides once a year until the tree reaches your desired height. When you want to stop it growing taller, cut the main branches 6 inches shorter than the final height you want. After that, all you need to do is trim the main branches 2 to 4 times during each growing season. Prune the sides and remove any damaged or splintered branches to keep it healthy. | Eliminate most side shoots in April the first year. Your pruning tasks begin the first spring after you put the cypress in the ground. At the beginning of the growing season, look for the central, vertical branch at the plant's center. Select 3 or 4 of the side branches to keep as leaders. Use a pair of loppers to sever any other branches at the base. The branches you choose should be the biggest, strongest ones, spaced out evenly along the cypress' central branch. Trim the cypress’ sides in July. During the summer after that first spring, locate a pair of sharp pruning shears. Your cypress will be growing thick branches that are all wildly different lengths. Give the cypress a quick haircut by trimming the ends of the branches. Cut sparingly, keeping the branches an even length. The cypress should look neat for the winter month. Its thick branches shield it from winter damage. Reduce the number of sides shoot in April of the second year. By the second year, you will probably notice your Leyland cypress' ability to grow. Even though the plant will be a lot taller, it's growth won't be thick enough yet. Find the 3 or 4 branches you saved earlier, then use loppers to sever the longest branches around it. Leave a few of the smaller, younger shoots on each main branch. Cutting off the oldest, longest side shoots can cause more thick growth around the main branches. Trim the cypress’ sides yearly until it reaches the desired height. After the second round of pruning, all you need to do is give your cypress regular haircuts. Use your shears to prune the branches, keeping them even and at a desirable length. You can do this anytime from April through August and may need to do this up to 3 times a year to maintain the cypress. Avoid cutting the top of the central branch, since this will hinder its growth. Shorten leading branches in spring after they reach the desired height. Reach up to the top of your cypress. Given how quickly a Leyland cypress can extend out of your reach, you may need to set up a stepladder. Find the central, vertical branches hidden in the growth, then use loppers to prune each branch 6 in (15 cm) shorter than the final height you want the cypress to be. These branches grow back, eventually forming a thick top. If the cypress reaches full height after spring, wait until the following spring to trim the central branches. Perform routine trimming in April through August. Spring and summer are the growing seasons for Leyland cypress plants. You can trim the plant throughout this period, but you are better off saving heavy pruning for the beginning of spring. Cutting the plant after August leaves it exposed to harsh winter weather, which can kill your cypress. Brown needles are a sign of winter damage. If new growth doesn't replace the needles, you will need to prune the branch below the brown coloring. Trim the top and sides 2 to 3 times during the growing season. Cypress plants need regular buzzes to keep them within their yard boundaries. Using clippers, cut the ends of all the long branches. Make them even so your cypress looks neat and pleasant. Plan on doing this several times throughout the spring and summer. For example, you might trim the cypress in April, July, and then August. Leyland cypress has a tremendous growth rate. If you do not trim it regularly, it can get large and hard to control. Shape cypress hedges into an inverted wedge so light reaches its base. The ideal shape for a Leyland cypress is an A. That may seem odd, but the wider base prevents the plant's bottom from rotting. You can shape the cypress while you trim it annually with clippers and while you prune long branches with shears. If you grow the cypress as a hedge, you can trim its top flat. A Leyland cypress will grow this way naturally. You only have to perform regular trimming to prevent the plant from overgrowing if you have a limited amount of yard space. Remove damaged branches as you notice them. Always look for weak branches. They may appear dark brown, black, or splintered. These branches may simply be damaged, or they may be a sign of disease. Using a sharp pair of loppers or shears, cut the branch below the damaged portion. You can prune damaged branches throughout the entire year, so take care of them as soon as you notice them to prevent problems from spreading. Reduce the cypress to ⅓ of its size in April if it is overgrown. Prune the cypress back in early spring so it has plenty of time to rebound before winter. Cut back all of the branches with loppers, keeping them even. Be careful to avoid cutting the branches too short. You can always trim them again when they grow back. Scraggly, neglected, and giant cypress plants often benefit from severe pruning. If you missed trimming your cypress the year before, you may need to prune it this way. Avoid cutting down to the leafless part of the branches. Severe pruning is risky if you take it lightly. Dig into the plant's foliage to find the bare wood on each branch. If you cut to this point, which is below the last leaf on the branch, the cypress will not be able to grow back. If you cut the branches too short, you may start seeing bare spots. These spots cannot be fixed, so be careful! Cutting the top too short can kill older or slow-growing cypress plants. Cut the cypress down by ½ if it is still long after it regrows. Give the cypress time to thicken again after reducing it to ⅓ of its original size. It will then have a better chance of surviving if you need to cut it back again with loppers. Be careful, since you will have a higher chance of cutting the cypress down to bare wood this time. Reducing the cypress a second time is rarely necessary and should be done only if your cypress is in bad condition. | Eliminate most side shoots in April the first year. Trim the cypress’ sides in July. Reduce the number of sides shoot in April of the second year. Trim the cypress’ sides yearly until it reaches the desired height. Shorten leading branches in spring after they reach the desired height. Perform routine trimming in April through August. Trim the top and sides 2 to 3 times during the growing season. Shape cypress hedges into an inverted wedge so light reaches its base. Remove damaged branches as you notice them. Reduce the cypress to ⅓ of its size in April if it is overgrown. Avoid cutting down to the leafless part of the branches. Cut the cypress down by ½ if it is still long after it regrows. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cite-a-Website-Using-MLA-Format | How to Cite a Website Using MLA Format | To cite a website in your bibliography using Modern Language Association format, start by writing the author's surname then first name. If the author's name isn't listed on the page, you might be able to find it in an about page. If you're referencing a specific page from a website, put this next in quotation marks. Follow with the website name in italics. If the website has a separate publisher, include this next. Then, put the full URL at the end. Always start with WWW. instead of HTTP. | Start with the author's name. When it comes to a website, it can be difficult to find an author for the whole website. If the author isn't clearly stated, you may be able to find one on the "About Me" page. You can also use an editor or compiler. If you can't find one, you can skip this step and begin with the next part, the website name. When listing the name, put the last name first, followed by a comma and the first and middle names (if available). It should look like the following name: Roberts, Rebeca Jean. Put a period after the name. In the case of authors, you're now allowed to use a handle (such as a Twitter handle) rather than the author's name if you can't find a name, such as @felinesforthewin. Add the title of the website next. The title of the website is the main name given to the website. You'll often find it in the header of the website, at the top of every page. Normally, you'd put what MLA calls the "Title of Source" next, which refers to the smaller section where you found your information, such as the page name or a journal article in a larger journal. However, if you're using a whole website, you leave this part out and just put in the name of the website. The name of the website should be in italics. It should look like the following citation: Roberts, Rebeca. Cats Who Sleep, Use a comma after the website title. Include other contributors. If you find other people who contributed to the website besides the main editor, you can include it after the name of the website. Usually, you add in how the person or persons contributed, such as "edited by" for editors. Add contributors in using the following method: Roberts, Rebeca Jean. Cats Who Sleep, edited by John Jacobs and Joseph George, Put a comma after the contributors. If the website doesn't have other contributors, leave this part out. Move on to the publisher. Normally, a version and number would come next, such as with a journal, but most websites don't have versions or numbers, so move on to the publisher. The publisher in this case is the organization or sponsor of the website. If the name of the publisher is the same as the website, you can leave off the name of the publisher. The publisher will follow the comma after the other contributors: Roberts, Rebeca Jean. Cats Who Sleep, edited by John Jacobs and Joseph George, The Cat Institute, If there are no other contributors, follow the website title with the publisher: Roberts, Rebeca Jean. Cats Who Sleep, The Cat Institute, Follow it with a comma. Add the location. The location does not refer to the place it was published. While older editions of the MLA Handbook required the place of publication, that is not included in the 8th edition for the most part. The location, instead, refers to the place you found the information. In this case, that is the website's URL address. The URL address is what's found in your browser's address bar at the top of your computer screen. Don't use the "http://" or "https://" before the website. Instead, begin with "www." Add the website after the publisher: Roberts, Rebeca Jean. Cats Who Sleep, edited by John Jacobs and Joseph George, The Cat Institute, www.thewebsiteforsleepingcats.com. Leave out any information you can't find. In the past, when you couldn't find a piece of information, you'd need to add things like "n.d." for "no date" or "n.p." for "no publisher." However, now MLA recommends that you just leave the information out. You don't need to put anything in its place. You can add the date you viewed the page if you wish, but you aren't required to include it. The date goes before the location. Begin with the author's name. Once again, you begin with the author's last name, then the first. In this case, you're looking for the author of the page you're citing, not the whole website. Often, the author's name will be at the top of the page or near the bottom, before the comments. If the whole site was put together by one person, you can use that person's name. Otherwise, if you can't find an author, leave it off and begin with the title of the page. Start with the last name first, followed by the first and middle names, if applicable: Fitzgerald, Rosa. Use a period after the name. If you can't find the author's name, you can use a handle in place of the name. Add the title of the page. Next, find the title of the page you're citing. You must have a title of the page. Otherwise, you might as well be using a full website citation. The title is usually at the top of the page, under the header for the whole website. Put the page title in quotation marks: Fitzgerald, Rosa. "The Sleeping Habits of Elderly Felines." Use a period before the final quotation mark. Include the website name. After the page title, you need the website name, just as you did when you cited a whole website. The website name is usually found at the top of any of the website's pages, in the website's main header. If you can't find it there, look on the "About Me" page. Put the website name in italics: Fitzgerald, Rosa. "The Sleeping Habits of Elderly Felines." Cats Who Sleep, Use a comma after the website name. Place other contributors next. If you find someone else who contributed to the page or who edited it, you can add that name in next. You should also add in a description of how the person contributed, such as "edited by," to indicate what the person did. The contributors come after the website name: Fitzgerald, Rosa. "The Sleeping Habits of Elderly Felines." Cats Who Sleep, edited by John Jacobs, Put a comma after the contributor. If you don't have other contributors, leave this part out. Note the publisher next. The publisher is the sponsor or main organization of the website. You can find it on the "About Me" page, or sometimes on the bottom of any of the website's pages. If the publisher name is the same as the website name, you don't need to include it. Add the publisher after the contributors. If there are no other contributors, add it after the website name: Fitzgerald, Rosa. "The Sleeping Habits of Elderly Felines." Cats Who Sleep, edited by John Jacobs, The Cat Institute, Use a comma afterwards. [18] Include the location. In this case, just like in the case of citing a full website, the location is the website's URL address. To find the URL address, look at the address bar at the top of your browser. It should begin with "http://", "https://" or "www." Copy and paste it into your citation, except always leave off the "http://" or "https://" and begin with "www." Place the website's URL after the publisher: Fitzgerald, Rosa. "The Sleeping Habits of Elderly Felines." Cats Who Sleep, edited by John Jacobs, The Cat Institute, www.thewebsiteforsleepingcats.com/sleeping-habits-of-elderly-felines. Create a sentence that references the website. An in-text citation goes in your essay where you are referencing information from the website. It doesn't matter whether you are quoting from the source directly (with quotation marks) or paraphrasing from the source (in your own words without quotation marks). Either way, you need to add a citation to tell where you found the information. If you use information from other sources without citing it, it's considered plagiarism, with the exception of factual, common knowledge. Citing your sources is also a courtesy to your readers. It lets them know where they can find more information on the topic. Add parentheses. Once you get to the end of the sentence you're citing, use an open parenthesis. The parentheses indicate to your reader that you are opening a citation. The citation goes before the period at the end of the sentence, though if you're using quotation marks, they should come before the parentheses. You can also add a citation directly after the citation, preferably before a comma or other punctuation mark, if you're citing more than one source in a sentence. Use the first part of your full citation. Normally, with a book source, you use the author's name and page number. Because websites don't always have authors, use whatever comes first in your citation, be it the author's name, the title of the page, or the title of the website. You do not need to use a page or paragraph number with the website. Therefore a citation would look like the following in a sentence: Cats enjoy sleeping for many hours a day (Fitzgerald). You only use the last name when using the author's name. Use a shortened form of the title. Try to stick to 3 or 4 words that will lead the reader directly to the citation at the end. If you are using the page title (because the author's name is not available), it would look like the following sentence: Cats enjoy sleeping for many hours a day ("Sleeping Habits of Felines"). | Start with the author's name. Add the title of the website next. Include other contributors. Move on to the publisher. Add the location. Leave out any information you can't find. Begin with the author's name. Add the title of the page. Include the website name. Place other contributors next. Note the publisher next. [18] Create a sentence that references the website. Add parentheses. Use the first part of your full citation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-McDonald%27s-Big-Mac | How to Make a McDonald's Big Mac | To make a McDonald's Big Mac, start by combining mayonnaise, French salad dressing, relish, mustard, vinegar, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika to make the special sauce. Then, toast 3 hamburger buns and spread the sauce on one side of each bun. Next, add lettuce, cheese, pickles, and a hamburger to the bottom bun. Then, add another bun on top of that and repeat. Finally, top your big mac with the last bun and enjoy. | To make the sauce: Mix all of the sauce ingredients together, and blend the mixture until smooth. Store it in the refrigerator for about an hour before use to allow flavors to blend. Prepare buns. Take the crusts of the bun or in other words the bottom and top part where it's hard, and feed it to the birds, use it as a coaster, or just throw it away if you wish because it's not needed in this recipe. Prepare the beef patties. Flatten two patties to about 3-1/2 inches (85mm) in diameter, and about 1/4 inch (8mm) thick. Prepare the toppings. Mince about a quarter of a small white onion and set aside. Shred or chop an iceberg lettuce leaf into thin strips. Cook the beef patties. You can cook it however you wish and to your preference for doneness (rare to well done). Toast the 3 buns. While the patties are frying, gently toast the buns. Do this to the both sides of the regular bun bottom and toast the sesame bun as usual (the inner sides). Sauce the toasted buns. Take the bottom of the regular bun and the bottom of the sesame bun and put 1 tablespoon of the sauce on them. Add lettuce, cheese, and pickles. Grab a big pinch of the sliced lettuce and plop it onto each sauced bun. On the bottom bun (the sesame), place a slice of cheese on top of the lettuce. On the regular bun, put the pickle slices on the lettuce. Load on the meaty goodness. Stack each burger patty on top of the condiments (cheese and pickles) on each layer. Top both layers with minced onions. Stack it up. Pick up, carefully, the regular bun (with everything) and stack it on the bottom layer. Place the top of the sesame bun on top of the burger. Enjoy your home-made Big Mac! | To make the sauce: Prepare buns. Prepare the beef patties. Prepare the toppings. Cook the beef patties. Toast the 3 buns. Sauce the toasted buns. Add lettuce, cheese, and pickles. Load on the meaty goodness. Stack it up. Enjoy your home-made Big Mac! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Cloud-Slime | How to Make Cloud Slime | To make cloud slime, start by pouring ½ cup of white school glue into a bowl and adding ¼ cup of liquid starch, which you can find in the laundry aisle at most grocery stores. Then, stir the starch into the glue, adding more starch 1 tablespoon at a time if you want your slime to be less sticky. Next, in a separate container, mix up a batch of instant snow, which you can get online or from a craft store, according to the package directions. Finally, knead ¼ cup of the snow at a time into the slime until you get the desired firmness. | Pour 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of white school glue into a bowl. Most bottles of school glue contain about 4 ounces (120 mL), which is exactly what you need! Don't use clear school glue, because it won't look very cloud-like. Even though most slime recipes require water, you actually don't need to add any here. For more interesting-looking slime, add 1 to 2 drops of blue food coloring into it. Add 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of liquid starch. This is your activating ingredient, which you can find in the laundry aisle of just about any store. You can also use a different activating ingredient, such as 1 tablespoon (15 mL) saline solution or ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of borax water. If you're using saline solution, ensure that it contains boric acid and sodium borate. You'll also have to stir 1/4 teaspoon (2.7 g) of baking soda into the glue first. To prepare borax water, mix 1/4 teaspoon (2 g) of borax into ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of warm water. You can find borax in the laundry aisle of a grocery store as well. Stir the starch into the slime, then add more if it feels too sticky. Use a spoon to stir the starch completely into the slime. If the slime is too sticky and oozy, add more starch 1 tablespoon (15 mL) at a time until you get the texture you want. Set the slime aside while you prepare the instant snow. Don't add more than ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) of liquid starch. If you add more than that, the slime will turn hard and rubbery. If the slime is still too stringy, wait 3 to 5 minutes. This will give the ingredients time to bind together. Prepare 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of instant snow according to the instructions. Purchase a can of instant snow online or from a craft store (during the holiday season, only). Read the instructions on the can to find out how much snow powder and water you should use, then mix them together. Instant snow is not the same thing as the fake spray-on snow or the plastic-like, flakey stuff that comes in bags. If you can't find instant snow, pour water into a diaper, wait for it to expand, then cut it open and pull the instant snow out. Alternatively, use your hands or a grater to crush enough white Styrofoam to fill up ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL). Try to make it as fine as possible. Knead the prepared instant snow into the slime. Pour the snow onto the slime, then fold the edges of the slime over the snow. Knead the slime to mix the snow into it. Start with about ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) of instant snow first, then add more if desired. The more snow you add, the firmer your slime will be. If your slime is still too gooey after this, add a few drops of liquid starch into it. If you have snow left over, allow it to dry out first, then return it to the can. Store the slime in a plastic container when you aren't playing with it. How long this slime keeps its texture depends on what you put into it. If you used instant snow or the absorbent powder from a diaper, you may notice a difference in texture after a few days. If you used crushed Styrofoam, it should keep for at least a week. Instant snow dries out after a couple of hours/days. Since it's already mixed into your slime, it probably won't dry out completely, but your slime may harden a bit. Pour 2 2⁄3 cups (630 mL) of school glue into a bowl. If you can, use white school glue, as it will look more cloud-like. Clear school glue is a good alternative; the addition of the shaving cream will help make the slime opaque. For more interesting slime, add 2 to 3 drops of blue food coloring. Fold 2 cups (470 mL) of white shaving cream into the glue. Measure out the shaving cream and add it into the bowl. Next, gently stir it into the glue with a rubber spatula. Make sure that you use the actual foaming kind of shaving cream, and not the gel kind; otherwise, the slime won't be fluffy. Men's shaving cream would be the best choice, because its white color is the most cloud-like. Women's shaving cream often comes tinted pink or purple, which isn't very cloud-like. Avoid this—unless, of course, you want a pink or purple cloud! Stir up to 2⁄3 cup (160 mL) of liquid starch into the glue. Add the starch into the glue 1 tablespoon (15 mL) at a time until you get the texture you want; stir the slime well after each addition of starch that you add. Set the slime aside while you prepare the instant snow. This will also give the slime more time to achieve a less-icky texture. If you just want to make fluffy slime, you are done! Adding instant snow or crushed Styrofoam will help give it more texture, but that's all. Most grocery stores carry liquid starch in the laundry aisle. Prepare 1⁄3 cup (79 mL) of instant snow following the instructions on the can. Buy a can of "Instant Snow" or "Instant Sno". You can find it online or at a craft store during the holiday season. Read the instructions on the back of the can to find out how to prepare the snow, then measure out ⁄ 3 cup (79 mL). Instant Snow is different from fake spray-on snow or the fake, powdery snow that comes in a bag. If you can't find instant snow, pour water into a diaper, then wait for it to expand. Cut the diaper open and pull the snow out. It's more or less the same thing! Another option is to crush some white Styrofoam into a fine powder with your fingers or a grater. Use enough to fill ⁄ 3 cup (79 mL). Knead the instant snow into the slime. If the snow is clumpy, fluff it up with your hands first. Measure out ⁄ 3 cup (79 mL) of instant snow, then add it to the slime. Fold the edges of the slime over the snow, then knead it in. Let any leftover snow dry out, then return it to the can. Put the slime into a seal container when you're done playing with it. Because this slime contains shaving cream, it will start to lose its texture after a couple of hours to a couple of days. It may still be slimy and cloud-like afterwards, but it just won't be a fluffy anymore. Slime made from Styrofoam will keep its texture much longer than slime made from instant snow. This is because instant snow dries out over time. | Pour 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of white school glue into a bowl. Add 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of liquid starch. Stir the starch into the slime, then add more if it feels too sticky. Prepare 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of instant snow according to the instructions. Knead the prepared instant snow into the slime. Store the slime in a plastic container when you aren't playing with it. Pour 2 2⁄3 cups (630 mL) of school glue into a bowl. Fold 2 cups (470 mL) of white shaving cream into the glue. Stir up to 2⁄3 cup (160 mL) of liquid starch into the glue. Prepare 1⁄3 cup (79 mL) of instant snow following the instructions on the can. Knead the instant snow into the slime. Put the slime into a seal container when you're done playing with it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Shoot-Skeet | How to Shoot Skeet | To shoot skeet, stand inside one of the 7 shooting stations and take a few practice shots to get a sense of the timing and basic trajectory of the targets. You can practice tracking your shots with the safety on and the rifle unloaded if you need to get a better sense of the motion. Next, get used to shooting ahead of the targets and adjust your lead time as needed until you're hitting targets consistently. Keep moving the gun through your swing after you pull the trigger to properly follow though after each shot! | Know what you're shooting at. As in trap shooting, skeet shooting involves aiming at small clay targets that are launched through the air to simulate bird hunting. They're typically orange and typically about 4–5 inches (10.2–12.7 cm) in diameter. They're fired individually and simultaneously from two different points at each side of an arc of stations, where you'll rotate, firing between 2 and 4 shots at each target. A round of skeet involves 25 shots. Use a skeet gun. Generally speaking, a skeet gun is an over-under double-barrel shotgun. Though any type of shotgun would be appropriate for the task of shooting skeet, this type of gun is often referred to as a "skeet gun" among experienced shooters for its accuracy and range. Consider adding relatively open chokes to improve your accuracy and ensure that you'll hit the target regularly. This is a common addition among experienced skeet shooters. Learn the difference between the stations. When shooting skeet, you'll move between 7 different stations in an arc (21 yards from the target launch) and one point from slightly closer up. You're essentially aiming in the same general direction each time (down range) but you'll change your angle on the targets when you move from point to point. There are two traps which release clay targets from either side of the range, one low target and one higher target, both of which will cross your field of vision and your firing line. The object is to hit both of the targets. Learn the target pattern. The order of the targets being released changes from station to station. Generally, you'll only shoot one target from each trap, though this changes at different points along the way. Learning the pattern is part of the strategy of the event. At stations 1 and 2 a single target is released from the higher trap, then a single target is released from the lower trap (sometimes called "high house" and "low house"). Then, there'll be another target released from the low trap, and then targets released simultaneously. On the simultaneous release, the object is to shoot the higher target first. A total of four shorts will be taken at each station. At stations 3 through 5 a single target will be released from the higher target, then a single target released from the lower house, for a total of two shots at each station. At stations 6 and 7 The pattern is exactly the same as stations one and two. A high target, a low target, and then simultaneous targets. The only difference is that the lower target should be shot first this time. There will be a total of four shots taken at each of these stations. At station 8 , the closer-up station, you'll shoot a high target and a low target. If you've not missed up until this point, there'll be a bonus shot on a target released from the lower house. Get positioned. If you've never shot clay before, stand inside any one of 7 stations positioned equidistantly around a half-circle on one side of the skeet field, between the high and low houses and take a few practice shots to get used to the flight pattern of the targets. Practice to get a sense of their timing and their basic trajectory. Assume the proper shooting stance. Facing the target, keep your back straight and spread your feet to a comfortable width. Bend your forward knee slightly and place your weight on your forward foot. Bring the gun to your shoulder and keep it tight in. Maintain good cheek weld on the stock and get a good sight picture with your gun. Practice swing the gun in an arc. As you mount the gun, practice tracking your shots with the safety on and the shotgun unloaded a few times to get a sense of the motion. The targets move pretty fast so it's no wonder that experienced shooters have to develop a fair amount of muscle memory to shoot well. It's got less to do with perfect "aim" and more to do with these mechanics. Once you've gotten your swing loose, it's time to shoot a few targets. Learn to shoot ahead of the targets. Getting a sense of the trajectory and the lead you need to give each target will take some time, but once you've got it dialed in, you'll be winging 'em out of the sky. Adjust your lead time if you are missing the targets too often and move from one target to the next. Use your natural swing as much as possible to quickly track each target and squeeze the trigger. Follow through. Just as in golf and basketball, accurate target shooting like this involves a certain amount of follow through. Imagine that your swing is like an arc that you push a button on to start and pull the trigger to activation at some point along the way. The arc doesn't stop after you fire. Keep moving the gun through your swing after you pull the trigger, but remove your finger from the trigger when you're finished. Join a local gun club. To get regular access to the club's facilities, join a skeet club. There, you can meet other shooters, learn tips, and even start competing. Some clubs have skeet leagues you can join. Join the National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA). As an NSSA member, you'll be able to shoot in registered tournaments, improving your accuracy and your scores, and even acquiring a ranking. The levels are generally classed at different skill levels, so you can compete against shooters with a similar handicap when you're first getting started. Don't worry about being the best yet. Focus on the mechanics and keep shooting and you'll eventually climb up. Consider skeet lessons. An experienced shooter can offer you helpful advice, critiques, and pointers to straighten that learning curve. As you improve, a coach can continue helping as you compete, kind of like a caddy does a golfer. Certified skeet-shooting instructors are an invaluable help when you're first learning. Keep shooting. Reading about it won't help you get any more accurate. Get out there. Shooting regularly will help build in the necessary muscle memory and get you shooting accurately. After a while, it'll be raining clay. | Know what you're shooting at. Use a skeet gun. Learn the difference between the stations. Learn the target pattern. Get positioned. Assume the proper shooting stance. Practice swing the gun in an arc. Learn to shoot ahead of the targets. Follow through. Join a local gun club. Join the National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA). Consider skeet lessons. Keep shooting. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Chicken-Wings | How to Cut Chicken Wings | To cut a chicken wing, start by bending the joint between the wing and drum to dislocate it. Then, use a sharp knife to cut through the dislocated joint. Next, dislocate the joint that's between the wing and the pointed end, and use the knife to cut through it. Finally, discard the separated wing tips, and keep the drums and wings to cook with. | Identify both joints. A whole chicken wing has two joints connecting three sections. You should be able to visually identify both joints. The wing should bend in two places, and each bend corresponds to one joint. The rounded end previously connected to the body of the chicken is the drumette. The middle portion between both joints is the wingette (also called a "flat"), and the pointed end is the tip. Once you've visually identified both joints, use your fingers to feel for the areas that seem hollow or loose. Those are the connecting points, and those are the points at which you'll cut the wing. Dislocate the joint between the wingette and drumette. Grab the whole wing on both ends. Bend it back at the joint between the drumette and the wingette, forcing the joint apart. You should hold the wingette and drumette in either hand so that the two portions form an upright "V" shape. Disregard the wing tip for now. Pull down on both portions until you hear a slight crack. Continue until the bone connected to the end of the drumette forces its way through the connecting skin. Cut through the joint. Place the chicken wing on your cutting board and position a sharp knife directly between the exposed joint. Press down and through the joint to cleanly separate both pieces. You'll need to use a straight, downward force to cut through the joint, but you may need to use a sawing motion to cut through the connecting skin. Alternatively, you can cut through the exposed joint using sharp, clean kitchen scissors. Dislocate the joint between the wingette and tip. Hold the connected wingette and tip in your hands. Wiggle or bend back the wing tip until you force the joint apart. This part of the process is usually easier than the first part since this joint is less firm. Hold the wingette ready while using your other hand to wiggle the tip. Do this until you can hear or feel the joint pop, then continue bending the joint back until you can reveal two bones. The smaller of the two bones is connected to the wing tip. Cut through the joint. Return the wing to the cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut straight through the wingette and the tip, cleanly separating both pieces. The two pieces should separate easily with a knife. If desired, however, you can separate these portions using kitchen scissors instead. Use the separated pieces. Use the wingette and drumette in recipes calling for chicken wing pieces. Discard the wing tips. The wing tips have little to no meat, making them unfit for use in normal recipes. If you don't wish to completely discard them, you could save the tips and use them for use in chicken stock later. Separate the three pieces as usual. Before "Frenching" the chicken wings, you'll need to separate each whole wing into its three separate pieces following the standard method. Discard the wing tip as usual. You can make French cuts using both the drumettes and wingettes. French cuts separate the meat and skin from a portion of the bone. The meat sits on one end of the wing piece and the exposed bone presents itself as a neat "handle" for easy gripping. Saw through the skin of the drumette. Use a sharp knife to saw through the skin at the thin bottom of the drumette. Work around the entire bottom, stopping once the skin seems completely disconnected there. Firmly pinch the exposed bone between your fingers with one hand while cutting the skin with the other hand. Use a gently sawing motion to separate the skin. Allow the blade to do the work instead of forcing the knife through with force. The goal is to separate the skin without marring or sawing into the bone itself. Push the meat down to one end. Use the side of the knife blade to push the meat down from the thin end of the bone and further onto the thick end of the bone. You might be able to use your hands to do this, but if it feels too slippery or too tough, use the knife. Press the blade of the knife down so that the sharp edge lightly touches the side of the bone. Push up on the meat, rotating the drumette as needed to scrape up all sides. Note that you may need to cut through several sinews while doing this. Secure the meat. Once the meat forms a tight knob at the end of the bone, use your fingers to pull it inside-out. This isn't strictly necessary, but securing the meat in this manner should prevent it from slipping back down along the length of the bone as it cooks. Repeat with the wingette. Grab the exposed bone at the end of the wingette and push the meat onto the opposite end. Fold the meat inside-out over that end to secure it, if desired. Since the wingette is the middle section of the whole wing, you shouldn't need to separate the skin from the bone as you did with the drumette. Force the meat from the narrow end of the wingette, exposing more of the bone there and creating a fat knob on the thicker end. You can fold the knob of meat inside-out to help secure it, but doing so may not be necessary. | Identify both joints. Dislocate the joint between the wingette and drumette. Cut through the joint. Dislocate the joint between the wingette and tip. Cut through the joint. Use the separated pieces. Separate the three pieces as usual. Saw through the skin of the drumette. Push the meat down to one end. Secure the meat. Repeat with the wingette. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Medical-Marijuana | How to Grow Medical Marijuana | To grow medical marijuana, you'll need a grow room, reflective material, lighting, a ventilation system, seedlings, containers, and potting soil. To set up your grow room, choose a warm, empty room, as this prevents mold from developing. You'll need to cover the walls and ceiling with a reflective material to speed up the growing time. Flat white paint or emergency blankets are good options. Install accessories next such as lighting and a ventilation system to get good yields. When you're ready to cultivate, plant your seedlings in potting soil for 2 to 4 weeks. As the plants grow, transfer them into bigger containers with either a specific-marijuana soil or coco peat. If you spot any male flowers, remove these from the plant as they are less potent. | Decide what strain you want. The types available include Indica, Sativa, and hybrids, each of which is better for treating different illnesses due to varying amounts of the active ingredients THC, Cannabinol, and Cannabidiol. Various strains of Indica and Sativa will have different smells, tastes, and potencies, which will appeal to different users. Choosing strains for your condition – For a quick guide to the best strains for each condition, see http://www.unitedpatientsgroup.com/resources/medical-marijuana-strains. For a more in-depth guide to strains, try http://www.medicalmarijuanastrains.com/strain-guide/. Choosing strains by taste and potency – All marijuana contains the same ingredients, so though some is specifically recommended for ailments, any strain will provide relief. If your more interested in choosing by taste or potency, consult http://www.medicalmarijuanastrains.com/strain-guide/. Picking strains that are easy to grow – If you don't have much of a green thumb, you'll want to pick one of the easy to grow strains like AK-48, Northern Light, Aurora Indica, Jack Herer, Super Lemon Haze Consider auto-flowering seeds. The buds in flowers are what contain the active ingredients that produce a high, so getting your plants to flower is vital. Unlike normal cannabis, which requires 24 hours of light to grow and then a 12 hour light cycle to flower, auto-flowering plants flower with 24 hours of light. This means faster flowering and no need to separate growing plants (24 hours of light) and flowering plants (12 hours of light). Purchase feminized seeds to increase your yield. Marijuana plants come in female and male varieties, and only female plants produce the buds that yield a high. That means the more females you grow, the higher your yield will be. Luckily, you can purchase feminized seeds to ensure that your crop will be all female. Be aware that under stress, female plants will become hermaphrodites and produce male flowers. You can avoid this by growing your plants in a low stress environment. Purchase your seeds from a reputable dealer. Websites such as Herbies, Seedsman, Sensi Seeds, Bonza Seeds, or Marijuana-seeds.nl will offer discretion, as well as quality seeds that are what they say they are. Use a grow tent or grow box if you don't want to devote an entire room to your crop. They come in all sizes, holding from 8 up to 256 plants. They keep light out, offer easy hookups for your grow lights, are waterproof, and provide an exhaust point. Many are sold with lights, exhaust system, and hydroponic system included, making them great for beginners. See http://howtogrowmarijuana.com/grow-box for a review of grow boxes. Check out http://howtogrowmarijuana.com/grow-tent for a review of grow tents. Pick the room you will use and clear it out. If you are going to devote an entire room to your crop, you'll want to clear it out. Marijuana plants need a warm, humid environment, so to prevent the growth of mold or pests, you'll want to remove all chairs, curtains, carpets, clothes, and other surfaces that could host mold. You'll need an electrical outlet for your grow lights, as well as easy access to water. Marijuana grows best between 72 and 77 degrees. Try to choose a room where it is easy to maintain this temperature. Too many windows can make a room too hot, while a basement might require continual heating. A tile or concrete floor will make for easier cleanup of spilled soil or water. Block out all light. Your plants need total darkness in their dark period. Otherwise, they may become stressed and become a hermaphrodite – i.e. grow male flowers that contain no THC and thus reduce your yield. Cover the windows and seal any light leaks with opaque reflective tape. Cover the walls and ceiling with reflective material. The more light your plants get, the better they will grow. Reflected light from your walls and ceiling can greatly speed up grow time. To make your walls reflective, consider using: Mylar – Aluminized mylar is expensive, but it reflects up to 97% of the light that hits it. Hang it flat against the wall and keep it clean. Flat white paint – It's cheap, easy to clean, and reflects up to 85% of the light that hits it. Emergency blankets – You can buy them at camping stores. They only reflect 70% of light, but they're inexpensive and good for small spaces like cabinets or closets. Aluminum foil – Don't use it! It reflects light poorly, is hard to keep flat, and creates a fire hazard. Choose the grow light you will use. To grow, your plants will need light provided by bulbs that provide a full spectrum of light (unlike normal household bulbs). You have several choices, but broadly speaking, high pressure sodium (HPS) or metal halide (ML) lights will cost less to set-up but more to run, while LED lights will cost you more up front, but save money in the long-run. CFL – Compact fluorescent lights may be used for starts and seedlings, but generally do not produce enough light for the vegetation or flowering phase. HPS – High pressure sodium lights produce lots of light in the orange spectrum, making them best to use to induce flowering. A good rule of thumb when deciding how many lights to get is that you will need 50w per square foot of growing area. ML – Metal halide lights produce a lot of light in the blue spectrum, making them ideal for use during the plant's vegetation phase, as they will keep your plant short and bushy. Again, you will need about 50w per square foot. LED – Full spectrum LED lights are much more energy efficient and do not get hot, so you can mount them closer to your plants and won't need fans to remove heat. You can also use one set of lights for both the vegetation and flowering phase. Follow the recommendations of the manufacturer for how many lights you'll need for your growing footprint. Install your lights. You'll need a hood that directs and focuses light on your crop. While LED lights can plug directly into the wall, the hoods that hold HPS and ML bulbs cannot, so you'll also need a ballast for these bulbs, which converts the electricity from yoru wall into a current appropriate for the lights. HPS and ML bulbs – They are very hot, so consider getting a cooled hood that allows for a ventilation hook up that draws heat away. For a quick guide to how far from your plants they should be, see http://www.growweedeasy.com/hps-grow-lights-setup. LED – These lights usually come with a built-in fan for cooling. Consider purchasing an electrical timer. If you plant auto-flowering seeds, you won't need to worry about turning the lights on and off. Otherwise, you'll need to turn the lights off twelve hours a day to initiate flowering. An electrical timer will do this for you in case you forget or are away from your plants. Set up your ventilation system. You need to keep air circulating in your grow room or grow tent in order to draw heat away from your crop, to ensure the plants get enough CO2, to control humidity, and to neutralize the odor of the plants. Without a ventilation system, you'll have smaller yields and risk losing your plants to diseases brought on by excessive heat and humidity. Oscillating fan – Use an oscillating fan to circulate air so as to avoid hot spots and to create a breeze that will improve growth by helping with transpiration. Carbon filter – Attaching a carbon filter to your exhaust fan will remove odors that might aggravate your neighbors. Exhaust fan – You'll want a fan with a high enough CFM rating (cubic feet exhausted per minute) to replace all the air in your grow room or tent every 1-3 minutes. Determine the cubic area of your space (length x width x height). Take into account efficiency. If the exhaust travels a straight, short path, multiply your area by 2. If the path is long or twisting, multiply by 3. Pick a fan with a CFM higher than the number you calculated, particularly if you are going to attach a filter. Air intake – You'll need a way for new air to enter your tent or room as the old air is blown out. A simple hole (in the tent or a door or window) will do, so long as it is 3-4 times bigger than the exhaust hole. If the intake hole is smaller, you'll want to use an intake fan to avoid putting to much stress on the exhaust fan. Set up your meters. Your plants will grow best in certain temperature, humidity, and pH ranges. Installing a thermometer, humidity meter, and pH meter in your system will help you perfect the growing environment. Make sure your water is the right pH and not too hard. You can use tap water for your plants, but you'll want to make sure its pH is between 5.8 and 7.0, and it doesn't carry too many minerals. Letting water sit for 24 hours will help bring its pH closer to 7. Raise water's pH by adding lime, wood ash, or a pre-mixed solution (available at most garden centers). Lower water's pH by adding sulfur, phosphoric acid, or a pH-lowering solution. If you live in a hard water area (meaning your tap water has a high mineral content), you will want to filter your water. Consult the water hardness map at http://www.qualitywatertreatment.com/city_water_guide.htm. Grow indoors with soil for security, control, and ease. While you can grow more marijuana outdoors or achieve higher yields indoors with hydroponics (growing plants without soil), growing indoors with soil offers a winning mix of ease and security that makes it a good choice for beginning growers who only need enough medical marijuana for themselves. Germinate your seeds. Germinating is simply the process by which you start your seeds sprouting. You can germinate them in a variety of ways – the key is to keep them warm and moist. Starter cubes – These cubes of growing medium are the easiest option. Stick your seed in the hole, pointed end down, and keep the cube moist and warm. Once the seedling appears, you can plant the cube directly in potting soil. Good brands include Jiffy Pellets and Rapid Rooters. Wet paper towel – Put the seeds in the paper towel, fold it and put it in a dark place for 1 to 3 days. When a white root pops out, plant 1 inch deep with root downward. Warm water – For older or dried out seeds, try dropping them in a glass of slightly warm water and placing it in a dark place. They should sprout in 24-32 hours. If they haven't after this time, move them to a moist place to finish sprouting. Germinate in soil – You can germinate your seedling directly in potting soil. Plant 1 inch deep with the pointy end down, and keep the soil moist and warm. Plant your seedlings in potting soil. Seedlings carry their own nutrients, so don't start them out in overly-nutrient rich soil. For best results, plant seedling in potting soil contained in plastic cups with holes poked in the bottom for water drainage. You can transfer to a larger pot and begin slowly adding nutrients after two to four weeks. Purchase and prepare your soil. You can buy a soil mix like Fox Farms designed for marijuana, or purchase garden soil and add the necessary nutrients. You can also use coco peat (coconut shell hair), which retains moisture and drains well, and has the correct pH. If using garden soil, consider: pH – Marijuana needs soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7. For overly acidic soil, use 1 cup of dolomite lime for every ¼ liter of soil to increase pH. To increase acidity, add coffee grounds or citrus peelings. Texture – Moist soil should barely stay together when run through your hand, and feel spongy when you clench it in your fist. If the soil is too dry, you can add vermiculite to increase water retention, but be sure to adjust pH afterwards. Perlite will increase drainage and will not impact pH. Nutrients – As well as inorganic fertilizers, there are a variety of organic materials you can add to your soil to increase the phosphorous and nitrogen content, including guano (nitrogen and phosphorous), worm castings (nitrogen), kelp meal (potassium and nitrogen), and bone meal (phosphorous). Care for your plants during the vegetative stage. During this stage, your plants do nothing but grow. The vegetative stage lasts 4-5 weeks before flowering can start, but can go longer if you want bigger plants. To keep your plants healthy, you'll need to make sure their environment is ideal: Water – Poke your finger in the soil – if it is dry up to your first knuckle, add water. Water until 10-20% of the water you added has drained out the bottom of the pot. Light – You need to provide at least 18 hours of light a day to keep your plants in the vegetative state. 24 hours of light will not harm the plants, but you can save energy by giving 18 hours of light and 6 hours of dark. Nutrients – Add the nutrients to the water you use to water the plants. Start by adding half the amount recommended on the packaging. As your plant gets bigger, you can add more nutrients. pH – The ideal pH is between 6 and 7. Add 1 cup of dolomite lime for every ¼ liter of soil to increase pH. To increase acidity, add coffee grounds or citrus peelings. Temperature – Keep the temperature between 70 and 85 degrees. 70-75 degrees is best for most plants. If you have a CO2 generator, you can raise the temperature to 80 degrees. Humidity – Keep relative humidity at 70-80% during the seedling phase and 50-80% during the vegetative phase. Increase it with a humidifier. Lower it with a dehumidifier or by increasing the rate of your exhaust fan. Transfer your plants to larger pots as needed. If your plant becomes too big for its pot, its growth will slow. To transfer, invert the plant in its pot while holding your hand over the soil around the plant's base. Let the plant and its soil fall into your hand, and gently place it into a hole dug in the soil of the new pot. The size of the pot needed depends on how high you want the plant to be: 12" = 2-3 gallon container 24" = 3-5 gallon container 36" = 5-7 gallon container 48" = 6-10 gallon container 60" = 8-10+ gallon container Induce flowering. You can keep your plant in the vegetative stage as long as you want, but a good rule of thumb is to end the vegetative stage when it is half the final height you desire, as plants generally double in height while flowering. Switch the light schedule to 12 hours on, 12 hours off to induce flowering. Remove any male flowers. Even if you have all female seeds, plants may still produce a few male flowers if stressed. You'll want to remove them immediately to prevent pollination, because seedy buds are less potent. A male flower has pollen sacks (little balls) around where the main stem connects to the branches. A female flower has white hairs at that spot. Adjust the growing conditions for flowering. Your plant has different requirements during the flowering stage. For the best buds and highest yields: Light – During the 12 hours of light, give as much light as possible to the bud sites. Tuck leaves to the side to expose them. Nutrients – Switch to a formula lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus, as too much nitrogen can limit bud growth. After 4 weeks, you'll want to start steadily reducing the amount of nutrients you provide. Provide no nutrients in the last 2 weeks to avoid any chemical taste to your buds. Humidity – Lower it to 40-50% to reduce the risk of disease. Use hydroponics to achieve higher yields indoors. Hydroponics means growing plants without soil. Water-soluble fertilizer is used instead. It can produce bigger yields in a shorter period of time, but is more expensive, harder to set up, and requires more careful maintenance. It is ideal for people who are going into the business of growing medical marijuana for sale. That said, hydroponics kits can be purchased that make this an attractive option even for beginners growing their own supply. Choose your hydroponic system. There are active systems, which use mechanical devices to deliver nutrients to the plants, and the passive wick systems. While active systems can produce higher yields faster, they are also more expensive, more delicate, and require more maintenance. Passive Wick System – The plant sits in a well-draining substrate above a nutrient solution, and nutrients are constantly drawn up into the substrate through a wick. Substrates: vermiculate, peat moss, coco peat. Ebb and Flow – A nutrient reservoir periodically floods the containers where your plants are growing. The solution then slowly drains back into the reservoir. Substrates: rockwool or coco peat. Top Feed/Drip Feed – Emitters drip nutrients directly into the soil near the roots. Excess nutrients then drain back down into the nutrient reservoir. Substrates: hydroton clay pebbles, coco peat, or rockwool. Nutrient Film – Multiple plants are placed in a tilted tray, with nutrients constantly flowing down the slope past their roots, then being pumped back to flow past again. An effective system, but best for experience growers as it requires a lot of fine-tuning. Substrates: rockwool or coco peat. Deep Water Culture – The roots grow in a constantly oxygenated nutrient solution. It is a low maintenance system, but a loss of power or incorrect nutrient levels can kill your plants. Substrates: rockwool or hydroton clay pebbles. Aeroponics – The plant roots are held in a dark, sealed box where small nozzles emit a mist of nutrients over them, providing a humid, oxygenated area for the roots. This is the most effective system for growing marijuana, but is also very expensive. Also, if the power cuts out, the mist stops and your plants die. Substrate: hydroton clay. Germinate your seeds. The easiest way to do this is to germinate (sprout) your seeds in a bit of rockwool. Keep it warm, wet, and in a dark place. Once sprouted, you can transfer the rockwool directly to your substrate. For older or dried out seeds, try germinating them in warm water in a dark room. If they have not sprouted after 32 hours, move them to a substrate to continue germinating. Fill your system with nutrient solution. Do not mix nutrient solution inside your system. Instead, fill a bucket with water (pH 6-7, filtered if hard) and add the appropriate amount of nutrient solution to it. Adjust the pH after the solution is mixed; it should be between 5.8 and 6.2. Care for your plants during the vegetative stage. The vegetative stage lasts as long as you want your plants to keep getting bigger. Once you have transferred your seedlings to you hydroponic system, you'll need to maintain the system, as well as the lighting and temperature in the growing environment. Light – Your plants should receive at least 18 hours of light a day to keep them in the vegetative stage. 24 hours of light will not harm them. Temperature – Keep it between 72 and 77 degrees. Humidity – Keep it at 50-80%. Nutrient mix – It should be changed at least every two weeks, or when the reservoir has dried. Mix the new solution in a bucket. Quickly throw out the old solution, clean the reservoir and pumps with hot water, and add the new solution. Cleaning – Clean your system once a week. Scoop up any plant material, flush all pots to remove roots, and wash tools in the dishwasher. Induce flowering. The flowers of female marijuana plants are what produce the buds with active ingredients. Your plant will be capable of flowering after 4-5 weeks of growth. Plants typically double in height after flowering begins, so you'll want to induce it when they are half as tall as the final height you are aiming for. To induce flowering, change the light cycle to 12 hours light, 12 hours dark. Snip off any male flowers. Female marijuana plants can become hermaphroditic if stressed due to too much light during dark periods, lack of nutrients, low temperatures, low CO2, or other reasons. They will then produce male flowers. You'll want to remove them immediately to prevent pollination and the resulting seedy buds. A male flower has pollen sacks (little balls) around where the main stem connects to the branches. A female flower has white hairs at that spot. Change your care regimen during flowering. Flowering plants have different nutrient requirements, and are also more prone to disease. To maximize your yield: Nutrient mix – Switch to a low nitrogen, high phosphorus formula. A Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium mix of 5-50-17 is ideal, though 15-30-15 will work. Use nothing but clean water the last two weeks of flowering to flush out any chemical taste. Humidity – Lower it to 40-50% to reduce the risk of disease. Light – Tuck leaves out of the way of the buds so they get plenty of light. Grow outdoors for less expensive, larger crops. Growing your crop outdoors allows you to save on the cost of setting up your grow room and electricity for lighting. Your plants can also get much larger due to more sun and CO2, yielding a big harvest. And it's also relatively easy. The downsides are security worries and the potential for bad weather to ruin your crop. Still, if you have a secure place to grow your crop, this is a good option. Choose where your planting location. When selecting a spot for your crop, you'll want to consider space, protection, sun exposure, water, and soil. Space – Remember, you don't need a lot of square feet to grow a big crop, since outdoor plants will get much taller than indoor ones. Protection – You must protect your crop from three things: people (angry neighbors or thieves); wind; and animals like rabbits and deer. Take advantage of natural features like hills, or screen off your crop. Sun exposure – The more sun your plants get, the better. Look for a southern exposure. Watch out for buildings, bushes, or trees that might cast shade over your garden. Water – Marijuana plants need lots of water. If it doesn't rain a lot where you live, make sure your garden is within easy reach of a stream or a hose. Soil – Good soil is compact when squeeze but breaks apart again with little pressure. It should drain well, so avoid places with standing water. pH should be between 5.8 and 6.5. If grasses or weeds are already flourishing there, then it's a good site. Choose strains that flourish outdoors. If you live in a warm, sunny place that doesn't experience frosts, then you can use outdoor or indoor strains. If you live further north, you'll want to use hardier strains that grow well outdoors. Check howtogrowmarijuna.com or grow-marijuana.com for a complete guide to outdoor strains. Warm climates with no frosts (like southern California) – Choose any seed you want. Sunny climates with occasional frosts (like the Mediterranean or southern US) – Most indicas and some hybridized sativas, like Silver Haze #9. Colder, damper climates (like northern Europe or the northern US) – You'll have best luck with strains specifically designed for such climates, like Sensi Star or Holland's Hope. Also consider autoflowering strains like Auto Frisian Dew or Snow Ryder, which do well in colder climates. Prepare your site for planting. You'll need to improve the soil, clear the site, and dig holes for your plants. Soil - If you are not blessed with soil that has the correct pH and drains well, you'll want to improve it for higher yields. For clay soil, add compost and manure or perlite to improve drainage. For sandy soil, add compost and mulch or vermiculite to increase water retention. You can also plant your crop in a container if the soil is very bad. Clearing – Pull up all grasses and weeds. You don't want them competing with your crop. Holes – You can simply plant your seeds a half inch deep in the soil, but for better results, you'll want to prepare holes with good drainage. Dig a hole about 2 feet deep and 2 feet in diameter. Line the base with gravel and fill it in with prepared soil. Plant in April or May, after the last frost. In warmer climates, you can plant in April. In colder climates, it's best to start your plants indoors, then transfer them outdoors in May after the last frost. Starting them indoors will give them extra growing time to ensure they flower before the first frost of fall. Germinate your plants. Germinating simply means sprouting. If you want to plant your seeds directly at your site, put them a half inch under the soil. Be warned though that young cannabis plants are delicate and frequently fall prey to snails and insects. Accordingly, most people germinate their seeds, plant them indoors and don't move them out until they are 3-4 weeks old. There are several ways to germinate: Starter cubes – The easiest method. Stick your seed in a cube of growing medium like a Jiffy Pellet or Rapid Rooter. Once the seedling appears, you can plant it directly in potting soil. Damp paper towel – Fold a damp paper towel over the seeds and put them in a dark place for 1 to 3 days. When the root pops out, plant the seed 1 inch deep with the root downward. Warm water – For older or dried out seeds, try dropping them in a glass of slightly warm water and placing it in a dark place. They should sprout in 24-32 hours. If they haven't after this time, move them to a moist place to finish sprouting. Give your seedlings plenty of light. If starting your seedlings off indoors, you'll need to make sure they have plenty of light. You can put them on the windowsill or in a room with lots of light, or use artificial lights (see Setting up a Growing Room above). Transfer seedlings to your growing site. If you have decided to start your seedlings off indoors, you'll want to transfer them to the growing site after 3-4 weeks. Carry the potted plants to the site and turn them upside down to remove them from the pots. Plant them – soil, roots, and all – in the holes you have dug. Water after planting. Care for your plants as they grow. During the vegetative and flowering stage, your plants will need water and nutrients. Water – If it rains 1 inch a week, you don't need to add water. Otherwise, you'll want to water your plants every other day. Try to use pH 7 water. Weeding – Remove any weeds growing around your crop. Vegetative nutrients – Give your plants nitrogen rich nutrients during the vegetative stage. You'll want a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of around 10-5-7. Flowering nutrients – Switch to a phosphorus-rich formula with a ratio between of 5-50-17 and 5-10-7. For the last two weeks of flowering, stop giving nutrients to avoid a chemical taste. Water with plain water to flush out chemicals from your plants. Sex your flowering plants. As soon as your plants start to flower, you'll want to sex them (i.e. determine which ones are male and female), so that you can remove the male plants. Otherwise, you'll end up with seeds in your buds, which reduces their potency. Male flowers – Male pre-flowers have small bumps where the main stem connects to the flower. In developed flowers, these bumps become little balls (pollen sacs). Female flowers – Pre-flowers have white hairs protruding. Developed flowers will have a thicker concentration of hairs. Determine if your plants are ready to harvest. Your plants will be ready to harvest 2 to 4 months after starting the flowering stage. There are two methods to determine when your plant is ready to harvest: Pistils (the white hairs on the flowers) – Wait until new white hairs have stopped growing. Harvest when 50-75% of the hairs have darkened for the highest THC level. Harvest when 80-90% have darkened for more CBN, which has a relaxing effect. Trichomes – Trichomes are the "crystals" or glitter that accumulate on your buds during the flowering stage. Use a magnifier to examine the ones with mushroom-like heads on the ends. Harvest when most trichomes are milky or cloudy for the most intense high. Wait until they are amber for a more relaxing, narcotic type high. Harvest and prepare the plant for drying. Using a sharp knife, cut the plant off at the stalk above the ground. Remove the large fan leaves. Using scissors, cut each branch from the plant. Handle them gently so as to not lose any trichomes (the clear buds that contain THC). Leaving the smaller leaves on the plant will result in a slower drying time, which means more flavor and potency. Dry the branches. Hang the branches upside down with plenty of space between them to ensure even drying and to prevent the growth of mold. Keep them at room temperature to prevent drying too fast, and use a fan to promote air circulation (don't point the fan directly at the marijuana). You'll know your marijuana is dry enough when the smaller stems crack instead of bending when you flex them. Drying usually takes about a week. Prepare the marijuana for curing. Use small scissors to remove any remaining leaves shielding the buds. (These trimmings contain some active ingredients and can be used in cooking.) Separate the individual buds from the stems and place them in 1 quart mason jars so the jars are about 75% full. Cure the marijuana. During curing the marijuana will very, very slowly continue to dry out, and compounds that give it a grassy smell and taste will break down. The key is to try to keep the air in the jars at 60-65% relative humidity (RH). You'll want to open your jars at least once a day for the first 1-2 weeks to ensure they are curing properly and to allow for air exchange. A hygrometer can help you get accurate RH readings. Leave it in the jar for 24 hours to get an accurate reading. Wet buds (over 70% RH) – If buds feel damp to the touch take them out to dry for another 12-24 hours. Wet buds in a jar run the risk of growing mold. Moist buds (65-70% RH) – If you shake the jar and some buds stick together, then they are too moist. Take the lid off the jar for 2-4 hours. Sticky buds (60-65% RH) – This is the zone where you want your buds to be. Buds feel a little sticky. They are neither wet, nor dry and crumbly. They do not clump together when you shake the jar. Dry buds (less than 60%RH) – If the buds feel brittle and crumbly, then insert a 62% Humidipak to restore moisture. Continue opening the jar once a day. Let the marijuana cure for up to six months. After the first 2 weeks, your jars should all be in the cure zone (sticky, 60-65% RH). You can now open them once a week to check on them. After 4-6 weeks, you can start opening them once a month. You should cure for at least 3 months, but buds will continue to improve for up to 6 months. After that, you'll want to put them in long-term storage. Storing your buds. Make sure your buds are not wet, or they will mold in long-term storage. Humidity should be 62% or slightly less. Short-term storage (under 6 months) – Put the buds in an airtight container, such as the mason jars or a Ziploc bag. Store in a cool, dark place. Long-term storage (over 6 months) – Consider vacuum sealing your buds to ensure they retain flavor and potency. Check to see if home cultivation is allowed in your state. Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia all allow the use of medical marijuana, but you cannot grow your own marijuana in these states. You can grow medical marijuana in the following states: You can cultivate without restrictions in Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington A special license is required in New Mexico. In Arizona you can only cultivate if you lived 25 miles or more form a dispensary when you apply for a card In Nevada you can cultivate if you live 25 or more mile form a dispensary, if you are unable to travel to a dispensary, or if the dispensary does not carry the strains you need. Become eligible to use medical marijuana. In all states where you can grow marijuana, you will need a doctor's prescription in order to do so legally. In most states, you will also need to register with the state. Here are the requirements in states where personal cultivation is allowed: Registration mandatory: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Vermont Registration voluntary: California, Maine, New Mexico No registration required: Washington Determine how much you can grow. Most states that allow home cultivation put a limit on the number of plants you can grow at one time, with that limit generally ranging from 6 to 12 plants. For a breakdown of how much marijuana you can grow in each state, see http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881#details. Know the limits on how it can be used. In most states where marijuana is legal, you can use it in any form – liquid, pill, vaporized, or smoked. However, it is illegal to smoke medical marijuana in Minnesota and New York. Determine if you can legally grow marijuana for sale. In most of the twenty-two states (plus DC) where marijuana is legal, you must acquire a license in order to legally cultivate marijuana. Of these states, only three are currently issuing licenses, and five more have plans to do so. Even in states that allow cultivation, many cities have municipal bans, so you'll want to be sure cultivation is legal where you are. Arizona – Only dispensaries are allowed to grow marijuana for sale. You can find instructions on how to apply for a dispensary license at http://azdhs.gov/documents/licensing/medical-marijuana/dispensaries/DRC-ApplicationInstructions.pdf. Connecticut – You will need to acquire a producer license. This requires a non-refundable $25,000 application fee and a $75,000 registration fee. Oregon – A license is required. You can find information on how to apply at http://www.oregon.gov/olcc/marijuana/Documents/Licensing_Forms/mj_app_producer_cultivation_plan.pdf. States where a license is required, but licenses have not yet been issued: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Illinois, and Maryland. States where licenses are required, but no more are currently being issued: Delaware, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Washington, DC. States where medical marijuana is legal, but cultivation for sale is illegal: Michigan. Know the requirements. Most states have strict requirements regulating the growth and processing of medical marijuana. You will be generally required to pay an annual fee for your license, to demonstrate that your growing site is secure, to show that your growing area is not located near a school, and to submit your products for laboratory analysis. Check with your state authority for the particular requirements in your area. Research the market. Growing medical marijuana for sale will probably not make you rich. Medical marijuana is strictly regulated. In Oregon, California, and Arizona, the market is very crowded, resulting in low prices. In Connecticut, the $100,000 cost of acquiring a license makes anything other than a large-scale venture unprofitable. The most attractive options are states that are in the process of issuing licenses: Alaska, Hawaii, Illinois and Maryland. Locate buyers for your product. In some states, like Arizona, only dispensaries can grow marijuana, so you will be selling your own product. This means you'll need to establish a dispensary as well as growing marijuana. In other states, it is illegal to both grow and sell marijuana. You'll need to find dispensaries to sell to. In these states, it is illegal to sell directly to users. | Decide what strain you want. Consider auto-flowering seeds. Purchase feminized seeds to increase your yield. Purchase your seeds from a reputable dealer. Use a grow tent or grow box if you don't want to devote an entire room to your crop. Pick the room you will use and clear it out. Block out all light. Cover the walls and ceiling with reflective material. Choose the grow light you will use. Install your lights. Consider purchasing an electrical timer. Set up your ventilation system. Set up your meters. Make sure your water is the right pH and not too hard. Grow indoors with soil for security, control, and ease. Germinate your seeds. Plant your seedlings in potting soil. Purchase and prepare your soil. Care for your plants during the vegetative stage. Transfer your plants to larger pots as needed. Induce flowering. Remove any male flowers. Adjust the growing conditions for flowering. Use hydroponics to achieve higher yields indoors. Choose your hydroponic system. Germinate your seeds. Fill your system with nutrient solution. Care for your plants during the vegetative stage. Induce flowering. Snip off any male flowers. Change your care regimen during flowering. Grow outdoors for less expensive, larger crops. Choose where your planting location. Choose strains that flourish outdoors. Prepare your site for planting. Plant in April or May, after the last frost. Germinate your plants. Give your seedlings plenty of light. Transfer seedlings to your growing site. Care for your plants as they grow. Sex your flowering plants. Determine if your plants are ready to harvest. Harvest and prepare the plant for drying. Dry the branches. Prepare the marijuana for curing. Cure the marijuana. Let the marijuana cure for up to six months. Storing your buds. Check to see if home cultivation is allowed in your state. Become eligible to use medical marijuana. Determine how much you can grow. Know the limits on how it can be used. Determine if you can legally grow marijuana for sale. Know the requirements. Research the market. Locate buyers for your product. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Fish-High-in-Omega-3 | How to Choose Fish High in Omega 3 | To get more omega 3s from fish, choose cold-water fish that are high in fat, such as salmon, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, or bluefin tuna. You can also mix in other types of seafood, such as king crab, scallops, or shrimp, to keep the menu interesting. Additionally, look for fish that are sustainably caught and prepared to ensure that what you're eating is healthy for you and the environment. Finally, avoid eating too much high-mercury fish, such as swordfish, shark, or marlin. | Know your omega-3 needs. In basic terms, omega-3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is essential to numerous functions throughout the body. It aids in brain development and functioning, and has overall anti-inflammatory properties. It helps lubricate your arteries to inhibit plaque buildup and can help treat or prevent conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, and arrhythmia. The current recommended intake of omega-3 for women is 1.1 g / day, and 1.6 g / day for men. However, increased levels of 2-3 g / day seem to have additional benefits. Choose cold-water, fatty fish. The average amount of omega-3 in a variety of fish depends upon its physiology, diet, and environment. Fish that consume algae (or other fish that eat it), which is high in DHA (a component of omega-3), and store it in fat needed as insulation from cold waters, are the best storehouses of omega-3. All omega-3 amounts listed below refer to a standard 6 ounce serving. wild salmon -- 3.2 g anchovies -- 3.4 g Pacific sardines -- 2.8 g Pacific mackerel -- 3.2 g Atlantic mackerel -- 2.0 g whitefish -- 3.0 g bluefin tuna -- 2.8 g rainbow trout -- 2.0 g Mix in other seafood as well. You should strive to eat 8-12 oz of high omega-3 fish a week. Adding in a variety of seafood will contribute additional omega-3 and help keep your dining experience from becoming too predictable and dull. Depending on calorie needs, one serving can be 4-6 oz. canned albacore tuna in water -- 1.4 g Blue crab or Alaskan King crab -- 0.8 g halibut -- 1.0 g shrimp or scallops -- 0.6 g ocean perch or cod -- 0.4 g lobster -- 0.2 g Know how your fish is raised and caught. You are what you eat, and so are fish. (They also “are” where they live.) Fish that grow in a cleaner, healthier environment and are caught and prepared with care provide omega-3 without bringing along as many undesirable elements like toxins. Many people also think they taste better, which makes eating more easier. If possible, buy your fish from someone who can tell you about where it came from and when and how it was caught. It doesn't have to be a small, specialty shop; that person behind the mega-supermarket counter should be able to answer some of your questions. Even if you aren't as concerned about sustainable fishing practices as you probably should be, fish caught in this manner are more likely to have been examined individually to determine their quality. Limit your ingestion of mercury and other toxins. One of the major reasons to know where your fish comes from is to arm yourself with better information about the potential for higher toxin levels. PCB, for instance, an industrial pollutant believed to be a carcinogen, is found in higher levels in farmed salmon than in wild-caught. Mercury is known to hamper brain development in fetuses and children and impact brain function in adults. Pregnant women in particular are advised to limit their intake of fish varieties with higher mercury levels, usually to 12 ounces (2-3 servings) per week -- and even less for highest-level fish like shark and swordfish. Large predatory fish, those that eat large amounts of other fish that themselves consume smaller amounts of mercury, are the biggest culprits. Therefore, even though they are good sources of omega-3, you should be cautious about overconsumption of varieties like shark, swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, and bluefin tuna. Canned albacore tuna is in the medium range of mercury amounts, while canned light tuna has low amounts. Bring your omega-3 and omega-6 into better balance. Omega-6 is another polyunsaturated fatty acid, found in vegetable oils like corn, cottonseed, soybean, safflower, and sunflower. Studies indicate that reducing consumption of omega-6 while increasing omega-3 produces health benefits, however. A 1:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 would be excellent, but even a 2-4:1 ratio is better than the average American's diet. To improve your ratio, eat more fish and less fried fast foods, potato chips, cookies, donuts, etc. Prepare fish wisely. Choosing the right kind of fish is the first step. Preparing it in a way that preserves omega-3 amounts without introducing excessive unhealthy fats or sodium (while also tasting delicious) is an important next step for regular fish consumption. Bake or grill your fish instead of frying, which adds undesirable omega-6 to your omega-3. To reduce amounts of mercury and other toxins, remove the skin and outer fat of your fish, where such toxins tend to reside in higher concentrations. If you intend to drain your canned tuna, choose tuna packed in water. Omega-3 adheres to oils far better than water, so less of it will go down the drain when you empty the can. Sneak more fish into your diet. Maybe you've never been much of a fish person, or maybe you can't get your kids to eat any fish that isn't in the form of a frozen, fried stick. Get creative and you can slip more omega-3-rich fish into your dinner menu. Try replacing meat in dishes with fish. Grilled kebabs, for instance, can easily be switched from beef or chicken to salmon or tuna. Many people recoil at the thought of anchovies, but they are very high in omega-3 and blend easily into many dishes. Finely chopped anchovies practically melt into sauces, for instance, and impart a savory and umami -- not fishy -- flavor. Try adding them to your pasta sauce next time. Algae isn't fish, but it is where much of the omega-3 in fish comes from. Edible algae like seaweed or kelp are high in DHA, one of the component parts of omega-3. Cut out the middleman every once in a while, or better yet, pair a high omega-3 fish with its favorite food on your plate. Eat other high omega-3 foods as well. Fish-based omega-3 contains DHA and EPA, both of which have demonstrated health benefits. The benefits of non-fish based omega-3 foods, which contain ALA, are less definitive but strongly indicative. 2.2-4.4 g of ALA is recommended for a 2,000 kcal/day diet. Good sources of ALA-based omega-3 include soybeans, canola, walnuts, flaxseeds, and ALA-enriched foods like eggs and occasionally peanut butter (among other foods). Consider omega-3 supplements. If you have difficulty consuming enough omega-3 rich foods, have medical conditions that would benefit from higher omega-3 consumption, are pregnant, or are just interested in increasing your omega-3, talk to your healthcare professional about supplements. Omega-3 supplements most often come in the form of fish oil caplets. Some people complain that these have an unpleasant, fishy aftertaste, but there are a wide variety of fish oil options (with a wide variation in quality control), so do some research and find one that works for you. Most people have to worry about too little omega-3, but overconsumption of omega-3 can be a problem for some, as it can cause bleeding problems. Do not consume an average of more than 3 grams per day without consulting your physician. | Know your omega-3 needs. Choose cold-water, fatty fish. Mix in other seafood as well. Know how your fish is raised and caught. Limit your ingestion of mercury and other toxins. Bring your omega-3 and omega-6 into better balance. Prepare fish wisely. Sneak more fish into your diet. Eat other high omega-3 foods as well. Consider omega-3 supplements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-in-Paris | How to Dress in Paris | If you're packing for a trip to Paris, decide first what type of clothes are practical for what you'll be doing, whether it's a suit for a business trip or nice jeans and sweaters for tourist attractions. Then, keep it simple: black and neutrals are a good choice, and you can mix and match with different scarves or jewelry. Leave the gym shoes and workout gear at home, since Parisians tend to be more pulled together when they're out and about. | Consider the weather during the time of the year you will be visiting. Though Paris doesn't experience extreme temperatures by any stretch of the imagination, you'll be glad you're dressed for the occasion -- especially if you're spending hours upon hours outside. Average temperatures are 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) during the winter, and 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) during summer. Clothing that can be easily layered is ideal for any time of the year, since nights are often cool during warm months, and sunny days can heat up even during winter. Spring is the driest season. Showers during all other seasons are frequent but short, and they often occur without warning. Significant winter snowfalls are rare, but not unheard of. Many Parisians carry umbrellas at all times, and many visitors during winter months pack boots in case of snow. Pack clothing that is practical based on your plans. You'll need a comfortable pair of shoes ( not your tennis shoes! Think dressier) at the very least. If your idea of Paris is tea rooms and shopping down the Champs-Élysées, you'll need to pack a little differently than if you'll be jogging up le Tour Eiffel. What's on your itinerary? Business attire is appropriate if you are traveling for work. Dark-colored suits are common for men and women, and women also wear conservative, neutral-toned dresses. Sightseers should dress comfortably, since touring Paris involves a great deal of walking. It is important to keep in mind that the French tend to dress more formally than others for everyday activities. Khakis, button-down shirts, sundresses, designer jeans, skirts and sweaters are common on the streets of Paris during the day. Forgo tennis shoes for comfortable loafers or sandals. Dresses and jackets are appropriate for evening dining. Leave the workout clothes at home. Or at least in your hotel! If you put a woman in sweats and a woman in a miniskirt, Paris just might be the only city where it's the woman in sweats that's getting stared at. If you're hitting the streets (especially at night -- during the day is a bit more lax), leave the leisure wear to the Americans. Paris is about fabric and fit. There are no sweatpants that are about fabric and fit. Same for shoes -- those tennis shoes of yours don't really match anything. They definitely won't blend in at the bistros and discotheques you plan on hitting up! Know that black is always in style. Seriously. It's slimming and it's classy and it hides stains? Wonderful. It can be donned any time of year, too. Just jazz it up with some jewelry or a scarf (definitely a scarf!) if you're looking for a pop of color. Neutrals are always a safe bet. Black, tan, navy, brown, white, beige, grey -- it's all good. Not to mention packing mostly neutrals means you can combine everything in your bag for maximum outfit potential. Everything matches! Keep everything simple. Parisians know that loud and eye-popping is basically the opposite of classy and sophisticated. Whatever you're wearing, keep it simple. No logos on your bag (and a tote, messenger bag, or handbag is okay), no rock band tees, just a plain button-down with some dark slacks. Timeless, really. Some might describe Paris as "unisex" and that wouldn't be far off from the truth. While women and men obviously differ in their styles, there are a lot of commonalities. They both can often be found in sweaters, jackets, and plain tees with slacks, dark denims and boots or sandals. The staples are all the same basic, understated pieces. But don't be afraid to accessorize! Even though black and simple are two key points to dressing well in Paris, it doesn't mean you should be in your funeral best. With those black slacks and that cream top, throw on a scarf, jacket, a necklace and some bracelets. Chunky and dainty combined! Scarves are all the rage -- Parisians know the small addition can take a dull outfit and bring it all together. If you don't have any that you like for what you're packing, it's not hard to find them lining the streets! Keep your belongings safe. Crime in Paris is a thing, especially in certain areas. Have something to keep your money, ID, phone, camera, or other valuables in that can't be easily taken from you. Don't store your items in your back pocket or in an open purse. It's basically asking for it. Participate in Paris's fashionable culture by putting together creative outfits. Let the origin of haute couture inspire you. Take your pieces and put them together in ways you haven't before. Paris has truly seen it all, so go out there with your head held high, whatever you're wearing. Paris is known as the fashion capital of the world. It is not uncommon to see people in daring, attention-grabbing outfits. If you're looking for a place to go out dancing in spiky heels or a feather boa, Paris is an appropriate location. A wardrobe full of name brands might make you feel more at home among some of the world's most fashionable, but it certainly isn't essential. As long as your clothes are flattering, well taken care of and stylish, you will fit in among the Parisians. Draw from the locals. As you go out and about, be observant. You'll probably see a bit of everything -- just because they're Parisian (assuming they are) doesn't mean they're not also a whole bunch of other things. How do they infuse their own styles into their outfits? What can you learn from them? You'll see women wearing floor-length skirts, you'll see men wearing leather jackets, you'll see denim despite it's poor rep. You'll see hipsters, you'll see boho-chic, but somehow it all still seems so French. Tune into the differences and pinpoint what appeals to you. Keep your hair and make-up minimally styled. One of the best things about French culture is that its beauty is real. Women throw up their hair into a bun in seconds and call it a day. Everyone takes advantage of their natural beauty instead of covering it up. So spend five minutes in the morning running a comb through you hair, throw on some blush, maybe some mascara, and go out the door. You're ready! Men, it's important to be well-groomed, but you by no means have to look like you're ready to hit the runway. Keep the facial hair to a minimum and be aware if you're rocking bedhead or not. Yep, it's really that easy. Bring your umbrella! Even if it's sunny out now, Parisian skies are known to be tricky. So bring your umbrella or go stop at some corner shop and spend a few Euros on a cheap one to last the rest of the week. You'll be glad you're not soaked to the brim when it does rain! | Consider the weather during the time of the year you will be visiting. Pack clothing that is practical based on your plans. Leave the workout clothes at home. Know that black is always in style. Keep everything simple. But don't be afraid to accessorize! Keep your belongings safe. Participate in Paris's fashionable culture by putting together creative outfits. Draw from the locals. Keep your hair and make-up minimally styled. Bring your umbrella! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ride-an-Elevator | How to Ride an Elevator | Before you hop on an elevator, press the “up” or “down” button depending on which direction you want to go. When the door opens, stand clear to allow other people to leave, like on subways or buses. If the elevator is going in your direction, decide if there's enough space before entering. If not, just wait for the next one. Then, press the button of the floor you want to go to, but if someone is standing near the buttons, politely ask them to press it for you. | Press the "up" or "down" button. When you arrive to the elevator, decide which way you are going and be ready to wait. An elevator's arrival time can be affected by many factors such as elevators' traffic, the amount of floors, rush hours, and available elevators due to unforeseen maintenance or closures. Allow any people to leave before entering. Stand clear of the door. This etiquette is practiced in a lot of public situations such as subways or buses, and elevators are no different. Also, keep in mind elevators serve individuals who suffer handicaps or people handling large loads of cargo or furniture. Take a step aside and allow passengers enough space to make their way out of the elevator. Take a second to ensure that the elevator car stops at your floor. Make certain the elevator is going in your direction. Most elevators have signals to show if they are going down or up. In the case where you cannot find any signal, ask the passengers on the elevator which way they are headed. Avoiding going in the wrong the direction, especially if the building has a lot of floors. Decide if the elevator has enough space. When the elevator stops at your floor, it might not mean people will exit. If the doors open and passengers do not get out, assess what space remains. If you cannot see enough room for you, let the doors close and wait for another elevator. Enter and find an empty spot in the elevator. Elevators vary in size and available space. Locate a section where you will feel both comfort for the ride and convenience for your exit. The back of the elevator is the ideal location two-fold: it leaves room for other passengers to enter or exit, and it secures a good spot for longer rides. Select your floor. Elevators have buttons on either sides of the door. The majority of the floor buttons are numbered; basement, garage, street level, lobby, etc. may be represented by letters. If someone is standing closer to the buttons than you, they might offer to select for you. If they do not, kindly ask them to select the floor. In some elevators, double-tapping on a lighted button allows you to cancel a floor call Secure all your belongings. If you are riding with groceries, book bags, or any other items, be sure to hold on to them properly. If the elevator ride is empty, you may leave your items on the floor, especially for longer rides. However, holding on to your items ensures more space for potential passengers. Be courteous when traveling with children or pets. Elevator rides can be crowded, and ensuring the safety and comfort of others should be on your mind. If you travel with a pet, be sure to secure it with a leash or carry it; not all people are comfortable with pets roaming freely. Also, be sure to have your children close to you. It is also good practice to have them be mindful of others' spaces. Control noise levels. The most proper elevator etiquette would be to keep noise levels from silence to minimal. Conversations either in person or over the phone should cease when possible. Use headphones for listening to music instead of playing it out loud. If you are traveling with an infant, kindly refrain from riding while the child is crying. Calm your nerves and anxieties. Riding an elevator may be difficult for some people with worries such as germs or confined spaces. If you know riding an elevator is a difficult but unavoidable task, prepare yourself for the ride by multiple means. Choose portable, hand-held activities. Read a book, check your email, send text messages, check social media, create to do lists, or any small task that requires enough focus to ease your mind. Listen to soothing music. A nice pair of head phones and delicate tunes can ease your thoughts for a better ride. Ride elevators more often. Practice makes perfect, and conquering a fear is no different. Taking more elevator rides will help you get use to the activity. Think of a calm setting. Train yourself to create soothing settings that relax you, and enter that mental picture when you ride the elevator. Pay attention to the stops. As you ride, be aware of stops for two reasons. First, passengers need to enter and exit; you might have to give people space to help them slip in or out. Also, each stop brings you closer to your floor, and you may be able to move towards the door. However, in the event that you are not close to an exit, being ready will help you get to your floor without any issues. Some elevators have recorded voice announcements to indicate which floor they will stop at next. Excuse yourself as you walk through the elevator. People on elevators have many distractions in their heads and often give you their backs as they face the elevator door. Saying excuse me or pardon me will signal your intentions of exiting, and they will move to help you leave. Make sure the door opens on your floor. When the elevator stops at your exit, the doors should open either automatically or manually. Most elevators have a button to open the doors while some older models use latches. In the case when the door won't open, search for an intercom or alarm button. If the elevator is jammed, qualified assistants will be notified. Ask someone to hold the door for you. Walking around people in a crowded elevator might not give you enough time to reach the doors before closing. Ask someone close enough to make sure the door will remain open for you. Exit quickly. Using an elevator should be a convenience and a time saver. Missing your floor will only delay you. Also, be mindful that other passengers may need to exit as well. Being swift about your exit helps everyone. | Press the "up" or "down" button. Allow any people to leave before entering. Make certain the elevator is going in your direction. Decide if the elevator has enough space. Enter and find an empty spot in the elevator. Select your floor. Secure all your belongings. Be courteous when traveling with children or pets. Control noise levels. Calm your nerves and anxieties. Pay attention to the stops. Excuse yourself as you walk through the elevator. Make sure the door opens on your floor. Ask someone to hold the door for you. Exit quickly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Type-2-Diabetes | How to Treat Type 2 Diabetes | To treat type 2 diabetes, it's important that you work with your doctor so they can prescribe you medication and insulin to help control your blood sugar levels. In addition to following your doctor's treatment plan, you can make lifestyle changes to help with your diabetes, like eating smaller portions, adopting a high-fiber diet, and avoiding meat and sugary drinks. Also, try to exercise for 30 minutes every day, and maintain a healthy weight to manage your condition. | Test your blood sugar daily. At a minimum, check your blood sugar once a day in the morning before breakfast. However, your doctor will likely advise you to check your sugar several times a day, such as before meals, after you've eaten, and at night before bed. Follow their recommendations for when to check your sugar. Keep a record of the readings so you can track your personal trends and look for patterns. Keep in mind that both high and low blood sugar readings are a concern. Most of the time, high blood sugar is not an emergency, but can lead to health complications in the long term if it isn't managed. However, if your blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL, this can be a sign of hypoglycemia, which is a medical emergency. Since exercise can lower your blood sugar, it's a good idea to check your sugar before you work out to make sure it isn't low. If it is low, eat a healthy snack with carbs and protein. For example, you could eat apple slices and peanut butter or a low-sugar protein bar. Take your diabetes medicine as instructed by your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe medication to help control your blood sugar levels. Some medications will improve your body's sensitivity to insulin while maintaining normal insulin levels, while others can cause your body to produce more insulin. Your doctor will instruct you on when and how to take your medicine, and it's important you follow these directions. If you have any questions about your medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Don't stop taking your medication for any reason without your doctor's approval. Tell your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications or supplements with your diabetes medication. Use your insulin as directed, if your doctor prescribes it. Your doctor may prescribe insulin to help manage your blood sugar levels. You must inject insulin for it to be effective. Insulin can't be taken orally because it would break down in your digestive system. Your doctor will tell you when to take your insulin, as there are different types of insulin. For example, some people take insulin once a day. On the other hand, you may be prescribed insulin to take before a meal. The type your doctor prescribes will depend on your individual needs. Don't stop taking your insulin unless your doctor tells you to stop. Choose smaller portions. Switching to smaller portions is a quick and easy way to control your calorie intake and consume less sugar. Plus, it's better to eat 6 small meals rather than 3 large meals. Eating several meals spreads out your carbohydrate and sugar consumption throughout the day. Use smaller dishes to make it look like your portions are larger than they are. For example, a smaller plate will fill up quicker than a large plate, tricking your eye into seeing more food. Eat a high-fiber diet to help manage your blood sugar. A high fiber diet helps keep your blood sugar from spiking and dropping. It can also help you feel full. Luckily, diabetes-friendly foods like vegetables and whole grains are also high in fiber! Great sources of fiber include vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. To meet your daily fiber recommendations, you should eat 21-25 grams of fiber if you're a woman, or 30-38 grams of fiber if you're a man. Make non-starchy vegetables and legumes the star of your meal. Fill most of your plate with vegetables or legumes, saving a small space for a lean protein. These foods help stabilize your blood sugar levels. Plus, they're full of nutrients and low on calories! Great vegetable choices include leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, green beans, cucumber, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, squash, and root vegetables. Legumes include foods like beans, lentils, and nuts. Choose complex carbs over simple carbs. Although you need to watch your carb intake, carbs are still an important part of your diet. You can still eat carbs with every meal as long as you opt for complex carbs, which digest slowly. Because they break down slowly, complex carbs don't spike your blood sugar as much as simple carbs. Good carb options include beans, brown rice, whole grain pasta, sweet potatoes, and potatoes with their skin. Simple carbs include things like baked goods, candy, processed foods, and sweetened foods or drinks. Cut these foods out of your diet to help keep your blood sugar levels stable. Eat 3 ounces (85 g) of lean protein with each meal. Get most of your protein from fish, tofu, legumes, and nuts. Fish and plant-based proteins are easier for your body to digest, so they don't stay in your system for as long. Additionally, eating a plant-based diet helps manage your blood sugar levels. For example, you might eat a tofu scramble for breakfast, tuna for lunch, bean soup for dinner, and peanut butter as a snack. Limit meat consumption because meat impacts your blood sugar longer. Meat protein is harder for your body to digest than protein from plant sources. This means it affects your body longer. Research shows a plant-based diet is better for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. Incorporating more plant-based proteins can help you keep your blood sugar in control. If you continue to eat meat, limit yourself to a few meat-based meals each week. For example, you might have meat days on Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Incorporate healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats into your diet. Healthy fats help keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. Plus, they help you feel fuller! Increase monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in your diet, but limit how much saturated fat you eat. If you're still eating trans fats, cut them out of your diet. Great sources of healthy fats include olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, like salmon. Saturated fats are common in animal products, like meat, eggs, and full-fat dairy. Switch to low-fat dairy and lean cuts of meat to lower your saturated fats. Similarly, you could switch from eggs to egg whites or limit egg consumption to 3 eggs a week. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you don't need to cut out all saturated fats. Just monitor how much you're eating. Trans fats are found in baked or processed foods. Always check the label before eating these types of snacks. Stop drinking sugary drinks. Sweetened drinks are especially harmful for your blood sugar, as they contain simple sugars. Drinks like sweet tea, soda, juice, flavored coffee, sweetened smoothies, and sports drinks can all increase your blood sugar. They also don't provide much nutritional value, so it's best to cut them out completely. You can switch to a sugar-free sweetener like stevia to flavor your tea or coffee. As another option, herbal teas provide flavor without sugar. Drink alcohol only with a meal, if you drink at all. Alcohol can both spike and lower your blood sugar, depending on its contents and when you drink it. The best way to drink alcohol if you have diabetes is to first choose a low-sugar option. Then, eat a meal with your drink to lower its effect on your blood sugar. If you're having a mixed drink, a low-sugar option will contain sugar-free mixers or diet soda. If you're having beer, you can check the label or go with a light option. Stick to 1 drink a day if you're a woman or up to 2 drinks a day if you're a man. Check with your doctor to make sure drinking is a healthy option for you. Unless your diabetes is well controlled, alcohol may not fit into your diet. Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Exercise helps you manage your blood sugar. It can also improve your body's use of insulin. Before you begin exercising, talk to your doctor to make sure you're healthy enough for it. Here are some ways to add more exercise to your day: Go on evening walks. Do yoga for a low impact option. Take up kickboxing. Go for a swim. Follow along with an aerobics DVD. Join a gym. Manage your stress levels with good coping strategies. Stress is a normal part of life, but it can raise your blood sugar. That's because your stress hormones trigger your body to release glucose into your bloodstream so you'll have energy to engage your fight-or-flight response. Since this can spike your blood sugar, coping with your stressors is essential. Here are a few coping strategies to try: Create your own self-care box with calming items like essential oil, a favorite book, and a bag of tea. Start a calming hobby, like woodworking, coloring, knitting, painting, or doing puzzles. Journal to release and work through your feelings. Talk to a friend. Meditate for at least 10 minutes a day. Watch a funny movie. Listen to your favorite happy songs. . Maintain a healthy weight Carrying extra weight on your body puts you at a higher risk for diabetes. Keeping your weight in a healthy range for your height and age can help you manage your condition. If you want to lose weight, start by following your diabetes diet, as provided by your doctor or dietitian. Then, increase your activity level. Losing 5-10% of your body weight can significantly decrease your blood sugar levels. Your doctor can help you determine a healthy weight loss goal based on your current weight and overall health. Incorporate more movement throughout your day to more easily manage your weight. For example, you can take the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away from the grocery store, or join a neighbor for dog walks. Keep in mind that anyone can develop diabetes, regardless of weight. Quit smoking, if you do. Smoking can cause diabetic complications, so it's important to quit. Quitting is really hard, but you can get support! Talk to your doctor about the options available for you. You might try the following quitting aids: Chewing nicotine gum Using nicotine patches Taking a prescription drug, like Chantix Seeking counseling Joining a support group Visit your doctor for regular check-ups. Your doctor will check your progress in managing your condition by testing your blood sugar, looking for complications by checking your feet, and weighing you. They'll also discuss your treatment plan with you and find out how well you've complied with it. These checkups help prevent complications from developing and allow the doctor to determine if you need to change your treatment plan. Your doctor may sometimes take blood and urine samples to check your cholesterol and ensure your kidneys, liver, and thyroid are all functioning well. Be honest with your doctor about how well you've stuck to your treatment plan. If you've had a lot of slip ups, they'll understand and can help you figure out how to make your treatment plan work better for you. Don't change your treatment plan without talking to your doctor. For example, don't stop taking your medication. Get your A1C tested every 3 months. The A1C is a test that determines your average blood sugar level over the previous 3-month period. It gives you and your doctor a better understanding of your day-to-day blood sugar levels during that time. This helps you avoid developing complications if your blood sugar is reaching unhealthy levels on a regular basis. In general, a reading below 7 is considered acceptable for people with diabetes. However, your doctor may set a different goal for your A1C, so follow their advice. If your A1C reading appears unstable, your doctor will likely test it again. If tests show that your blood sugar level is stable and well-controlled, you may only need to test your A1C every 6 months. Tell your doctor if you have any wounds that don’t heal. It's common for diabetics to experience wounds that don't heal. However, your doctor can help you treat the wound so it doesn't get worse. Visit your doctor to get a treatment plan for your wound, then follow all of their instructions. A small wound might not seem like an issue, but it can get worse. It's best to see your doctor as soon as you notice the wound. Meet with a dietitian to get a special diet designed for you. A dietitian is an expert on nutrition, so they know the best foods for you to consume to be at your healthiest. Tell your dietitian what you typically enjoy eating, and they'll put together a healthy diet that's tailored for you. They'll also give you advice about healthy eating! Ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian who has experience working with people who have diabetes. Get annual eye exams to avoid complications. Diabetes can lead to eye damage, such as diabetic retinopathy. Luckily, your eye doctor can check for changes in your eye with a simple and painless dilation test. The doctor will put eye drops into your eye to make your pupils wider. Then, they'll look inside your eyes to make sure they're healthy. Make sure you have someone to drive you home after your exam, as your eyes will be too sensitive to drive. Additionally, you'll need to wear sunglasses for a few hours until your pupils return to normal. If the doctor does notice an issue with your eyes, they can offer treatment. Visit your dentist at least once a year to maintain your gum health. Diabetes can also increase your risk of gum disease. However, your dentist can help you avoid this complication if you get regular dental care. Follow your dentist's advice for keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Make sure you're brushing and flossing daily. Get your regularly scheduled dental cleanings. | Test your blood sugar daily. Take your diabetes medicine as instructed by your doctor. Use your insulin as directed, if your doctor prescribes it. Choose smaller portions. Eat a high-fiber diet to help manage your blood sugar. Make non-starchy vegetables and legumes the star of your meal. Choose complex carbs over simple carbs. Eat 3 ounces (85 g) of lean protein with each meal. Limit meat consumption because meat impacts your blood sugar longer. Incorporate healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats into your diet. Stop drinking sugary drinks. Drink alcohol only with a meal, if you drink at all. Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Manage your stress levels with good coping strategies. . Quit smoking, if you do. Visit your doctor for regular check-ups. Get your A1C tested every 3 months. Tell your doctor if you have any wounds that don’t heal. Meet with a dietitian to get a special diet designed for you. Get annual eye exams to avoid complications. Visit your dentist at least once a year to maintain your gum health. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Happy-with-Your-Life | How to Be Happy with Your Life | The key to living a happier life is creating meaningful and achieveable goals. Try to align yourself with your dreams, whether it's a career, a family, or mastering a talent. Everyone falls short of their ideals sometimes, but try to forgive yourself and view your mistakes as learning opportunities. You should also aim to help others whenever possible so you can make the world a better place. Consider volunteering in your community, helping out a friend or coworker, or even buying coffee for a stranger. Additionally, try to schedule time to catch up with your friends and family on a regular basis, which will help you feel more connected and social. It's also important to eat a healthy diet, sleep at least 7 hours a night, and exercise a few times a week. This helps to regulate your mood, improve your self-control, and keep you focused on your goals. | Practice gratitude. It can be easy to forget all that you have if you are thinking about where you would rather be. Practicing gratitude can help you to change your focus and acknowledge all of the good things in your life, which will enhance your positive feelings about your life. Try making a list of everything you are grateful for. Start by writing down five things that you feel grateful for and keep adding five more things to the list every day. You can add basic things to your list like a roof over your head, clothes on your back, and food to eat. Then, move onto more specific things that happen during your day, such as enjoying a good cup of tea, talking to an old friend, or watching a beautiful sunset. You can also review the whole list when you are feeling down about your life to remind yourself of everything that you feel grateful for. Concentrate on things you can control. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed at times and dwell on the unpredictable. Worrying about things you can't control isn't helpful because, of course, you can't do anything about them, which makes you focus on your doubts and weaknesses. Instead, think about things you can change or improve, and focus your energy on working on those. For example, you can't control the things that your coworkers do, but you can control your own work performance. Likewise, you cannot control the choices that your sister makes about her love life, but you can control the choices you make for your love life. Think about your values. Try to clarify what is important to you. This doesn't mean material success, but thinking about the kind of person you want to be and the traits that you value in other people. Once you have identified those values, you can think about how you already fulfill them. One way to help clarify your values is to identify people that you admire. Ask yourself what it is you admire about them, and how you want to be more like them. You can also try making a list of the traits that you value in yourself and others, such as loyalty, honesty, creativity, and courage. Go easy on yourself. Self-criticism can be useful, helping us find weaknesses and create the chance to correct them. Of course, too much self-criticism is damaging to your self-esteem and can make you more miserable. Remember that no one is successful all the time and that failing to live up to lofty goals doesn't make you a failure. The best way to think about self-criticism is as an opportunity to improve, rather than a chance to point out all the things you don't like about yourself. Find specific, changeable things about yourself that you can work on rather than blaming everything on universal or unchangeable traits. Rather than saying things like “I'm just not that smart,” tell yourself “I stayed up too late watching TV rather than studying. I can do better next time.” This can help motivate yourself to improve rather than focus on failure. Avoid negativity. Negative thinking is a common part of our lives, but it is also something you can control. Consider the different ways you think negatively about the world, and make the conscious decision not to think that way. There are several common types of negative thinking. These are sometimes called cognitive distortions because they are ways of thinking that aren't correct. Some common ones that hold you back from feeling good about your life include: All-or-nothing thinking. This involves looking at the world in black-or-white categories and ignoring possible gray areas or middle ground. One example might be you thinking that you need to get an A on a test, or else you are a failure. Remember that there are gray areas, and not fulfilling all of your goals does not make you a failure. Diminishing the positive. This is where you find ways to downplay your successes. You'll ignore your good moments with excuses such as “I just got lucky.” It's hard to feel happy with your life when you can't accept any of your successes. Labeling. Here, you will use your shortcomings as a way to apply broad labels to your life. You may call yourself a “failure,” “loser,” “idiot,” or any other broad-based term. You may do things wrong on occasion, but this way of labelling yourself relies on your mistakes, rather than accounting for the things you do well. Make difficult choices rather than putting them off. One of the things that may be holding you back from being happy with your life is a difficult decision hanging over your head. After all, how content can you be knowing this big thing is waiting for you? Rather than letting it dwell with you, go address it head-on. Don't put off decisions or fixes for later (some vague, unknowable time in the future), but address them as soon as you can. For example, if you need to decide whether or not to break up with your boyfriend, then take some steps to come to a decision, such as discussing your feelings with a close friend or family member. If you need to decide on what college to attend, then make a pros and cons list and ask a parent or good friend to help you review your options. Smile more. Putting a smile on your face, even if you are feeling down, can help you feel better about yourself, whatever you are doing. You will be in a more positive mood, and able to think better about the big picture. Plus, smiling will make you look friendlier and more confident, the kind of person others want to meet and hang out with. Try to remember to smile when you are going about your daily business, such as during your morning commute, while doing household chores, and even while relaxing in the evening. You might even want to set a reminder on your phone to remind yourself to smile more. Take a break. Sometimes it's easy to get overwhelmed by a focus on where you are and where you need to be. The tension involved in trying to move quickly can cause stress. Taking a few minutes every day to pause and relax will help you recharge, and approach your challenges with energy. Activities like yoga or mindfulness exercises, which force you to slow down and consider only the moment, are good ways to help slow down your daily grind. Doing them will make you pause and find space in your mind to focus on other things. Try taking a class or watching a video online to learn a basic yoga routine. Fake it. At first, it might be hard to just start appreciating your life, especially if you're feeling down. So fake it. Put on a smile, or say something nice about somebody. You'd be surprised how this little change in your action can help change your mindset. For example, if you are having a bad day at work, then try to take the focus off of yourself by asking a coworker how her day is going, or by giving someone a compliment. By focusing on someone else, you might find yourself feeling more positive and happy. Take care of your body. Your mental well-being is tied to your physical health. When you are trying to feel good about your life, make sure you are taking care of your body to be in the best physical shape possible. You don't need to turn into a swimsuit model, but you do want to make sure you are taking care of yourself. Plus, as you get into better shape, you'll begin to feel more confident in how healthy you look and feel. Exercising is a great way to get yourself in shape. Just a little bit of exercise, even something as simple as ten minutes of walking every day, helps get your muscles moving and causes your brain to release feel-good endorphins. Plus, when you work out, your body will look better, and you'll have more energy. Eat well. Good nutrition will help give you energy and keep your body looking good. Focus on whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins while avoiding sweets and processed foods. Controlling your portions is another good way to help keep your weight normal and healthy. Make sure you get enough sleep. Getting sleep can help you stay charged and positive, plus it will give you the energy to get things done. A full night's sleep is great, of course, but you can supplement that with naps throughout the day if you need to. Most people need seven to eight hours of sleep every day to be at their best, but some can get by with a little less. Spend time with people you care about. One way to feel good about yourself is to interact with people who matter to you. Seeing friends and family who you care about (and care about you) is a great way to rejuvenate yourself, and think about the good times you have had with them. If you are feeling down about yourself, call up a friend to talk or ask a friend to meet you for coffee. A good friend will be able to offer support or even just listen for a little while. It may seem easier to isolate yourself when you are feeling down, but keep in mind that this will not help you. It may be hard, but getting up and getting out of your house to go socialize with people is one of the best things you can do when you are feeling low. Thank people for helping you. When people reach out to you and try to help you in some way, be sure to thank them for what they have done for you. These can be simple favors or support during tough times. Expressing gratitude like this is a great way to remind yourself of all the things other people have done for you, and it reminds you that you are someone other people want to help. This doesn't need to be people you know. Even just acknowledging or thanking a stranger who held the door for you can give you a little boost of happiness. Plus, he or she will probably appreciate your thankfulness, giving their day a boost as well. Help others. Volunteering and working with other people is a great way to feel better about yourself. Not only will you get the benefit of seeing someone else be happy, but you'll also be able to pat yourself on the back for being the type of person who helps others. Try volunteering to help out at a local food bank, or apply to be a volunteer dog walker for a local animal shelter. Cut back on your social media use. Websites like Facebook and Twitter can be fun, but they also waste time and can have a bad impact on your self-perception. It becomes too easy to worry about whether or not people are “liking” your posts. Additionally, watching other people have fun can hurt your self-confidence if you dwell too much on how happy they seem to be compared to you. One thing that can help is to remove some of your online “friends.” If you have people who are negative or inauthentic, they are cluttering up your space and bringing you down. This is especially good if they are people you don't talk to at all. Focus on the people you do care about, and who provide positive benefits to your life. A positive way to use social media is as a springboard for in-person interaction. Don't just “like” someone's vacation photo. Reach out to them, and get together for lunch to talk about what they did. These kinds of meetings are more authentic and provide deeper and more meaningful relationships. Try not to take rejection personally. Sometimes we aren't happy with our lives because someone else has rejected us or our ideas. Remember that this happens for all kinds of reasons, and it's not a sign that you are a bad or worthless person. Instead, figure out why you were rejected, and learn from the experience. If you were rejected for professional reasons, consider asking why your ideas were not accepted. You may get some good advice about your idea that can help you improve it for next time. If you were rejected for personal reasons, like asking someone on a date, use this as an opportunity to remind yourself of your positive characteristics. Avoid catastrophizing, that is taking the worst-case scenario like saying no one will date you because you aren't good enough. Instead, consider it an opportunity to try again, and have more success later. | Practice gratitude. Concentrate on things you can control. Think about your values. Go easy on yourself. Avoid negativity. Make difficult choices rather than putting them off. Smile more. Take a break. Fake it. Take care of your body. Spend time with people you care about. Thank people for helping you. Help others. Cut back on your social media use. Try not to take rejection personally. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pay-Off-Student-Loans | How to Pay Off Student Loans | To pay off your student loans, you'll need to start by learning about your repayment options. If you can afford a standard repayment plan, choose that in order to reduce the overall amount you'll have to pay. You can also opt for a graduated repayment plan if you think your salary will increase over time. Alternatively, look into an income-based repayment plan or apply for forbearance if you can't afford to make large payments. To find out what kinds of repayment options are available to you, talk to your loan servicer. | Create an account on the federal student loans website. Exit counseling is typically done through the federal student loans website. Before you begin the exit counseling program, you have to set up an account. After you've completed exit counseling, you can manage your loans from your account. To create a new Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID, go to https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm and choose a username and password. You will then be asked some questions to verify your identity. You must have a valid email address for your FSA ID. Don't use your school email if you won't have access to it after you graduate. You may miss important notices from the federal government. Coordinate your exit counseling with the financial aid office. In most schools, you'll complete an online exit counseling program that describes how to repay your student loans and what will happen if you don't make your payments on time. Some schools have an additional meeting or interview with a staff member in the financial aid office. If you complete exit counseling through StudentLoans.gov, you'll receive a certificate of completion. Print this out and keep it for your records. You will probably need to submit it to your financial aid office to show that you've completed the program. Identify your loan servicer. Rather than making payments directly to the government, you pay off your student loans through your loan servicer. Each loan servicer has its own website and payment process. You can find out which company your loan servicer is from your FSA account. As of 2019, there are 9 loan servicers for federal student loans: CornerStone, MOHELA, FedLoan Servicing (PHEAA), Navient, Granite – GSMR, Nelnet, Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc., OSLA Servicing, and HESC/Edfinancial. You do not get to choose which company services your loan or request a change if you don't like your loan servicer. Make a spreadsheet of all your loans and their balances. If you've taken out loans for multiple years, they're likely listed separately. Some of them may even be with different loan servicers. A spreadsheet can help you organize your loans and keep track of how much you owe and when payments are due. Unless you consolidate your federal loans, you may even have different due dates for different loans, particularly if they are different types of loans. For example, if some of your loans are Direct Loans and others are Perkins Loans, you may have different servicers and different due dates for the different types of loans. Determine when your first payments are due. Most federal loans and some private loans have a 6-month grace period after graduation during which you aren't expected to start repaying your loans. You can use this period to get your finances in order and evaluate different repayment options. If you have a Perkins Loan, the length of your grace period depends on the school that gave you the loan. Contact your school's financial aid office to find out your grace period if it wasn't explained to you during exit counseling. Create a household budget so you know how much you can afford to pay. Once you've settled into a job after college, sit down and make a list of your basic expenses each month. Then take a look at your paystubs for the past few months and estimate your monthly income. Generally, you want to estimate your expenses high and your income low. For example, if you get paid twice a month and your pay varies between $850 and $650, you might budget your income at $700 a month. However, if you have expenses that are always the exact same amount, it's okay to use that exact amount in your budget. Track your expenses over the past 2 or 3 months so your budget is based on reality, not on an ideal. If you find that you need to cut expenses, you'll have a realistic picture of where your money goes and can figure out what to trim or eliminate entirely. Use the online repayment estimator to find out what your payments will be. The federal government has a repayment estimator available at https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/repaymentEstimator.action. You must be logged in with your FSA ID to use this service. Even though the calculator produces an estimate, that estimate is based on your actual loan information, so it should be fairly accurate. It also allows you to compare the repayment plans available and see what your monthly payments will be, how long it will take for you to pay off your loans, and what the total amount you pay back will be. Start with the default repayment plan if possible. If you stick with the default, or standard, repayment plan for federal loans, you will have them paid off in 10 years. As long as the monthly payment is something you can afford, this is the easiest way to pay off your student loans. The standard repayment plan is by far the most popular. If you don't choose an alternate repayment plan, you'll be automatically enrolled in the standard plan. Try the graduated repayment plan if you're confident your income will increase. The graduated repayment plan starts with a relatively low monthly payment that increases each year. If you've started an entry-level job in your chosen career and are confident you have pay raises and promotions coming in your future, this plan may be ideal for you. If it later turns out that you aren't making as much money as you thought you would and won't be able to make the larger payments, you may be able to switch to a different plan. However, doing so will likely mean that you end up taking longer to pay off your student loans, as well as paying more overall. Look at the extended repayment plan if you need lower payments. If you aren't confident that your income will go up in the future enough to afford later payments under the graduated repayment plan, an extended payment plan may work for you. This repayment plan typically works best for students who are in lower-paying fields, such as education. You may also want an extended repayment plan if you left school before graduating and aren't able to earn the same kind of money you would if you had a degree. Apply for income-based repayment if you have limited income. The federal government offers 3 different income-based repayment plans if you aren't earning enough money to make your student loan payments under the other plans. All of the plans take your income and expenses into consideration and ensure your monthly payment is no more than 10 to 20 percent of your discretionary income. Income-based repayment plans typically aren't available for parent-borrowers of PLUS Loans. Income-based repayment plans last for either 20 or 25 years, as long as you remain eligible during that time. After 25 years, any remaining loan balance will be forgiven. You may be responsible for income taxes on the portion of your student loans that are forgiven. Sign up for automatic payments. Automatic payments ensure that you're making your payments on time every month (assuming you have the money in your bank account to cover the payment). Additionally, you may be eligible for a lower interest rate if you sign up for automatic payments. Only use automatic payments if you're confident the money for your student loan payment will be in your bank account. You might consider using a separate savings account for student loans and transferring money there for your monthly payments. If you can start the account with a cushion of 2 or 3 loan payments you can make sure there will always be enough in the account to cover the payment. Evaluate your options if you can't afford your payments. If you find you aren't able to make your student loan payments, contact your loan servicer as soon as possible to find out if you qualify for deferment or forbearance. You may have to prove financial hardship for a forbearance. Deferments are more typically granted to individuals who are unemployed, serving in the military, or attending graduate or professional school. You have to be proactive about this. If you simply stop making your payments, it will negatively affect your credit score. Too many missing payments will cause your loans to go into default, which can be disastrous for your ability to borrow in the future. If you qualify for deferment or forbearance, your loan servicer may apply the deferment or forbearance back to your oldest missed payment. However, this will decrease the number of payments you don't have to make in the future. Depending on the type of loan you have, your loan may still continue to accrue interest while payments are in deferment or forbearance. Consolidate your federal loans through a Direct Consolidation Loan. If all of your loans are federal Direct loans, you can consolidate them and make a single monthly payment. When you consolidate through the federal government, you won't necessarily get a lower interest rate than what you're currently paying. However, consolidation can make repayment more convenient. Even though you won't get a lower interest rate, consolidations loans can be especially helpful if you have several years worth of loans that are with different servicers and have different due dates. Generally, if you have loans with different servicers, they would all be moved to a single servicer when you consolidate. If you have different types of loans, you may end up with two consolidation loans rather than just one. However, this can still make your payments easier to manage. Check your credit scores. The main reason to refinance your loans is to get a lower interest rate. If you don't have a credit score over 680, it's unlikely you'll qualify for a lower interest rate than what you're currently paying. Some refinance companies only consider applicants with credit scores above 700. While you can get a credit report for free each year from each of the 3 credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian), these reports don't include your scores. You can use free websites or apps, such as Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, or Wallet Hub, to check your credit score. You can also pay for access to your official credit score from one of the 3 credit bureaus. Compare loan consolidation and refinance companies. Refinancing your loans into a single loan can make repayment easier and may lower your monthly payment. Generally, you want to look for the company that will give you the lowest possible interest rate. That way, you'll pay less money overall for the life of your loan. If you can't get your loans refinanced at a lower rate than what you're currently paying, there's no point in refinancing. Even if you're offered a lower monthly payment, you'll still be paying off your student loans for a longer period of time and will end up paying more overall. Nerd Wallet has an online tool you can use to compare companies and find the best fit for your needs. Go to https://www.nerdwallet.com/refinancing-student-loans and enter your information to get started. Get quotes from companies you're interested in. Typically, consolidation and refinance companies provide you an estimate based on your answers to a few questions about your income and the total amount of your student loans. They'll likely also do a "soft pull" of your credit, which doesn't give them the details of your credit history and doesn't have a negative impact on your score. You can use these quotes to compare different lending companies. However, keep in mind that the terms of the loan you're ultimately offered may not be the same as the one in the quote. Complete an application with the lender of your choice. Once you've decided which lending company you want to use, you'll fill out a complete application with more details than the information you provided to get the initial quote. Typically, you can fill out this application online in 10 to 15 minutes. After your application is complete, you'll get a refinancing offer. You may have a limited period of time to either accept or reject that offer. If you accept the offer, the lender will pay off your student loans for you and you will then make your monthly payments to that lender rather than your previous loan servicer. Try to only submit a full application to one lender. Each lender will do a hard pull on your credit, and too many hard pulls can have a significant negative impact on your credit score. Arrange for automatic payments if possible. Lenders often offer incentives if you agree to automatic payments. You may qualify for a lower interest rate, for example, or a slightly lower monthly payment. Remember only to sign up for automatic payments if you're confident the money will be in your account to cover the payment on the due date each month. If a payment is returned, you'll be on the hook for additional fees from the lender as well as bank fees. In addition, your payment will be recorded as late, which can hurt your credit. | Create an account on the federal student loans website. Coordinate your exit counseling with the financial aid office. Identify your loan servicer. Make a spreadsheet of all your loans and their balances. Determine when your first payments are due. Create a household budget so you know how much you can afford to pay. Use the online repayment estimator to find out what your payments will be. Start with the default repayment plan if possible. Try the graduated repayment plan if you're confident your income will increase. Look at the extended repayment plan if you need lower payments. Apply for income-based repayment if you have limited income. Sign up for automatic payments. Evaluate your options if you can't afford your payments. Consolidate your federal loans through a Direct Consolidation Loan. Check your credit scores. Compare loan consolidation and refinance companies. Get quotes from companies you're interested in. Complete an application with the lender of your choice. Arrange for automatic payments if possible. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Humba-Pata | How to Cook Humba Pata | To make a tasty humba pata stew, you'll need to boil ham hocks and fry them with sautéed onions and garlic. Once they're cooked, transfer the ham hocks to a pot and boil them in a broth made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and pork bouillon. Then you can add other tasty ingredients, like bay leaves, pepper corns, banana blossoms, and salted black beans. Finish it off by adding a little vinegar and brown sugar after it's been simmering for about 20 minutes, and in 5 more minutes you'll have a delicious stew. | Bring water to a boil over high heat. Pour 6 cups (1,400 ml) of water into a large pot and turn the burner to high heat. The water should come to a vigorous boil. Put a lid on the pot to make the water boil faster. Boil 2 pounds (0.91 kg) of ham hocks (pata) for 40 to 60 minutes. Once the water boils, lower the sliced ham hocks into the pot. Turn the burner down to medium heat and cover the pot. If it looks like too much water is evaporating as the ham hocks boil, add more water to the pot. The ham hocks should become slightly tender, but it will finish cooking when you fry it. Transfer the ham hocks to a plate. Turn off the burner and use a large slotted spoon to scoop the boiled ham hocks out of the water. Set the ham hocks on a plate or bowl and set them aside. You can discard the water in the pot. Sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Pour 3 tablespoons (44.4 ml) of cooking oil into another pot and turn the burner to medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, stir in 1 chopped onion and 4 cloves of crushed garlic. Stir the onion and garlic frequently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add the ham hocks and cook them for 1 minute. Put the boiled ham hocks into the pot with the onion and garlic. Stir and cook the ham hocks over medium heat for 1 minute. The ham hocks should brown a little as they sauté. Add the soy sauce, pineapple juice, and pork bouillon cube. Pour 4 cups (950 ml) of pineapple juice and ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) of soy sauce into the pot. Stir in 1 pork bouillon cube when the liquids begin to boil. Keep stirring until the bouillon cube dissolves. Stir in the bay, pepper, banana blossoms, and salted black beans. Add 3 dried bay leaves, ½ teaspoon (1 g) of crushed peppercorn, ½ cup (about 50 g) of dried banana blossoms, and ¼ cup (15 g) of fermented, salted black beans. Stir to incorporate the seasonings into the liquid. Cover and simmer it for 20 minutes or until until the pork is cooked through. Put the lid on the pot and reduce the burner to medium heat. Let the liquid bubble gently so it reduces by half. The pork should reach 145 °F (63 °C) with a meat thermometer once it's finished cooking. Stir in the vinegar and brown sugar and cook it for 5 minutes. Add ¼ cup (50 g) of dark brown sugar and 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of vinegar to the pot. Stir until the sugar dissolves and let the humba pata simmer for 5 more minutes. Simmering the humba pata will help the flavors develop. Serve the humba pata immediately. Turn off the burner and scoop the humba pata into serving bowls. Serve it with steamed white rice or flatbread. Refrigerate the leftover humba pata in an airtight container for up to 3 or 4 days. | Bring water to a boil over high heat. Boil 2 pounds (0.91 kg) of ham hocks (pata) for 40 to 60 minutes. Transfer the ham hocks to a plate. Sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the ham hocks and cook them for 1 minute. Add the soy sauce, pineapple juice, and pork bouillon cube. Stir in the bay, pepper, banana blossoms, and salted black beans. Cover and simmer it for 20 minutes or until until the pork is cooked through. Stir in the vinegar and brown sugar and cook it for 5 minutes. Serve the humba pata immediately. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-About-Your-Hobbies-and-Interests | How to Write About Your Hobbies and Interests | To write about your hobbies and interests for college admissions, frame them as something you dedicate your time towards rather than just something you have fun with. For example, on your college application, list them under the title “Extracurricular Activities” since this is more professional than “Hobbies” or “Interests” Choose to list the hobbies you've spent the most time on to show your dedication, whether that's the tennis team, girl scouts, or piano. When you write about your hobbies, use an active voice and describe how you contributed to it. For example, you could write “I strengthened the team's resolve and success by stressing to individual players the importance of group cohesion to the achievement of our goals. Alternatively, you could say, “I devoted myself to grueling practices daily throughout the season and developed effective time-management by balancing schoolwork and cheering.” | Format your application resume by priority. You likely know the basic content of a resume — education, work experience, skills, awards, and hobbies. However, listing all that information is not enough. You must put thought into the order in which that information is presented on the resume. College admissions committees are far more interested in your grades, work experience, skills and awards than they are in your hobbies and interests. As such, the hobbies and interests section of your resume should be presented toward the end of your resume. End with it, don't lead with it. Prioritize individual activities as well. You can either list your activities chronologically, as you probably did in the “Work Experience” section, or from most to least impressive. Always remember that resumes are “top-down” documents, meaning you should lead with what you most want the reader to know about you. Use appropriate terminology. Although you may think of tennis or chess as a fun hobby, the language you use in your resume should indicate more gravity. Rather than titling your “hobbies and interests” section “Hobbies,” call it “Activities” or “Extracurricular Activities.” By using more formal diction, you subtly give the impression that you exercised dedication and professionalism in practicing these activities, rather than simply goofing around and having a good time. This is what colleges are looking for. Choose a formatting style for your listed sections. All of the sections of your resume that include detailed lists should be formatted in the same way. The “Activities” section of your resume should be formatted the same way as the “Work Experience” section. There is no single correct method to use, but you want to make sure that you give yourself room to not simply list your activities, but expand on them in a concise manner. Do not simply list all of your activities with commas. This suggests that you have nothing to say about what you did other than the fact that you did it. Break each activity into its own bullet point. Decide whether you will write in full sentences or short phrases. A resume should not be overly long — ideally, it should fit onto a single page. If you find that your resume has too much length, use phrases rather than full sentences. For example: “Tennis: state champions, 2013, 2014; co-captained varsity team, 2012-14; member of varsity team, 2010-14. If your resume is not long enough and you need to develop length, you can write that same information out in full sentences: “Tennis: As a member of the varsity team from 2010 to 2014, I helped my team win the state championship in both 2013 and 2014. As co-captain from 2012 to 2014, I provided leadership both on and off the court, leading team workouts during the off-season and keeping teammates accountable to one another.” Demonstrate well-roundedness. College admissions officers don't expect high school seniors to know specifically what their futures will hold. Although in your essays, you want to demonstrate that you have a plan for your future and lofty goals, colleges know that in reality, student plans often change as they enter coursework and develop their interests in college. The activities section of your resume is the place to demonstrate that you don't have a one-track mind. You have a variety of interests that can be developed over your four years in college. If possible, present an array of activities that demonstrate an engaged, curious mind: athletics, volunteerism, academic teams, interest in both the humanities (speech team) and STEM areas (Mathletes), etc. The more well-rounded you seem, the more appealing you will be to a committee that is trying to assess how you will develop over the next four years. Set yourself apart from the pack. This may seem to contradict the previous step, but you don't want to present yourself as so well-rounded that you're indistinguishable from all the other applicants. Consider which activity you have engaged in, that most sets you apart from the rest of the applicant pool. Demonstrate a high level of interest in at least one of your activities. If you were a team captain, elected official or an otherwise engaged member of a group, you need to highlight that as well as possible. Describe the leadership qualities you may have developed through this activity: “As Key Club president, I chaired weekly meetings, delegated club responsibilities into committees, expanded our presence by recruited peers into volunteerism and oversaw member training before sending volunteers out into the community.” Explain what peripheral qualities you developed: “Over my four years in the Key Club, I developed an abiding dedication to underserved populations in local communities.” Choose language carefully to dress up your activities. Much of this advice so far has assumed that you have a wide variety of impressive activities that can be easily listed on your resume. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many college applicants. While you should never fabricate activities for your resume, you can make what few activities you have seem more impressive by choosing your language carefully. Use the active voice throughout every document you submit in the application process. The passive voice suggests that you passively received skills or qualities from your life experiences, whereas the active voice demonstrates your engagement: you earned those skills. Note the difference between “Being on the football team taught me the importance of being a team player” and “I strengthened the team's resolve and success by stressing to individual players the importance of group cohesion to the achievement of our goals.” Take credit wherever possible, even if you weren't in leadership positions. Even if you don't think you got a lot out of an activity, think about what skills and qualities you could have developed. For example —you might have been an awful cheerleader, but you can still say “I devoted myself to grueling practices daily throughout the season and developed an effective time-management system, through which I balanced schoolwork and cheering while dedicating myself fully to both.” Even if you're not going to make the collegiate cheer squad, you've still demonstrated that you can manage your time — something you learned from cheerleading. Decide whether or not a “Hobbies and Interests” section is appropriate for this job. Depending on the application conventions in the industry you're applying in, it may be inappropriate to include your hobbies on your resume at all. The potential employer may find it irrelevant and you don't want that feeling to be attached to your application. Research the corporate culture of the company you're applying to. Some companies encourage employees to bring their interests into the creative workplace, for example, Google explicitly cultivates an “open culture” workplace where hobbies are welcomed. A hobbies section would be very appropriate for an application in the tech industry with a company like Google. However, if you're applying for a position at an accounting firm, the corporate culture may not be as welcoming of your hobbies. Leave them off that resume. Be brief. Whereas a college admissions officer is looking to get a sense of how you might develop over the course of your undergraduate career, a potential employer wants to know, as concisely as possible, whether you would fit into the workplace or not. Stick to 7 words or less per hobby or interest. Don't dwell on how you feel at one with nature when you go biking every morning if you're applying for a job with a consulting firm. Simply say that you bike regularly and participate in races. Choose the interests you include carefully. Don't list an interest if you're not actually passionate about it — if it comes up in an interview, your lack of passion and knowledge will give you away as a resume passer. Choose interests that not only mean a lot to you, but also demonstrate the kind of person you are. For example, “reading” is a fairly generic activity that doesn't reveal that much about you. However, running marathons suggests that you possess a high level of dedication and that you can overcome obstacles. "Listening to music" doesn't tell your employee anything about you, but "I have practiced classical piano for 17 years," tells them a lot. "Volunteering," tells the employer something about you, but it's not as detailed as it could be. Say, instead, that you've volunteered weekly at the same soup kitchen for 3 years, or that you bring your expertise from your state champion high school football team to bear when volunteering as a coach for community football league. Generally, hobbies that show leadership skills, personal initiative, dedication, or drive are good boosters for your resume. Connect your interests to the job. Wherever possible, demonstrate how the skills and qualities you develop through your hobbies make you a better candidate for the position for which you're applying. For example, a consulting firm may not care about what how biking up a mountain brings you closer to nature, but they will want to know that you have participated in several large-scale races that required dedication and grit in training, or that you suffered a serious injury that at some point threatened to derail your hobby, but that you are not fazed by obstacles, and you worked through it. | Format your application resume by priority. Use appropriate terminology. Choose a formatting style for your listed sections. Demonstrate well-roundedness. Set yourself apart from the pack. Choose language carefully to dress up your activities. Decide whether or not a “Hobbies and Interests” section is appropriate for this job. Be brief. Choose the interests you include carefully. Connect your interests to the job. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Spaghetti-Tacos | How to Make Spaghetti Tacos | If you want to make spaghetti tacos, boil spaghetti noodles according to the package directions, then strain the noodles and set them aside. Either make your own spaghetti sauce or heat up a prepared sauce, then mix that with the cooled noodles. You can even use leftover spaghetti, if you want! Spoon the prepared spaghetti into crunchy or soft taco shells and enjoy! | Prepare the spaghetti as desired. Follow the directions on the packaging for best results. Choose which kind of noodles, toppings, and sauces you want. Strain the cooked spaghetti and put it to one side. Allowing it to cool just a little is important to ensure that it isn't too moist or warm for the taco. Make the sauce and heat it up. Use Bolognese sauce with a Twist or anything similar. If making your own sauce, reduce the moisture content as much as possible in order to prevent it from being too runny) Mix the sauce with the pasta. You'll want the spaghetti to soak up the flavor of the sauce. This is easiest done in a small bowl for each serving. Doing it this way can ensure a good consistency for each taco. If necessary, you might consider straining meat sauce through a strainer or cheesecloth before mixing with the spaghetti noodles. For runny sauce this will help to cut down on the liquid.) Spoon the prepared spaghetti into the taco shells. Use a high-sided pan to put them into and keep them upright as you work through all of the tacos you're filling. After filling the tacos, sprinkle on the prepared peppers or parsley to taste. Cheese is another good topping. If you want to melt the cheese, place the filled taco shells into the oven to crisp for five minutes, then remove and allow to cool for a minute prior to eating. Finished. | Prepare the spaghetti as desired. Strain the cooked spaghetti and put it to one side. Make the sauce and heat it up. Mix the sauce with the pasta. Spoon the prepared spaghetti into the taco shells. After filling the tacos, sprinkle on the prepared peppers or parsley to taste. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Letter-Requesting-Non-Deportation-of-a-Person | How to Write a Letter Requesting Non Deportation of a Person | If you need to write a letter requesting the non-deportation of someone, make sure to use an argument that a judge will respond to positively. For example, a judge may cancel a deportation because of the person's familial ties in the United States, their work record, community service, or ties to a business property. As you write, be sincere and write from the heart explaining why the person shouldn't be deported. When formatting your letter, use the first paragraph to introduce yourself and your relationship to the requestor, then use the body of the letter to explain your reasoning and recommend that they not be deported. Make sure to sign the letter and include your contact information so the judge can reach you directly. | Understand the need for the letter. Under federal law, non-citizens who commit certain crimes can be deported. However, some people may qualify to apply for pardons. The pardon is called a “Cancellation of Removal.” These people can complete an application and give it to the judge in their removal proceedings. As part of the application, the non-citizen can submit letters from friends, families, and others. These letters can argue why the detained person should be allowed to stay in the country. Once a judge decides that a person qualifies for a pardon, then the judge must weigh the good things about the person against the bad things they have done. Ultimately, the judge must decide if the person “deserves” to stay in the country. The purpose of the letter is to bolster the judge's sense of the worth and value of the applicant. Understand what judges are looking for. The immigration judge will read the letter to get a better sense of the applicant as a person. Positive factors the judge will consider include: family ties in the United States how hard the removal will be on the person's family the applicant's work record ties to business or property community service successful rehabilitation from drugs or other criminal behavior good character Speak to the requestor. Before drafting the letter, you should try to understand why the requestor has asked you to write the letter. Does he or she want you to highlight specific incidents that illustrate good character? Is there something specific that the requestor wants you to write? You should try to understand why you were asked. Since the person requesting the letter could be in detention, communication could be difficult. If the person has a lawyer, you may want to speak to the lawyer. Although the lawyer cannot share confidential details about the case, you could use the lawyer as a go-between who can ask the requestor what the letter should be about. Give yourself time to write the letter. Ideally, you will have a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, you may be rushed to produce a letter within a day or two. No matter how much time you have, you should clear out a couple hours to sit down and outline what you want to say. Try to think of concrete examples to support any judgment you make. Even if you are talking about your feelings, you should be able to use specific examples to support your point. For example, suppose you want to explain why you would miss your daughter terribly if she is deported. You can support that statement by explaining how you grew closer by coming to the United States, since your daughter helped translate for you and helps you pay your bills. These details explain why you will miss her. Commit to being sincere. If you are writing a letter in support of a family member, then you should write from the heart. If you are supporting an employee or a member of your organization (church, volunteer organization, etc.), then you should focus on being honest. Because sincerity is so important, you should not copy other people's letters. Although you can look at sample letters to get a handle on formatting and length, you should always use your own words and ideas. Insert the date and a salutation. At the top of the letter, you should include the date. A couple lines down, include the salutation. Since you are addressing a judge, your salutation should read, “Dear Immigration Judge” or “Your Honorable Immigration Judge.” If you know the requestor in a professional capacity, then you should use letterhead. Include an introduction. Use the first paragraph to introduce yourself. State your name, age, relationship to the requestor, address, occupation and immigrant status. Also state how long you have known the requestor. If you are relative, you will state your relationship to the person detained: “I am Imelda Sanchez, the wife of Richard Sanchez. We have been married for six years and have known each other for nine years total. Richard is the father of my two children, Emily and Michael.” Alternately, if you are an employer, you would state that fact: “I am Bob Akin, the sole owner of Akin Carpentry, where I have supervised Simon Alfred for the past eighteen months.” Explain why the requestor should not be deported. In the second paragraph, you need to explain why you believe the person should not be removed from the country. Here is where you should refer to the reason why the requestor has asked you to write the letter. For example, if you are a family member, then you will want to describe the impact removal will have on your family. Describe in sufficient detail how the family relies on this person to pay bills and buy food. You should also describe the emotional ties the family shares with the detained person. You could write, “My children and I rely on my husband every day. Without his job as a construction worker, we would not have enough money to pay the rent on our two bedroom apartment or to put much food on the table. Because of my disability, I have only been able to work part-time and therefore cannot support my two children on my own. Even more important is the love and support my husband provides our family.” Again, it is important to use your own words; explain your situation in sufficient detail. Alternately, you might have been asked to write a letter because you live in the country that the detainee would be deported back to. In your letter, you could explain the hardships that the person would face. For example, the person may face religious persecution or extreme poverty. Describe work ethic, if relevant. If the requestor is an employee or volunteer, then you will want to include the requestor's job title as well as their skills. Include information about the dates and location of employment and be detailed about why you find the requestor a good employee. Immigration judges are looking to see that those applying for Cancellation of Removal are hard-working and will be productive members of society should they stay. For example, you could write, “I have employed Mr. Alfred as a carpenter for the past eighteen months, beginning in March 2014 and ending when he was arrested by immigration officials. During that time, he never missed a day of work and even showed up when sick. He arrived on time and never left early, unlike my other employees.” You should also state your opinion of the requestor's honesty and trustworthiness. Be specific. For example, do not simply state, “I trust Mr. Alfred a lot.” That is too general—and unpersuasive. You will need details to show the reader why you believe the requestor has the character traits you say he does. Instead, you could write: “Within two months I felt comfortable leaving Mr. Alfred to supervise the other two workers on our team, whenever I had to go to the hardware store or to meet with a client. He supervised the other workers and made sure that they completed tasks on time. Within another four months, I trusted him to talk to clients directly. Just before his arrest, he was helping me collect payments from clients.” Conclude with a heartfelt recommendation. The letter should close with a strong recommendation that the requestor not be deported. You can write, “Based on my close acquaintance with Ms. Amaya, I strongly recommend that she not be deported.” Add your contact information. In the final paragraph, include contact information so that the judge can reach you if necessary. Include your phone number and email address (if applicable) at the end of the letter. If your mailing address has not been included as part of the letterhead, then include the mailing address here as well. Also specify what times are best for reaching you. After adding the contact information, insert “Sincerely” and then space down a few lines and type your name. Sign the letter. Use blue or black ink. Because the requestor is in the middle of deportation proceedings, you should have the letter notarized. Accordingly, you should wait to sign the letter until you appear before the notary public. Be sure to bring sufficient personal identification. A valid driver's license or passport should be sufficient. To find a notary near you, use the locator from the American Society of Notaries. Notaries may also be found at most large banks or at courthouses. | Understand the need for the letter. Understand what judges are looking for. Speak to the requestor. Give yourself time to write the letter. Commit to being sincere. Insert the date and a salutation. Include an introduction. Explain why the requestor should not be deported. Describe work ethic, if relevant. Conclude with a heartfelt recommendation. Add your contact information. Sign the letter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Escape-from-Being-Tied-Up | How to Escape from Being Tied Up | To escape from being tied up, tense your muscles while your captors are tying you, since this will increase the size of your arms and legs. Then, when you relax again, the rope will be less tight and easier to escape from. Additionally, hold your knuckles from both hands together as they're being tied, as this will create a gap between your wrists. Once the captors have left the room, rotate your wrists back and forth to loosen the bonds. You could also try finding a hard object to rub the rope against, like the corner of a cement wall, to cut through it. | Position yourself to avoid being tied tightly. The more loosely you're bound, the easier it will be for you to escape. Resist letting your captors tie you as tightly as possible. For example, if your wrists are being tied in front of you, hold your knuckles from both hands together, and pull your hands in towards your chest. Although it looks like you're cooperating, this gesture will create a gap between your wrists. Alternatively, you can present your hands to be tied with both hands in front of you, crossed at the wrist. Rotate your lower wrist about 45 degrees while you're being tied, so that, once the ropes are tight, you can straighten out your wrist and loosen the rope. Make a lot of noise. Most people deep down do not want to inflict more discomfort or suffering than necessary. Cry out in pain--even if you are not. Complain. Let the tears flow. Talk to them and try to manipulate them. Make it mentally more difficult to tighten those bonds tighter. Make the task difficult. Most people are not experts in rope tying, knots, and techniques. Usually the average person without formal training (such as a person proficient in working with cattle) does not do an adequate job. If you are thrashing around, resisting, and generally being a physical challenge the task is all that much more difficult. Tense all of your muscles while you are being tied up. If more than just your wrists or ankles are being bound, this will help you escape. When your muscles are tensed, they expand and take up more room than when they're relaxed. This will make your body larger, while your captors are tying you tightly. Consequently, when you relax your muscles, your body will shrink slightly and the ropes will be looser, giving your more room to move and eventually escape. This is a technique used by most escape artists and allows the ropes to be slightly looser when you relax you muscles. If captors are tying a rope around your chest, take a deep breath and expand your lungs as much as possible. If you can make a loose spot big enough to do so, slip out of it. Wriggle out of the ropes around your hands. Once your captors have turned their backs or left the room you're in, rotate your wrists back and forth to loosen them. You can also use your teeth to pull on one strand of the rope to make it looser. As the ropes continue to loosen, you may be able to wriggle out of them. If your hands are tied to your torso or sides, wriggle your hands until they're at a narrower part of your body (such as directly in front of you). The ropes will be looser here, and you'll be able to slip out. If your arms are pinned to your stomach, chest or torso, bend one arm upwards and try lifting the bonds. If the rope is at all lose, you may be able to slip it off over your head. Try to cut the ropes around your wrists. You need your hands to untie any other ropes, so always begin by freeing your hands. Ropes (and also phone and electrical cords) can be cut through with friction, so you'll need to find a hard object to rub the binding ropes against. Look for surfaces like an exposed corner of a cement wall, a table edge, or a granite countertop. If you're alone in a room, look around for a sharp object, such as a knife, scissor blade, etc. If you use one of these objects to cut the rope while your hands are tied, take care not to cut or injure yourself. If you have a key or small knife in your pocket, try to get it out without anyone noticing. If you can cut the ropes quickly, you'll be well on your way to escaping. Kick off your shoes before you free your feet and legs. If your hands are impossible to free, you may need to free your feet first. Kick off your shoes, as it will be easier to slip the ropes if you are just wearing socks. Then, see if the rope is loose enough to wriggle out of—if it's not, bend over and try untying the knot with your teeth. Once your feet are free, use your tied hands to pull the leg bonds down until they have gone off over your feet. Plan your moment of escape carefully. Don't plan to run out the door as soon as you're free; you'll need to make a tactical exit. You should bide your time and pick the best possible moment to escape. When your captors have turned their backs or left the room, make your break. Get far away as quickly as you can. If you expect to be pursued by your captors, try to blend in or hide in your environment, and arm yourself (for example, with a piece of rebar) if needed. Also, you can gather information about your captors that could help the police track them down. Pay attention to their looks and physical appearance, any tattoos and scars, and the sound of their voices. Break the locking mechanism on the zip ties. This is the weakest point on the zip tie, and will be the easiest to break. To break the ties, form your hands into fists with the knuckles pressed together Raise your bound hands above your head, then bring them down sharply. At the same time, pull your elbows apart and press your wrists hard into your abdomen. This should exert enough pressure to snap the lock mechanism on the zip ties. If your hands are bound in front of you, tighten the zip tie as much as possible, as it will be more fragile when fully taut. A looser zip tie will be harder to break free from. Cut through the zip ties with friction. If you can maneuver yourself to a hard surface, rub the band of the zip ties over the surface repeatedly to build up friction and, eventually, cut through the zip ties. Paracord or Kevlar string are heat resistant and can be used to create enough friction to cut through zip ties or rope. If you're concerned you may be tied up, or traveling in a dangerous area, consider replacing your shoelaces with paracord or Kevlar string. To escape, tie your shoelaces from both feet together, with the knot between your bound wrists. Then use a “bicycle” motion to create friction and cut your zip ties off. Slip out from the zip ties. When you're being tied, clench your fists tightly to expand the muscles in your wrists. This will make your wrists larger, and make your bonds looser once you've relaxed your hands. If you do this correctly, you should be able to wriggle your hands out of the zip ties, without injuring yourself. If you've been tied tightly, rotate your hands and move your wrists back and forth against each other. This may loosen the plastic zip cords, and create enough room for you to slip your hands free. This may take time, so make sure your captors don't observe you trying to escape. Break the tape in front of you. Although duct tape is incredibly adhesive, it is still vulnerable to tears and breaks. If your hands are bound in front of you, raise them above your head, and then bring them down quickly against your abdomen, pulling your elbows apart at the same time. Unlike zip ties, breaking duct tape in this method is unlikely to cut your wrists. Chew through the duct tape. Since duct tape is not quite as sturdy as rope, it can be bent and torn more easily. Use this to your advantage. You may be able to chew through it, or use your teeth to tear the tape, and then pry the tape apart. If you can't break the tape with your teeth, try to peel it away from your skin with your teeth or mouth. This will give your more space to wriggle out of the tape. Get the duct tape wet in order to loosen it. Like any other type of tape, duct tape loses nearly all of its adhesive quality when it is wet. If you are near water bottles or a natural water source (even if there's water on the floor or in a sink of the room where you're tied), get to the water and moisten the tape. After a period of time, the tape will loosen and you'll be able to pull your hands or feet out. If you can lick or spit on the duct tape, even saliva from your mouth will help loosen the adhesion. | Position yourself to avoid being tied tightly. Tense all of your muscles while you are being tied up. Wriggle out of the ropes around your hands. Try to cut the ropes around your wrists. Kick off your shoes before you free your feet and legs. Plan your moment of escape carefully. Break the locking mechanism on the zip ties. Cut through the zip ties with friction. Slip out from the zip ties. Break the tape in front of you. Chew through the duct tape. Get the duct tape wet in order to loosen it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Strawberry-Banana-Smoothie | How to Make a Strawberry Banana Smoothie | If you want to make a banana and strawberry smoothie, start by slicing 1 cup (128g) of strawberries and 1 banana into 1-inch pieces. Add the fruit to a blender before pouring in 1 cup (240ml) of milk. Use skim milk if you'd like a light smoothie and whole milk if you want it to be richer. Next, include 1/4 cup (32g) of sugar substitute or 1 tablespoon of honey. To finish, put 4-6 ice cubes in the blender before blending the mixture for 45-60 seconds. Serve and enjoy! | Prep the fruit, then add them into the blender. Rinse, hull, and slice 1 cup (144 grams) of strawberries. Next, peel a banana, and slice it into 1-inch (2.54-centimeter) pieces. Toss everything into a blender. Add 1 cup (240 milliliters) of milk. For a lighter, healthier smoothie, use skim milk. For a richer smoothie, you can use whole milk instead. If you are vegan, try almond milk or coconut milk. Add ¼ cup (55 grams) of sugar substitute. You can use a little less, if you prefer a less-sweet smoothie. If you don't have any sugar substitute, you can use white or brown sugar instead, although you may want to adjust the amount. For a healthier smoothie, use 1 tablespoon (22.5 grams) of honey instead. Add 4 to 6 ice cubes. Because you are using fresh fruit, your smoothie will turn out very thin. The ice will thicken it up. Blend everything together until evenly combined. This will take about 45 to 60 seconds. From time to time, you may need to pause the blender, and scrape any unblended fruit towards the bottom with a rubber spatula. Taste the smoothie and make any adjustments. If the smoothie is too thin, add some ice or more strawberries/bananas. If it's too thick, add some milk. Blend the smoothie after each addition that you make. Pour and serve the smoothie. Distribute the smoothie between two tall glasses. Garnish each one with a slice of strawberry or banana, if desired, and serve promptly. Prep the bananas and strawberries, then add them to a blender. Peel one banana, then slice it into 1-inch (2.54-centimeter) pieces. Rinse 2 cups (288 grams) of strawberries, then hull and slice them. Toss both the strawberries and the banana into a blender. Add 1 cup (250 grams) of non-fat Greek yogurt. You also use plain or full-fat yogurt. For extra sweetness, you could try vanilla yogurt instead. Add 2 teaspoons of your choice of sweetener. Honey will give the best flavor, but you can also try agave nectar, maple syrup, or even plain sugar. If you are using vanilla yogurt, however, you may want to skip on the sweetener. Consider adding some ice for a thicker smoothie. You don't really have to do this, as the yogurt will give the smoothie a thick base. If you want something thicker, however, you can add up to 1 cup (140 grams) of ice. Pulse the blender until everything is combined. This will only take about 45 seconds. If the ingredients are not blending smoothly, pause the blender, and use a rubber spatula to scrape any un-mixed smoothie towards the bottom. Taste and adjust the consistency. Give the smoothie a quick taste. If it is not sweet enough, add some more of your sweetener. If it is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it's too thin, add some ice cubes. Be sure to blend the smoothie after each addition you make. Serve the smoothie. Divide it evenly between two tall glasses. Add a straw into each one, and serve immediately. If you want a fancier smoothie, add a banana or strawberry slice over the rim of the glass. Switch out the yogurt, milk, and ice for frozen bananas to make it vegan. Puree the strawberries in a blender first, then add the bananas. Blend everything together, then give it a taste. Add in your choice of sweeter, if needed, and blend one last time. Divide the smoothie between two cups, and serve. 4 bananas, sliced and frozen 2 cups (288 grams) strawberries, sliced 2 tablespoons (45 grams) agave nectar, date honey, or maple syrup (optional) Give the smoothie a tropical twist with orange juice. Place all of the ingredients into a blender. If you want a thicker, colder smoothie, be sure to use frozen bananas. Blend the ingredients until everything is smooth, then pour the smoothie into two glasses. Serve the smoothies immediately. 2 bananas, sliced 1 cup (144 grams) strawberries, sliced ½ (120 milliliters) cup orange juice 6 ounces (165 grams) low-fat vanilla yogurt Use frozen strawberries and orange juice for a tropical vegan smoothie. Place all of the ingredients listed below into a blender. Blend them together until everything is smooth, about 1 minute; pause the blender and scrape down the sides as needed. Pour the smoothie into a tall glass, and serve it promptly. 1½ cups (216 grams) strawberries, sliced and frozen 1 banana, sliced ½ cup (120 milliliters) orange juice Add some oats for extra fiber and texture. Place all of the ingredients listed below into a blender. Pulse the blender until everything is smooth. From time to time, you may want to pause the blender, and use a rubber spatula to scrape down any un-mixed smoothie. Distribute the smoothie between two glasses, and serve right away. 1 cup (240 milliliters) unsweetened almond milk or skim milk ½ cup (125 grams) fat-free plain Greek yogurt 2 cups (288 grams) strawberries, sliced and frozen 1½ ripe medium bananas, sliced ½ cup (40 grams) quick oats or old fashioned oats 1 tablespoon (22.5 grams) honey ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Use yogurt and chia seeds for an extra dose of protein. Place all of the ingredients listed below into a blender. Pulse the blender until everything is smooth. From time to time, pause the blender, and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula. Add more honey if desired, then pour it into a tall glass and serve it immediately. 1 cup (250 grams) plain or Greek yogurt ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk of choice 1½ cups (216 grams) strawberries, sliced and frozen 1 banana, sliced 1 tablespoon (10 grams) chia seeds 1 teaspoon honey Try a vegan chia smoothie instead. Whisk the chia seeds with ½ cup (120 milliliters) of the almond milk, then refrigerate for 10 minutes. Blend the bananas with the rest of the almond milk, then add the strawberries and blend again. Add in the chia seed mixture, and blend until smooth. Pour into two glasses and serve promptly. 2 tablespoons (20 grams) chia seeds 1½ cups (350 milliliters) almond milk, divided 2 medium bananas, sliced and frozen 2½ cups (360 grams) strawberries, sliced and frozen Make a smoothie bowl for a more filling meal. Blend together the frozen banana, strawberries, and coconut milk until smooth. Pour the mixture into a bowl, then top it off with fresh strawberry and banana slices. Add a handful of freeze-dried strawberries and bananas, and a sprinkle of chia seeds. Arrange these as beautifully as you can, then dig in! 1 banana, frozen 1½ cups (216 grams) strawberries, sliced and frozen ½ cup (120 milliliters) unsweetened coconut milk | Prep the fruit, then add them into the blender. Add 1 cup (240 milliliters) of milk. Add ¼ cup (55 grams) of sugar substitute. Add 4 to 6 ice cubes. Blend everything together until evenly combined. Taste the smoothie and make any adjustments. Pour and serve the smoothie. Prep the bananas and strawberries, then add them to a blender. Add 1 cup (250 grams) of non-fat Greek yogurt. Add 2 teaspoons of your choice of sweetener. Consider adding some ice for a thicker smoothie. Pulse the blender until everything is combined. Taste and adjust the consistency. Serve the smoothie. Switch out the yogurt, milk, and ice for frozen bananas to make it vegan. Give the smoothie a tropical twist with orange juice. Use frozen strawberries and orange juice for a tropical vegan smoothie. Add some oats for extra fiber and texture. Use yogurt and chia seeds for an extra dose of protein. Try a vegan chia smoothie instead. Make a smoothie bowl for a more filling meal. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Unclog-a-Sink-Naturally | How to Unclog a Sink Naturally | To unclog a sink naturally, straighten a wire coat hanger, feed the curved hook into your drain, and use it to pull the clog out or break it up. You can also pour ½ a cup of baking soda down your drain followed by ½ a cup of distilled vinegar. Let the mixture bubble and fizz for 15 minutes as the chemicals react and push the clog through the drain, then run hot water down your drain. Alternatively, try mixing 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 1 quart of cold water and pouring it down your drain. Give it 20-30 minutes to work before you rinse it with warm water. | Try a plunger. The plunger can unclog your sink just as easily as it can unclog your toilet. Be sure to clean the plunger before using it on the sink, though, or purchase a new plunger for use in the sink. Cover the drain opening completely with the plunger. If you have a double sink, plug the drain you aren't plunging so you get full suction. Pump the plunger up and down several times to loosen the clog. Remove the plunger after a minute or so of work to see if water will flow down the sink. If the sink is still clogged, continue to plunge to further loosen the blockage. Use a wire coat hanger. Bend a wire coat hanger into a straight line, with the curved hook at one end. Slide the wire hook-first down your clogged drain and see if you can hook and remove or otherwise break apart any portions of the blockage. Push the hanger down until you feel some resistance. Then, wiggle the hanger up and down and side to side to try to get it to latch onto the block. Once you believe you have hooked the block, pull the hanger up to clear out whatever you have caught. If you do not feel resistance as you push the hanger down, chances are your clog is lower and you need a specialty tool. Snake your drain. A drain snake is a long metal cable with a coil or auger on the end that helps manually remove blockages from drains. Purchase a drain snake appropriately sized for your sink at your local hardware or home improvement store to help you clear stubborn blocks. Feed the snake into the drain and push down until you feel some resistance from the clog. Be careful if you have older metal pipes because you could puncture the trap. Once you've hit the clog, turn the cable clockwise for three to four full rotations, then pull up somewhat. If you feel some resistance, you have likely hooked on the clogged matter. Continue to rotate the drain snake until you have pushed through the entirety of the clog and started to break it into smaller pieces. When you feel resistance start to lessen, pull the snake out slowly and remove what's left of the clog from the end of the auger. Check to make sure your drain is unclogged. If water still doesn't flow down it properly, repeat the snake process. Once the drain is flowing, run hot water down the pipes for 5 minutes to clean them. Find a natural drain cleaner. Some green cleaning lines offer enzyme-based drain cleaners that may help you loosen or unclog your drain. These cleaners eat away at so-called biofilm, and thus work best on organic clogs such as hair, soap, and grease. Environmentally-friendly drain cleaners are often cited as working best on minor to moderate blockages, and they are unlikely to clear a major block. Use the vinegar and baking soda method. Baking soda and vinegar may help loosen clogs in your drain by dissolving and pushing gas into the clog. Try to avoid using it on metallic pipes, though, as the baking soda may corrode the pipe surface and leach metals from your water into your pipes. Remove your drain cover and pour half a cup of baking soda directly down your drain. You may want to use a funnel to help get the product down. Follow the baking soda with half a cup of distilled white vinegar. Allow the mixture to bubble and fizz in the drain for up to 15 minutes. Once the bubbling has stopped, wash your drain out with your tap water on its hottest setting. Make a hydrogen peroxide solution. Make a solution of one cup of hydrogen peroxide for every quart of cold water. Pour this down the drain and allow to sit for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing out using tap water on its warmest setting. Be cautious when using hydrogen peroxide, as concentrated versions of it can cause chemical burns to the skin if not monitored properly. Do not use hydrogen peroxide if you previously tried a baking soda cleaner. Call a plumber. If your clog persists after you have tried multiple natural unclogging methods, you may need to contact a local plumber to assist with your clog. Let the plumber know what methods you have already tried to unclog your sink so that they can avoid using products that may cause a negative chemical reaction. Check local listing online or in the phonebook to see if there is a plumber near you that is environmentally-conscious. Keep food out. Even if you have a garbage disposal, it is recommended that you keep food out of your drains as much as possible. Scrape food off into the trash can before rinsing, and use the disposal only for those small pieces that could not make it to the trash. Never pour grease or oils into the drain. If you must use your disposal, be sure to put small amounts of food down at a time and run plenty of water while the disposal is running. Install screens. Install screens or use drain catchers in your bathroom and kitchen sinks to help prevent hair, food products, and other debris from going down the drain. Drain catches are often affordable and can generally be found at home goods and home improvement stores. Drain screens are also advisable for shower and tub drains to help prevent hairs from causing clogs in your pipes. Run hot water. Help break apart grease and dirt by running hot water down your drain once a week or after heavy use. Turn your tap water onto it hottest setting, and allow water to flow down your pipes for two to three minutes to help loosen potential clog-causing debris. Periodically fill up sinks and bathtubs with hot water and drain them to keep your pipes clean. Do not heat tap water by boiling or microwaving it, as water that is too hot has the potential to harm your pipes. | Try a plunger. Use a wire coat hanger. Snake your drain. Find a natural drain cleaner. Use the vinegar and baking soda method. Make a hydrogen peroxide solution. Call a plumber. Keep food out. Install screens. Run hot water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Tambola | How to Play Tambola | The goal of tambola is to be the first player to cross off all the numbers on your card. To set up the game, fill a container with tiles or pieces of paper numbered up to 90 and hand every player a tambola card. You can buy premade cards or use a number generator to make your own cards. Once everyone has a card, the caller will draw out a number and call it out to everyone playing. If a player has that number on their card, they cross the number off with a pencil. Whoever crosses off all of the numbers on their card first wins. For a shorter game, play until one player crosses off 5 numbers in the same row. When a player wins, they stand up and call out that they've won. The caller will then check their card against the numbers they drew. | Decide on the winning point for the game. The winning point of the game is the rule that determines how a player can win. The caller will let everyone know before playing the game what the winning point is. A popular winning point for tambola games is full house, which means that the ticket with all of the numbers struck first wins. Early 5 is another common winning point option. The player who first strikes 5 numbers in any row wins. This is best if you only want to play a short game. First row is another winning point alternative. This means that the player who is first to strike all of the numbers along the top row wins. Corners is another winning point option if you want to play a short game. The player who can strike each number in the 4 corners of the ticket first, wins. This means that the first and last numbers of the top and bottom rows will be crossed out. There are many variations on what the winning point can be for the game. If you are organizing the game, feel free to make up your own winning point, or explore the many ideas available either online or with other tambola players. Designate a tambola caller. Choose a person who is confident and can speak loudly and clearly. They will be responsible for drawing out the numbers and calling them to the audience. This person will also be responsible for verifying any potential winning tickets to make sure that the numbers are correct. The caller doesn't have to be the caller for all of the rounds. If you are playing multiple rounds of tambola, pick a different caller for each round so that everyone have have a turn to play. Give each player a tambola ticket, and a pen or a pencil. Each player will need a new ticket for each round. If you are playing informally with family or friends, hand a ticket out to each person. If you are playing a commercial game, each player will purchase their own ticket before the game begins. Tambola tickets have 3 horizontal rows and 9 vertical columns, which makes 27 boxes in total. There are 5 numbers in each horizontal row, with the remaining 4 boxes randomly blocked out. The first column has numbers from 1-9, the second from 10-19, and so on, up to the number 90. You can purchase tambola tickets online, or you can make your own using a random number generator. Make sure that each person has a pen or pencil before the game begins so that they can cross off the numbers as they are called. Set up the box or container that holds the numbers. Place all of the numbers from 1-90 into the container. Make sure that the sides of the box aren't transparent so that the caller can't see what number they are drawing. Fit the lid to the box so that the caller can shake the box before calling each number. If you are playing at a big, commercial game, there will usually be a machine that will draw the numbers for the caller. Draw a number and call it out to the audience if you are the caller. Shake the box containing the numbers, and choose 1 without looking at it. Read the number loudly and clearly to everyone playing, so that they can strike it off their ticket if necessary. Some experienced callers like to use nicknames for the numbers that they read out to make the game more fun. However, they will always say the actual name for the number too. Some nicknames for the numbers include “Lone ranger” for the number 1, “Colors of the rainbow” for the number 7, and “Valentine's Day” for the number 14. If you play tambola regularly with family or friends, come up with your own nickname for each number to make the game more interesting. Strike the numbers off as they are called if you are playing the game. As the caller reads out each number, check the appropriate column to see if you can strike a number off. If you don't have the number that has been called out on your ticket, wait for the next number to be called. Claim for the winning point if you think you have one. Be ready to stand up and shout if you think that you have won the game! Often you can only win the game if you announce that you have won immediately, rather than waiting until after the next number has been called. If you miss your chance to announce that you have won, you will usually miss out on your entitlement to the prize. More than 1 person may realize that they have the winning point after a number is called. In this case, the first person to announce it goes to the caller to have their ticket verified. Verify the winning point if you are the caller. Check the tambola ticket to see if the winning point has been awarded by the last number called. Announce to the group playing if that particular player has won or not. If the player has won, this often ends the game. However you can decide to keep playing if you want to draw for second and third prizes. If the player doesn't have a winning point, keep calling numbers and playing the game until someone wins. Award the prize to the winner. If there are prizes for the winning ticket or tickets, give these out to the players. The prizes are usually cash. For an informal game with family or friends, you can be more creative with the prizes. Try a voucher to a local restaurant, a delicious treat, a flower bouquet, or a certificate with the winners name on it. | Decide on the winning point for the game. Designate a tambola caller. Give each player a tambola ticket, and a pen or a pencil. Set up the box or container that holds the numbers. Draw a number and call it out to the audience if you are the caller. Strike the numbers off as they are called if you are playing the game. Claim for the winning point if you think you have one. Verify the winning point if you are the caller. Award the prize to the winner. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Let-Go-of-Your-Ego | How to Let Go of Your Ego | To let go of your ego, make an effort to be more mindful of the present moment so you're not dwelling on the past or stressing out about the future. Also, try to stop hiding behind walls or pretending to be someone you're not, which is just your ego trying to protect itself. Instead, express how you really feel, and don't be afraid to be vulnerable with people. Additionally, let go of any fears your ego is holding onto by facing them and putting yourself out of your comfort zone. | Be present in your daily life. Attend to each moment as it occurs. This means spending less time and energy focused on the past or the future. Instead of stewing over mistakes you've made or feeling anxious over what is to come, connect to the present by connecting to your senses. Your senses are always in the moment, so more awareness of them can help you feel grounded in the here and now. For example, tune into each sense, one by one. Start by listening to all the sounds around you, such as the air conditioner or traffic going by. Then, focus on your sight and drink in all of the colors, textures, and depths that surround you. Continue with each sense. Meditate to detach from your ego. Meditation can help you detach from the thoughts that float through your head and connect you with a feeling of peace. When you meditate, detach from your thoughts and feelings and remember that they are not who you are. Do a mantra meditation where you focus on one word, such as 'compassion,' 'peace,' or 'love.' this focuses your concentration externally and allows you to connect with these words. You can also do the loving kindness meditation , which places your focus on yourself and other people in your life by sending them kind and loving sentiments. Practice gratitude daily. Get in the habit of expressing gratitude each day. You may want to start your day by thinking of what you are grateful for or end your day by creating your gratefulness list. Write 3 things each day that you are grateful for to keep a positive approach to every day. This can also help you focus less on yourself and more on the people and things around you. Start a gratitude journal to get in the habit of giving thanks daily. Allow yourself to experience silence. It's easy to tune into sounds all around you, whether they be noises from outside, other people, or even your own thoughts. Find a place that you can comfortably experience silence from the outside noises and inside chatter. Quiet your thoughts and just be. Silence can feel anxiety-provoking at first. Stick with it and learn to let go of the things around you, including your own thoughts and judgments. Express yourself authentically. Pretending you're tough or that things don't bother you is part of your ego. Find ways to express yourself through art, dance, journaling, or talking to someone you trust. Express the parts of yourself that feel most authentically you. By having an outlet for expression, you can open yourself up deeply instead of hiding behind walls or pretending to be someone you are not. There are no parts of yourself that you need to shun. Tell yourself you can reach your goals. Your ego can trap you into thinking you can't do something or lack skills or abilities to try something new. Part of letting go of your ego means talking back to that voice that says that you'll look silly or that people will think you're strange if do something different or new. If you have a voice in your head that says you can't or you shouldn't do something, don't let it keep you from your dreams. Let go of fear. Fear can hold you back and make you feel unworthy or undeserving. Your ego might hold onto fear, especially if you want to let it go. Confront the fears you have and be willing to take them on. Knowing that you can face things that scare you can build courage and begin to dismantle your ego. Engage in activities that make you feel slightly fearful. For example, you may want to try a new food, begin a new hobby, or start dating again. Develop personal insight. Instead of responding as you usually do to life, think about why you think or act a certain way. Building insight into your motives, defenses, conflicts, and interactions can be done by taking a step back before you respond to something. You can also gain insight into past events by thinking about your motivations regarding your behavior. For example, if you blew up at a family member this morning, ask yourself, “What made me lose my temper?” You might begin to realize that you feel agitated when you don't get enough sleep or when you feel rushed. Recognize that your things don’t define you. Your ego might tell you that you have to have the nicest house, the best clothes, and the fanciest car in order to look good and keep up with those around you. If this sounds like you, remember that things don't define you and are not who you are. People generally appreciate your character and who you are over what things you have. Instead of focusing on things, focus on your character. Aim to be kind, respectful, and considerate. For example, make a point of saying, "Hello" and "Good morning" to people you pass. Forgive people who have wronged you. Feeling justified, angry, bitter, and resentful often stops people from forgiveness. Holding on to negative thoughts and feelings doesn't help you feel better or encourage you to let go. Consciously free yourself from these feelings by not harboring negativity toward other people. While this may not happen all at once, let go little by little. Forgiveness doesn't mean you forget what happened or pretend like they didn't hurt you. Remember that forgiveness is more for you than it is for anyone else. Write a letter to a person without the intention of giving it to them. Write down the situation and why it upset you, then write that you forgive them. Symbolically release your hurt and pain by burning the letter or tearing it up. Empathize with others. Empathy is a way to relate to other people. Instead of focusing on yourself, you focus on what another person is thinking and feeling so that you can understand them better. Place more focus on understanding the experiences of others to build empathy. For example, imagine what it would be like to live somebody else's life - with all of their circumstances - and how that would make you feel. Be open to other opinions and viewpoints. You'll undoubtedly meet people you disagree with or don't get along with. Instead of digging your heels in further to defend your own thoughts and opinions, hear theirs out. Listen closely and seek to understand other people. Spend less time explaining yourself and more time gaining an understanding of someone else. Your ego will tell you to defend yourself or that the other person's viewpoint is invalid or stupid. Push these thoughts aside and seek to understand the differences more. Stop trying to control other people. If you think that you always know best for other people, recognize that this is part of your ego. Even if you disagree with someone, don't feel the need to tell them what to do or give them advice. While it's nice to be helpful, don't be pushy. If you want to provide your opinion or advice, first ask, “Can I give you my opinion?” or, “Would you like some advice?” | Be present in your daily life. Meditate to detach from your ego. Practice gratitude daily. Allow yourself to experience silence. Express yourself authentically. Tell yourself you can reach your goals. Let go of fear. Develop personal insight. Recognize that your things don’t define you. Forgive people who have wronged you. Empathize with others. Be open to other opinions and viewpoints. Stop trying to control other people. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Out-Blood-Stains | How to Get Out Blood Stains | To get out blood stains that are still fresh, quickly rinse them under cold water to get out most of the blood. Then, cover the stains with liquid dish soap and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it off. For stubborn stains, try applying baking soda or hydrogen peroxide and letting it sit on the stains for 30 minutes. If the blood stains are already dry, make a paste with cornstarch and hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the stains. Once the paste is fully dry, scrape it off. You can also machine wash the stained fabric using bleach to get out the stains. | Flush with cold water. The first step with any fresh blood stain is to flush the stain with cold water. If it is a minimal amount of blood, you may be able to remove the majority of the stain with just cold water. Run the fabric under a cold tap, gently rubbing the stain with the water. Soak your fabric in cold water in your sink to loosen any remaining stain. Wash the material in cold water afterward. Make sure you do not use hot water. This will set the blood into the fabric and make the stain harder to remove. If you don't have access to a tap, you can also put cold water in a bowl or bucket and dunk the fabric in the water. Keep dunking, rubbing and rinsing until the stain is removed. Wash the fabric in cold water afterward. This method works on all kinds of fabrics, such as denim, cotton and linen. Wash with dishwashing liquid. If your stain is too tough for cold water alone, try using dishwashing liquid. Pour 1 tablespoon of liquid directly onto the fabric. Make sure it saturates the fabric. Let the liquid sit on the stain for 15 to 30 minutes. The stain should loosen. Rub cold water over the stain to remove the soap. Wash in cold water. If the stain persists, you may need to repeat this method or try an alternative method. Use bar soap. You can use bar soap for more concentrated stains. Rinse the fabric with cold water. Then, rub the bar of soap into the stain until the fabric lathers. Rub the fabric together to help scrub in the soap and loosen the stain. Rinse the soap and loosened blood out of the fabric. If the stain is still there, reapply the soap. Wash in cold water. Try hydrogen peroxide. You can also try hydrogen peroxide on light-colored or white fabrics. After you rinse with cold water, pour a generous amount of peroxide directly onto the fabric. Rub the peroxide into the fabric to saturate it. Let the peroxide sit on the stain for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Wash the material in cold water. If the stain persists, you can repeat the process. If the peroxide bubbles when it hits the fabric, don't be alarmed. This is a normal response. It means that the peroxide is dissolving the proteins in the blood and lifting out the stain. Make a salt and shampoo stain remover. Instead of buying a stain remover, you can make one at home. Rinse as much blood out as you can with cold water. Next, soak the fabric in cold water for 15 minutes. Ring out the excess water from the fabric. Rub a tablespoon of table salt into the stain on the damp fabric. Pour a tablespoon of shampoo onto the salt and rub the fabric together. Once the shampoo starts to lather, add another tablespoon of salt. Rub the combination into the fabric. Rinse the fabric completely in cold water. Wash the fabric in cold water. This works only on fabrics that do not need special care. Do not use this method on clothes that you would wash on the gentle cycle in your clothes washer. This also works on set-in stains. Use baking soda on delicate fabrics. If you have a blood stain on a delicate garment, you need to use a different kind of stain remover. Soak the garment in cold water for 15 to 30 minutes. Pour a small amount of baking soda onto the fabric. Rub it into the stained area with a nail brush or soft toothbrush. Wash the garment on the delicate cycle in cold water. Soak with pre-treatment remover. If you have a stain that is dry or set-in, you need to pre-treat the fabric. Using a laundry stain remover, spray your fabric with enough liquid to saturate the fabric. Let the stain remover sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water. If the stain is still there, treat the fabric again. Wash the fabric in cold water with an enzyme-based detergent, such as Arm & Hammer, Gain or Tide. If the stain is not removed when you wash the fabric, you need to treat it again before you dry it. Drying the fabric will cook in the blood stain. You can buy stain removers in most grocery stores' laundry sections. Try Resolve Spray & Wash or OxyClean Max Force laundry stain remover. Use diluted ammonia. You don't have to rely on just pre-treatment options. After you treat a stain once with pre-treatment remover, dilute 1 tablespoon of ammonia in 1 cup of water. Dab the stain with a cotton swab or cotton ball soaked in the diluted ammonia. Keep changing the cotton swabs or balls whenever they get saturated with blood residue. You don't want to rub the stain back into the fabric. Let the ammonia solution sit on the fabric for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Wash the fabric in cold water. You can place paper towels behind the fabric you are treating to keep the stain from running onto the fabric behind the stained portion. Paper towels also help absorb the diluted ammonia as you apply it. Do not put ammonia directly onto the fabric. It could discolor the fabric or break down the fabric's fibers. Apply meat tenderizer. If a stain is persistent, you can try unseasoned meat tenderizer on the stain. First, soak your fabric in cold water for several hours. This loosens the stain and helps soften the fabric. Next, mix 1 tablespoon of unseasoned meat tenderizer, such as McCormick's, with 2 teaspoons of water to make a paste. Rub the paste into the blood stain with your fingers. Allow the paste to sit on the stain for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remove the excess paste and wash your item in cold water. Before you apply the meat tenderizer, you can also run your fabric through a cold wash with light, enzyme-based detergents. Use cornstarch and hydrogen peroxide. If you have a stain on a surface, such as a mattress, that is not washable, you need to use different kinds of stain removers. Take 1/2 cup of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of salt and mix them with 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Apply the paste directly to the stain with a spoon. Let the paste sit on the stain until it dries. Then, scrape off the dry paste. If the stain is still present, repeat. You should not use peroxide on dark fabrics unless you first test the peroxide on an area that is not visible. The peroxide can have the same effect as bleach. It can cause the fabric to change colors. Try window cleaner. This cleaner does more than keep your windows shiny. After you rinse your fabric in water, spray a generous amount of window cleaner onto the stain. Rub the liquid into the stain with a toothbrush. Wash the fabric normally. If the stain persists, repeat this method before you dry the fabric. Use bleach. Bleach is an alternative if you have a stubborn blood stain. Soak the fabric in cold water for 30 minutes. Wash the fabric once in cold water with your normal detergent. Next, wash your clothes with your normal detergent but add a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach mixed with one cup of water. The type of bleach you use will depend on the color of fabric. If the fabric is white, you can use traditional bleach. If the fabric is colored, you need to use color safe bleach. Look for color safe bleach that is safe to apply directly to the stained fabric. Rub the color safe bleach into the fabric. Wash the fabric like normal in cold water. Place paper towels behind the stain. Using paper towels is one way to help pull out a stain when you are on the go and can't wash your clothes immediately. Find a few paper towels to place behind the stained part of the fabric. The thicker the paper towels, the better they will be at pulling out the blood and water. You can also use a rag or cloth towel if your have one handy. Rinse the fabric. Take another paper towel and soak it in cold water. Place the saturated paper towel over the stain and apply pressure. The water should pass through the fabric and soak into the paper towels placed behind the stain. Keep soaking the paper towel in water to continue removing the blood from the fabric. If the paper towels behind the stain become saturated, switch them out for dry paper towels. Use hand soap. The water may not pull out all the blood in the fabric. If you have access to a public restroom, use some hand soap. Take another paper towel and soak it in cold water. Rub a small amount of hand soap into the paper towel and dab at the stain. Rinse with clean cold water to remove the soap. Use your saliva. If you don't have access to soap, you can use your saliva. It may sound disgusting, but your saliva is capable of breaking up blood stains because saliva contains an enzyme that will break down the proteins found in the blood stain. After you have rinsed the fabric in cold water, work up a generous amount of saliva in your mouth and spit onto the blood stain. Rub the saliva into the stain, then rinse again with clean cold water. No matter the method you use, try to wash the item in cold water as soon as possible. | Flush with cold water. Wash with dishwashing liquid. Use bar soap. Try hydrogen peroxide. Make a salt and shampoo stain remover. Use baking soda on delicate fabrics. Soak with pre-treatment remover. Use diluted ammonia. Apply meat tenderizer. Use cornstarch and hydrogen peroxide. Try window cleaner. Use bleach. Place paper towels behind the stain. Rinse the fabric. Use hand soap. Use your saliva. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Adjust-Eye-Glasses | How to Adjust Eye Glasses | Before you adjust your eyeglasses, stand in front of a mirror and position the glasses so the middle of the lens is over the center of your eyes. Adjust the temple arms if the glasses look crooked or are tilted heavily. If the lenses rest too high or too low on your face, you probably need to make an adjustment to the nose piece. To make the glasses looser or more tight, bow the earpieces outwards or inwards. For wire frames, bend the pieces with small pliers, and if your frames are plastic, heat them with warm water or a hairdryer, then bend them by hand. | Stand in front of a mirror and look straight ahead. Position the eyeglasses so the middle of the lenses are located in the center of your eyes. This is the optical center and the ideal location for your eyeglasses. All adjustments to your eyeglasses should be made to achieve this optimal position. If you have a bifocal lenses, the line should sit at the lower eyelid. If you have a trifocal lenses, the top line should sit at the bottom of the pupil. Look for issues with the temple arms. If your glasses look crooked or tilted heavily to one side, it is likely the result of crooked temple arms. One way to test the temple arms is to lay your eyeglasses upside down on a flat surface. Both of the temple arms should rest evenly on the flat surface. If they do not, you will need to adjust them. If your eyeglasses appear level on your face but sit crooked when resting on a flat surface, this may mean that one of your ears is higher than the other. The temple arms should be bent to accommodate any differences in ear height. Identify nosepiece problems. Look for the height at which your eyeglasses rest when on your face. If the lenses rest too high up or too low down, it is likely a problem with the nosepiece and you will need to make an adjustment to this part of your glasses. Check for squeezing or slipping. Your glasses may sit centered on your face and at the correct height, but still feel a little bit loose or a little bit tight. You can adjust the tightness/looseness of your glasses by bowing the earpieces outwards or inwards, depending on your needs. The ideal place to make this adjustment is right at the hinge. Bowing the earpieces of the glasses outwards will relieve any unnecessary pressure to the sides of your head or temples while bowing earpieces inwards will help them fit more snugly to the side of your head. Look for slippage. You may find that, despite everything else looking well-fitted, your glasses are still sliding down your face. If this is the case, you can simply make adjustments to the screws that attach the arms to the lenses of the glasses. Level the temple arms. The temple arms extend over and around the ears and hold the frame in place. After determining what adjustments need to be made, you will need to consider the style of glasses you wear, as correcting the problem differs from plastic to wire frames. For wire frames, gently bend the arms with small pliers until they are straight. Put the glasses on and observe in the mirror to see if they are correct. Do not use wire cutters. You must use padded pliers or the frames will likely be damaged. For plastic frames, the plastic on the lower arm must be heated by a warm air source, such as a hair dryer, to make the plastic pliable. Slowly move the plastic upward with your hands until it is in the desired position. Be careful using the hair dryer as you could melt the plastic. Another way to bend plastic frames is to run them under hot water for 15 to 25 seconds before trying to make adjustments. The arm should become pliable enough to adjust, but be careful. The plastic can snap even when heated. Adjust the earpieces. Check the curvature of the earpieces. If the eyeglasses are pinching or digging into your ears or the side of your head, bend the earpiece section of the arms outward. If the glasses are too loose and the glasses are slipping down off your nose, twist the earpieces inwards towards the head. Again, how you achieve this depends on the type of frame you have. For wire frames, this adjustment can be made with pliers, or even your bare hands. For plastic frames, you will need to make the plastic pliable using either heated water or air, before bending the earpiece section of the frames. Tighten the screws on each side of the temple. Doing this will fix glasses that are sliding down your nose and will keep the lenses secure within the frames. This fix will require a very small screwdriver. These small screwdrivers are usually found in standard eyeglass cleaning and repair kits. Take care not to over tighten the screws, or you risk damaging the plastic or metal that they are holding in place. Fix the nose pads for comfort. If the eyeglasses sit too high on your face, the nose pads need to be moved further apart. If the eyeglasses sit too low, then pinch the nose pads closer together. Try to make sure you bend each of the nose pieces together or apart at equal distances to keep the symmetry of your glasses. Make minor adjustments. Never make huge, drastic adjustments to your glasses all at once. It can often be harder to bend eyeglasses back into a proper position after a repair than it is to make the original adjustment. Make minor adjustments, check the glasses, and continue making minor adjustments until they are corrected. Avoid snapping. When making repairs to plastic frames, always apply the least amount of pressure possible to make the necessary adjustments to the glasses. Exerting too much force to heated plastic can cause the frames to snap. Then your glasses will be permanently destroyed. Take precautions. When using pliers to make adjustments to your eyeglass frames, wrap the ends of the pliers in tape. This will help you avoid permanently scratching the frames of the glasses. There is no way to fix these scratches, so while your glasses may fit properly, they will look like a dog chewed them up. Learn about your frames. There are some styles of eyeglasses that are made with materials that can't be adjusted. Frames made of titanium, memory plastic or aluminum alloy are made so that the frame is resistant to bending, manipulation or adjustment. Know when to give up. While simple adjustments to make your eyeglasses fit better can be carried out at home, there may come a time when it is prudent to simply buy new glasses. If you have made multiple adjustments to the frame, nose or earpieces, and the glasses still don't feel right, it is probably time to bite the bullet and buy some new glasses. After years of use, some glasses simply can't be saved. On a side note, it is suggested that you get your eyes checked at least on a yearly basis to make sure the prescription in your lenses is still ideal for your vision. | Stand in front of a mirror and look straight ahead. Look for issues with the temple arms. Identify nosepiece problems. Check for squeezing or slipping. Look for slippage. Level the temple arms. Adjust the earpieces. Tighten the screws on each side of the temple. Fix the nose pads for comfort. Make minor adjustments. Avoid snapping. Take precautions. Learn about your frames. Know when to give up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/File-Divorce-Online | How to File Divorce Online | Before you file for divorce online, make sure you and your spouse agree on the terms of the divorce. If you don't, you may want to hire an attorney instead. If you decide to file online, visit the website for your local court to find the forms you'll need, like a Petition for Divorce, Financial Affidavit, and a custody agreement if you have children. Once you fill out the paperwork, you can e-file online or take the paperwork in to your local clerk. | Decide whether you and your spouse agree on the divorce terms. If you both agree on the conditions of your divorce, you probably can file for divorce without an attorney or by using an online document preparation service. However, if you cannot agree, you will most likely need the assistance of an attorney to protect your interests. If you decide to hire an attorney, she will prepare and file all of your divorce forms with your assistance. In order to file without an attorney, you and your spouse should agree on how your property will be divided, whether one spouse will receive any support (alimony) payments from the other, and the child custody/support arrangement that will be implemented (if you have children). Discuss distribution of property. To understand how a court will divide your property in a divorce, you should determine whether your state is a “community property state” or a “common law property state.” If you live in a “community property” state, spouses are presumed to own all property acquired during the marriage equally. Therefore, all property owned by married persons on the dissolution of a marriage is presumed to be the property of both the husband and the wife equally and together. Likewise, any debts incurred during marriage are presumed to be community debt. Therefore, if you get a divorce in a community property state, it is assumed that you will get 50% of the total property and your spouse will get 50%. If you live in a “common law property” state: property acquired by one member of a married couple during the marriage is owned solely by that person. However, if the title or deed to a piece of property is in the names of both spouses, then that property would belong to both spouses. If spouses living in a common law state divorce, the court will have wide discretion to divide the property of the couple, whether that property is considered “marital” or “separate.” The court will “equitably distribute” the property in the way that the judge thinks is most fair. Even though property acquired during the marriage is deemed “marital property” for purposes of equitable distribution, property that is acquired before the marriage, gifts to one spouse, and inheritance can still be considered “separate” and is more likely to be awarded to the spouse that “acquired” the property, regardless of the equitable distribution. Agree on custody and child support. If you and your spouse have any children, the court will provide for the custody and financial support for those children until they reach age 18 or graduate from high school. The term "custody" in a divorce basically means “who gets the children." Custody: The court that handles a divorce proceeding will determine who will have custody of any children from the marriage. The vast majority of parents are awarded “joint custody” in a divorce, meaning that all rights and duties concerning the children are equally shared. In every case, however, the court must ultimately decide what custody arrangement is in the children's best interest. Visitation: If one parent does not have custody of the children, that parent may still be entitled to visitation. In most states, a parent can be awarded “supervised” or “unsupervised” visitation. Supervised visitation is usually ordered by the court when there is a history of parental abuse from one spouse. Unsupervised visitation can have many different forms, and parents can agree on almost any arrangement. Child support: If one parent has sole custody, or pays for many of the expenses related to the children due to the custody arrangement, that parent is usually entitled to child support for the child. Child support laws differ widely from state to state, but generally, a non-custodial parent can be required to pay 20% of 50% of income for the support to children. Medical care for child: Generally, the non-custodial parent must also contribute to the child's medical expenses, in addition to paying child support. Consider alimony and spousal support. Spousal Maintenance, which is also known as “alimony” or “spousal support,” is a payment ordered to be made from the future income of one spouse for the support of the other spouse. The court's ability to order alimony differs widely from state to state, with some state's courts only able to order it in exceptional circumstances, while other state's courts routinely order payment of alimony. In most states, parties can agree either before the marriage, during the marriage, or after deciding to divorce whether or not alimony will be paid. Determine where you should file. Usually, you must be a resident of the state where you plan to get a divorce. For example, in California and Florida, you must have lived in the state for 6 months preceding your divorce, While in Texas you must have only lived there for 3 months in order to get a divorce. Once you determine which state to get a divorce in, you must also choose the correct county. Choosing the county where you will file for divorce also usually depends on where you live: In Texas and California, you must have lived in the county you file in for 90 days prior to filing, while in Florida you simply file in the county where you or your spouse lives, regardless of the amount of time you have lived there. Gather the forms you need to file for divorce. To fill your forms out online, visit the website for the court where you will file your divorce. Most court websites have links to the forms you need to file for divorce. These forms have the legal language in place with space where you can fill in details for yourself and your spouse. Every state requires specific forms, which could include: Petition for Divorce. Summons: this form causes an officer of the court (either a process server or the sheriff) to contact your spouse and let them know that you are filing for divorce and that they need to respond. This is required as a matter of form, even if you and your spouse have both agreed to the divorce and fill out the paperwork together. Financial Affidavit: you and your spouse fully disclose your financial situation and determine how your assets and debts will be divided. Notice of Hearing: this is filed when the court sets a date for your court hearing. Answer and Affidavit: in some states, if your spouse doesn't want to go to the hearing, he or she can agree to the conditions of the divorce by sending in this document. Settlement Agreement: this lays out the agreement that you and your spouse have come to regarding assets. Custody agreement: if applicable, you will be required to have a form that lays out your custody arraignments. Fill out the required forms online. If your state provides online fillable forms, you will be able to complete them directly on your computer. If you have an attorney, your attorney will fill these out for you and have you review them. Typically, the following information will be required to fill out the forms correctly: your name and your spouse's name, your full address and your spouse's full address, your social security number and your spouse's social security number, your driver's license number (if applicable) and your spouse's driver's license number, the names and ages of any children that you and your spouse have, the date that you and your spouse were married, the date you and your spouse separated, the grounds for divorce (either no-fault or one of the grounds specified in your state laws), whether or not there is a protective order in place (either against you or against your spouse), and what property you and your spouse own. Call your jurisdiction's court clerk's office. If you have any questions about filling out the divorce forms online, call the clerk of court at the court where you will file for divorce. He may be able to answer questions that you may have about the process or the forms. You can also bring in your completed forms for the clerk to look at. Review your State Court’s website for information about divorce and electronic filing (“e-filing”). Some courts allow parties to file their forms online instead of at the courthouse. to determine whether your state allows e-filing, review the court website. Here are some search tips for locating information on e-filing. Use the search function to search for divorce or divorce forms. Look for a “self help” or “self service” link. Look for an “e-filing” link of run a search for e-filing. If the site has a Family Court or Family Law section, look there. Keep in mind that even if your state does allow e-filing, you may have to have an attorney file for you because many courts only make e-file available to attorneys that pay a monthly fee to use the service. Determine whether you must pay a fee to use e-file. If your state allows parties to use e-file without an attorney, see if there is a fee associated with the service. Typically, regardless of whether you file for divorce online or at the courthouse, you will be required to pay a filing fee. The filing fee will vary by state, so make sure you check the court website to determine the fee in your state. You may also have to pay an extra fee to use e-file. However, this fee would probably be fairly low, and is not more than $20 in the majority of states. Use a privately owned online divorce document preparation service if you cannot use e-file. If your state does not have a way for you to fill out and file your forms online, you could use a for-profit business to help you complete your forms. Online preparation services allow you to complete your forms online and then file them for your or give you copies to file yourself. However, keep in mind that these companies all charge a fee (in addition to the filing fee) so make sure that you are aware of how much you will be paying, and what you will get in return. Usually, online document preparation services charge between $199 and $399 to prepare state specific divorce forms. The forms will not be reviewed by an attorney, so there is no guarantee that they have been filled out correctly. If you are considering a document preparation service, check online with the Better Business Bureau at https://www.bbb.org/ https://www.bbb.org/ to make sure that the company has been positively reviewed and is not a scam. Give your spouse legal notice that you're filing for divorce. After you have filed your divorce with the court (either online or through a document preparation service), you will need to give copies of the divorce papers to your spouse as “notice.” You can use one of several methods for doing this, depending on your situation with your spouse: Serve your spouse in person or by mail. if your spouse doesn't agree to the divorce or any part of the proceedings, you'll need to serve him or her in person, through a process server, or through registered or certified mail. Serve your spouse by publication: if you can't find your spouse, you can serve him or her by publishing notice of the divorce filing in a newspaper of general circulation in the last town or city of his or her residence. You have to obtain permission of the Court to do this, stating that you've made an honest effort to find your spouse. Make sure you check your state laws to determine which types of service are permitted. If you serve your spouse in a way that is not authorized by your state's law, the divorce could be dismissed and you may have to start the process over from the beginning. Comply with the rules for an “uncontested divorce. ” If you and your spouse agree on all of the issues surrounding your divorce, you will most likely have what is known as an uncontested divorce. In this situation, you usually will be required to do the following to complete your divorce: Write up a divorce agreement. Here, you will write up how you and your spouse decided to divide your property, whether any party will pay the other any type of alimony or support, and if you have children together, what custody and support arrangement you want. Keep in mind that with some parts of the agreement, particularly the “child support” section (if applicable), you must meet certain legal requirements (such as how much support will be paid). Fill out any final forms. Either you or your spouse must turn in “final forms” to the court asking for a judgment of divorce. You must also include the other orders you want the court to make about property, alimony, and, if you have children with your spouse, about custody, visitation, and child support. Each state will have different forms for this stage, so make sure you get the correct ones from the clerk or online. In some states, you may have to fill out a “declaration of divorce” or other named form for the judge to sign off on your divorce. For more information on this step, check with your state. Comply with the rules for a “contested divorce. ” If you and your spouse do not agree on the divorce terms, you will have a “contested” divorce. The divorce can be contested for a variety of reasons, such as if you do not agree on how to divide your property and your debt, or if you do not agree about custody and visitation, child support, or spousal/partner support. In a contested proceeding, you may still agree on some of the issues, but not others. If this is the case, write up what you agree on and then leave the other issues for the judge to decide. In a contested divorce, you may want to try mediation to resolve your case yourselves and not leave the decision up to a judge. In some states, mediation is required for all contested divorces. If you and your spouse can agree on the divorce terms during mediation, you will save time and money, as well as the stress of fighting over all of the issues in court. In most states, when there are issues you and your spouse cannot resolve by agreement, one of you has to file and serve a form to set a trial date. Ask the court clerk what your next step should be and whether there are any special, local forms you need to fill out. Use mediation to come to an agreement. Mediation is an “alternative dispute resolution” technique where a third party “neutral mediator” (that is, someone who is not on your side, or your spouse's side), yourself and your spouse discuss the divorce and try to come to an agreement on a settlement. The mediator is there to help the your and your spouse discuss the issues without getting angry or frustrated with each other. Many states offer low cost programs that supply mediators for divorce cases. Usually, you and your spouse will discuss options directly with each other during a mediation session, even if your spouse is represented by an attorney. While at your session, remember that the goal is to solve the issue and come up with terms that work for both parties.Don't go into mediation with a mindset that you have to “win” or “punish” your spouse. Instead, you should be prepared to work collaboratively with the mediator and your spouse to come up with a creative solution to your issues. Stay on top of the progress of your divorce. The divorce process can take months, so it is very important that you always know where your case stands and what you need to be doing to help the process along. For example, you need to make sure that both you and your spouse are completing all required documents on time, and are both attending any hearings or any mediation sessions. It is possible that the court might be waiting on you to act, so you need to know what's happening so you can finalize the divorce in a reasonable amount of time. Find out whether you must attend a hearing or trial. Not all states require a hearing for uncontested divorces. To determine if your state requires a hearing for an uncontested divorce, visit your state court website. If your divorce is contested, you will likely have the case set for a trial. If you have a hearing or a trial, you and your spouse should make sure that you have met all requirements for asking for a trial or completing the required hearing documents. You will be notified of the date and time of your court hearing by mail. Prepare for your hearing. Make sure that you are prepared for your hearing or trial. Have copies of all necessary documents and paperwork to bring to your court date. Even uncontested divorces (where both spouses agree on everything) can take months, so you don't want to slow down the process even more by having to reschedule your court date because you don't have all of the right information. Know what to expect at the hearing. If you and your spouse have amicably settled your divorce and you appear in court, it is likely that the judge will simply give you what you have asked for, especially if there are no children involved. If your divorce is contested, there may be a full trial with testimony and witnesses, so you should consult with an attorney to help you prepare if possible. Finalize your divorce. After your hearing, the judge will grant your divorce and (if your divorce was contested) set the terms. The full agreement between you and your spouse will be “ordered” by the judge in a divorce decree. The decree is the “law” of the divorce, so you will need as proof of your divorce. Make sure that you get a certified copy of your divorce decree. The court clerk should be able to provide you with a certified copy, but if not, they'll be able to direct you to the appropriate place. You'll need a copy of your divorce decree for many things in the future (buying a house, getting remarried, etc.), so make sure you get a certified copy and put it in a safe place. | Decide whether you and your spouse agree on the divorce terms. Discuss distribution of property. Agree on custody and child support. Consider alimony and spousal support. Determine where you should file. Gather the forms you need to file for divorce. Fill out the required forms online. Call your jurisdiction's court clerk's office. Review your State Court’s website for information about divorce and electronic filing (“e-filing”). Determine whether you must pay a fee to use e-file. Use a privately owned online divorce document preparation service if you cannot use e-file. Give your spouse legal notice that you're filing for divorce. Comply with the rules for an “uncontested divorce. Comply with the rules for a “contested divorce. Use mediation to come to an agreement. Stay on top of the progress of your divorce. Find out whether you must attend a hearing or trial. Prepare for your hearing. Finalize your divorce. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Free-Kindle-Books | How to Find Free Kindle Books | To find free Kindle books in the Kindle store, start by logging into your Amazon account. Next, go to the “Shop by Department” drop-down menu, which is where you'll find the “Kindle E-readers & Books” option. When you click on this link, you'll see a tab that says “Free & Cheap Reads for Kindle.” If you find a book that you want, just click on it, enter your email or phone number, and the book will download for free. | Log into your Amazon account. Go to Amazon at www.amazon.com and log in by clicking the “Sign in” button at the top right side of the page. Enter your email address and password then click the orange button to continue. Go to the Kindle Store. Move your mouse pointer over “Shop by Department” at the top right toolbar to open a drop-down menu. Hover your mouse over “Kindle E-readers & Books” to open a menu list on the right side. Click “Kindle Book” list under the title “Kindle Store” on the menu box. You will reach at the Kindle book section of Amazon. Head for “Free & Cheap Reads for Kindle. ” Scroll down the page and find the “More to Explore” title menu on left sidebar. Click on “Free & Cheap Reads for Kindle” link to browse Kindle's “Top rated free books.” Select a category. The next page will show books in categories: Free Classics, Top Rate Free Romance, Top Rate Free Mystery, and so much more. Scroll down the page and select a category by clicking the blue “See more” link of the category. All the books shown are free to download. Select a book. Click on a book title to view more information regarding it, as well as reviews by other readers. Get the book. If you want to download the book, just enter your email address or phone number in the box next to the “Send me the link” button. After that, just click the button to receive your digital copy. Log into your Amazon account. If you want to get notified whenever any free Kindle books are offered on Amazon, you can subscribe to its RSS feed. To begin, go to Amazon at www.amazon.com and log in by clicking the “Sign in” button at the top right side of the page. Enter your email address and password then click the orange button to continue. Go to the Kindle Store. Move your mouse pointer over “Shop by Department” at the top right toolbar to open a drop-down menu. Hover your mouse over “Kindle E-readers & Books” to open a menu list on the right side. Click “Kindle Book” list under the title “Kindle Store” on the menu box. You will reach at the Kindle book section of Amazon. Select a category. Click on one of the book category on the left sidebar you want to subscribe to and choose a sub-category to browse its page. Locate the RSS feed symbol. Scroll down the browser page and find the RSS feed symbol at the bottom. It should be located under the list of Kindle books of a specific sub-category. Click on the subscription link next to the RSS feed symbol. A pop-up window will appear at the top of the page. Subscribe to the RSS feed. Click on “Subscribing method” to open a drop-down menu. The default method should be “Live Bookmarks.” Choose one of the methods to subscribe. You can also make this method as default by checking the box below. Click “Subscribe now” at the bottom of the feed box to begin subscribing to the RSS feed of the book category you selected. Confirm by clicking the subscription button on the pop-up window. From now on, you should get notifications on each offer, discount, free promotions, and other features on your subscribed category of Kindle books. Go to the home page of Amazon at www.amazon.com. On the website, move your mouse pointer over the “Amazon” logo at the top left side of the landing page. You should see the “Try Prime” link under the Amazon logo. Click on the “Try Prime” link to open the subscription page. Click the “Start your 30-day free trial” button on right side to register for the membership. Being a member of Amazon Prime gives you a chance of collecting free Kindle books every month. Join the free trial. To subscribe under a free trial, click the “Try Prime free” button at the bottom of the page then follow the instructions given on the screen. Remember, you can cancel your prime membership plan anytime you like. Be a full member. To subscribe as a permanent Prime member, select the radio buttons under the “Enter your credit card information” and “Enter your billing address” to choose an existing credit card or billing address, or add a new credit card or billing address. Go to the “Hundred Zero” search engine at http://hundredzeros.com. Here you can search for free books for your Kindle. It helps you save your time in finding free Kindle books on the website using a sorting option. To find a book, just enter the title in the search box (top right), or browse through the many book categories on the right side of the page. Use the Google search engine to find free Kindle books on Amazon instantly. Go to Google's search page at www.google.com and type the search phrase “intitle:Kindle site:amazon.com "you save * (100%)" (title of book, author, or category)” and press the “Enter” key on your keyboard. The search engine will find the free Kindle books according to the given book title or author. You can also just search using the keywords “Free Kindle books” to find out new web pages or blog posts that offers download links to free Kindle books. Browse the “Many Books” website at http://manybooks.net. There are more than 29,000 free eBooks in Kindle format for readers worldwide at this site. You can find different Kindle books by searching the author's name, book titles, genres, and languages. Click on the search option link on the left side bar of the home page. You can browse for a list of authors, book titles, book genres, and languages by clicking on those link titles. Type the title of the book or the name of author in the “eBook search” field at the top left corner of the page, and press the “Enter” button on your keyboard. You should see a list of matching titles according to your search keywords. You can also browse the books by sorting “New titles,” “Recommended,” “Popular,” and “Downloads” on left side. Click one of those links to find the listed titles of Kindle books. Browse the “Open Library” website at https://openlibrary.org. There are more than 20 million books stored in this library, and many are in Kindle book format as well as free. Click on one of the sorting tabs on the top left corner to browse the title of books according to the list of authors or subjects. Scroll down the page and type the keyword “Free books” in the search field at the bottom right corner of the page. You should see a list of all listed free books. Browse the “Project Gutenberg” website at https://www.gutenberg.org. Here, all books are free. You just need to find the Kindle format for your selected books. Click on the sorting link on the top of the page. You should see two sorting links: “Book category” and “Catalog.” You can browse different books by clicking one of these sorting options. Go to the link http://m.gutenberg.org to find and download the Kindle books you want directly on your Kindle device. This section is especially arranged to search for Kindle books. You can sort by “Popular,” “Latest,” or “Random” to find books. Ask your friends and get Kindle books from their collection. You can ask your friends who have Kindle books in their collection for a copy of some of their books. This is the easiest way to collect free Kindle books Check the Pinterest pin boards offering free Kindle books. Many Pinterest users offers different links to free Kindle books on their board to increase their subscribers. It is an easy way to find free Kindle books using their collected links. Go to the “Free Kindle Books” section of Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/explore/free-Kindle-books. You should see a free Kindle books board on the left side and pins on the right side. Click on one of the listed boards or pins to open its page. Click on the “Visit site” button at the top of the pin post to browse the original website or blog offering the free Kindle books of different categories. Browse the book list on the original site and download your free Kindle copy. You can subscribe to or follow a board to get regular updates of new released free Kindle books. Search on Facebook. Sometimes you'll find pages or groups offering a great list of free, popular Kindle books you can download. Go to the home page of Facebook at www.facebook.com and log into your account. Type the keywords “Free Kindle books” in the search box at the top left corner. Facebook should show you different lists of pages and groups offering free Kindle books. Browse those pages and groups to view their list of free Kindle books. You can download free popular Kindle books on those pages and groups easily. | Log into your Amazon account. Go to the Kindle Store. Head for “Free & Cheap Reads for Kindle. Select a category. Select a book. Get the book. Log into your Amazon account. Go to the Kindle Store. Select a category. Locate the RSS feed symbol. Click on the subscription link next to the RSS feed symbol. Subscribe to the RSS feed. Confirm by clicking the subscription button on the pop-up window. Go to the home page of Amazon at www.amazon.com. Click on the “Try Prime” link to open the subscription page. Join the free trial. Be a full member. Go to the “Hundred Zero” search engine at http://hundredzeros.com. Use the Google search engine to find free Kindle books on Amazon instantly. Browse the “Many Books” website at http://manybooks.net. Browse the “Open Library” website at https://openlibrary.org. Browse the “Project Gutenberg” website at https://www.gutenberg.org. Ask your friends and get Kindle books from their collection. Check the Pinterest pin boards offering free Kindle books. Search on Facebook. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Obtain-a-Driver-License-in-Arizona | How to Obtain a Driver License in Arizona | To obtain a driver's license in Arizona, you need to be at least 15 years and 6 months old to get a learner's permit. Additionally, you must complete at least 30 hours of supervised driving. Once you meet the requirements, fill out an application form at your local Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) and pay the $7 required fee to get your permit. If you just moved to Arizona from another state, fill out Form 40-5122, which can be found on the Arizona Department of Transportation website. Take the completed form and 2 forms of identification to your local MVD office. Then, surrender your out-of-state license and pay the $10 to $25 fee to receive your new license. | Determine the requirements for eligibility. Arizona requires that you get an Arizona driver license immediately upon becoming an Arizona resident. If any of the following apply, you will need to visit your local Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office as soon as possible: You work in Arizona; You are registered to vote in Arizona; You have children in school in Arizona and don't pay nonresident prices; You have a business that operates in Arizona that operates vehicles in the state; You pay in-state tuition fees at a university; You remain in Arizona for seven or more months out of the year. Fill out the required form. If you are moving to Arizona from another state, and have become a resident of Arizona, you will need to fill out Form 40-5122 (Driver License/Identification Card Application). The form can be found at http://www.azdot.gov/docs/default-source/mvd-forms-pubs/40-5122.pdf?sfvrsn=5. You can also complete and submit the form online at https://apps.azdot.gov/mvd/Application/ApplicationForm.aspx. To successfully fill out the form, you will need the following information: Your Social Security number; Your personal information, including your Arizona address; Disclosures about past license suspensions; Medical alerts; and Donor information. Determine your identification requirements. Before you visit your local MVD office, you will need to obtain acceptable forms of identification in order to prove your age, identification, and legal presence in the United States. When you visit your local MVD office, you will be required to show two documents, one of which needs to have a photo. If you do not have some form of identification with a photo, you will need to present three documents. Any document you present must be an original or certified copy. One of your documents must be a primary document , which must show your date of birth and includes enhanced driver licenses from other states, birth certificates, passports, and military ID cards. The other documents can be secondary documents , which do not have to show your birth date and includes Social Security cards, selective service cards, W-2 forms, concealed carry permits, credit cards, and school IDs. Print out your completed package. If you didn't complete your application online, print out your completed form. Bring the form, your various forms of identification, and your current license to your local Arizona MVD office. Surrender your out-of-state license. When you arrive at the MVD office, you will be required to surrender your current license from another state. Pass a vision exam. While at the MVD office, you will often be given a vision exam. The exam is straightforward and is meant to assess the health of your eyes for driving purposes. Pay the required fee. In Arizona, license fees are assessed based on your age. This is due to the fact that Arizona licenses expire on your 65th birthday. Therefore, the older you are, the sooner your license will expire, and the cheaper it will be. If you are between 16 and 39, the fee is $25. You you are between 40 and 44, the fee is $20. If you are between 45 and 49, the fee is $15. If you are 50 or older, the fee is $10. Meet the minimum age requirement. You must be at least 15 years and six months old in order to qualify for any driving privileges in Arizona. At that age, you can earn a learner's permit. At the age of 16, if you meet other requirements, you can obtain a Class G graduated driver license. When you turn 18 you will become eligible for a Class D regular driver license. Take a driver education course. If you are at least 15 years and six months old, you can sign up for and take a state-approved driver education course. During your course, you will receive 30 hours of classroom instruction as well as six hours of behind-the-wheel training. If you complete this course successfully, it will satisfy the requirement for 30 hours of supervised driving that you need to get your Class G driver license. Obtain a learner's permit. If you do not take a driver education course, you can still sign up with your local MVD Office to get a learner's permit. When you go to your local MVD office, you will need to fill out a Driver License Application (Form 40-5122) and have a parent sign it. You will also have to prove your identity in the same manner you would have to if you were applying for a normal driver license. Next you will take a vision and written exam. If you pass these tests, you will need to pay $7 in order to receive your learner's permit. The written exam is relatively extensive and you should study before you visit the MVD. Log supervised driving hours. Your learner's permit will allow you to drive so long as you have a licensed driver who is 21 or older with you in the front seat at all times. You should try to log 30 hours of total driving time with your learner's permit. 10 of those hours should be at night. Earn your Class G driver license. Once you have turned 16 and held your learner's permit for six months, you will be eligible for a Class G driver license. In addition, you must have logged your required 30 hours of supervised driving or completed a driver education course. To get your Class G license you will need to visit your local MVD office and: Show your valid learner's permit; Bring written certification proving you logged 30 driving hours or a certificate of completion for a driver education course; Prove your identity; Bring registration and proof of insurance for a vehicle you will be using for the driving test; Pay the $25 fee; and Pass your MVD road test, which will involve driving with a MVD employee. Report your lost or stolen license. Lost or stolen licenses can be used to commit crimes and should be reported to your local police department. The reporting process will also help you prevent identity theft. One you report the lost or stolen license, keep the report. Even though it is recommended you do this, it is not a legal requirement and any failure to complete this step will not alter your ability to get a replacement. Visit your local MVD office. You must replace an old license in person if your name has changed or if your license was issued prior to July 1995 (in order to get a new picture). Provide proof of your identity. When you visit your local MVD office, you will need to present the same forms of identification as if you were changing an out-of-state license. Pay the required fee. The fee for replacing a license with a duplicate is $12. Most MVD offices will accept cash, check, or credit cards. Use Arizona's online system. If you do not have to visit an MVD office in-person, you might want to consider getting your duplicate online. To start, visit http://servicearizona.com/duplicateLicense?popularclick and click on the button for a "duplicate driver license." You will need to enter your name, date of birth, driver license number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will then explain why you need a duplicate license. In this case, you would explain that your original has been lost or stolen. Pay the $12 fee using a credit card. Print out your receipt and your duplicate will be mailed to you in about four weeks. Call the MVD. If you do not have access to a computer but you do not want to go to the MVD office, you can call 800-251-5866. Let them know you need to apply for a duplicate and they will help you from there. You will pay the $12 fee over the phone with a credit card. Your license should arrive in about four weeks. Apply through the mail. You can send a written request, along with a check for $12 (payable to Motor Vehicle Division), to Motor Vehicle Division, P.O. Box 2100, MD 510, Phoenix, AZ 85001. Your request should include your name, date of birth, Social Security number, Arizona address, and your reason for needing a duplicate. Your new license should arrive in around four weeks. | Determine the requirements for eligibility. Fill out the required form. Determine your identification requirements. Print out your completed package. Surrender your out-of-state license. Pass a vision exam. Pay the required fee. Meet the minimum age requirement. Take a driver education course. Obtain a learner's permit. Log supervised driving hours. Earn your Class G driver license. Report your lost or stolen license. Visit your local MVD office. Provide proof of your identity. Pay the required fee. Use Arizona's online system. Call the MVD. Apply through the mail. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-to-Ghosts | How to Talk to Ghosts | If you want to try to talk to ghosts, try using a Ouija board. Find a quiet place to set up the board, and light a candle, then place the planchette, or indicator, on the board. Have at least 2 people lightly place 1 finger on the planchette, then ask if there are any spirits who would like to communicate. If there are spirits present, you will feel the planchette move under your fingers, and it should spell out the answers to your questions. Do not move the planchette yourself, as this is considered cheating. | Acquire or create a Ouija board. Also known as a spirit board, the Ouija board is basically just a flat surface with all the letters of the alphabet, the numbers 1 to 9 but instead of a 10 ,write a 0, Yes/No, and "Goodbye" written on it. You'll also need what's called a "planchette," or some kind of movable indicator to use to point to the letters. A shot-glass is a common substitute, but any talisman you can all put your hands on to indicate the letters would be appropriate. There's nothing magical about the Ouija board itself, so you should feel free to create your own on simple paper, or buy a more stylish one if you like. Get a group of willing participants, or at least partner. You need more than one person to operate the Ouija board. It's best to have a relatively small group of people with a legitimate interest in communicating with the spirit world. Designate one person and one person only to be the medium. This person will ask the questions aloud and be the one who is specifically communicating with the ghost, though both (or all) of you will have your hands on the planchette. It might also be helpful to have at least one other person present to record the communications. If it gets moving very quickly, it can be difficult to keep up with the ghost's spelling. Having someone write it down will make sure you can keep up. Set the mood. Go into a quiet and comfortable part of the house in which you're communicating at an appropriate hour. Light the room softly with candles and consider cleansing it by burning sage or performing a brief cleansing prayer or other ritual appropriate to your beliefs. The spirit world is most active between 9pm and 6am, so you might consider staging your communication during those hours, or another time of particular significance. In some cultures, setting out a small amount of alcohol as an offering to the spirits can be helpful in attracting them. Invoke the spirits by asking a question. Place your fingers gently on the planchette in a central location on the board. Usually the letter "G" is a good starting place, equidistant from all points. Generally, a good opening question would be something like: "Are there any benevolent spirits present who would like to communicate?" Introduce yourselves and clarify your intentions. Say your names aloud and reassure any spirits of your curiosity and kind intentions: "We want to listen to what you have to say." Focus your energy on the communication. Some Ouija board users like to close their eyes, both as a way of focusing their energy on communicating and sensing the spirits present, as well as to ensure that none of the participants are "cheating" the board by moving it and spelling out the answers that another party wants to hear. In general, "cheating the board" by moving the planchette on purpose is a big taboo and extremely disrespectful to both the other users and the spirits who may or may not be present. Be patient and be polite. After making your question known and introducing yourselves, sit and wait. You might try asking different questions, but know that the spirit world has no obligation to communicate with you, and it might take a while. If and when the planchette starts to move, remain calm and have the recorder start writing down the letters. Treat it like a normal conversation. Ask follow up questions that you're legitimately curious about. Don't treat it like something the spirit needs to "prove" to you, forcing them to answer specific trivia questions or other "test" types of questions. Treat it like a person is present. Be polite and be courteous. End the conversation when it becomes appropriate. You can move the planchette yourself over to the "Goodbye" section of the board to signal that you've chosen to end the conversation, but it's also best to say a few words aloud: "Thank you for taking time to speak with us. Goodbye for now." Close the board and put it away when you're finished, to ensure communication will be cut off. Get a good quality audio recorder. The basic principle of recording EVP is that you record yourself asking questions much as you would when using a Ouija board, and then listen back for audio cues that the spirits were answering out loud. It can be an intense experience to listen back over these sessions. The H1 Zoom mic is a professional-quality handheld recorder that musicians and other people want to use to record spontaneous audio that sounds clear and clean. Cellphone recorders are also good for this kind of recording. You want to make sure you can turn up the recording sensitivity to a very high level. EVP works best when it records things that are sub-aural for us to hear in the moment, catching things we might miss when we're present. A recorder that has an ultra-sensitive recording setting would be ideal. Go to the right environment. Finding a place with a lot of psychic residue would be a good candidate for trying to record EVP. Newer buildings and locations like shopping malls or housing developments will be less valuable for this activity, because they just don't have the kind of history that an old church, hospital, or library has. If you live in a house that's more than 50 years old, give it a shot. If you don't it might be worth trying to hold an EVP session elsewhere. Start recording and clarify your intentions. You should go through the same sort of process you might go through any time you try to connect to the great beyond: eliminate any distracts, unplug the clocks, make it as quiet as possible to get the highest-quality recording you can get. After you hit record, start talking: "Is there any benevolent spirit here who might be interested in talking?" Ask a series of questions. If you know anything about particular hauntings in the area you're researching, or anything about the history of the area, you might try asking specific questions or more general questions of the spiritual world that you're trying to get in touch with. You might try asking: "What do you want?" "Why are you here?" "What would you like us to know?" "Who are you?" "Is there anything we can do for you?" Pay close attention to other forms of communication you may be experiencing. While you're in the middle of recording, try to pay attention to any sensations you might be experiencing, emotional or physical. Make note of them in the recording itself for comparison afterward. Pay particular attention to: Cold and warm spots Tingles or prickles on the back of your neck Feelings of apprehension Any sounds or whispers you hear Listen closely to the recording afterward. Leave the location by closing the conversation as you would any time you're communicating, with a brief salutation and thanks. Leave the location immediately and go to either a comfortable location or back to your house. Turn the lights back on and make it comfortable and as un-spooky as possible to listen. Turn up the silent parts as loud as they'll go and listen closely. If you can look at the recording on the computer, pay attention to any spikes you see to know where to look more closely. Isolate those places in the recording and try to decipher what they say. Try channeling with an experienced medium. If you want to take your communications to the next level, it's possible to visit an experienced medium and undergo a channeling session, in which one of the group (probably the medium) allows themselves to be "inhabited" by the spirit during hypnosis, who then talks to the group. Depending on the medium you visit, the communication may involve writing, speaking, or other forms of communication. It's very important that you visit someone experienced in the matters of afterlife communication. Do not try this alone. Try scrying. Scrying refers to any basic method of using a substance or an object to communicate with the other world. Most often, this means crystals, candles, smoke, stones, bones, or glass. Like channeling, scrying is most often effective when done with an accomplished and experienced medium who maintains frequent contact with the spiritual realm. It's difficult to know how to "read" smoke, for example, and might be somewhat dangerous to try. Try mirror gazing. Many famous kids' games revolve around the legend of Bloody Mary, in which you shut yourself in the dark bathroom and invite Bloody Mary to appear in the mirror. Staring deep into a mirror and attempting to communicate with the spiritual world after cleansing the area and creating a safe, benevolent space for the spirits to gather can be an intense and mystical experience. Use your car to communicate. In may places, especially the American South, legends revolve around the use of cars parked in specific locations in neutral, allowing spirits to "push" the car to let their presence be known. In some such legends, the driver is instructed to go to a particular location at midnight and put baby powder or flour on the bumper of the car, to show the handprints of the dead who pushed it. If there's such a legend in your area, try it out. Drive to the particular place, bridge, or crossroad and kill your car. Put it in neutral and invite the ghost or the spirit to give you a push. See what happens. Never attempt to communicate with ghosts alone. No matter what you believe, it's best for your spiritual well-being and your psychological health to have other people present who are interested in participating. It's not something to fool around with. It's best if you let more experienced communicators and mediums show you the ropes. Wandering into a conversation with evil spirits is something no one wants to experience. Keep your intentions and your thoughts pure. Make your intentions known by speaking them aloud and only try to communicate if you're coming from a place of legitimate curiosity and kindness in your heart. Doing a Ouija session as a joke to impress your friends is a good way to attract mean spirits to your house. They might not want to leave. Always be polite and calm while communicating. Take some time to center yourself and calm your thoughts any time you hope to communicate. The experience will be much more intense and singular if you can focus on the task at hand and pay attention to your surroundings without distraction. Turn off the spooky music and close the shades, take the cell phone battery out of your phone, and turn off the computer. It's time for other concerns. End the communication appropriately. Never let a conversation hang without making it clear that you are going back to your world and encouraging the spirit to go back to their world. Professional mediums and ghost hunters take this step very seriously, especially if they're in a domestic space and they want to remain safe from poltergeist activity. If you're smart, you'll do the same. | Acquire or create a Ouija board. Get a group of willing participants, or at least partner. Set the mood. Invoke the spirits by asking a question. Focus your energy on the communication. Be patient and be polite. End the conversation when it becomes appropriate. Get a good quality audio recorder. Go to the right environment. Start recording and clarify your intentions. Ask a series of questions. Pay close attention to other forms of communication you may be experiencing. Listen closely to the recording afterward. Try channeling with an experienced medium. Try scrying. Try mirror gazing. Use your car to communicate. Never attempt to communicate with ghosts alone. Keep your intentions and your thoughts pure. Always be polite and calm while communicating. End the communication appropriately. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Viral-Video | How to Make a Viral Video | To make a viral video, try filming yourself while doing something funny, like pulling a harmless prank on someone or lip-syncing to your favorite song. You can also try to capture cute, sweet moments, like puppies playing together or your kids saying something silly. Alternatively, record yourself talking about something important to you or showing off a talent you have, as long as it's unique and impressive. No matter what type of video you post, keep it under 3 minutes in length so you can easily keep people's attention. | Film a prank or practical joke. No matter where you come from, what language you speak, or how you were raised, there's a good chance that you'll chuckle at a video of someone in a scary mask popping out of a trashcan and scaring his friend. Pranks and practical jokes (especially ones that involve physical humor) have a universal quality because almost anyone, anywhere can enjoy them. On top of this, they're very easy to shoot — a simple cell phone camera will usually do the job. Examples: "Extremely Scary Ghost Elevator Prank in Brazil," "Drive Thru Invisible Driver Prank." Viral Tip: Use common sense and stay safe when you're shooting your prank. Don't try to shoot anything that could conceivably leave anyone hurt or in jail. See our article on simple pranks for a few ideas to get you started. Record a monologue. Simple monologues are some of the easiest viral videos to shoot — all you need is the camera in your computer or laptop and a funny idea to get you started. Most of the most popular viral monologues are funny (sometimes accidentally), so stay away from serious speeches and political diatribes for the best chance of going viral. Examples: "Leave Britney Alone" Viral Tip: The biggest difficulty with monologue videos is that there's not much for your audience to look at besides your face and whatever is right behind you. This means you'll have to be creative to keep your viewers' attention — use humor or an emotional performance to separate yourself from the pack. Make a lip-sync video. In the age of the viral video, you don't necessarily have to be able to belt like Whitney Houston to become a music sensation. Giving a funny lip sync performance over a catchy song is an easy way to get your video noticed online. If your performance is ridiculously over-the-top, all the better! Examples: "Numa Numa Song," countless Let It Go lip syncs. Viral Tip: Remember that you don't have to lip sync for the entire song — a thirty-second lip sync of the funniest part of the song can be hilarious, but a four-minute video of the entire thing can be a little much. Capture an adorable family moment. Don't be afraid to tug at your audience's heartstrings when you're chasing viral success. Cute or heartwarming videos can be immensely popular, and one of the easiest ways to capture pure, undistilled cuteness is to turn the camera on your family. Record something truly adorable (like, for instance, a relative's enthusiastic welcome home after serving a tour of duty abroad) and you will score big with grandmothers everywhere. Examples: "Charlie Bit My Finger," "David After Dentist," etc. Viral Tip: If you have young children in your family, you may be sitting on a comedy goldmine. Kids often aren't afraid to act silly, stupid, cute, and earnest the way that adults can be, so keep your camera rolling on any young ones. Participate in a popular video meme. Can't think of a good idea for your viral video? Put your own twist on an idea that's already popular! At any given moment, there are usually at least one or two video memes experiencing popularity on sharing sites like Youtube, so hop on board before the trend grows stale — simply add your own unique charm to the existing formula. Examples: Countless "Harlem Shake" videos, Downfall spoofs, "Keyboard Cat" mashups, and many, many more. Viral Tip: If you want to get popular off of an existing meme, your best bet is to put your video out as soon as possible. The popularity of video memes usually burns bright, but short. For example, the "Harlem Shake" video craze of early 2013 peaked in mid-February with millions upon millions of daily views. However, by as early as the start of March, viewership had fallen drastically. Show off an amazing talent. Can you turn your eyelids inside out? Can you shred like Hendrix on guitar? Everyone's good at something, so take the time to sharpen up with a little practice and show the world what you've got! Musical performances can make for amazing viral videos, but there's no limit here — for instance, videos of incredible sports moves, martial arts skills, Rubik's cube-solving, and much more can all achieve viral success. Examples: "The Evolution of Dance," "Chocolate Rain," etc. Viral Tip: For the best chance at success, try to limit yourself to things that people can't see from anyone else. For example, being able to dunk on a regulation hoop is pretty amazing, but it's something people anyone who watches basketball has seen before. Being able to dunk over a friend's head, on the other hand, is a lot rarer and more impressive. Make a "Let's Play. " Believe it or not, some of the biggest viral stars in the world are people who simply record themselves playing video games, then share the footage with their live commentary added in. These types of videos, which are called "Let's Play" videos, are a form of entertainment that's rapidly grown in popularity in the last few years, so you'll already have a built-in audience if you're able to put out funny, well-made content. Examples: YouTube channels like Markiplier, PewDiePie, etc. Viral Tip: If you gain popularity with a Let's Play channel, convert your viral success into cash! For example, some Let's Play-ers make revenue-sharing deals with advertisers, others get sponsored by established video content providers, and still others use digital payment systems like Patreon to take donations from their viewers. Show the world an especially funny or cute animal. There's no beating a cute animal for working your way into your audience's hearts. Cute animals have an almost universal appeal — there's something about watching a baby puppy take its first steps, for instance, that can warm even the coldest hearts. If you have an adorable pet or you happen to stumble across a heartwarming interaction at the zoo, take your phone out and start recording! Examples: "Sneezing Panda," "Otters Holding Hands." Viral Tip: Recording a funny or cute animal video often requires a little more luck and patience than it would take to capture a young relative doing something funny, for instance. It's difficult to predict exactly how animals will behave, even when they're well-behaved, so be patient and keep your camera running! Teach your audience how to do something amazing. DIY and "How-to" videos are immensely popular online. Though these types of videos may not be as likely to get you the internet super-stardom that funny Let's Plays or meme videos are, they can bring their brand of popularity. For instance, the YouTube channel "DaveHax," which contains short how-to videos for basic crafts, routinely gets hundreds of thousands of views per video (sometimes even several million.) Examples: "Life Hack" videos, "WonderHowTo" videos, etc. Viral Tip: For maximum popularity, you'll want to address problems that lots of people have a hard time dealing with. For example, common computer performance issues like slow loading times, bad Wi-Fi connections, and so on are among the very most common customer support issues. Dig up something tacky from the past. It's amazing how quickly pop culture that seems cutting-edge at the time becomes embarrassingly dated. Older music, fashion, TV shows, and so on can be absolutely cringe-inducing with a decade or two of hindsight. Unearthing an old, forgotten gem of retro cheese and uploading it to the internet can be an unorthodox path to viral success, but it's one that can truly pay off if you hit the jackpot — consider how the practice of "Rickrolling" became a cultural touchstone based off of a decades-old music video by Rick Astley. Examples: "Rickroll" videos, "Super Bowl Shuffle" clips, "Everything Is Terrible," etc. Viral Tip: Though every decade has its fair share of cheese, for many, the neon-soaked 1980s take the cake. Try watching forgotten 80s junk-cinema classics like Miami Connection for a taste of just how corny the Reagan years seem today. Make a short film. While feature-length movies are typically beyond the time and budget constraints of most viral video producers, shorts offer a more attainable target. There are no rules here. You can go for a dramatic narrative, a simple comedy setup, or even take an experimental approach by stringing together images and textures without a traditional storyline — it's all up to your vision as director. Examples: Five Second Films, SNL Digital shorts, etc. Viral Tip: Sometimes, the key to achieving viral success with a short film is to make it a really short film. For example, the "Five Second Films" YouTube channel, which makes humorous clips that run just five seconds in length, has millions of subscribers. Make a music video. These videos are a step above and beyond basic staring-into-the-webcam lipsync videos. Good music videos pair a memorable concept with a catchy song for potent results. Though it's by no means easy to plan, choreograph, and shoot an awesome music video, the results speak for themselves: as of 2014, seven of the eight most-viewed YouTube videos of all time are music videos. Examples: "Autotune the News" videos, "Here it Goes Again" by OKGO, etc. Viral Tip: While you don't necessarily have to make a music video for your own original music to go viral, be prepared for difficulties if you make one for someone else's music — song copyright holders are quick to issue takedown notices for content they believe uses their material unfairly. Try to break a record. People everywhere love seeing amazing feats of strength, intelligence, and creativity. Though you'll have to literally be the best in the world at something to break a world record, if you're willing to pick a very narrow category, it may not be that big of a stretch to break the record, so get creative! Examples: "Guinness World Record: Most Shirts Worn at One Time," "Tightest Parallel Park Record Broken," etc. Viral Tip: You don't necessarily have to break a record on your own — records like "Biggest Sock Hop," for instance, recognize community organizing rather than one person's individual skill. Make an animation. Viral videos don't necessarily have to be of real people and places. If you're skilled with animation software (like, for instance, Adobe Flash), you can put your skills to use by making cartoons, animated gags, music videos and more. Best of all, animation allows you to depict things that would be impossible to actually shoot with a camera, so you're free to be as creative as you like. Examples: Potter Puppet Pals, Charlie the Unicorn, etc. Viral Tip: Don't know how to animate? See our Adobe Flash articles to start learning about one of the most popular animation programs in use today. Use the best equipment possible. Being shot in crystal-clear, high-resolution video as opposed to grainy cellphone footage never hurt a viral video's chances. If you want your video to look as good as possible, be willing to make the investment in professional equipment (or borrow a friend's.) Consider browsing our photography articles for technical information on how to get your shots looking amazing. You don't necessarily have to break the bank to get great-quality footage. For instance, a good-quality voice recorder and an HD camcorder, which is all you'll need for basic videos, will run you about $500. Keep the video short. The longer your video is, the greater you'll have to fight to keep your audience's attention. Thus, it's much easier to make a short video go viral than a long one. This isn't just common sense — academic research has found that the majority of videos that go viral are under three minutes in length. Some of the most successful videos ever, like the world-renowned "Charlie Bit My Finger," are much shorter. Don't limit yourself to YouTube. There's no disputing that YouTube is the most popular video-sharing platform in the world (official data from Alexa, an online statistics company, puts YouTube as the third-most-visited site in the world behind Google and Facebook.) However, it's not the only place to upload your videos. Hosting sites like DailyMotion, Vimeo, and more sometimes offer attractive features to video providers. For instance, DailyMotion is sometimes ranked higher in terms of video quality than YouTube. If you're interested mainly in making very short clips, consider joining Vine, a video sharing app meant for videos up to about six seconds long. Vine has its own active user base, so it's possible to become a viral Vine sensation entirely outside of YouTube (though you'll ultimately be able to reach fewer people.) Be positive, uplifting, or inspiring. As a very general rule, people like viral videos that make them feel good about themselves and/or the world more than they like pessimistic ones (though there are, of course, plenty of exceptions.) Academic research has found that, while viewers typically prefer content that evokes a strong emotional response, "happy" content tends to get shared most of all. A look at the top 10 most-viewed YouTube videos of all time seems to confirm this: the only one that isn't a music video is "Charlie Bit My Finger," which is certainly lighthearted and funny. Of the music videos, about six or seven would generally be classified as lighthearted, depending on your personal tastes. | Film a prank or practical joke. Record a monologue. Make a lip-sync video. Capture an adorable family moment. Participate in a popular video meme. Show off an amazing talent. Make a "Let's Play. Show the world an especially funny or cute animal. Teach your audience how to do something amazing. Dig up something tacky from the past. Make a short film. Make a music video. Try to break a record. Make an animation. Use the best equipment possible. Keep the video short. Don't limit yourself to YouTube. Be positive, uplifting, or inspiring. |
https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Make-an-Assortment-of-Stink-Bombs | How to Make an Assortment of Stink Bombs | To make an easy stink bomb, all you need is a soda can, zip-lock baggie, and some milk and vinegar. For example, cut the top 2 inches off of an empty soda can and break an egg into the bottom half. Then, add milk and vinegar to the container and seal it all shut in a zip-lock baggie. Once the baggie is closed, put it someplace warm for about 1 week. When you're ready to use your stink bomb, take the baggie off and place the can wherever you want a stink, like a sibling's bedroom or under the kitchen table. | Gather your materials. You will need a container with a lid (or an empty soda can), one egg, one tablespoon of milk, one tablespoon of vinegar, a pair of scissors and a zip-lock baggie. You will only need the zip-lock baggie if you're using a soda can, since that will act as the can's airtight “lid.” Cut the top off of an empty soda can. You need to use a container that you don't plan to ever use again, so an empty soda can is a quick and easy choice. Carefully cut the top 2 inches of the can off with a sharp pair of scissors. If you have some sort of plastic container with a tight-fitting lid (that you have no other use for), feel free to improvise and use that instead of a soda can. A glass jar (such as a mason jar) with a lid will also work well. Break an egg into the can. You can crack the egg fully open and drop the contents inside, or you can make a crack in the egg and toss the whole thing in there, shell and all. It's going to smell awful either way. You can even drop the whole egg in there without cracking it, but the brewing time for the stink bomb might take a little longer. Any kind of egg will do – white, brown, free range, etc. Whatever type that's currently in your refrigerator will be perfect. Add milk and vinegar to the container. Measure out 1 tablespoon of milk and 1 tablespoon of vinegar and put them both in the container with the egg. Any type of dairy milk will work, but make sure it's dairy (for instance, almond milk will not work because it's non-dairy). Use regular white vinegar. If you dropped the whole egg in there and didn't crack it, you'll need more vinegar. Pour in enough so that it covers the entire egg. Make the container air tight and stash it somewhere warm. If you're using a soda can, put it in a zip-lock baggie and close it up tight. The baggie should be large enough so that the can fits easily inside and so that you can still set the can upright on a flat surface after you close the baggie. If you are using something else for your container, make sure you put the lid back on tightly. Once you've closed the baggie up, put the can in a warm place where it won't be disturbed. Let the stink brew up for about a week before using the bomb. The longer you wait, the more intense the stench will be. Remove the baggie/lid when you’re ready to use the bomb. Don't unleash the stench be removing the baggie (or lid) until you've decided where to put the bomb! This type of bomb works best if you hide it somewhere, such as in a sibling's bedroom or under the kitchen table. This bomb will have a terrible stench - a combination of rotten eggs and spoiled milk. Be careful not to get any of the mixture on yourself – it smells awful! Gather your materials. You will need one plastic container, such as a water bottle, with a lid (do not use glass or anything that will break). Additionally you will need ammonia, a pair of scissors and one book of matches. Ammonia is a cleaning solution. Be careful with it. Cut the match heads off of all the matches in the book. Using your scissors, carefully cut off the heads (the striking ends) of all of the matches in your matchbook. Toss the wooden sticks and empty matchbook away – you will only need the match heads. Put the match heads inside your plastic bottle. The match heads contain the sulfur you need to create this bomb. You could go out and buy the chemical sulfur in a powdered form, but this is generally hard to find and expensive. Match heads are much easier to find and safer to use. Fill the plastic bottle halfway up with ammonia. Pour the ammonia over the match heads that you've already placed in the container. Fill up the container about halfway and then tightly screw the lid or cap back onto your container. Once you've put the lid on your stink bomb, allow it to sit for about 3-4 days. The chemicals inside will react and brew up the stench. Be careful not to spill the ammonia and be sure to recap it tightly and put it away after you use it. Never mix ammonia with bleach – it will create a highly toxic gas that can be lethal. Remove the lid from the container when you’re ready to use the bomb. Don't take the lid off until you're ready! Hide the stink bomb near whoever it is you're pranking (such as in your sibling's room, under the kitchen table, etc.). This bomb will smell terrible, like rotten eggs. Be careful not to spill any of it on yourself! Gather your materials. You will need an empty glass jar and lid (such as a mason jar), Drano crystals (sodium hydroxide), warm water, 6 egg whites and a spoon. Drano is a cleaning solution, so be careful with it and around it. Pour ½ inch of Drano crystals into the glass jar. No need to use any kind of measuring spoon, just eyeball it. After the Drano, pour about 1 inch of warm water into the glass jar. Again, you can just eyeball it – it doesn't have to be exact. Be sure to recap and put the Drano crystals away safely after you use the product. Crack the 6 eggs and separate the whites from the yolks. Crack the eggs one at a time and separate the white from the yolk. Put the whites into a bowl or mug and dispose of the yolks and the egg shells. After you've got your 6 egg whites separated, dump them into the glass jar with the Drano and warm water and stir the mixture well with a spoon. If you've never separated egg whites from the yolks before, you can always ask a parent to show you how (although you might want to tell them it's for an omelet, not a stink bomb). Grocery stores sell little cartons of egg whites already separated from the yolks, so you can always buy that and use it, if you want. Put the lid back on the jar and hide it in a warm place for 1 week. During that week, the substances inside will brew together to make the stink bomb. Make sure you put the jar somewhere safe during this time so that nobody stumbles upon it. Every couple of days, give the jar a good shake. Remove the lid from the jar when you’re ready to use the bomb. Keep the lid on until you know exactly where you want to put it! You can hide it somewhere, such as in a sibling's bedroom, under the bathroom sink or under the kitchen table, when you're ready to pull your prank. Be careful not to get any of the mixture on yourself – it smells terrible! Instead of hiding the uncapped jar, you can always dump the contents out wherever you want the bomb to be – but this isn't really advised, since you might end up being forced by a parent or sibling to clean it yourself. | Gather your materials. Cut the top off of an empty soda can. Break an egg into the can. Add milk and vinegar to the container. Make the container air tight and stash it somewhere warm. Remove the baggie/lid when you’re ready to use the bomb. Gather your materials. Cut the match heads off of all the matches in the book. Fill the plastic bottle halfway up with ammonia. Remove the lid from the container when you’re ready to use the bomb. Gather your materials. Pour ½ inch of Drano crystals into the glass jar. Crack the 6 eggs and separate the whites from the yolks. Put the lid back on the jar and hide it in a warm place for 1 week. Remove the lid from the jar when you’re ready to use the bomb. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Text-Conversation | How to Start a Text Conversation | To start a text conversation, try messaging about something you did together, like commenting on how good dinner was the other night. Alternatively, ask them a question, such as "What are you doing this weekend?" You can also try something attention grabbing, like a funny story about something you just saw or did. Once you get the conversation going, use emojis to convey emotions, or send pictures to make the person feel more a part of what you're doing. | Text them about something you did together. If you recently spent time with the person, you can always make the initial text about the last thing that you did together. Using an event as a reference point allows them to give you their opinion and is a casual way to start a conversation. For instance, you can say something like, "Whoa, I'm so full. That restaurant was so good!" Or you could say, "Wow, Ms. Thornberry's class was so boring today. I was falling asleep." Ask them a question. Asking a question as your initial text puts the ball in their court and they can either respond or ignore you. If they respond with another question, make sure to follow up with them. Your question can be something as simple as "What are your plans for the weekend?" or "What kind of shoes were you wearing today? I want to pick up the same pair." Text something attention grabbing. Adding humor to an initial text is a great way to get the ball rolling. Avoid mundane openings like "Hi" or "What's up?" as your first text. If you text them something that they aren't used to seeing, there's a better chance of them texting you back. You could say something like, "So, I just walked 20 blocks for a sandwich only to realize that today's Sunday and the store is closed. How's your day going?" Let them know who you are if they don't have your number. While a bit of mystery can build interest, you don't want to withhold your identity for too long or else it can come off as creepy. When you have a person's number, but they don't have yours, it's always good to let yourself be known. Start the text with a question like "Guess who this is?" followed by your name, or "Hey you, It's Garrett. I got your number from Kelly." Go for it. The only way you can start a conversation over text is by going for it. If you have their contact information but are too nervous or scared to reach out, you'll never be able to have a conversation with them. Don't wait too long and build up the event in your head. The worst that can happen is that they don't text you back, which is the same result you'd achieve by not texting them at all. Use emojis often. Emojis are useful because the person that you're texting can't see your face or gauge your mood. Things like sarcasm can sometimes get lost in a text, so emojis help clarify how you actually feel about something. Don't go overboard and use emojis to replace every word because it can be too much for some people. You can say something like "Chemistry was really interesting today. :)" Or something like "Chemistry is the most interesting subject in the world. :|" Take your time in between texts. It may seem counterintuitive to take your time when you're in a text conversation, but it will actually help build interest. Texting too frequently may turn the person off. Try to act naturally and text when you have the time. This approach also allows the other person to think about their responses, which may make the conversation more meaningful. Send them photographs of things you're doing. Pictures are a great way to give the person you're texting insight into what you're doing. Remember to keep the images appropriate and don't send too many selfies. If you send interesting photos to the person, they will want to keep texting you. Keep the conversation lighthearted. Long detailed conversations about serious things can sometimes get lost in a text. It's best to leave these conversations for when you can talk on the phone or have a conversation with them in person. If the person opens up to you, don't be afraid to respond. Try to follow their lead. Lighthearted topics include how their day went, a show you both enjoy, or a song that you just heard. Send appropriate texts. Try to assess their comfort level and your relationship with them. If you are exclusively friends, avoid saying flirtatious things or you may make them uncomfortable. If you are on more flirtatious terms, however, feel free to flirt with them over text. If they don't respond to your texts, they are busy or they aren't interested in talking to you. Either way, you should back off and give them time to respond. If you are just friends, you can say something like "Hey dude. I'm monumentally bored. Wyd right now?" If you are on romantic terms you can text something like "Hey there. I'm bored. Trying to entertain me? ;)" Ask them questions about themselves. If you're unsure of what to talk about, you can ask them about themselves. Read what they have to say and ask them questions that relate to what they are texting you. The more that they open up and text you about their lives, the more often they will want to text. Don't be judgemental. Once a level of trust has been built, they will likely open up to you and talk about more serious things. The worst thing that you can do is to be judgemental about the things they are sharing with you. Try to be understanding instead of judging them. If you're judgemental, they may be afraid to open up to you in the future and may not want to text you anymore. Don't be afraid to be yourself. Don't second guess every text you want to send. If you find yourself typing out long texts and deleting them, stop and try to relax. The more that you act like yourself in the texts, the less pressure you'll have in future conversations. Be yourself and don't filter what you are going to say. Go with the flow. A text conversation can sometimes get interesting and there's no way to direct the conversation. Instead of trying to force things, just go with the flow and text naturally. Listen to what they have to say and open up when they start opening up to you. If you want to ask for a date or to ask a deeper or more intimate question, wait until it feels appropriate to do so. Don't get personal too fast or else they may be turned off by you. Don't text them too much if they don't respond. Being pushy or sending too many texts in a row can turn a person off and cause them to ignore you. Instead, play it cool and wait for them to respond. If they don't initially respond quickly, it could be because they are busy. As a rule of thumb, you should wait for a response after sending two texts. | Text them about something you did together. Ask them a question. Text something attention grabbing. Let them know who you are if they don't have your number. Go for it. Use emojis often. Take your time in between texts. Send them photographs of things you're doing. Keep the conversation lighthearted. Send appropriate texts. Ask them questions about themselves. Don't be judgemental. Don't be afraid to be yourself. Go with the flow. Don't text them too much if they don't respond. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Poutine | How to Make Poutine | To make a traditional poutine, heat the butter and flour in a saucepan for about 2 minutes, then add the garlic and shallots. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic and shallots are soft. Next, add the beef stock, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, peppercorns, and salt and pepper. Stir the gravy for about 5 to 6 minutes until it's thickened up a bit. Pour the gravy over fried potatoes, topping it off with 2 cups of cheese curd. | Slice and soak the potatoes. Cut the potatoes so they are each about ⁄ 3 to ⁄ 4 inch (0.85 to 0.64 cm) thick. Put them in a large bowl filled with cold water and refrigerate them for about 2 hours. Heat the butter. Place 4 tbsp (57 g) of unsalted butter in a saucepan and heat it up over medium heat. The butter will melt quickly, so keep a close eye on it. Add the flour to the butter. Add 1/4 cup (31 g) of flour into the butter and stir it until it is smooth. This should take about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and shallot. Add 1 minced clove of garlic and 1 minced shallot to the mixture and cook them until they are soft, for another 2 or so minutes. Add the stock, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, peppercorns, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Add 4 cups (950 mL) of beef stock, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of ketchup, ⁄ 2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp (12 g) of peppercorns, and salt and pepper to taste to the mixture. Stir the ingredients together until they have thickened a bit, which should take about 5-6 minutes. This combination will make a flavorful beef gravy. Remove the gravy from the heat and set aside. You have made the gravy that you will pour over the potatoes. Take it off the stove and set it aside in a bowl or gravy boat. Cook the potatoes. Drain the potatoes and dry them with paper towels before you fry them. Pour canola oil into a pan and heat it up over medium-high heat. Watch for the oil to bubble steadily, or test the temperature with a meat thermometer to see if it's reached around 350 °F (177 °C). Then, place the potatoes in the pan and stir them to coat them in the oil evenly, until they are golden brown and fully cooked. You may find it helpful to cook the potatoes in small batches, since they will take a long time to cook if you make them all at once. It's easier to make fried potatoes in a deep fryer, but you can also use a deep skillet. Drain the potatoes and let them cool. Place the potatoes on paper towels to drain the excess oil and then have them cool for about 20 minutes. Serve the potatoes with gravy and cheese curds. Place the potatoes on a plate and pour the gravy over them, topping them with 2 cups (420 g) of cheese curd. Enjoy this dish as a main course while it's nice and hot. Cook the white onion in butter until it is transparent. Thinly dice 1 white onion and then cook it in 2 tbsp (28 g) of butter in a skillet over medium heat, stirring lightly until it's transparent. This should take about 3-4 minutes, depending on the size of the onion. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, flour, and cornstarch. Add 1 tsp (3 g) of garlic powder, 1 tsp (2 g) of onion powder, 2 tbsp (8 g) of flour, and 2 tsp (5 g) of cornstarch to the onion mixture. Continue to stir the ingredients together until they have absorbed all of the butter. This should take another minute or so. Add the soy sauce and vegetable broth to the mixture. Stir the ingredients together and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes. Add a little more butter or broth if the mixture becomes too solid. Set the mixture aside. If you'd like it to be extra smooth, you can put the ingredients in an immersion blender and purée them, but this is not necessary. Prepare the potatoes. Peel and cut 6 white Idaho potatoes into long, thin strings that are each about ⁄ 3 inch (0.8 cm) thick. Rinse the potatoes a bit after you cut them to cut down on the starchiness. To soften up the potatoes, you can boil a pot of water and blanch them for 4 minutes first, but this is not necessary. If you can handle it, of course, you can prepare the gravy at the same time as you prepare the potatoes. You just have to be very vigilant. Heat the oil and fry the potatoes. Pour the vegetable oil onto a saucepan and heat it up under medium high heat. Then, add the cut potatoes and cook them until they are golden brown. Add the gravy to the potatoes. Place the cooked potatoes on a paper towel to drain some of the oil and then add the gravy and 1 bag of cheese curds. Serve the poutine right away. Enjoy this dish on its own while it's hot. | Slice and soak the potatoes. Heat the butter. Add the flour to the butter. Add the garlic and shallot. Add the stock, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, peppercorns, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Remove the gravy from the heat and set aside. Cook the potatoes. Drain the potatoes and let them cool. Serve the potatoes with gravy and cheese curds. Cook the white onion in butter until it is transparent. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, flour, and cornstarch. Add the soy sauce and vegetable broth to the mixture. Set the mixture aside. Prepare the potatoes. Heat the oil and fry the potatoes. Add the gravy to the potatoes. Serve the poutine right away. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Home-Inspector | How to Become a Home Inspector | It can take a lot of work to become a home inspector, but if you have an eye for detail and you care about safety, it could be a great career choice. Start by researching the licensing requirements for home inspectors in your state. Depending on where you live, you might need to take pre-licensing courses or complete an apprenticeship program. Once you finish your training, take and pass the National Home Inspector Examination. To register for the test, visit https://nationalhomeinspectorexam.org/. | Research the licensing requirements in your state. To find licensing requirements in your state, visit The American Society of Home Inspectors website. Licensing requirements vary from state to state and can range from no experience to a high school degree, coursework, licensure, and an apprenticeship. Find the requirements for your particular state so that you have an idea of what you'll need before you can get started. Some states require you to also pass a background and criminal history check. In Texas you need to pass pre-licencing courses and complete 128 classroom hours before you can take your inspector's exam. In New York you need to pass pre-licencing courses and complete 140 classroom hours. Idaho does not require you to have a license to be a home inspector. If you live outside of the U.S., check with a relevant government agency where you live. Learn how houses are constructed. Having knowledge about electrical wiring, plumbing, heating systems, cooling systems, and roofing is critical if you want to be a good home inspector. Construction practices have changed over time, so a house that was built decades ago will be very different to one built recently. Having detailed knowledge about how all houses are constructed will give you a better understanding of dangerous housing conditions. Take home inspection and licensing courses. There are various organizations and educational institutions that offer home inspection courses. If you don't want to go to a physical location like a Kaplan University, you can take online courses to achieve your license. Organizations that offer online courses include Inspection Certification Associates, American Home Inspectors Training, and the American Society of Home Inspectors. Study for the home inspection exam. The National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) offers a comprehensive list of content that will show up on your exam. Go to their website to get a copy of the outline and research each of the tops in greater detail. Make sure to study the content that will be on the test sufficiently before registering for the test. Questions on the NHIE cover safety topics including, roof drainage, exterior doors and windows, driveways, landscaping, balconies, support structures, wiring and electrical, and plumbing. The test is four hours long and has around 200 questions. Register for the National Home Inspector Examination. The NHIE is required if you want to practice in 29 states including places like California, New York, Florida, and Texas. Register for the exam by visiting homeinspectionexam.org. Remember to check if this license is required in your state before paying for it. In most states the exam costs $225. Even if passing the exam is not required in your state you should take it anyway, as passing the test is a good indicator of whether you're ready to be a home inspector. Pass the home inspection exam and become certified. Once you've registered for the exam online, you'll likely be given a physical location and date that you'll have to take the test. Make sure to get plenty of rest the night before the test and study leading up to it. If you fail your initial exam, you can retake the exam in 30 days if you pay another fee. Get a job at an established inspecting firm. Look on search engines and job boards for home inspecting job opportunities. Once you have the required certification and education, and have shadowed another home inspector, apply for the job. Companies are looking for clean-cut, organized, and dependable people. Follow the guidelines for a good interview and be sure to communicate effectively and show up on time. You can also use any available networking connections and ask around to see which companies are looking for new employees. When on the interview remember to emphasize your construction, regulation, and inspection knowledge. A drawback from working for a firm is that they will typically take a 40-60% cut of your inspection fee. Start your own business. If you don't want to work at a firm and already have some experience under your belt, you can start your own business. Home inspection businesses don't have a lot of need for human capital if you're the only one that will inspect the homes. To start your own home inspection company, you'll need a reliable vehicle, a computer and a minimum of $25,000 in working capital for overhead items. Consider incorporating your business to protect yourself from bankruptcy if your company fails. A large initial cost that you'll have to invest in is business insurance. Other potential costs include marketing and advertising, tools, association dues, and office space. Purchase a home inspecting franchise. A home inspection franchise will give you the initial tools and contacts that are required to land clients and start making money. Marketing and advertising is also usually covered in the form of logos and other promotional materials. Also, they will have methods that have been proven to be profitable in the past, as well as additional support if you're unsure what to do as a business owner. While the cost of a franchise can sometimes be costly, it may be worth the cost if you have limited experience. Initial costs, including an initial franchise fee, can cost anywhere up to $40,000 and more. Remember to read the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) before purchasing any franchise. Popular home inspection franchises that you can purchase include Ameri-Spec Inspection Services, Home Team, WIN, and A Pro. Join a home inspectors organization. A home inspectors group will provide you a wealth of knowledge in the form of distance education and classroom training. The top organizations for home inspectors in the U.S. include the NAHI (The National Association of Home Inspectors) and the ASHI (The American Society of Home Inspectors). Both of these organizations have a significant number of members who work professionally as home inspectors. In addition to the education, you'll also be able to attend chapter meetings and workshops to talk about inspection and regulation. Get a mentor when first starting off. Some states require you dedicate hours towards an apprenticeship before you can become a certified home inspector. Even if your state doesn't require this, shadowing and working under a seasoned home inspector will give you insight and skills on how you should inspect homes. If you're part of a home inspector association, talk to veteran inspectors and ask if you can be an apprentice under them. If you aren't in an organization contact different firms and see if there is anyone available to take you under their wing. Being an apprentice will also give you hands-on training. You can ask by saying something like, "I really respect the great work you do and all your experience. I'm looking for someone who could guide me and show me the ropes. Do you think I could work with you for a little bit?" Go for additional training and education once you're an inspector. Look for regional meetings and seminars that you can attend to stay current and accurate. Many chapters of home inspection organizations will often put on educational events and workshops for existing inspectors. Also, you can use the time around your peers to network with other inspectors. Follow up with people that you meet at educational workshops and training by calling them on the phone or shooting them an email. In some states, like Oregon, you have to complete some continuing education classes to keep your home inspection license up to date. | Research the licensing requirements in your state. Learn how houses are constructed. Take home inspection and licensing courses. Study for the home inspection exam. Register for the National Home Inspector Examination. Pass the home inspection exam and become certified. Get a job at an established inspecting firm. Start your own business. Purchase a home inspecting franchise. Join a home inspectors organization. Get a mentor when first starting off. Go for additional training and education once you're an inspector. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Oatmeal-Bath | How to Make an Oatmeal Bath | To make an oatmeal bath, grind 1 cup of raw, unflavored oats into a fine powder. Fill the bath with warm water and sprinkle the oats throughout the bathtub. Use your hand to mix the oats into the water until the water is a milky white color. Carefully climb into the tub and soak for 15-30 minutes, or until the water is cooled to room temperature. When you're finished in the tub, you may want to rinse your body quickly to prevent your skin from becoming sticky. | Grind the oatmeal into a fine powder. Place about one cup of raw, unflavored oats into a blender, food processor or coffee grinder. No need to get too fancy—the kind of normal packaged oatmeal you'd find at the supermarket will work just fine. Blend the oats until they reach a very fine, powdered texture. This will help them dissolve more easily in the bath. The oatmeal particles must be very small in order to spread through the bathwater without simply sinking to the bottom of the tub. If you're not sure whether the oatmeal has been ground fine enough, try testing it by blending about a tablespoon into a bowl of warm water. If the water becomes a uniform, milky color, the oatmeal will dissolve in the bath. Pour the oatmeal into the bath. Run a warm bath. Once the oatmeal has reached a fine enough consistency (meaning it will successfully blend with the water), shake the powder into the bathtub as it fills. If you wish, you can also incorporate other additives at this point, such as whole milk to soften skin, sea salt to exfoliate or essential oils to moisturize and provide a pleasant fragrance. Roughly one cup of ground oatmeal, along with any other additives of your choosing, will be the perfect amount to add to a full bathtub. Try combining the oatmeal with essential oils that soothe and nourish your skin. Stir until the oatmeal is thoroughly blended into the water. Run your hand through the bath water until the oatmeal powder and other additives are completely dissolved. The water will begin to take on a milky appearance. This is a good thing, as it means that the oatmeal has been evenly distributed throughout. The loose oatmeal may create a thin film in the bathtub once it has been drained. Soak for 15-30 minutes. Climb into the bath. The powdered oatmeal will make the bath extra slippery, so be careful. Relax and soak until the water has cooled to room temperature. If you feel somewhat sticky when you're done, rinse yourself off with clean warm water after you get out of the bath. Use a towel to gently pat yourself dry and ensure that the oatmeal remains under the surface of the skin to provide a protective barrier. For people with persistent ailments like chickenpox, taking multiple oatmeal baths a day can provide much needed comfort. Place the oats in a pair of pantyhose or muslin bag. Rather than grinding the oats, leave them whole. Take a muslin bag, thin pair of nylon pantyhose or large coffee filter and add ½ to ¾ cup of oats. When placed in the bath, the bag containing the oats will act like a teabag, infusing the water with nourishing natural compounds. Make large batches of oatmeal bags in advance so that you'll have them on hand when you feel like plopping one into a bath. Add any other desired elements. Depending on the purpose of the oatmeal bath, you might also choose to include other ingredients in the bath bag. A little powdered milk will help soften your skin. A drizzle of olive oil will lock in moisture as you soak. A tablespoon of baking soda can help reset your skin's natural pH level. What you put in your bath bag is completely up to you, and the choices are nearly endless! If you are using an oatmeal bath to treat an infection or itchy, inflamed or sore skin, it is advisable to either avoid this step or be very cautious, as adding extra ingredients could aggravate the condition. Make sure the bag is secure. Cinch the muslin bag tight or tie off a pair of pantyhose to keep the oats and other additives from being released into the bath water and turning it gritty. If you're using a coffee filter or some other loose container, hold it closed with a rubber band or a length of ribbon or string. The bag needs to be secure enough to stay shut as it is hit by the running water while it floats around the tub. Coffee filters and other paper-based bags should be handled carefully when wet, as they're prone to breaking and may come apart if they're left in the water too long. Sturdier materials like nylon pantyhose are good for multiple uses, provided they're rinsed and dried out after each bath. Add the bag to the hot bath water as it runs. Begin running hot water for the bath. Once the tub is about half full, toss in the bag. The heat and motion of the running water will unlock the essences of the oatmeal and other natural ingredients. Let the bath water cool to a comfortable temperature before getting in, and leave the bag in the tub the whole time you're soaking. Bath bags are easy to make and leave no mess because their contents infuse into the water rather than being added directly to it. Ease rashes, itchiness and irritation. Oatmeal baths are perfect for reducing the uncomfortable symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as infections from poison ivy, oak and sumac. The power of the oatmeal eliminates itch, cuts down on redness and swelling and forms a defensive layer on the surface of the skin. Take a dip in an oatmeal bath one to three times a day until the condition improves. Oatmeal baths will not cure a chronic skin condition, only alleviate the symptoms temporarily. Treat infants with diaper rash. A gentle oatmeal bath or two will get rid of the redness and irritation of diaper rash in infants. Simply pour a small amount of finely blended oatmeal into a warm bath (about half as much as you would use for an adult) as you clean your baby. Pat the area with a dry towel. The oatmeal-infused water works much better than regular soaps and powders for clearing up diaper rash, and can be safely repeated as often as you like. Allow the irritated skin to dry completely and rub on a little anti-rash ointment before putting on a fresh diaper. Soothe a sunburn. For mild sunburns, a specially formulated oatmeal bath can work wonders. Simply add a little powdered milk, mint and aloe vera to the oatmeal as you run the bath. Together, the ingredients can ease pain while speeding up the healing process of sun damage. Taking an oatmeal bath with mint and aloe is an easier way to get full body relief from a sunburn than applying topical creams. Severe sunburns should always receive medical attention. If you have a sunburn that is swollen, blistered or discolored, see a doctor immediately. Moisturize and exfoliate your skin. Even people who don't suffer from irritating dermatological conditions can benefit from regular oatmeal baths. When combined with additives like sea salt, lavender blossoms, baking soda and essential oils, oatmeal restores skin to full health while drawing dirt and oil out from the pores. Best of all, it will leave your skin soft to the touch. Olive, coconut and almond oil make great natural moisturizers when paired with oatmeal. Schedule a relaxing oatmeal bath once a week to pamper yourself as part of a home spa session. | Grind the oatmeal into a fine powder. Pour the oatmeal into the bath. Stir until the oatmeal is thoroughly blended into the water. Soak for 15-30 minutes. Place the oats in a pair of pantyhose or muslin bag. Add any other desired elements. Make sure the bag is secure. Add the bag to the hot bath water as it runs. Ease rashes, itchiness and irritation. Treat infants with diaper rash. Soothe a sunburn. Moisturize and exfoliate your skin. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Harvard-Reference-a-Website | How to Harvard Reference a Website | To Harvard reference a website in text, put the title of the website and the year it was created in parentheses at the end of the quoted or paraphrased text. If there's no date, write "n.d." instead. For example, you would write something like "(Tourism Canada 2001)" or "(Tourism Canada n.d.)." | Cite the title of the website. Look for the title on the top of the website or in the url for the site. Use the full title. For example, you may use the title “Tourism Canada” or “The Writer's Pen” in the citation. Put in the year the website was created or revised. Look at the bottom of the website for a creation date , usually found next to a trademark or with the note, “Created on.” You can also look for a revised date at the bottom of the website. It is usually listed as “Revised on” or “Reviewed on.” For example, you may see a note at the bottom of the website that says “Created on: January 2001” or “Revised: 2012.” If you cannot find the year, you can use “n.d.” in the citation to indicate no date can be found for the website. Use parentheses for the citation. Write the title of the website, followed by the year the website was created or revised in parentheses. For example, you may write, “(Tourism Canada 2001)” or “(The Writer's Pen 2011).” If there is no date on the website, you may write, “(Tourism Canada n.d.)” Place the in-text citation at the end of the quoted paraphrased text. If the material is quoted, put it in quotation marks. If it is paraphrased, you do not need to use quotation marks. Include the citation right after the text you have paraphrased or quoted. Place it after the period at the end of the sentence. For example, if the text is quoted, you may write: “The national average for home pregnancies has doubled in the last year.” (Tourism Canada 2011) If the text is paraphrased, you may write: Winners of this award will receive $1,660. (The Writer's Pen 2011) List the title of the website. This process is similar to the one for creating an in-text citation. Look for the website title at the top of the website. It is also usually included in the url for the site. For example, you may cite “Parks Ontario” or “The Canadian Cancer Society” as the title. Note the year the website was created or revised in parentheses. If you've made an in-text citation, you'll already have this information. If not, search the bottom of the website for a creation date , usually found next to a trademark or with the note, “Created on.” You can also search for a revised date at the bottom of the page. It is usually listed as “Revised on” or “Reviewed on.” For example, you may see a note at the bottom of the website that says “Created on: March 2001” or “Revised: 2017.” You may then write in the citation, “Parks Ontario 2001” or “The Canadian Cancer Society 2017” Use “n.d.” in the citation if you can't find the creation or revision date. “N.d.” will indicate that no date can be found on the website. For example, you may write, “Parks Ontario n.d.” or “The Canadian Cancer Society n.d.” Note that you accessed the official or corporate website. Write “corporate website” or “official website” in italics. Do not include any punctuation between the title of the site and the words “official website” or “corporate website.” For example, you would use the citation, “ The Canadian Cancer Society official website ” or “ Parks Ontario corporate website.” List the day, month, and year you viewed the website. Write “viewed” and then list the date you viewed the site. Always list the day first. For example, you may write, “viewed 21 June 2016” or “viewed 1 March 2011.” Here's an example reference: The Canadian Cancer Society n.d. The Canadian Cancer Society official website , viewed 1 March 2011 Include the url of the website. Use a lesser than symbol (<) followed by the full url of the website. End with a greater than symbol (>) and a period. For example, you may write, “< http://www.cancer.ca/en/get-involved/take-action/what-we-are-doing/ >.” An example of the complete citation is: The Canadian Cancer Society n.d. The Canadian Cancer Society official website , 1 March 2011 < http://www.cancer.ca/en/get-involved/take-action/what-we-are-doing/ >. Place the citation on the reference page at the end of your paper. As part of the Harvard reference style, you will have a reference page, rather than a bibliography page. It should include citations for every source used in your paper. Make sure all sources you cited in-text also appear on your reference page. For example, the completed Harvard reference will look like: Parks Ontario 2011, Parks Ontario corporate website , viewed 21 June 2016, < https://www.ontarioparks.com/ >. | Cite the title of the website. Put in the year the website was created or revised. Use parentheses for the citation. Place the in-text citation at the end of the quoted paraphrased text. List the title of the website. Note the year the website was created or revised in parentheses. Note that you accessed the official or corporate website. List the day, month, and year you viewed the website. Include the url of the website. Place the citation on the reference page at the end of your paper. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Botulism-in-a-Duck | How to Treat Botulism in a Duck | To treat botulism in a duck, start by moving it away from the area where it was infected. Next, provide plenty of fresh water to help the duck flush out its system. If you see any open wounds on the duck, be sure to treat them. Then, administer an antitoxin, which you can get from your local CDC office or through a veterinarian. If the duck doesn't recover within 2 days, it's unlikely it will survive. | Watch for the symptoms. Botulism poisons the duck, causing what's sometimes known as "Limberneck Disease." It causes paralysis, starting with the duck having trouble taking off or going under the water. The duck's legs will be paralyzed, and you may see the duck trying to move only with its wings. The duck's eyelids and neck will droop. The paralysis may also be accompanied by diarrhea. Move the duck. Once you realize a duck is sick, move it away from the area where it was infected. You should provide some basic shelter for the duck. Leaving the duck where it is means the duck will continue to be infected with the bacterium. You have to move it away from the source if it's going to recover. However, not all ducks will recover. Only a duck that didn't get a lethal dose of the bacterium will be able to recover. Provide plenty of fresh water. When you first notice the symptoms, it's important to provide fresh water for that duck. The water may help flush out the bacterium. If the duck won't drink, use a syringe to give the duck fresh water. Give an antitoxin. The two main antitoxins are Trivalent (A, B, E) Botulinum Antitoxin and Heptavalent (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) Botulinum Antitoxin. You can get the first from the CDC (your local office), and you will likely need to get the second through a vet, who will get it from the CDC. The second is recommended for more types of botulism. Ducks are most often affected by Type C Botulism, which generally doesn't cause problems for people, dogs, or cats. Sometimes, they are affected by Type E Botulism. Generally, this treatment is not used. It's not very practical, as it must be given early on, when symptoms aren't as obvious. Treat wounds. Botulism can sometimes be caused by a wound that lets the bacterium into the blood. If your duck has wounds, you should have a vet look at them, as they may need to be treated surgically. Wait 2 days. Most ducks who are going to recover from botulism will do so withing 2 days. If your duck makes it that long, it will likely be fine. Understand how botulism is produced. Often, ducks get botulism from living, drinking, and eating in stagnant water. The water grows the bacterium, and the ducks ingest it. Ducks can also get botulism from eating from eating small, dead invertebrates, as well as maggots that feed on the carcasses. Bad food and dying plant life can also give botulism to ducks. Control the fly population. Limiting flies limits the number of maggots in the area, which can carry the bacterium. Flies can spring up for a number of reasons, especially if the ducks are being raised around other livestock. Control manure. Manure is one of the biggest fly attractions. Make sure to remove manure at least 2 times a week. It's also important to dry out manure, as the moisture attracts flies. To dry it out, spread it out thinly in a sunny area, and then scoop it up once it's dried. Clean up spills quickly. Both feed spills and manure spills can attract flies. Clean them up to help keep flies at bay. Avoid having drainage ditches with weeds. These murky areas can attract flies. Introduce fly-eating species. For instance, a small form of wasp, the fly parasitoids, has young that eat the pupa of flies, and they don't bother humans. Remove carcasses. If several ducks have died of botulism, it's important to remove the animals quickly. Other ducks can catch it from the dead animals, and it can infect the water even more. The best solution is to burn the animals or bury them away from other ducks. Remove dead fish. Dead fish can cause some of the same problems as dead ducks. If dead fish are in a pond with the ducks, it's best to remove them if possible. Take care of shallow water. Shallow water tends to be stagnant, and in warm weather especially, it can breed botulism. It's best to either drain the water off or flood the area to avoid these shallow breeding grounds. | Watch for the symptoms. Move the duck. Provide plenty of fresh water. Give an antitoxin. Treat wounds. Wait 2 days. Understand how botulism is produced. Control the fly population. Remove carcasses. Remove dead fish. Take care of shallow water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Difference-As-a-Christian-Youth | How to Make a Difference As a Christian Youth | To make a difference as a Christian youth, try to be kind to everyone, no matter their religion, race, sexual orientation, and beliefs, to spread positivity in the world. Whenever someone is rude or cruel to you, show them love and forgiveness like God does for you whenever you sin. If you notice someone sitting alone at lunch or being bullied by others, try to make friends with them and make sure they're okay, as Jesus teaches us to do. You can also lead a fundraiser, like a car wash or bake sale, at your school or church to raise money for charity. Alternatively, volunteer your time at an elderly home, animal shelter, or your church to help those in need. | Be a good example for other youth. As a Christian youth, you should lead by example. That means following Christian teachings. Everything you do in your life should reflect the goodness of God. Show positivity, smile, and do good works. Don't talk behind other people's backs. Be kind to all people, including those who aren't popular. Love thy neighbor as thyself. Walk the walk, don't just talk the talk. Be a leader. Don't participate or laugh at sinful subjects. Just walk away. But also try to get people to stop doing it. If you see bullying occurring, intervene. Be the one person at your school that doesn't tolerate cussing or gossip. Don't drink, smoke, party, cheat on tests, gossip, or engage in other negative behaviors. Be someone who spends Friday night on their knees in prayer rather than at a party getting wasted. Be patient and kind. If people can't tell you're a Christian by your actions and words, you're doing it wrong. You need to live every single day with the right attitude. Love others and be willing to help them even at cost to yourself. This is a fundamental commandment that Jesus gave during his time on Earth. To love others as you love yourself is so important. Don't let ego and status stop you from treating others as you would your own brothers and sisters. Don't be close minded. Love all people of all religions, races, sexual orientations, and beliefs. Don't swear or speak about inappropriate things, or make intolerant statements. You can't make a positive difference if you are cursing or making dirty jokes. Be respectful, honorable, and pure. Set an example of Christianity every day at work or school, or both. Be humble, kind, patient, and respectful when engaging with non-Christians. Reach out to people who are shunned by others. Jesus showed love to people who were treated negatively by others or regarded lowly by society. Never give up on someone, and especially never give up on God, in the good times and the bad. You will encounter islands in school and other settings. This means there are people who only hang out with certain people because they don't know anyone else and won't make an effort to know anyone else. It is something everyone does. You need to step up and be a bridge, which means stepping out of your comfort zone. You can sit with someone who sits alone at lunch and just be a friend. Or you could lend a listening ear to them. Building a personal relationship is a great first step to leading someone to Christ. A subtle but effective way to spread faith is to plant seeds and allow the Holy Spirit to take root within others. You have the relationships with the people around you already, and you can be the one who encourages them, offers prayers, and lives out the Bible so as to be an example of God's love and grace. Treat everyone as an equal. Whatever their status in life or profession, remember that all people are God's creation and deserve a chance to be understood. Be able to take rejection or loss with grace. You should be happy to do the good deeds you do. However, it can be more challenging to show a positive attitude when you are rejected or otherwise face negativity in your life. When confronted about your beliefs, don't freak out. Remember that everyone has a different story as to how they became a Christian, whether it was a dramatic conversion or they just grew up in it, but no matter how you became a Christian, it's your firsthand account. Tell people why you believe what you believe even if they ridicule you for it. Turn the other cheek. If someone is rude to you or cruel, show them forgiveness and love. Forgiveness is a Christian trait. We are all born sinners, and we all struggle and we all fall at times. Don't let that discourage you. If someone's hurt you, find a way to forgive. When you fall, forgive yourself too, and pick yourself back up and try again. What matters to God is how many times you stand up. Strive to grow in a positive way. You are unique, you have your own gifts, talents, strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes. Grow the positive aspects of your personality. Keep studying your faith. Continue to study and learn about your faith as you get older. Know that even adults still work on the tough questions. Come to youth group with a heart that wants to learn. People will notice a change in your group. Start answering questions and step out of your comfort zone. Once you step out of your comfort zone, others will start to step out of theirs. Spouting verse is all well and good, but understanding the deeper meaning behind it all, how it fits into the entire narrative of the Bible, is more important. You can say "God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son..." (John 3:16), but until you can show that same love to others, it's difficult for others to see the positive change caused by your faith. Read the Bible. You could try to read a scripture a day. God's word is vital to a Christian life because it provides guidelines. You could also listen to podcasts or watch YouTube videos on your faith. Ask questions. You won't know everything. There are many Christians who have studied faith for their whole lives, but they still don't know everything. Keep in mind that historical context, language, translation, context or meaning can matter when reading Christian teachings. Seek out older religious teachers and show them great respect, such as a pastor or priest or a Sunday school teacher. Ask them to help you learn more about your faith. Make sure that you keep involved in a Bible study, preferably involving kids your age. This is much more effective in helping you learn and relate to the Bible than attending only traditional worship services. Pray as often as you can and go to church. You can simply start off by saying, “God, I do not know what to do, but I have this desire in my heart to make a difference.” God doesn't care what you say to Him. He just loves to listen to you. You could start a prayer journal so that you can remember what you prayed for and then see how God has answered your prayers. Don't forget to pray for others too, not just for yourself. You should attend church as much as you can and ask your parents if they can drive you. Try memorizing some important prayers and saying them before you go to bed and every meal. Just take time out of your day to relax and think about God, what are you thankful for and what you did wrong and could improve. Ask God what to do through prayer. God knows all your abilities, strengths, and weaknesses and he knows what's right for you to do to make a difference. Don't let your age or comfort zones get in the way of doing what God calls you to do. Lead a fundraiser to help someone in need. Maybe you start out by collecting spare change or donating your allowance. Find a worthy cause, and help collect donations for it. Or just give whatever money you have to a good cause. You could use an online donation site. You can also help by joining or helping a cause that revolves around helping people know about God and His Word; there are many organizations that cater to the needs of less fortunate people all across the world as well as teach them about Christ. Perhaps you do car washes or lemonade stands. Sell your old books. It's not necessarily how much you donate that counts. It's the fact you're giving most or all of what you have that matters. Join a youth group or mission. This is another way that you can give back: By getting involved with group activities associated with your church. Try to get involved in your local church's mission trips, whether they are around the world, national, or local. If your church does not have these types of trips, you could bring the idea to the congregation. Try tithing (giving 10% of your money to your church), or donating some of the stuff you don't use anymore. Inviting your friends to church or youth group are great ideas too. Don't treat youth group like school, and don't act like it bores you. Dedicate yourself to God, and show this by always staying happy and cheerful and giving what you can to the group. You could also start/join a Christian club at your school (if it's allowed) Remember that a mission doesn't have to be across an ocean. You could go on a mission trip to a local college or high school and help out staff with some church friends and talk about Jesus to anyone willing to listen. Be open about your faith and principles. At times, this might be very difficult. You might feel like the only Christian youth around who is open about faith. Stand your ground. Actively develop your relationship with Christ. Get out and interact with people and develop relationships. Christian youth are ambassadors, not secret agents. In order to change people's hearts, you first need to interact with them. Be as outward as possible about your faith. You could wear shirts that spark conversations. Stand up for and voice your moral beliefs. You can do this in a way that sounds positive, not negative. Be willing to stand up for what you believe in. Be a witness to what God has done for you as a Christian. A lot of young people have some, little, or absolutely no faith in God whatsoever. By being walking proof about what the word has to offer, you are making a difference somewhere. Give back by volunteering your time. You could help the homeless, take care of an elderly or disabled person, or work at an animal shelter. Help at your church, school, and in your home too. You can also give back in smaller ways by simply being a positive force in your environment. Help classmates with schoolwork out of class, for example. You can organize park cleanups or volunteer for blood drives. Help your church. Basically just volunteer to help your church. It could be something as simple as holding the door for people visiting your church. You could offer to clean up after the services. Share your faith if you think it will help others. This doesn't mean that you try to push your beliefs on others. However, if someone asks you about what keeps you strong in all you do, gently tell them you believe in God, and you put all your worries/fears/pain onto God so that you can help others with theirs. Also don't be afraid to share your testimony- talk to your youth minister/pastor about opportunities to share your story, and where you can help within the church. The important thing to remember is that simply letting people know you are a Christian can sometimes be enough as long as you are happy and friendly and don't force anything down anyone's throat. It's a good idea to let more people know that God has their back if you perceive that a person is struggling and receptive to the message. However, understand that being a Christian is not about beating out other religions. Christianity is a peaceful and loving religion. Learn to love the people around you for who they are and that you cannot change them by shoving a Bible down their throat. If you want to show how Christianity has made you a better person, be kind to those around you regardless of their beliefs. | Be a good example for other youth. Be patient and kind. Reach out to people who are shunned by others. Be able to take rejection or loss with grace. Keep studying your faith. Read the Bible. Pray as often as you can and go to church. Lead a fundraiser to help someone in need. Join a youth group or mission. Be open about your faith and principles. Give back by volunteering your time. Share your faith if you think it will help others. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Walk-Away-from-Love | How to Walk Away from Love | While walking away from love can be difficult, it may also be necessary if your relationship isn't working out. If you've recently had a fight with your partner, give yourself time to calm down before making any decisions. Once your emotions are in check, ask yourself “Is my life better because this person is in it?” If the answer is “no,” then it's time to move on. When you're ready to move on, find a time when you and your partner won't feel rushed. Set out your reasons for ending the relationship in a direct but polite way. To avoid blaming the other person, focus on “I” statements, like “I care about you, but I have decided that it's best for me to go my separate way. I've sacrificed my dreams to maintain the relationship, and I realized I don't want to do that anymore.” If your partner has objections, make sure to listen to them so they feel heard, but make sure to stand your ground if they try to talk you out of your decision. | Wait until you are calm and clear-headed. It's easy to jump to conclusions after a fight or disagreement and think “I don't want this person in my life anymore.” If this describes your situation, give it some time before making a decision. When you are emotional, you are more likely to make rash decisions. Allow yourself time to calm down and fully consider the choice. If you are actively angry or upset, take a few deep, calming breaths. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth for several counts each. Reflect on your reasons for wanting to walk away. Once you are more clear-headed, spend some time considering why you want to walk away from love. Has something in particular happened that caused this change of heart? Or, are you acting on a buildup of gut feelings? Write out what you're thinking in a journal to better understand what's guiding your thoughts. Common reasons for ending a love relationship may include different dreams or visions for the future, infidelity, abuse, or trouble communicating. Decide how your relationship affects your life and well-being. The ultimate question to ask is “Is my life better because this person is in it?” If the answer is “no,” then you are making the right decision in walking away from love. A healthy relationship should be a positive contribution to your life in general. Although every day won't be sunshine and flowers, you should still feel like you are better for knowing your partner. If not, leaving is the best thing you can do for yourself and your future. Make sure you're not leaving out of fear. In some instances, you may try to walk away from love because you fear being disappointed, hurt, or abandoned. Perhaps you had previous relationships that ended badly and you're afraid of repeating those past mistakes. Or, maybe you aren't sure you can make a long-term relationship work, so you bail before the commitment phase. Look deep within yourself to analyze the real reasons you want to walk away from love. If you think fear is driving your desire to end the relationship, voice your concerns with your partner. The two of you may be able to overcome these fears by working together. Get the advice of a friend or therapist. It may be helpful to seek the opinion of a trusted friend before deciding to walk away from love. This person may be able to weigh in on some of your concerns or reaffirm your choice to walk away. Another option is to see a therapist. They can help you work through the pros and cons of leaving your relationship and decide what the right choice is for you. Whether you initiated the break up or not, it can feel very painful. The emotional weight of the separation can be particularly difficult if you had been together a long time, developed future plans together, or endured infidelity or abuse. Mental health professionals can help you work through any unresolved emotions. Examine how your choice affects any children. If you have children with your partner, this probably weighs into your decision to leave. Spend some time thinking about how your leaving will affect them and if it's the best choice. If your children are at risk of being abused or if they often witness you and your partner fighting, it may be better for them if you leave. Talk it over with a family member, lawyer, or a therapist before making this decision. If you do decide to stay, family therapy may help work out the issues in the relationship and the family. Determine if you can afford to walk away. Another variable keeping you in an unsatisfying relationship is financial difficulty. You may not have money of your own or may not make enough money to sustain a household. If this is the case, discuss your situation with a dear friend or lawyer. Work out a plan to save money and support yourself financially so that you can leave your partner. For example, you may need to get a higher-paying job, take on a second job, or stay with a friend or family member for a short time. Schedule a time to talk with your partner. Once you have decided to leave your partner, you should set aside a time to talk in person. Let them know that you would like to have a discussion and choose a time that suits both your schedules. This type of conversation should probably be set in a public place, just in case your partner reacts negatively. In general, you should try to break up in person, unless you feel threatened by your partner in some way. If that's the case, a letter, email, or phone call may be more appropriate. Be clear about your reasons while also remaining polite. Set out your reasons for ending the relationship in a straightforward way, as doing it in a roundabout fashion often feels worse on the receiving end. Get to the point. Let the person know your decision, but be sure to maintain a pleasant tone. Use "I" statements. Don't blame the other person or outline their faults. Simply explain how the relationship has affected you and keep the focus on your own needs. Doing so decreases their chances of becoming defensive and disagreeable. For instance, you might say, “I care about you and we have shared many wonderful memories together. But I have decided that it's best for me to go my separate way. I've sacrificed my goals and dreams to maintain the relationship and I realized I don't want to do that anymore.” Listen to their objections. You owe the other person an attentive audience. Don't expect to say what you have to and then scram. Give them the opportunity to voice their grievances. Listen actively and respectfully to what they have to say. Resist interrupting or defending yourself or your decision. Also, avoid apologizing, which sends the message that you've done something wrong. Stand firm in your decision. If your ex tries to convince or even beg you to stay, repeat a condensed version of your previous statement. There's no need to justify your decision or blame yourself for how you feel. Restate your choice firmly and ask the person to respect your decision. This might sound like, “As I said, I feel like I have given up my dreams to keep the relationship going. I don't want to do it anymore. I'd appreciate it if you would respect my choice.” Meet with the person in public or break up over the phone if you think they might try to harm you. If your partner threatens you or tries to manipulate you into staying in the relationship, leave the environment right away. Call for help, if you are in danger. Get rid of relationship reminders. Holding on to memories of the past will prevent you from being able to move forward. As soon as you're ready, mark a date on your calendar for clearing out the old. Toss or donate any items that remind you of the love you walked away from. If you don't trust yourself, ask a friend to box up the items for trash or donation. Delete your ex's number and other contact info. The next order of business is breaking communication ties with your ex. You decided to walk away from them, so there's no reason to stalk them on social media or send them late-night texts. To prevent yourself from backtracking on your decision, delete all methods of contact. Delete their email address as well as unfollowing the person on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and any other networks you use. If you have kids with this person, simply limit your contact to strictly discussing the children. Avoid being pulled back into communicating about the breakup once the decision has been made. Get support from loved ones. Breakups are hard. Luckily, you have friends and family members who want to help you get through this troubling time. Take advantage of your close relationships and spend as much time with these people as you can. You might ask a dear friend, “Could you hang out with me this weekend? I'm worried I'll be lonely.” Focus on your dreams. The best way to start dating again is by finding a goal to work towards. This will keep you busy and distracted from dwelling on the breakup, and also gives your life meaning and purpose. Sooner or later, you'll start to feel like yourself again. Write out a long-term goal that you'd like to reach within the next year or so. Then, create several short-term goals that help you accomplish it. For example, if you aspire to spend six months traveling the world, you might consider short-term goals like finding someone to lease your apartment, taking leave from work or school, and saving money for your travels. Do self-care activities regularly. Walking away from love is an emotionally upsetting decision, even if you believe it was the right choice. It will take time for you to mourn the person you let go of. In the meantime, take measures to care for yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally. Eat balanced, nutritious meals, get plenty of exercise, and aim for at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Work to keep stress at bay by practicing relaxation exercises like yoga, writing in a journal, or reading a good book. Pay attention to your emotions. Notice if your emotions about the break up begin interfering with your ability to complete daily activities or overcome you to the point that you're having difficult coping. These are signs you should seek assistance from a mental health professional to help you get back on your feet. | Wait until you are calm and clear-headed. Reflect on your reasons for wanting to walk away. Decide how your relationship affects your life and well-being. Make sure you're not leaving out of fear. Get the advice of a friend or therapist. Examine how your choice affects any children. Determine if you can afford to walk away. Schedule a time to talk with your partner. Be clear about your reasons while also remaining polite. Use "I" statements. Listen to their objections. Stand firm in your decision. Get rid of relationship reminders. Delete your ex's number and other contact info. Get support from loved ones. Focus on your dreams. Do self-care activities regularly. Pay attention to your emotions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Pipette-Calibration | How to Do Pipette Calibration | To calibrate a pipette, place a clean weigh boat on a scale and hit “zero” so you don't record the weight of the boat. Then, wipe the pipette down with ethanol to sterilize it. Once the device is sterile, pre-rinse the tip by pushing the button to the first stop and sticking it into the liquid. Release the button and press it again 3 times to pre-rinse the tip. Next, draw out 2 stops of water and put them in the boat and weigh them. Take 10 measurements like that to check the calibration. | Gather the necessary materials. To check the calibration of a pipette, you will need the pipette, pipette tips, distilled water, a beaker, a thermometer, a balance, and weigh boats. The balance needs to be specific to micrograms to calibrate micropipettes with a maximum of 1 µL. You won't need more than 5 mLs of water. Fill the beaker with the water. Make sure the pipette tips are the correct tips that properly fit the pipette. Measure the temperature of the distilled water. Place the thermometer in the water and leave it for at least one minute. If the red line on the thermometer is still moving, leave it for another minute. After a minute, record the temperature in a notebook. Remove the thermometer and dry it off when you are finished. Knowing the temperature of the water is important for the calculations that will be done to check the calibration. Place the weigh boat on the balance and zero it out. Ideally, you will use a balance that has doors on it and is an isolated chamber. Place the weigh boat in the chamber and close the doors. If you don't have doors, simply place the weigh boat on the balance. Press the “Zero” or “Tare” button and wait until the balance reads zero. Zeroing the scale subtracts the weight of the plastic boat and allows you to measure just the weight of whatever you put into the boat. Prepare the pipette for calibration. Wipe down the pipette with ethanol to kill any contaminants before beginning and make sure nothing is clogging the tip end of the pipette. Place the appropriate tip on the end and set the volume that you want to test. For calibration, test both the smallest volume and the largest volume the pipette can dispense. Pre-rinse the tip before calibration. Press the button to the first stop and stick the tip into the distilled water so that about 2 mm is immersed in the liquid. Release the button to aspirate some liquid and then dispense the liquid again by pushing the button down. Repeat this three times to pre-rinse the tip. Push the button to the second stop to dispense any liquid that remains in the tip and remove the pipette from the water. Aspirate the calibration volume. With the tip out of the liquid, push the button down to the first stop. Place about 2 mm of the tip into the distilled water and release the button to aspirate the liquid into the tip. Wait about 1 second before removing the tip from the water. Make sure the tip is completely immersed during the whole aspiration process. You don't want any bubbles in the tip or the results will be wrong. Dispense the liquid into the weigh boat on the scale. Place the tip against the bottom of the weigh boat and push the button down to the first stop. Move to another spot slightly away from the water and push the button to the second stop. Keeping the button pressed, lift the tip away from the weigh boat. Keep the tip on the pipette as you will use it again to weigh out more calibration tests. MAke sure the tip does not touch anything. Record the weight on the balance. Close the door if you are using a chamber balance. Wait until the numbers stop changing. Record this number in your notebook. It's important to wait until the number has stabilized before recording it. Your readings will be incorrect if you don't wait. Repeat this process to take at least 10 readings. Zero the scale, pre-rinse the tip, aspirate the same volume, dispense the volume, and then record the weight. You want to have multiple recordings of the same volume and then you can average them all together. You can repeat this same process with different volumes as long as you take multiple readings per volume. Define the formula for calculated volume. The formula for calculating the volume dispensed by the pipette is V = w * Z where w is the weight of the water, Z is the conversion factor based on the density of the water, and V is the calculated volume of how much water was dispensed. You can find the Z variable by looking up the density of water using the temperature recorded at the beginning of the experiment. For example: If the temperature of the water was 23°C, then you will use a Z value of 1.0035 µg/mg. Average the replicates together. You should have weighed the volume of water dispensed by the pipette at least 10 times. In order to average all of these values together, add them all up and divide by 10. If you did more or fewer trials, add up each trial and divide by the total number of trials. For example: The ten weights you recorded for a pipette volume of 10µL are as follows: 9.89, 10.01, 10.02, 9.99, 9.95, 10.04, 9.96, 10.01, 9.99, and 9.98. The average is: (9.89 + 10.01 + 10.02 + 9.99 + 9.95+ 10.04 + 9.96 + 10.01 + 9.99 + 9.98)/10 = 99.84/10 = 9.984 Plug the variables into the equation and solve. Once you have determined the proper numbers to use for each variable, you can plug them into the equation and solve for the calculated volume. To solve, simply multiply the average weight of all the trials by the Z value. For example: V = w * Z = 9.984 * 1.0035 = 10.019 Calculate the accuracy of the pipette. To calculate the accuracy you can use the equation A = 100 x V avg /V 0 , where A is the accuracy of the pipette, V avg is the average calculated volume and V 0 is the value you set the pipette to dispense. Accuracy should be between 99-101%. If the pipette is properly calibrated, the calculated value should be very close to the actual value you set on the pipette. For example: A = 100 x V avg /V 0 = 100 x 10.019/10 = 100 x 1.0019 = 100.19% This particular pipette is properly calibrated. Send the pipette for calibration, if necessary. If your pipette does not pass the calibration test, stop using it for experiments immediately. Pipettes are very delicate and expensive pieces of lab equipment. You cannot fix the calibration yourself so you will need to send them in for proper servicing. Alternatively, some companies will come to your lab and calibrate your pipettes there. Contact the company that makes your particular brand of pipette for servicing. | Gather the necessary materials. Measure the temperature of the distilled water. Place the weigh boat on the balance and zero it out. Prepare the pipette for calibration. Pre-rinse the tip before calibration. Aspirate the calibration volume. Dispense the liquid into the weigh boat on the scale. Record the weight on the balance. Repeat this process to take at least 10 readings. Define the formula for calculated volume. Average the replicates together. Plug the variables into the equation and solve. Calculate the accuracy of the pipette. Send the pipette for calibration, if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Ants-Naturally | How to Get Rid of Ants Naturally | To get rid of ants naturally, start by sprinkling turmeric or cinnamon around the edges of the room as soon as you seen even a few ants, to keep more from coming in. Then, spread coffee grounds outside around your foundation to prevent ants from entering your home. If that doesn't work, try sprinkling crushed mint anywhere you see ants, because they dislike the smell and it will drive them away. | Heed the scouts. The first sign of ants in your kitchen is a warning to you. Scout ants are wandering ants, either singular or relatively few in number. They investigate your kitchen for food and supplies. If these ants return to the nest to inform the other ants, more will be on the way. Waste no time: Cleaning your kitchen Sealing all food and removing all sources of sticky, sweet, greasy, and meaty foods from their access. Spread Diatomaceous Earth, some what heavily, along all of the edges (entry points) of the room. This will cut the exoskeleton of the ant, causing it to dry up and die in a matter of hours. Clean dirty dishes immediately after using them. Wash all dishes as they're used or place them into the dishwasher and shut the door tight. Wipe down all of your cupboard, benchtop, and counter surfaces with vinegar. Vinegar not only cleans and disinfects, it is also an ants deterrent. Remove all sources of garbage and keep the kitchen bin shut tightly. Rinse all recyclable containers before putting them into storage. Sweep and vacuum the kitchen area daily. Food that's fallen on your floor or been lost in your kitchen's nooks and crannies will be an open invitation to ants. Crumbs and bits of food that have gotten caught in kitchen area rugs will attract ants in the same way. If you're prone to forgetting to sweep and vacuum your kitchen area, you might want to try getting into the habit of doing it at the same time every day, like after breakfast or dinner. Rinse residue off containers. In particular, check jam/jelly jars, sauce bottles, pickle bottles, cordial bottles and honey and syrup containers. Place your honey jar and any other sugary ant favorites inside a bowl of water. For more details on the bowl of water technique, check out How to keep ants out of honey and How to keep ants away from cat food. Seal all food items in containers. Use airtight containers or similar ant-proof containers for food storage. Be relentless with this for 3 to 7 days. The ants, having nothing to eat, will go elsewhere. This works because the ants are following the chemical trails left by other ants, who did find food. You may also need to seal fragrant items such as cleaning powders, deodorants, and the like in case these attract the ants' initial attention. Be alert to any congregations of ants around non-food sources. Identify ant access points. While you clean your kitchen and get on ant scout patrol, do some scouting work of your own. Can you tell where the ants are entering the house? Follow the first ants to see where they're entering and leaving. Popular routs of ingress for ants include things like gaps in the woodwork, cracks in cement, vents, screens, cracks in the floorboards, and so on. Seal all entrance holes with silicone caulk. Alternatively, you can use putty, glue or plaster. Temporary methods of blocking ant access to your home include petroleum jelly or poster tack. If you use a temporary sealant (such as poster tack), only use this until you can purchase a more permanent solution, as it will deteriorate over time and the gap will open again. Arm yourself with a spray bottle of soapy water. Soapy water will both kill ants and destroy their chemical trail. This will prevent more ants from following in their tracks. This cheap and easy method consists simply of: Putting one teaspoon of liquid dish soap into a spray bottle and filling it with water. Add mint oil, citrus peels , or citrus rind oil to make this spray extra potent. Spritzing the ants you see with the solution in your spray bottle. Put up defensive barriers. Many of the products that form these natural ant barriers are probably already in your kitchen; they just need to be deployed properly. A barrier doesn't need to be wider than a ¼ of an inch (6.35mm) but it must form an unbroken line. Use barriers on places like sills, floors, counters, and around ant access points. Some of the items with which you can form barriers include: Powdered charcoal A line of chalk Turmeric Cinnamon Citrus oil Black pepper, cayenne pepper , or red chili pepper. Vaseline (great for doors and windows) Baby powder Powdered cleanser White vinegar and water Desiccating dusts (such as diatomaceous earth or silica aerogel) Sprinkle around deterring odors. Ants dislike various scents. Some of these include peppermint, camphor, and garlic. These can be used fresh or in oil form as a deterrent for ants in an area of your home. Use camphor with caution, as it is poisonous to humans and animals. The great thing about these fragrant deterrents is that your own preferences for scent can be used to improve the overall smell of your household odors. Sprinkle crushed mint leaves in ant infested rooms and grow mint near the entrance areas. Dried peppermint is also effective. Rub a raw clove of garlic over ant trails and entrances. Sprinkle lavender oil in ant afflicted areas and grow lavender near their entrances. Spread some oil of clove in ant zones or crush cloves and sprinkle it as a barrier. Use bay laurel or bay leaves to keep ants from attractants. Ants are especially attracted to sugar, paprika, and flour. Put bay or bay laurel leaves in your sugar can, flour container, and paprika jar. Over time, the ant repelling strength of these leaves and lose potency. Replace these every month for best results. Sprinkle Splenda over ant trails. This is not a danger to kids, so it's a great technique to use where children congregate, such as at school. It's also pet safe, making this a great option if you have animals. Sprinkle Splenda over the trails of any ants you see. Once the ants consume the Splenda, they should die shortly after the fact. Be sure to replenish your Splenda as necessary. Use coffee grounds. Spread coffee grounds on ant hills and along your house foundation. This safe material confuses the worker ants because they lose their scent trails. This causes the hatched young in the ant colonies to have no food and starve. Be persistent and patient with your use of grounds. It may take a season before you start noticing an effect. It is important to reapply grounds every year, at minimum. Refreshing grounds more frequently will have a stronger, more immediate effect. Use dish soap with baking soda. Combine a small amount of dish soap and baking soda in a bucket half filled with water. Agitate this mixture with your hand or a stirring implement. Spread a thin line of this liquid along area where ants are coming in. This technique is a great solution for dealing with ants that are invading windowsills. Create your own ant baits with boric acid and maple syrup. You can buy ant baits, but those will likely be chemical preparations that don't fit well with natural attempts to control ants in the home. It's easy to make your own ant baits. A particularly effective one is made with boric acid. Boric acid and sodium borate salts are naturally found in minerals like sassolite. When ants walk in or over boric acid, they ingest it and die. Boric acid is poisonous and should not be ingested or come in contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. Handle it with gloves. A sample boric acid bait could be made with boric acid and maple syrup. Drizzle a spoonful of syrup on a plate or saucer. Sprinkle this liberally with boric acid. Use a skewer, toothpick, or cotton swab to distribute the acid evenly through the syrup. Place your boric acid bait wherever the ants are frequenting. Keep it out of the reach of children or pets. This method can take a week to take effect. Use food against ants. There are many foods ants are unable to digest. These methods are effective, though you might have to clean up dead ants after the fact. Spread the following bait foods where the ants are appearing: Corn meal. This method is especially great around pets or children, as cornmeal itself is not poisonous. Cream of wheat (farina). Spread this raw where there are ants. It will expand in their stomachs, killing them. Coffee grounds. Ants are sensitive to caffeine. Leave used coffee grounds where the ants will carry it home and eat it. This method takes a few weeks for results. Deal with carpenter ants as naturally as possible. An invasion of carpenter ants is serious. They can compromise or damage your house structure. Piles of broken wings and ants with longer than average bodies are indications of carpenters. You may also see fecal pellets (which look like sawdust) and they can sometimes be heard rustling in the walls. Some ways to deal with them include: Baiting them. They like sugar, so you can turn this against them. Use the boric acid method described previously. Vacuuming their nests out of infested walls, if possible. Calling an exterminator. Professionals can drill holes in the wall and blow in diatomaceous earth, silica aerogel, or boric acid inside to eliminate the infestation. Pyrethrin spray can also be used. Verify the exterminator uses natural pesticides. Some exterminators specialize in using natural pest control methods. Search for one near you by doing an online keyword search for "organic insect and pest control" or "natural insect and pest extermination." This kind of pest control is often poorly regulated. Some pest services are only "organic" or "natural" in name, but not in fact. Call exterminators and inquire directly about services, saying something like, "Could you tell me how your methods are all natural?" Call a professional to deal with fire ants. Fire ants rarely enter the home, but if they do, get help immediately. They're aggressive, and their stings are painful and can sometimes trigger an allergic reaction. If the ants must be sprayed, insist on the use of a bait that has an insect growth regulator, like abamectin, in it. Follow all advice given by exterminators. Exterminators are professionals who have been trained not only in pest removal but also prevention. If you've had difficulty with any of the techniques mentioned here, ask the exterminator for their advice. For example, you may have looked high and low but were unable to find the ants' entrance into your home. An exterminator could help pinpoint this for you. Attack the nest directly on your own. Although you're not a professional, using this professional technique can have professional results. Sneak up on an ant nest on a cool day. Then pour several gallons/liters of boiling water into the nest entrance. If you want to make the water more deadly, add vinegar, insecticidal soaps, citrus oil, pyrethrum insecticide, or ammonia. Repeat this process every day or so until it seems that the ants have given up and moved. This may take several days to take effect. | Heed the scouts. Clean dirty dishes immediately after using them. Sweep and vacuum the kitchen area daily. Rinse residue off containers. Seal all food items in containers. Identify ant access points. Seal all entrance holes with silicone caulk. Arm yourself with a spray bottle of soapy water. Put up defensive barriers. Sprinkle around deterring odors. Use bay laurel or bay leaves to keep ants from attractants. Sprinkle Splenda over ant trails. Use coffee grounds. Use dish soap with baking soda. Create your own ant baits with boric acid and maple syrup. Use food against ants. Deal with carpenter ants as naturally as possible. Verify the exterminator uses natural pesticides. Call a professional to deal with fire ants. Follow all advice given by exterminators. Attack the nest directly on your own. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cure-Labyrinthitis | How to Cure Labyrinthitis | To cure labyrinthitis, start by taking an over-the-counter antihistamine to reduce the congestion that you're experiencing. Labyrinthitis also causes vertigo, which you can manage by taking an over-the-counter medication for dizziness, avoiding bright lights, avoiding sudden movements, and resuming your normal activities slowly. It's important to avoid alcohol, aspirin, and cigarettes while you're recovering from labyrinthitis, since they can worsen your symptoms. | Recognize symptoms of labyrinthitis. The inner parts of your ear are crucial for both your sense of hearing and balance. Swelling due to the condition can lead to an impairment of both, which then has other cascading effects. The most common effect by which to recognize labyrinthitis include: Vertigo (a spinning feeling when standing still) Difficulty focusing due to your eyes moving on their own Dizziness Hearing loss Imbalance Nausea and vomiting Tinnitus (ringing or other noises in your ears) Avoid activity that can complicate or worsen the condition. Recent viral illnesses (colds and flus), as well as respiratory and ear infections, significantly increase your risk for labyrinthitis. However, a number of more controllable activities can raise your risk for the condition or worsen the condition once you have it. These activities include: Overconsumption of alcohol Fatigue Severe allergies Smoking Stress Certain medications (such as aspirin) Take an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine. OTC antihistamines are used to treat allergies, and they can help reduce the congestion from a recent infection, which may be what's causing the swelling leading to the labyrinthitis. Common antihistamines include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), desloratadine (Clarinex), and fexofenadine (Allegra). Many antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so read the effects on the packaging closely, and always stay within the recommended dosages. Take an OTC medication to treat dizziness. Since labyrinthitis is most often caused by a viral infection, you must often wait for your immune system to do its job and beat the virus. During this time you can help reduce any associated dizziness with an OTC medication. The most common OTC medicine for dizziness is meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine, or Antivert). Manage vertigo. The effects of labyrinthitis usually come as attacks rather than a continuous set of symptoms. When you have an attack of vertigo due to the condition, you can take several steps to help reduce the effects. You should: Rest as best as you can and try to stay still without moving your head Avoid changing positions or making sudden movements Resume activities slowly Get help walking so you don't injure yourself in a fall Avoid bright lights, television (and other electronic screens), and reading during attacks Do exercises to reduce vertigo. There are some exercises that can help you to reduce the feeling of vertigo. The most effective exercise is called the Epley maneuver. This maneuver can help to reposition the small particles in the canals of your inner ear called otoliths. These particles, when knocked out of place, can induce vertigo. To perform the maneuver: Sit in the middle of your bed at the edge with your head turned 45° toward the direction that induces the vertigo. Quickly lay down backward with your head still toward the direction that produces the vertigo. This will likely lead to a strong vertiginous response. Stay in this position for thirty seconds. Turn your head 90° to the opposite direction and hold for another thirty seconds. Rotate both your head and your body in the same direction (you will now be on your side with your head over the edge of the bed pointed 45° toward the ground). Hold for another thirty seconds before sitting back up. Repeat this five or six times until you no longer experience a response of vertigo to the maneuver. Take necessary precautions as you get better. While the most severe symptoms of labyrinthitis usually last about a week, you can still have milder symptoms for three weeks (on average). Sudden dizzy spells while driving, climbing, or operating heavy machinery can all prove dangerous as you recover. Take the necessary precautions and consider consulting a physician regarding when it is safe for you to resume these activities. Learn when to seek immediate medical attention. In most cases of viral labyrinthitis, your immune system will clear the infection on its own. However, less frequent instances of bacterial labyrinthitis can lead to much more serious (and potentially life-threatening) conditions such as meningitis. You should seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms also include: Convulsions Double vision Fainting Severe vomiting Slurred speech Vertigo with a fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher Weakness or paralysis Make an appointment with your doctor. Even without emergency-related symptoms, you should still see your doctor if you're suffering from labyrinthitis. Your doctor will help diagnose whether the etiology (cause) of the condition is viral or bacterial. Your doctor can then take the proper steps to possibly shorten the duration of the condition, alleviate symptoms, and reduce the risk of any permanent hearing loss. There are other causes of vertigo that are not from labyrinthitis, so its important for a doctor to evaluate Submit to any tests your doctor wants to order. If the presentation of your case makes your doctor suspect something other than labyrinthitis, he or she may order tests to rule out other conditions. Your doctor may ask you to submit to: An electroencephalogram (EEG) An electronystagmography, which tests eye reflexes by warming and cooling your inner ear A computed tomography (CT) scan, which creates a three-dimensional x-ray of your head An MRI Hearing tests Take any medications prescribed to treat the labyrinthitis. Your physician may prescribe antiviral agents for severe forms of viral labyrinthitis or antibiotics if the underlying cause is a bacterial infection. Regardless of the type of prescription, take exactly as directed for the full course of the medication. Ask about medications to help alleviate symptoms. In addition to any medications your doctor might prescribe to treat the cause of the labyrinthitis, he or she may also recommend prescription-strength medications to help you deal with the vertigo, dizziness, and other symptoms while you recover. Tell your doctor about any antihistamines, Dramamine, or any other OTC medicines you were taking before your consultation, and only follow the exact medication regimen that your doctor prescribes. Some common drugs prescribed for this purpose include: Prochlorperazine (Compazine) to control nausea and vomiting Scopolamine (Transderm-Scop) to help with dizziness Sedatives such as diazepam (Valium) Steroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone, or decadron) Ask your doctor about vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) for chronic conditions. If your symptoms do not subside with the use of medication and become chronic, then you should ask your doctor about VRT. VRT is a physical therapy that can help you adapt to and correct for the symptoms of labyrinthitis. Some of the strategies most commonly used in this therapy include: Gaze-stabilization exercises: These exercises help your brain adapt to the new signaling from your affected vestibular system (the system that helps you with orientation). A common exercise includes fixing your gaze on a specific target while moving your head. Canal-retraining exercises: Chronic symptoms of labyrinthitis can lead to changes related to nerve signaling for balance and walking. These exercises improve coordination by helping you adapt to the affected sensory information you receive from your eyes and vestibular system. Expect to see a physical therapist once or twice a week for four to six weeks for your VRT sessions. Undergo surgery as a last resort. In very rare cases, your doctor may determine that an aggressive surgical option is necessary to stop advanced labyrinthitis complications from turning into potentially fatal meningitis or encephalitis. This may include a labyrinthectomy (removal of the infected portion of the inner ear) to help stop the spread of the infection. | Recognize symptoms of labyrinthitis. Avoid activity that can complicate or worsen the condition. Take an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine. Take an OTC medication to treat dizziness. Manage vertigo. Do exercises to reduce vertigo. Take necessary precautions as you get better. Learn when to seek immediate medical attention. Make an appointment with your doctor. Submit to any tests your doctor wants to order. Take any medications prescribed to treat the labyrinthitis. Ask about medications to help alleviate symptoms. Ask your doctor about vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) for chronic conditions. Undergo surgery as a last resort. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Being-Clumsy | How to Stop Being Clumsy | To stop being clumsy, try paying attention to what you're doing, such as looking around for anything you could step on or walk into. You can also declutter your house and office and eliminate opportunities for clumsiness, like rearranging furniture and securing rugs with double-sided tape. Additionally, make sure to get sufficient sleep and practice mindfulness training to reduce clumsiness caused by stress and anxiety. Also, consider increasing your core strength with exercises such as crunches, abdominal presses, and planks to improve your stability and coordination. | Understand how your body’s coordination works. The human body is a very complex system, and the operations that control physical coordination have plenty of room for mix-ups. There are four major body parts responsible for coordination, and dysfunction in any one of the areas (or multiple areas) can cause clumsiness. Eyes. The eyes take in outside information about the body's physical position in space. Brain and nervous system. The brain and nervous system relay messages throughout the body on how to respond to information about its physical environment. Cerebellum. The cerebellum is an area of the brain that handles physical coordination and balance. Muscles and bones. Your muscles and bones respond to commands from your brain and move you around. Understand what can cause clumsiness. There are a whole host of issues that can cause clumsiness, whether it's temporary or a chronic problem. Some of these are serious medical issues, while others can be addressed at home. Some common causes of clumsiness include: Head injuries Joint hypermobility Vision issues Arthritis Certain medications Alcohol consumption or drug use Stress and fatigue Muscle weakness or disuse Measure how accident-prone you are. There isn't a lot of research about why people are chronic klutzes, but some research suggests that people who are particularly accident-prone may experience “cognitive failures,” or lapses in attentiveness. A "Cognitive Failures Questionnaire" developed by experimental psychologist Donald Broadbent may help you quantify your clumsiness. Below are some sample items from his questionnaire; the more you answer "yes" to, the greater your probable level of proneness to these "cognitive failures." “Do you fail to notice signposts on the road?” “Do you find you confuse right and left when giving directions?” “Do you bump into people?” “Do you find you forget which way to turn on a road you know well but rarely use?” “Do you forget where you put something like a newspaper or book?” “Do you fail to see what you want in a supermarket (although it's there)?” “Do you drop things?” “Do you find you accidentally throw away the thing you want and keep what you meant to throw away -- as in the example of throwing away the matchbox and putting the used match in your pocket?” Increase your core strength. Your core muscles, such as your abdominals, back, and pelvis muscles, help your body move with smoothness, stability, and coordination. Developing strength in these muscles will give you better control over how your body moves, which will help reduce clumsiness. Exercises such as ab crunches, single- and double-leg abdominal presses, the “Superman”, and planks all build functional core strength and can done at home or at the gym. Exercise tools such as balance balls and wobble boards can help you build stability while increasing core strength. Develop your flexibility and agility. In addition to improving your core strength, you should also work on developing your flexibility to battle clumsiness. Studies show that athletes who focus only on strength training and don't incorporate agility and flexibility exercises have a 70% chance of re-injury, as opposed to 8% for athletes who use both. In addition to the obvious exercises such as yoga and pilates, exercises such as dance and martial arts can also enhance your flexibility. Daily stretching is also useful for enhancing flexibility. It increases blood flow to your muscles and allows your joints to move more freely. Work on your balance. Building core strength and increasing your flexibility are necessary components of training your body to avoid accidents, but so is enhancing your balance. There are several simple exercises you can do daily to improve your sense of balance. Shifting your weight from side to side, standing on one leg, and the Crane pose can all help improve your balance. Try vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) exercises. “Vestibular Ocular Reflex exercises” is a fancy way of talking about exercises that improve hand-eye coordination. These exercises achieve this improvement by getting your brain, your inner ear and vestibular system (which are partly responsible for balance), your eyes, and your body to all work in sync with each other. Try this simple exercise to start: While sitting, bend your head down until you're facing the floor, then look toward the ceiling with your eyes. Gradually move your head to follow the direction of your eyes. Repeat 10 times. You can also try this gaze stabilization exercise: While sitting, fix your gaze on a stationary target between 3-10 feet away from you. It should be at eye level. Move your head from side to side while maintaining your focus on the target. Repeat 3 times. Do this 3 times a day. These exercises can cause dizziness, so take it slow. If you feel nauseated or dizzy, stop and take a break. Pay attention to what you're doing. Most people who are clumsy are not too aware of their surroundings. When you get up and start walking, look around and see if there is anything that you will step on, walk into, or run into. Remove clutter. It's easy to trip over things if you have stuff all over the floor. Decluttering your house and office will help eliminate opportunities for clumsiness. If your home doesn't have clear, open walkways throughout the house, you may also want to arrange your furniture differently. This can help keep you from bumping into things or tripping over them. Using double-sided tape to secure the edges of throw rugs can help keep you from tripping over them. Change your footwear. If you have balance issues, wearing shoes with high heels or narrow soles can disrupt your center of gravity and make you more likely to have an accident. Look for shoes with wide, firm soles that give you a solid foundation on the floor. If you must wear heels, look for chunky heels that will provide more stability. Reduce anxiety. You are more distracted when you're stressed or anxious, and this can lead to accidents and clumsiness. Take what steps you can to reduce stress in your daily life, and you may see your clumsiness improve too. Mindfulness training , which helps you learn to focus your attention on your actions in the moment, can not only reduce stress, it can also help with the “cognitive failures” that can cause clumsiness. Try to get enough sleep. Research shows that sleep deficiency can cause a host of physical symptoms, including clumsiness and proneness to accidents. Avoid judging yourself. Clumsiness can cause a spiral of embarrassment and self-judgment, which in turn can increase anxiety and cause more clumsiness. Understand that everyone has the occasional klutz moment, and that even chronic clumsiness doesn't mean anything is wrong with you. If you find yourself feeling embarrassed after a trip or a slip, try taking a few deep breaths. Deep, controlled breaths can enhance your sense of calm and self-collectedness, and can stop the cycle of self-blame in its tracks. Understand some warning signs. While some people are naturally clumsy, and many of us have occasional bouts of clumsiness, conditions such as diabetes, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and dyspraxia (a syndrome that affects mostly children) can also cause consistent problems with coordination and clumsiness. If you experience consistent dizziness or nausea, this could be a sign of blood sugar issues such as diabetes. Seek medical help if these symptoms are a frequent problem Sudden numbness or weakness, difficulty seeing, and loss of balance or coordination can be signs of a stroke. Call for emergency assistance immediately if you experience these symptoms. If your muscles sprain or strain easily, you experience frequent joint stiffness or muscle aches, or your joints dislocate easily, you may be suffering from a condition known as joint hypermobility. While this condition is usually not life-threatening, you should talk with a physician if you frequently experience these symptoms. Understand the side-effects of your medication. Many medications, including psychiatric medications, migraine medications, and even allergy medications, can cause dizziness, balance issues, and a loss of coordination as side effects. These symptoms may be exacerbated by consuming alcohol. If you take medications that cause any of these side-effects, pay extra attention to your surroundings to reduce your chance of accidents. If you feel as though the side-effects of your medication have become unmanageable, talk with your doctor. He or she may able to suggest an alternative medication. Visit your doctor. If despite your increased attentiveness and physical training you're still having coordination issues, your clumsiness may be a symptom of a more serious medical issue. Visit your doctor and explain the issues you're having to see if any treatments are available. | Understand how your body’s coordination works. Understand what can cause clumsiness. Measure how accident-prone you are. Develop your flexibility and agility. Work on your balance. Try vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) exercises. Pay attention to what you're doing. Remove clutter. Change your footwear. Reduce anxiety. Avoid judging yourself. Understand some warning signs. Understand the side-effects of your medication. Visit your doctor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Homecoming-Mums | How to Make Homecoming Mums | To make homecoming mums, purchase decorative ribbons and embellishments like bells, stick-on letters, charms, and tassels in your school's colors. Next, overlap pieces of 4-inch ribbons, twisting both ends in the same direction to form cones, and staple the cones to the edges of a cardboard backer. Then, hot glue the mum flower to the front middle of the backer. Finally, attach the ribbons, streamers, and embellishments so that they hang down from the cardboard backer. | Choose your colors. Use your school colors as a guide to help you pick out the colors of the ribbons and flowers Incorporate neutral colors and lighter shades of your school colors to compliment your two main colors. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Make-Homecoming-Mums-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Homecoming-Mums-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Make-Homecoming-Mums-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/aid466916-v4-728px-Make-Homecoming-Mums-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} High school seniors usually use silver, gold, and white ribbon in their mums to signify their status as seniors. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Make-Homecoming-Mums-Step-1Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Homecoming-Mums-Step-1Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Make-Homecoming-Mums-Step-1Bullet2.jpg\/aid466916-v4-728px-Make-Homecoming-Mums-Step-1Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Find decorative ribbons. Most art and crafts stores have a huge selection of decorative ribbon. Pick varied styles that compliment each other like ribbons with ruffles, lacy ribbons, and patterned ribbons. Pick out personalized embellishments to decorate your mum. A few ideas would be to use bells, stick-on letters, football-related accessories, charms, tassels, feathers, and glitter. Be creative! Almost any little trinket or decoration you can find will add some flair to your mum. Cut some 4-inch lengths from #3 and #5 ribbon until you have enough to create cones around the entire edge of one cardboard backer. Start with about 5 cuts of each color and cut more as needed. Overlap the pieces and twist both ends in the same direction to form a cone shape. Make sure that every cone has the shiny side of the ribbon facing outward. Staple the ribbon on it's fold to hold the cone shape. Staple the completed cone-shaped ribbon to the back edges of the cardboard backer. Position the cones so that the points are pointing away from the backer, staple base of the cone. For the first layer, use the same color cones and leave about a quarter to a half inch of space between each cone. Continue to staple the cones until the entire edge of the backer is filled with cones. It should look like a drawing of a sun or a flower. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Make-Homecoming-Mums-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Homecoming-Mums-Step-6Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Make-Homecoming-Mums-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/aid466916-v4-728px-Make-Homecoming-Mums-Step-6Bullet1.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>"} Fill in the spaces between the cones with a second row of cones using the second color of ribbon. Remember to staple the base of the cone on the backside of the backer. Remove the stem from the mum flower. The flower can be either real or fake, but most used are generally fake to prevent wilting. Take the backer of the pointed ribbons and glue the mum to the front middle of the backer using a hot glue gun. Set the mum aside and allow the glue to dry for several minutes. If you want to make a double mum, simply use a double backer with two holes instead of one and attach two flowers using a glue gun. Pick up #5 and #9 ribbon in the color of your choice and cut several 48-inch-long strips. Again, start with about 5 strips of each and then cut as many as needed to create a full-looking mum. Take your 48-inch pieces and fold them in half to create 24-inch streamers. Overlap the folded ends of the 24-inch streamers on the bottom of your second backer. Staple them together, making sure to alternate the colors and ribbon width/style as desired. Embellish the lengths of the ribbons with any sort of decorations you desire once your backer looks full of ribbons Some ideas includes writing words out in glitter glue, fastening beads, rhinestones, or small plush figurines, and even putting photographs on the ribbons. Be sure to use a hot glue gun to fasten charms and other heavier objects to the ribbons. Make a military braid from your ribbons if desired. To make a military braid, begin by stapling the ends of two different colored ribbons together at a right angle. Next, fold a colored ribbon towards you, forming a loop as long as the ribbon is wide and staple the ribbons together where they intersect. Take a loop of your second ribbon and bring it through the original loop of the first ribbon. Continue to bring a loop of the first ribbon through the second ribbon and pull the second ribbon tight around the first ribbon. Remember to alternate ribbon colors as you continue to do this until you reach the end of the ribbons. Tie on bells using curling ribbon if desired. You will use your middle backer with the streamers for this step. Cut several pieces of curling ribbon each 36 inches (91.4 cm) long and tie a small bell to the end of each piece. Attach to the middle backer using hot glue. Take two 5-inch pieces of #5 and #9 ribbon and overlap them several times to form a loop. Staple the loop to the top center of the third, unused backer. This will serve as the base for your safety pin. Complete embellishments to your satisfaction. Glue the third backer with the safety pin loop onto the back of middle backer to cover staple edges and protect clothing from staple snags. Glue the middle backer containing the ribbons to the to the back of front backer containing the mum and the points. Glue any central charms on the mum and add any final touches to the piece. Allow the glue to dry. To wear your mum, take your large safety pin and thread it through the loop you created on the back backer with the two 5-inch pieces of ribbon. Then simply attach the pin to your clothing. Finished! | Choose your colors. Find decorative ribbons. Pick out personalized embellishments to decorate your mum. Cut some 4-inch lengths from #3 and #5 ribbon until you have enough to create cones around the entire edge of one cardboard backer. Overlap the pieces and twist both ends in the same direction to form a cone shape. Staple the completed cone-shaped ribbon to the back edges of the cardboard backer. Fill in the spaces between the cones with a second row of cones using the second color of ribbon. Remove the stem from the mum flower. Take the backer of the pointed ribbons and glue the mum to the front middle of the backer using a hot glue gun. Pick up #5 and #9 ribbon in the color of your choice and cut several 48-inch-long strips. Take your 48-inch pieces and fold them in half to create 24-inch streamers. Overlap the folded ends of the 24-inch streamers on the bottom of your second backer. Embellish the lengths of the ribbons with any sort of decorations you desire once your backer looks full of ribbons Some ideas includes writing words out in glitter glue, fastening beads, rhinestones, or small plush figurines, and even putting photographs on the ribbons. Make a military braid from your ribbons if desired. Tie on bells using curling ribbon if desired. Take two 5-inch pieces of #5 and #9 ribbon and overlap them several times to form a loop. Complete embellishments to your satisfaction. Glue the middle backer containing the ribbons to the to the back of front backer containing the mum and the points. Glue any central charms on the mum and add any final touches to the piece. To wear your mum, take your large safety pin and thread it through the loop you created on the back backer with the two 5-inch pieces of ribbon. Finished! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-and-Speak-Like-a-TV-News-Reporter | How to Read and Speak Like a TV News Reporter | TV news reporters always speak with confidence and authority, which helps them deliver the news more clearly. If you want to talk like a news reporter, slow down your pace and use an energetic tone. It's helpful to write up a script or find a news story online to practice reading. That way, what you're saying will sound more professional. As you practice, try to avoid filler words like “um,” “like,” and “uh,” since these make you sound less confident. You'll also want to practice talking a little slower and enunciating each word so you can be easily understood. Watch the news as much as you can to get a feel for how reporters sound. Listen to their tone and watch their body language. Then, try emulating what you see! | Do verbal exercises to warm up your voice. Shake any tension in your arms and legs loose, roll your neck in circles, and scrunch up your face and release it. You can also loosen your jaw by yawning as widely as you can. Then, say each vowel sound and draw them out to relax your throat (for example, a becomes aaaaahhhhhh). Go through the consonants next, focusing on any that you struggle with. Finally, say a few tongue twisters, such as "Theophilus Thistler, the thistle sifter, in sifting a sieve of unsifted thistles, thrust three thousand thistles through the thick of his thumb." Breathe slowly, in through the nose and out through the mouth. Spend at least 5 minutes practicing exercises before you read, and set aside 10-15 minutes if you are preparing for an audition or job. Enunciate each word carefully. Make sure that you pronounce each word fully and correctly. This can help you speak a little more slowly and your voice will sound clear. This can also help reduce the sound of some accents. For example, if you tend to drop the end of -ing words, slow down and make sure you say the whole word (fishin' vs. fishing). Slow down your pace. In day-to-day situations, you might speak more quickly than you realize. For news reporting, you will need to slow down the pace you speak at and carefully enunciate each word. However, if you speak too slowly, viewers might lose interest. Listen carefully to news reports and try to match the pace. Most reporters aim for a pace of around 150-170 words per minute. If you are nervous, you might find yourself speaking faster. Try taking a few deep breaths or meditating for a few minutes before a job if you are nervous. Use a neutral accent. While there is no rule saying you can't have a strong accent as a reporter, most networks prefer their newscasters to speak with a neutral accent. Try repeating something the reporter says using the same accent and tone. If you have a regional accent, this can help you start to figure out how to move your mouth to sound more neutral. If you have a strong accent, it can take some time to learn how to speak differently. Keep practicing by imitating how reporters sound. Try for an energetic tone. It can be hard to strike the right balance of sounding upbeat without sounding hyper. A good rule of thumb is to pretend you're telling the news to a friend. You are probably excited to tell your friends news, but you try not to overwhelm them with too much energy. The goal is to sound upbeat and friendly, not like you had too much coffee before you started reading. Avoid slang and colloquialisms. Stick with the script the way it is written. It will probably sound more formal than you are used to sounding in your everyday conversation, but this is the tone people expect when they tune into the news. When you add comments after you report on a story, stick to the same tone. Using slang makes you sound less reliable. Stick to formal language. Stay away from filler words. Words like "um," "like," and "uh" are common in everyday speech but they make reporters sound less confident. If you catch yourself about to use a filler word, take a pause instead. This can be difficult at first, but eventually it will become a habit. Watch the news to listen to how reporters sound. Close your eyes to focus on the reporter's voice and inflection. Using their tone, the reporter tells you what is important, what is sad, what is exciting, and what you don't want to miss. It's not so much what they're saying, but how they are saying it. You might notice that the reporter sounds excited, energized, friendly, or confident. Try writing down some words you would use to describe the reporter's voice. You can use these words for reference when you're practicing. Look at the reporter's body language. Watch how the reporter's face reflects the tone of the story. Look at where the reporter places their hands. Record yourself reading a report to spot your weaknesses. Break out the video camera or smart phone and either record video or audio of yourself. Play it back and listen closely. Watch the news and compare your voice to the reporter's. Try not to criticize yourself too harshly. You are comparing yourself to professional newscasters while you are just getting started. Simply compare to see how you can improve. Practice keeping your eyes still while reading from a distance. Type up and print a news story that you want to practice reading. Use a font that is 1.5" to 2" tall and in a sans-serif style, such as Arial or Helvetica. This will most accurately reflect the teleprompter type-style. Place the papers on a table across from you and try to read them while moving your eyes as little as possible. You'll often see a reporter with papers in their hand. You practice this way, too. Practice glancing down at your notes and then conveying the story, rather than reading directly from your notes. Be prepared to go off-script from time to time. This is called ad-libbing, and you might see examples of it between two stories or at the end of a story on the news. A reporter might give a brief opinion or make a comment about the story. Come up with a few phrases you can use for a variety of situations so that they sound natural. For a serious story, you can say something along the lines of, "What a tragic event for the neighborhood," or "Let's hope everyone makes a full recovery." Make it clear that you care about the situation. For a feel good story, you can keep it simple by saying something like, "How fun!" or "That really warms the heart." It's important to stay neutral for political stories. Good examples of comments could include, "This race is really heating up," or "This has been a really exciting story to follow." These comments still give an opinion while remaining neutral. Read through a report silently first. Take in every word of the report, don't just skim it. If you're stumbling over words in your report, you won't sound confident. The more familiar you are with the text, the more confidently you'll be able to read it out loud. If you don't have a specific report you're reading, try taking a story from a newspaper or looking up sample stories online. Look up any words you don't know. This will help you with understanding the context of what you're reading. It will also help you pronounce any unknown words correctly. The more words you know, the better you will be able to make an educated guess about unknown words you come across in a report. Practice reading out loud while you are alone. To practice reading confidently, find a place where you can read through a news report as many times as you need to for your voice to sound smooth and natural. Don't be afraid to raise your voice. Speak with a loud, strong tone. Try using a mirror to look at yourself while you read. This can help you make sure your facial expressions are confident and match the tone of the story. It will also help you practice to get glance at a report then read it well while looking straight ahead. Once you've built up some confidence, you might want to ask a close friend or family member to listen in and give you feedback. Adjust your tone based on the content of the story. In general, more somber stories call for a more quiet voice. It can be a fine line to figure out how to speak loudly enough while striking the right tone. Practice speaking more quietly while maintaining your clear tone. For fun stories, try to loosen up a little bit so that you sound more upbeat. Read out loud frequently in case you need to do a cold reading. The more you practice reading out loud, the more prepared you will be in case you need to report on a story without seeing it ahead of time. If you do need to do a cold reading, keep calm and take your time as you read through the story. Try to maintain eye contact as much as possible, but you can glance at your notes or the teleprompter more than you usually would. This is especially important for breaking stories. You might get bullet points ahead of time, but you will probably see the story for the first time as you are reading it. Sit up straight with your head up and your shoulders back. Don't slouch. Project confidence with your body language. If you are planning to be professional reporter, you may need to maintain this posture for several hours at a time, so build up your strength by practicing good posture throughout the day. For serious reports, it's especially important that your body language reflects the tone of the story. If need be, pause and check your posture and facial expression before a serious story. Use hand gestures to add meaning to your report. It's important to make sure that your hand gestures look natural and add meaning to your words. Think about what hand gestures you may want to use in advance, but don't script them out, otherwise they will look robotic. If you don't normally use your hands to talk, start slowly. Try using one or two hand gestures in a report. If you try to add many more, it may look unnatural. Make eye contact with the camera as much as possible. To make it seem like you are connecting with the audience and simply telling them the news, avoid making it look like you are reading off of a card or teleprompter. Try to skim over the words you are reading as quickly as possible so that you can make eye contact with the camera. If you are co-reporting, it's natural to break eye contact to look at your colleague every once in a while, especially if you are speaking to each other. Use natural facial expressions. It's important not to seem to stiff while you are reporting. Using your facial expressions to reflect the tone of the story can make you seem more relatable and human while you are speaking. Make sure your facial expressions are appropriate for the story. Although a warm, friendly smile is generally appropriate, make sure to use a more serious expression when reporting on something like a death or accident. Project confidence with your body language. You will naturally give off confidence with a combination of your tone of voice, your posture, and your body language. After you've practiced and prepared as much as you can, relax. Focus on doing your best. Having confidence in yourself will give off confidence in front of the camera. | Do verbal exercises to warm up your voice. Enunciate each word carefully. Slow down your pace. Use a neutral accent. Try for an energetic tone. Avoid slang and colloquialisms. Stay away from filler words. Watch the news to listen to how reporters sound. Record yourself reading a report to spot your weaknesses. Practice keeping your eyes still while reading from a distance. Be prepared to go off-script from time to time. Read through a report silently first. Look up any words you don't know. Practice reading out loud while you are alone. Adjust your tone based on the content of the story. Read out loud frequently in case you need to do a cold reading. Sit up straight with your head up and your shoulders back. Use hand gestures to add meaning to your report. Make eye contact with the camera as much as possible. Use natural facial expressions. Project confidence with your body language. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Psychic-Reader | How to Become a Psychic Reader | To become a psychic reader, start by recording any visions or hunches that you have throughout your day so you can interpret these to reveal the past, present, or future. If you want to uncover truths about someone or something, invest in tarot cards and consult a psychic or the instruction manual to learn how to use them. For further revelation, practice palm reading if you want to learn the personality or character traits of someone you know. Alternatively, if you want to prepare for a psychic reading, you should meditate in a comfortable position either lying down or sitting with your legs crossed on the floor. | Read tarot cards. Some people believe tarot cards can uncover truths about the physical, mental, or spiritual state of someone or something. Use a guidebook, your deck's instruction manual, or consult a psychic to practice learning the cards and their various meanings. There are seventy-eight standard tarot card images divided into various subclasses (minor and major arcana). Each card is a symbol and represents a certain meaning situation. Familiarizing yourself with these cards and their associated meanings will make interpreting them easier later on. Carry a deck with you at all times -- on the bus, at school, and to doctor's appointments. Many cards have multiple meanings. Learn them all in order to give your reading context and depth. Practice palm reading. Palm reading (palmistry) is a psychic skill which analyzes the hand to reveal individual personality and character traits. There are two varieties of palmistry: chiromancy and chirognomy. Chiromancy looks at the lines of the palm and is a more traditional palm reading technique. By analyzing major and minor lines of the hand, you might be able to discover things about someone's physical and emotional condition. Chirognomy uses the shape and texture of the hands and color of the skin in order to potentially draw out similar truths. By studying the hand's shape and classifying it into one of four categories -- earth, air, fire, or water -- you might be able to discern a person's characteristics. Practice numerology. Numerology is the study of numbers and, practitioners believe, their use in discovering their application to someone's life. Some people, for instance, believe that numbers in your birth date, or numbers which you encounter regularly like your address, indicate your purpose in life, motivation, and fate. Practicing numerology is an arcane psychic reading practice. Numerologists believe each number has a special cosmic vibration which, in combination with others, can reveal certain truths. For instance, a popular numerological analysis is the lifepath number. This number adds the day, month, and year together, then adds the individual digits in this number in order to arrive at the lifepath number. Each number (1-9) has a different meaning. For instance, if you were born on 04/27/1986, you'd add 4 + 27 + 1986 to get 2017. Then, adding 2 + 0 + 1 + 7 you get 9, your lifepath number. Practice lithomancy. Lithomancy is a divination method which uses rocks and stones. Some people believe lithomancy can reveal someone's energy and offer omens about the future. Using smooth precious gemstones, cast the stones to interpret their meaning. You can either assign meaning, or use the rocks to interpret someone's fortune along the lines of the zodiac. If interpreting the rocks in a predetermined way, assign one rock as “yes” and one as “no” before answering a question. Drop both rocks in front of you using one hand. The rock which falls closer to you is the one which provides your answer. You could also drop three rocks, one for “yes,” one for “no,” and one to indicate which answer is correct. Drop all three rocks. If the indicator rock drops closest to the “no” rock, your answer is negative; if it drops closest to the “yes” rock, your answer is positive. If interpreting the rocks along the lines of the zodiac, you will need to use twelve stones, each unique so that it can be identified. A list of these so-called birthstones can be found at https://www.americangemsociety.org/birthstones. Place the stone which corresponds to your zodiac sign on the table or ground in front of you. Place the other stones in a small pouch or purse and close it tightly. Shake the stones up within the bag and drop one out. Practitioners believes that the stone which comes out indicates that someone born under that sign will soon cross your path in an important role. For instance, if you were born in February, you'd place your birthstone (amethyst) on the table. If after shaking the bag of stones and dropping one out, you saw it was an emerald, you'd know that someone born in May (the month which corresponds to the emerald birthstone) was going to cross your path soon as a lover, friend, or enemy. Natural stones like those found on beaches are best for lithomancy. If possible, procure natural stones. Choose a good crystal ball. Purchase your ball from a legitimate psychic good dealer. If possible, examine each in person. A quality crystal ball will be made of natural quartz crystal, either clear or white in color. The correct ball should choose you as much as you choose it. You might get a feeling that the ball “belongs” to you, or you might see your name reflected in the surface of the ball. A ball three inches in diameter is an ideal size. Do not buy a crystal ball from a pawn shop, flea market, or other used goods emporium. Such a ball may be imbued with negative energy, and may have been discarded for that reason. Sit quietly in a dimly lit room with the ball before you. Candle lighting works well and provides the right ambiance for a reading. The light source should be in front and ahead of the ball so that when you gaze into it, it is illuminated adequately. If you use electric light, try to use a dimmer so that you can adjust the luminosity. Draw the curtains if you're conducting a reading during the day. Pick the ball up with both hands. Cup it carefully in your hands and begin to rotate it slowly from right to left. Rotate the ball at the rate of only about one centimeter every eight seconds. Be careful not to drop the ball, as they tend to be fragile and can break easily. Always hold and move the crystal ball gently, as you would a small baby. Gaze into the ball. First, look at the patterns, refractions, and striations with your physical eyes. Continuing to turn the ball over, begin to gaze into the ball with your third eye, the one which perceives psychic energy. You may believe you're entering a trance state and receiving visions from the past, present, or future. The visions may pertain to you or a third party whose energy you perceive and use to guide your crystallomancy session. Get comfortable. Take a few deep, cleansing breaths. Roll your shoulders backwards and forwards a few times, and roll your neck in a full circle twice clockwise and twice counterclockwise. Relax into a seated position with both feet on the ground and your hands palm-down on your thighs. Close your eyes. Have a partner bring you a series of unfamiliar objects. If you're just starting out, small metal objects work best. For more advanced practice, you might use unwashed clothing. Arrange the objects in front of you and focus on each one in sequence. Let your eye travel from one object to the next, staying conscious of the initial feelings or impressions you get from each. You may arrange them randomly, but you might sense before arranging them that they belong in a natural order, like pages in a book. Perhaps, for instance, you sense that they belong in a chronological order, with those which were used or produced earliest situated at left, while those which were used or produced later toward the right. Take an object in your hands. Turn it over and open your mind to the history it contains. With your eyes closed, allow the visions you see when you touch it to engulf your mind. If you seize on an image in your mind's eye, or hear a small voice in the back of your mind which you think may reveal details about its owner and their fate, let your partner know. Repeat with all objects. Try to identify the gender, age, and race of the owner. Report your impressions with accuracy and ask your partner for verification. Don't fret if you don't get any impressions. Not every object will inspire a vision. You might believe that psychometric visions are accurate when they intuitively "feel" right; remember, though, they are just random thoughts in your head and not indicative of any actual psychic ability. Be aware of your surroundings. Reach out with your five senses. Psychic ability is a sixth sense which can best be harnessed when your five traditional senses are operating at optimal capacity. Your intuition or extrasensory perception (ESP) will operate best when you are actively listening, looking, and feeling the world around you. Slow your thinking down. Next time you're waiting in class or in the doctor's office, instead of being bored or impatient, try to relax. Slow your breathing and slowly block out everything except the person or object ahead of you. Focusing your attention this way will free you of distraction. Alternately, change your environment to one with few distractions. For instance, if you're in a noisy daycare center with many crying babies, you are not in a location where you can easily slow your thinking down. Try moving to your bedroom or another room where you can think clearly. Accept the diversity of forms in which a clairvoyant vision may arrive. You may experience a premonition, knowledge about a particular situation or event occurring now or in the future, contact with a god or goddess, or the ability to see a physical aura around certain individuals which indicates their mood or attitude. When you experience these phenomena, do not be afraid or worried. They are just different forms of the same universal psychic energy which makes a reading possible. Record any visions or hunches you feel throughout the day. Utilize these revelations to make positive decisions. Don't be alarmed by the sudden arrival of visions or dreams. Clairvoyant psychic energies can reveal the past, present, or future. Some of this information will be immediately intelligible, while some will require thoughtful interpretation. Determine what gift you may have. While you might believe that it may be possible to learn any psychic talent, some people believe they have a predisposition towards one or another methods of psychic reading. If you've had foreknowledge of certain facts or events (even those not related intimately to someone's life), you may believe you have claircognizance. If you've had accurate visions of the future, some people might think you possess psychic energies which enable clairvoyance. If you hear voices or receive audible directions which you believe are from beyond this plane of existence, you might think you have clairaudience. While these abilities might manifest themselves in different ways, each could have roots in a common psychic energy which the living, the dead, and the spirit world share. Practice meditation. Meditation could prepare you for a psychic reading session of any kind. Visions you believe to be psychic in nature might arrive when deep in meditation. Assume a comfortable position. Some people like to lie down; others prefer the greater awareness they attain by sitting on a carpeted floor with their legs crossed below them in a rigid posture. Wait for a vision which feels intuitively significant, or which you feel you recognize. Chant to tap into your psychic power. Chanting will clear your mind of confusion and discord, and could open it to the universal psychic energy. Chant your personal mantra. This is a short phrase you can use to focus your thoughts and energy. For instance, you might chant "I am present in the moment." Chant out loud at first, but wind down towards a silent chant. Stop worrying. The fear and doubt which follow worry will cloud the mind and lead to confusion. Use mindfulness to stay in the moment rather than reflect on what might happen or what has already happened. When you focus on things you can control, you'll be able to break the cycle of anxiety and worry that can easily suck you in. Finally, if an issue or problem in your life is so big that you have to worry about and deal with it at some point, try to schedule a time in which to do so, rather than let it take up all your time. When you are confident in yourself and your abilities, you might be able to tap into the positive energy which fuels a successful and accurate psychic reading. Practice. Take time each day to commune with the world you believe to be spiritual in nature, the world of psychic energy. If you find it hard to develop one particular ability, try your hand at another. It can take many years before an adept (one who might have some psychic power) can become proficient at reading. | Read tarot cards. Practice palm reading. Practice numerology. Practice lithomancy. Choose a good crystal ball. Sit quietly in a dimly lit room with the ball before you. Pick the ball up with both hands. Gaze into the ball. Get comfortable. Have a partner bring you a series of unfamiliar objects. Take an object in your hands. Be aware of your surroundings. Slow your thinking down. Accept the diversity of forms in which a clairvoyant vision may arrive. Record any visions or hunches you feel throughout the day. Determine what gift you may have. Practice meditation. Chant to tap into your psychic power. Stop worrying. Practice. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fold-a-Futon | How to Fold a Futon | Folding a futon is relatively simple. If you have a bifold futon, all you need to do is grasp the top of the frame and pull it up gently until it clicks into place. If you have a trifold futon, pull the top section up until it's at the seating position you'd like, then lock it into place. You can tuck the bottom of the mattress under the middle section to hide it away. Alternatively, you can leave it out for a leg rest. If you need to unfold a futon to make it a bed, grab the bottom of the frame and pull it up and out until its flat. | Pull the top section of a bifold futon up. This is the section where your back goes when you're sitting on the futon. Grasp the top of the frame and pull it up gently until it clicks into place. A few bifold futons may have different seat adjustment options, making it easy to lock them in place just like you would a chaise lounge. Push down on the bifold’s seat section. It's best if you do this while you're also pulling up on the top section for a smoother transition. By pushing down on the seat section while lifting up on the back section, you'll transform the futon into a couch. Make sure the futon is locked in place before sitting down—you can do this by giving it a shake once you think it's in place to see if it moves at all. Move the futon back into its lounge position against a wall, if desired. If your futon needed to be pulled away from a wall or furniture to be in the bed position, you can now push it back up against a wall or move it to another location. Readjust the mattress, as needed. Move the bottom section of a trifold futon to your desired placement. You can either tuck the trifold's third section back up under the middle section to hide it away, or you can simply tuck in the legs of the third section so that the section angles downwards. By only tucking in the legs, you'll still have 3 sections of the futon out, but they'll be in more of a 'Z' formation, with the third section acting as an ottoman. If you tuck in the third section completely, you'll be left with 2 sections—one for resting your back and one for sitting. Pull the top section of the trifold futon up. This is the section where your back will rest. Pull it up until it's in the desired seating position, and then lock it into place. Some trifold futons will have options for how far up you'd like to position your seat. If this is the case, lock in your seat using the height adjustments. Give the futon a small shake to ensure the seat adjustments and legs are all stable. Adjust the mattress or padding, if necessary. Position the padding so that it's centered on the futon, making sure that none of it is falling over the edges. Once the padding is perfect, it's ready to be used. Pull the futon frame away from the wall or other furniture. Since the mattress will be spread out, it's important to move the frame at least 8 inches (20 cm) away from the wall or any other obstacles that might be in the way to prevent damage. Make sure you have plenty of room to walk around the futon so you can easily reach the frame. Grab the bottom of the frame. This should be the part where your legs would be if you were sitting on the futon. You can grab it right in the middle, or you can start on one side of the frame. Unfold a hidden third deck of a trifold futon, if necessary. Some trifold futons will have a hidden third part that needs to be pulled out before the futon can lay flat. Find this third section under the main seat and pull it out, adjusting the legs as necessary so that it's stable on the ground. If your trifold futon already has the third section (also called the ottoman feature) out, adjust the legs so that it's level with the middle section. You may have to release a locking mechanism in order for the bottom section to move. Adjust the top section of a trifold futon so it lays flat. This is the section where your back rests when the futon is upright. As you're pulling the ottoman section flat, you should begin to push down on the top section so that it lays flat as well. Adjust the top section's legs so that the futon is completely horizontal and stable. If you're having trouble adjusting or unlocking your trifold futon, go online and look up instructions for the specific brand—not all trifold futons will work exactly the same. Lift the frame of a bifold futon up so that it unlocks. If you grabbed the middle of the frame, simply lift it up 1 or 2 inches (2.5 or 5.1 cm) until you hear it unlock from the base. You can also start at one side and lift an end up slightly to unlock that end before unlocking the opposite side. If you're unlocking each end separately, don't lift each one up too high before both are unlocked. Some futons will have a locking mechanism that you'll need to unlock before the futon can be lifted. This will be visible on the inside of the frame, near the legs. Walk backwards while pulling the bifold frame with you. Once the frame is unlocked from the base, lift it up and move backwards so that the frame expands to its full size. Start lowering the futon to the ground carefully and slowly. Adjust the legs of the futon, if necessary. Some legs of futons will automatically fall down into place, while others need to be adjusted manually. If the legs of your futon aren't stable, pull them out and adjust them so that the futon is in a bed position. Center the mattress on the frame. Once the frame is completely level with the ground and the legs are in place, readjust the mattress as needed. Center it on the frame so that none of the padding is slipping over the edges of the frame. | Pull the top section of a bifold futon up. Push down on the bifold’s seat section. Move the futon back into its lounge position against a wall, if desired. Move the bottom section of a trifold futon to your desired placement. Pull the top section of the trifold futon up. Adjust the mattress or padding, if necessary. Pull the futon frame away from the wall or other furniture. Grab the bottom of the frame. Unfold a hidden third deck of a trifold futon, if necessary. Adjust the top section of a trifold futon so it lays flat. Lift the frame of a bifold futon up so that it unlocks. Walk backwards while pulling the bifold frame with you. Adjust the legs of the futon, if necessary. Center the mattress on the frame. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Party-Animal | How to Be a Party Animal | To be a party animal, let go of your inhibitions and be the life of the party by dancing, playing games, and having great conversations. Just make sure you remain in control of yourself, since party animals don't get too sloppy to function. Also, if you find yourself at a lame party, try to spice things up by throwing on some good music, suggesting a fun party game, or striking up a conversation with someone who's shy. | Dress up in a costume or extravagant "going-outfit. " Party animals announce their presence the minute the enter the room, and there is no better way to do this than a costume, prop, or killer outfit. Obviously, the outfit will change depending on the party, but the important thing to remember is that you want to wear it with confidence. A party animal wears something because they want to, not because they're worried about what other people think. For themed parties, you want to commit as completely to the theme as possible. Go big or go home. If it is a casual party, throw on a silly hat, shirt, or grab a weird prop to bring with you. Anything that calls attention to you will do. Have a few casual drinks before leaving. You don't want to be drunk when you arrive, but you also don't want to feel like you need to "catch-up" when you get there. If you're going to drink, ensure that you have a driver before leaving. Have something to eat an hour before the party. Unless you're going to a dinner party (where party animals are generally less welcome), chances are good you're not going to get a whole lot of food at the party. Eat a good meal before the party so that you energy and food in your stomach. Going into a party without eating beforehand isn't just a drag, it can be dangerous if there's drinking involved. Always have a good meal 1-2 hours before going so that you don't have to worry about feeling sick or foraging for food when you're in party animal mode. Arrive late. A party animal needs a habitat to party in. It will be difficult to get momentum going if you're the first one in the door, so play it cool and arrive fashionably late. If it is a smaller gathering or party, 15-20 minutes should be fine, but if you're going to a huge party you should try to arrive at least an hour after things have kicked off. If you do arrive before things really kick off, never fear. Just have fun, be energetic, and the party will soon follow your vibe. Make plans for the end of the party before you start partying. No one wants to deal with rides home or places to sleep once they've transformed into a party animal. It is smartest and safest to deal with these things in advance. Make sure you have a designated driver if the party has alcohol, and check with the host that you have a place to sleep if you will not be driving home. Check in with your friends to make sure you have a buddy at the party to watch out for you if things go poorly -- the two of you can make sure that you both make it home safely. Pull shy people into the party one at a time with friendly conversation. If you see someone by themselves or off in the corner, introduce yourself. Make them feel at home, then ask them to join you for a drink, a dance, or a game. The more people you pull into the party, the more rocking it becomes. You, the party animal, should be pulling as many other animals into your pack as possible. More importantly, the party animal needs to know everyone at the party, because everyone needs to know them. Listen to people as they talk and ask questions to get them comfortable speaking. Introduce people as you find common interests. Pour out drinks slowly if the party has alcohol. Forcing someone to do 5 shots in an hour is dangerous and can lead to a sloppy, sickening feeling. Instead, start drinking slowly, letting people get to their own comfortable level of drunkenness. A good party is one where everyone feels comfortable enough to let their inhibitions fly and have fun, not one where half the group is in the bathroom the whole time. Turn up the music. Find songs that everyone can enjoy but have a quick beat and a lot of energy. As the party gets going, slowly turn up the volume to get people moving. While people should still be able to have a conversation, you also want people to feel free to stop talking and start dancing. Each group has different musical tastes, but there are some go-to party genres that get most people moving: Motown House/Dance/Rave Beatles-era rock. 90's Hip-Hop. Play some games that get people moving, laughing, or sharing. Games are one of the most sure-fire ways to get the crowd together and start having fun. A little competition, some humor, and common thread of conversation will help the party bond and bring up the energy of the group naturally. Just make sure that lots of people can play, being as inclusive as possible. While there are hundreds of games to start with, from drinking games to big, humorous group board games like Cards Against Humanity, you can't go wrong with some of the classics: Truth or Dare Never Have I Ever Kings Who am I? Bring a pack of party animals with you. Show up with people who are just as fun and willing to be a bit silly. Having a good group around you makes the infectious energy easier to spread. However, this doesn't mean your "wolfpack" comes in and ruins the party for everyone else. If they are annoying or sloppy, then you may also be considered annoying or sloppy as well. Mingle with other people, not just those in your group. Check with the host beforehand if it is okay to bring guests. Bring a party gift, like some food or extra drinks, if you show up with multiple people. Know that a rocking party takes time to get started. Think of the energy of a party as a volume dial -- you want to raise it slowly, but surely, so that you don't blast anyone's ears or shock people who are still having a quiet, relaxed time. Don't expect your presence to suddenly kick the party into overdrive. Instead, be a little stealthy, slowly turning up the volume (both literally and figuratively), until the party is really bumping. Be a strategic party animal, and suddenly you'll have the whole pack following you. Be yourself and stick to your guns. A party animal is not at the whims of every person who comes up and asks to do a shot or play a game. The party animal knows that he knows how to party and that he makes the party. Be confident. Even if you're just faking it, confidence attracts attention, so "fake it 'til you make it." Inject your own personality into the party by: Rounding up groups for games that you want to play Introducing yourself to new people Dancing Mixing up new "cocktails." Remain in control of yourself. Party animals are not sloppy or too drunk to function, they are in control and having fun at all times. Know your limits and accept them, otherwise you'll tip over from party animal to annoying nuisance in no time. Being a party animal is not about being the drunkest person at the party, or showing off how cool you are to others. It is about being a blast in every situation, helping others loosen up and fun and driving the party energy up. Loosen up and let go of your inhibitions. Let go of your fears, even if it takes a few drinks to get you to play air guitar on the dance floor, so accept that fact. A party animal isn't the one who stands quietly in the corner; he is the one dancing on the tables, making everyone have more fun. You are in control of how much fun you have at a party, so stop wishing things were more lively and make them lively. Being a party animal is not about thinking and planning, it is about acting. So go dance, ask that girl if you can buy her a drink, play a game, and get a little rowdy. Lead the party from the front with group activities and games. Get the whole party on the same level, you party animal. You could be the first one to cut up the dance floor, DJ a "party playlist," or lead a group sing-along to a favorite like "Don't Stop Believing" or "Twist and Shout." Whatever you do, try and get other people involved in your shenanigans. Throw yourself completely into the party atmosphere. Own up to the theme, hit the dance floor with everything you've got, and stay involved with the games you play. You should be willing to step outside of your comfort zone, too, and let yourself live in the moment. As long as you stop from time to time to make sure you're not hurting or endangering anyone, a party animal knows how to spice things up and is willing to be a bit goofy to do it. Have a sense of humor, but don't make a fool of yourself. You don't want to take yourself so seriously that you're not having a fun, but you also don't want to be an annoying, overly idiotic party-goer begging for attention. Remember the old expression and make sure people are laughing "with you, not at you." This should be easy if you just act like yourself and have fun, but never do something at a party just because you think it'll make you look cool -- it will almost always backfire. | Dress up in a costume or extravagant "going-outfit. Have a few casual drinks before leaving. Have something to eat an hour before the party. Arrive late. Make plans for the end of the party before you start partying. Pull shy people into the party one at a time with friendly conversation. Pour out drinks slowly if the party has alcohol. Turn up the music. Play some games that get people moving, laughing, or sharing. Bring a pack of party animals with you. Know that a rocking party takes time to get started. Be yourself and stick to your guns. Remain in control of yourself. Loosen up and let go of your inhibitions. Lead the party from the front with group activities and games. Throw yourself completely into the party atmosphere. Have a sense of humor, but don't make a fool of yourself. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Hardwood-Floors-Naturally | How to Clean Hardwood Floors Naturally | To clean hardwood floors naturally, try using vinegar. First, combine ¼ cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of hot water in a bucket. Dampen a mop in the solution and then wring it out to avoid leaving excessive water on the floor. Use the vinegar solution to mop the floor and then buff it with a microfiber cloth to make it shine. Another way to clean hardwood floors naturally is with lemon juice and oil polish. First, mix together ¾ cup of olive oil, ½ cup of lemon juice, and 1 gallon of hot water in a bucket. The lemon juice removes dirt and grime from the floor while the olive oil makes it shine. Mop the floor with the lemon juice and oil polish and wait for 2 to 3 hours for the floor to dry. | Sweep up debris daily. Routinely sweeping the hardwood removes dirt and protects the seal on the wood while mopping. It should also be done before you mop. Mix vinegar and hot water. Add 1/4 cup (60 mL) of white vinegar to a gallon (3.8 L) of warm water. Stir thoroughly to get a natural cleaner effective on grime. Vinegar is an acid, so too much of it can wear away the seal on the wood. You may also put in a few drops of an essential oil, such as lemon or lavender, for a pleasing smell. Dampen a mop in the mixture. Place the mop in the solution, then wring it out before use. This is necessary to do to avoid leaving lots of water on the floor. Cotton mops can make wringing difficult, so consider using a microfiber or spray mop. To clean small areas, use a cloth or sponge. Mop the floor. Go over the entire floor with the damp mop. The first pass will loosen up any debris. You may have to go over a second time to remove all of the dirt. When the mop starts leaving streaks, be sure to rinse it off in the sink with hot water. Change out the cleaning solution once it appears dirty. Check the floor for water as you go. When using a mop, you may see water pooling on the floor. Don't leave this to sit. Use a clean, absorbent towel to quickly pick up excess water. Be sure to wring out your mop to avoid causing damage to the wood. Buff the floor with a microfiber cloth. Optionally, you can wipe the floor with a clean, non-abrasive towel. One way to do this is to attach it to the mop with a clamp, but you can also do this by hand. Work in the direction of the grain. Not only will this shine your floor, but it will ensure that you haven't left any water standing on the floor. Mix water, olive oil, and lemon juice. In a mop bucket, combine ¾ cup olive oil (180 mL) with ½ cup (120 mL) lemon juice into a gallon (3.8 L) of hot water. The lemon removes grime, but the oil shines the floor. Dampen your mop in the solution. Remember to wring out the mop thoroughly so it doesn't leave puddles of water on the floor. It should not be dripping. Use a cloth mop or spray bottle instead of a cotton mop in order to better control the amount of water you use. Check for water pooling on the floor. Again, as you mop, look for any water you've left behind. Pick up excess water with a clean towel. This prevents the water from soaking in and damaging the wood. Let the solution dry. Stay off the floor for a few hours and the solution will dry on its own. There's no need to rinse the floor with water. The oil will make the floor shine. Mix baking soda and white vinegar. Combine the two ingredients in equal amounts. Mix them and they will form a paste. This paste may also help remove dark spots, including pet stains, without scrubbing. Other options are to sprinkle on the baking soda and mop the next day or combine equal amounts of baking soda and water into a paste. Apply the paste to the stain. Place the paste on the stain using a non-abrasive sponge, brush, or cloth. Allow the paste to sit until it dries. Afterwards, wipe it up and see if the stain is gone. Rub oil-based stains with dish detergent. Place some of your castile soap or plant-based dish detergent on a microfiber cloth. Use it to break down the grease. Rinse the spot with water. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth. Wring it out first so it is not dripping. Remove all of the soap. If the spot is not gone, you can try repeating the steps, cleaning with more detergent. When you're finished, you can sand down the grain to make it look as good as new. | Sweep up debris daily. Mix vinegar and hot water. Dampen a mop in the mixture. Mop the floor. Check the floor for water as you go. Buff the floor with a microfiber cloth. Mix water, olive oil, and lemon juice. Dampen your mop in the solution. Check for water pooling on the floor. Let the solution dry. Mix baking soda and white vinegar. Apply the paste to the stain. Rub oil-based stains with dish detergent. Rinse the spot with water. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Care-for-a-Cornish-Rex | How to Care for a Cornish Rex | To care for a Cornish Rex, try to set aside time every day to play with it since Cornish Rexes are very social and energetic. You should also dress your cat in a sweater during colder months since Cornish Rexes tend to get chilly because of their thin coat. Similarly, if you take your cat outside when the sun is out, apply cat-safe sunscreen since Cornish Rexes are prone to sunburn. Additionally, since Cornish Rexes have such big ears, you should check your cat's ears for mites, discharge, or irritation once a week. | Provide your cat with food and water. Feed your Cornish Rex as you would any other cat by providing cat food marked appropriate for its age. Make sure it can access clean, cool water at all times. If you have a kitten, feed it food marked for kittens. Provide your adult or senior cat with appropriately labelled food. Choosing between wet and dry food is a matter of personal preference. Try out different flavors and take note of your cat's favorite varieties. If your cat is overweight, avoid leaving food out at all times. Instead, feed it at regular times twice a day. Consult your cat's vet to come up with a specific meal plan. Give your cat a litter box. Provide your cat with a litter box and, if your home has multiple floors, keep one on every floor. Spot clean it daily and deep clean and change the litter at least weekly. If your Cornish Rex is older or has any mobility issues, provide it with a litter box with lower sides. Get your cat plenty of toys. Most cats of this breed are active and playful, and some are even known to play fetch. Keep your cat stimulated with a variety of toys, like feather fishing poles and plush mice. A cat perch is a great choice for a Cornish Rex, since it loves to jump and seek high places. Give your Cornish Rex a scratching post so it can wear down its claws. Spend lots of time with your Cornish Rex. A Cornish Rex is not only active, but social. In general, the breed loves spending time with people, and doesn't like being alone for long periods of time. Set aside plenty of time every day to play and simply hang out with your cat. If you have to spend lots of time away from home, consider getting another cat so your Cornish Rex has a playmate. Keep your Cornish Rex warm. Since its coat is so thin, it's harder for a Cornish Rex to maintain its body temperature. Purchase a well-fitting sweater or two from your local pet supply store to keep it warm, especially during colder months. As a rule of thumb, if you're cold, your Cornish Rex will definitely be cold. Apply cat-safe sunscreen if your cat goes outside. Also due to their thin coats, cats of this breed are susceptible to sunburns. If your cat goes outside, apply sunscreen to its ears and thinner patches of its coat. You can find a cat-safe sunscreen at your local pet store. While it's natural for your cat to seek out warm, sunny spots, try not to let it sunbathe for long periods of time. Take your Cornish Rex to the vet at least one per year. All cats should see their vet at least once per year for a physical examination, booster shots, and routine blood work. In addition to regular visits, take your cat to the vet if you notice any unusual behavior, like trouble moving around or loss of appetite. Taking your cat to the vet regularly will also help you prevent breed-specific disorders, like heart conditions, that can be difficult to identify on your own. Get your cat vaccinated. Required core vaccinations will vary based on your location. In general all cats need vaccinations against rabies, distemper, calicivirus, and herpesvirus. Ask your cat's vet about their specific recommendations based on your location and your cat's lifestyle. Vaccinations against herpesvirus and calicivirus will help prevent a range of potential secondary health issues. Look out for breed-specific health issues. A Cornish Rex is prone to developing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a common form of heart disease. An annual echocardiogram will help identify any potential heart issues. The breed is also susceptible to patellar luxation, or kneecap displacement, so keep an eye on its mobility and bring it to the vet if you notice any problems. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and other vision problems are also common in the breed, so check its eyes regularly for cloudiness, redness, or deformities. Bring it to the vet if you notice it bumping into things or if it otherwise seems to have trouble seeing. Brush your Cornish Rex with your hand. Your cat's short, wavy coat won't require too much grooming. Brushing too much or too hard can in fact damage the coat. The motion of your hand when you pet your Cornish Rex is all the grooming its coat needs. Clean your cat’s ears. A Cornish Rex has large ears, so you'll need to check them regularly. Look inside its ears every week for mites, discharge, or irritation, and smell for any foul odors that might indicate infection. If you notice too much waxy build-up in the ear, use a cotton ball to clean the external part of the cat's ear. Do not put anything in its ear canal. If the ear appears red, smells bad, or if the cat keeps scratching its ear, take your cat to the vet. Brush your cat’s teeth. While they might not like having their teeth cleaned, oral hygiene is an important part of maintaining your cat's health. Get your cat used to having its teeth touched by gently massaging around its mouth while you hold or pet it. Daily brushing is best, but a weekly cleaning is better than nothing. Use a cat toothbrush, which is smaller and has softer bristles than a toothbrush for humans. You can also use a cat toothbrush that fits over your finger. Apply a small amount of cat toothpaste to the brush and gently massage your cat's teeth and gums. Bring your cat to the vet if you smell a foul odor coming from its mouth or see any sores or ulcers. Trim your cat's nails. Gently pet and massage its paws to prepare it for a nail trimming. Hold the paw and locate the quick, which looks like a small pink triangle inside the nail. Use a sharp pair of cat nail clippers to the trim the nail, and take care to avoid the quick and cut only the nail's tip. Check your cat's nails for splits or breaks and to get a feel for how fast they grow. Trim them every two weeks to one month so they don't get too long or break. You might only be able to trim one or two nails at a time, so have patience. Avoid trimming your cat's nails after playtime or when it's hungry. | Provide your cat with food and water. Give your cat a litter box. Get your cat plenty of toys. Spend lots of time with your Cornish Rex. Keep your Cornish Rex warm. Apply cat-safe sunscreen if your cat goes outside. Take your Cornish Rex to the vet at least one per year. Get your cat vaccinated. Look out for breed-specific health issues. Brush your Cornish Rex with your hand. Clean your cat’s ears. Brush your cat’s teeth. Trim your cat's nails. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Congkak | How to Play Congkak | To play Congkak, start by placing 7 shells or seeds in each of your 7 houses, which are the smaller holes going down the length of the board. Then, have the first player scoop up all the seeds in any one of their houses and drop a seed into every house in a clockwise direction. If it's your turn and the last seed ends up in the large hole on your left-hand side, known as your storehouse, you win another turn. However, if it ends up in your opponent's storehouse, you'll lose a turn. Whoever ends up with the most seeds in their storehouse is the winner! | Familiarize yourself with the game board and pieces. The congkak board consists of two rows of seven holes called the houses and two bigger holes called the storehouse or home. Each player uses the side of the board that is closest to him or her. Each player starts the game with seven shells in his or her houses. Understand the object of the game. The object of the Congkak is to move your shells into the storehouse that is situated on your left-hand side. You move your shells by picking up all of the shells in one of your houses and depositing one into each of the houses to the left of the space. The first person to empty all of his or her houses is the winner. You may also put one shell into your storehouse, but do not put any shells into your opponent's storehouse. If you drop a shell into an empty house that you own, then you get to take all of the shells from your opponent's house that is across from your house and put them into your storehouse. Set up the game. Place the Congkak board on a level playing surface between you and your opponent. You should each have 49 shells or Congkak seeds each. Before the game starts fill your seven houses with seven shells or Congkak seeds. Make sure that your opponent does the same. Both of you should leave your storehouses empty. Decide who will go first. Take a moment to decide who will take the first turn. You can determine who will go first by flipping a coin, allowing the youngest player to go first, or letting the person who won the last game you played together go first. Scoop up all of the shells or seeds in any house on your side. Then drop a shell into the next house and continue depositing one shell into every house in a clockwise fashion. You should also drop a shell into your storehouse each time you pass it, but do not deposit any shells into your opponent's storehouse. Take another turn if you deposit your last shell into your own storehouse. If the last shell that you deposit falls into your own storehouse, then you get to take another turn. In this case, you may scoop up the shells from another of your houses and deposit them into other houses. Skip a turn if you deposit your last shell into one of your opponent’s empty storehouses. Empty storehouses on your opponent's side of the board will create an obstacle for you. During a turn, if you drop your last shell into one of your opponent's empty houses, then you lose a turn. Try your best to avoid your opponent's empty houses so that you do not lose any turns. Collect your opponent’s shells if you deposit your last shell into one of your own empty storehouses. The goal of Congkak is to have the most shells in your storehouse at the end of the game. During a turn, if you manage to drop your last shell into an empty house on your side of the board, then you get to collect the shells that are opposite that house. Take the shells from the corresponding house on your opponent's side of the board and put them into your storehouse. Count up the shells in your storehouse. After you and your opponent have both emptied your houses, the game is over. To determine a winner, count up the shells in your storehouse. Whoever has the most shells is the winner! Redistribute your shells into your houses. You can extend Congkak by picking up the shells in your storehouse and redistributing them into your houses. Place seven shells into each house beginning with the house that is closest to your storehouse. If you have more than 49 shells, then put the extras into your storehouse. If you have less than 49 shells, then some of your houses will have fewer than seven shells or may even be empty. Empty houses are considered “burnt.” If a player drops a shell into a burnt house, then that seed goes straight into his or her opponent's storehouse. Play using the normal rules. Play your next round of Congkak just like you played the first round. Observe all of the same rules as you play, but you do not need to count up the shells at the end of each round. Just collect your shells and redistribute at the end of each round. Continue playing rounds in this way until one player has no shells left. You and your opponent can continue to redistribute the shells and play Congkak until one of the players has no shells left. The player with all of the shells at the end of the game is the winner. | Familiarize yourself with the game board and pieces. Understand the object of the game. Set up the game. Decide who will go first. Scoop up all of the shells or seeds in any house on your side. Take another turn if you deposit your last shell into your own storehouse. Skip a turn if you deposit your last shell into one of your opponent’s empty storehouses. Collect your opponent’s shells if you deposit your last shell into one of your own empty storehouses. Count up the shells in your storehouse. Redistribute your shells into your houses. Play using the normal rules. Continue playing rounds in this way until one player has no shells left. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Urine-Smell | How to Get Rid of Urine Smell | To get rid of urine smell on upholstery, rub a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water into the stained area and let it dry completely. If the urine smell is coming from your floor, spray the area with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap. Then, let the mixture dry and vacuum up the leftover powdery residue. If you want to remove urine smell from clothes, machine wash them with detergent and baking soda. | Place all soiled items in washing machine. Do not mix your urine-stained or affected clothes with your regular laundry. It's best to keep them separate until the stain is removed. Add a one-pound box of baking soda. Add this to your regular detergent and machine wash as usual. Alternately, instead of baking soda, you could add 1/4 cup to your load along with your regular detergent. Air dry items if possible. If it's nice and warm outside, take the item and place it in the sun. Sunlight and a light breeze can be very effective at removing and neutralizing odor. Machine wash again if smell persists. But this time an add an enzymatic cleaner, which is a biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning agent and helps to break down and eliminate odors. Enzymatic cleaners are available at pet supply stores, home supply stores and big-box stores like Walmart. Spray toilet with vinegar. Do not dilute the vinegar. Spray all surface areas and crevices of the toilet equally. Then, let the vinegar soak for a few minutes. Wipe the toilet down. Using a clean rag or paper towel, wipe down every nook and cranny of the toilet. Dampen a fresh rag and re-wipe. Get a new, unused rag and wipe the entire toilet again to rinse off any remaining vinegar. Repeat all of these steps on the floors, pipes and wall(s) around the toilet. This will help remove any traces of urine - which may be harboring an unpleasant scent - not only from the toilet but from the surrounding surfaces. After all, we all know spills sometimes happen! Clean the toilet and surrounding region regularly. Keeping up your cleaning regimen will help ensure urine stains don't build up on the toilet and, in this way, make your bathroom fresh and clean. Use a fabric odor eliminator. Popular brands include Glade and Febreeze; these are available at any grocery, home supply, and drug stores. These odor eliminators come in spray bottles that you spray over your furniture until damp and then let air dry. Using fabric odor eliminators will give your fabric a nice, fresh scent. However, they generally mask rather than treat and fully remove bad scents and stains. Consider this only as a temporary solution. Make and apply a homemade remedy. There are several different options that require ingredients you probably already have in your home. Remember to do a test patch with any solution before applying it to the whole stained area - you don't want your furniture to get discolored in any way, which is always a potential risk when applying any solution to it. Use baking soda and peroxide solution. Mix together 16 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Apply onto urine stain until soaked. Leave on until completely dry. If a white residue appears, vacuum or brush off. Make a 50-50 water and vinegar solution. Combine equal parts warm water and distilled white vinegar. Soak a clean cloth or rag with the solution, and then rub the stain in a circular motion. You should do this at least twice. Then, allow the spot to dry. You can use a hair dryer or fan to help it dry a little quicker. If the odor is still there, you could risk spraying the spot with straight vinegar. At this point, the persistence of the smell suggests that the urine has worked its way into the fabric's fibers, so spray enough vinegar to do the same. Try rubbing alcohol. Dampen the stain and then blot with a dry rag. Use straight baking soda. Baking soda is a natural odor-fighter. Pour a large amount of baking soda - don't be skimpy here! - over the affected area until it is completely saturated. Use a scrub brush to push the baking soda into the fabric's fibers in a circular motion. Once the baking soda has been sufficiently worked into the fabric, vacuum up the baking soda. This will aid the soda's natural odor-fighting properties get into fibers and also remove the excess powder. You may want to do this twice if the urine smell lingers or is especially strong. Purchase and use a commercial urine cleaner. Look for enzymatic cleaners in particular. Enzymatic cleaners break down the urine stain and the odor-causing molecules. They contain bacteria-producing agents that facilitate the growth of bacteria that in turn breaks down the urine. The best-known brands are marketed for pet urine, but can also be used for human urine. These include Simple Solution, Nature's Miracle, Urine Off, and Complete Pet Stain and Odor Remover from 8in1. Follow any and all instructions on the product. This method is the least labor intensive, but on the other hand does require purchasing a commercial product. Hire a carpet or upholstery-cleaning company. This should be your last resort if the odor persists after you've tried all of the above options. Call the company of your choice and first tell them about your particular situation and see if they think they can take care of it. Ask for their different options; you may also want to check out some reviews of the company. Keep in mind that hiring an upholstery cleaning company can be quite expensive. It can cost almost as much to clean your furniture as to get new stuff. Use a homemade, natural remedy. In a spray bottle, mix 5 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 1 teaspoon of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 a teaspoon of orange-scented dishwashing liquid or 3 drops of wild orange essential oil. Shake the bottle to combine ingredients thoroughly. Then spray the affected area until very damp and allow to fully dry. It will look like a powder as the formula dries. Then vacuum up the powder. You may want to repeat this process twice if the scent lingers. This formula works well on wood, linoleum, carpet floors. Use a commercial cleaner. As with your furniture, enzymatic cleaners work best. Rent an extractor or wet vac if dealing with carpet. This will help remove all traces of a urine stain in carpeting, which is more susceptible to urine soaking into its fibers, unlike hard surfaces. These machines work similarly to a vacuum cleaner but use water; they force clean water into your carpet and then force the dirty water back out. You should be able to rent extracting and wet vac machines pretty cheaply from your local hardware store. Carefully follow any instructions that accompany the machines. Don't use any additional chemicals or additives with these machines. They work best with plain water. Don't use a steam cleaner to clean urine odors from your carpets. The heat will permanently set the stain and the corresponding odor because it causes the protein in the urine to bind with the fibers in the fabric. You could also have a professional come in and clean your carpets or, if it's an area rug that's been stained, take it to a carpet cleaner's. However, this can be very expensive and it might be cheaper to just buy something new than to pay for these services. | Place all soiled items in washing machine. Add a one-pound box of baking soda. Air dry items if possible. Machine wash again if smell persists. Spray toilet with vinegar. Wipe the toilet down. Dampen a fresh rag and re-wipe. Repeat all of these steps on the floors, pipes and wall(s) around the toilet. Clean the toilet and surrounding region regularly. Use a fabric odor eliminator. Make and apply a homemade remedy. Use straight baking soda. Purchase and use a commercial urine cleaner. Hire a carpet or upholstery-cleaning company. Use a homemade, natural remedy. Use a commercial cleaner. Rent an extractor or wet vac if dealing with carpet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Peel-a-Carrot | How to Peel a Carrot | To peel a carrot with a vegetable peeler, wash the carrot under cool running water. Then, place a bowl on the countertop, and hold the end of the carrot between the thumb and forefinger of your non-dominant hand. Position the carrot at a 45-degree angle with the tip pointed into the bowl, and place the peeler at the top of the carrot. To remove a thin layer, push the vegetable peeler down along the surface of the carrot to its tip, and then pull upward to make a second slice. Rotate the carrot slightly and repeat until the entire carrot has been peeled. | Wash the carrots under cool running water. Brush them with a nylon-bristled brush to remove any dirt or impurities from the surface. Washing is a necessary step to remove all pesticides and any lingering dirt. Sometimes carrots look a bit dingy or funny. This will go away when you peel off the outer layer. Place a bowl on your countertop. The bowl will catch the carrot peels as you remove them from the carrot. You could peel it over the trash, but that leads to a clumsier peel since you have no surface for the carrot to rest against. You could also just peel the carrot on a cutting board and then scrape the cuttings into the trash when you're done. Whichever. Hold the carrot between the thumb and forefinger of your non-dominant hand. Then, turn your non-dominant hand over so that your palm is facing the ceiling (and your hand is underneath the carrot). The carrot should be tilted at a 45-degree angle over your bowl with the pointed tip pointing down into the bowl. The hardest part about this is doing it fast and not cutting yourself. If you keep your hand below the carrot, at least the latter half of that quandary is solved. Place your vegetable peeler against the top of your carrot where the carrot is the thickest. If the peeler won't reach the top inch or so, that's fine – you'll take care of it in a bit. Most peelers actually have two blades that go both directions. Does yours? A vegetable peeler only removes thin slices of the skin if you press it against the carrot gently, preserving the layer beneath that contains many of the carrot's phytonutrients. Push the vegetable peeler down along the surface of the carrot to its tip. You will remove a thin layer of skin that should curl and fall into the bowl or onto the cutting board. That's your first slice – congratulations! Keep the carrot's tip resting on the cutting board, if you're using one. It'll be easier to keep the carrot in place and not move with the force you're applying if it's resting on a stable surface. Now peel upward. What most people don't realize is that the standard vegetable peeler has two blades that make it possible to peel your carrot from both the bottom and the top, from peeling away from you and peeling toward you. So once you peel down, peel up. Then you go back and forth, back and forth. What's the point of this? If you're peeling a lot of carrots, you'll go much, much faster with this method. The best chefs are all about taste and efficiency. Rotate the carrot slightly and repeat the process until all of the peel has been removed. As you're peeling up and down, up and down, gently rotate the carrot in your hand. When you reach the side that you started on, you're finished peeling the base. Easy as pie. Flip it over and peel the top. Sometimes it's easier not to worry about the top at first, your hand is there and the last thing you want to do is cut your wrist. So once you're finished peeling the bulk of the carrot, flip it over and peel the base in the same method, but just covering the last inch or so that needs to be peeled. If you didn't peel the top at first, of course. Generally not doing so makes the first bit quicker, but then you do have to take the time now to complete it. Whether you do so or not is up to. Place the carrot on a cutting board and chop off the top and the tip of the carrot with a paring knife. Most people don't use the very tips in their cooking. With those added to the pile, discard the peels in your garbage or put them in your compost pile. Rinse your carrots once they're peeled and continue to prepare them according to the instructions in your recipe. Wash the carrot under cool running water. As mentioned in the previous method, all fruits and vegetables should be washed beforehand to remove any dirt or pesticide residue. A nylon-bristled brush will make this quick and easy. Place the tip of the carrot on a cutting board. Hold the thick top of the carrot using your non-dominant hand. The carrot should be positioned at a 45-degree angle to the cutting board. Hold it in between your thumb and forefinger and then flip your hand over so your palm is facing the ceiling. Your hand is underneath the carrot, supporting it. Place the blade of your paring knife at the top of the carrot and press down along the surface, scraping a thin layer of skin off the vegetable. If you don't own a vegetable peeler, a paring knife will get the job done. Just be careful not to peel too much of the meat off the carrot. A gentle scrape of the top will do. Also be careful not to hurt yourself! Your non-dominant hand shouldn't come anywhere close to the blade's edge. Make sure your fingers are under and to the sides of the carrot, not risking getting cut. Rotate the carrot and repeat the peeling process until all of the skin is removed. As you peel and peel, rotate the carrot to expose the raw skin that hasn't yet been peeled away. You should be able to shift it in your non-dominant hand without stopping the process. Sometimes it's easy to miss the very top of the carrot near where your wrist is. If this is the case, just flip it over and take care of the base by holding the tip and resuming your technique. Place the carrot on your cutting board and use your paring knife to cut off the tip and the top of the carrot. Then, discard those along with the peels into your garbage or compost pile. Place the carrot on a separate plate and continue peeling until all of your carrots are peeled. Rinse each peeled carrot before use. | Wash the carrots under cool running water. Place a bowl on your countertop. Hold the carrot between the thumb and forefinger of your non-dominant hand. Place your vegetable peeler against the top of your carrot where the carrot is the thickest. Push the vegetable peeler down along the surface of the carrot to its tip. Now peel upward. Rotate the carrot slightly and repeat the process until all of the peel has been removed. Flip it over and peel the top. Place the carrot on a cutting board and chop off the top and the tip of the carrot with a paring knife. Wash the carrot under cool running water. Place the tip of the carrot on a cutting board. Place the blade of your paring knife at the top of the carrot and press down along the surface, scraping a thin layer of skin off the vegetable. Rotate the carrot and repeat the peeling process until all of the skin is removed. Place the carrot on your cutting board and use your paring knife to cut off the tip and the top of the carrot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Good-Lab-Conclusion-in-Science | How to Write a Good Lab Conclusion in Science | To write a good lab conclusion in science, start with restating the lab experiment by describing the assignment. Next, explain what you were trying to discover or figure out by doing the experiment. Then, list your results and explain how they confirmed or did not confirm your hypothesis. Additionally, include any uncertainties, such as circumstances beyond your control that may have impacted the results. Finally, discuss any new questions or discoveries that emerged from the experiment. | Go over your assignment. Verify that you've accomplished all the parts of your assignment so that you can properly address them in the conclusion. Take a few moments to make a list of what you're supposed to demonstrate or learn in the experiment. Revisit your introduction. To make sure your conclusion is consistent with the rest of your report, revisit your lab report's introduction. This is a good tactic to help you brainstorm exactly what you'd like to say in your conclusion. Use the RERUN method. Start mapping out the different elements of your conclusion by using the RERUN method. The RERUN method can be a useful structure overall for a short lab report, but it is especially useful for providing a conclusion to your report that reviews the experiment's important components. RERUN stands for: Restate : Restate the lab experiment by describing the assignment. Explain : Explain the purpose of the lab experiment. What were you trying to figure out or discover? Talk briefly about the procedure you followed to complete the lab. Results : Explain your results. Confirm whether or not your hypothesis was supported by the results. Uncertainties : Account for uncertainties and errors. Explain, for example, if there were other circumstances beyond your control that might have impacted the experiment's results. New : Discuss new questions or discoveries that emerged from the experiment. Plan other sections to add. The RERUN method is a good start, but there may be other components that you should include. It's a good idea to talk about what you've learned in the experiment. You might also want to situate your reports within the overall research field, or how you can relate the findings to concepts you're learning in class. Your assignment may also have specific questions that need to be answered. Make sure you answer these fully and coherently in your conclusion. Introduce the experiment in your conclusion. Start out the conclusion by providing a brief overview of the experiment. Describe the experiment in 1-2 sentences and discuss the objective of the experiment. Also, make sure to include your manipulated (independent), controlled and responding (dependent) variables. Restate your procedures. Give a brief summary of the process that you went through with your experiment. Give an overview of the experiment, which will help the reader visualize what you did. If you tried the experiment more than once, describe the reasons for doing so. Discuss changes that you made in your procedures. Brainstorm ways to explain your results in more depth. Go back through your lab notes, paying particular attention to the results you observed. Describe what you discovered briefly. In a few sentences, summarize the results that you arrived at in your experiment. Summarize the data here; don't include all of the results. Start this section with wording such as, “The results showed that…” You don't need to give the raw data here. Just summarize the main points, calculate averages, or give a range of data to give an overall picture to the reader. Make sure to explain whether or not any statistical analyses were significant, and to what degree, such as 1%, 5%, or 10%. Comment on whether or not your hypothesis is supported. Your hypothesis is a statement that describes what the expected outcome will be. The hypothesis forms the basis of your experiment and drives the parts of your process. Restate your hypothesis and then state clearly and concisely whether or not your hypothesis has been supported by the experiment. Was the experiment a success? Use simple language such as, “The results supported the hypothesis,” or “The results did not support the hypothesis.” Link your results to your hypothesis. The results of your experiment have determined whether or not the hypothesis is supported. After noting this in your report, comment further by describing the meaning of your experiment's results. Clarify why the results indicate a supported hypothesis or not. Describe what you learned in the lab. You may be asked to demonstrate a particular scientific principle or theory. If this is the case, your conclusion should reflect that. If it's not clear in your conclusion what you learned from the lab, start off by writing, “In this lab, I learned…” This will give the reader a heads up that you will be describing exactly what you learned. Add details about what you learned and how you learned it. Adding dimension to your learning outcomes will convince your reader that you did, in fact, learn from the lab. Give specifics about how you learned that molecules will act in a particular environment, for example. Describe how what you learned in the lab could be applied to a future experiment. Answer specific questions given in the assignment. Your teacher may have listed certain questions in the assignment that need to be answered. On a new line, write the question in italics. On the next line, write the answer to the question in regular text. Explain whether you achieved the experiment’s objectives. The introduction to your lab report should have stated certain objectives that you hoped to achieve with this experiment. Revisit these objectives in the conclusion to make sure that you are addressing them sufficiently. If your experiment did not achieve the objectives, explain or speculate why not. Describe possible errors that may have occurred. To provide an accurate depiction of the lab experiment, describe errors that may have happened in the course of the experiment. This will add transparency to your experiment and results, so people can more easily see how you arrived at your conclusions. Talk about uncertainties. There may be uncontrollable circumstances that impact your experiment, such as weather changes or unavailability of a certain supply. Discuss these uncertainties and their potential impact on the overall experiment. If your experiment raised questions that your collected data can't answer, discuss this here. Propose future experiments. In light of what you learned in your experiment, give recommendations on the design of future experiments. What could be changed to elicit more reliable or valid results? Propose additional questions that arise. Sometimes, scientific research trials will generate more questions than answers. If this is the case in your research, you can discuss these in the conclusion in the context for future research. Relate your research to other research. Particularly for more advanced lab reports, you may choose to discuss how your research adds to the research in the field. Visualize all research on your topic as a brick wall, and your own research is one brick in that wall. How does your research fit within the overall scheme of things? Describe what is new or innovative about your research. This can often set you apart from your classmates, many of whom will just write up the barest of discussion and conclusion. Add a final statement. Wrap up the entire conclusion – and the entire report – with a statement that summarizes the scope of the lab report and the most important conclusions. Alternately, speculate on future uses for the research. Here is your chance to make an insightful comment that will set your lab report apart from others. Write in the third person. Avoid using “I,” “we” or “me” in your lab report. Instead, use language such as, “The hypothesis was supported…” Read through the full report. Once you've finalized your conclusion, read through the entire report to make sure it is logical. Watch for any places where you might contradict yourself, and correct these instances. Your conclusion should reiterate what you learned from the experiment and how you came to understand these learning outcomes. Proofread your report. Check for spelling and grammatical errors in your report. A report that contains errors can inadvertently decrease the report's reliability. Take the time to ensure your report is error-free. | Go over your assignment. Revisit your introduction. Use the RERUN method. Plan other sections to add. Introduce the experiment in your conclusion. Restate your procedures. Describe what you discovered briefly. Comment on whether or not your hypothesis is supported. Link your results to your hypothesis. Describe what you learned in the lab. Answer specific questions given in the assignment. Explain whether you achieved the experiment’s objectives. Describe possible errors that may have occurred. Talk about uncertainties. Propose future experiments. Propose additional questions that arise. Relate your research to other research. Add a final statement. Write in the third person. Read through the full report. Proofread your report. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Setting-Powder | How to Use Setting Powder | Once you've finished applying your foundation and concealer, immediately apply your setting powder. Try using a makeup sponge if you want full coverage, or a powder brush if you want a soft, natural look. Focus on your T-zone and avoid the outer edges of your face. After your face is covered, wait 1-2 minutes, then blend in the setting powder with a clean, fluffy makeup brush. | Go with a loose powder for lightweight full coverage. Setting powders can be either loose or compact, but loose powders have finer particles. These finer particles tend to feel lighter on your skin. Get this powder type if you're hoping to use your powder as a light, uniform coating rather than a second layer of concealer. Get a compact powder for touch-ups. Pressed compact powder is denser than loose powder, which makes it great for quick touch-ups throughout the day. It can appear cakey if you apply too much, however. It also contains silicones and waxes that can be irritating, so it may be best not to use this type if you have sensitive skin. For people with normal or dry skin, compact powder is also a great alternative to liquid foundation. Choose a translucent setting powder to minimize shine. Translucent powders are great for reducing shine that's caused by oil accumulation on the skin. This may be the way to go if you don't want to adjust your coloring, but rather hope to improve the texture of your skin by preventing and decreasing oiliness. You can get this type of powder in either loose or compact form, and can apply it over foundation or on your bare skin. Select a tinted setting powder if you want to even your skin tone. Like translucent powders, tinted powders can be purchased in loose or compact form, and also can be applied to makeup-free skin or over foundation. However, tinted powders help brighten and correct your skin tone, instead of just working to reduce shine. Be sure to pick the right color when buying tinted powder. If you have dry skin or normal skin, match the tinted powder to your skin tone. If you have oily skin, go 1/2 to 1 shade lighter, as the powder will oxidize and darken when it comes in contact with oil. Find a powder that contains talc if your skin is oily. Different setting powders work best with different skin types. If your skin is on the oily side, look for a product that includes talc on its ingredient label. Talc has oil-absorbing properties, so powder that contains it is often the most flattering and beneficial option for those who have oily skin. Go with a powder that contains hyaluronic acid if your skin is dry. Check different powder labels to see if they contain hyaluronic acid. Opt for one that does if your skin is on the drier side, as hyaluronic acid will hydrate and moisturize your skin. Opt for silica powder if you have normal skin. If your skin isn't quite oily or dry, this may be your best option. Use a silica powder as your setting powder to ensure a smoother application. Dry skin typically responds well to silica powder too, but it isn't recommended for oily skin types because it can lead to build-up. Apply your foundation first. If you want to wear primer and concealer, or if you want to contour your face, be sure to apply those as well. Make sure that everything is blended in well. Hold off on your blush, highlighter, bronzer, and eye makeup for now. Don't forget to wash your face and apply moisturizer before you put any of your makeup on. Move quickly onto the next step; you want to apply powder while your foundation is still damp. Apply your powder with a makeup sponge, a powder puff, or a powder brush. Pick an applicator based on what you're hoping to accomplish with your setting powder. If you want to use a lot of product to get full coverage, opt for a makeup sponge. Go for a powder puff if you have oily skin and you want a velvety matte finish. Finally, get a soft, glowy complexion by applying with a powder brush. Use an appropriate amount of setting powder. The goal is to apply enough powder to give your skin a velvety finish, but not so much that it's visible to the eye. To accomplish this, make sure that your applicator is evenly coated by dabbing it into the powder and then tapping off the excess. Go light on the powder to get a dewy finish. Go a little heavier on the powder if your skin is oily, or if you want a matte finish. Focus on your t-zone as you apply the powder. To get a seamless, natural look, stay away from the outer edges of your face and apply most of your powder to your t-zone, across the lower part of your forehead and down the bridge of your nose. This is where oil tends to accumulate the most. Do a very light dusting of the powder all over your face, and then apply a little extra powder in your t-zone as needed. Be careful around your hairline, as the powder may be difficult to get out of your hair. Use a press-and-roll motion to keep your foundation intact. If you're using a makeup sponge or powder puff, resist the urge to apply your powder by using a wiping motion. Instead, gently press and roll the powder onto your face to avoid moving your foundation and concealer. Brushes tend to allow for lighter application, so you shouldn't need to worry about this if you're applying your powder with a brush. Wait 1-2 minutes before you blend and buff with a fluffy makeup brush. After applying your powder, let it sit on your skin as is for 1-2 minutes. This is called “baking,” and may encourage the powder to set in better. After the time is up, go over your whole face in circular motions with a large, fluffy makeup brush so that everything blends in seamlessly. Apply the rest of your makeup. Once you are happy with your coverage, you can apply the rest of your makeup. This includes your blush , bronzer , highlighter , and any eye makeup you want to do. You can also try applying a bit of powder over your blush to blend it or soften the color. Use a kabuki brush to apply throughout the day. Dab your kabuki brush in pressed powder for touch-ups. This should allow you to get some coverage without applying too much powder. Also, this should make applying on the go easier. Avoid using powder puffs for touch-ups, as they tend to apply too much product and not blend well. Set your eyeliner with translucent setting powder. While liquid eyeliners can last all day, cream-based pencil eyeliners tend to turn runny as the day goes on. You can help your eyeliner stay put by dusting translucent setting powder over it with a thin brush. If you like to line your bottom lashes, apply the translucent setting powder first, then the eyeliner, then more powder. Make your matte lipstick last longer with translucent setting powder. Apply your lip liner and matte lipstick as you usually would. Blot with a tissue to remove excess product and prevent clumping. Use a soft, fluffy powder brush to dust a thin layer of translucent setting powder over your lipstick to set it. It's best not to put powder on glossy or shimmery lipsticks, because the powder will make the lipstick clump or look duller. Volumize thin lashes with mascara and pressed translucent powder. Apply a coat of mascara first, then dust your lashes with an eyeshadow brush and translucent setting powder. Follow up with another coat of mascara. Dust setting powder under your eyes to catch any excess eyeshadow. Before applying eyeshadow, eyeliner, or mascara, brush a heavy coating of powder over the area below your eye and above your cheekbone. After finishing your eye makeup, use a clean brush to dust the setting powder away. Any shadow that may have fallen off during application will stick to the setting powder, so you can simply brush it away with the powder. It's typically best to use a translucent setting powder for this, but you can use tinted setting powder too. Reduce shine on your eyelids with concealer and translucent powder. If you have oily eyelids, apply some concealer to them. Then, use an eyeshadow brush to dust them with translucent setting powder. This should soak up any excess oil and brighten up your eyes. Substitute dry shampoo with setting powder. Setting powder tends to do a good job of absorbing the excess oil that's not just on your skin, but also in your hair. This is essentially what dry shampoo does. If your hair is feeling a little greasy and you are out of dry shampoo, sprinkle some translucent setting powder onto the roots. If you have light-colored hair, use regular powder. If your hair is darker, use a bronze-tinted powder to help it blend in. Finger comb your hair to help distribute the powder through the roots. Reduce sweating or chaffing on your hands and feet with translucent powder. Apply setting powder to your palms or the underside of your feet to help absorb excess sweat in these areas. Dust setting powder onto your feet with a powder brush or powder puff before slipping into a pair of heels to prevent chaffing. | Go with a loose powder for lightweight full coverage. Get a compact powder for touch-ups. Choose a translucent setting powder to minimize shine. Select a tinted setting powder if you want to even your skin tone. Find a powder that contains talc if your skin is oily. Go with a powder that contains hyaluronic acid if your skin is dry. Opt for silica powder if you have normal skin. Apply your foundation first. Apply your powder with a makeup sponge, a powder puff, or a powder brush. Use an appropriate amount of setting powder. Focus on your t-zone as you apply the powder. Use a press-and-roll motion to keep your foundation intact. Wait 1-2 minutes before you blend and buff with a fluffy makeup brush. Apply the rest of your makeup. Use a kabuki brush to apply throughout the day. Set your eyeliner with translucent setting powder. Make your matte lipstick last longer with translucent setting powder. Volumize thin lashes with mascara and pressed translucent powder. Dust setting powder under your eyes to catch any excess eyeshadow. Reduce shine on your eyelids with concealer and translucent powder. Substitute dry shampoo with setting powder. Reduce sweating or chaffing on your hands and feet with translucent powder. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Lettuce | How to Wash Lettuce | To wash lettuce, use a knife to cut off the root and any wilted spots from the lettuce, and cut out the core if you are using iceberg lettuce. Use your hands to separate the lettuce leaves, then soak your lettuce in a bowl full of cold water, swirling the lettuce around to loosen any dirt. After about 10 minutes, take the greens out of the bowl and shake any excess water off the leaves. Dry the lettuce by spinning it in a salad spinner or by patting the leaves dry with paper towels. | Cut off the lettuce root on leaf lettuce. Use a knife or your hands to break the root off of the lettuce and cut off any wilted spots. Separate the leaves of the lettuce with your hands. Be careful when using a knife so you don't hurt yourself. Make sure your fingers are away from the blade when you cut. Remove the core from iceberg lettuce. If you are using iceberg lettuce, use a paring knife to remove the core then break apart the leaves with your hands. Keep in mind that some iceberg lettuce heads are very firm. Fill a large bowl with cool water. Soak your lettuce in a large amount of cold water. Move the water around by swirling the water vigorously. If you got the lettuce from a farmer's market, it will probably be more dirty than from the store. If you are going to dry the lettuce with a spinner, wash the leaves in the bowl and colander that came with your spinner. Inspect whole heads. If you are washing whole heads of lettuce, make sure to thoroughly inspect them. Gently open the heads and check between the leaves for dirt. Gently bend the leaves back and away from the core to allow water to get between the leaves. Make sure to check the area where the leaves are attached to the stem. You can leave the lettuce heads together for grilling. Let the dirt fall to the bottom of the bowl. Walk away from the leaves and let the dirt settle to the bottom of the bowl. After about 10 minutes, take the greens out of the water. Make sure not to go near the dirt at the bottom of the bowl. Gently shake the excess water off of the leaves and lay them on a paper towel. Spin the lettuce. The easiest way to dry lettuce is with a spinner. Once the leaves are washed, take the colander, with the lettuce inside, out of the bowl. Pour out any water from the bowl and put the colander back inside the bowl. Put the lid on top of the bowl and turn the handle to spin the lettuce to dry out the leaves. Only dry separated leaves in a spinner, not whole heads. Roll the lettuce in a towel. You can dry lettuce by rolling it in a towel. Shake extra water off of the leaves and lay them in a single layer on a towel. Start rolling the towel (starting at the end near you). Lightly press against the green while you roll. If you push too hard, you might bruise the leaves. Unroll the towel and the lettuce should be dry. Shake the lettuce. Drain the lettuce in a colander. Cover the top of the colander with a towel (wrap it around the edges to keep it in place). Shake the colander over the sink, in every direction. When the leaves are dry, take them out. Swing the lettuce in a towel. Put the wet lettuce leaves in the center of a towel or a clean pillowcase. Bring all four corners together and twist the towel or pillowcase. Gather the ends in one hand and swing the towel around several times. You probably want to do this outside or in the bathroom because water might splatter. Store the lettuce. Lay any extra leaves on a paper towel. Roll up the paper towel with the leaves inside. Put the rolled up paper towel in a plastic bag and refrigerate it. It should last for about five to six days. | Cut off the lettuce root on leaf lettuce. Remove the core from iceberg lettuce. Fill a large bowl with cool water. Inspect whole heads. Let the dirt fall to the bottom of the bowl. Spin the lettuce. Roll the lettuce in a towel. Shake the lettuce. Swing the lettuce in a towel. Store the lettuce. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Your-Nails | How to Care for Your Nails | Keep your nails trimmed, cleaned, and moisturized to make sure they stay healthy and strong. Trim your nails straight across regularly to prevent them from breaking. It's best to cut your nails immediately after you have bathed or showered, as moisture makes them softer. It can also help to moisturize your nails often to prevent them from becoming dry or brittle. Use almond or avocado oil, or a specialty cuticle moisturizer on your nail beds and cuticles before you go to sleep. Try to avoid picking or biting your nails and cuticles, as you run the risk of infection. If you struggle to stop biting your nails, use bitter-tasting nail polish to try and break the habit. | Trim your nails straight across. This will help you avoid ingrown nails. Also, try to cut your nails right after you've showered or bathed so that the nails are softer. If you'd like to soften the corners or edges of your nails, use a nail file or emery board. File in a consistent direction to prevent weakening your nails. Filing back and forth severely damages nails over time. Disinfect your nail care tools monthly in 70 percent or stronger isopropyl alcohol. To maintain nail flexibility and prevent nail splits, moisturize your nails after trimming them. Avoid harsh nail polishes. Ones that contain ingredients like formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate weaken the nail. Furthermore, repeatedly using bold pigmented colors can cause your nails to become yellowed or weakened. If you like using bold colors, try going “all natural” periodically between wears to give your nails a break. Use gentle nail polish remover, a base coat, and a top coat. Acetone-free nail polish removers are mild and prevent your nail from drying out. When painting your nails, base coats help prevent your nails from getting stained. Top coats decrease the likelihood of the nail polish chipping, and lessen the frequency with which you have to remove the nail polish. Moisturize your nails with oil to keep them flexible and strong. Like other areas of your body, your nails can benefit from being kept hydrated. Before going to sleep, try dabbing almond or avocado oil onto your nail beds and cuticles to stop them from getting dry, brittle, or flaky. If you don't have almond or avocado oil, use lip balm. Cuticle moisturizers are also available for purchase at drug stores and beauty stores. Add protein and omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Keratin, the protein that makes up your nails, can be better produced if you're consuming more foods like fish, nuts, and beans. You can also try taking daily supplements like biotin and fish oil, which can be found at your local grocery or health food store. Vitamin B can also strengthen your nails, zinc can help eliminate white spots, and iron can help stop the formation of nail ridges. Vitamins A and C can help make your nails more hydrated and glossy. The recommended daily amount of protein is.8 grams (0.0018 lb) per 1 kilogram (2.2 lb) of your body weight. There is no recommended daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid keeping your nails in wet or dirty environments. Conditions like that encourage the growth of bacteria beneath your nails, which can be difficult to dislodge. Furthermore, repeated lengthy contact with moisture can increase your likelihood of getting split fingernails. If you frequently wash dishes, garden, or clean with harsh chemicals, try wearing rubber or plastic gloves that can protect both your skin and fingernails from undue stress. Take steps to stop if you bite your nails. While this can be a difficult habit to break, it's important because your mouth has germs and bacteria that can easily enter your body through abrasions created by your teeth. Try protecting your nails by painting a layer of clear gel on them, which may be more difficult to bite through. You can also try using a nail polish that tastes bitter, so that the nasty taste discourages you from nail chewing. Refrain from cutting and picking at your cuticles. While they may not always be aesthetically pleasing, cuticles actually protect your nail bed. Every time you trim your cuticles, you run the risk of giving yourself microcuts that will allow contaminants like bacteria and fungi into your body. Those, in turn, can cause an infection. If you absolutely need to make your nails appear more elongated, carefully push your cuticles away from your nail tips with the flat edge of a wooden orange stick. It is a myth that regularly cutting your cuticles means they will grow faster when you stop. Exercise caution when getting manicures and pedicures. Ask your nail technician to leave your cuticles untouched, and make sure the tools they use are sterilized. You should also check that the foot baths are disinfected with bleach solution between appointments, to prevent the transmission of foot diseases. Acrylic and gel manicures are hard on your nails, and the UV light used to set gel manicures can harm your skin and even increase the risk of cancer. If you do get a gel manicure, don't peel it off, as that will tear away layers of your nail too. Consult a doctor if your nails regularly cause you pain. If your nails are healthy, they will have no spots or discoloration, they will be the same color and flexibility everywhere, and they will lack craters or depressions. The cuticles should be present, and the nail bed should be a whitish-pink color. Things like pain, swelling, or blood in the nail area are cause for concern. You should also see your doctor if your nails stop growing out or start curling. However, vertical ridges running the length of the nail are normal. | Trim your nails straight across. Avoid harsh nail polishes. Use gentle nail polish remover, a base coat, and a top coat. Moisturize your nails with oil to keep them flexible and strong. Add protein and omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Avoid keeping your nails in wet or dirty environments. Take steps to stop if you bite your nails. Refrain from cutting and picking at your cuticles. Exercise caution when getting manicures and pedicures. Consult a doctor if your nails regularly cause you pain. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Carry-an-Injured-Dog | How to Carry an Injured Dog | To carry an injured dog, put it in a pet carrier, since that's the safest option for you and the dog. If that's not possible, carry it with one arm underneath the dog's chest, and the other beneath its abdomen, just in front of its hind legs. For a larger dog or a dog that's more severely injured, find something you can use as a stretcher, like a board, blanket, or coat. Then, secure the dog on the stretcher with a belt, and find someone to help you carry the stretcher if you can. | Use a pet carrier if possible. If you have a pet carrier that you can safely place the dog in, do so. This is the best option to protect both you and the dog. Encourage it to lie down, and support its body with anything soft to minimize movement during transportation. For more significant injuries, or in scenarios where the dog is having trouble breathing or is unconscious, you'll want to move it as little as possible. See the section in this article on dealing with specific injuries. Carry a dog with a minor injury in your arms. If you do not have a carrier, the dog only has a limb injury, and you can carry it safely with both arms, it is fine to do so. Use one to support the chest, and reach over with your other arm, looping it beneath the dog's abdomen, just in front of its hind legs. Do you best not to move or otherwise agitate an injury, but make sure to fully support the dog's body with your arms. Carry large dogs on a stretcher. If another person is available to help, use something stiff, such as a board, to carry a large dog or a dog that is seriously injured. Position the dog on its side, taking care not to bend its body. If you have anything soft, wedge it along the dog's body to minimize its movement. When lifting with the assistance of another person, position yourselves on either side of the stretcher. Bend and lift simultaneously, using your legs to support the weight. Position your hands as far apart from one another as is comfortable. The tray from a dog crate is another good option for a stretcher. If you have something that can secure the dog in place, such as a belt, use it to do so. Always position a fastening device over the shoulders or hips, so as not to obstruct the ribs or abdomen. Use a soft material as a stretcher. If you have no stiff, mobile surface, a blanket or coat can be used as well. Position the material beneath the dog in a way that will support its body lengthwise. If the material is not large enough to hold the dog in place while moving, use something to fasten it to the stretcher. A soft material will only help you carry a dog if you have another person to assist you. Stand on opposite sides of the material and lift from the corners, pulling away from one another to keep the material as taught as possible. Prevent the dog's body from bending as much as you are able. If you are alone, you may need to drag the dog, but can still use a stretcher to help you do so. Move a large dog on you own. If you are alone, position the dog so that it is laying on its side. Place a board or blanket behind the dog's back, along its spine. Position yourself behind the dog as well. Tightly grip a fold of the dog's skin above its neck with one hand and above its hips with the other. Pull the dog carefully onto the board or other material. Lift one edge of the stretcher and drag it in the direction of help. Muzzle the dog. Even if you know the dog and it is always friendly and gentle, you should almost always put a muzzle on an injured dog. Pain, shock, and confusion can cause even well-behaved dogs to panic and bite at you or someone else. If you do not have a muzzle, use a long strip of gauze or even a leash to make one. Drape it across the dog's muzzle, wrap it around its jaws, and wrap it back behind the ears to fasten. Do not muzzle the dog if it is vomiting or having trouble breathing. Remove or loosen a muzzles, especially a makeshift muzzle, once the dog is settled. Never leave a muzzle on a dog if you are unable to directly observe it. Check for evidence of a spine injury. If the dog has injured their spine, it is especially important that you carry them on a firm, stiff surface. Evidence of a spine injury include immobility or wobbliness in the rear legs, unconsciousness, differently-sized pupils, partial or complete paralysis, or blood flowing from the dog's orifices. There are many options for flat surfaces to use as stretchers. Aside from a board, you can use a sled, table leaf, bookshelf, ironing board, or even a window screen. Make sure the dog lays on its side, and that its body is not twisted while moving it carefully onto the stretcher. Have someone help you carefully move them onto the stretcher, if possible. Position an unconscious dog's head. Position the head of an unconscious dog in normal alignment with the dog's body. With the dog on its side, this means the snout should be pointed forward or a bit downward. This is important to maintain both airflow to the lungs and blood flow to the brain. If the dog has vomited, position the head slightly downward, to allow vomit to easily vacate the dog's mouth. Be aware the a dog that has suffered a head injury is likely to vomit, even if they are unconscious. Do not splint a clearly broken limb. If the dog's limb is clearly broken, wrap it in something clean, such as gauze or a towel and tape it in place. The goal is reducing movement of the leg. As you move the dog, make sure to support the entire limb, so that it cannot bend at the point where it was broken or fractured. Do not attempt to push broken bones back into place. Stop uncontrolled bleeding. If the dog bleeds continuously for more than five minutes, you need to take steps to control the bleeding. First, apply pressure with a clean material, ideally a padded bandage or gauze. This will at least slow the loss of blood. If you have wrap and/or tape, wrap a bleeding wound with tension equal to gently pressing on the wound. Minimize spine and neck movement during transportation. While carrying a dog on a stretcher or driving them, wedge anything you have that's soft around the dog's body to keep their body from moving around unnecessarily. Pillows or rolled up towels and blankets are ideal. Cover the dog. Unless it is quite warm, use a blanket, towel, or piece of clothing to wrap the dog during transportation. Not only will this calm the dog down, if will prevent heat loss that may occur due to shock or injury. Have someone else drive. If anyone else is around, have someone else drive to the vet. This will allow you to help keep the dog from moving around. Further, this will keep you from driving distractedly. Call the vet en route. Call the veterinary hospital to let them know you're on your way. Describe the dog's injuries to help the vet prepare for your arrival and start helping the dog as efficiently as possible. If no one else is around to drive, complete the call before getting on the road. Another benefit of calling ahead is ensuring that the vet you're heading for is capable of treating your dog. If they are not, you may be able to have a vet meet you there for emergency service, or they can tell you where to go instead. | Use a pet carrier if possible. Carry a dog with a minor injury in your arms. Carry large dogs on a stretcher. Use a soft material as a stretcher. Move a large dog on you own. Muzzle the dog. Check for evidence of a spine injury. Position an unconscious dog's head. Do not splint a clearly broken limb. Stop uncontrolled bleeding. Minimize spine and neck movement during transportation. Cover the dog. Have someone else drive. Call the vet en route. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Magic-Box | How to Make a Magic Box | To make a magic box, start by cutting out six 5-inch cardboard squares and painting them black. Next, tape the edges of 4 squares together to form a 4-sided box. Then, attach another square 1/3 of the way from the edge of the last square with tape so that it forms a hinge. After attaching the last 2 squares, slide the box over them and secure the bottom with tape. Finally, decorate the outside of the box with vivid colors, which can help distract the audience when you do the trick. | Gather the necessary materials. To make a disappearing handkerchief box, you'll need to gather several household items: Thin cardboard or posterboard Tape Scissors Handkerchief Paint, wrapping paper, and other decorative items Glue Black construction paper or black paint Measure and cut out squares from the cardboard. Use a ruler and pencil to mark out your squares, and cut them out using a pair of sharp, sturdy scissors. You can make your magic box any size that you want, but you'll need six squares of the same size no matter what their size. For a manageable small box, measure 4”-6” squares. Make one side of the squares black. You can do this by gluing the cardboard squares onto the black construction paper or by painting one side with black paint. For one square, glue black paper to or paint both sides. Paper may be preferable, as it is the same color and texture throughout. You also don't have to worry about smearing the paint. If you glue your squares to construction paper, allow the glue to dry. Then cut them out and trim the excess paper from the edges. Tape the edges of four squares together. Place four squares on your work surface with the black side down. Tape their edges together, then bring the last two sides together to form a box. Place a strip of tape on the outside of that edge too. Don't use the double-sided square for this step. Form the secret compartment. Place the remaining single-sided cardboard square on your work surface with the black side face up. Place one edge of the double-sided square about ⅓ of the way from one edge of the square. Secure with tape on that side to form a hinge. Put the box together. Slide the four-sided box you made in Step 4 over the secret compartment piece. The double-sided square should create a flap inside the box and should be able to move freely back and forth. Secure at the bottom with tape. If the flap isn't able to move, trim the edges just a little bit. Don't trim too much, or you'll ruin the illusion. Decorate the outside of the box. Use paint, wrapping paper, and/or stickers to decorate the outside of the box. Make it as colorful as you can; the vivid colors and patterns will help distract your audience as you perform the trick. Prepare the box for your trick. Push the flap forward to open the secret compartment, and place a handkerchief inside. Then, push the flap back into place. Hold the box by the side where the flap connects so the compartment stays closed. Perform the trick. Show your audience the “empty” box while you hold the secret compartment closed with your hand. Then, reach into the box, behind the flap, and pull out the handkerchief. Voila! Gather the required materials. All you need for this box is a matchbox (not a matchbook), some small scissors, a pencil, and a small coin such as a penny. Mark the size needed for the coin flap. Put the coin up against one short side of the matchbox “drawer” and mark its edges on the box with the pencil. This will help you make sure that the flap is just large enough for the coin to slip through. Cut out the flap. Use the scissors to make three cuts at the bottom of the drawer to form a flap. Leave one side intact to serve as a hinge. Prepare for the trick. Hold the matchbox with the flap side facing you so that your audience can't see it. Show the coin and the box to your audience. Make a big deal about the box being empty. Shake it to prove there's nothing inside. Open the box and drop the coin inside. Close the drawer and shake the box, letting your audience hear the coin rattle around inside. Slip the coin out through the flap. Be careful not to let the audience see this part! Practice the trick in private until you can get the coin out through the flap without any sign of what you're doing. Take the empty box with your free hand and show it to the audience. Slide out the drawer and dramatically proclaim that the box is empty. Ta-da! Gather the necessary materials. To make a disappearing card box, you'll need the following materials: A real deck of playing cards Thin cardboard or posterboard Clear tape Glue A pen or pencil Scissors or a craft knife Color photocopies: 1 of the front of a playing card, 1 of the back of a playing card, 2 of the long edges of the card deck, and 1 of the short edge of the card deck Trace the sides of the "real" card box onto the cardboard. For this trick, you will create a box insert that looks a deck of cards -- a "fake" deck. The fake deck will be inserted into the real card box. Place the bottom edge (the short narrow side) of the card box onto the cardboard and trace around it. Place the box on its long narrow side and trace around it. Repeat this process a second time. Place a playing card on the cardboard and trace around it. Repeat this process a second time. You should now have one short rectangle, two longer rectangles, and two rectangles the size of playing cards traced onto the cardboard. Use a craft knife or scissors to cut out the rectangles. Tape the sides of the fake deck together. Alternate the playing-card-sized rectangles (A) and long thin rectangles (B) like this: A B A B. Tape them together. Next, bring the untaped edges of the fake deck together to form a box shape. Tape those edges together. Tape the short rectangle to the bottom edge of this box. Cut out and glue the photocopies to the fake deck. This is where you create the illusion of the “deck” that you'll make disappear. It's actually an empty box that you'll insert into the real box. Glue the photocopy of the front of the playing card (the "face," such as the Jack of Diamonds) to the front of the fake deck. Glue the photocopy of the back of the playing card (it usually has some sort of pattern) to the back of the fake deck. Glue the photocopies of the deck edges (the ridged edges of the cards when they're held as a stack) to the sides of the fake deck. You should now have a box that's open at the top and looks like the front and back of a playing card, but much thicker. Trim any ragged edges. For this trick to work, the fake deck needs to look as realistic as possible, so trim any ragged edges from where you glued on the photocopies. Perform the trick. You'll perform this trick by making your audience believe that the fake deck you just made is a real deck of cards. Because the fake deck is actually an empty box you insert into the real box, when you open the real card box after putting in the fake deck, it will look empty! Place one or two real playing cards on top of the fake deck. Hold the fake deck vertically, keeping the open top facing upwards. Cover the open top with your fingers. Show the audience the “deck,” keeping the real cards fanned out in front of the fake deck. Slide the fake deck into the real box, keeping the open top facing upwards. Do some tapping and say a few magic words. Be very showy about it Then, open the real box to reveal that it's "empty"! | Gather the necessary materials. Measure and cut out squares from the cardboard. Make one side of the squares black. Tape the edges of four squares together. Form the secret compartment. Put the box together. Decorate the outside of the box. Prepare the box for your trick. Perform the trick. Gather the required materials. Mark the size needed for the coin flap. Cut out the flap. Prepare for the trick. Open the box and drop the coin inside. Slip the coin out through the flap. Take the empty box with your free hand and show it to the audience. Gather the necessary materials. Trace the sides of the "real" card box onto the cardboard. Tape the sides of the fake deck together. Cut out and glue the photocopies to the fake deck. Trim any ragged edges. Perform the trick. |
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